Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask

I have had a great start with Clarins' HydraQuench line, beginning with the cream-gel moisturizer when it was first released. For those with normal skin, it is one of the good moisturizers around (except that it contains alcohol). Since I started my sheet mask routine some years back, it is a weekly maintenance that has become a habit. The HyraQuench Cream-Mask is a wash off type mask that promises to restore the skins' moisture balance. Let's see about that. 

In recognizable Clarins' packaging.

Product description.

Jacques, yet again.

Cream mask in a tube. 

The SA did say the mask is safe to spread over the eye area, and so far I had no reactions doing so. It is supposed to be left for 5 to 10 minutes, and removed with a toner. I wash it off with water instead. My ideal time with this mask is 5 minutes, any more than that will cause my face to react -- not exactly sure why. When I do follow the 5-minute constraint, I am left with soft supple skin. It is worth noting that I use this after I wash with the Clarisonic Mia; I use both products once a week. 

The hole is small enough so the product is easy to control. The cream smells like the rest of the HyraQuench range -- a fresh, plant-based fragrance.

Creamy white product. Overall, this mask provides basic moisturizing properties; I would probably not repurchase because it does not provide other benefits for me, and it being a tricky business not being able to leave it on for too long without a reaction.

Pamphlet. 

Products under the HydraQuench line. 

Inspiration from nature. 

Ingredients list. 

Sizuku Natural Pulp Essence Face Masks

I first read about Sizuku's Natural Pulp Essence Face Masks on ratzillacosme.com. This mask series was on Ratzilla's best picks list, and naturally tickled my fancy because of her stringent measures on skincare and makeup. Sizuku masks come in eight variants. They are manufactured by Love Labo, same makers of the famous Bihada Ichizoku masks.

The eight types supposedly come in varying moisture content. From top left (aloe) being the most hydrating, to bottom right (yuzu) being the least moisturizing. 

Yuzu. They all come in black, razor thin type of packaging with a foil feel. Stacking all eight together would barely form an inch. The appealing layout and design belie the fact that this is a Japanese drugstore brand mask.

 Peony.

Grape.

Apple.

Madonnalily.

Rice.

 Soybean.

Aloe.

The 21ml content is very generous. There was a lot of essence left on the pack after removing the sheet - enough to spread about two layers on the neck and two more over the mask. The sheet is of a thin type but strong quality. It should fit into the contours of most people without trouble. See another blogger's post here for photos of the actual mask. 
 
There isn't any difference among the eight types/flavors, except for (all) the lovely scent. They all moisturized at about the same level. To be honest, I didn't find anything spectacular from these masks, and would say I even had one or two mild allergic patches on the cheeks after taking them off (though this is common for me with sheet-type masks). It provided basic moisturization but I didn't see any extra plumpness, whitening, or shrinking of some pores. 

Overall, these masks offer basic hydration and would benefit those with young, trouble-free skin. It's better to look elsewhere for those targeting more specific results. The friendly price is one plus, though. I bought these masks from adambeauty.com. 

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Collection

Last Christmas I was surprised by my sisters with Clarins' Beauty Flash Balm Collection (thank you 大姐 and 三姐). The Yuletide-themed box features red balls and ribbons.  

It contains the famous Beauty Flash Balm, Instant Definition Mascara in 01 Intense Black, and Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer. 

The three products are meant to bring instant results into one's beauty regime. 

Opening . . . the box reveals a gold cosmetics case. 

The box states it is made of recycled materials. Eco-friendly is the way to go.

The case features an oval shape made of soft material. It is laterally roomy but may not easily keep tall bottles or bulkier products. These three wonders fit perfectly inside.  

The Beauty Flash Balm comes in its original 50ml size, while the Instant Definition Mascara and Natural Lip Perfector come in 3ml and 5ml sample sizes respectively. 

Beauty Flash comes sealed hygienically with a foil on the opening. This product has actually been around for a long time and is one of Clarins' classic releases. I remember trying this for the first time many years ago and loved the effect it gave. The product comes out as a peachy-flesh color which disappears into the skin when applied. It has a plant-based scent which lingers for a few minutes and dissipates. I find this product to have the best effects when used sparingly. Too much and the skin looks oily and tired. When the perfect amount is used (usually a small squirt) it really does its magic of making the skin look brighter and more revitalized. It can even work as a primer for normal/dry skin types. I personally use it on its own as it is already a little too heavy for me to top up with foundation or powder. I like the glow it gives but I don't use it every day as it has a tendency to clog pores. 

