[ Review ] SKII Overnight Miracle Mask

Product Description
Wake up to energized-looking, crystal clear skin as if you had slept all night long. Combining the power of PITERA™ and Sleeping Tree Extract, your skin is deeply nourished all night, giving you a hydrated, bright, and smooth complexion the next morning.

Key Ingredients :
Pitera : A natural bio-ingredient containing over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to condition skin’s natural functions
Sleeping Tree Extract : An extract from the Albizia plant. Provides moisturisation to combat skin dryness.

Benefits :
Brighter Glow - Improves radiance by boosting and retaining moisture in skin, reducing dullness for a dewy finish.
Smoother Texture - Improves texture with intensive hydration, smoothing over rough and dry skin.

I received 1 x 0.4ml SKII Overnight Miracle Mask capsule together with other masks in Tangs Beauty Box purchase some time back. 1 capsule is supposed to be for 1 time use but I thought the quantity is too much and heavy for my skin so I spread it to a week's usage.

Formulated without parabens, sulphates and phthalates, SKII Overnight Miracle Mask is also Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

A recent study done by Japanese brand SK-II discovered that sleeping for five hours or less for three nights consecutively can cause 13 times more water loss, as compared to having more than five hours of sleep. This not only causes dryness but also leads to a rough, dull and uneven complexion which lead to the birth of SKII Overnight Miracle Mask.

The formula is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals to condition skin and intensely hydrate so you wake up to soft, smooth and glowing skin that looks well-rested regardless of how much rest you received.

When I first read that its an overnight mask, I immediately use it as the last step of my skincare regime like other overnight masks but the texture was too heavy and I switched methods of using it, only to realize much later that its supposed to be used on its own, without any other additional steps.

I didn't quite fancy the scent initially but has grown accustomed to it. The overnight mask has a thick gel-like texture which applies well, if I just use a tiny amount, but if I had followed the instruction of using the full capsule, it would be too much for my combination skin type.

Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner + Be Plain Cicaful Ampoule + SKII Overnight Miracle Mask : A pimple sprouted by the 2nd night, followed by another 2 pimples on the 3rd night on the chin. Note that I have no issue in using Be Plain Cicaful Ampoule with Biotherm Life Plankton Mask.

Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner + The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 + SKII Overnight Miracle Mask : The combination paired well without any breakouts although I did not see any difference to skin.

SKII Overnight Miracle Mask alone : I love the effect, if I use it after Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask. Skin is soft and supple which lasted till the following morning. It hydrates sufficiently well even when I am sleeping in an air-conditioned room but unfortunately, a large angry zit appeared on my nose the following morning.

To conclude, the miracle mask is slightly rich for my skin type leading to frequent breakouts. I also didn't see any amazing results or differences to skin, to justify for the high price. That said, I did not follow the instruction of using the whole capsule at one sitting so the result may not be fair.

Do note that the retail pack comes with 6 capsules for 6 single uses.

Ingredients : 
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dimethiconol, Polymethylsilsequioxane, Mica, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Disodium Edta, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Methicone, Parfum/Fragrance, Linalool, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492/Iron Oxides *PITERA™

Review : SKII R.N.A Power Eye Cream Radical New Age

Product Description
A nourishing eye cream that restores youthful smoothness around the eye area. Solutions for Dark circles, Loss of firmness and elasticity and Fine lines and wrinkles

Key Ingredients : 
-Pitera™: A bio-ingredient rich in vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and amino acids that work together to enhance skin cell renewal.
-Radical New Age Complex (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Yeast Proteins): Creates the appearance of lengthwise and crosswise firmness.
-Chlolleragen: Visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
-Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: Visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Did you know that your eyes look smaller over time? A 15-year SK-II study found that they appear 20 per cent smaller as you age. The reason: a gradual decrease in skin firmness in the eye area. To attain a smooth, well-rested canvas, an eye cream can help brighten and stimulate the blood circulation around the eyes so you look more awake.

Said to be packed with conditioning ingredients in a silky, easily absorbed texture to moisturize skin, restore suppleness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, R.N.A Power Eye Cream is part of the SK-II anti-aging skincare collection. The products in this line are essential in boosting your skin’s elasticity and retaining its firmness.

