Review: Saizen Black Charcoal Peel-off Face Mask

Ok, I must admit that I only purchased this item because of all the raving from local forum sites. I've also read extensive reviews from a lot of users and most were not really satisfied with it. However, I still got myself a tube because money-wise, I really got nothing to lose. It is dirt cheap at only PHP85. I am fortunate enough that we have a local Saizen here in Angeles City. I think this is one of the only two branches that they have as of the moment. By the way, this is going to be an initial review since I have only tried the product once.

front

Product description:
- comes in a squeeze tube with Japanese text
- cap is screw type (not the one you flip open --- I'm sure you know what I mean)
- consistency is rather thick
- mask is shiny upon application and matte when dry
- size: 80g (80ml)
- price: PHP85
- Made in Korea

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How I use it (once a week):
(1) I wash my face with Teranex then pat it dry with a clean towel.
(2) I spread the mask evenly throughout my face with the use of my fingers (avoiding my hair line and delicate under eye area). I also do not apply the mask in the area between my upper lip and nose.
(3) I wait for it to dry.
(4) I slowly peel it off.
(5) I wash off the tiny particles that weren't peeled off with the rest of the mask with my facial soap -OR- I remove it by applying my toner.

What I like about it:
(1) It is dirt cheap --- PHP85.
(2) It is locally available in my place --- Saizen, Marquee Mall
(3) The tube comes sealed.
(4) I like the feel I get when the mask dries --- really tight and hard.
(5) I generally have fun applying and waiting for it to dry --- but the peeling part is another story (Haha!)
(6) Product feels cool upon application.
(7) Face feels smooth after peeling.
(8) Manufacture date is printed in the tube's sealed end.

sealed tube

What I do not like about it:
(1) It did not get rid of my blackheads. All it did was pull off my facial hair and very little whiteheads on my chin area.
(2) The smell is a bit strong for me.
(3) Their is redness and slight burning/stingy sensation after peeling.
(4) Peeling is painful but tolerable for me.
(5) It is not locally available nationwide --- Saizen has only 2 branches as of yet.
(6) Text is in Japanese --- I would really like to know the ingredients, product description, product claims, etc.
(7) May quickly go out of stock --- but not here in my place, at least not yet (LOL)

fine hairs and whiteheads

If the product claims to get rid of blackheads, SO NOT TRUE! If the product claims to dry up pimples, lessen sebum production, shrink pores, whiten the skin, lighten dark spots, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, etc., the results are still yet to be seen.

This is how hairy my chin is (LOL)

MAJOR CONCERN: Since it pulled out a lot of fine facial hair after my initial use, I am now eager to see what else could it suck from my face on my next use. And what will happen to all those pulled out hair? Will they grow thicker, darker, coarser? Yikes!!!!

Second Saizen Mini Haul

When I say mini, it really is mini. The term "Nano" would actually be more apt for this haul. Haha! So this is the second time I visited our local Saizen in Marquee Mall. Even before this day, I searched the internet about good Saizen finds. On top of the list is of course their Black Charcoal Peel-off Face Mask. Other than that, I really have nothing else on mind to check out.

Presenting the Nano haul! LOL!

So once inside Saizen, I directly went to their beauty and cosmetics section. Our Saizen here in Marquee Mall has tons of stocks of Black Charcoal Mask. I think people here still don't know about the product. And the all-Japanese text on the tube is not helping to up its sales at all. After picking up one tube, I checked out their eyeshadows. I came to like this one "red" palette so I got it as well.

Black Charcoal Mask and "Red" Pearl Eyeshadow Palette

I now have 3 pearl eyeshadow palettes from Saizen. I was happy with the pigmentation of my first 2 palettes and so I gave in with this third one. I do not have any red eyeshadows (that's what it says on the pack) so I got this. I was originally planning to buy matte eyeshadow trios from L.A. Colors (from Metro Department Store) but I didn't like the available shades. I was also particularly looking for a lovely green palette but then again, nothing caught my eyes so I guess I'll just settle with my In2it eyeshadow duo.

"Red" Pearl Eyeshadow Palette

I initially thought the round shadows were in cream form.
Thank God they're powder!

By the way, I was also planning to get Careline Glamour Eyes Eyeshadow Sticks. I think they are local versions of NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils. However when I checked Metro, there were only 2 available shades and their expiry date are on the 8th month of this year. I didn't get any. I just decided to drop by another local mall to check their Careline stand in their department store. Unfortunately still, they do not have any stocks for the eyeshadow sticks at all! Grrrr!!!

My next target haul would be mini nail polishes in earth tones and some dark reds, purples, and blues. I'll be bringing them to Australia with me. I am sure I will not be able to afford manicures and pedicures there. Haha! I found a really cheap nail polish brand called Klik in Metro. Their mini polishes are priced at PHP14 I think (I forgot to take note how many ml the product comes in but they are not your regular sized nail polishes). If there are any brands cheaper than this, please inform me right away (Oh yes, I love cheap finds! LOL).