Heh, remember my beauty hauls bought online recently? Yes, I've also ordered the Kose Supreme Sekkisei skin care products which I have been wanting to try them for a goood long time but haven't done so because they are so expensive! And I mean those over the counters, full sized bottles.. If you have to get the whole skin care products and I'm talking about those basic ones (Cleanser, Toner and Moisturiser), it's definitely gonna cost a bomb! 

So my advice to you ladies is, if you are itching to try out new products, try and get trial sets first. Two advantages to this is that, one, trying out means you ain't sure if the products are suitable for you and your skin. This goes out especially to those who have sensitive or acne prone skin. Don't torture your skin by trying out new products which are not prescribed by dermatologists. Your skin requires extra care and special ingredients that some of the products sold off shelves might not contain. Learn to understand your skin first before purchasing any products. Second thing is that, if you decide that these products are not for you, for whatever reasons, unsuitable skin type, non-effective, too oily/sticky/drying whatsoever, at least you don't feel like you've wasted bag full of money! :)

The trial set I've received costs approx $26 which includes the cleansing cream (make up remover). lotion, moisturiser and revitalising cream. 

I've not tried the make up remover yet but it's really quite misleading that it actually meant to serve as a make up remover. I noted that the full-sized bottles do state that it is a make up remover at the back of the tube but for the trial version, it does not. -.- 

So anyway, moving on to the next product - Lotion.

Before I'd start, if you are new to Kose products, you will need to understand that they have branded themselves as catering to different types of skin care specifically but not clearly on their products. You will have to either seek assistance from the salesperson or google to find out more (like what I did). There are 2 types to their skin care products - I and II. 

Products stating I at the end of the product name caters to skin types belonging to the 'normal - oily' category whilst II caters to those with dry skin. As I fall under the 'combination' skin type, I'd chosen I. 

After understanding them, you will then need to understand the interchangeable terms such as lotion/toner, lotion/cream/moisturiser etc. The former is actually more extensive than the latter, as you can see that for Kose products, there are both moisturiser and cream together.

When I was first introduced to skin care products, these terms really confused me, especially lotion and toner because lotion has been a loose term to mean moisturiser (e.g. body lotion). So we tend to misinterpret these terms. 

But not to worry, when in doubt, ASK. When in doubt, CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK. This way, you won't go wrong :)

Lotion/Toner
I'd prefer this lotion over the SK II one because firstly, it's not as stinky and secondly, it doesn't cause my cotton pad to fray, leaving lots of cotton frays on my face here and there. I know, I should also get new cotton pads soon, the ones from Watson house brand really suck and if there is a stark contrast between these 2 lotions from 2 different brands, it is actually quite obvious which is 'better', right? ;)

The Sekkisei Supreme Refining Lotion is actually very light in texture and contains a cooling effect when patted over your face. 
On the issue of method of applying lotions/toners, for me, the trick is to always adhere to the instructions given. If it clearly states to pat over your face, then do it. Or another method is that it requires you to swipe it across your face using cotton pads, then do it as well. But do remember to always swipe it upwards and outwards to prevent sagging of the skin. For this Sekkisei Supreme Refining Lotion, it requires the user to pat it over the face using a cotton pad. You may also use your fingers to apply lotions/toners if the instructions say so, for example, the SK II lotion requires you to swipe it across your face using your fingers. 

I think the overall absorption is quite fast as well. My face feels cool and fresh after padding the lotion into my skin. :)

Will recommend this product if you are looking for a fast absorption lotion with whitening effects. :)

Moisturiser
Here comes the next step - moisturising after toning. 

This is a must, especially you have dry skin. An essential step to take since we are constantly in an erratic climate/air-con places. 

I like this moisturiser because it feel light and fresh as well when applied. It's not oily/sticky too and is more diluted compared to the cream. I'll use my 2 fingers to swipe it across my face upwards and outwards :) No cotton pads needed. 

The only thing which I loathe is the small opening of the 2 bottles (lotion and moisturiser). It's quite difficult to get the liquid out of the tiny hole shown below. I would prefer a spray-type over bottle caps anytime.
Cream


As the name suggests, this product would be 'richer' in ingredients and much more heavier in texture and weight compared to the moisturiser. 