Colorant-free and not tested on animals, the product was awarded Best A.M. Treatment for the 2017 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards while SK-II's range of anti-aging skin care products has won 347 beauty awards internationally from 2011 to 2014.

Review : SKII R.N.A.Power Radical New Age Cream

Product Description
Featuring RNArchitect Complex, this moisturising cream helps to rebuild youthful beauty from within. Wake up to supple and revitalised skin the morning after. In 10 days, signs of aging skin diminish so that skin becomes firmer, smoother, tighter, and more radiant. After one jar, fine lines appear less defined. 

Key Ingredients : 
RNArchitect Complex : Contains a blend of concentrated PITERA™, hydrolysed soy protein, and hydrolysed yeast protein to unleash your beauty potential.
Chlorella Extract : Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to dryness.
Shea Butter : Moisturises skin deeply and improves natural glow.

I purchased a RNA Power Eye Set recently, where it comes with a 10ml RNA Power Radical New Age Cream. R.N.A stands for Radical New Age and this range contains a new ingredient known as 
Pitera x Radical New Age Complex, which is said to work on skin cells at every layer of the skin to influence the healthy synthesis of protein, such as collagen and elastin that are essential for firm skin.

Review : SKII Signs Eye Mask

Product Description
This ultra-comforting cotton mask instantly and effectively reduces the signs of aging and dryness around your eyes.

With just one application, appearance of fine lines is noticeably reduced, dullness of the skin under the eyes is visibly lightened and your eyes look visibly brighter.

I was glad to be able to snag a box of the SKII Signs Eye Mask at just $68.40, instead of $116 ( now, the price has been increased to $121 ) before the demise of Luxola *sob sob. Ever since Luxola has been bought over by Sephora, I am resigned to the fact that, there will not be any more of those 40% storewide discount ever. 

Each box contains 14 individually wrapped packaging of one pair of eye masks. In each packaging, a pair of eye masks is nestled in a clear plastic tray, moist with essence. The soft, essence-drenched cloth masks are cresent moon-like shaped to fit the shape of the undereye area. 

Review : SK-II Stempower Essence

Product Description
SK-II revolutionary stempower essence is concocted with a new and powerful Stem-Acanax ES Complex that targets and transforms the regenerative functions of the skin's youth activity. It also contains Artichoke extract to slow down the signs of aging.

I purchased SK-II Stempower Essence as part of the Stempower Essence Kit which consists of the Facial Treatment Essence, Stempower Essence and the Signature 3D Defining Mask.

Texture is slightly thicker than SK-II FTE and Whitening Spots Specialist and feels more like a serum. I used this after the Whitening Spots Specialist so that I can incorporate both anti-aging and whitening benefits in a skincare regime.

The SK-II Stempower Essence is kept in an opaque bottle with a dropper to dispense the contents. Again, you can't really tell the remaining amount ( because of the heavy weight of the bottle ) and even though the whole packaging may seems hygienic but you have to consider the rubber top as a consideration because you will constantly touch it.

I see results after almost 2 months of usage, a gradual shift from dull to slightly fairer and radiant skin. Skin also feels smoother to the touch. I have strangers thinking I am still in school too. How laughable is that? Is that the magic touch of SK-II?

However, despite having Nacinamide in the list of ingredients, it does not provide the much hydration which my skin is always craving for, so a good hydrating moisturiser is definitely required.

Even though my skin feels softer, without any hint of dehydration but the essence seems to just sit on the surface of skin. After cleansing, my skin is back to its dehydrated state, so definitely there is a need to top it off with a moisturiser to seal in all the goodness.

Review : SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

Product Description
SKII Whitening Spots Specialist contains an unique SKII whitening complex " ultimate spots corrector" that sinks into the deep layers of your skin. Melanin production is regulated at the source, preventing spots even before they appear. Appearance of existing dark spots is reduced.

It was a value deal which I could not refuse so I bought the SK-II Spots Whitening Set, which consists of the facial treatment essence, whitening spots specialist and 1 piece of the whitening source derm-survial mask. The Whitening Spots Specialist has since been replaced by the Whitening Power Spots Specialist.

