NOTD

My fun summer NOTD

First Impression: Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Whitening Mask & NOTD

I tried the Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Whitening Mask for the first time today. I washed my face with my sample Sella nano cleansing soap. After opening the safety seal and squeezing out some product onto my hand, I was alarmed at its color. It's a rich, patent leather dark black. I think it's because I didn't expect a whitening product to be black. It seems somewhat counter intuitive to me.

Anyhow, after smearing on the product (avoiding eyes, lips, eyes) and letting it dry for about 15 minutes the mask turned tight....

Please excuse the scary pictures -.-

  

After the mask is completely dry, I peeled it off starting from the outside.  (I basically started peeling from the temples, forehead and chin towards my nose.

As you can see, I have a lot of old acne scarring on my face (especially my cheeks).

The completely peeled off mask (front)...Scary!

After peeling as much of the remaining bits and washing off the rest, I used my green tea + vitamin E ice lollipop (from Michelle Phan's video)

I followed up with some tea tree oil to treat my spots, then applied some moisturizer.

FIN!

Initial thoughts:
The Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Whitening Mask is scented and a bit pricey.  I'll have it use it for a bit longer before coming to any conclusions, but it reminded me of another product that I've already been using.

I think this mask is similar to The Face Shop's Black Head EX Nose Clay Mask.  I tried to include a link to the product, but I can't seem to find it on their website.  I found it at my local HMART.

I believe The Face Shop's mask was only about $10 while the Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Whitening Mask is $19.10.  I must admit though...there are only 50g worth of product in the Face Shop mask while there are 80g of product in the Kose mask.  Also, the Kose mask was intended to be used all over your face while the The Face Shop mask is only intended to be used on your nose (but I still use it all over my face).  The Face Shop mask is an off-white color while the Kose mask if dark black.  Both are slightly scented.  However, I like the fact that I can simply driver over to my local HMART to purchase my Face Shop mask whereas I have to order the Kose mask online.  All in all, I think I will have to try the Kose mask for a longer time before stating my conclusion....but at the moment, I like the Face Shop a bit more.

By the way, how do you like my Burberry inspired nails of the day (NOTD)?

Sella Skincare

After following fuzkittie on her YouTube channel & blog, I've become quite interested in nano technology skincare products.

"The skin basically is divided into three layers, the epidermis, the dermal layer and the subcutaneous layer. Most of the effects of aging such as loosening, wrinkles, and sagging that appear on the skins surface, actually originate in the second or dermal layer. It is in this layer that most of the cellular activity that keeps skin young and vital takes place. Yet until recently most if not all skin creams and wrinkle treatments are applied to, and really only treat the skins surface. But a new line of “cosmeceuticals” are appearing in doctors offices, well known spas and upscale retail stores that use the science of nanotechnology to deliver active ingredients to the inner most layers of the skin. Rejuvenating and revitalizing skin from the inside out. Many of these products have been clinically proven to rebuild healthy skin on a cellular level."
By the associated content

Basically, nanotechnology is supposed to be made up of particles that are much smaller than normal. These smaller particles are supposed to be absorbed into your skin faster and deliver better results. Sounds like a dream, right? From the research that I've done, these benefits come with a price tag as well.

Luckily, a friend of mine works for Sella. He gave me a few sample sized versions of the Sella regular cleansing bars.

"Our Facial Cleansing Bar uses Nano Technology to reach deep inside your pores to remove dirt, oil, toxic substances. Our nano ingredients penetrate so deeply that this cleanser actually acts as a make up remover, and also repairs UV-induced damages. Compared to the general 3% active ingredient percentage in other soaps, SELLA's Cleansing Bar contains at least 15% active ingredients, as the premium bar contains 30%."

When you have make up on, you are supposed to do a "pre-rinse" then follow up with two 2-minute washes. So far, the soap lathers up very well and leaves my face feeling squeaky clean. I'll follow up more on this product later.

Sasa Haul

Here are the items that I recently bought from Sasa.

Skin Food Rice Mask Wash Off.

$12.30

Description
SKINFOOD Rice Mask Wash Off contains various nutrients, including Vitamins and Minerals, which soothe irritated skin and whiten skin.
Rice extract is a gentle but effective whitening ingredient. It not only vitalizes skin, but also hydrates skin, for bright and whitened skin.

How to use it
After cleansing, apply the mask to lightly wet face (avoid eye and lip area). Gently press and massage (for sensitive skin, massage is not advisable). Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse well with water.

More images


My Beauty Diary White Truffle Fantastic Whitening Mask & Platinum Nanocolloid Masks


White Truffle Mask $14.20 for 6 sheets

Description
My Beauty Dairy White Truffle Fantastic Whitening Mask adopts French White Truffle and two whitening ingredients, Tranexamic Acid and SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate). This luxurious treatment helps brighten up dull, pale and uneven-toned complexion.
Blended with soothing and whitening extracts, including Rosehips, Mulberry and cactus, it helps remove old cuticles. As a result, rough skin and spots are corrected. It also helps optimize the whitening benefits for translucent, white and flawless skin.

High-quality mask sheet ensures good capacity for beauty lotion. Skin reveals translucent white after use.

It brightens skin and softens spots. For normal skin, especially dull and yellowish skin.

How to use it
Put the mask on cleansed and toned face. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and peel off. If some serum is left, gently massage for better absorption. No rinsing is necessary. Followed by usual skin care products.

