Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Moist Sakura

Hello lovelies,

produk yang aku mau review kali ini cukup spesial dan unik serta menjawab kebutuhan banyak orang yang ingin skincare tanpa ribet. An all in one gel that provide everything from toner, essence, serum, moisturizer (light), and even mask.

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Here are some details yang aku temukan:

Special Sakura Limited Edition → SHISEIDO Sakura Edition Aqualabel All-in-One Special Gel Cream A Moist is formulated with a high concentration of collagen GL that is highly moisturizing. This gel is part of the Aqualabel range of products produced by Shiseido, Japan. And it acts as 5 different products in 1 as it contents everything needed for hydrated, smooth, radiant and crystal-clear skin.

Acts as a lotion (toner), milky lotion, cream moisturizer, mask and beauty essence to give the ultimate all-in-one beauty product. Contains high concentration of collagen GL and baby amino acids to support and hydrate skin, and fight signs of aging. Smooth and non-greasy gel that infuses your skin with continuous moisture. Great for people with oily skin. Absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy feel. Directions of use: Use twice a day after cleansing. Apply gently to the face until thoroughly absorbed.

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The packaging alias kemasan is so cuteee!! Seperti biasa, Jepang kalau buat kemasan itu amat sangat niat dan cantik, apalagi menyambut musim cherry blossom dimana mereka sangat antusias to spend time in the spring.

Nah, warna yang dominan dari kemasan ini adalah pink dengan sakura all over. Details cara penggunaan, deskripsi dan saran serta ingredients semua dalam bahasa Jepang ya, karena aku membeli produk ini di Jepang, mungkin kalau kamu membeli di negara lain, akan ada stiker bahasa sesuai dengan negara tersebut.

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Semua details di kemasan tersebut kurang lebih sama dengan yang aku share diatas dimana produk ini memiliki partikel yang pas sebagai skincare dan membantu proses regenerasi kulit, sekaligus melembabkan dan melawan penuaan dini.

And karena produknya dibuat untuk kulit oily, teksturnuya sangat ringan dan nyaman tanpa bikin kulit greasy atau berminyak sama sekali.

Teksturnya berwarna milky pink gel dengan aroma sakura yang cukup tercium namun tidak menusuk, jadi cukup moderate tanpa kesan berlebihan. Tub/pot nya sendiri dilindungi dengan beberapa lapisan, saat pertama membuka ada seal/segel for safety. Dan untuk kalian yang always put hygiene first, gunakan spatula bersih saat tiap penggunaan ya.

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As usual, on a clean skin, aku menggunakan produk ini tanpa skip toner aku, buat kamu yang mau skip go ahead karena details produknya mengatakan it is okay dan bisa langsung karena 'all in one' concept tersebut. Karena kondisi kulit aku yang kering, aku prefer layering lagi pakai pelembab yang creamy, jadi aku gunakan toner, gel cream ini, and then moisturizer baru sunscreen dan makeup.

Produk ini juga enaakkkkk banget dipakai saat siang-siang abis keluyuran, cuci muka bersih-bersih, lalu layering cukup tebal, apalagi setelah ditaruh di kulkas, the cooling effect with the lovely ingredients are all participating bikin kulit asli adem dan calming.

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 Buat kamu yang mau nyobain, yang mager pake 5 steps, boleh deh cobain skincare ini karena manfaatnya all in one, tips dari aku jangan lupa rajin di massage ya kulitnya saat pakai skincare. Harga normal di Jepang sekitar Rp.400rb an per 90gr.

 

See you again soon on my next post.

AQUALABEL Lotion and Emulsion

Dear all,

I've been using AQUALABEL (again) since I got them from Tokyo. The rose scent is still there, so beautiful and comforting. The lotion is unlike toner, the way you're using it is the same, after cleansing and before moisturizing (or serum), but the lotion soften the skin, makes it able to receive the serum, emulsion and moisturizer better.

You see, the western and eastern have different principal in terms of taking care of the facial skin. While the western is more on toner, makes the pores smaller, the east believes in softening the skin, makes them moist and dewy to absorb the moist better afterwards. But in the end, you just choose which one suit you best. Yep, trial and error again.

For me, I see my skin condition and surroundings, and during 'dry' days these are my moist revival. The lotion prep my skin, making it moist and soft, ready for moisturizing. Then after serum the emulsion hydrated the skin and penetrated deeper before moisturizer. So take note to use emulsion before moisturizer.

