Tuesday, June 28, 2011

RMK Super Basic Concealer Pact 01

Rumiko. RMK. The makeup artist who singularly influenced my view and passion for makeup. I loved ogling RMK's website at the height of my makeup craze. It was her message and philosophy as a makeup artist that struck me:

“To me, make-up is about making you feel happier, sexier and fresher. It’s not something that masks your natural skin. It exists as a factor to bring out the beauty within you”. “With RMK, the first thing people will notice is you, not your make-up. There is only one “you”: RMK is about an individual discovering and accentuating her own allure, enhancing the qualities that make you “you” in this world.” – RUMIKO

With heart aflutter, what self-respecting teen wouldn't fall for such an ideology? I loved it! I would hang around in their Sogo counter in Causeway Bay and just marvel at the elegant colors behind the stark simplicity. Everything, from the lipsticks, eye shadows, glosses, bases, brushes, I beheld as a beautiful spectacle. It is no surprise that my second foundation (the first was Awake which strayed in no time) was their now discontinued Powder Foundation N. I was loyal to it as if bound by contract. It wasn't that hard. Together with their famed Make up Base, they loved me, and I loved them back. It was the easiest and most fulfilling relationship. 

Actually, I've have had a long history with RMK. There was many a time when my mother would come back from Hong Kong armed with her staple RMK foundation and makeup bases. During holidays in HK, I would remember visiting the first Causeway Bay RMK counter located in the now-defunct Seibu. They gave out beautiful pamphlets with fruits printed on transparent plastic material. I also cut out their silver packaging with the words "Choose me, Take me, Open up," and pasted these along with the fruits adoringly on my daily planner. I would stare at them in reverie during recess and like magic, my spirits lifted up. Such warm memories : )

I would say, after MAC, RMK was the next cosmetic brand I obsessed about, and is also my first true cosmetic love. I profess that they have one of the best bases, lipsticks, lipglosses, jelly eyes, cheek colors, and makeup brushes in the market. Some products from the line that did not work for me include their Skintuner, UV Face Protector, Control Color N, Super Basic Liquid Concealer, Ingenious Natural Eyes N, Pencil Eyeliner & Pressed Powder (both the old versions), and Loose Powder. These did not deter me from trying out another item from their line, for it is a brand I already hold in high regard.

RMK Super Basic Concealer Pact 01 comes in two colors. I chose the lighter offering.
This pact contains two different-hued creamy concealers, one powder, and two brushes for applying the concealers and setting the powder. It is a nifty packaging that I thought would be very useful. But as someone who does not like bringing cosmetics out of the house, I didn't get much use of the brushes and powder. The powder brush is very soft and of good quality. Similarly, the concealer brush has a firm grip with smooth bristles.

I originally planned to use the lighter tone on my under eye circles, and the darker one on pimples and blemishes. But I soon found out that the formula is too thick and drying for the under eye area, so I have been using this pact solely for blemishes. Both are great for concealing redness, pimples, and other skin imperfections. The finish relies more on how the concealer is applied, which can look cakey when too much piled is on. This can be avoided using careful application by slowly layering the concealer. The colors can be mixed to one's skin tone easily. This 01 shade is particularly suited for lighter skin tones. These are good quality concealers and I don't regret buying the pact because the concealers work well. However, I do not find much use for the powder and powder brush because I use a separate loose powder to set my base makeup. The concealer brush is slightly tapered and applies the concealers very well.

It's got a large mirror. For on-the-go use, this is an indispensable concealer kit. I would definitely see myself using all of the items in this pact if I bring this out and have no access to other makeup.

