A Traveler’s Guide to Japanese Skincare: What’s Worth Trying?

Despite being pregnant, I managed to visit two continents outside of Europe, and one of the countries I traveled to was Japan. We’re all familiar with the trend of Korean skincare, but did you know that Japanese skincare is just as highly regarded as its South Korean counterpart? Before my trip, I conducted extensive research and returned with a suitcase full of more and less well-known skincare products from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese skincare is surprisingly affordable, especially when purchased locally.

I’m slowly testing everything I brought back, and as the year comes to an end, I’ve put together a short review of the first batch of tested products. All of these are also available in our region through online stores. I’ve included a link for each product where you can purchase it. On those pages, you can use my discount code VERULAV5, which earns me a small commission – but feel free to shop wherever it’s cheapest for you! 😊

Kosé Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Let’s start with one of the most iconic products in Japanese skincare. This cleansing oil is mentioned in nearly every video offering advice on what to buy when visiting Japan. I gave in and followed those recommendations – and I’m glad I did.

The oil cleanses very effectively. It’s very runny for an oil, so one pump is enough to remove even waterproof makeup in just a few moments. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it rinses off easily and, unlike many other cleansing oils, doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy after cleansing. I truly can’t fault it and will definitely add it to my list of products I’d happily repurchase.

Shop here.

Bioré Marshmallow Whip Foaming Cleanser

When it comes to this foaming cleanser, I missed the mark and regret not listening to videos recommending other facial cleansers. I was drawn to the idea of a thick foam resembling marshmallows (and I’ll admit I was tempted by Japanese teleshopping, which didn’t feature this specific cleanser but showed something with a similar effect).

The foam itself isn’t bad, but it’s nothing extraordinary either. It doesn’t wow me, but it doesn’t disappoint. It’s lightly scented, cleanses the skin, but leaves it feeling a bit tight and dry. While it’s not bad enough to stop me from using it up, I wouldn’t buy it again. Additionally, I feel like it runs out too quickly.

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Rohto Mentholatum Vitamin C Cream

Originally, I wanted to buy the brightening essence from this collection, but since both boxes looked identical and had no English labels, I ended up with the cream instead. I didn’t mind, though – you can never have too many face creams! Unfortunately, this one didn’t work well for me.

The cream is quite rich and nourishing. If I had used it for a longer time, I think I would have noticed a more even skin tone because even after two weeks, my skin looked slightly brighter. However, I started breaking out shortly after using it, which can happen sometimes, but the problem didn’t go away even after another two weeks. Ultimately, I had to stop using it, so I definitely won’t be repurchasing it.

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Bioré UV Aqua Rich Water Essence SPF 50+

My happiest pick so far was definitely this SPF. Like with most of the products mentioned, I took inspiration from social media – and this time, it paid off. After years of blogging, I’ve tried countless SPFs, so take the following statement seriously: This is the best SPF I’ve ever used. I think it’ll be hard to find something that suits my skin better.

As the name suggests, the cream has a gel-like, watery texture. It’s lightweight and absorbs into the skin almost immediately without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. It hydrates the skin and leaves it soft to the touch. Any additional benefits beyond sun protection are a bonus for me, and the fact that this sunscreen works better than a regular hydrating cream and serum combined makes it the holy grail of my current routine. The only downside is a faint alcohol scent. It doesn’t bother me, but it could be a warning sign for those with very sensitive skin.

Even though I won’t be able to get it as cheaply in Europe as I did in Japan, it’s still relatively affordable (around £10 per tube). If you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to add this SPF to your shopping list!

Shop here.

Gift guide: Gifts for your wife

AD - Please note some products mentioned in this post were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re on a mission to find the perfect gift for your significant other - girlfriend, wife, partner in crime, whatever you want to call them. I get it – gift shopping can be tricky! I always say women are easy to shop for, but maybe that’s just me talking from a life surrounded by beauty and makeup. For many men, the options might not be so obvious. That’s why I’m here: to guide you through the jungle of deals, brands, and shiny advertisements. I’ve handpicked some products and brands that I personally love and know my female friends would adore too.

Perfume

A classic and somewhat obvious choice is perfume. It’s timeless, elegant, and usually comes in beautiful gift sets that are a breeze to wrap. Plus, it hits the sweet spot price-wise – thoughtful without being over-the-top (well.. there are some bank account breaking exceptions to the rule of course). Here’s a pro tip: sneak a peek at your wife’s perfume collection and see which bottle is running low. Restocking her favorite scent is always a win.

If you’re flying blind, you can’t go wrong with Yves Saint Laurent or Armani. Both brands are hugely popular, and their perfumes are wearable and universally appealing. Black Opium by YSL, for instance, might feel a tad overdone, but there’s a reason so many of us have cherished it over the years. It’s a modern classic.

