Toners -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Soothing White Hydra Milk
modernabsurdity 10/16/2011 9:35:00 PM
This is the second toner in the apple line meant to be used after the hydra essence and before serum. The texture is a light, milky one that when used with the illuminating cotton pads is a great prep for your serum. It doesn't breakout my combo skin and in conjunction with the hydra essence toner it has helped give my skin a more milky, translucent quality and help reduce my acne scars. I think this a quality toner that's worth trying. I went through one bottle and repurchased but when I'm done with my current one I'll be moving on to the Raw Job's Tears line because I have beauty wanderlust. If it doesn't work I'll definitely be going back to the apple line!
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Niaouli & Tea Tree Acne Clay Cleanser
modernabsurdity 10/16/2011 9:27:00 PM
Yay! I'm glad someone posted a review for this. This is hands-down the best cleanser for oily/acne skin or when you need some deep cleansing. It's great because you can use it three different ways. First, just as a regular cleanser. Second, as an overall face mask or spot treatment post cleansing. Third way is my favorite, massaging it on at the beginning of my shower and letting it sit on my face while I wash my body, exfoliate, shave, etc. The steam from the shower combined with the clay and the active ingredients is like a mini spa treatment. Costs about $16 USD from Naruko US but I think it's worth it as I have yet to find another clay cleanser that has multiple purposes and really helps unclog my pores and reduce oil without stripping or drying my skin. Absolutely a repurchase and highly recommended even if you'll use it once in a while.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Naruko-Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Soothing White Hydra Essence
modernabsurdity 10/16/2011 9:18:00 PM
I quite like this toner. It has a viscous texture that feels calming and soothing on the skin. I use it along with the hydra milk (the 120 ml milky toner) and saw good results. I noticed my acne scarring was reduced and my red splotches calmed down. I've used two bottles of this and I do recommend trying it once. It worked well as part of my night routine for my combo skin and the texture made it a good step for preparing my skin for the emulsion/milky toner. I have repurchased but after I finish my current bottle I'll be trying the Raw Job's Tears line to see if it whitens my overall complexion instead of just targeting dark spots.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Naruko Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Soothing White Serum
modernabsurdity 10/16/2011 9:06:00 PM
As much as I enjoy the toner and emulsion/milky toner from this line, the serum was a total miss for me. :( The texture is a milky gel-cream that smells good (sadly no apple scent) and absorbs well. The purpose of this line is to reduce dark spots/pigmentation, which for me is mild acne scarring. I really can't say I think this did a thing for me. I did an experiment where I continued to use the toner and milky toner as a control but swapped to a different serums. IMO, the two other products are much better than the serum. I even switched serums multiple times and I really think it was the toners that made all the difference. I don't recommend this because the price is too high for a serum that doesn't do much. I have shop from Naruko US where it cost $29 USD (!). There's better serums like the lavender and nighttime narcissus ones (both $23.50) that are cheaper and gave me better results. There's a ton of great Naruko products, but unfortunately this isn't one of them. I'll be trying the Raw Job's Tears serum next.
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Moisturizers -100 Percent Pure - Pure Argan Hydration Moisturizer SPF 30
modernabsurdity 6/23/2011 10:28:00 PM
I absolutely hated this product at first. 100 Percent Pure can have odd hits and misses IMO. At first I treated it like a sunscreen and was putting it on top of all my daytime Naruko products. It ended up as an oily, greasy disaster. I'm sticking to my Diorsnow for face protection. Not wanting to waste it on account of it containing 24.8% Zinc Oxide that left no white cast (WIN WIN WIN) I began using it on my neck, chest, hands and feet. Now it's officially my HG "other use" sunscreen. It moisturizes beautifully and doesn't get greasy when I use it on those areas. Your chest and hands can never get enough sun protection. I would recommend it on your face to someone who has a far less complex skin routine than me. :) It comes in a nice glass bottle and has a nice, sanitary pump dispenser. I'm almost out of my bottle and have ordered another. For $26 for 2 oz it may be pricey to some, but it's totally worth it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Niaouli & Tea Tree T-Zone Blackhead Remover
modernabsurdity 6/23/2011 10:10:00 PM
Eventually, there had to be some Naruko product that didn't quite do it for me. This is it. I've always had issues with blackheads on my nose so I was eager to try it and managed to get it in a set. It's a clay treatment you apply, let sit, and massage off. It feels cool and tingly sitting on your face. :) It did help loosen the buggers up, but there is no magic bullet for blackheads. I don't think this is a bad product, but reason I won't repurchase is you can use the clay cleanser from the Tea Tree line the exact same way. You save $ and you can buy the clay cleanser which cleanses, can be used as an all-over mask, and spot treatment. Personally, I want the most bang for my buck and I don't think paying $17 USD for 30 ml is worth it when the cleanser costs he same and is 120 ml. I should also note that on the Taiwanese website it looks like the Tea Tree line has been revamped and the blackhead remover is no longer available, but is on the US site for sale.
