Hada Labo hyaluronic acid moisturizing lotion review (light)

Read on for bouncy skin!!

Today's product review is Hada Labo 's best-selling hyaluronic acid moisturizing lotion! or in western countries, this would be considered a toner, both are the same and is used after you have cleansed your face.

This is the one with the tag '1 bottle sold every 4 seconds' wow! or 'one drop locks up an ocean' .. ok the second one is a VERY bold claim.

I was very curious about this product. I have never used an entire skincare line from the asian market, other than using BB creams religiously. I have read very good reviews on this lotion which led me to discovering Hada Labo's cleansers, serums and moisturizers. I might as well trial them all together to experience any real benefit.

This is called a lotion which western brands would call this a toner. It's the same thing to supplement the second stage after cleansing.

It's packed with hyaluronic acid and super hyaluronic acid. This stuff is amazing in keeping your skin soft and hydrated! Pat pat pat!! Directions of use will be explained below (quiet fun!!).

Packaging:

Simple frosted bottle with the usual Hada Labo packaging in only japanese writing. Flip top lid and a hole to let the product out. You have to be careful not to spill it because there isn't anything else to prevent accidents if this tips over :(

Ingredients: (original lotion)
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium Succinate, Methlyparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Succinic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

How to apply:
Usually with a toner you would use a cotton pad to soak up the product, which you will then swipe all over your face. You are left with that feeling like something is evaporating off your face, and your skin feels so squeaky clean!

But nooo not this one! This is a clear liquid that feels somewhat thick but very slippery. In the commercials for this lotion, you see a woman happily patting/light slapping her face and you somehow see her skin stick to her palms. I've never seen skin look so bouncy haha! and it DOES just THAT.. You apply 2-3 drops and spread it all over your palms quickly, and yes quickly pat this around your face because this dries pretty fast. You press your entire hand, changing on different parts of your face and keep this patting motion till the product feels sticky. After a minute or so (30 secs for me since I bought the light version) the stickyness has disappeared and voila you are done! No cotton pad needed. :)

This product requires a bit more attention than regular toners. If you are willing to sacrifice a few minutes for this every morning and evening, I think it's well worth it. I think I enjoy this new technique, patting the face is also a light massage, and also helps improve circulation.

My verdict:
I bought the light version because my skin tends to get oily during the day. I have used this for a good few weeks twice a day and It has really helped with the moisture levels and oil control throughout the whole day. I am less oily now and my skin feels sooooooooo soft after this. You can't even feel the lotion was there. It magically absorbs leaving no residue or tightness. I've skipped using a moisturiser a few time's because I didn't think I needed it, plus it's winter right now so that must be saying a lot. So, one drop locks up an ocean? Hmm not quiet, but I can see where they are going with this.. and I agree!!

Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA cleanser

This is one review I have been excited to write about. It's this amazing line from HadaLabo (Japanese brand) which I am currently incorporating into my skincare routine. First off is their Tamagohada cleanser. I first mentioned this in my winter haul 11 post with some facts I've discovered about this line. It's very famous in Japan and it is also deemed popular in other asian markets like Singapore and Malaysia.

Just a note: My skin is different to yours so my opinion is based on my own experiences. I have normal/combination skin and don't have many problems with acne. My skin is not sensitive and has been pretty resilient to testing different products.

Packaging
Very simple egg shaped bottle with a foaming pump. I like it's simplicity, makes me feel clean just by looking at it haha. I love anything that foams, just makes cleansing one step easier. Also has a stopper for those accidental travel moments :)

Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Myristoyl Glutamate, PEG-20M, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Stearic Acid, Lauraide DEA, Glycolic Acid, Lauric Acid, Betaine, Glycol distearate, POtassium Hyrroxide, Methylparaben, Salicylic Acid, Betaine/ Sodium PCA/ Sorbitol/ Serine/ Glycine/ Gutamic Acid/ Alanine/ Lysine/ Arginine/ Threonine/ Proline/ Methylpar

Instructions on label "-Use twice daily. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face, using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water"

• Cleanser gently exfoliates the surface layer of skin using Alpha hydroxy and Beta hydroxy acids.
• Mild enough to be used twice a day
• Foam is dense and creamy
• Removes oil and impurities that clog pores effectively
• Refines and polishes skins texture to promote clarity and radiance.
• Must wear an spf while using this cleanser!
• No fragrance or color *yay!*

My verdict?
Love, love. love and LOVE! I now have a favorite everyday cleanser. I usually swap between my Nutrimetics hydrafinity gel cleanser or my Olay regenerist cream cleanser but this one really proves results after every wash. No skin tightness, dryness or residue left with this one. It foams up so nicely and smoothly and my skin looks really fresh and clean after every wash. I would however, use a makeup remover if you have makeup on beforehand because this foam is really gentle. I can especially feel the results around my nose where it feels rough and bumpy :( it feels baby smooth now hooray!!

