I haven’t gone on too much about masks; mostly because, if truth be known, my beauty routine has been adequately filled without them. My skincare routine already consists of big guns, like powerful retinoid, potent serums, intensive moisturisers, and highly protective sunscreens. So I haven’t really felt the need to reach for instant indulgences.
Sheet mask has been de riguer in Japan for decades, which upsets me because I really can’t stand the feel of the cold, slimy sheet on my face. It also feels quite wasteful. Face mask that you rinse off, on the other hand, isn’t a mainstream norm. It also seems more trouble than it’s worth.
I have been using a mask more often lately, but only in the bath. Because the sheet doesn’t feel as unpleasant and it’s easier to rinse off old-school face mask properly. More importantly, it prevents my face from drying out and it also gives me something to do.
Wafood Made Sake Kasu Pack, made ultra-popular by Fan Bingbing (China’s highest-paid actress who is known for her love of sheet-masking), is one that I’ve been reaching for the most. It’s fantastic. So long as you love sake. Because there’s a shedload of it going on here. It contains the rice liquor itself and sake kasu, the leftover solid bits that remain during the making process. The sweet smell of sake and feel of the sake kasu-like paste clinging to my skin, it’s a full-on experience.
(Note: “Sake” actually refers to any alcoholic drink in Japanese. The traditional alcohol made from fermented rice is called “nihonshu” in Japan which literally means “Japanese alcohol”.)
The Wafood Made‘s Sake Kasu skincare range is marketed for those in their 30s–40s who are concerned with dryness and dullness. The pack contains sake and sake kasu to soften and break down dead skin cells and replenish moisture at the same time. Leave it on for 10 minutes — longer is good — and you’ll reap the benefits if your skin is feeling a bit dry and lacklustre. Soft and springy skin that feels ultra-smooth. It’s a nice one if you want to do some in-bath pampering but don’t want to particularly renew, deep cleanse, or take off ten layers of skin.
Packaging at its most minimalist and frugal. A simple squeezy pouch with plastic nozzle — no fuss, little waste, and easy to get every single last drop from the inside. You frequently come across this type of packaging with large format refills and wash-off face masks in Japan.
pdc’s Wafood Made Sake Kasu Pack is sold in drugstores across Japan. RRP is ¥1,200 for 170ml and you can find it online at DOKODEMO for close to the same price. Alternatively, it’s also available on Stylevana for US18.78 — use code INF105COSME at checkout for an extra 10–15% off.
Hi ratzilla! I’ve been following you for years, wow has time passed since you’ve grown so much!
do you get procedures done to your skin? also, how do you keep your skin smooth and young? are there like “pillars” to your skincare?
thanks in advance 🙂
Thank you for your continued support! I get 3 sessions (spaced about a month apart) of IPL treatment roughly every 3-5 years to give my skin the freshest possible slate. In between, I do regular chemical peels. Skincare products will never have as much effect as peel or other procedures — they will only work superficially. For me, they’re mostly for maintenance. If a skincare product doesn’t deliver some sort of visible benefits in at least a few weeks of regular use then it’s not really going to do much. It’s just not worth the time wasted, the effort, and the… Read more »
Do you see an esthetician for skin maintenance? If so, what procedures do you have done?
I get 3 sessions (spaced about a month apart) of IPL treatment roughly every 3-5 years to give my skin the freshest possible slate.
I don’t mean something like IPL which I assume is done by a dermatologist.
I meant do you get services done by an esthetician, like regular facials, etc?
No, I think facials are a complete time and money. I personally would never go to an aesthetician for professional skin treatments and procedures — they simply lack the training and education.
Thank you so much for your amazing reviews and site! Been following since your old MUA days. Would you be able to review or share info about Nanoegg’s products? Can’t really find much in English other than their HK website, but am told they have “cutting edge” formulas, and am curious. Thank you in advance!
Thank you for your continued support over the years!
Who doesn’t boast about having cutting-edge technology and formulas these days? Going by their website, it seems they’re specifically referring to micro-encapsulation and controlled-release formulation. Both are neither unique nor exclusive since every major cosmetics producer in Japan has its own proprietary microencapsulation technology and time-release products are very common these days. Their blurb about enhancing skin regeneration/repair refers to their blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. The MediQOL Skin Lipid 15/33 II cream seems to be the most popular product they have.