Empties + Sorry

 Sorry, I haven't blogged in a while. It's my last year at uni and it has been hectic. But I'm back with an empties post.

I'm really happy with my efforts to scale down my used products. My dad has plans to renovate the house and so I need to get through my products, because I really don't want to have to package them as well. Anyway lets dig into the empties tray and see what I have finished. I just want to point out that when I state that a product is worth repurchasing, that does not mean I'm going to repurchase it right away.

November Empties

Sorry for the lack of posts, I made the stupid choice of doing some summer units. Now I have been stuck with loads of essays and presentations. I just wanted to quickly do this post and then return to finishing my uni work :(

I really cannot believe it is December already, this year has gone in a flash for me, maybe it because I have been so busy with uni. Anyways let's dig in.

Monthly Empties - October

Another month has gone by so fast, I don't know about you but I really thing that this year has gone by so quick. I'm back with another monthly empties post.

Evening Skincare Routine

Today, I thought I should do a blog post on one of my favorite posts that I enjoy reading, which are skincare routines. I love reading about new products and how they work for other people. As you may already know, I love trying out different brands of skincare products. I have still not found my all time holy grails, the reason why is because I just tend to get wanna try something new. I have split my skincare routines into a morning and evening posts. Let's start with the evening one first.

Monthly Empties - July

I had written this post at the beginning of the month but since I was so busy I did not have time to take the photos. So finally today I did manage to quickly snap up these photos. Let's dig in shall we.

My Winter Must Haves

It's winter time in the land Down Under, while we did get a few beautiful warm days mostly it has been really cold here in Sydney. I'm really glad that I have a Uni break right now, because I get really lazy during winter and just want to stay in bed all day in my PJs and catch up on some books. Let me get to the point of this post, which is my skincare must haves right now. We all know what winter can play havoc on our bodies, with dry cold winds outside and blasting up the heater and standing under hot hot showers, and drinking way too much coffee trying to keep warm.

While I love the winter time it's an enemy to my body because I have very dry skin. But lately I have have noticed that my skin has been looking pretty good, with no ugly dry patches at all. And I really think it has something to do with these changes.

Monthly Empties May

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I have had a really busy month. Not only did I have to deal with assignments and exams for uni, but I also had to put up with a a wisdom tooth that just dose not want to grow out. Anyway, now that I have a bit more time I plan to put up more posts.

Time really does fly, I hardly noticed this month it just flew passed so fast. I manged to fined a few items. So let's dig in.

Empties #6

I didn't do a empties post last month because I just didn't finish anything, but not to worry I have gone through a number of products this month. Let's get diggin'.

REVIEW - Naruko Narcissus Defense UV Lotion SPF 35

It is no secret that I love Naruko, I have tired so many of their products and I have enjoyed them all. A while ago they had a Narcissus set on special and it had loads of products in it, and one of them was the Narcissus Defense UV Lotion SPF 35.

Empties #4

There is no better way to start the new year, than to have a basket of empties to throw out. I have finished so much products that have been laying around my room and my bathroom basket. I'm trying to use up as much as I can because we will be renovating the bathroom soon and also I will be changing my bedroom also. So I want to finish any open products just to make the moving process easier.   

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Night Brightening Serum - REVIEW

It's no secret that I completely adore the Naruko skincare line. I have tired almost all of the lines and I just love them. Today I will be talking about the Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Night Brightening Serum, which I got as part of a set. When this first came out I remember the Naruko Taiwanese website was promoting this serum with the Fundamental serum, which they have now discontinued. Now don't quote me on this but, I was looking through the Taiwanese site to find the price of this serum and I just could not find it. I really hope that they have not discontinued this as well because I really love the results.

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Fundamental Serum - REVIEW

 The Narcissus Total Defense Skincare Series targets individuals that are vulnerable to harmful environments and stress, which cause damage to the skin. It helps to wake up the dull-looking skin while conditioning the skin. The whole series contains activating components to improve the texture of your skin. Narcissus bulbs can help prevent melanin formation and excessive activity of free radicals while brightening and providing protection for you skin.   

 

Empties #3

I cannot believe how fast November went by, we are nearing the end of another year. Time really does fly. Anyway, this month I have quite a few empties to show you. I have been going through my products and trying to use them up. Let's dig in. 

