I've been using BLACK PAINT® since May this year and yes, there are periods where I stop using them to review other skincare brands (part of being a beauty blogger) but I always revert back to BLACK PAINT®.

You have seen photo of my Before and After from my previous post on Black Paint, and it has worked really well for me. It hasn't been an overnight miracle but rather a progressive journey.

Black Paint Soap (Top Left), Unique One Sided Pad (Bottom Left) to be used with Best Water Toner, Oil Rose Facial Lotion, Black Sponge (Bottom Right) and Water Cream (Top Right)

Just like the success that BLACK PAINT® has achieved progressively over six years, being awarded once again for the Monde Selection Award “GRAND GOLD”, the highest ranking to rate a product that has achieved an average result between 90%- 100% for its quality.

BLACK PAINT® has been one of my favourite brands because not only is it an organic natural skincare brand (established in Kyoto 15 years ago by Miyuki Maeda), it is also based on the concept of using plant oil treatments to achieve healthy beautiful skin. 

That is why BLACK PAINT® skincare products are made from natural, organic materials which are blended from more than 100 types of plant oils, more than 50 types of essential oils, and Kishu Bichotan Charcoal that suitable for various skin and body parts. 

I have been sharing my success with BLACK PAINT® with my friends and since Sample Store approached me to share my experiences with the products, I thought that it would be great to highlight on certain key application techniques and pointers that I have come to established from my own experience and tips from the founder of BLACK PAINT®.

BLACK PAINT® Soap

Pointers:

• Correct application of the soap is important- it has to feel like melted chocolate.
• If it gets tricky to apply the product onto your face directly with the bar, use your fingers to scoop and apply.
• It will get messy- great way to wash your sink clean.
• The soap will not dry as easily as it would in a humid climate like Singapore- ensure no leftover water in your bowl.
• Product will sting your eyes- avoid applying too close to eye until you are in the shower to rinse them off.
• Product will turn grayish and soapy as you massage with moist hands.

BLACK PAINT® Best Water Toner

Pointers:

• Do not skip this step- this is vital to achieving healthy pores!
• Best used with BLACK PAINT® pads but you can also use cotton pads or facial mask- to create like a toner mask.
• Leave it onto your face with the pads for it to be effective as supposed to merely splashing and patting onto your face.

Personally, after cleansing, I pump 6-8 pumps onto the pads and leave them on my face for 10mins. This method makes a huge difference in my skin, not only does it make my skin feel more hydrated but it also aids in the absorption of BLACK PAINT®Oil Water!

BLACK PAINT® Black Sponge

Pointers:

• Don't neglect this sponge- works well to keep the skin smoother.
• Dry this well- squeeze out water by placing it between your palms and excess water by using the same method with a towel around it.
• Best to air-dry it in a mesh pouch like the one in the photo above- prevents the sponge from ripping apart.
• Use the sponge when it is moist and only with water.

