Bio-essence Tanaka range

Bio-essence, a brand in Singapore (not sure if its sold overseas) has recently released its latest range of Tanaka products. I tried three products from the range, so i'll review them in this post. Heres some background info on Tanaka, taken from the bio-essence website:

All about Tanaka

Tanaka (also known as Thanakha) has a rich history in Myanmar. It is a tradition whitening secret used by women in Myanmar for more than 2000 years. It’s used not only in their daily life, but also in traditional ceremonies where face paintings bear cultural associations of nobility and purity.

The scientific name of Tanaka plant is Limonia acidissima. The best Tanaka plants are naturally slow in growth and it takes three to ten years for the tree trunk to grow two inches in diameter. It must be at least 35 years old to be mature enough to yield good Tanaka. The barks obtained from these trees are fragrant and resistant to pests.

Tanaka means both "cosmetic for beautifying the face" and "cleansing agent". The production of Tanaka for use is fascinating. The simple procedure involves stripping of the bark from the plant, soaking it in water and then grounding it on a mortar and mixed with water to form a fragrant paste to be applied onto the face. It is recognized as an effective and ideal cosmetic for those who have to work under direct sunshine. Women who work in paddy fields always wear thick layers of Tanaka to protect themselves from the harsh sun. It also cools and soothes skin to help prevent pimples.

Bio-essence adapts modern Bio-engineering techniques to extract highly effective whitening, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory agents from the Tanaka tree bark, providing the most natural and effective care for the skin.

The Tanaka Tree Bark Extract used in the Tanaka White Series has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants.

The thing is, i already believed in the uses of Tanaka for whitening before this range came out. About 6 years ago, my parents went to Myanmar. When they came back, my mum had bought this face mask that had Tanaka in it. She was raving about how in Myanmar, she saw a lot of women with beautiful white complexion and that she had asked them what they used. They told her they used Tanaka on their faces to maintain a white and flawless mein. My mum also told me that they would smear the Tanaka paste on their faces and walk around the town.

We tried the facemask (came in a tub) for a while, but back then, i wasn't really into beauty products.



When this bio-essence range came out recently, it reminded me of the face mask my mum bought then and what she had told me. So i decided, why not give this a try and see whether it really works out.

First up, Bio-essence White Skin White Perfecting Lotion SPF 15

Given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Skin White Perfecting Lotion is a non-greasy formula that uses Bio-engineering techniques to blend unique ingredients Tanaka bark extract, Bio Mineral Essence and Bio-Energy Fluid with other precious herbal extracts Ginseng, Lycium, and Angelicae to effectively moisturize and nourish skin, evens out skin tone and acts as a protective layer against environmental pollutants like dust and dirt. It also contains Pomelo extract, which is rich in Vitamin C for effective whitening properties. With continuous use, skin becomes supple, fair and radiant from within.

Marvelous Efficacies:
• Enriched with Tanaka bark extract for intensive whitening and moisturizing effects
• Light and non-greasy formula, infused with herbal and mineral extracts to replenish essential nutrients for the skin.
• Blocks out and prevents free radical damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants
• Contains strong anti-oxidants to slow down the aging process
• Evens out skin tone, lightens blemishes and pigmentation
• Suitable for use both in the day and at night. Can be used as a make-up base

This sunblock was pretty thick and white, so i don't know about the fact about it being 'light'. Whats true is that its non-greasy definitely. But one negative point is that it will leave your face a shade whiter, like you are wearing some sort of mask. I kinda hate that, but i guess i can tolerate it because im very fair to begin with and people aren't going to notice me being a shade whiter. For people who are more tan, be more cautious if you want to buy this product because you may look unnaturally white. This product has a pleasant scent and is easily absorbed even though its so thick. Overall, not bad, though i would not recommend this because i prefer sunblocks with lighter texture and higher SPF. Retails for $16.80.