It may seem like an additional step to take compared to the usual 3-step basic skincare regime, but I'm quite sure that proper and adequate moisturising is essential. More so if you do not consume adequate fluids. 
This too gives a sense of tingling cool feel when applied onto the skin. Dab 3 to 4 spots on your face on the left and right cheeks, forehead and chin if you'd like. Then slowly massage it into your skin upwards and outwards. 
***
Overall rating for Kose Sekkisei Supreme products : 4/5
As for the whitening effects, no changes take place within such short period of time so patience is a virtue. I will update this space again on the effects :)

Thank you for reading! <3
 
Picture credits to littlemissglamorousc  
I have been using this for approx 1 year plus and counting. I was using their previous version and switched to this new and improved version which has added ingredients for extra whitening :)

It reminds of the the Fancl's facial foam which I have not tried it out before, but it's highly raved :) 
One thing that is commendable about this Laneige facial foam is that it comes out as a foam when sprayed and unlike Fancl's you need not mix the powder and liquid together. Totally saves the hassle.

And I prefer sprays over caps which you need to unscrew because the former allows you better control when pressing the spray to accommodate to your own desired quantity. Similar like toothpaste, squeezing out of tubes may cause excessive amount to be squeezed out which is not your intention and it's more messy.  

Moreover, this facial cleanser leaves a 'squeaky clean' feel on your face which I totally adore! :D

For facial foams like this, you will need to shake the bottle well before using. 

After massage the foam using 2 fingers on your face, you'll just have to wash them off. It's that hassle-free! It doesn't drip all over the place at all! :)

Personally 1 of my Holy Grail! :D
 
Before Chanel, I was using Maybelline Clear Smooth Compact Powder as shown below. I'd tried to get the blue one over the green one where possible, because some places only sell the green one. The blue one has a higher SPF than the green one by 2 levels :) So yeah, trying to be kiasu here :)

After that, I have been using that for months until I switched to Chanel and I am glad the product is value for money! :)
Note the huge price difference between the 2 brands though =P

I'm not the type who demands for counter-brand cosmetics/skin care products, as long as they are value for money and effective, I will go for them. For example, my blusher is from Silkygirl :) But of course, marketing does play a part as well, as in the prestige as well as price factors, which might not always justify its quality. This is a common misconception :)

Like you, I make sure that the product is really highly raved by ladies and get as much info as possible through researching. Just like what you are doing now - reading reviews. But I do understand what may work for others may/may not work for me. So I'd always take opinions with a pinch of salt, which you should too, especially since each individual has different type of skincare problems as well as the type of skin. FYI, I have the combination type of skin (oily T-zone) - which is rather common in our climate conditions. 

Here are the pictures of the pictures of the Maybelline compact powders just in case you're wondering how they look like.
I have tried 2 different ranges of the Chanel compact powder (because my mom got the wrong one for me - but it turned out alright!). Before buying the compact powder, I was very fortunate to have a friend working in Chanel because she gave me some samples of Chanel products to try out and I'd really liked the powders :) 

The 2 ranges of Chanel compact powder :
The white casing is Le Blanc Light Mastering Whitening Compact Foundation which has SPF 25/PA+++ while the black casing is the Vitalumiere Eclat Radiance Comfort Compact Makeup which has only SPF 10 only.

Personally, I'd prefer the whitening over the radiance one but that doesn't mean that the latter is not good too. Both are awesome but just that I'm crazy over whitening products and hence the choice :)

As I have combination skin (oily T-zone), this powder although doesn't really help much in combating the oiliness, I still like how each application is so smooth. I don't use the brush that comes along because I prefer using sponges. I think it's easier to control. Speaking of which, I'm not a fan of liquid foundation as well. The one and only I have tried in my entire lifetime is the Revlon liquid foundation which I decided not to venture into them anymore because of the mess and hassle they create. It gets stuck inside your nails although I agree that using your fingers allow greater control and easier application than sponges/brushes, that's for sure. Liquid foundation looks extremely thick on my face as well. 