Platinum Nanocolloid Mask $15.50 for 6 sheets

Description
My Beauty Diary Platinum Nanocolloid Mask is enriched with Japanese Platinum Nanocolloid raw material, which performs anti-oxidant to prevent dry skin, dull skin and wrinkles. It also provides long-lasting and effective hydration for skin.
Perfect blend of Nano Capsulation and Mutiple Layer Capsulation allows effective transfer and absorption of beauty nourishment.

Perfectly elastic mask sheet allows easy absorption. Alcohol-free. Fragrance-free. Mild nature. Fresh, clear and supple skin is resulted.

For all skin types, particularly for dull, dry skin.

How to use it
Place mask on cleansed and toned face. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and then peel off. Gently massage until all remaining beauty lotion is absorbed.

Silk Whitia Pearl Finest Powder Pores Refining Mask


$15.20 for 4 sheets

Description
The Pearl Finest Powder contains collagen to repair damaged skin and relieve fatigue. Restores vitality and effectively nurses the skin. Eliminated treat from external environment on skin leaving it healthy and natural.
The Botanical Astringent Essence contained refines pores and cures acne and blackhead. The Pearl Finest Powder revitalizes the skin leaving it smooth, fine and radiant.

How to use it
Place the Pearl Finest Pores Refining Mask onto cleansed skin and leave it on face for about 20 to 30 minutes, then remove and rinse face with water. Use daily for best results.

Ingredients
Pearl Finest Powder, Botanical Astringent Essence, Zinc Sulfate Heptahydrate, Hydrated Protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

Suitable for
combination skin / oily and acne skin

More Images


Silk Whitia Highly-Concentrated Collagen Gel Mask


$15.20 for 5 pieces

Description
The Multi collagen gel mask provides dry and dehydrated skin with an instant moisture surge. It smooth fine lines and wrinkles of face, and is also able to improve the skin texture.
Not recommended for very sensitive skin.

How to use it
Place the gel mask onto cleansed skin and leave it on four about 15-20 minutes, then remove and rinse face with water. Use daily for best result.

Suitable for
all skin type

Sana EASY PEEL Cleansing Water & Dr. Jart+ Rejuvenating Blemish Base SPF 35 PA++


Sana EASY PEEL Cleansing Water $10.20
Dr. Jart+ Rejuvenating Blemish Base SPF 35 PA++ $25.80

Sana EASY PEEL Cleansing Water
Description
Sana Easy Peel Cleansing Water contains AHA, BHA and Hyaluronic Acid which soften cuticle and moisten skin, leaving it silky smooth and radiant. No fragrance, no colorant, and no alcohol.
This product is highly recommended by the popular Taiwan Beauty Magazine “BEAUTY”.

How to use it
After thoroughly cleanse the face, apply an appropriate amount with cotton pad.

Dr. Jart+ Rejuvenating Blemish Base SPF 35 PA++
Description
Dr. Jart+ SILVER LABEL Rejuvenating Blemish Base SPF 35 PA++ is formulated by a unique professional formula, which contains active ingredients aiming at covering imperfections, concealing imperfections, and activating skin rejuvenation. It soothes red and irritated skin while providing moisture to skin.

Suitable for
all skin type

I bought the following product because of xpPinkx's review.
Kose MEDICATED SEIKISHO Whitening Mask


$19.10

Description
This peel-off black whitening pack achieves a whitening effect by continuing to deliver active ingredients deep into the keratin layer while simultaneously removing keratotic plugs (comedo), melanin and old keratin that contribute to dark pores.
Eliminates the causes of a dull complexion and maintains pure, white and clear translucency. Also contributes to smoother skin. Formulated with black nano-powder that readily disperses on the skin. It adheres closely, as if bonding with the skin, thanks to its excellent film-forming power, fast drying and airtightness.

It soothes skin suffering from the effects of fatigue and contributes to comfortable firmness and even smoothness. Formulated with five Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts, including wormwood extract and goldthread extracts.

This is first Seikisho product to incorporate these ingredients. Seikisho's refreshing fragrance contributes to comfortable, relaxing skin care.

This product is highly recommended by the famous TV show “Nu Ren Wo Zui Da”.

How to use it
Take up 2 cm on the middle finger and spread over the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes, eyebrows, hairline and lips. After the film has dried, peel off from the outer edges toward the center.

Suitable for
all skin type

Update: Ole Hendriksen, Jergens, & Phytorum

So far I am liking the Ole Hendriksen 3 Little Wonders Mini Set. However, I'm a firm believer that you should use a skincare product for a minimum of 2-3 months before deciding that it's suited for your skin. I'll give you another update later on.

The Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer in Fair works great. The smell slightly bothers me, but it's much cheaper than getting a mystic tan, doesn't turn my skin orange, and provides a gradual, believable tan color to my skin. :)

And last, but not least the Phytorhum Forifying Shampoo is a "no go" in my book. It smells good and provides great volume to my hair. However, my scalp can't handle this shampoo. My scalp gets congested easily (which then leads to breakouts) so I have to be very careful on which shampoos I use. *sigh* For those of you without this problem, it might work better for you.

New products

Here are some new products I've bought/received recently

My boyfriend bought be the SK-II air touch foundation! Isn't he the sweetest?
Here is the packaging


And my new toy!


I also got the L'EGERE White Multi Blemish Balm BB Cream. WOO HOO! I'm definitely liking this so far. I bought this because of fuzkittie's positive reviews.



And the tube it comes in.



Here is the product description on the back


I also got the MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator from a CCO.




It's made of black volcanic with sugar grains.