Brand's InnerShine Prune Essence

Contents: 50ml x 6 bottles
Price: HK$88.00
Local of Purchase: Mannings

According to Brand's webpage:

BRAND'S^® InnerShine^® Prune Essence is specially formulated to enhance overall inner well-being through the promotion of intestinal health, which in turn translates to clear, radiant skin. It is rich in dietary fibre from prune pulp and skin to promote regular bowel movement, prebiotics (oligofructose and inulin) to encourage growth of friendly gut bacteria and Vitamin C to maintain skin elasticity and radiance. BRAND'S^® InnerShine^® Prune Essence also contains pomegranate, a good source of antioxidants to protect cells from harmful free radicals in the body. Wholesome and nutritious, one serving provides 12% of the body's daily fibre needs and is the perfect supplement to one's diet.

 

Why choose this product?

Promote regular bowel movement

• Rich in dietary fibre from prune pulp and skin to promote regular bowel movement; prebiotics to encourage growth of friendly gut bacteria
• Rich in antioxidants from pomegranate to protect cells from harmful free radicals
• Naturally cleanse and nourish your body from within
• Contains no added sugar, colouring and preservatives

 

Ingredients: Prune Concentrate, Pomegranate Concentrate, Prune Puree (Prune Pulp and Prune Skin), Sorbitol, Inulin, Acacia Gum, Oligofructose, Calcium Lactate, Vitamin C, Gellan Gum, Citric Acid Anhydrous, Xanthan Gum.

 

My Opinion:

 

Just like the Brand's InnerShine Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract these do taste delicious, it reminds me of a really concentrated juice, but I'm not so sure about it's effects.

 

Occasionally I do get constipated, and I got this mainly to improve my bowel movements, and after taking 3 bottles I didn't notice any improvements, I'm not sure about it's effect if you take this, and if you do please let me know.

O'sulloc Water+

 

Contents: 2.6g x 30 packets)

Price: HK$115.00
Local of Purchase: Moms & Moms

According to Cosme-De.com:

O'sulloc Water+ Healthy Slimming Drink (Lemon Lime/Grapefruit) is a supplement for your water containing 180mg Catechin that serves as anti-oxidants to purity and lighten up your body. Lemon Lime with Hibiscus, the red flower of magic, and grapefruits, born under the sunlight of the Mediterranean.

• Contains 180mg Catechin of green tea that clarifies and lightens the body.
• 0 calorie / color-free.
• Strong anti-oxidant: anti-oxidant index of 1 bag of Water+ = 6,750 ORAC = 300g blueberries or 10 tomatoes (according to USDA resources)
• 180 catechin in 1 bag of Water+ = 8 times greater than sulloc green tea with brown rice.

 

My Opinion:

 

This is suppose to be a slimming drink that comes in 3 flavors, Lemon Lime, Grapefruit and Mixed Cereals (I didn't get the cereal one, because I'm not a fan of cereal flavored stuffs).

 

You are suppose to mix one packet with 500ml of cold water and to drink it 30 minutes after your meals, 3 times per day. I've only been drinking this 2 times per days for 15 days, and it has absolutely no slimming effect.

 

I'm still drinking this, because drinking water is just boring, and this product does add some flavor into the water, thus increasing the amount of water that I drink daily. We all know that we are suppose to drinks 8 cups of water per day, and I usually only drink 2-3 cups, but with the assistance of this product, I've substantially increased my daily water consumption to 6-7 cups per day. I know that I'm still drinking less than 8 cups, but I'm trying.....

Vitamin C Crystals

Contents: 8oz / 227g
Price: US9.55
Local of Purchase: iherb.com
Coupon code for $10 off your first purchase

According to iherb's webpage:

 

Description

• Antioxidant Protection
• Ascorbic Acid
• 100% Pure Powder
• Pharmaceutical (USP) Grade
• GMP Quality Assured
• A Dietary Supplement
• Vegetarian Product

 

Ascorbic Acid is another name for Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant and one of the most widely used vitamins in the world. Fine Ascorbic Acid is a bioavailable form of Vitamin C in a powder form, so it can be combined with other powdered supplements or dissolved in liquid for easy ingestion.

 

My Opinion:

 

I've been making my own Vitamin C serum, but wasn't really satisfy with the results and since I'm too lazy to mix a new batch every week, my vic c powder was left unused.

 

Recently I've read about the Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder, which is basically a Vitamin C power that you mix with your moisturizer, and since I already have a bottle of Vic C powder, I've decided to mix it with my own moisturizer.

 

The first thing that you need to do is to find a moisturizer that will work with the powder, I've tried mixing it with my Boots Cucumber Oil Control Light Moisturiser UVA UVB Protection SPF15 , and it didn't work, it balls up, and I had to wash it off.

 

I've started to mix it with my Shills Moisturizing Gel, and for this time, the vic c powder did melt and it did not ball up.

 

When I've first started to use my own mixture it did sting, at least for the first 3 days, but the stinging started to diminish and now, after using this for over a month I don't even feel it.