Previously, I used to use the sponge to aid in washing off the soap but I realised that it only degrades it faster. So, only use the sponge after you rinse off in the shower and massage it over your face gently focusing on your T-zone areas.

~~~

Personally, I have experienced a pretty positive outcome with Black Paint's skincare range. However, it has come to my attention that the result varies with individuals (due to different lifestyle, body's reaction to ingredients). Hence, I would recommend starting out with the trial set (good for a month's worth) first to test the products out and to judge on its effectiveness yourself!

For more details & promotions of  Black Paint®:

https://www.facebook.com/blackpaintsg

www.blackpaint.sg

Or

Read all of my BLACK PAINT® related posts HERE

Black Paint® is available at: 

ISETAN, B2 Westgate Mall Jurong East, 3 Gateway Drive, S608532

And

Takashimaya Department Store, B1 (Cashier at Bed Linen Area)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Black Paint is having 50% OFF on Black Paint Trial Set.

Discounted Price - $59.99. Hurry up, limited time offer!

Order here: http://blackpaint.sg/products/trial-set

Hey Hey~

I have been using BLACK PAINT product for about 4 months now and looking back at photos I took of my face, there are a few improvements!

I still get blemishes from time to time due to hormonal imbalance but I noticed that the lines under my eyes are fainter (even though my eye bags are worse! insomnia!!), the pores on my cheeks & nose are smaller, I have lesser blackheads in my T-zone area, and my skin feels way smoother than before!

And I am pleased to find out that BLACK PAINT Soap has won another year of Monde Selection Award “GRAND GOLD”, the highest ranking, for another year. This award is rewarded only if the product has achieved an average result between 90%- 100% for its quality!

BLACK PAINT Soap has won the “GRAND GOLD” title for 6 consecutive years!

This means something, right~ Especially if it is used on our face!

I was searching for a skincare range that uses simple natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals, when I chanced upon BLACK PAINT.

Read my review of BLACK PAINT soap here!

BLACK PAINT is the No.1 Pore Care Facial Series in Japan

Click on the video to find out why!

I like how honest they were about their product, and I never believed in an overnight miracle because, most products that makes such a claim, uses really harmful ingredients in their product.

Plus, my mum has always taught me that to achieve good skin, it takes time and dedication.

p.s. My mum's skin is soooooo good, you will be shocked to know her true age!

Special Trial Promotion

Keen to try BLACK PAINT out?

From now till 24th July 2014, BLACK PAINT is having an experience counter in Takashimaya Basement 1 (near L'Occitane counter and aromatherapy shelves) for ladies troubled by ACNE, black head, wrinkles and pigmentation problem to experience BLACK PAINT.

The BLACK PAINT girls at the counter will demonstrate how to do the BLACK PAINT 4 step skin care regime to maximize result. 

After that, if you choose to try their star product BLACK PAINT SOAP 120g (S$49.9), you have the option to utilize the voucher do a purchase on purchase for a trial set for S$10 (worth S$90). 

The trial set contains all the items needed for the BLACK PAINT 4 step regime, they are :

Best Water 50ml SG$34.9

Oil Water Rose 30ml SG$19.9

Water Cream Rose Lavender 10g SG$19.9

Black Sponge (small) 1pc SG$9.9

Facial Paper 10pc 1pack SG$3

Black Paint Soaking Cup 1pc SG$3

Download the Voucher here!

I spoke about the BLACK PAINT Range in my July Skincare Regimen, 

Click here to view it!

Location

Takashimaya

Basement 1, near the L'Occitane counter & aromatherapy shelves

Do pop by to try the product out yourself, I find BLACK PAINT to be such a unique product that it does help to learn and understand how to use them properly from the girls!

Dont be shy, feel free to ask me any questions about BLACK PAINT or let me know how it went for you in the comment section!

Hey hey!

As a finalist of Best Beauty Blog in Singapore Blog Awards, we were requested to share with our readers the beauty tools which we use that are important to us. It was easy for me to think of the beauty tools that I use, but the challenge was how these tools were important to me. 

 I have just chanced upon these tools and just use them without realising that they form the essential part of my beauty process! We learn something new everyday!

Check out my video on the types of beauty tools I used in different aspects of my beauty regimen

and scroll down to read how these tools are important to me!

Skincare

Marketing and advertising has always place an emphasis that beauty starts with flawless skin, to the extent that photos and videos are retouched; models are covered up with makeup; and now, any skin imperfection is frown upon.

Ladies are now guilt-ridden for "flaws" that they cant control, like acne, pimples, wrinkles and even pigmentation.

As a new beauty blogger in this field, I would like to break that and tell you that I am far from perfection.

I battled with acne to tell you that the more you try to get rid of it, the more harm you are doing to your skin.
Now, after medications, harsh creams and various chemical treatments, my skin is very sensitive.

I found out the hard way that the solution to happy beautiful skin is to do less with harsh ingredients, sufficient with my cleansing routine and more with the way I love myself despite the social stigma of beauty.

I am currently using natural and basic skincare products for my face (Click here to read more about my current skincare) and to maintain healthy glowing skin, I use these tools below to gently cleanse away dead skin cells, grime and makeup and to boost circulation!

