I’ve openly discussed in this blog how much I’ve invested on my skin. As early as 11 or 12, I’ve already been visiting my dermatologist for regular treatments. My skin is that bad and it doesn’t help that your parents keep on pointing it out every time there’s a zit on your face. They kept on sending me to the dermatologists and even to celebrity doctors just to get my skin looking clear and perfect just like other girls . There are days when my skin is clear and other times, I look like I got chicken pox. What can I do? My hormones are wild during the time of the month and pimples grow in a span of 24 hours! I hate it the most when they’re huge and leave a mark! Seriously, it’s only during red flag days when I feel so insecure of my skin.
I knew about SK II 2 years ago when a friend mentioned it to me in one of our discussions about high-end skin care. She said that she’d rather use SK II than Obagi. I was using Obagi for the first time then. Anyway, I was curious and did a little research about it. I learned that their Facial Treatment Essence is the best seller but didn’t pay much attention then because it wasn’t available here in Manila, well, until now. It retails for around $100 and I was a little turned off. I mean, that much for a toner? There were mixed reviews, but if you know me, I’m kind of a risk taker when it comes to skin care. I was thankful that it’s only available abroad because I’m sure I’ll end up buying it on impulse.
Fast forward to 2013, I had a short layover in Nagoya last month and came across the brand. There was a complete set, 10-pc including the essence, of SK II product being sold for ¥53K($500). Each product is around $100 so I thought that was a steal. A voice in my head was telling me not to get it because it might just be a waste of money like Obagi. It didn’t work on my skin TWICE. That time, I was using a combination of products, La Roche Posay, AHAVA, The Body Shop and they work just fine. But… I’m sooo curious so I told myself I’d get it on the layover back to Manila instead. To make this long story short, I ended up getting it but the wrong set. Our layover at Narita was so quick that I didn’t have time to ask the SA more questions why the set on display was a lot cheaper, ¥49K. It didn’t cross my mind that the set was different from the one in Nagoya. There was a communication problem too and before the plane leave me behind, I just bought it and zoomed off. So yeah, I ended up getting a 7-pc set.
SK II’s signature ingredient is Pitera, a liquid derived from the yeast fermentation process used in making sake. In this video, you will notice that old workers have youthful hands. Scientists concluded that their hands were much youthful because they were often dipped in the fermentation liquid.
SK-II Pitera contains components of Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) that occur naturally in the skin. Pitera™ also has other ingredients such as polysaccharides that improve the skin functions.
The combination of Pitera’s delicate balance of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids, and the Natural Moisturising Factors it contains, gives it its unique ability to adapt to the skin, yielding multiple skin benefits to bring skin back to harmony.
The set is almost complete. You have the basics except sunscreen. Can I just say I didn’t want the mask?!? If could turn back time, I’d get the 10-pc set instead. I’m willing to pay more for 3 full sized products than getting this mask that I can only use once. Sure it must be amazing, but, gaaah. Oh well. On to the products, arranged according to use (the mask is an optional item. It can be used before the essence)
1. Facial Treatment Cleanser - “This foaming facial cleanser has an wonderful cleansing element that lifts/removes debris from the skin and pores. Contains Concentrated Pitera. Fragrance-free, colorant-free.”
2. Facial Treatment Clear Lotion - “A wipe-off clarifying lotion that helps to exfoliate your skin by removing excess dead skin cells.”
3. Facial Treatment Essence - “It helps to maintain your skin’s natural ability to renew itself, keeping it smooth, firm, wrinkle resilient, radiant and crystal clear. “
4. Stempower Essence – “It boosts your inner resilience to give you poreless bouncy skin.”
5. Stempower – “Experience radical firmness.”
6. Skin Signature Eye Cream - “A lightweight eye cream that helps to provide a firmer and smoother eye area.”
7. Facial Treatment Mask - “An intensive moisture-boosting mask which immediately hydrates your skin, leaving it noticeably radiant, soft and translucent. Enriched with Pitera.”
Thank god it comes with a manual because I wouldn’t be able to figure out the order of usage of these products (and still I want the 10-pc set!) The way I understood it, all the products are to be used day and night.
This is the condition of my skin after a facial treatment 3 days ago. This is how bad my skin can get during my period. TERRIBLE!!! I started using the SK II set 2 days ago and so far so good! My skin feels hydrated the whole day.I don’t expect the set to magically erase the marks on my face, but I hope to get a clear, firm and healthy looking skin in time. I still have to see its overall effect in the coming weeks. I’m praying hard it won’t disappoint! Will make an update soon!
Sorry for the leeengthy post! If you’ve used SK-II before, I’d love to know your experience!
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