My skin has been on the fritz lately. My doctor has told me to go off my medication since I have been on it for quite some time already and it's just not good for me, and god I miss my medication. Who knew. Well anyway, since I no longer have the oil control from the medication, my face is a friggin' oil slick, but still annoyingly dry for god knows what reason.
Someone must've heard my prayers because these 2 products were sent to me recently. This is going to be the longest review I have written so far so read only if you have time and I also have to add that that being sponsored has no impact on my review.
The first product is the Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion, and it's something that I've actually used for a while. As mentioned in my previous post, I used to use it on a daily basis. It impressed me so much that when my Mom went to japan I had her bring me back a few bottles! To date, I've gone through 2 bottles of the whitening lotion, and 2 bottles of the normal lotion and I also have the moisturizer. I think that's a pretty good indication of how much I like this product as well as the brand.
The bottle sent to me boasts a new nano formula. The old version only has Super Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid whereas the new one has a new Nano Hyaluronic Acid on top of the old 2. While the old formula supposedly only sits on the skin, the new formula supposedly penetrates the skin easily to keep the skin more moisturized (according to the very cute bulbasaur lookalike diagram).
Honestly imo, it is then time to get rid of plain ol' hyaluronic acid because I don't understand its use anymore.
It's a big bottle with 170ml of product inside. I believe it retails for around $22 at Watsons, substantially more expensive that the usual toner. The packaging is extremely basic plastic packaging, in tune with it's perfectxsimple philosophy. The cap clicks shut satisfyingly, and the hole is small enough so that the viscous product doesn't simply pour out.
Product inside is a clear, slightly viscous liquid. The best way to use this is to pour a few drops onto your palms and then slap your face vigourously. I kid. Gently pat it in. I don't find this like a toner at all. A toner is something that you pour onto a cotton pad, which you then use to clean the face of remnant grime. Try putting this on a cotton pad and you'll have a very hard time with it.
The liquid takes a while to be absorbed into the skin, though faster than the old formula. I tested this by putting both formulas on at the same time on different halves of the face. While the new formula leaves the face nice and plump and ready to receive moisturizer, I don't find that it does much more than the old formula except that it absorbs faster. I also do not find this moisturizing enough to use on its own, so do not expect this product to replace moisturizer.
What I find is that it enhances how products put on after the lotion works, and how my skin does instantly feel fresher and in taiwanese terms, QQ, after putting it on. When the skin is well moisturized, oil production decreases, so that is a win for me. In short, this product actually does what it says it does, though only in combination with moisturizer.
Also, despite how awesome this product sounds with it's perfect x simple philosophy, I feel the need to remind the ultra conscious people that there are parabens in this product. Although parabens are certified safe to be put in such products, I know that there are people who prefer to avoid it.
I also did a comparison on the new and old ingredient lists. The new one has an extra Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid as the 2nd last ingredient. My intelligent guess is that this is what the Nano Hyaluronic Acid is. I leave you to make your own conclusions.
Summary:
Pros:
- Instantly moisturizes and plumps skin
- Enhances absorption of products used after
Cons:
- Does not replace moisturizer nor act like a toner; is more an extra product to be used
- Has parabens.
- Not different enough from the old formula to warrant a purchase if still in possession of the old one
SUPER HYALURONIC ACID MOIST EYE CREAM
The Super Hyaluronic Acid Moist Eye Cream that came along with the SHA lotion really excited me!!! A girl can never have too many eye creams. My favourite eye cream of all time is the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye which I got at a really good price. But it is a small tub and is running out so I tend to use it sparingly. So I was really excited to try the eye cream.
The claims:
- 3 Hyaluronic Acids to moisturize
- something called (ACTIFLOW) to lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness
- natural jojoba oil and extracts to smoothen fine lines and aging skin
As some would know, I am highly suspicious of claims. They excite me and tempt me that's for sure, but I only believe the moist(truly an honest typo haha) most basic of claims. In this case, what the brand is known for - moisture, everything else is a bonus.
Firstly, lets talk about packaging. Again, in line with philosophy, not very exciting packaging, but it looks almost like it comes from Muji, which I like. It's got a nice controllable pump and 15g of product. I believe this is also around $22 at Watsons. I also like that the packaging is opaque because though I can't see how much product I have left, it means that sunlight will have less effect on the ingredients inside, should they react to it.
Product is white, light, creamy, goodness. I liked the consistency so much I felt it deserved a picture of its own. That by the way is enough product to use on both eyes.
This eye cream really impressed me in terms of moisture and what it did for my fine lines in the short term. I cannot vouch for this product long term as I've only tried it for a few days. Pop this eye cream in the fridge and when put on the eye, the cream will feel super shiok! (awesome).
I have a very deep line on my left eye. The only cream that filled it out was of course, the Estee Lauder one. I now have another product that can do it and that has made me incredibly happy! It is only obvious that it has filled out when I inflate my eyebags, though hopefully in the long term it will help more. It is super light on the area and feels like nothing when absorbed, also hasn't given me any milia seeds.
Looking at the ingredient list however, Cylopentasiloxane/Dimethiconol is listed as the 3rd ingredient, so I suspect that it is these silicones that are plumping out my skin. The jojoba oil is 5th so hopefully that will help in the long term.
I have No Idea what (ACTIFLOW) is, but the week that I've used it has definitely not shown me improvement in dark circles. Then again, I have chronic dark circles nothing I do helps. Also, my sleep cycle tells me it's normal to sleep at 2am when it's definitely not normal. Hence the dark circles.
My only problem with this product is that though it works, it's probably not as in line with the perfect x simple tune it's singing. There are silicones, alcohol and parabens in this eye cream. I would normally try to steer away from face care products that contain silicones and alcohol at the very least, but his has been working so I will definitely stick with it at least till the end of the bottle!
Summary:
Pros:
- Good packaging
- Fantastic consistency; super light, creamy and easily absorbed
- Moisturises very well
- Gets rid of fine lines
Cons:
- Has silicones, alcohol and parabens
- May be a product that is more for short term effect than long term help
If you're convinced by me, or not convinced by me and want to try some for yourself, then head to the Hada Labo Facebook Page to get a sample to try for yourself!
Great review! Very detail, good job:)
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