13RUSHES

The Cloud (L)

This fluffy brush here is a cleansing brush!

Made with incredibly fine and soft bristles, The Cloud reaches deep into your pores to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime and makeup. This reduces causes of blemishes, while smoothing and refining your skin’s texture for incredible results.

I will do a review on this range soon! Keep an eye out if you are interested to know more! 

BLACK PAINT

Konjac Sponge (In travel size)

I have mentioned this in my recent July Skin Care Regimen video, click here to find out more on it!

A 100% natural facial sponge made from vegetable fiber, Kishu Binchotan charcoal (White charcoal) and various minerals that enhance absorptive ability, helps removing excess oil and dead skin cells in the most delicate manner.

With the use of these 2 cleansing tools, I have seen and felt a difference. My skin is smoother and more radiant now, there are still the occasional blemishes but the amount of it has reduced significantly!

I still dont have perfect flawless skin but at least the condition is being kept under control~

Makeup

Gorgeous makeup is as much about the tools you use as the products you apply and the skill of application. 

“Brushes make all the difference when it comes to getting a professional-looking makeup application,” says New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt. 

Having started out with basic makeup: foundation and eyeliner, I have come a long way from using my fingers to apply makeup. Now, I have a holder full of brushes, a drawer full of foundation, powder, blushers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, lip gloss, lip stains and lipsticks!

I still use my fingers when I do my makeup, because let's face it~ body heat warms up products and fingers are easier to control when you are rushing for time. But that being said, on days when I have time or when a more seamless makeup look is required, I use brushes for application!

And as a beauty blogger, readers are not only interested in our 2 cents worth of review about a beauty product but also the way we create our makeup look~ (Am I right?)

I find that brushes help to create a smoother almost airbrush application that fingers cant really give.

And at the moment, I am trying out these 5 brushes from 13RUSHES!

13RUSHES

Base (Foundation)- Angled Flat Top Kabuki

Base (Concealer)- Angled Flat Top Mini

Finish ( Blush & Powder)- Round Cheek

Eyes- Short Shader & Angled Mini

13RUSHES aspires to bring cruelty-free alternatives to beauty lovers all over the world. We believe looking great doesn’t have to harm the animals. Contrary to popular belief, getting fur off the animals isn't as pain-free as a haircut. Every year, millions of animals are trapped and strangled in the wild, electrocuted and skinned in fur farms. Beauty should never come at the expense of the animals, as such all our products are 100% free of animal parts. Hence we promise to NEVER experiment on animals. Fur is really not glamourous.

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with 13RUSHES after I wrote in to them, I was really interested to know what everyone was raving about and so far, I am glad with the choices I made!
I will be doing a review on these brushes soon, so please do keep an eye out too!

Brushes aside, another makeup tool that I find very useful is this eyelash curler by Panasonic.

Eyelashes are Asian ladies' woes, they are either too short, too sparse or too straight that cannot rival the Western Ladies...

I have long lashes that are sparse and so poker straight, it would fool everyone at a poker table.

So I have been on the search for mascaras that would add volume and hold curls really well, and in my search, I have come upon many disappointing claims and end up having excess.

SO when I chanced upon this curler, I thought that I would put it to the ultimate test with the less worthy mascaras and boy was I amazed~

PANASONIC

Eyelash Curler (EH-SE60 VP)

I have never used a heated eyelash curler like this before and boy~ am I glad to have this!

This curler really makes the most out of mascaras that droops lashes (you know what I'm talking about)!

It heats up fast, curls well and stretch the use of disappointing mascaras!

Hair

Because I have a longish face shape, I keep my hair long to balance my face out and if you have long hair too, you know the troubles behind keeping our mane healthy.

Besides using SLS-free shampoo and applying all sort of hair treatment oil, I also try to keep it away from excessive heat. If I do, I use a heat protection products.

So what do I use when I want naturally soft curls for events and date nights?

I use these foam rollers!

GOODY

Dent-less Waves Foam Rollers (Large)

I have really long hair that has been dyed more times than I can count now and as usual, dyed hair tends to be dry and brittle. So to avoid excessive heat, I use these rollers to help me achieve my usual hairdo look while I sleep!

And there you have it~

The importance of Beauty Tools to me as a Beauty Blogger!

Please show your support if you like reading my posts by voting for me at:

https://apps.facebook.com/panasonic_sg_vote/

Stay Beautiful!

Panasonic Singapore Official website: http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

 Panasonic Singapore Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

SBA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Thanks for watching this video, scroll down for more info about the giveaway & the products mentioned! :)

ITOH 100% PURE COLLAGEN GIVEAWAY

Follow these steps:

1) Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

2) Leave a comment as to why you would like to win this

Or
1) Like my Facebook Page
2) Leave me a personal message on my page

It is that~ simple!