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Make-up Removing Mousse

Naruko is fast becoming a top brand on my list. It is amazing how they can spurn out quality products at such reasonable prices. I dare say Naruko skincare is comparable to department store brands that have been around for decades.
Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Make-up Removing Mousse comes in a foam pump type of bottle. The narcissus plant is also known as the daffodil. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is regarded for its cooling properties. Naruko markets the Narcissus line as an all-in-one anti-aging product that targets all kinds of skin. 
It is the first time for me to use this kind of foamy oil-based make-up remover. I've been weaned on Japanese cleansing oils, so using this fluffy, airy substance that smells so wonderful is such an enjoyable treat. It is also very convenient and not messy to use. I usually use 3 full pumps when I put on foundation and 2 full pumps when wearing only makeup base. The best thing about this is that it cleans really, really well while maintaining the skin's natural moisture. I didn't experience any dryness after using this mousse. I still follow up with the usual Free & Clear cleanser, but use a smaller amount because the Narcissus Mousse has already successfully removed much of the makeup, dirt, and grime that the day accumulated. 
I still can't get over the fact that it's foamy and oil-based, removes heavy makeup successfully, and priced reasonably. For HK$90 at 150ml, it is one of the best skincare buys I ever made.
Naruko also believes in being environmentally-conscious, so all of its outer packaging can be cut-out and serve another purpose. Above is the box of the Makeup Removing Mousse, ready to be as useful as the product it housed before.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Lunasol Watery Makeup Base and Water Gel Foundation in OC 02

Lunasol is renowned for its Water Cream Foundation, a foundation comprised of 60% water. On spring 2011, the brand released a new makeup base and a gel-based foundation with 65% water content. It seems gels are the prevailing base makeup theme for spring and summer 2011, for Bourjois has also released an essence gel version of their Healthy Mix Foundation. Since the last Lunasol foundation I tried was Skin Fusing Powder Foundation from three years ago, I opted to give this base set a go. Initially, it was the gel factor which caught my interest, but the foundation turned out to be far from what I expected.
The Watery Makeup Base with an SPF of 27 PA++, true to its claim, leaves the skin brighter and more translucent. It does not smooth out uneven surfaces and pores though as stated in the product description. The first time I opened the tube, my eyes stung. I suspect it could be the witch hazel present in the product. However, it didn't happen again in the succeeding times I used it. To be fair, the makeup base didn't irritate my skin or cause any redness. The Lunasol Water Gel Foundation is water-based and has an SPF of 25 PA++. Usually, I ignore sunscreen factors in makeup because I always put on a separate sun protection product. The finish of the gel foundation is beautiful -- smooth and even. There is really nothing to complain about in terms of the finished look it provides. But I have a few qualms about it which I will state in the next few paragraphs.
I must admit that I always fall for Lunasol's style of packaging. The tubes look elegant and practical at the same time. The makeup base needs to be shaken before use and it is really watery because the product comes out very liquid-y. The foundation is surprisingly thick though, so much so that it has to be squeezed out of the tube. An effort to push the contents out of the bottle is necessary. I was expecting a light gel substance to come out of the container, but it is like cream foundation instead. It is easy to control the amount of product dispensed with this kind of texture in a tube container, however.
To the left, the makeup base proves to be way more watery; the gel on the right has an almost cream-like texture.
Blended out, the makeup base is a peachy skin tone color. The foundation looks quite yellow here, but it blends out pretty well on my NC20 skin. 
The overall thoughts I have on these products mainly take into account my skin type, which is oily, sensitive, pore-ous on the cheeks and nose, while also suffering from rosacea. In short, i am dealing with fussy skin. It takes in light, simple formulas but rejects heavy ones. I would know right away if a product suits me because it has no heavy feeling and "sits" well on the skin. At the end of the day, a product that works for me would mean that it didn't settle into and clog my pores, or gave me pimples. 

My skin can tolerate Watery Makeup Base a little better, because it is a lighter texture. However, I find that it still settled into my pores and left them slightly clogged. Water Gel Foundation, unfortunately, is too heavy for my skin to take. It is almost the same texture as cream foundation, which I was never able to tolerate. While it did not break me out (a very good thing), it started to slide off my face by midday and ended up in a cakey mess. By the time I removed all of my makeup, I found that it clogged my pores. I would not berate the quality of the ingredients for they did not cause me redness or acne. It is just not the right formula/consistency for my oily skin type. Typically most oily skin have visible pores, and the bigger the pores, the higher the chances of products settling in and thereby clogging them. 

