I started using Kose Medicated Sekkisei way back before I decided to review things. I found my another unused/unopened product in my cabinet and thought that this product actually deserves a review.

  
Kose Medicated Sekkisei claims: (description taken from Sekkisei Website)

• A medicated lotion with carefully selected oriental herbal extracts that leaves the skin moist, refreshed, fine-grained and beautiful as pure snow.
• Contains highly moisturizing ophiopogon tuber extract, rose myrtle extract and more. Richly hydrates the skin for enhanced translucency.
• The exquisite balance of water and oil provides both superb permeation and hydration. Leaves the skin’s surface feeling supple but never sticky. Creates beautifully translucent and well-hydrated skin that hides pores well and keeps the skin grain plump.
• Contains two types of oleic acid derivatives for better permeation, allowing the lotion to penetrate easily into skin that is rough and dry.

Key Ingredients: Coix Seed, Angelica Root, Melothria, Ophiopogon Tuber, Rose Myrtle

Price: ¥500, tax excluded for 24ml (got it on sale at ¥300, tax excluded)

Country of Origin: Japan 

 
I bought this on a whim when I went to Tokyo spring last year. I first saw a full-size bottle in Don Quixote but I find it quite expensive (¥5,000++) for a 200ml bottle. So when I saw a 24ml trial bottle in a drugstore (and it's on sale too, at ¥300), I decided to get 2 bottles to try on.

The bottle despite being a plastic really gives the product an expensive and sophisticated feel. If you're an impulsive type of shopper, the bottle alone gives you a good feel to buy this at its regular price. Great design can really make or break a product (sorry, I cant stop my graphic designer self).


Kose Medicated Sekkisei Enriched has a strong herbal scent which is neither offensive nor soothing. I can't find a full english translation of the ingredients but I believe it contains a herbs and flower based ingredients but it has alcohol as well. I noticed that a lot of Japanese beauty products are using alcohol, and most of the time is one of the top ingredients. So I'm guessing that the smell of this Medicated Sekkisei really comes from the mix of alcohol, flower, and herbs.


Unlike most toners which is clear and transparent, Kose Medicated Sekkisei Enriched has a whitish translucent color when in bottle. You can apply it with cotton or pat it with your palms and fingers, though I prefer the former.


I was able to finish my 24ml bottle in 1 month, more or less, used every night. In that span, Kose Medicated Sekkisei Enriched helped my skin to have a slightly soft texture but didn't help my acne problem back then. I also noticed that my skin dried a bit so I have to exfoliate at least twice a week.

Since I opened my 2nd bottle recently, I am slowly adding it again in my skin night regimen. I'm trying to use it every other night and so far no breakouts or drying of skin. I guess this toner is not for me nor I'll think of getting it in full size though I'm actually interested to try their other products, especially their suncare and bb creams.

Have you tried Kose Medicated Sekkisei Enriched?

Have you heard of the "scream serum"? As funny as it sounds, it's actually a thing in K-beauty. "Scream serum" are actually serums that will make you scream because it stings when you apply it. It sounds scary, right? Like, why would you put something like that in your skin? Is that even safe?

Well, that's the catchy hashtag from Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum. They explained that when you apply the serum in your skin the more it stings means that your skin is badly damaged by external factors. And the longer you use the serum the lesser it stings as it repairs the damage(s) in your skin.


Of course, that again, piqued my curiosity. Late last year, I was in desperate need of a good serum that will help the tight feeling in my face and neck area. I read that oil-based serums doesn't just combat dryness but acne as well. These are my two major skin problems aside from very dull skin (of course, because of dryness). With all the good brands that carry great oil-based serums, both my brain and heart *lol* brought me to this product.

Claims: 
Improves skin health and minimizes pore problems. Recommended to people whose skin is starting to have small wrinkles, multiple skin troubles, dry skin, and loosening pores.

Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated palm oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Argania spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Aminobutyric acid, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Sodium chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine

Price: PhP 640.00 (approx. US$ 12) but got it on sale: PhP416.00 (approx. US$ 8)

Country of Origin: Korea 



When I opened my box carrying this product, the smell reeks out in the box— a very strong citrus(y) smell. It's not that bad but it's my first time to encounter a product that has a very strong smell, that the whole box smelled as if it's full of lemons and other citrus fruits. I even read a review where she puts the bottle inside her bag just to make her bag smell fruity.



The Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum is made with basically plant oils and fruit extract. You can actually see that the oil separates from the water extract. The first ingredient is Aloe leaf extract which will give you a great relief if you have a sensitive skin—aloe vera is known to calming ingredient to sensitive skin. 


You have to mix the product well to make sure that the oil will mix with the water. You just have to be quick because they separate quite quick. When applying the serum, you have to put and rub the product in your palms, and pat it gently in your face. I read in some forums that oil serums are best applied in gentle patting motion than rubbing. This will increase the absorption rate of the serum in your skin.

It takes time for the Fresh Herb Origin Serum to be absorbed in your skin. After patting, I usually let it absorbed for about 2-5 minutes before applying my moisturizer. The texture is actually oily but it sinks well in the skin. I think the aloe vera water and other plant extracts helped the absorption of the oil.

As for the painful application, well it did sting in some parts of my skin where there's a lot of acne and dryness but it's tolerable. Not sure how the others measured the pain, but as far as I know I have high tolerance when it comes to pain. It did sting for at least a week in some areas, and still stings everytime I do skin damaging activities like staying out in the sun for quite long or driving all day (aircon and sun combo). 