Body Care

Another foolproof option is body care. Think luxurious body creams, shower gels, or bath oils. Just one caveat: skip the bargain-bin gift sets. As tempting as that corner-store deal may be, women value quality when it comes to body care. A 5-in-1 shower gel might cut it for you, but for us, it’s about indulgence and self-care. We love products that make us feel pampered, smell divine, and leave our skin silky smooth.

If you’re unsure where to start, I highly recommend Nuxe and L’Occitane. Both brands deliver exceptional quality and often have beautifully curated Christmas sets that feel special but are still practical.

Candles

When in doubt, buy a candle. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with this one. But here’s the deal: splurge a little. There’s a world of difference between a £1 candle and a £25 one. A high-quality candle not only smells better but also burns longer and elevates the ambiance of any room.

I’m a die-hard fan of Bath & Body Works candles. Their scents are unique yet not overpowering, their burn time is fantastic, and their designs seamlessly blend with most home decors. Whether it’s a cozy winter scent or something fresh and floral, it’s a gift that’s sure to delight.

Makeup

Lastly, we have makeup – arguably the trickiest category. While it’s a popular choice, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid products like foundations or concealers unless you know her exact shade. Trust me, the odds of you nailing it are slim.

Stocking up on makeup isn’t always the best idea either, except for universally loved staples like mascaras or lipsticks. Makeup has a long shelf life, and we don’t necessarily need duplicates of the same product. I remember my brother once gifted me the exact eyeshadow palette I already owned because he wanted to stock up on a palette he saw.I was enjoying a lot. While it was a thoughtful gesture, eyeshadows take ages to use up, and we ended up exchanging it for something else.

Your safest bet is to stick to wearable, everyday shades. Subtle, neutral colors are a hit, and you can’t go wrong with an amazing value gift sets from brands like NARS or Anastasia Beverly Hills. ABH, in particular, offers amazing value in their gift sets, and their products are both high-quality and versatile. If your wife loves makeup, chances are she’ll be thrilled with either of these brands.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has sparked some ideas for your gift-giving adventure. Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, or just because, these picks are sure to make her feel loved and appreciated. Let me know what you ended up choosing and whether she loved it – I’d love to hear your success stories!

Stocking fillers for less than £10

It’s That Time of Year…

Yes, Christmas is just around the corner as December approaches quickly! I thought I wouldn’t be as excited this year since it’s the first time I won’t be visiting my parents (being heavily pregnant and all). But to my surprise, I’m enjoying the festive atmosphere more than ever. Maybe it’s because the past couple of years were overshadowed by COVID and burnout, leaving me unable to fully embrace the joy of the season.

With just a few days left in November, it’s hard to avoid the buzz around Black Friday. As you probably know by now, I’m not one to splurge wildly on ever-so-tempting Black Friday deals—unless it’s something I’ve been eyeing for a while. This year is no different, although I must admit I have a rather long Christmas to-buy list. So, I suspect I’ll indulge more than usual!

Today, I’d love to share a few small beauty gift ideas that make perfect stocking stuffers. Each set is around £10 or less, and they’re fantastic options—either because I’ve personally used the products or I trust the brand. Let’s dive in!

Juicy Bomb Lip Gloss Set from Essence

The Juicy Bomb lip glosses went viral a year or two ago, and they remain a favorite among beauty lovers. Despite their low price, the quality is truly impressive. I’ve personally used up a few shades, and even though I usually lean toward high-end brands, I’ll never stop raving about this one-pound-ish gem.

This set is absolutely adorable, featuring five glosses in different shades. Three of them are familiar from Essence’s regular lineup, while the other two are Christmas specials. The golden glitter shade is perfect for festive parties, and the candy cane-inspired one is pure holiday magic. Plus, the set includes a tiny accessory: a Santa hat attached to one of the glosses. It’s delightfully festive—perhaps a little tacky, but I can’t help loving it.

Healthy Bathing Set from Kneipp

This might be the most affordable set on the list, but it’s worth so much more than its price. The set includes three different bath oils—Back Comfort, Arnica, and Active Muscle—offering up to six relaxing baths, each targeting a specific need.

Although I don’t take baths (low blood pressure + warm baths = not a great combo for me), I had to include this set because I genuinely adore Kneipp. It’s an affordable yet high-quality body care brand, and their gift sets are always impressive. If your loved one isn’t a bath person, Kneipp also offers fantastic alternatives like shower gel sets, massage oil sets, and body creams.

Nourishing Hand Cream Trio from Caudalie

Out of all the sets on this list, I think this one offers the best value. It includes three 30ml tubes of Caudalie’s luxurious hand cream. Considering this isn’t a drugstore brand, the price per tube is fantastic.