These are excellent base makeup, providing medium to full coverage. The foundation really smooths out the the skin and makes it look naturally supple. I can imagine how wonderfully these would work for those with normal to dry skin types. In the meantime, these would probably work better for me during winter trips when my skin would be needing more moisture. Unfortunately, not in our hot, humid Manila weather.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Origins Quick, Hide! Concealer in 01 Light

(Many) Thanks to Rowena of Cosmetic Candy, I discovered Origins' Quick, Hide! Long-wearing concealer.
Quick, Hide! concealer glides on creamily, and the finish is so smooth without any dryness or caking. It is seriously the best concealer I have tried. This says a lot about the product, as I can be quite picky with concealers. I found NARS, once my go-to concealer, too dry for my now not so youthful skin. Bobbi Brown (the two-tiered compact that comes with yellow powder), was too thick therefore settled into a cakey mess. I had the same problem with RMK concealer liquid pen. The RMK compact concealer, which I will do a separate review of, is unfortunately too dry for me to use as an under eye concealer.  
It comes in a wand-type sponge tip applicator. Really, this feature makes it quick! Just dab dab on problem areas, and blend with fingers/brush. That's really just it. I think there are three shades available. I got this in 01 Light. It's the right color to camouflage my visible dark circles. It brightens the under eye area properly. It makes it look like skin having a good time. No strange white cast or yellowish puddle. 
Creamy goodness. The coverage is not too thin that it covers nothing or too opaque that it looks fake. In short, everything about it is just right. This concealer is convenient, with a good range of shades to choose from, and offers outstanding finish. Added to that, it is formulated without many controversial ingredients.
 Ingredients from the box:

Monday, June 20, 2011

Bourjois Ombre Stretch Eye Shadow in 13 Black Glitter

Bourjois is one of my favorite brands in the world. It also happens to be over one hundred years old. The fact that it is under Chanel's umbrella is a huge plus too. Much focus has been put on Bourjois' blushes in those little round cases. However, for a change, I shall be reviewing one of their eyeshadows. 
Those familiar with the brand would know that Bourjois also does eyeshadows in the round pots. The Ombre Stretch series belongs to another range of its eyeshadows. I really like the design of this packaging. You can see that the case has speckles of glitter on it because the shade is called Black Glitter. This is a thoughtful touch that makes a lot of difference.
The shadow is pressed into a thin rectangular shape accompanied by a similarly long eyeshadow brush with a clear handle. The brush is actually quite soft and tapered well. 
Here is a swatch using the brush in 2~3 swipes. This shadow can be messy (see the fall outs on top and most evidently in the bottom?), but with careful application, I think Black Glitter is a worthy shade. This works great for smoky eye looks because the shimmer is not all over the shadow. The black retains its matte finish, even if there are tiny specks of glitter on it. I like that the shimmers do not overpower the matte quality of the shadow at the same time also helping it not to be so flat.
The mirror is a nice touch too. My only complaint is that the case is hard to open. The push mechanism in the center is not that well-made. I guess one can forgo these little packaging glitches for a brand that delivers quality products at such reasonable prices.

Neal's Yard Remedies Lip Gloss

Neal's Yard Remedies is an English organic skincare brand that I chanced upon during my visit to Oxford earlier in the year. The brand has a whole range of products ranging from face, body, hair, mother & baby care, aromatherapy, even products for men. Being the beauty junkie, I jumped straight to their cosmetic offering. 
Their makeup collection is quite small consisting of lip glosses, eye pencil liners, and eye shadows in loose powder form. I tried two of their lip glosses, Rosehip and Mulberry. It says that these glosses do not contain parabens, silicones, or carmines. The brand is marketing its products heavily on its organic and therapeutic qualities. 
You can see the consistency is very different between the two products. Rosehip is far more liquid than Mulberry. In fact, it is dripping out of the container each time I open it. Mulberry is thicker and pastier in texture. Both contain slight shimmers that are not noticeable on the lips. Rosehip is a cheerful bright red shade. It applies transparent but the color is still evident. It has a shiny effect on the lips. Mulberry, on the other hand, is very pigmented. A little goes a long way with this shade, and it looks like a cross between a lipstick and gloss when put on. Almost opaque, it has none of the glassy finish of Rosehip. It is a muted plum shade which is close to my natural lip color.
They both sport slanted tips with screw-cap covers. They're 15ml for £9.50 each which is not bad at all. I'm actually having a hard time finishing these up. Overall, I prefer Mulberry because it is an easier color to wear, and more importantly, because it feels more comfortable on the lips and stays on longer owing to its texture. Rosehip can oftentimes feel like an oil slick on the lips. However, it is still a useful shade for a "casual" red look. Because it is not matte, or overly sheer, it provides the perfect balance of shade and consistency which make it an easy red to wear.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Coffret D'Or Lip Concelear Base + Elizabeth Nude Bon Bon Lipgloss