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Styling Products -Beyond The Zone - Waxed Out Mousse Wax
modernabsurdity 6/15/2011 9:04:00 PM
Having super layered hair couldn't last forever. We had to break up. It was like having a very high maintenance significant other. Now I'm growing my hair out while maintaining light layers that aren't super stacked.. A lot of my old fathfuls had to be put aside and I wasn't sure what to use. I have a full head of fine, partially wavy hair that's now about 6 inches past my collarbone. I needed something to give me that oomph and lift. Times like this are what makes me love Sally's. I figured I could try something cheap first before hitting up the pro-only supply shops. Waxed Out caught my eye because it reminded me a lot of this Redken product I used in 2003-2004 when my hair was short. I recall loving the hybrid texture of mousse and wax and how well it worked with my hair. The bottle claimed to give texture, body, and separation. Bingo! For less than $5 I didn't have much to lose. I use this on damp hair post towel-drying. I can't stress enough how important it is to not dispense a big glob like regular mousse. I take small amounts, work it through my hair and then comb. If you have too much concentrated in one area you'll get a hot mess. I use this on my roots, but only a tiny amount. From there, I have 3 styling options I typically choose from. The first one is to scrunch and let completely air dry. When I do this, my layers get some very natural definition and separation. The second option is diffuse for a minute or two only massaging my roots and lightly scrunching the rest of my hair. I get nice root lift along with some small oomphage. Option 3 is my favorite when I have the extra time and don't feel lazy. I use a concentrator attachment on my roots and diffuse dry either until my hair is completely or 75% dry. I get the most awesome, defined, messy, big, saucy bed-head ever. Seriously. As much as I hate celebrity analogies, I received compliments that my hair looked like Kristen Stewart's. My hair feels super thick but isn't left sticky or greasy when I use about a walnut sized amount. You can also use a little on dry hair to add extra texture. It's currently summer and I've had no issues with my oily-prone hair getting greasy or it not washing out and leaving residue. I love, love, love this stuff. I think anyone with short hair would love this and even people with longer hair like mine could use it. Everyone should give this a try! Totally a repurchase.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Marjoram & Lavender Brightening Peeling Gel
modernabsurdity 6/9/2011 10:17:00 AM
This was the unexpected winner from the M&L line. I picked it up on a whim not expecting anything awesome. This isn't a peel like say for example a chemical peel. This is a gommage exfoliator. Gommages are applied to skin then gently massaged off. This makes it suitable for all skin types because it's very gentle and doesn't tear at the skin like a physical scrub. You also can't over exfoliate with this method. This product is very similar to Cure Aqua Gel for reference except cheaper and easier to buy. It doesn't smell quite as lavendery as other products in the line and has a slight chemical tinge to it but it doesn't bother me. You squeeze out about a quarter size amount, spread a thin layer quickly over your face, let it sit for a minute then massage with your fingertips. When you're massaging you'll see little white balls form which are your dead skin cells. Rather gross but neato! Rinse with water, follow with your normal routine and you're done. This is also great for your neck, decolletage, hands, tops of feet, knees, elbows, really wherever needs some de-flaking. My skin also feel super smooth without being tight or dry. I like using it once a week when I take a break from my Clarisonic Mia. I bought several backups for myself and as gifts and gave a tube to my mom, who's obsessed and swears by it. I feel it does help brighten my skin because it takes off that layer of dead skin and compliments the other Naruko products I use. Highly recommended and can be found for $10-20 USD.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Marjoram & Lavender Brightening Lotion Dew
modernabsurdity 5/22/2011 9:49:00 PM
Yet another Naruko toner I love! When I first began my Naruko regimen, this was the first toner I ever tried. It has the same soothing lavender scent as the other products in the same line. It's function to help brighten skin and I can I say I've seen results since I began using Naruko products. I currently use it as my morning toner and follow with whatever serum best suits my skin at the time. No breakouts, no irritation, doesn't make make me oily and is a good first step in my morning layering routine. I prefer using Job's Tears toner at night after my skin has been sun exposed but you use the lavender one at night as well. If you're unsure as to which toner to try, I recommend this one to get your toes wet. Obviously love it and am on bottle number two. :) Price $10-20.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Niaouli & Tea Tree Acne Toner
modernabsurdity 5/22/2011 9:03:00 PM
If you had to buy only one face item from the Niaouli & Tea Tree line, this would be it. I get monthly hormonal breakouts and when the weather heats up (hi, summer). When I have these isolated breakouts I don't necessarily need to start a full on anti-acne regimen so I reach for this toner. I smells like tea tree but not in an overwhelming make your eyes water kind of way. Very fresh, green, and medicinal. I approve. When I apply it I can really feel all the grime and dirt being pulled from my pores. Very tingly and refreshing. I find it really does the job when I need zit zappage. It's strong enough to help clear your skin but not so strong your face feels tight or itchy afterwards. I also like using at night when I've gotten really oily that day. Now that summer is arriving, I'll probably be reaching for this line more often. If you need regular oil/acne control this is great to use in conjunction with the other products from the tea tree line or if you only need it once in a while like I do, it's great. Prices range from $10-20. Love it and am about to crack open my second bottle!