~~~

Black Paint Japan Video of How this soap works:

Review Links:

Black Paint Soap How-to & Review

Blissoma Solutions Refine Clay Renewal Mask Review

ITOH 100% Pure Collagen Review

The lucky winner has been selected!
Thank you, everyone for participating!

Whenever I travel, I will always have a Travel Must-have kit with products that I will use during the trip.

What I put inside this kit depends on... well~ the location!

This time round, I went to a tropical location with lots of sun and waves to surf~

BALI

Mentally, I was prepared to be exposed to the sun and I knew that the chances of me getting a tan is really high. 

However, to be honest, being tanned is the last thing I really want! Hahaha~ From experience, it will take me forever to lose my tan once I am brown!

So I packed my luggage with things to help me to maintain my colour the best that I could and to prevent myself from getting burnt!

I present you

My Bali Travel Essentials!

Sun Care Beauty Products

Body:

Hawaiian Tropic SHEER TOUCH Lotion Sunscreen

Broad Spectrum SPF50

Water Resistant for up to 80 mins!

I got this when I was in Jamaica and I love it!

It smells fruity and works really well that I have zero sunburn with it on!

Face:

|Everyday Use|

LJH Cellabel M.C. Vital CC Cream

SPF30 PA++

This CC cream evens up my skin's discolouration and has whitening properties to it!
On days when I am not exposed to the sun for a long period of time, I use this!

Special Promotional Shout out:

This CC Cream is selling at 50% discount, while stock last.

Click here to purchase!

OR

If you are doubtful, try out with their Free Starter Kit!
Redeem LJH Cellabel M.C. Vital CC Cream's Starter Kit HERE

|Special Promotion for my readers|

Get 10% discount by using my VIP code when you shop with HKCplaza.com:

SB01000JAD

|Long Exposure to Sun Use|

Laneige BB Cushion

SPF50 PA+++

For days when I was surfing or exposed to the sun way~ longer than I would like, I use this BB.
I love that it has a really good protection coverage, a little bit more resistant to perspiration & water (waves/rain) & also aids in whitening!

With both LJH Cellabel M.C. Vital CC Cream & Laneige BB Cushion, 

I actually see a difference in my skin tone... 

Yes~ My face is way fairer than my body!!!

Now, I need to find ways to even both face and body up...

Hahahaha!

|After Sun Care Product|

BLACK PAINT Rose Oil Water

I didn't feel any sunburn during my time spent in Bali but I still pamper my skin with a little tender loving care with BLACK PAINT Rose Oil Water as part of my skin care regime.

Rose Water not only has the ability to prevent sunburn but is also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps cleaning up the clogged pores, of oil and dirt!