Honestly, I don't require one that provides excessive or thick coverage because I have naturally good skin. I don't have acne problems and the only time I have pimples is when it's nearing "that time of the month" but recently these few months, I realised that I don't even have this problem now! The worst pimples problem was during my O Levels which is like eons ago (I am reminded how much I've aged ):) Other than that, I don't recall any other unfortunate incidents. 

The only problem I have with my faceskin is the oily T-zone (which is not that terrible and excessive) and the enlarged pores I have. Of course, and the disgusting dark circles as well! And well, I do have quite a number of moles of my face but thank god they aren't those huge and/or hairy ones! :)

One more thing, Chanel compact powder has quite a pleasant scent too. Unlike the Maybelline one.

Besides not being able to solve my T-zone problem, another dissatisfaction is that the powder "runs loose" and gets all over the mirror, causing it to be dirty and blur. Time to time, I have to wipe off the remnants of the powder bits off the mirror to be able to view clearly. Quite a hassle actually. 

And of course, once dropped, the compact powder would crack, just like the rest of the powders as well. I say this because I've dropped mine before by accident :( 

Since my other cosmetics family isn't that expensive (I use Bourjois/K-Palette liquid eyeliner, Silkygirl duo blusher, some eyebrow pencil that my sis gave me - unsure of the brand, Canmake highlighter, Loreal concealer and Maybelline masacara), I think it is only reasonable that my compact powder which covers the largest portion of my face, can be abit more pricey? :) 
If I'm not wrong, it is sold at $90+? My mom got it at around S$70+ from HK :)

**One thing which I would like to highlight that is, please babes, do get a colour of your own skin tone. I have seen so many ladies using the WRONG tone for their face and they look really awful! It should match the rest of your body and shouldn't be whiter than them. I understand it would be icky to try the tester out especially if you have sensitive skin, but if so, you should get your products that are specially made for sensitive skin. For me, I seriously do not wish to look ridiculous mismatched with the rest of my skin, so I would take the chance and test a small portion on my face. You may want to try this out. Would be great if you have wet wipes with you at the point of time as well. :)

I think those whose faces are packed with layers and layers of powders is seriously a big booboo! Don't suffocate your skin so much alright? Plus, cleaning them off thoroughly would be a hassle. You don't have to apply layers to cover up problematic areas, just get a good concealer to do the trick!

The trick is to get the RIGHT coverage for YOUR SKIN TONE, NOT THE FAIREST OR WHITEST, unless your ambition is to be a Geisha? ;)
 
Bought the whitening package few months ago at around $80 to $90 (sorry for the poor memory).

Have tried the masks and essence and they are a must-try!

I love how the essence is not that oily and sticky. It has a very light feel when applied but only thing is that, it does leave residue on your face if you'd accidentally rubbed against your skin. Other than that, it is perfectly fine :) 

The whitening masks also offer immediate whitening and brightening effect. 

I've not tried the clear mask and the sunguard and must have chucked it to somewhere... Thank god I'd remembered if not my money would be gone to waste! =P

This whitening kit is one of the limited edition that Fancl occasionally have in their monthly promotions.

For August's promotions, you may wanna check it out here :  
http://www.fancl.com.sg/promotions.asp#15

And thank goodness I've not completed this set because there is a whitening and repair kit....... going for a whooping $256!!!   This Set includes:

a. White Clear Mask 15 pieces)
b. White Essence (2 bottles)
c. SunGuard 30 (15 sachets)

Heh... 

Have been consuming Fancl's whitening drink as well known as the White Advance Drink Ex. http://www.fancl.com.sg/product_detail.asp?p_id=148 
Just FYI, Fancl came up with this drink way before Hakubi did. :)

I try not to drink it daily and spread out the frequency of consumption because it's too expensive... 1 bottle costs around $7? 