 

 

Weekly Masks Review

I have an addiction to face masks, especially sheet masks because they are just so easy to use and most of them don't need to be rinsed off, which is a bonus for me. I try and use a mask 3-4 times a week but when I have university and I'm busy as hell I just don't have the time to do them. So since I'm on holiday now I have the time to pamper my skin everyday and for the past week I have been using one overnight. Some people recommend using them 2-3 a week, while others say that you can use them everyday. I personally have never used them everyday, so this was my first time and so far my skin has not broke out (knock on wood), actually my skin has never looked so radiant and healthy looking. SO lets Take a look at what masks I have been using.

Empties #2

Hi, I'm back with another empties post. When I did the first one I was thinking to my self that there was just no way I could finish enough products to blog about in one month. This is a great challenge for me as I have a tonne of products that are half empty and now I love reaching for them so that I can finish them and blog about it. Let's get started.

 
Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum for Eyes and Lips- 15mL
Purchased it off FeelUnique.com about a year ago and I have been using it for the past 3 months. I purchased it because Fuzkitty from YouTube kept on raving about it. A great serum for the eye area, absorbs nicely, no apparent scent an over all nice product. It's more of a prevention, so it's better suited for those in their 20's.    
Repurchase? Yes

Lusia Milk Hand Cream- 80mL
Brought solely just to redeem free shipping from SaSa.com. Dirt cheap, and I was not really expecting a lot from it. It's got a really nice texture, and melts right into the skin. Keeps my hands very moisturized, but see the catch is that it really smells like milk.
Repurchase? No

I ❤ Suki Rose Hand Cream- 75mL 
Received it for free at SaSa.com a long time ago. A strong rose scented hand cream, kinda like an old lady. But it was a nice hand cream and small enough to fit in a hand bag.
Repurchase? No

Naruko Rose Aqua Cubic Foaming Wash- 120mL 
First note this does not foam up, but I still like it because I use it during the morning. It's very gentle and smells so so great.
Repurchase? Yes, I already have back ups 

Am Pm Happy Everyday Flash Foam Wash- 120mL
 My sister gave this to me and it's under the Naurko brand and you can purchase it from the same website. This is one of those self foaming wash, you just pump and out come the foam. It smells so herbal and I get a really strong rosemary scent. I used this during my night routine and while it was effective at removing my makeup. It left my skin very squeaky clean and very tight. I would say it's more suited to those with oily skin.
Repurchase? No

Softymo Speedy Cleansing Milk- 230mL
One of the first cleansers that I ordered from SaSa.com. Described as a great cleanser for dry skin. I wasn't really impressed. It has a strong chemically kinda smell and left a residue which meant that I had to use another foaming cleanser to wash my face. I know that this two step cleasning method it effective for deep cleaning and to remove all traces of make up.
Repurchase? No

Laneige Water Bank Essence- 60mL
A highly raved about product from Laneige, reading all those reviews just made me cave in and buy it. I don't know how I feel about it, it's thicker than a serum but is absorbs so nicely. However, I didn't do anything for me. This claims to provide long lasting hydration, but I didn't notice it that.
Repurchase? No, there are many serums that can do the same effect

Skin79 Diamond Collection BB Cream- 40g
This BB cream was one of the first that I tired out. It was cheap, available through eBay with free shipping and it's pink. I even brought the matching powder. I remember feeling so amazed by how it evened out my skin tone without feeling so heavy. The colour matched my skin very nicely. I don't remember if it came in different colours. It felt a little drying during the colder months.

Repurchase? No, just because I like trying out new BB creams

Skin 79 Super BB Cream (Hot Pink Bottle)- 40g
The FIRST BB cream that I brought. It's also got so many raves about it, well back then anyway. It comes out a little grey but blends in very nicely. I also brought the matching powder, it was the cool thing to do. I think this BB cream is great for any one wanting to try BB creams out for the first time.
Repurchase? No

That's all for this time. I really like doing these kind off posts so keep an out for more (hopefully).

Love,
Sakura

    

Empties #1

Hi, today I have an empties post. I have been reading and loving these kind of post lately, so I decided to do that as well. I don't know if I can do a monthly empties post because I just won't have enough products to talk about. But these posts to encourage me to use up products a lot faster. So lets dig in.  

Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Hydrating Lotion- 400mL         
I have the one in Aloe Vera, its a nice body lotion great for summer. Provides moisture without leaving any stickiness on the skin. Sinks in to the skin very quickly. Does it leave the skin moisturized for 7 whole days. No, it doesn't.
Repurchase? Yes, already have.