Sun Care Apparels

My huge sun hat

&

Le Specs Rapture

Protection: Category 3 lens - Maximum UV protection

Sometimes, the basics works wonders at blocking out those harmful rays too!~

Totally in love with my shades!

Mosquitoes Bite Care

Blissoma CHAMO-MINT THERAPY Stress Relief Serum

I cant stop raving just how awesome this serum is!

Intended as a stress reliever, 

I found another use for it:

Anti-itch serum

Works wonders at reliving the itchiness from pesty mosquitoes' bites!

And if you know me well enough,

I am like a Free-For-All/Open Buffet for mosquitoes.

Sad but true.

But with this roll-on serum,

I stop scratching at the bites within 2 minutes max!

|Special Promotion for my readers|

Get 10% off regular priced items from Charis Naturals

Just key in the Promo Code when you checkout:

byJodyLiu

Valid until 25th  May 2014.

You may get the Serum from HERE.

Makeup

Star Lash PERFECT TOUCH EYELINER

(Rich Black Waterproof)

To be honest, I didnt wear any makeup most of the time throughout the trip~

I used mostly BB or CC cream and that's it.

But on occasion when I wanted a little more definition, 

I used this eyeliner!

Love that it is waterproof (I need my liners to be lasting) and the tip of it!

It's brush type so it gentle to the lids but really awesome for creating sleek lines~

Will be posting a review on it soon!

Keep an eye out for that :)

And that's pretty much it for my Bali Travel Essentials!

I hoped you found this post interesting & make use of my special promotions!

Until then!~

As you all should know by now, I am constantly on the hunt for organic or natural beauty products to convert my beauty regime to something with lesser toxic and a lot more self love.

I happened to chance upon BLACK PAINT® online and one thing lead to another and within a week, I got myself down to their fair at Takashimaya to find out more about the products firsthand from none other but the Founder of Black Paint, Miyuki Maeda!

What is BLACK PAINT?

BLACK PAINT®, an organic skincare brand established in Kyoto 15 years ago by Myyuki Co.Ltd. Since ancient times, plant oil treatments have been taught to be a secret to beautiful skin. Based on this concept, BLACK PAINT® skincare products are made from natural, organic materials which are blended from more than 100 types of plant oils, more than 50 types of essential oils, Kishu Bichotan Charcoal that suitable for various skin and body parts. BLACK PAINT® soaps sold more than one million units in Japan in year 2012 alone.

I am glad I headed down to the fair to find out more about the Brand and to understand BLACK PAINT's products from the person who created them, because the Soap is such an unique product on its own; in terms of what it promises to do, the way to use it, and the way to store it.

Miyuki Maeda also shared with me her philosophy behind cleansing and keeping "clean". We were all taught in this society that to be clean, we need to wash ourselves & kill all presence of germs and bacteria.

However, Miyuki Maeda views it differently after researching on the benefits of good bacteria that are found internally in our digestive system (think Yakult). Instead of killing off all bacteria, she reasons that it is better for, not only our skin, but our general health to cultivate these good bacteria, aka Human Microbiota.

As we all know, the human skin is usually slightly acid, due to sebum secretion by skin glands which contains lactic acid. These Human Microbiota thrives in an acidic PH level and act as a barrier to prevent microbes (other bacteria) from entering our body.

Vital to skin health, these good bacteria digest skin oil, dead cells and minerals from perspiration, turning them into a natural moisturizing cream that acts as a barrier between the inner skin and the outer environment. With essential moisture locked in and dirt out, our skin stays soft, fresh and radiant. 

Using only natural ingredients without any preservatives, BLACK PAINT helps maintain the functionality of the bacteria in our skin which balances the skin’s immune system.

Such a win-win situation!

So, BLACK PAINT Soap was created with that philosophy and I got to put it to the test!

A gentle pore cleansing hand-made face soap with Kishu Bichotan Charcoal (White Charcoal) clean pores and removes oil and dirt thoroughly but gently without stripping away skin’s essential moisture, leaving skin fresh and silky smooth.