At 30ml, the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist has taken a long while to be used up, as you typically only need 2 drops, via the dropper for the whole face. I get over-zealous at times and used up to 3 drops which were too much and I just spread it all over my face, right to the neck, decollete and sometimes on my upper arms as well.

Red dots tend to appear on my upper arms which become tiny moles after a while. I noticed that SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist has managed to keep the red dots at bay so I will still continue to monitor the situation.

The whitening spots specialist is kept in a silver opaque dropper bottle, which makes the whole application process seamless and convenient without contamination, however, my only pet peeve is that, I won't know how much is left, before the need to restock a new item. The bottle is heavy itself so it is difficult to judge if the weight is due to the bottle or the contents.

The texture is runny, akin to a lotion and is easy to spread. I use SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist after FTE. You can feel an immediate softness and skin feels smooth to the touch. However, it does not hydrate significantly well, a hydrating moisturiser is definitely required.
And the following morning, my skin appeared to be shiny and looks slightly oily, on the area between my nose and cheeks ( where the pores are slightly more open too ). Thankfully, no zits appeared.

With consistent use, the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist, together with the FTE and the Stempower Essence, has provided my skin a slightly more radiant look. The pigmentation spots on my cheeks are somewhat less obvious. You can feel and see the difference when you switch to other skincare.

Note that, the hydration ability is poor, at least on my dehydrated sensitive skin. Skin feels smooth only after application and last as long till the next cleanse, thereafter my skin is back to its rough dehydrated skin. Counteract this, with a good moisturiser.

Recommended Reading : SKII Hacks

Source : Sasa

Review : SKII Skin Signature 3D Refining Mask

Product Description

This 3D stretch mask is drenched with a potent cocktail of Pitera™, Oli-Vityl™, Signaline and Niacinamide to noticeably firm and contour areas that are most prone to sagging.
It firms the forehead, sides of your nose and cheekbones and the skin around the jawline and corners of the mouth– to give you a strikingly, more contoured facial profile.
The innovative 3D stretch design has been specially created to seamlessly fit the face with an immediate appearance-lifting effect.

As I always mention, I like to reserve special masks for events and SKII Skin Signature 3D Refining Mask from my recent SKII Stempower Essence Kit purchase comes in handy for a recent wedding dinner. 

In the red sachet, it contains a 2 piece 3D stretch design sheet mask where one is for the upper part of the face and the other piece is for the lower part of the face. This 3D mask adheres pretty well, with the cut-outs cut pretty close to the eyes ( covering right up to the eye bags area - a bonus treat! ), a slight slit for the nostrils and a tiny opening for the lips.

I love how the material of the sheet mask is thick and sturdy but soft enough to fit the contour of the skin like a glove yet still feels comfortable. There is no dripping mess and the sheet mask does not slip. Perfect for those who like to move around. However, with this luxurious mask, I still prefer to lie in bed for it to work its magic on my skin. It was meant to be a treat, after all, so why move around? Slow down your steps and take a breather. We need it in this stressful life.

When I first remove the mask, I did not go WOW. My skin looks fresh and clean but not the immediate radiance I was expecting to see. However, after 20 minutes, my skin appears softer and smoother. There seems to be an overall subtle lifted effect but masks are only temporary measures. It is what you do to your skin every day that matters.

Ingredients : 
Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isohexadecane, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, PVP, Disodium EDTA, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate.

Review : SKII Facial Treatment Mask

Product Description
A luxurious facial mask with an indulgent concentration of Pitera in a single application. Your skin is immediately and exceptionally immersed in moisturization, resulting in a visibly radiant and crystal clear complextion

Key Ingredient: Pitera™ is full of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that work together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime.

Other Ingredients: Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Salicylate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA

After watching the National Day Parade preview under the scorching sun, I went back home to do my whitening mask, in the form of SKII Facial Treatment Mask, which was part of the Pitera Essence Set that was gifted to me by my sister.

I tend to save the heavyweight items to days when I absolutely need them. Soft and luxurious, each cotton mask is generously soaked with Pitera™ for maximum delivery to the skin. The material is thick and very wet. Even after 15 minutes of treatment, it is still very wet hence, I use it for the neck and hands as well. The cut-outs are just right for my face shape and adheres well without feeling too tight for the skin. 