Bath & Body Works P.S I Love You Triple Moisture Body Cream- 226g
This is a very thick cream, I really enjoyed using this during the colder months. Despite it being very thick in texture, my dry skin absorbed this very quickly. Towards the end I had to cut it open to use up and to my surprise there was quite a lot of product left. I wasn't really into the fragrance but it wasn't very strong and didn't last a long time.
Repurchase? No, we don't have Bath & Body Works in Australia :(

TonyMoly Floria Whitening Capsule Essence- 50mL
I got this a long time ago and had an on-off relationship with it. While I did love the brightening effect, I think and I'm not sure but when I used this on a daily basis I would get little bumps on my face and mostly forehead. It did not whiten my skin, but it gave a brighter look to it, however that did not last too long either.
Repurchase? No, I have way too many other serums/essences to try out.

Naruko Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Friming Serum- 30mL
I did a review on this here. I really like this serum, every thing from the texture to the smell. While I did  not notice any firming effects, I also don't have any wrinkles on my face, yet. A gel like texture that sinks into the skin very fast and evens out the skin.
Repurchase? Yes, if I make another order from Naruko. 

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream- 20mL
This cream promised a lot, but did not deliver anything. Promising to diminish fine lines and even improve deep wrinkles, and remove dark circles. No, it did nothing for me except provide sufficient moisture without feeling heavy.
Repurchase? No, I still have one that come part of a set, so I might do a review. 

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector- 30mL
I didn't use them up both by myself. One of them belonged to my mother who just could not stand the fragrance and gave it to me, just when I finished my one. While it does state that it's 100% fragrance free, there is a chemical smell to it. I just can't throw it out because of the smell so I forced myself to use it up. I think it did a good job of evening out the skin.
Repurchase? No, I can't stand the smell.

Isa Knox MX-II Platinum Recovery Skin- 100mL
You can read the review here. A quick review its was really nice to use and I will be using the other set next winter, because I just think its too moisturizing during summer and I have dry skin so it better for winter.
Repurchase? No, because I have another set to use.     

Isa Knox MX-II Platinum Recovery Emulsion- 100mL
Reviewed here. This is a thick, very thick cream. I'm call it a cream because it was literally a pain is the @$$ to get out of the bottle. They should have thought of adding a pump instead of having me to bang this on my palm very day. While it was so thick, it surprises me of how quick it absorbs and how soft it makes my skin.
Repurchase? No, because I have another set to use.   

Sooryehan Boyun Extra Moisturizing Cream- 25mL
I got two of these deluxe sample/travel sized as part of the Sooryehan set that I brought from G-market. A nice moisture that sink into the skin without leaving and residue or shine. It smells very floral, but this goes away very quickly. A great cream with beautiful packing details on the lid and even come with a spatula.
Repurchase? No, because I have another one to use up.

That's all for this post. I will do another empties post when I have enough products.


Love,
Sakura

Naruko Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Friming Collection Review

Hello

Today will be reviewing the newest skincare line from Naruko, the Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming series. 

 I got this collection back when it was first released and only a few items were available. I only got the toning essence, toning emulsion, the serum, the cream, the night gelly and the cleansing gel (which I did not include as I have not used it yet). This series is a really elegantly packaged and also the toning essence and toning emulsion are only 100mL, the night gelly also got a downgrade to 50mL. 

The skincare line is according to Naruko specifically designed for women in their 30s and for those first signs of aging. A little info on the series before I start the reviews. The line is made with the hydrolyzed Lupin protein which is extracted from the winter flower Lupin. Lupins are known for their resilience to high pressure and extremely low temperature. The Lupin anti-aging series formula consists of precious ingredients including multi-peptides, crithmum marithimum extract, soybean seed extract, tuber aestivum extract, colloidal platinum and gold particles. This series helps relax fine wrinkles and replenish the skin with full moisture, leaving it firm and plump.  

The items came with a pamphlet that also has English and other languages, which I find very helpful.

  

• Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Toning Essence

This toning essence instantly replenishes the complexion with moisture. After you use it, the skin is left with smoother and softer condition.

Instructions: Pour a quarter size amount onto the cotton pad and pat gently all over the face.

 The toner is a lot thicker than regular toners, I don't use it with a cotton pad because this I feel that its more moisturizing that way, I just pat it with my hands. It has a very light aroma to it, the Naruko US site says that the refreshing and uplifting scent is from orange blossoms and it is very relaxing.  