Each cream is rich, velvety, and lightly fragranced. The scents are absolutely lovely—I can’t decide whether I prefer the citrusy freshness of Thé des Vignes or the subtle floral notes of Vinotherapist. Even Rose de Vigne, which has a rose fragrance (not usually my favorite), is surprisingly pleasant. This set is a true winner!

Essential Almond Trio from L’Occitane

What better way to wrap up this stocking stuffer guide than with a set from L’Occitane? They’ve been nailing the art of stocking fillers long before other brands caught on.

This trio features mini versions of their iconic almond collection: a hand cream, a shower oil, and the Milk Concentrate. The Milk Concentrate is incredible—it’s as rich as a thick cream but absorbs into the skin like a lightweight lotion, leaving it hydrated and silky smooth.

With this set, you can gift a touch of luxury without breaking the bank—a win-win in my book.

ABH's Brow Studio Kit: The Low-Key Hero My Brows Needed

* Please note these products were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) might not be as center-stage as it was in its golden era circa 2017, but this brand still holds a special place in my heart. Sure, it's not all over social media like it used to be, but ABH products have been tried-and-true staples for me. I’m still using remnants of their iconic eyeshadow palettes! And let's not forget: if anyone knows brows, it’s ABH.

Speaking of brows, even though I lean toward a more natural, less-sculpted brow look these days, ABH hasn’t let me down. Enter the Brow Studio Kit: my go-to for polished, effortless brows. Available in three shades, I went with Taupe—a perfect cool-toned match for my fair skin. The kit includes three products, two travel-sized and one full size: Mini Dipbrow Gel, a Brow Definer triangular brow pencil, and Mini Clear Brow Gel. For someone who loves a bit of structure without going overboard, this kit is a dream.

Let's talk about the Mini Dipbrow Gel—my absolute favorite. Tinted gels are the way to go for me because they're just so easy to use. Right now, my brows might be a bit... casual (pregnancy has me opting for low-maintenance routines), but thanks to Dipbrow, they still look put together with minimal effort. The gel has a perfect formula—not too dry or too wet—and it gives a subtle boost of color while keeping things neat. Plus, for a bit more hold, I layer on the clear brow gel, which has serious staying power.

Now, on to the Brow Definer Pencil. This one's a full-size, hard triangular pencil. Usually, a harder pencil might not be ideal, but for brows, I actually prefer it. A softer pencil would deposit too much pigment, but this one keeps it forgiving and natural—perfect for someone like me who’s not exactly a brow pro. And since it’s thicker, it’s great for filling in gaps instead of drawing individual hairs (no micro-pencil obsession here).

 

The set is a really good value. You can get it for less than a cost of the Brow pencil alone so whether you are looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift for a makeup lover, this kit won't disappoint. 

Fresh Beauty Picks: Lip Love and Skincare Wins

* AD - products mentioned in this post were gifted to me for a review by notion.co.uk

As much as I love sticking to my go-to brands, I can’t resist the thrill of exploring new beauty horizons. This time, my curiosity led me to a skincare brand from Boston called Fresh. Although I’ve known about this brand for years, I never even snagged a sample, so I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was that they sell high-end products wrapped in gorgeous packaging. Honestly, I don’t think they’re big on marketing since I haven’t seen TikTok influencers raving about them—so, I was diving in with zero opinions and zero expectations.

Sugar Lip Treatment

When I decided to give Fresh a whirl, I knew I had to try a tinted balm from their Sugar Lip Treatment collection. I vividly remember drooling over all the colors in New York last year, trying to be a responsible adult and not blow my entire budget on every single shade. This time, I managed to stay grounded and picked just one—Petal. I think it’s a perfect match for my complexion, a lovely pink with a subtle hint of purple.

This tinted balm strikes the perfect balance between a lipstick and a balm. It’s hydrating but not greasy, so you don’t have to worry about the pigment migrating all over your face. The color tints my lips beautifully while keeping them looking natural. Overall, I am on board. Now, if you’re after deep lip hydration and nourishment, this isn’t your holy grail (spoiler alert: no tinted balm is), but if you’re looking for everyday lip maintenance with a pop of color, this could be your jackpot.

Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

I’m going to be honest—I’m not the most consistent when it comes to facial masks, especially the kind that comes in a tube or tub. But since I got pregnant and my skin started acting up (thank you, hormones!), I’ve been much better at sticking to my face mask routine. Seriously, some days my skin thinks I’m back in high school with breakouts, and the next day I’m dealing with dry patches galore. It’s a wild ride, and my “eat or be eaten” diet isn’t helping. But the Black Tea Mask? It’s been a game-changer for my sanity, if nothing else. My skin feels calmer, firmer, and in between the exhaustion, stress, and constant nausea, those few minutes with the mask give me a much-needed moment of zen.