Rating: ♥♥♥


Next, Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream

given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream uses advanced Bio-engineering techniques to blend precious herbal extracts and essential nutrients which deeply nourishes to help repair damaged cells and encourage cell renewal. Re-attain bright and naturally fair skin in no time. It is also lightly textured to facilitate absorption while Tanaka extract helps to cool skin the natural way, suitable for ladies who prefer a non-greasy formula for the day

This is pretty thick for a day cream as well. It doesnt contain SPF, so please don't use this as a sunblock of any sort. Pleasant scent as well, and easily absorbed. Just like the one with SPF, this leaves a sort of white mask though its less noticeable. Pretty spreadable and actually feels luxurious! Retails for SGD $22.80 and you can get this at Guardian, Watsons or any drugstore.


Rating: ♥♥♥


Finally, Bioessence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream

Given description:

Bio-essence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream contains precious and effective ingredients such as Tanaka and Ginseng extracts, combined with exclusive ingredients Bio Mineral Essence and Bio Energy Fluid to moisturize and nourish your skin while you sleep. It brightens and firms the skin, leaving you with a fair, radiant and blemish-free complexion.

Marvelous Efficacies:
• Contains precious herbal ingredients such as Tanaka extract, Ginseng and Aloe Vera, combined with Bio-Energy Fluid and Bio Mineral Essence to enrich the skin with mineral & trace mineral elements, vitamins and amino acids so that skin layers are strengthened and more elastic
• Skin tone becomes more even, fairer, brighter with continuous use
• Deep nourishing ingredients helps rejuvenate skin cells to improve skin texture, leaving it supple and energized and appearing more translucent
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look.

One really strange thing is that this cream is more of a gel than a cream! And it is meant for night use! I wonder why the day creams are thicker than the night 'cream'. Since this is gel, it spreads pretty easily too though i would say it has a pretty THICK gel consistency. Easy absorbed and feels cooling. Leaves my skin feeling smooth too after application.
Retails for SGD$25.80.

Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/



CREDITS: www.cozycot.com for product descriptions and images

Benefit 'Bathina Getting Steamy' bath wash

Given descriptionL

Bathina's steamy bath time treat, Getting' Steamy moisturises and conditions the skin with the flirtatious Bathina fragrance. Add a little of this pink pearlescent wash to your bath for smooth, silky bubbles. 480ml.

I bring you another product by Benefit, the Bathina Getting Steamy bath wash. When i mean bath wash, i mean stuff you pour into the bathtub when you want to take a bath (not a shower).

I love most of the products by Benefit, products like 'You Rebel-lite' tinted moisturizing cream and 'Girl-About Town' face primer. I love the face primer, the best i've used so far. But i have also encountered products i disliked, such as the eye-bright pencil which is pretty useless and absolutely not worth it.

This product joins my list of favourites. The wash is peachy golden in colour, and smells great. I just love the scent. I used it as a body wash before, and a little bit goes a long way. As a bath wash, it smells absolutely heavenly swirled into steaming hot bath water.


One thing im not sure about is if Benefit still sells it. I recently checked the website out and i couldn't find it at all. Hmm?


Rating: ♥♥♥♥

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

Given description: Transforms into a lavish, softening foam--original and unique in texture--that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume.

Use daily during the bath to maintain its skin firm; ideal for the shave. Layer the delightful aroma of sweet almond by following with moisturizing Almond Milk Concentrate




Seeing as this was called an oil, i was expecting something really oily and thin, but to my surprise, this turned out to be more like a really thick shower gel.

Doesn't really feel like oil, and doesn't 'foam' up, but acts just like a normal shower gel, only thicker.


It was easy to wash off, and left my skin feeling smooth and definitely not dried out.


What i like best about this product is the scent. After washing off, there was a very pleasant light almond scent left on my skin, and my skin feels smooth.


Get this at any L'Occitane outlets, its about 250ml.


rating: ♥♥♥♥ ♥/

L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Daily Use shampoo and conditioner

Given description:

SHAMPOO

This daily-use shampoo gently cleanses your hair without irritating the scalp. Enriched with organic verbena extract, purifying lemon essential oil and softening linden floral water, it restores softness, shine and vitality to hair. The sparkling and zesty scents of citrus fruits leave hair fresh and pleasantly perfumed. Suitable for all hair types.