There are times when the occasion calls for nude lips. It can be at work, a casual day, or a deliberate attempt to tone down a strong makeup. However, not everyone is endowed with a naturally pale pucker. I would say that most people have a natural reddish tinge sans any lip product.
The remedy for this is covering the lips with concealers or applying light beige lip colors. The Coffret D'Or Lip Concealer Base (one shade only) comes in a slim tube-type twist up case. It is a fairly basic packaging. I chanced upon this on adambeauty years ago. Also bought from the same website, Nude Bon Bon Lipgloss in 04, is the most pigmented nude among the nude series lineup (4 colors in all). This range was in the Japanese top 3 lip gloss ranking in cosme.com some years ago.
The Nude Bon Bon on the left comes off as a milky color, andcan be layered easily to cover redness on the lips, yet is also not too beige or ashy that it washes out the complexion. I would guess that the slight red and orange undertone in this lip gloss helps in that respect. Coffet D'Or Lip Concealer Base, on the other hand, is a very dry stick. It is an absolute must to moisturize the lips before applying this concealer. It is not ultra pigmented so layering is still necessary with this one. I wouldn't call this a true nude, because there is a detectable orange tinge in the product. It covers the lips fairly well though, and is a good product to use for making other lip colors apply true to their shades on the tube.
Japanese description on CD'Or Lip Concealer Base

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Lunasol Noble Shade Liner + L'Oreal Paris Super Liner

My favorite liners are liquid types simply because they do not smudge. 
A case of attachment
My history with eyeliners is filled with failures and disappointment. Here is a rough list that smudged on me: MAC Fluidline, MAC Pencil Eyeliners, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, RMK Pencil Eyeliner, Kanebo Kate Gel Liner, Lunasol Pencil Eyeliner, Neal's Yard Eye Liner, In2It Waterproof Gel Eyeliner; basically all non-liquid formulas. And if they did not smudge, the color payoff was poor like Lunasol Intellectual Liquid Eyeliner, Koji Line Queen, and K-Palette Real Lasting 24 Hour Eyeliner.
It was absolute delight to have discovered these two eyeliners. Lunasol Noble Shade Liner in 02 Khaki Brown comes in an elegant glass container and bronzed cap. This type of packaging is hard to beat in my book as I fall for anything transparent, heavy, and shiny all at the same time. L'Oreal Paris Super Liner in Black Crystals comes with a "shake before use" instruction. I quite like the sound of beads clicking against the container.
A dripping rich elixir of bronze-brown with a hint of green defines Noble Shade Liner in Khaki Brown. Take a look at the stark color achieved with two coats. Absolutely captivating. This is high-quality liner in many respects. The depth, complexity, and final effect of this shade is not easy to find in or replicate with other brands. The lasting power is very good but not as strong as L'Oreal Super Liner. The brush tip is fine and soft. The liquid dries in no time.

To the right, Super Liner is shown in one coat. The pigmentation is a real feat. It lasts the whole day, even longer than the Noble Shade Liner. The felt tip makes the task of applying eyeliner quite elementary. Every time I use this, it feels like drawing my face using a Pentel pen (household name here for soft/felt-tip marker pens). Imagine how a pen dries as it applies; this is the same with the Super Liner. This shade in Black Crystals is supposed to provide a glittery effect but it doesn't manifest so much. It is hard to say this with most of my makeup, but these two I consider as great buys and have absolutely no regrets acquiring. 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Chanel Rouge Coco + Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited

Two lipsticks belonging to the world's most famous brands caught me by surprise as I usually partake a dubious view on what is considered holy and great by many. 
My very first Chanel lipstick (thank you SS) is Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle. Although I remember using a Chanel Hydrabase (?) in a lovely galactic pink shade for my senior prom, courtesy of my sister's bf, little did I know that after x years I would be in possession of an iconic lipstick, and surprisingly I do not regret it. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in BG 945 was a gift from my mom's friend and was passed on to me because she didn't like the shade. The packaging of both brands appeals to completely opposite tastes. Chanel is favored by some for its classy, timeless appeal. Shu Uemura is often criticized as looking like cheap cosmetics. I love both equally. 
Chanel definitely weighs more and therefore feels the more expensive. Its traditional black and gold combination coupled with the famous double C logo, instantly gives its high fashion pedigree away. I guess its appeal lies in the fact that its value is so pronounced and easy to spot. I particularly like the extra "click" sound the cap makes when it is closed shut. Shu Uemura's packaging in my opinion, is just as worthy of praise. To give it its due, it was the first department store cosmetic brand that adopted the concept of clean lines and simplicity. (Now we have other such brands - RMK, another beloved line - comes to mind). It reflects a sort of elegance, and is not lacking in quality at all. There is something seductive about the completely see-through packaging. I dropped my BG 945 once and surprisingly it didn't crack or form blurry patches. The cap and body fell apart and I was able to easily assemble the mechanism back with the lipstick intact. It looks fragile but in fact it is really well-made. 
At first glance, the shades look almost identical, belonging to the same rosewood family.
Above, Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle swatched once; Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in BG 945 swatched twice~thrice.
Swatched on the left, Mademoiselle looks like it has a lot more warm orange undertone. To the right, BG 945 is a lot cooler and pinker. Honestly I would never have pointed out the difference had I not put them side by side on bare skin. I always wondered how they are both similar and yet at the same time not quite so when worn on the lips. Rouge Coco is quite pigmented and has a more velvety texture compared to Rouge Unlimited. The effect is stronger also. As I mentioned before, Japanese lipsticks tend to be sheerer and produce a beautiful watery finish. This is also the case with Rouge Unlimited. 
Essentially, both are rosy colors bordering on natural lip tones. Their top-notch textures are a real treat. They are both great for "my lips but better" (MLBB) days because both shades brighten up the skin tone while maintaining a neutral look at the same time.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Dior x 2(Maquillage) Lips

I grew up accustomed to seeing my mother use branded cosmetics, and Dior was one of her staple lipsticks. In one of her rare moments to share ideas that would genuinely do someone good, she disclosed that Estee Lauder and Christian Dior make the best lipsticks in the market. Of course, this was during her time, and though it is still true today, many other brands can now hold their own in terms of lipstick quality. Among Japanese brands, Shiseido Maquillage is widely regarded as the lipstick connoisseur.
Seen here from left to right are Rouge Dior in Pink Scene 568, Maquillage Moisture Rouge (Color On Type) in BE231, and Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS208.
Among the three, Dior feels the most luxurious with its sturdy and heavy packaging. The dark blue quilted design also adds to its chicness and elegance. Both Maquillage lipsticks have bejeweled caps on top, but the Moisture Rouge is made of the flimsiest material. The Lasting Climax Rouge has a sleek, solid feel to it, which I quite like. These Maquillage lipsticks were all released two or three years ago, but I believe the ranges are still sold on adambeauty.
Shades of mauve, beige, and pink. 
Rouge Dior (on the left) applies so easily, like velvet coating the lips with rich color right away. The above color was swatched only once. Pink Scene is a rosy mauve veering on violet speckled with gold. I wouldn't say this is an every day lipstick. It is a more dramatic color therefore I would usually wear it for evening affairs paired with a dress in the purple/black family. I also like that this is a moisturizing lipstick. 
In the middle, Maquillage M Rouge in BE231, is my go-to lipstick for a pale look. The nude in it is balanced with a peachy orange so it does not wash out the complexion. Japanese lipsticks are more often sheerer than their Western counterparts. This was swatched around four times. It can be drying on the lips, that is why I always apply a lip balm before hand. 
Lasting Climax Rouge in RS208 on the right is a very cool toned pink/rose lipstick. It is great for a rosy pale look. This one is moisturizing, but the color applies on the sheer side. It was swatched four to five times. 
These aren't no-brainer lipsticks. I would say they're more "occasion" lipsticks that need to be paired with a look or an outfit properly. For their price and quality, I think they are well worth to have in one's collection. Both brands have a wide range of colors to choose from which can cater to most tastes and needs.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