A keeper for me, and will definitely stock up.

xx

L'egere purifying facial peeling gel

After snooping around for fun skincare items I finally came across this new concept called 'face peeling gels' or 'peeling masks'. They work just like regular exfoliators that contain small granules and beads, but this time it is without. That's why they are peels which usally have mild acids to slough off the dead skin.

Packaging: L'egere purifying facial peeling gel comes in a purple bottle with a nozzle pump that squeezes out the right amount of product. Also comes with a stopper which would be handy whilst travelling so nothing leaks. The product reads-
 
" Konjac Jelly+AHA+Hyaluronic acid help lighten the skin and helps deep cleanse the pores of dirt, perspiration, greasy skin"
 
The rest of the bottle is in japanese so it's better to visit the official website for more information.
 
Product claims from the L'egere website- 

"*Added with natural citrus, AHA acid and papain, the gel film shall directly congeal on the applied area and soften old cuticles. By penetrating deep, and absorb filth and oils, the pores are completely cleaned. Just by gently rubbing the treated area, acmes and old · cuticle layers would fall off as shredded fragments. *Without taut skin after washing, and the skin maintains its watery tenderness and elasticity. The *gentle and non- irritating ingredient is suitable for sensitive skin. *Gentle and mild. Can be also used on sensitive skin. *Easily enjoy a Saloon like level AHA skin radiance at home."
 
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dicocodimonium Chloride, Steartrimonium Bromide, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Papain, Dextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Cirtus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Methylparaben
 
Uses: You use this in replacement of your weekly exfoliator (if sufficient enough for you) and can be used on face, elbows, knees and ankles as diagram on back of box shows.
It has the coolest texture! It is a clear gel that you apply all over the area and you massage it for 2-3mins. It will start to soften dead skin cells and before you know it it congeals over the area and you start to collect eraser like shavings. Wash off and rinse with water------>
 
My verdict? This is a very gentle exfoliator. I actually like the feel of this and it does work to take of the dead skin effectively. I still won't get rid of my other exfoliants because with this one, it does take time and I often feel I need to re-apply the gel and work over the area again (just incase, maybe I'm paranoid like that lol). It does leave your skin very smooth and soft and moisturizer seems to absorb much easier. I haven't used this product long enough to see any brightening effects but I definitely notice a glow after using this product. I think I'm starting to like this idea very much and might try other brands!
xx

Winter haul '11

It's been a very cold winter this year in Sydney. For the past few weeks my skin has been dry and flakey. I have normal/combination skin in other months so this season is the time where I really need to bother with a good routine. Yesterday I received an awesome package full of skincare goodies. This time, I stocked up on asian branded products which coincidentally suit me better. Online shopping, where would I be without you!

From L-R: L'egere purifying facial peeling gel, Yanagiya hair beauty lotion for princess perfect hair, HadaLabo DANRYOKU HADA Coenzyme Q10 face lift cream, HadaLabo GOKUJYUN super hyaluronic acid lotion (light), HadaLabo TAMAGOHADA daily foaming wash, and HadaLabo SHIROJYUN arbutin whitening essence.

I purchased alot of the Hadalabo products because of the extremely good reviews. It's from japan and apparently it's the craze over there! Their number one selling product which is the hyaluronic acid lotion claims to be sold every 4seconds (wow...) but hmm, let's see if it works for me. I was sold to the pure ingredients and that it did not contain any alcohol, fragrance, colorants, mineral oil and is in the pH level of our skin. These are the three main ingredients which they base their products on:

Hyaluronic acid/ super hyaluronic acid- Has the ability to hold and retain double the moisture for well hydrated, smoother skin. Hyaluronic acid is also produced by our our skin cells.

Alpha hydroxy acid/Beta hydroxy acid (aha/bha)- Gentle acids that exfoliate dead skin cells without any harsh abrasives.

Arbutin- An extract from the bearberry plant that benefits the skin with natural whitening properties for a fair and clear complexion.

Yeah, how good does that sound! To me, less is more. Overtime I've realized it isn't good to stuff your face with a tonne of chemicals. I've even opted for natural skincare this year but I think I'm guilty of not sticking by it 100% because I just love trying new things. I will do a proper review for each product soon. All I can say now is, I'm on day two using the HadaLabo skincare line and I'm totally loving it!!!

xx