Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Essence

Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is one ingredient that can be seen in many skincare products today. Its popularity lies in its ability to deliver moisture in larger quantities per molecule and for a longer period of time than other humectants or emollients. 

Juju's Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Essence is a purely hyaluronic treatment, and is generally well-received as a product which delivers superb moisturization without the addition of many chemical nasties. 

It comes in a blue opaque, heavy glass bottle.

Product description.

The pump mechanism squirts out a clear, gel like fluid. One pump releases about a pea-sized amount, which is just enough for the entire face.

Sadly, this did not really help my skin condition. It didn't make my skin any better. The texture was a bit sticky while being spread, but it quickly dries once settled down. However, I found my face felt tight afterwards, and actually felt quite rubbery. It did not provide softness or moisturization. On the other hand, it didn't give me allergic reactions. This has received rave reviews from majority of people who have used it though, so it might be worth a try to see if HA works for you or not.

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.