Naruko Raw Job’s Tears Line

When I initially started to take the plunge to really get into skincare, one of my main concerns is to minimize the appearance of my acne scars, hence I am always looking for products that are formulated for whitening / brightening / even-skin tone purposes.

After researching about skin care online via forums (MakeUpAlley, Cozycot & Flowerpod), beauty blogs I follow, and youtube rave reviews, I decided to look into Naruko, an affordable high-quality skincare (which suits my budget).

Naruko is sold exclusively at Watson’s in Singapore and they also operate an online store at their website. Naruko is affordable skin care developed by Niu-Er, the well known dermatologist from Taiwan.

After viewing the skin type classification: Oily & Acne & Sensitive Skin, I decided to purchase items from Naruko Raw Job’s Tears line formulated for sensitive skin for whitening purposes.

Product Claims:

“Moisturize, repair and revitalize the skin. Prevent fine lines and repair minor scarring. Gets rid of melanin formation, fades dark spots, and brightens up the skin.” 

I bought 3 items from the line:

• Raw Job’s Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Toner 150ml = SGD$22.90
• Raw Job’s Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Serum 30ml = SGD$28.90
• Raw Job’s Tears Supercritical CO2 Brightening Cream 60ml = SGD$28.90

The ingredients are full of extracts (I’ve converted the boxes into stationary holders – plus point for environmentally-friendly packaging :).

Natural ingredients hence shelf life of only 2 years (instead of the usual 3 years) and only good for 6M (months) after opening.

The products are gentle, does not cause me to break out and pretty lightweight on my skin. Especially in warm humid tropical Singapore, suitable for my combi oily acne prone skin.

Here’s the review of each item.

Toner & Serum

1. First, the toner.

Texture: Runny like water.

Smell: Pleasant faint smell like barley drink.

Verdict: Lightweight, hydrating toner to prep my skin before I apply serum & moisturizer. I used this day and night. I apply with cotton pad. Lasted 4-5months.

Other reviews by Enon,  Pammie and Sakura

2. Second, the serum.

Texture: Slightly thicker than the toner but still runny like water. I used 4 pumps for my whole face (forehead, left & right cheeks, chin).

Smell: same like the toner.

Verdict: Lightweight serum that sinks right into the skin. Spread and pat gently into the skin. I used this day and night. Used up in less than 2 months.

Other reviews by Jacq and Domokie

3. Third, the cream.

Cream

Texture: White in color, not too thick, not too creamy, I really like the consistency.

Smell: Like a barley drink.

Verdict: Lightweight cream moisturizer that is easy to blend. Leaves the skin dewy but not oily. Not greasy, but left the skin moisturized. I only use this at night as my night cream. Lasted 5 months.

Overall:

Very lightweight. Hydrates my skin well although I don’t really see any whitening effects but I wake up with bright glowing skin every morning, supple & moist 🙂

In Conclusion:

Since this line is formulated for sensitive oily skin for whitening purposes, I believe that the products are a tad too gentle thus I did not witness the WOW whitening effects that I expect. I would categorize this line as a general maintenance brightening skin care that is gentle and a good starting point for skincare beginner as the products are affordable and easily available.

After I have finished this line, I ordered the Apple Seed & Transexamic Acid line which is formulated for acne prone skin to tackle dark spots. This particular line is only available online, the reason why I did not purchase this in the first place.

Until my next review!

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Cream Gel

Back in February 2012, after visiting my dermatologist, Dr. Loke and consuming the acne medications, I felt my skin is getting a little dry, especially after swimming.

So I decided to search for a moisturizer to use after swimming.

I generally avoided skincare for men from drugstore brands due to my past unfortunate experience.

I’ve heard from friends that Kiehl’s is a good skincare brand and I’ve always had a good impression of the brand. Whenever I past their ‘apocathery-science-y’ themed stores, I always felt that the brand represents what skincare should be about – to treat serious skin concerns. The minimal packaging looks fuss-free and the price-point was in the medium-high range ~ indicative of the quality. Big brands do spend a lot of resources into research and development, hence the cost was transferred to the customers in terms of higher price tag.

I was approached by a friendly customer rep asking me what I’m looking for. I told her I have oily and acne prone skin, looking for a water-based moisturizer to use after swimming. She recommended the Ultra Facial Oil Free Cream Gel 50 ml(SGD$40+). Tried it on the back of my hand and loved the texture and consistency.

The store at ION Orchard was having promotion that weekend, 20%off all products, spend SGD$120 and become a member.

She then recommended a sunscreen (SGD$50+) to me, tried the tester and liked the texture so decided to get it as well. But I was still short of $120. She tried to push the toner from the same range but failed because I decided to purchase another jar of the Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream instead.

I ended up with 2 jars of Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream, 1 tube of sunscreen (a seperate review), a few samples and a welcome gift.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free – February 2012

Purchase backstory completed, here’s the review.

I’ve used up the first jar within 6 months, half way into my second jar as of early November 2012.

Product claims:

“Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is a non-oily, quickly absorbed hydrator that visibly reduces the appearance of oil and leaves skin looking and feeling more balanced. It is non-greasy, and retains essential moisture in skin for a healthier, re-balanced skin barrier and a smoother, fresher appearance. With Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine, and Cucumber Fruit Extract, this unique preparation helps skin retain moisture and protect it from arid conditions. The unique gel cream texture is instantly absorbed leaving a dry feel. Oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free.”

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Cream Gel – 2nd jar Nov 2012

Texture: light, almost runny cream gel, sheer milky white in color, not transparent.

Smell: medicinal, as I prefer my face care to be fragrance free.

Verdict:

I love to use it after I swim. Hydrating enough for both day and night time use (in humid, forever-summer sunny Singapore and Jakarta).

Easy to blend, sinks into the skin pretty fast. Leaves the skin looking matte upon application

Does not control oil production well though. My face is shiny within 2-3 hours.

From my experience, I did not break out from it, no irritation and overall I felt that the cream gel as a moisturizer works well in hydrating my skin.

Maintains, as it locks in moisture but does not improve. Having used this for close to a full year, I can give this a very honest review.

Other reviews I really like: by Tine, by Shirleen and by Paris B.

Repurchase? Not very likely.

I’m looking for a moisturizer with multi-purpose benefits that will work well with my skin ~  that is still water-based, preferably gel-like rather than cream, will leave my skin looking matte, suitable for day and night (no SPF, use seperate sunscreen), ideally has whitening properties (am obsessed in brightening products to even out my skin tone!).

Until my next review 🙂

*Retails in Indonesia for Rp.295.000