 As you can see the toner is very clear it was so hard to photograph. It absorbs fast and leaves no sticky feel on the skin. The only con that I have with this is that because it come in a heavy glass bottle it is really hard to get the product out. But overall a really nice toner and does what is claims it leaves my skin feeling very smooth and moisturized.

• Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Toning Emulsion

This toning emulsion provides hydration and retain moisture. The formula helps delay early skin aging and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Instructions: Pour a quarter size amount onto the cotton pad and pat gently all over the face.

I also don't use it with a cotton pad because it slightly on thicker side, so I just pat and massage 

it until it is absorbed. Just like the toner it is has the same relaxing scent.  

 The emulsion is milky white, but with tiny and I mean really tiny glitter particulars. They don't show up on the face at all. When I pat this into my face it makes look even and gives it a really healthy glow. My only con is that because it was a litter thick in texture it was really hard to pour out of the bottle and I just had to remove the stopper to make it easier to pour out. I cannot comment on the anti-aging claims because I don't have any fine line yet. But I really enjoyed using this emulsion, it did keep my skin hydrated and moisturized.

• Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum 

This serum is the perfect solution for aging skin. The unique formula effectively moves through skin's surface to smooth wrinkles and strengthens elasticity.  

Instructions: Pump twice onto your hand. Apply over the face and neck. Massage gently until fully absorbed.

I usually use two to three pumps, I really have to mention how much I love the pump on this bottle much better than the pumps on previous Naruko serums. The serum's texture is more like a gel-lotion than a serum. But nevertheless it is very fast absorbing. I also has those super tiny glitter particulars they don't show up but you only see them when you pump the product out. It leaves my skin feeling very smooth, much like a foundation primer. 

I did not notice any anti-aging, but I did like the smooth evened out look and feel it gave to my face.

• Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Cream (For normal and combination skin type)

 This cream is specially formulated to maintain the skin's youthful tone and texture. The potent complex provides superior anti-aging benefits and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.

Instructions: Use after your usual skincare procedure. With the included spatula, retrieve a penny size amount and apply evenly over the face and neck.

I got this cream before Naruko came out with the Extreme version designed for dry and extra dry skin. Even through this cream is for normal to combination skin type it was still very moisturizing and did a good job at keeping my skin will hydrated during winter.    

 The texture is thick yet fast absorbing and just makes my dull winter skin look and feel great and glowing. Did not notice any anti-aging benefits. The cream come is a typical jar not very hygienic but they did include a spatula.  

• Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Gelly

This night gelly deeply hydrates the skin and increases cell turnover rate to promote radiance. It provides relief and helps to slow down the aging process during sleeping. 

Instructions: Use nightly after your usual skincare procedure. With the included spatula, retrieve two pea size amount and apply evenly over the face. Do not need to rinse off and may keep on overnight to maximize effect. 

The texture is a really clear gel with those tiny glitter. This night gelly is very fast absorbing and very light. When I wake up in the morning my skin is just so soft to the touch and it amazingly looks so bright that I just don't want to wash it. Also I find the scent to be so relaxing and so nice.

Naruko has now included more items into the series like the Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Cream Extreme, Lupin Eye Cream and Lupin Night Eye Gelly.

This is a great skincare line from Naruko, it is there most expensive line but still on the affordable. I totally recommend this line and I would repurchase this line in the future, but I still have loads of other things to try out.

Love
Sakura.     

Naruko Raw Job's Tears Quick Review

Hello

About a wee ago I finished the products from the Raw Job's Tears line and I just wanted to give a quick review of what I think of them. I have been using the series as my night skincare routine.

Toner, Lotion, Serum, Morning Yogurt.

All products use organic Job's Tears from Tsaotun, 

Naruko under the fair-trade system. 

This information was taken from the Naruko pamphlet that came with the products.

Naruko's all new and advanced whitening skincare series are extracted from the purest, most organic Job's Tear from Taiwan's Nantou City. Job's Tears provides five main effects for our skin: 

• whitening
• moisturizing
• anti-aging
• repair
• soothing 

Combined with other advanced whitening ingredients like Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C Derivatives and Arbutin, the Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Series gives you a bright and glowing complexion by effectively blocking Melanin production, diminishing dark spots and impeding aging.

The revolutionary extraction technology utilizes small yet highly active and penetrable molecules to reach the core of the skin, bringing you the white and healthy skin you desire.

The Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Series does come with a foaming wash, and night gelly and night eye gelly and also when I got the series they were giving a pack of masks from the same range for free. The reason I did not open the other products is because I'm already using the Rose and Snow Fungus night gelly, night eye gelly and wash. You do have to finish the products within 6 months after opening because all Naruko products are Parabens preservative free.

Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Toner

 

Naruko describes this toner as a whitening toner that rebalances and rehydrates skin while neutralizing surface impurities. The raw Job's Tears extract, vitamin C and moisture barriers work to prepare the skin for the following whitening skincare treatment.

 

This toner as you can see is very watery unlike most of the other toners from Naruko. It has a slight organic smell to it but, it's very faint. It's not very moisturizing even through it's been so hot here in Sydney. 

Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Lotion

Naruko describes this as a lightweight whitening lotion is botanically infused formula designed to nourish and brighten the skin while increasing its moisture content. Antioxidant protection is also supplied to against damaging free radicals. 

 

This lotion I love it's moisturizing, absorbs in the skin very quickly and leaves no sticky residue. I can also smell the very faint organic scent. I haven't seen any whitening effects but, I love the way my face is so bright in the morning.

Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Serum

Naruko describes this  whitening serum is the key to unlock even and brighter skin. Raw Job's Tears extract and Vitamin C inhibits the discolorations without causing inflammation while delivering anti-aging benefits. The results is even toned and supple skin. 

 

A very light and runny serum also not like the other Naruko serums that I have used, which were typically very thicker in texture and much more hydrating. I actually noticed the effects of this serum when I ran out of the product my skin was not as bright as when I was using it. 

 

Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Morning Yogurt

Naruko describes this caring formulated morning yogurt hydrates the skin instantly to help skin stay comfortable all day long while multiple whitening actives rid of discolorations. Skin will appear softer, smoother and radiant with continue use. 

 

Even through this is called a "morning" product I only use it during my night skincare routine, because I don't like using anything that has whitening proprieties during the day. The texture of this more like a thick gel but once you spread it onto you face it because very watery. This does make my skin feel very smooth and soft. I actually did use this once or twice with my morning routine and it dose keep the skin feeling well moisturized. 

 

This set is recommended fro all skin types, but especially sensitive and oily skin types. I have normal to dry skin and I do feel it has good moisturizing proprieties, I would not use this line during the winter time because it wouldn't keep my skin moisturized. Overall an OK line that kept my skin bright and soft. But it did not deliver what it claimed and that was to whiten the skin and help in reducing dark spots and freckles, which I have around my nose.

Love.

Sakura.

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Cream Review

Hello

I want to review the Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Cream I have been using this cream for quite a good time now.

Naruko describes this cream as light, emollient moisturizer is specially formulated for normal to combination skin. It absorbs immediately into skin, restoring moisture for softer and more radiant skin.

  

I usually never get products that are recommended for normal skin because i tend to suffer for dry skin most of the year. But since the Naruko website is all in Taiwanese, I just blindly added this so that is completes my Rose and Snow Fungus set.

I have been using this as part of my morning routine, I use this as my second last step before applying sunscreen. 

 

It looks very thick and creamy, and kinda makes you think is this really good for oily/combination skin, but once you spread it out it instantly absorbs into your skin. I have been using this line during summer, in Australia, and so far this has been providing my skin with the perfect level of moisture. My face feels and looks baby soft and my sister has been using this product as part of her night routine and she just loved how it was giving her that soft touch in the morning without leaving her skin oily.  

It comes in a pump bottle, but its all white so it can;t really see how much product I have left in it.This also has the rose scent. I have another back up of this so I will try it during winter just to test how moisturizing it is for dry skin.

Love 

Sakura 

Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex Review

Hello

Today my review will be about the Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex. Naruko describes this essence/serum as the perfect solution for soft and healthy skin. the unique formula effectively moves through skin's surface for superb, deep hydration and further increases the skin's ability to retain moisture.

It's recommended for all skin types, especially for dry skin. 

Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex

I use this serum after my Naurko Narcissus Total Defense Fundamental Serum, the lovely Fuzkitte told us that!!. The Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex is slightly milky in colour and and as runny or liquidy  as most serum. I have been using it as part of my morning routine. I do think that does help with keeping my face well moisturized. However, I haven't noticed any of the other claims of helping with firming or anti-aging.

I must note that i hate the dropper application it comes in. Also if you are like me and love using the complete line of skin care, you should know that this comes in a 30ml bottle and so it finishes quite fast, actually you would need 2-3 bottles of this in order to use with the toner and lotion from the same line. This serum also as the same rose scent to it.

Other than that I do enjoy this line and the serum.

Love

Sakura