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Facial White Illuminating Cotton Pads
modernabsurdity 5/20/2011 12:37:00 AM
Yes on so many levels. I previously had been using my esthetician wipes to apply my toner and emulsion/moisturizer and bought these on a whim not expecting much. For around $6-7 you get 3 boxes containing 60 pads for a total of 180. The math works out quite nicely. They're nice and thick without being too thick to the point it absorbs all your product. The gentle waffle weave provides a mild buffing/exfoliating effect. I like using them to apply my emulsion the most to really prep my skin for serums. If you have sensitive skin that doesn't react well to traditional physical exfoliating you may really like this. I like the massaging sensation. To top it off these have a regular non-woven side that's identical to the regular massage cotton pads in the purple box. I love these and haven't found any other beauty cotton pad that compares to these. For such a cheap price you gotta try it at least once.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Marjoram & Lavender Brightening Serum
modernabsurdity 5/20/2011 12:20:00 AM
This was my very first Naruko serum I ever tried so it holds a special place my heart. :) After how disappointing the Korres rose serum was, I was uneasy about serums even though i know they're extremely important in your skin care routine. I love the packaging. It comes in a sturdy glass (don't drop it!) bottle that dispenses with a droplet pump. That's not a very good depiction, but I'll tweak it later. I felt very scientific whenever I used it. X) The texture is light, provides good hydration, layers like a dream and has a liquid consistency that's not slimy or sticky. I used about 2 pumps and pat it on my face and neck. I did use this day and night and actually saw my skin brighten up a lot along with my skin tone looking more even and dewy. Very rarely do I see noticeable results. When I began using it was when I started incorporating my Clarisonic Mia so that only enhanced the serum's effectiveness. It didn't make my combo skin greasy or break out so this could be good for similar skin types. If you're very dry, you're better off using the rose line, but more on that later. I'm currently trying other Naruko serums but have another bottle of this baby ready for rotation. Price ranges $14-24. If you're new to brightening products, I highly recommend this.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Job's Tear's Healthy Lightening Lotion
modernabsurdity 5/20/2011 12:03:00 AM
I have a love/meh relationship with toners. My opinion of them has changed significantly ever since I started using Asian skin care. With the layering method your toner actually has a use and is the foundation of your routine. Job's Tears is meant to lighten and soothe after sun exposure. This makes it perfect to use at nighttime, especially on the hot, humid days the south is renowned for. I'm a skeptic of product claims but this genuinely soothes my skin and keeps it bright. I should note I'm already quite fair (NC 10-15) with no sun damage/hyper pigmentation so I don't use lightening products to correct, but rather to prevent. The toner itself feels very cooling and refreshing when you apply it. The smell is hard to pin down, so I'll say it's a medicinal/herbal scent. I personally don't find any of Naruko's scents unpleasant. They don't use artificial fragrance so you're smelling the natural plant extracts. Like I said above, my skin has brightened up since beginning using it and have also found it helps with my annoying patches of erythema. No breakouts and my skin is happy. :) I'm on my second bottle and have number 3 lined up. Price runs $10-20. Obviously a repurchase and a well deserved 5 lippies & recommendation from me. :)
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Lip Treatments -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Angel Lip Healing Essence
modernabsurdity 5/19/2011 10:27:00 PM
Is it a gloss, balm, or all of the above? It's both! I love how it feels like a gloss but is as hydrating and soothing as a balm. The unique thing about this treatment is is the applicator. Instead of a standard slanted tip, it uses 3 little rollerballs. It feels very nice when I apply it. It has a fruity smell that's fresh and light. I started using it this past winter when my lips decide to flake and it cleared up very quickly. It looks red in the tube but goes on clear. Price will range from $7-10. I much prefer this to typical lip balms and I love using it for light/no makeup days and at night. It's completely non sticky and very moisturizing. Worth a shot if you're willing to try something a little different. I'm almost out of my first tube and have another waiting in the wings.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - NARUKO - Narcissus Total Defense AA Foaming Wash
modernabsurdity 5/19/2011 10:14:00 PM
Another Naruko cleanser I swear by. I use this at night with my Clarisonic Mia after using the Narcissus makeup removing mousse and its great. It's very gentle and non drying. Comes in a purple squeeze tube and as with all Naruko products, the box it comes in can be turned into something new. Unlike the mousse cleansers, this comes out as a soft paste and you work it into a lather on your face or fingertips. It's not super foamy but its very effective so don't be off-put if it doesn't foam as much as you're used to. Price will range anywhere from $7-16. A little goes a long way so a tube will last you one to two months depending if you use it twice a day. I works great on my combo skin, but I think everyone could use it. Recommended and have repurchased.
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