Both products suitable for dry skin or any skin that need hydration and you'll love the rose extract ^__^

Step 4: Moisture

Now this is the moisturizer zone, there are so many brands and range I've use and some that really clicked to my mind is:

Biotherm Aquasource.
The first noticeable feature is the fragrance, it is strong (compared to other moisturizer) and I like the fresh scent of it. It contain thermal spring water that beneficial to the skin. I like them so much. I use the normal-combination range and my skin become dewy, radiant, got this luminous glow too, plump and look fresh. The only thing that keep us apart is the prize.

The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturizer.
It is too oily for me, even the day cream feels heavy, the night cream is worse.

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day cream.
It is light but I need a moisturizer that hydrating. So I guess it's not the right type for me, I do have shiny nose but the cheek are dry alright.

Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion.
No perfume, also no fun for me. It does do as it say but I feel like I need more ingredients, more natural gimmicks if you prefer to say that. I like moisturizer that smell good and this one...not.

Laneige.
You can read about my Renew Challenge (where Laneige Moisturizer is included) here.

Kawaii Brighten-Up Gel.
A multi-effect gel that not just moisturizing but toning and have the effect of brightening and anti-aging. I like the all in one use of this gel, and the fact that they easily absorb too. Their website also so pretty, do check it out here.

And so many more, like my first Korean moisturizer from Ettude which I think perfect for young ladies, Kose for ladies 25-35 years old, or my days with ordinary moisturizer like Garnier Aqua Defense or Aqua Sensation by Nivea that gives me nothing more than moisture.

Now here are the stuff that still at my home and I'm using them currently:




Aqualabel MO and WT Emulsion.
Try to understand not all moisturizer ended with the word moisturizer or day/night cream, facial lotion. Some products say emulsion.

I love Aqualabel products, not just the price range 25-30S$ but it really does what it say. It gives moisture and nutrition that the skin needs. It is easily penetrate and I love the rose scent too.

This Ultra Firming Creme with SPF 15 (certainly a day cream) is pretty heavy for me. But it does gives my cheek zone a firming effect, especially used with the serum in the same range.



These moisturizer above is specialize in minimizing the pores, the Kiehl's is too rich for me so I prefer L'Oreal Pore Minimizer.





Pure Beauty and Simple for me is included in the moisturizer that only gives moisture effect. The Pure Beauty day cream is really difficult to penetrate, I need to do a 3-5 minutes massage and sometime on my cheek area the cream is still 'floating'.

While Simple is more....simple. From ingredient to function, not much than a moisturizer, a light one that provide simple hydration. For me it's not suitable during traveling especially to drier area since the skin is more stress and need extra protection. But if your skin is oily, highly sensitive and prone to allergy, this product is more suitable for you.

Right now there's a survey at Neutrogena for your skin and it can create a regime and range that would suits you. You might want to try it out. So far I have no complain nor any special memories with Neutrogena products. But they are in the safe-to-use zone :).

Step 3....and it's not what you think

It's not moisturize! It's serum, eye gels, mask, or anything like those stuff to put on before moisturizing.


First is Serum.
They come in many different forms, function, ingredients and definitely packaging. Some been going on for decades and remains a hit and some just recently launched. You probably know SkinInc, I've tried them before but completely forgot how it was, either it's not memorable, or I didn't it use it long enough.

Well anyway here's some of the stuff I use or idling around my dresser. Just to remind you serum is used after cleansing and toning/soften and before moisturizing.




Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
These serum can be use at night and day time. You can use it according to your skin need. The main function is to protect our skin from hydration and environmental damage. I use it for night only since I feel a bit greasy and on day time my makeup wont stick. I know this is differ each and everyone of us (some have normal skin, some dry, etc) so use accordingly. For me what it does it increase the level of hydration. That's the visible and really noticeable effect from one time using, keep on using and I feel the elasticity is increasing, less breakouts, less problem such as fine lines (due to dryness), less sensitivity, a clearer and better complexion in overall.

I also have the wrinkle lifting (bottle on the left), I use it to lift my cheek up. My laughing lines is obvious by my increasing years, so I need a lifting effect. I also use Aqualabel CL for my cheek zone.

Some serum is perfect to use on day time while some night time, and most can be use anytime, so try them on first and see the reaction it does on your skin.

There are some serum that really not working for me, like Clarins Pore Minimizng Serums for Oil Control, instead of helping my me get rid of oiliness (especially on my shiny nose) it increases the oils there.