The scent is totally off-putting when I pulled it out of the packaging but once layered on the skin, the scent is still bearable. I had it on, on freshly exfoliated skin and after 15 minutes, the effect wasn't that WOW, brightening effect kind of reaction, considering the price of the mask and the celebrities-hype all over the world. 

However, if I peer closely at the mirror, I can see that my skin is hydrated, soft, plump and supple. I didn't experience that crystal-clear, radiant and brightening effect though. Just well-rested pampered skin. The effect lasts for about 3 days.

SKII Facial Treatment Mask scored 4.2 on Makeupalley by 126 users. 

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee
SKII Facial Treatment Mask ( 10 sheets )
SKII Facial Treatment Essence
SKIII Pitera Essence Set

Update ( 15th Jan 2018 ) :
I purchased a box of 10 sheets and its just absolutely indulgent. I love how it made my skin baby soft, smooth and supple on freshly exfoliated skin. And this time round, I definitely did see a brightening effect on my aging skin, so much so, that my dark circles looked more prominent. My skin has a radiant glow, even with 5 hours of sleep the night before. Great for use, just before an important event.

Review : SKII Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask

Product Description
Infused with Pitera™, a Vitamin C derivative and Niacinamide, this stretchable, wonderfully luxurious face mask perfectly fits the contours of your face to effectively deliver a concentrated amount of brightening ingredients deep within your skin*. Each mask drenches your skin with the same amount of serum as one full bottle of Whitening Power Spots Specialist.
Your skin is immersed with moisture, appearance of spots and other imperfections are visibly diminished.
 *epidermis layer only.

The SKII Aura Whitening Kit EX contains a sheet of the SKII Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask where I actually look forward to using it. A box of SKII masks is just too expensive for my budget so using them from the kit is just what I need.
It comes in a shiny silver packaging and the mask is folded when you pulled it out.

Formulated without sulfates and GMOs, the luxurious mask is made up of a soft and thick cloth and generously soaked in a rich gel serum ( with a slight alcohol scent ) which is supposed to help to brighten, moisturize and refines skin to reduce age spots and other imperfections.

It combines hydrators with Pitera, a vitamin C derivative, vitamin B3, and glycerin to intensively moisturize while accelerating gentle exfoliation of dull cells from the surface of the skin, working to balance the color and tone.

The cutting of the mask is just right for my face shape, but with slightly smaller cutouts for the lips and eyes. There is a pair of flaps for the eyes which is a bonus treat. The mask adheres well and is comfortable on the skin.

While the dullness on the skin is not immediately clarified and my undereye area actually looks darker than before the treatment, the effect only takes place a couple of hours later, leaving in its place, a glow-within with a soft and moist look. The undereye darkness cleared up thereafter, but the improvement on the area is not significant than before the treatment.

Due to the price, SKII Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask may not be appropriate for daily usage but more for important events, but if your budget allows, you are free to do so. For my skin type, it works well on my face but not for the eyes.

Ingredients :
Aqua (Water), Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate**, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Inositol, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hexapeptide-11, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Yeast Extract  **Pitera

Review : SKII Cellumination Essence EX

Product Description
An essence that helps to even out skin texture and reactivates dull skin to glow from within. With SK-II’s exclusive Aura Bright Cocktail EX, a combination of Pitera® and Pixel White™.

A friend has helped me to get the SKII Aura Whitening Kit EX for $100, instead of the usual $199, so it was a good chance for me to try out their SKII Cellumination Essence EX.

In the kit, it contains Facial Treatment Essence 30ml, SKII Cellumination Essence EX 30ml and Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask 1 piece.

 

SK-II Cellumination Essence is said to improve skin tone and skin texture for healthy and brighter skin care results. It contains SK-II exclusive ingredient De-Melano P3C to improve dull and yellowish skin tone, hydrate and refine skin's surface in order to boost up the natural and healthy-looking glow from inside out. It also helps to firm and diminish the appearance of discoloration for youthful appearance.