The mask comes in a 30ml tub, and the formula is super light and gel-like, even though it looks matte. You can either apply it for 15 minutes and rinse it off, or leave the mask on overnight—both methods work wonders. As I mentioned, my skin feels firmer and softer every time I use it. Plus, it gives my face a little healthy glow, which is a lifesaver after one of those morning-turns-into-all-day sickness sessions. Oh, and did I mention it smells divine? Because it totally does!

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Hits: Loveshine Lipstick and Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen

AD - Please note the products mentioned in this post were gifted to me for a review

We’re no strangers to Yves Saint Laurent beauty here on the blog. Over the past few years, I’ve consistently reviewed their makeup and perfumes. While I’ve always admired Saint Laurent’s fashion, their beauty range was never my first choice (don’t get me wrong, I liked their products, but I had other favorites in the same price range). However, that all changed with the arrival of the iconic Lash Clash mascara—a game-changer that I’ve repurchased several times, making it my ultimate favorite. Since then, every YSL product I try seems to be a hit! That includes the two I’m reviewing today.

Loveshine High Shine Lipstick

Even though YSL has long been known for its shiny, oily, glossy lipsticks, it seems the beauty world only recently discovered the magic of the Loveshine lippies. They’ve taken social media by storm! I guess this shiny, glossy miracle wasn’t exactly on-trend back in 2016, during the era of extreme coverage. But now, with trends shifting, the Loveshine lippies are finally having their moment.

There are plenty of shades to choose from, but I predictably gravitated towards a nude—shade 201. The formula is stunning. The lipstick glides on smoothly, melting into your lips like butter. The oily texture stays put, keeping my lips glossy and hydrated for hours. I’ve tried a few dupes before committing to YSL’s pricier option, and for once, I think the original is worth the splurge. The dupes I tried tended to dry out my lips and get patchy, but the Loveshine lipstick stays smooth and even. For a more precise look, I recommend pairing it with a lip liner. This lipstick also makes one of the perfect gifts for sisters who love a bit of luxury in their beauty routine.

Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen

Despite finding my holy grail concealer with Hourglass, I couldn’t resist trying out another YSL classic—the Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen. It’s known for being incredibly natural while still offering full coverage (?). The main selling point is that the formula is much more mature skin-friendly (I’m turning 30 in a couple of weeks, and trust me, I feel every bit of it, lol).

The question mark next to “coverage” is because this pen doesn’t work by layering on lots of pigment. Instead, it brightens the under-eye area, effectively erasing dark circles. And honestly, it looks pretty good—especially on no-makeup days when I don’t want to go full glam but still need to hide the fact that I only slept two hours (thank you, insomnia). The pen’s lightweight, serum-like formula doesn’t dry out the skin. In fact, it feels more like applying targeted eye skincare.

The applicator is a bit unusual, and I could honestly do without it since I prefer blending the product with a brush or my fingers. The click-push system isn’t my favorite either, but it does control the amount of product dispensed, so I don’t overdo it. I suppose it gets the job done, even if I’m a bit set in my ways.

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The only downside of this concealer pen is the volume. It holds just 2.5ml, which isn’t the best value. On the bright side, a little goes a long way, so it will probably last me a good few months.

Discovering Redken: My Haircare Adventure

AD - Following products were gifted to ne for a review.

Every now and then, I like to shake things up and try new haircare products, even though I have my trusty favorites. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Redken, especially their acidic bonding collection. So, I decided to give it a shot and see what all the fuss is about.

I treated myself to a lovely haircare treat that included both the shampoo and conditioner (full sizes, no less!). Here’s how it went:

The Shampoo Experience

The Redken acidic bonding shampoo promises to strengthen and fortify your hair, making it a great choice for colored hair and even helping to prevent hair loss. Since I have very soft hair, I was a bit concerned that it might be too heavy. Thankfully, I was wrong!

This shampoo deeply cleanses my scalp without drying it out, and I can go several days without washing my hair. The formula is quite concentrated, so a little goes a long way. After using it for a month, my hair feels silkier, healthier, and surprisingly lighter. I’m thrilled with the results and will definitely add this to my list of go-to shampoos.

The Conditioner Conundrum

Now, onto the conditioner. It’s not bad, but it didn’t blow me away either. The formula is thick and heavy, yet it doesn’t feel like it nourishes my hair as much as I’d like. It does a good job detangling, but that’s about it.

If you have incredibly fine hair and find most conditioners too greasy, this might be a perfect match for you. Dyson Airwrap users will also appreciate that it doesn’t weigh your hair down. Personally, I prefer conditioners that provide more hydration and nourishment, but this one pairs nicely with a hair mask on those pampering days.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m quite impressed with Redken and totally get the hype around their shampoo. What about you? What’s your go-to shampoo or conditioner? Let me know – I’m always on the lookout for new recommendations!