After final exams in SMU (back in May 2010), I went on a grad trip to Korea with my fellow Indonesians graduating class.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve never really paid attention to skincare back when I was in university. This was the period when I’ve returned from my international exchange in Toulouse, France and my last semester in SMU when I was sooo busy (and my acne was still under control) that I did not visit Dr. Loke again.
I bought Nugeno Men Radiant Youth Essence (serum) and Face Lifting Cream (moisturizer) from Watson’s / Guardian since I thought: I’m going to Korea, drier climate =I needed some kind of moisturizer.
No research, no checking of ingredients.
My thought process went like: need a moisturizer, preferably from a men’s line, nothing fancy and nothing too expensive. Hopefully does not break me out.
Nugeno is an Asian brand, thus I thought the products will suit Asian men’s skin so I might as well give it a try. Individually the products cost around $20+ each, both cost a total of around $50.
Verdict: Sadly, both products did not work for me. I felt that they did not hydrate the skin, my skin felt tingling/burning sensation when I applied them.
The after effect = my skin looks shiny, greasy and oily within a few hours.
I used the serum as a moisturizer, about 2 full pumps for my whole face. I swept it and massage it in all over my face (instead of patting – which I do now).
I used the cream at night by itself.
So, it might be my wrong application of the products that they did not work for me, but I really disliked the feeling after application.
Moving on…
When I was in Korea (supposedly spring 20+Celcius in Jeju Island when we first came, but then it snowed in Yong Pyong and it was under 10 deg in Seoul), using these products in a dry climate (as opposed to Singapore’s humid climate) actually caused excessive peeling / too exfoliation on my nose and cheeks. I wanted the moisturizers to keep my skin hydrated (and matte hopefully) but instead it was peeling.
Of course I did not know back then that I have oily combination skin, I thought my whole face was just oily = thus acne ridden. So I apply the products evenly on my face (instead of maybe less on the oily T-zone, and more on the dryer cheeks.) I was extremely frustrated with the condition of my skin.
Good thing we visited The Face Shop HQ in Seoul and the group was presented the odbo skin care.
I bought the Aqua Silky Essence to be used as a water-based light moisturizer and the Sun Pact as sunblock. (I was sold by the sales rep’s presentation!)
Verdict: Oh how I loved the Essence, it was lightweight like water, smells great, sinks in quickly. It does not treat acne spots nor prevent acne (which it is not meant to do anyway). It also leaves my face matte upon application, non greasy and non sticky, but after a few hours later, I need to blot.
Repurchase? Yes, if I went back to Korea. Only because the Singapore distributor marked up the price so high! (in Korea each is +/- SGD$35, in SG they sold it for SGD$50+)
This is a great product as a day hydrator (after toner and serum, before sunblock).
The Sun Pact on the other hand was a major let down.
Verdict: I ended up using it a few times before I shoved it aside and threw it away upon expiry.
It’s not like a loose powder type, more like a thick cream powder that leaves a white cast upon application and the powder leaves a mess when you’re wearing dark colored clothing. Definitely not for me! (or maybe I did not apply it correctly, I used the provided sponge, instead of a brush, but obviously I did not know any better then)
After I’ve used up my odbo Essence, back to no skin care again.
*This post is meant to explain why I tend to stay away from drugstore moisturizers and those designed for men based on my personal experience.
** The pictures posted are for illustration purposes only. These pictures are not mine.
I will continue this post with reviews of the moisturizers I am currently using, so stay tuned!
Always Happening 