I have tried the Facial Treatment Essence many years ago but just isn't too overly impressed with its performance. With this kit, I paired up the Facial Treatment Essence and SKII Cellumination Essence EX with Biotherm 48h Replenishing Gel, to give me the much needed hydration.

I have been using both products every morning and a Vitamin C serum in the night for close to 1.5 months. The facial treatment prep the skin for the cellumination essence to work more effectively.
Usually, I pour the facial essence into my cupped palms and pat all over the skin, waited for a few minutes before cellumination essence application.

The facial treatment essence seems to hydrate the skin yet it doesn't penetrate deeply. The hydration is insufficient for my skin type.

The Cellumination Essence is stored in a bottle with a dropper dispenser that dispenses the milky essence with 2 to 3 drops, for my whole face. After it gets absorbed into the skin, it left a powdery feel on it.

However, both products failed to hydrate my skin and I experience flakiness, with a normal moisturizer and without any moisturisers. In the end, Biotherm hydrating moisturizer works well with it, providing the last step of hydration after the whitening benefits.

Somehow, the powdery feel disappears when I don't pair it with the Facial Treatment Essence. The texture of SKII Cellumination Essence EX is like a thicker milky essence when I paired it with Orbis Lotion M instead of the SKII Facial Treatment Essence.

I see results - radiant skin with a soft focus to my skin. Skin looks smoother and more even-toned. The slight pigmentation on my skin seems to lighten slightly and my skin just looks clearer and "cleaner".

But after using for more than 3 months, I no longer can see the radiance on my skin. Could it be that my skin had grown accustomed to the product that its no longer that effective?

Review : SKII Cellumination Deep Surge Ex

Product Description
The daily moisturiser is infused with a unique active whitening ingredient, De-Melano P3C that works to balance your skin tone from within to unleash your skin's aura.
It helps to condition and refine skin texture. Skin becomes smooth, clear and transparent that boosts light transmission on the skin surface that creates a healthy looking natural glow. It makes the affected areas, such as age and dark spots less obvious.
Containing concentrated SK-II Pitera that helps to improve overall skin texture and skin condition, it penetrates quickly into the skin and gives a light and smooth feeling when applied.

Benefits :
· Boosts light transmission throughout skin's surface
· Reduces the look of age spots
· Provides natural, healthy glow
· Contains concentrated Pitera™

As the last step of my 4 piece trial kit from Bellabox, this is a moisturiser where the texture is almost like a gel to cream form, white with a bit of translucency in colour. It feels like a lightweight cream and goes on comfortably onto the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

I certainly like the texture, though it does take some effort to scoop out the cream either with a spatula or fingers because its slighty glooey in nature. I personally feel that it may have some silicon ingredients in it, though I do not have the ingredient list.

Again, there are some massage steps to follow as indicated in the diagram below. And again, my sensitive skin is not able to take the stimulation so I gave up after more than a week of trying.
With the massage, I get spotchy skin instead of radiant and translucent skin as what we usually see on ads. Over-stimulation.

I skipped the massage steps and apply the cream like a normal product. My skin just feels smooth and soft but it does not hydrate as much as I would like.

In general, I felt that all 3 products fared much better on optimal skin condition than on bad skin. And I don't encourage using it on sensitive skin that turns red easily.

Perhaps you can try, without the massage steps and it may fare better on you. Still, despite using up all 3 tiny tubs, I am certainly not impressed with the hype surrounding it. Its just not for me. Period.

On good skin days, it absorbs well into my skin, leaving a smooth and comfortable feel.

On bad skin days, my skin still feels dehydrated, rough and bad, despite using all 3 products step by step. For something that expensive, I would want it to improve my skin texture on bad skin days, at the very least.

This product lasts the longest ( an additional week ) compared to the lotion and essence since logically, those with runny texture tends to run out fast.

I do have colleagues and ex-colleagues commenting that I have become fairer so I believe this product does help to boost the whitening and even skin-tone effects, with a little help from the serum and essence.

Beautykat indicates that its supposed to be used as a night cream but it was not mentioned on SKII website. Note that I have been using it as a day moisturiser.