I've tried Derma Genesis Serum too, for me it work, but in the same range of price Aqualabel is better than L'Oreal Derma Genesis Serum. I found Aqualabel (all over serum, Net) less alcohol, give more lifting effect, and suitable hydration effect for me. But for the fine lines they both have the same effect, lessen the appearance of my fine lines near eyes and laughing area.






There are still a lot of serum out there for minimizing the pores and lifting now, so does whitening.

As far as I know most serum is anti aging (reduce wrinkles, lines) but the term anti aging itself is too wide, for me it includes enlarge pores, freckles/pigmentation, dryness, sensitivity, not just about wrinkles and lines. So choose wisely what exactly are you looking for. Some brand really concentrate on wrinkles, so for those between 18-25 I think they just find serums that more suitable for they daily needs like serums that contain more antioxidant for prevention.

What I like is a serum for daily use to fight against daily stress from environmental too, like the one that filled with vitamins and antioxidant because they usually lighter in form of texture and suitable to use anytime. For me it's quite basic.

I've tried Origins Make a Difference too, and I love it, I remember using it until the last drop and feel kinda sad when it was finished, I can't remember why I didn't buy more, perhaps I'm still in the mission of trying more skincare out there ^o^. The texture is milky and not exactly light but definitely not heavy. My skin are plump, less visible lines, the complexion is brighter and I feel good. My skin less cranky, no sensitivity, no dryness, no sticky effect, and like the bottle said: REJUVENATE!

I found another type of serum from Aqualabel for anti-acne effect. So again, look around I think nowadays no matter what your skin type is you'll find that perfect serum. There are still purifying, detox, nourishing, renewal and many more.







As mention above serums also have different texture, this is just from Aqualabel, one brand can launch many different serums and texture, I found those with lifting effect have creamier and rich texture than the overall serum for daily needs.

A Vitamin C serum from The Body Shop is my long time favorite. With the price about 45$ for 28 capsules is definitely not cheap but I'm really can't get enough of them. I use it daily and my skin feel rejuvenate, less breakout, less stress signs like tired or dry out, my skin feels good and comfortable. The serum is thick and like in the picture above it's not watery. But the penetration is so easy. No need couple minutes massages, just glide it all over and they are clinging to our skin. I can't feel any leftover, greasy, or any residue from it. Just the wonderful effect of antioxidant.







These are the eyes area. They are specialized for thin skin and problems near the area like crow's feet, puffiness, darkened and fine lines. Out of all these only Laneige have 2 in 1 (but still separate container) for day and night use. The day time need SPF and the night contain more hydration. Clinique All around eyes is for all main problems that usually appears around eyes. St.Ives I found them just refreshing but not helping our lines, wrinkles, or darkened dilemma.

To tell you the truth I'm so lazy using eye gels/cream/lotion, I'm using contact lenses and sometime I do rub my eyes now and then, that's why I don't like there's lotion there, especially the one that so difficult to absorb and too heavy/creamy. I tried to put them on as little as possible but still....well in comparison Clinique is still better than Laneige (please see the range I'm mentioning is shown in above picture). I don't like Pure Beauty eye cream since it is too creamy and I use Estee Lauder only for night time.

Next is masks.

Most paper/cotton masks that I know can be use after serum and before moisturizing. They are pretty light and suitable for couple of times in a week. My Beauty Diary is lighter and contain less 'useful' nutrients than Aqualabel MO or WT facial masks. But My Beauty Diary got so many choices like Bvlgarian Rose, Natto, Aloe Vera, Black Pearls, Q10, and so many mores. Perfect if you have a sleep over or pajamas party and just want to have fun instead of serious treatment.

Aqualabel Workshop 18 August 2010

The Setting

Arriving exactly at 7 pm I am welcomed with a drink and sandwich. That's right! No brain can work without adequate fuel. All products are well prepared and ready for some action. Some Hersey Kisses also provided to create a more relaxing mood for the ladies.

The Workshop

At 7.30 pm Ms. Yanni start the workshop by explaining deeper about Aqualabel itself, their motto "Your Skin Guardian Angel's" is revealed and the reason behind it is they believe lack of moisture is the root of all skin evils and by that they unravel the aqua power (Aqua Synergy Technology) for the benefit for our skin.

For overall view about Aqualabel product you can read at my previous post here and there. Do remember Aqualabel comes in 3 range MO (red) for Moisture, WT (blue) for whitening, and their Anti-Acne Whitening Care (green).

Okay, back to what is important in Aqualabel.