CHIC CHOC Magical Shiny Eye Pencil EX02

Chic Choc is a line of cosmetics by Kanebo known for its eyeliners. 
There are many shades to choose from this line, from basic matte and shimmery blacks, browns, and grays to brighter colors such as pink, aqua, blue, violet, and even silver.
The shade featured here is EX02, a pale champagne pink that shimmers. It applies with medium smoothness, not buttery soft or rock hard that it pulls against the lids. While EX02 does not smudge, I find this shade just blends in the skin and does not really show up when applied as a regular liner on the upper lids. It is best used on the inner rims, but even there it is kind of dull and does not improve any eye makeup look. It does not show up on my NC20 skin very well. Perhaps this shade would suit paler skin tones better.
Having also tried the shimmery brown from this line which smudged and resulted to brown panda eyes, I think Chic Choc can do something to improve their formula. However there is also a glittery gray that is my favorite among the three but it is not pictured because I have given it to my sister who would find more use for it. It is a great silvery gray that can be used to line the lower rims and gives off a special sexy kind of effect. 

Oddly, Chic Choc (to my knowledge) can't be found in Japan, however it is sold in Taiwan.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

M.A.C. Russian Red

I would say Lancome Juicy Tubes was my first "grown-up" cosmetics, but receiving a MAC Paints eyeshadow (now discontinued) for my 17th birthday was the bomb that kick-started my passion for makeup. It is for this reason that most of my makeup firsts were from MAC - blushes, eyeliners, powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, brushes, strangely, but never any of their famous foundations. However, as I delved deeper into makeup, I have since abandoned the brand except for its range of brushes, which to me are one of the best in the market. I have only a few MAC items left in my vanity, and one of them is this lipstick in Russian Red. 
I got it through the Back2MAC program. It is one of the famous reds under MAC's matte formula. Even though I have only worn this shade out once, I love everything about it.
Russian Red leans on the cooler side of reds (perhaps of the cold winters in Russia?). In all honesty, this shade is hard to pull off without fault on my yellow-based skin. However, it reminds me so much of the "Red" shade in my childhood Crayola set - a dark, vibrant red. When I look at this MAC tube, I see my red crayon and I truly like the interpretation. 
It is a household name among makeup devotees for the long time it has been in MAC's permanent collection. For those who love reds, this classic will do you no wrong. 

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense BB Cream Essence

Naruko is a Taiwanese brand created by Niu-er, a beauty guru famous in East Asia. This brand focuses on Niu-er's personal involvement in formulating the products, making use of natural ingredients together with cutting-edge research and technology, while taking efforts to care for the environment.
The brand features a wide range of products catering to different needs. Among the many different types of series such as Niaouli & Tea Tree for controlling oil; Magnolia to brighten and firm; Rose & Snow Fungus for hydration, Marjoram & Lavender for brightening; Job's Tears for whitening and cooling; Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid to soothe and minimize pores; the Narcissus range for all skin types stood out to me because of its "Total Defense" system which does all of the above while delaying aging at the same time. 
Perhaps the most frequent complaints I read about the Narcissus Total Defense BB Cream Essence are its sheer finish and lack of SPF. Surprisingly, these are the attributes that make the Narcissus BB the best BB cream I have tried for my oily, sensitive, dehydrated, rosacea-ic skin. It does not settle into or clog my pores because of its light formula. I suspect because it does not contain too many chemicals but rather a lot of plant extracts that it has been so skin-friendly. I also always use a separate sunscreen whether my makeup has SPF or not. On the one hand, Naruko has released a new version of this with SPF 50.  
It is lighter in color and more pink-based compared to the more traditional ashy Korean BB creams. One problem I had with Korean BB creams was they almost always caused my skin to breakout or form spots after use. This cream does not cover pimples or pimple scars because the finish is very light. However, it does unify and brighten the complexion in a subtle way, and that makes a lot of difference if you know what I am saying. The best thing about this BB cream for me is it's not occlusive. I can still feel my skin breathe with this product on. 
Here is the box inside-out. There are instructions inside on how to make this but it is fairly easy. Just follow the lines and cut. I wish I took pictures of the ingredients on the outer portion, but in my excitement, it was instantly "recycled." Try to catch some of the ingredients:
Naruko is currently sold online in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, US, and Sasa.com. It is also found in Colourmix Hong Kong, where I got my Naruko products. Aside from Naruko, Niu-er has created a skincare line under the am pm brand, and a basic line under Naruko BASIC.