It scored 4 from 14 users on Makeupalley

Get yours with free shipping
SKII Cellumination Deep Surge Ex

Review : SKII Facial Treatment Essence

Product Description
A moisture booster that restores skin's natural 28-day renewal cycle, making skin smoother and more radiant. With more than 90% pure Pitera, it is often described as SK-II's "miracle water".

Effects :
Balances skin's pH, sebum secretion, moisture and oxygen levels, so the oily areas (usually T-zone) is less oily, while the dry areas are more moisturized. Soothes and refreshes skin from sunburn and burning sensation.

Benefits:
Texture refinement
Firmness power
Wrinkle resilience
Radiance enhancement
Spots control

Best to be used as the 3rd step in a typical skincare regime, this is the famous SKII treatment essence which took the world by storm when it was first launched many years ago.

An essence is typically applied to a clean face to prep skin to effectively absorb subsequent products like serum and moisturiser. The essence provides an additional layer of hydration so skin can better absorb the active ingredients from the rest of your skincare.

More than just softening or hydrating your skin superficially, a good skincare essence packs more nourishment and treatment ingredients to work skin deep and give you the complexion you always desired.

I have tried a small sample size many years ago and other than the sour Piteria smell, I vaguely remembered that it has not done a remarkable improvement to my skin.

Made up of over 90% Pitera – the brand’s key ingredient – the Facial Treatment Essence is said to improve radiance to reveal brighter skin, prevent sun spots, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin’s texture, and boost its retention of moisture, ALL in one single product.

This facial essence can be used on all skin types from your 20s, 30s to beyond.  In your 20s, it will help balance skin’s sebum secretion, keeping it shine free. In your 30s, it will even out your skin tone, just when pigmentation becomes a problem. In your 40s, the Pitera essence will help to preserve youth and radiance, and so on.

Fast forward many years later, I took a 2nd chance with this product, for my aging skin.
Almost similar ( but not exactly ) to the Cellumination Mask-In Lotion in texture, this clear essence is more watery and can be a chore when you poured it into your cupped palms. On some unlucky days, I actually spilled some ( either during the pouring process into my palms or during tapping on skin ) and I thought that was such a waste.

I also used it on cotton pads which is easier to use, just swipe all over the face like a toner and let it sit abit longer on my pigmentation spots on the cheeks.
As per the instruction, you can use it both ways - either as a essence directly onto the skin or soaked in a sheet mask and use it like a facial treatment mask.

Since I do not own any paper masks, I poured it on cotton pads, tear it thinly and just layered on my face. Check how the lotion mask pack works here, made famous by Chizu Saeki. So far, I have used it in all 3 ways and all works almost the same, at least on my skin.

The Pitera scent is overpowering, purportly due to the fermentation. It certainly takes some adjusting to. Thankfully the scent does dissipate.

The essence is clear in colour, watery in consistency and sinks into the skin very quickly.
It provides a refreshing feel to the skin, making it feel luxuriously pampered. But I did not reap any significant whitening or hydrating benefits.

Perhaps I need more than a 10ml bottle to see an improvement. For something that is expensive and deemed as a miracle, I expected more from it.

The main ingredient in the product, Pitera, is naturally-occurring liquid from the yeast fementation process, discovered by scientists when they noticed the elderly workers working at a
sake brewery in Japan had wrinkled faces, but soft and youthful hands which led to the birth of this Miracle Water that helps women and celebrities to achieve crystal clear skin.
The single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids helps to ensure supple, smooth and radiant skin.

My skin does get slightly red after using the product, mainly on the broken capillaries on the sides of my nose. I persisted in using for 2 weeks but failed to see any difference to my skin.
When my skin is dehydrated, this treatment essence did not help to provide the much needed hydration but made it more irritated instead.

I guess its probably a blessing in disguise, an excuse to skip an expensive product purchase!

Surprisingly, it scored only 3.6 from 387 users on Makeupalley.

Recommended Reading : SKII Hacks

Ingredients:
Saccharomycopsis Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid

Update ( 4th Sept 15 ) :

3 years later, I bought the Facial Treatment Essence Crystal Limited Edition 215ml again, still refusing to give up.

I tried the SKII FTE in 3 different ways - on paper sheet masks ( sold in capsule forms ), on cotton pads ( as a lotion mask, read here ) and in a misting bottle ( as a facial mist ).

