REVIEW: Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Travel-sized version of Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Contains Collagen which helps firm the skin and Super Hyaluronic Acid instantly hydrates your skin and provides long-lasting moisture and smoothness.

~MG~

Q: How much did you buy Hada Labo Perfect Gel for?

A: I bought it during my trip to Bangkok trip for around THB 200 (S$8).

Q: Why did you decide to try this Hada Labo Perfect Gel?
A: On Hada Labo's official website, this product claims to have 5 functions: lotion, milk, cream, serum and mask. Because it comes in a sample size, it is a great way to try new product. Plus, I have always love Hada Labo's products.

Q: How long have you been using this moisturizer? 
A:  I used it for two weeks, day and night, when I was in the United States.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: Hada Labo Perfect Gel is lightweight. Like all the other Hada Labo products, my skin did not suffer breakouts or adverse reaction because of it. The texture of Hada Labo Perfect Gel is similar to that Laneige Gel Cream_EX. The texture is also similar to Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream, though Fresh Gel Cream is more moisturizing. 

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A: It is not what it claims to be. It claims to hydrate with a long-lasting effect. Hada Labo Perfect Gel's moisturizing power is not that great. From the information provided about the product, I thought that it would be only good to use at night, but I can use it for daytime as well. For night time use, I layer a face oil over it for added hydration. Even though Hada Labo claims it can work as a face mask, I find it is not as moisturizing. 

Q: Would you recommend this moisturizer to your friends? 
A: Would not recommend Hada Labo Perfect Gel for a night time moisturizer. It will work well for those who want a lightweight moisturizer and/or those whose skin does not much hydration such as oily skin type.

Q&A: Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream

~MG~

Rose Hydrating Gel Cream with soothing rosewater is a daily moisturizer for all skin types proven to provide 24 hours of significant moisture while protecting against damage caused by pollution. Its unique texture has an immediate cooling effect and instantly hydrates the skin for a healthy-looking, radiant complexion. 

 Key Ingredients:

• Rosewater helps to soothe and rose flower oil and jojoba oil help to nourish.
• Porphyridium cruentum, a “smart” algae, helps to deliver optimum moisture.
• Angelica leaf extract is known to improve moisture-retention.
• Rhodiola root extract is a protective antioxidant.
• Hyaluronic acid helps attract and maintain moisture to restore suppleness.
• Cucumber extract helps to calm and cool the skin.  

Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Creams claims  to provide up to 24 hours of significant moisture, and to significantly protect the skin from damage caused by pollution. 100% felt their skin was healthier-looking and more hydrated, supple, and soft. 97% noticed their skin was instantly hydrated and nourished. 93% reported it protected, soothed, and toned the skin.

Q: How much did you buy Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream for?
A: In Singapore city, it retails for S$68. Since I bought mine at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free, it was cheaper, at around S$63. It is a good idea to buy your beauty products from Duty Free shops as it is GST-free (sales tax free), you save tons of money.

Q: Why did you decide to try this Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream?
A: Because I want a more natural moisturizer that is gentle on my skin. I was actually debating between the Rose Hydrating Gel Cream and the Clay Umbrian Oil-Free Lotion. The saleslady recommended that I buy the Rose Hydrating Gel Cream because she saw some dry patches on my cheeks.

Q: How long have you been using this moisturizer? 
A: I have been using it twice a day for about three months now.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: This product is very moisturizing. Since it is a gel texture, it has a cooling effect when applied. Sometimes, especially in the daytime, I find that it might be too much for Singapore's humid climate. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream is more hydrating. 
It does not leave a sticky feeling, but it can sometimes make my T-zones looks oily. My T-zones, in general, tend to be oily.
Even with it being very moisturizing, Fresh Rose Gel Cream does not cause me to breakout. It also works well with my other skincare products. I apply this moisturizer at the end of my skincare regimen - before I put sunscreen or face oil.  
Lastly, I like the pump packaging. It makes it very convenient for application. The slim and light plastic packaging also make it a plus for traveling with.

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A:I would not repurchase because it is too moisturizing for my oily-combination skin, since I only have dry areas on my cheeks.

Q: Would you recommend this moisturizer to your friends? 
A: I would recommend this moisturizer for those that have dry skin type, or those that live in drier climates such as the United States. It will be good for the winter season in the U.S. Alternatively, you can use this moisturizer as a night cream if you sleep in an air conditioned room.

REVIEW: Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

~AG~

I bought this Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel in Korea recently. I cannot remember how much I bought it for but I am pretty sure it costs less than US$10. I decided to buy it because I read online reviews on how versatile this product is. Plus, aloe vera is always good for sensitive skin like mine. I stored mine in the fridge so that it is nice and cool for application. Cold aloe vera feels extra refreshing on dry skin. 