But what I noticed was the improvement in my skin texture; it's more fine and the pores around my nose and cheeks are smaller (can still see but better). My foundation also looks more natural and soft, and stays well, no dry patches or whatsoever. Also, I can pop my whiteheads easier now. I remember during my first week of use of this serum, while washing my face, I noticed that my face is so smooth and soft. Like what the Japanese call the "mochi skin". If you had tried glycolic peel before, you know how soft your skin is after it peels, that's the exact softness I felt. It will also leave a dewy look on your skin even when you put your daily foundation on, unless you're using a full coverage, matte foundation.

As for my acne, I still get hormonal acne or if I eat something that I'm allergic at. So this product won't shoo away your pimples, but it will actually help in improving your skin condition.

Overall, I really love this serum. I'm about to finish my current bottle and planning to get a second one. If you have skin problems or planning to get your first serum, I can totally recommend Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum. Aside from the natural ingredients, it's affordable and it works!

What's your favorite oil-based serum? ♥♥♥

I bet we all had that experience where a pesky pimple pops out in the most undesirable place at the most undesirable time. I did. As someone who has an acne prone skin, I keep on purchasing products that can zap a zit overnight.

So when there's a raved product available, you just have to try it and cross your finger that it will do magic on you. Then I found CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch.



CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch has a good rating everywhere and raved by K-Beauty users. I've tried several acne patches before but they all ended up rotting in my closet and eventually thrown them out. So I was hoping that this will work, at least, and my money won't go to waste.

Claims: Heals acne blemishes quickly while preventing future breakouts.

Materials: Cellulose gum, Styrene Isoprene Styrene Block Copolymer, Polyisobutylene, Petroleum resin, Polyurethane Film, Liquid Paraffin, Tetrakis Methane

Content: 24 patches

Price: PhP190.00 (approx. US$ 4)

Country of Origin: Korea

CosRx is known for using few ingredients in their products. Based on the ingredients, I'm not quite sure which ingredient zaps the pimple. Someone, please enlighten me.


It's nice that they provided an English instruction on how to use the patches.



One pack contains 24 patches with different sizes—just choose which one fits that pesky zit. I place the patch overnight (at least 10-12 hours) and remove it the next morning. 

It'll look like this after you remove it.

I actually tried this in a pimple that has a visible comedone and one that's only red, painful, but no comedone. 

I'll start with red, painful, and no yet visible comedone pimple. Depends on the size and how it inflamed it is, the CosRx Acne pimple patch  will help reduce the inflammation and redness overnight. The pimple is still there the next day, but it's already manageable and can be concealed. But for bigger zits, maybe you can use a spot treatment before going to bed and let it dry first then put this patch. That could dramatically reduce the inflammation overnight but still needs a little make-up magic the next day.

For pimples with pus or visible comedones, this patch will not absorb the pus. It'll only reduce the redness and size and will help in removing comedones less painful. Most likely, the comedone will pop during warm showers so make sure to apply a spot treatment medicine to combat further infections.

So is CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch worth it? For me, yes. I find it really hard to conceal red and huge inflamed pimples so reducing the redness and size really matters to me. For someone who faces people for work, you don't want them to stare at your screaming zit. And you can actually wear this at work (or when you go out) if the place of your zit can be covered by hair, since the patch is actually translucent and slightly yellowish.

What's your favorite acne emergency product? ♥♥♥

Okay, I thought of naming my face mask posts as "Quick Mask!". I know it sounds like corny or cliché, but hey, using a face mask is like taking a quick break from our routine and is truly relaxing.

The first mask that I'm going to review is from a Korean brand called make p:rem.



make p:rem Comfort me. Air Mask claims:
Is made from100% Eco-friendly vegetable air fabric that lightly wraps around the skin as if nothing has been done, creating a comfortable skin condition. Contains a refreshing oxygenated water and a skin-like structure of ceramide, which provides a smooth, moist skin.

Ingredients:

How to use:

Price: PhP 51.00 (approx. US$1.10)

Country of Origin: Korea

I picked this mask because of price and curiosity. It's really affordable and the brand itself is new to me, but I'm also skeptical to try it for the same reason. But I guess everyone is always scared to try something new at some point because it might not work on you, or worst, it'll cause allergies to your beloved skin.

When I open the Make p:rem Comfort me Air mask, I thought that it's just like the other masks in the market—mask is drowning in water-like serum, but it's not. You'll be a little disappointed because there's not enough serum for your arms, legs, and other body parts to indulge. Well, maybe there's enough for arms or legs. 

The serum is actually quite thick, translucent, and a little slimy. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to use it in the morning as skin care before makeup but it's totally fine as a night time mask.


While the mask is not drowning in serum, it is well soaked. Also, the mask is so thin (thinnest mask I've encountered so far) and almost invisible when in your skin that you have to be really careful in removing the plastic film. (I know that I looked silly to put the plastic film in my face instead of removing it first. But it's the my best way to show the film).

I love how the mask fits in my face. I have an average oval shape and size face and the holes of the mask fits well. After I remove the mask, it took a while for my skin to absorb the serum and it feels heavy and sticky on the skin. I have to pat my face for around 2-3 minutes but still the serum is not fully absorbed. 

Usually my skin feels tight, dry, and oily by midday but I noticed that 3 or 4 days after I used the mask my skin doesn't feel tight and (too)oily. For that period, I only use a half part of my oil blotting paper and no dry spots too! My face has a dewy look even after blotting. I guess this is the power of ceramide.

Maybe the downside of this mask is that it gave me a few small pimples after. But maybe hormones also added to the pimple reason. But overall, I like it. With its price and effect, most likely I'll still pick this mask whenever my skin feels really dry especially during the cold and dry season. ♥♥♥