Remember that super cute, ridiculous bottle of lotion that I reviewed before? The one that was sent to me by JapanSkin? Well, what I didn’t mention in that previous post (or perhaps I did and I had simply forgotten) is that it isn’t the only thing they had sent me! Also by the Japanese boutique brand Kamiya, I also received one of their hand creams and green tea blotting paper to test as well and I was very happy with them. Although the hand cream was nothing spectacular (and I’m not a frequent user of it anyway), I absolutely loved the blotting paper. It was very absorbent, smelled really good and the packaging was simply innovative. It’s very clear to see that Kamiya had experience with paper because they’re just very good at it!
If you’re interested in anything that I’ve shown here, or the Kamiya Silk Lotion that I reviewed earlier, then just go to JapanSkin. These are not affiliate links and, whilst I have been sent these products to review, I always give my honest opinion (even if they’re not completely positive)!
First off, let’s chat a little about this hand cream. Out of the three products that I was sent, I find this hand cream to be the least interesting – though that doesn’t mean that it’s bad. It just wasn’t anything special. The packaging is really cute and I like the consistency between all of the products, but the actual formula felt like any plain hand cream to me. There was no scent at all which is usually a good thing, if not for the fact that I really like nice scent hand creams (hint: my favourite is The Saem’s Peach Blossom hand cream which I carry around all the time). There is a slight stickiness after application, though it doesn’t take too long to absorb. Overall, it didn’t feel like anything more than a standard drug store cream but with a cuter tube.
Like the silk lotion, this is also formulated with silk and mulberry bark extract so I suppose it is a well considered formula. The lotion does pretty well but, at around 11$USD, I feel like this is a pretty standard product.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A cute hand cream made from silk and mulberry extract
THE GOOD
- Cute packaging
- Absorbs fairly quickly
- Good ingredients
- No scent
THE BAD
- Average effect
- Stickiness immediately after use
- No scent
WOULD I REPURCHASE?
Unfortunately, I will have to pass on this one. I think that I would much prefer fun, scented hand creams. If you have very dry skin and want to try some special formulas, I suppose this one would be interesting. However, since I don’t
This one is the Kamiya blotting paper that I was sent! Strangely enough, I had the least expectations about this one – mostly because I figured, how amazing can blotting paper possibly be? – but this one definitely surprised me. First off, the packaging is really cute and is made from a nicely textured paper.
My only issue here (and throughout) is that the paper packaging doesn’t have anything to protect it so I feel like this wouldn’t last for very long in my handbag. However, I have to note that, well… nothing lasts very long in my handbag even if it’s metal.
Okay, so I was a little confused about how this works at first but the instructions are fairly clear for me to follow. When you open the package, you will find that there is a sponge fitted on the top half and a peel-able cardboard window on the bottom. Peel off the cardboard to reveal the really lovely scented green tea powdered blotting paper. After that, peel off the plastic protector on the sponge to reveal a sticky side.
When you close the ‘compact’ down, the blotting paper will automatically adhere to the sponge and you can then take the sponge out to use, remove the paper after and put the sponge back in. Once you close it again, it is automatically ready for your next use!
The paper was very absorbent (which I’m not sure if it is visible in the photo) and ended up translucent after I used it. In fact, I didn’t even think that I had that much oil on my t-zone to begin with but… turns out I did. The green tea scent from the paper isn’t very noticeable when you’re using it, though I personally wouldn’t have minded even if it was. After using the paper, I was left with a soft, matte finish and my skin felt well balanced.
From a little research that I did (or, in other words, I googled this for you), I’m told that the paper is made from a patented technique (which involves a gold leaf presser). The paper is also very fine and, since it has larger particles than sebum, it allows your make up to stay in place while absorbing oil – though I don’t think this is a unique quality.
SO WHAT IS IT?
Green tea powdered blotting paper in a very unique, paper packaging
THE GOOD
- Literally the best packaging I could have imagined for blotting paper
- Very absorbent
- Nice, soft green tea scent
- Did I mention that the packaging design is genius?
THE BAD
- Paper packaging isn’t very sturdy and may ruin in your bag
WOULD I REPURCHASE?
Definitely will. While I was testing this product, I was already wondering whether it is possible to buy refills (or I’ll just buy another one) because I really think this packaging design is great and so easy on my go. I am pretty hesitant to drop it into my handbag though so I guess I will just have to be more careful with it. That’s the only criticism I would have but otherwise, this is great!
Thanks for reading my review on these two products and I hope that they help you with deciding on your purchases! If there are any products you would want me to review or things that you are interested in, feel free to comment below and ask me any time.
For now, you can pick up these products exclusively at JapanSkin – just click the banner below to go to their site! Until next time, xx.