To Use:

VERDICT

Texture: Solid but malleable when dry; paste-like when melted

Ingredients: Soap Foundation, Water, Jojoba Seed Oil, Urea, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Pine Extract, Charcoal, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Raw Sugar, Iron Oxide, Hydrolyzed Silk, Lavender Oil, Honey, Green Tea Leaves, Damask Rose Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Peanut Oil, Sesame Oil, Walnut Seed Oil, Perilla Frutesens Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Hazelnut Seed Oil, Rose Oil


Benefits:

• Deeply clean pores and removes keratotic plugs (blackheads) for smoother and fresher skin
• Removes makeup in one wash
• Nourishes skin with 23 types of plant oils, amino acids from silk powder and vitamins in honey and brown sugar
• Absorbs impurities and delivers natural minerals
• Improves skin immunity and minimize skin irritation

Smell: A mixture of floral & nutty scent.

Cost: $49.90
Product Rating: 9/10

Unlike conventional bar soap, BLACK PAINT Soap is mushier once its wet and unless you use the soap correctly, it will not dry properly and result in a black lump of paste.

I store my soap in my shower but I leave it exposed up-righted in a small bowl to dry, I find that along with my tip on scooping the wet mushy paste off the soap~ my soap bar is dry by the next time I use it!

It gets a little odd to use it towards the end but it will still dry in my bowl. I was told that this soap can be used on body and the scalp too, so~ see the mushy paste in the bowl, I scooped it up with my fingers and used it for my body :)

If you are concerned about the soap being dirty, well~ dont worry. This soap contains charcoal which not only helps to detoxify your skin but also keep the soap clean! How awesome is that?

And yes, to be honest, it will take some practice to get used to using a soap as unique as BLACK PAINT Soap. 

And~ yes, you will laugh when you look into the mirror or when someone walks in when you are washing your face with it.

It happened to me a lot.

HAHA! But laughing is good!

As for the effectiveness of the soap in delivering its stated benefits, I love that it doubles up as a makeup remover (it really does remove makeup) and the texture of my skin feels smoother. I'm not too sure if it's psychological or not, because I really think that the pores on my nose dont look that obvious! Only time will tell~

However, I am still in the process of clearing up my skin so I do get a couple of breakouts in common areas.

I was told that it is part of the detoxification due to the charcoal in it~ So, I am still monitoring the outcome and shall proceed with getting myself another BLACK PAINT Soap once I am done with my first. 

If I have to state what I dont like about the soap, it would be when the soap enters my eyes. It really hurts BUT for beauty, I will bear with it and well~ avoid getting it into my eyes! The good thing is that the sensation doesn't last long after rinsing and it honestly doesnt happen often.

If I have to state what I like about the soap, it would be the fact that I understand most of the ingredients used in the product and that it is all natural and most of the ingredients are organic. In fact, BLACK PAINT has been awarded for its quality and ingredients used! It is very reassuring to know that I am using a product that is free from toxic and of a quality that is high enough to be awarded Gold! Haha!

Finally, if you are wondering why the soap is alkaline (as mentioned in my video) if the Human Microbiota needs an acidic ph level to thrive and grow...

Here is the answer:

Discovered along ago by women who visited hot springs; when the alkaline water of the hot springs touched their skin, which is acidic, it triggered the skin to restore its normal balance by releasing more acid and this acid pushed out all the waste from within, leaving pores completely clean. 

So that's why BLACK PAINT is made with a slightly alkaline pH level to simulate the effect of alkaline hot spring!

Click here to find out more about how BLACK PAINT came about!
Like BLACK PAINT Sg on Facebook for Updates
And if you want to get your hands on BLACK PAINT® Soap,

it can be found at ISETAN, B2 Westgate Mall!

Black is the new Clean & Green~
Keep an eye out for my next review on the rest of BLACK PAINT's Product Range that is the secret to clearing up troubled skin!