CONDITIONER

This fast-acting conditioner immediately smoothes and detangles hair. Its ultra-light formula is enriched with organic verbena extract, purifying lemon essential oil and softening linden floral water. It restores vitality and shine to hair. The sparkling and zesty scent of citrus fruits leave hair light, fresh and pleasantly perfumed. Suitable for all hair types.

Taken from: http://usa.loccitane.com




I don't know how many times i've said this, but it is quite difficult for me to judge when it comes to hair products because my hair is very healthy, shiny, smooth and never gets frizzy. To sum it up, its already in its prime condition.


however, two days after using this my friend commented that she loves my hair. She said it looks very healthy and smooth, and even asked what shampoo i used. I was more than happy to share, of course. This shampoo doesn't have a strong scent, and doesn't leave a lingering scent in your hair so if you're a girl that likes shampoos that leave scents in your hair, then i don't think this product is suitable for you. but i think this would be great for men and its a great unisex shampoo.



Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

L'Occitane Ruban d'Orange soft skin milk

This is a product from L'Occitane's orange range which i think has already passed a long time ago.


This body moisturizer is not greasy at all. Absorbs fast into your body and doesn't leave greasy residue unlike other moisturizers.

The scent is citrusy, but i don't really like the after smell. I wished it was more citrusy and fresh. The texture is great though, really like milk, only thicker. very easy to apply too.



Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

Savons Gemme Bath Jewels

This is one beautiful soap. I have no idea of what company this product is made by, this was given to my father by the drug company, so maybe it is one of the products of the drug company. That being said, i don't know where you can purchase this, but, im still going to review this.



it came housed in a black box covered in some suede/velvet material and inside it was there nesting on some gold fabric. The soap itself is made to look like an amethyst, and i must say they did a very good job in replicating an amethyst.


The soap is purple, and has a sort of diamond shape to it. There are luminiscent streaks running through it, like that of an opal and parts of the soap are opaque purple. Really beautiful. It's quite big too.


The shape makes it very easy to hold in the shower and the scent is mild and pleasant. I have only ever dropped this soap once, which is really good because i always drop soap bars in the shower and i hate it especially when it lands on my foot! PAINFUL!



The soap is easy to wash off your skin too and doesn't leave an overwhelming scent on your body. This would make a great gift, and i think guys can use this too, cos the scent isn't overly feminine but im not sure whether they would mind using a soap that looks like an amethyst!


rating: ♥♥♥♥ One added star for looking so very pretty

Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield sunblock

Given description :

ENLARGE PICTURE TO VIEW DESCRIPTION ON PRODUCT

Hmm strange thing is, this product is apparently sold only in Asia. I guess the tropical climate and humid weather explains why though. This product is an extremely lightweight and oil free sunblock formulated for oily skins and the hot weather. with such humid conditions, we don't need another sunblock that clogs up the skin do we?




I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PRODUCT. I have not found a sunblock thats better than this to be honest. When i used this for the first time, i didn't expect the sunblock to be well, so watery. It's not diluted don't worry, thats just the way it is. The watery texture ensures that the sunblock is light and weightless and it does make my face looks a little more translucent white. Thats good though! By translucent white i don't mean the white thick residue that most sunblocks leave. This one doesn't, and it gets absorbed really quickly into my skin as well.




I love this as it doesn't make my skin feel oily. I hate sunblocks or products that cause my face to be oily, my skin is already oily as it is and i don't want it to be any oilier. this is great and lasts through sweat and the hot weather.



I can't remember the price, i think it's about SGD $54? It's not cheap definitely, and the bottle is small. But with the watery texture, you don't need much for your whole face and so this product does last a long time. Plus, the small bottle makes it easy to pack cos it takes up so little space!




Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ ABSOLUTE FAVE!