On paper sheet masks, the FTE dries up pretty quickly so I didn't quite like it. As a lotion mask, where I spread out the cotton pads all over my face, the FTE stings occasionally and my skin turns red and slightly warmer on nose and cheeks. Despite that, my skin feels pampered, nourished and refreshing after each treatment but I have yet to see any significant improvement to my dark spots on cheeks. Skin is just left feeling soft and hydrated and rough edges were gone.

My favourite and last method is to use it in a spray bottle! Just decant it into one of those travel-friendly sized bottle and you are on your way to face-misting whenever your skin needs it. Refresh your skin and replenish any moisture you might have lost throughout the day. Fast and convenient!

Update ( 13th Sept 19 ) :

I realized the effects were more pronounced the older I get and now I can say that it truly works. Recently, I have been using a 30ml bottle on a daily basis, as a lotion mask. My skin is luminous even without any moisturiser. Skin is smooth to the touch and feel soft with all rough ( due to dehydration ) edges all gone. Loving the effects of the FTE.

However do note that, on my skin, right after lotion masking, my skin turns pretty red with all the red patches but they were gone after 5 minutes.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Amazon SG | Shopee
SKII Facial Treatment Essence 230ml
SKII Facial Treatment Essence 75ml ( with free shipping )
SKII Facial Treatment Essence 75ml or 230ml ( with free and fast shipping )

SKII Facial Treatment Mask ( 10 sheets )

SKII Facial Treatment Essence

SKIII Pitera Essence Set

Review : SKII Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

Product Description
This unique everyday lotion acts as toner which delivers a mask-like experience on top of its skin conditioning function. It provides intensive hydration while boosting skin's Aura (transparent, glowing and healthy complexion), energizing and whitening benefits to the skin.

Benefits : Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance Enhancement, Spots Control

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Centella asiatica extract and niacinamide : moisturize and improve skin
texture and tone
Pitera : moisturize and improve skin texture and tone

This product is part of a 4 set kit from BellaBox. Meant to be used as the 2nd step in the skincare regime, this product is one of the SK-II’s radiance-restoring Cellumination family which acts as a toner to offer immediate and long-lasting mask-quality hydration to skin in a lightweight
fluid formula.

Containing the Cellumination line’s signature Aura-Bright Complex, a powerful cocktail of Centella Asiatica extract, Nicotinamide W and a concentrated form of SK-II’s exclusive ingredient Pitera™, it’s the first step in boosting skin’s ‘Aura-Lucency’—in other words, delivering skin that looks ‘glowing from within’ gorgeous.

When you think of SKII, you think of skin that is clear and translucent, like baby's white and soft skin. At least thats what SKII's branding is to me.

Touted as a quick fix for morning dullness, the Mask-In Lotion helps to soften the skin's surface to enable it to absorb subsquent products from the skincare regime more effectively. It claimed that with regular use over 2 weeks, the product can significantly softens skin. Lets find out!

The slight off-white lotion is runny and has a heavy fragrance. I started off with using it direct on the skin by pouring the contents into my cupped palms and tap it gently into my skin, followed with the recommended face massage.

Hydration is quite pathetic. No doubt my skin felt refreshing and almost sticky after patting in the mask-in lotion but even though it sinks into the skin, the skin still feels the same as before.

I like illustrations with instructions that is easy to follow as opposed to Clarins' complicated steps.

However, my sensitive skin just cannot take too much stimulation so massaging on the skin always made it red and splotchy and thats what happened when I followed the massaging steps with this Mask-In Lotion. Coupled on with more massaging with the Essence and Deep Surge products,
they are just too much for my skin to bear.

The hydrating and whitening benefits were hardly present. All I see was splotchy skin tone.
This Mask-In Lotion can also be used as a mask treatment but since I do not have any paper masks at home, I poured it onto thin cotton pads, tear it thinly and layered it on the skin.

The hydration ability was more apparent with the spot treatment. I just layered the cotton pads on the dehydrated areas and notice that the peeling subsided significantly though the roughness  ( due to dehydration ) still exist.