Well, previously when I'd consumed this, I couldn't tell the effects because I believe I've already reached my max? Well, there is a level of fairness one can whiten their skin to if you hadn't already know. Some people are born with naturally fair skin, like my sister. Those who know us personally can vouch for that. But then, life is just so unfair, isn't it? My sister can't get tanned but gets sun burnts. Whereas for me, I do get tanned and was quite tanned back in my younger (ahem) days in secondary school and JC days. I believe I was at my "tannest" after I came back from Outward Bound School (OBS) camp in JC days. Super super black chao tah charcoal with flaking of my scalp as well as peeling of skin... Okay let's not get to there ;)

So yes, I believe I am in a better position to judge on the effects of this whitening drink now that I have some slight tan lines on my back due to my recent cycling session. It's been weeks and the tan lines are still there! Although I believe the tan lines caused by my shorts have gradually lightened on my thighs, as well as my slipper strap markings. 

All in all, I believe this drink has helped to at least lighten a little? 

I take it before I go to bed but the taste is kinda icky. For those who aren't fans of sour stuffs, you should think twice before getting this because as per Fancl's website, it states that it is made of grapefruit and grape flavour. :)
As it is acidic, it might cause some discomfort in your tummy, at least for me, it did, for a few mins.

Overall rating : 3.5/5. Average only. 
Will recommend this product if you are curious and want to try, but will not recommend it in the long term, although I was told that this is much more effective than the whitening pills, it wouldn't be as cost effective compared to the pills, which cost around $40++. If you've not taken the drink before, do try out the drink first before getting the pills. I guess the pills act as some sort of supplement to the drink. At least this what was told to me by the Fancl staff previously :)

Have also tried the pills before, but compared to the Hakubi C (blue bottle) pills, the latter is slightly cheaper than the Fancl white advance pills and I have compared the ingredients and composition of both brands.

Fancl White Advance Pills :
Vitamin C 300mg
L-Cystine 240mg  
Hakubi White C Pills : 
L-Cystine 240mg
Vitamin C 600mg  
Comparing both compositions, Hakubi wins hands down with its higher content of Vitamin C.
This vitamin is important in ensuring fair skin and skin whitening because it deactivates UV-induced free radicals and decreases erythema, in addition to acting as a tyrosinase inhibitor.  

Just don't consume excessive vitamin c (e.g. taking extra vitamin c pills for immunity booster) because too much of anything is definitely detrimental ( except for $ and love! )

Read more on excessive consumption of vitamin c and its side effects : http://heart-disease.emedtv.com/vitamin-c/vitamin-c-side-effects.html 

Hope this helps! :D 
 
I know that this Hello Kitty flavour range is not the latest updates by MBD, but will review them anyways :)

Exfoliation is always a must when it comes to masking because it open up your pores which allow the essence of goodness to seep into!

Will do a review on the exfoliating facial cleanser soon! :D

After exfoliation, pat your face dry, apply toner on your skin for better absorption of the essence! This time, I used the SK II facial lotion (toner) which was given as a trial set by Bellabox ! 

Will also do up a review on Bellabox too :)

After applying the toner, I then proceed to mask.
Bought 2 boxes of the MBD Hello Kitty masks - Strawberry Milk and Honey Strawberry :)
MBD Hello Kitty Honey Strawberry Flavour!
MBD Hello Kitty Strawberry Milk Flavour!
Way too cute right? Tried out the Strawberry flavour one which helps to whiten and smoothen the skin! :)
Mask is filled with lots of essence! Dripping kind - a little inconvenient because it might get a little messy...

It has strawberry smell too! :)
The essence keeps dripping to my neck although I was already lying down. I used to mask while sitting up but it's bad for your skin because it tends to cause sagging. 

Held it on for approx 20 to 30mins and my face was really brighten instantly! I could see the difference! It had actually the same effect as the Black Pearl flavour from MBD. 

I then massage the remaining essence into my face and neck, so don't throw away the package after you have taken out the mask!

After massaging, I then applied SK II facial essence (I know very kiasu right) and the SK II Cellumination Deep Surge EX from Bellabox.


Applied Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel after that... :)


Satisfaction level of product: 4.5/5 stars 
Will I recommend this product : Yes :)

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