Enriched with 92% aloe vera. Mild formula free from paraben, mineral and artificial colors. THis soothing gel with 92% organic aloe vera certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) can be used to mildly moisturize various parts of the body such as the face, arms, legs and hair. 

Last weekend, I spent a little too much time under the angry sun and as a result, my skin became sunburnt. It was red and itchy. It was a good opportunity to try out this newly purchased Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. What I can say about it is that it is non-sticky and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It has a refreshing scent - a mix of aloe vera and "ocean scent". The gel feels especially soothing on application. After three days of application (twice a day), I did not have to use the aloe vera gel on my sunburnt skin anymore. My skin did not peel at all, and I believe it is because of the healing properties of the aloe vera. I feel that it works better than Banana Boat Aloe Gel for After Sun Care.

I have yet to use it on other parts of my body. But I will do an updated review when I do try it out on my face. 

UDPATED REVIEW: Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

~AG~

I've finally done with my first bottle of Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. The bottle lasted me almost four months. Most face washes do not lasts me that long. USD $26 for 5 oz (150ml). I think it is a pretty good buy.

So what are my final thoughts on this product?

• You only need a single pump to wash the whole face. I use it in the morning, as well as at night.
• It foams up nicely
• It does not make my skin feel tight
• Does not leave any residue on my skin
• My ultra sensitive skin has not had any adverse reaction
• I cannot notice any significant effects on its pore minimizing properties.
• I have been through quite a few high-end face washes Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Bliss Fabulous Foaming Wash, Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Foam Cleaner, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Laneige Multi Cleanser. I will have to say that only Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser I will re-purchase. With that being said, the Boscia face wash is more affordable than Fresh face wash. For reference, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser retails for USD $38 for 5.1 oz.
• I will definitely recommend this for those of you looking for a quality face wash that works for sensitive/combination/oily skin.

KOSE Sun Protect Essence Gel

~AG~

I saw this Kose Sun Protect Essence Gel in a magazine recently. A sunscreen in a gel formula sounds very attractive for me. I been on a search for a lightweight oil-free sunscreen that will not clog my pores in this hot and humid weather. When I tested this product at the Kose counter, it felt cooling and hydrating. And it did not leave any white or oily residue. Once my dermatologist gives me the okay to use sunscreen again, I will definitely try it out.

New lightweight water-based sunscreen perfect for daily use.

This lightweight sunscreen glides over the skin without becoming sticky, giving a moisturizing and comfortable finish. Provides lasting hydration care. High UV blocking power reduces ph. SPF 50+/PA++++ thoroughly blocks UV-A which causes photo aging, and UV-B which causes sunburn. With a gel formula, it hydrates and locks moisture inside skin for long hours. The smooth texture blends easily into the skin without white residue. It is suitable to use as a makeup base, enhances application and lasting effect on foundation. Can be used for face and body. Easily removed with regular facial wash or body soap

Key Ingredients:

• Oriental plant extracts (Coix seed extract, Angelica extract, Melothria extract, Peach leaf extract) - for hydration
• Oriental minerals - to protect bare skin
• Glycerin - for hydration

NEW: NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask

 An advanced treatment mask that provides a surge of hydration to the skin. Potent natural botanicals enhance collagen production and protect skin’s elastin for ultra-soft, youthful looking skin. 

"Contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™ designed to restore skin’s youthful radiance and reflect light like a prism"

• For all skin types
• Dermatologist Tested & Non-Comedogenic
• Synthetic Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Alcohol Free
• 2.6 oz/75ml

~AG~

I received an email from NARS regarding their new product, Aqua Gel Luminous Mask (UDS $39). I'm interested in this mask. According to NARS website, the mask can be used for both daytime use as well as night time use. For daytime use, the direction says to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes then tissue it off. For night time use, the mask can be leave on overnight. The mask can be used 2-3 times a week, as needed. 

REVIEW: Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel

 ~AG~

Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel has a slight yoghurt scent. But it is not too sweet or overwhelming. It has a very lightweight texture. The cooling gel absorbs quickly onto the skin. It does not feel sticky or leaves a residue.

You only need a little bit of the product for the whole face
It keeps my skin hydrated, and is not too oily for Singapore humid weather
My sensitive skin has not had any adverse reaction to this product. I’ve been using it for over 3 weeks. 

About the packaging, it is convenient to travel with. And the tip applicator allows for minimal wastage of the gel.

The only negative thing about this product is the face that you have to shake the gel before use because it separates into a watery and creamy parts.

I bought this in June 2013, but when I try looking for it on Sephora.com (USA), I could not find it. I guess Sephora no longer carry this product. When I look for it on Korres website, I was not able to find it as well. It looks like Korres has discontinued this product.