In general, I felt that the product performed better on optimal skin condition and enhance the skin's condition by allowing other products to better penetrate the skin.
On bad skin days, the product seemed useless on my dehydrated and sensitive skin.

After a week's usage of the product, I noticed that my skin has become more sensitive. The area around my nose and chin as well as the broken capillaries are red, after cleansing my face with my regular cleanser which should not happen at all.

When I think of the results and the pricey tag of $114 at 100ml, it certainly did not justify any purchase, despite the glowing reviews from others.

In terms of ingredients, the product has a high concentration of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Niacinamide. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate regulates oil production and PH balance, evens out skin tone, and protects skin from environmental stressors.

Niacinamide is well-tolerated by all skin types and helps to reduce the appearance of  hyperpigmentation, redness, yellowing, and blotchy spots on the face (source)

SKII Cellumination Mask-In Lotion won the Best of Allure Beauty 2011 as well as Her World Brightening Serum category (Readers' choice )

It scored 3.3 from 3 users on Makeupalley.

Get yours from the following links :
SKII Cellumination Mask-In Lotion 100ml
SKII Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

Ingredients :

Aqua (Water), Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Nylon-12, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance).

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Review : SKII Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

Product Description
SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser cares for your skin while cleansing. Containing Concentrated Pitera™ and Mild Treatment Essence, it leaves your skin hydrated even 30 minutes after cleansing. It can be transformed into fine-textured lather and gives mild rose scent. It refines skin texture, increases firmness, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, enhances radiance and controls spots.

Key Ingredients :

【Concentrated Pitera™】inhibits free radicals and improves skin texture.

【Sodium PCA】a natural moisturizing factor that strengthens keratin functioning and enables the skin to hydrate itself.

【Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract】has astringent, caring and soothing virtues.

【Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate】softens and moisturizes skin.

Well, I finally laid my hands on a SKII product (after 4 years), a 6g cleanser from my July BellaBox. I actually tried it many years ago, when I still have soft bouncy skin but I couldn't tell the difference it gave me then.

Foaming cleansers are never for me and this cleanser touted as a gentle cleanser IS a foaming cleanser. Unlike others, this cleanser did not give me any taut or dry feeling, but I do feel a slight tight sensation on my hands, after cleansing. Not a good vibe.

It has a mild rose scent and is mousse-y and creamy in texture. It lathers easily and cleanse in a harsh way on my sensitive skin. I use it at night. On the first day of usage, my skin feels soft, smooth and clean. I was caught by surprise because my skin has never take well to foaming cleanser as my age climbs up.

On the 2nd day, my skin turns slightly red even though during cleansing, there was no tight feeling on the skin. On the 3rd day, the redness becomes more pronounced, around my nose and chin, which are the sensitive areas on my face. It was just horrible as the redness did not subside even till the following morning. I stopped using it immediately.

On the 4th and 5th day, my skin becomes flaky, rough and dehydrated even though I have stopped using it on the 3rd day. Horrible cleanser to the bin. I know there are many others who love the cleanser but its just not for me. So perhaps you may have better luck with it.

It retails at $89 for a 120g size. It scored 3.9 from 112 reviewers on Makeupalley.

If you are keen to try, here's where you can get it.
SKII Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser ( free shipping )

Review on SKII Advanced Eye Treatment Film

According to SKII, this Pitera®-rich oil-free eye film provides long-lasting hydration to the delicate area around the eye. It is a revitalising eye contour serum which hydrates, smoothes and revitalises the eye area.

I have tried the product for close to 3 weeks but sad to say, it did not show any visible improvement to my eye area. My eye area have started to become dry as age creeps up, so at times, concealer ends up cakey. Hence, I have been keeping a lookout for hydrating eye gel recently.

The moisture level at my eye area is still quite low after 3 weeks and today, a little red bump appeared just under my eye. You can imagine I almost freaked out and stopped using the product immediately.I am not sure what it is and will continue to monitor the situation. But I decided to stop using all my eye products, with the hope that it will heal soon.

Other than the little red bump, I also do not like the oily film texture. Even though its stated that its oil-free on the website, but I still feel like applying oil to my eye area. Ouch!

This product is available from SKII counters for S$80.