Asian Beauty Haul + Reviews Part I: Skincare

The last time I was in Asia, I didn’t have much time to explore the beauty scene. Since my time was pretty limited, I focused on one main thing: sheet masks! There wasn’t really a plan. I just found beauty shops and got whatever masks I could find, or whichever ones looked the coolest. 24k Gold Snail mask? You know I’ve got to have it.

This time, though, I made PLANS. I researched the best products to buy for my skin needs, made a list of places to go in Tokyo, and was so ready to hit those beauty stores! If you haven’t read the post on where to buy beauty products in Tokyo, you can do that here. I didn’t go too crazy though… I’m going to Seoul in a few months, so that will be a big ass beauty haul.

Since I’d like to give you as many details as possible without making this post ridiculously long, the haul and reviews will be divided into three parts: skincare, sheet masks, and makeup & tools.

 

 

All these colors make me so happy! I haven’t tried everything just yet, since I always [try to] incorporate one skincare product at a time to really assess the results. As you can see, the focus was still on sheet masks, but I also got a few cult products and a some that I got on a whim.

 

 

DHC Cleansing Oil

The hype around this product is insane, and I was honestly more excited about getting this than anything else. Apparently one of these is sold every 10 seconds. EVERY. TEN. SECONDS! This is supposed to be the perfect oil cleanser: it’s claimed to be water-soluble, contain olive oil, and to be rich in vitamins and antioxidants (even though the effects of something that is on your skin so briefly is highly debatable).

I’m a sucker for cleansing oils and balms that make massaging your face an indulgent ritual, that emulsify easily, and that wash off well. This did none of those things for me. The smell and the packaging are very neutral, almost clinical—which I don’t mind. My issue really was the formula. It doesn’t spread as well, doesn’t emulsify like I hoped it would given the amazing reviews, and it does not wash off easily. I got to the point I was so frustrated with it that I went on to my second cleanser just hoping to rinse off the oil! I tried it for about a week, and regretted it every time. I’m happy this seems to work for so many people, but I’ve gone back to my trusted Banila Co. Clean It Zero and Tatcha Camelia Cleansing Oil.

First impressions rating: 1/5

 

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

This is an absolute best-seller in Japan. Like the DHC Cleansing Oil, the stats are impressive: one of these is sold every 12 seconds. The name makes it sound like a moisturizer, but don’t let that mislead you: this is an extremely gentle but effective chemical exfoliator that is worth every bit of hype.

I love that this formula is fragrance-, alcohol-, color-, and preservative-free. This is exactly the kind of exfoliator I’ve been looking for, especially with my skin constantly peeling from using retin-A. It’s meant to be applied on dry skin (although I’ve used it on damp skin and it still works just as well) and left for five seconds before you start to massage your face in circular motions. There is absolutely zero sting, which initially made me feel like it wouldn’t do anything. I was so wrong!

As you massage the skin, the product begins to ball up. I know the formula is meant to do that and that it’s not clumps of dead skin cells coming off my face, but for some reason it still feels so satisfying.

The best part, though, comes after rinsing the gel off. Even with zero sting, this product made my skin feel softer than any other chemical peels I’ve used at home, including the much harsher The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% peel and the Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial. Needless to say, I’ve incorporated this into my regimen and plan to use it regularly as a gentle exfoliator during the harsh winter months.

First impressions rating: 5/5

 

Le’spore+ Clay and Baking Soda Cleansing Foam

Okay, this was a totally non-researched impulse buy. It was on the rankings wall at Ainz & Tulpe, and I was really intrigued! After I bought it, I tried looking up reviews for this product and the brand, but literally did not find a single thing. I thought it could either be really new, or really bad (or both). But, when in Japan… you buy the product whose mascot is a sad nose full of blackheads.

Since baking soda isn’t that good for your skin, I decided to use this cleanser as a very targeted treatment. I applied it only to my nose. It’s consistency is really smooth, which came as a surprise: I was expecting it to be thick and gritty because of the clay and baking soda. After some gentle scrubbing and rinsing, I couldn’t really tell if it had done anything, so I’ll keep trying and update if it happens to be great.

First impressions rating: 2/5

 

 

Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jyun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion

Everyone raves about a different product from this line, the Hada Labo Goku-jyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. (I know, why make each product sound different when you can confuse everyone with really similar names?!) I’ve used it for over a year and while my skin loves it in the summer, come winter it actually makes my skin more dehydrated! (A post about hyaluronic acid is coming soon, I promise.) Also, it forms a film on my skin that doesn’t work that well under makeup, so I use it mostly at night for an extra layer of hydration.

I really wanted to give the brand another shot, so I decided to go for a heavier moisturizer. Enter the Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jyun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion. This is everything I wanted the Hyaluronic Acid Lotion to be! It’s milky consistency is really soothing on the skin, especially for those who use retin-A or any kind of retinol/retinoid/tretinoin. I apply it as one of the last steps in my routine, but I especially love using it while dermarolling. The morning after dermarolling and applying this, my skin is plumped and hydrated, and the result is more noticeable than with any other product I’ve used—especially on acne scars.

Temperatures here are dropping fast, and I’m happy to have this on my perpetual battle against sensitive and dry winter skin!

First impressions rating: 5/5

 

[Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence]

If you go to Tokyo and don’t buy sunscreen, did you even go?

Japan, like Korea, is full of high quality sunscreen products in all formulations and finishes. I’ve tried several options over the years, but confess that I had never found one that (1) I enjoyed applying, and (2) had a winning formula.

So after researching, I had my heart set on two options: Shiseido’s Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen EX SPF 50+ PA++++ and the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. I decided to go for the Bioré, thinking that I’d rather buy the more affordable option and hopefully love it but have the option of getting a higher end product if I didn’t. Luckily, it was love at first use.

The consistency of this sunscreen is like a watery gel. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves absolutely zero white cast. It also layers beautifully over other skincare products and under makeup. My only concern is the amount of alcohol in the formula, which can be drying for sensitive skin.

First impressions rating: 4/5

 

I can’t wait to share the rest of my Asian haul with you! Have you tried any of these products? What other products would you recommend?

 

Stay curious,

Nati