Above the pamphlet introduces two ways of using this product -- as a booster or as a mask. I haven't really tried using this as a mask as this method comes across as too rich for my skin type. 

The Instant Definition Mascara comes in a black tube with a gold metallic cap. 

The pigments in this mascara produces an inky black effect when applied to the lashes. 

The brush has short bristles and tapers to a narrow tip. I find this kind of tip helps reach into the inner lashes more easily. The best way to apply this mascara is to layer when it has slightly dried. It can be a bit too heavy for my sparse lashes, so I only use minimal coatings. Sometimes when I use too much it makes my lashes clump together. However, at the right amount it separates the lashes and gives a dark, smokey effect that is very attractive. It doesn't have curling properties so an eyelash curler is best paired with this product. Overall, this is a mascara that needs an expert hand, and not really one that is easy to use on an everyday basis. It does "dress" the eyes in an instant by giving it a sooty look. 

The Natural Lip Perfector comes in a pink tube befitting its Rose Shimmer shade. The golden cap adds a nice elegant touch to the look. 

Above is the applicator in pristine condition. The white fuzzy-textured tip gives way to a pink shade. This lip product is not really a lip gloss or a balm. It comes out as a pinkish gel-type liquid that coats the lips subtly with color and understated shine. The best part is it moisturizes the lips and makes it healthy-looking. I feel my lips are nourished throughout the time I wear this. There are two other shades in Apricot and Nude Shimmer, which I would definitely look into. This product is probably my favorite lip product of all time because it is practical and satisfies my beauty-related needs at the same time (not to mention the wonderful scent that accompanies it). 

The Instant Light series continues above. 

Ingredients for Beauty Flash Balm. 

Ingredients for Natural Lip Perfector and Instant Definition Mascara. 

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Night Gelly

Naruko's Night Gelly series has gained popularity as an overnight mask/moisturizer. There are other kinds of Naruko Night Gellies with hydrating, whitening, or firming functions. The Narcissus is an anti-aging range targeting all skin types. 

It comes in a simple sturdy box. Since it is a homegrown Taiwanese brand, it is introduced mainly in Traditional Chinese text. I've only put my trust in Japanese, French, and lately, Korean skincare, but after reading up on Taiwan's Naruko created by famous beauty guru Niu-er, it came across as a solid brand that put a premium on extensive research and safe efficacy. After using the Narcissus Total Defense Night Gelly for over a month, I can understand why it is such a widely accepted product despite its young presence in the beauty industry.

Welcoming the Night Gelly. I could see the lavender print that would form part of a recycled box.  This inner side of the carton is smoother than the outer part.

The product comes in a generous 60ml jar. This is a welcome change as I usually get 30ml, at most 50ml of moisturizer with other brands. The violet jar is quite heavy on its own, and I like the luxurious feel of it. The label has smooth edges and sticks properly too. The font also goes well with the brand. The reason why I'm marveling at these small details is because even though Naruko rivals many department store brands in terms of product quality and packaging, it is also easy on the pocket.

Introduced as an overnight mask, it works wonders as an evening moisturizer for me. I haven't found the need to conduct my bi-weekly sheet mask routine since using this product. 

There's a white round plastic lid separating the product from the screw cap cover. 

The translucent mask is thick and gooey at first touch like jelly paste indeed, but I would recommend a big dollop for the entire face as it applies light and watery. There are a few things I require in a basic moisturizer for my sensitive, oily skin type. One is for it to moisturize my skin without drying it out or oiling it up more than necessary. The Narcissus Total Defense Night Gelly provides me with effective balanced moisturizing. I wake up with skin that feels smooth and looks even, without breakouts caused by the product. I would mention that I also apply serum and specific treatment products prior to this Night Gelly (I will review them in a separate post). This Night Gelly seals those products in properly, additionally providing excellent hydration on its own. This is the virtue of Night Gelly. Hydrated skin looks naturally more plump and well-rested.  I could definitely see the less-than-desirable difference in the morning on times I skip this product. It's an indispensable finishing skin care step for my nighttime routine.

It comes with a a white spatula. I like the size and curves of this one.

Application insrtuctions in Chinese.

 Ingredients list.

Maximizing product life: how to transform your Naruko carton.

Ta-da!