What is Aqua Synergy? It is an ingredient that blends easily with both water and oil. Powerfully forces moisture and effective ingredients into your skin while softening your skin at the same time.

That's why Aqualabel product can penetrate through your skin and work where it needed.

Now, here I try to squeeze in as many info as I possibly can :). There's so much to share I feel like I'm super excited and happy to be able to share this with all of you. The product itself already turns me around and now that I get to know them more, it makes our relationship goes deeper too, just like how the moisture SSS (Sink, Saturate, and Seal).

Some things that for me is important to know is their product target is for women in her late 20's - 40's, with their problems of daily stress, quality and price conscious, need moisture, pigment and starting to aged.
For me, all of the above is explaining my condition, hey I do have a very good skin gene but gene alone will need some help in this stressful world. Lack of sleep, constant air-conditioner and sun exposure (still in Singapore), not too forget not enough nutrition, water, and most of us, time to pampered oneself. I need a product that really work down to where it needed. Aqualabel is my answer.

Aqualabel believes in holistic experience, so not just the product work in different level but they want to create a sensation in our senses beyond the touch (skin).

The scent is another dimension they offer. A smooth rose scent makes me feel like I'm inside a rose garden. It deepens the feeling of being pampered and loved.

After Ms. Yanni share some product and brand knowledge we get to the point where we all try the products (yeaaah!). All start with cleansing, some use Aqualabel Deep Clear Oil Cleansing that not just remove all waterproof makeup, unclog pores with powerful Sebum Plug Removing Ingredients, but also excess melanin for that whitening effect.




I use the Aqualabel Creamy Oil Cleansing that feels so smooth and burst of rose is just superb. Not just my skin is clean but this wonderful smell create a spa feeling for me.

Then we moved on to Soften, while western product use toner to close the pores, Aqualabel use lotion to soften the skin layer because when our skin is soften it can absorb the nutrients better. The WT range also contain ingredients to remove melanin cells while the MO lotion replenishing my skin with moisture, for a plump and resilient skin.
For the Moisture Essence (and lotion too) they divided the product into 2 S and R, S for normal to oily skin and R for normal to dry skin (please do read my previous post for Aqualabel). I found that the R region is more thick while the S is more clear and transparent.

Essences are applied afterward, they have 2 essences in MO range:
1. Moist Net Essence for overall use, but all in lower concentration compared to the more targeted essences below.
2. Moist Essence CL (Collagen) for uplifting the cheek area.
3. Moist Essence GG to reduce the appearance of matured pores that are prone to enlarging. GG is for Glycyl Glycin.
4. Moist Essence HA (Hyalluronic Acid) for for eyes and fine lines.

Here are the stuff I've used at the workshop and how it all worked out in the result. Please do click on the image for a larger view.

After the mask in the workshop we also taught how to massage them in, for me it's no different from massage technique taught by my beauty therapist at any spa. But it is good to know that they do pay attention on the smallest detail for our better use of the products.

If you pay attention to the after photo, my skin is more relaxed, moist, plump and more alive. The one that wonders me the most is this is what a 30 minute treatment does to me and if I use this product daily it will be a wonderful journey to a beautiful skin that so far quite difficult to achieve. I learn that Aqualabel goes directly to the main problem and from there it solves all the problem caused by it. Again lack of moisture is the root of all skin evil. Some of their product do contain alcohol but not in excessive or needles way, so they use the alcohol in lower percent and in form that tolerable for facial skin use.

I also try much much more other product like the Aqualabel White Up Base in Natural, so it was tinted and suitable with our skin color. It not just a make up base that corrected dark spots, uneven coloration for luminous skin but with Aqua synergy technology formulated with moisture-retaining ingredient and SPF 25/PA++ too.


For the Anti-Acne Whitening range, the scent is not as fragrant as the other range, perhaps of the different ingredients and anti-acne materials.

For everyone that would really like to know about the products please do not hesitate to contact me, there's still so much I can deliberate but the post will be too long.

I also will post up a special review just for the texture for each and every product they have, trust me, you'll want to read it out. So many interesting texture they have like the Moist Coat Essence that feels so thick but blend effortlessly and conceal pores while keeping skin moisturized. So look out for my next post especially about texture okay!

After the workshop I realized this is the first time I'm going out at night and come back looking better then before.

All the gals from workshop 18 August 2010

And there's no way Aqualabel let the ladies go back empty handed, a goodies bag containing samples and product knowledge is included, they also have reports of tests done to show how well the product work.