Shigaisen Yohou UV Sarasara Gel SPF30 PA+++

Here's another study in contrast: this 250g pump bottle of Shigaisen Yohou UV Sarasara Gel SPF30 PA+++ versus the terrible Mama Aqua Savon UV Moisture Gel Coral Safe. My boys just finished up this Shigaisen Yohou bottle and apparently they really liked it! I tried it a few times myself as I was cleaning out the last bit left in the bottle and I totally see why. 

Note: this is for the older version with SPF30 PA+++. The newest version has 260g of product and SPF45 PA+++, slightly more product with notably higher sun protection, which makes this sunscreen all the better in my opinion.  

Mama Aqua Savon UV Moisture Gel SPF32 PA+++ Part II

Okay, after a year of pinching our noses and gritted our teeth through each application, hubby and I finally, at long last, finished this 250g pump bottle of the loathsome Mama Aqua Savon UV Moisture Gel SPF32 PA+++. This is the newer Coral Safe Version that was released in 2020, although I didn't buy it until a couple of years ago--and by mistake--thinking it was something else, because the bottle is so drastically different. 

The old packaging is the tall pump bottle and new packaging is the sphere-like and chubby pink pump bottle. 

Turns out, other than the "coral safe" claim (and the packaging), there was nothing new about the actual sunscreen. The two formulas look and feel identical: thick and white, opaque cream, with a strong orange citrus scent that stayed on the skin for hours. Thankfully, it didn't leave a white cast, but the thickness made the application rather unpleasant, and afterwards it stayed sticky the entire time until I washed it off. And I live in a very dry climate with low humidity where I don't even sweat in 100F weather. I can't imagine applying this stuff in Japan. Will never ever purchase again and absolutely do not recommend. In fact, run away as fast as you can the next time you see Mama Aqua Savon.

See my previous Mama Aqua Savon UV Moisture Gel SPF32 PA+++ post. 

Boscia Cica Soothing Universal Cream

Among the last order I placed with Boscia before they closed up their North American chapter was this big 100mL/3.4fl. oz. tube of Cica Soothing Universal Cream. By this point, Cica (Centella asiatica) has become a super trendy ingredient. I'd seen it everywhere and everybody and their sisters and brothers have some kind of Cica product to offer. But I figured I'd start with Boscia since I've used their products for decades now and trust the brand more so than some "hip" beauty brand I've never heard of. Little did I know that some months later, Boscia would fold T.T

Dr. Roebuck's Bondi Hydrating Mist

Almost done with this 50mL/1.7fl. oz. spray bottle of Dr. Roebuck's Bondi Hydrating Mist, which came from the Pack Up and Glow Discovery Kit. 

Well, the first thing I can tell you that this mist smells like pina colada, which is not something I'd think to spray all over my face. But otherwise it's okay, not really moisturizing and unremarkable. will not repurchase. ^.^" 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine

So far, Yves Saint Laurent lippies have been hit-and-miss for me, although admittedly I have only tried a few. The Volupte Plump-in-Colour Plumping Lip Balms didn't leave much of an impression, but  I liked The Slim Sheer Mattes enough to go back for more colors. So when I kept seeing chatters about these Rouge Volupte Shine, I was game to try some. Thanks to Selfridges UK for their enabling promotions, I picked up Collector 76 Golden--Red in the Dark and Collector 80 Golden--Chili Tunique, both LE items, and 83 Rouge Cape, 85 Burgundy Love, 87 Rose Afrique, 129 Carmine Retro, and 131 Chili Morocco from the permanent line-up at the time. I have not gone back for more of these so I don't know if anything has changed since my last purchase. 

All pictures taken in natural light without flash.  

   

 

Yu-Be Hydrating Face Wash

Here's a fantastic non-foaming cleanser that's unfortunately been discontinued: this 200mL/6.8oz. bottle of Yu-Be Hydrating Face Wash. 

DHC By the Sea Mineral Cream

Finished this 50g/1.7oz. jar of DHC By the Sea Mineral Cream a few weeks ago. This was a pretty straightforward cream so it'll be a short post. 

The cream was light and unscented but was surprisingly moisturizing. I used it as part of my morning routine and it layered pretty well under my primer and waterproof sunscreen. Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference between this cream and the Urumai Cream, which was probably why DHC discontinued the Urumai line. So if you just want a moisturizing face cream and can catch this on sale then by all means try it, but don't go out of your way for it.

Holifrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Cleansing Balm

After The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Exfoliating Cleanser, I moved on to this 100mL/3.4fl. oz. tube of Holifrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Cleansing Balm and finished it in 2 weeks.  

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Exfoliating Cleanser

Finished this 50mL/1.7fl. oz. pump bottle of The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Exfoliating Cleanser a while ago and am playing catch-up as always. 

Yves Saint Laurent The Slim Sheer Matte Part II

Yep, I went right back for more of these Yves Saint Laurent The Slim Sheer Mattes, this time picking up 103 Orange Provocant, 110 Berry Exposed, and 112 Raw Rosewood, among other things. Accidentally purchased an extra 111 Corail Explicite too but am happy to have a backup of the color. 

All pictures taken in natural light without flash.