 

I've been using this only in the morning for about a month, and my skin is now brighther and smoother, sun spots are definetly lighter, no irriation or breakouts. I've been spending a fortune on skin care products and it just amazes me how a bottle of Vitamin C Powder can achieve exactly the same thing.

O'sulloc Water+ Rich Apple

Contents: 91g (13g x 7packets)

Price: HK$48.00

Local of Purchase: Moms & Moms

 

According to Cosme-De.com:

 

O'sulloc Water+ Slimming & Detoxifying Drink (Rich Apple) regulates bowel movement to relieve irregular defecation (constipation or diarrhea). Helps digestion, removes toxins inside the body. Increases metabolism, enhances detoxification.

O'sulloc Water+ Slimming & Detoxifying Drink contains 4000mg dietary fiber, which equal to 8 apples or 5 potatoes, it helps to increase daily fiber intake, and improve the functions of dietary tracts.

 

My Opinion:

 

O'sulloc's product has been really popular in Asia, and this brand is actually from the same company that made Laneige, i.e. Amore Pacific.

 

This is a Detoxifying Product that you are suppose to take for 7 days, it has a gel texture and you mix it with 100ml of cool water and to be taken 30 minutes before sleep.

 

I really had no complaints about this product, it tasted like apple cider, which was really easy to ingest, it did not increase bowel movements (I'm very consistent), but it did detoxify because I actually felt lighter. It didn't gave me any cramps of diarrhea.

 

Personally I think that it's essential to detoxify, but most of the detoxifying products that I've tried before will either give me cramps or diarrhea, so I was really glad to have found this product and I would definetly repurchase. 

Otsuka Skin C Collagen Jelly

Flavor: Passion Fruit
Contents: 7 packet
Price: HK$69.00
Local of Purchase: Mannings

According to Sasa's webpage:

Low molecular collagen peptide 15,000mg is luxuriously mixed in each pack Skin C Collagen Jelly. Individual packing is easy to carry and convenient for nutrition supply at anytime and anywhere. After 1 week consistently taking, you can feel a dramatic moisture boost, leaves skin soft and satisfied. Take it regularly and over time, you will see younger and healthier skin for a moisturized and radiant look.

Sugar free, caffeine free, preservative free and Passion fruit flavored.

According to the package:

Collagen C Jelly Strips for Skin Enhancement & Beauty

Enhance Skin Elasticity and & Radiance (Tasty Passion Fruit Flavor)

7 Active Beauty Ingredients in a Jelly Strip:

Fish Collagen (2150mg), Glucosamine (15mg), Chrodroitin (7.2mg), Vitamin C (15mg), Hyalluronic Acid (1.5mg), Royal Jelly Extract (3.6mg), Low Molecular Polyphenol (1.5mg)

Other Ingredients:

Fish Collagen Peptide, Erythritol, Black Vinegar, Fruit Vinegar, Shark Cartilage Extract, N-Acetylglucosamine,  Royal Jelly Extract, Hyalluronic Acid, Processed Litchi Polyphenol, Acidulant, Gelling Agent (Thickening Polysaccharide), Fragrance, Vitamin C, Sweetener (Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Tea Extract, Tea Extract (some of the ingredients contain gelatin)

My Opinion:

I'm not sure if this product really does help with my skin, but it does taste DELICIOUS, I was told to take one packet every night before sleep, and I've already finished my first box. I didn't really notice any difference on my skin texture, but I still went back to get a few more and I'll keep you updated next month, because I intend to take this for a month before deciding if it works.

This product comes in 3 different flavors and each flavor serves a different purpose, passion fruit for collagen, apple for hyalluronic acid and mango for placenta.

I got the apple one as well, and I intend to blog about it later, but I'm not sure about mango (placenta), has anyone tried that out?

Shiseido The Collagen

Contents: 126g

Price: Yen 1,881.00

Local of Purchase: Drugstore in Japan

 

Everything in the package is in Japanese, but I found the following information on Shiseido's facebook page:

 

6g a day: fish collagen, 5,000 mg, hyaluronic acid 1mg, ceramid 600ug, vitaminc C 50mg, Amla fruit extract 50mg, citron seed extract 50mg.

Shiseido The collagen powder is made from 100% low-molecular fish collagen (collagen peptide), which offers higher levels of absorption than pig-derived collagen
Shiseido The Collagen Powder 21 days supply
Sugar free
No sweetener
Low calories. Contains only 27kcal
For best results, take 6g per day, or about one spoonful using the spoon provided

My Opinion:

1 package is suppose to last you 21 days, but I didn't really count how many days it took me to finish it off. I have already finished mine, and I'm sad that I was unable to get it here in Hong Kong, can someone tell me where I can find this in HK for a reasonable price (not a fortune).

 

I'm a sucker for collagen drinks, but since the liquid ones are so expensive, I've opted for the powder version. I've previously tried meiji and cupal and so far I think Shiseido is my favorite, is not gritty, it melts instantly on cold drinks and it doesn't change the taste of my coffee ( I mix it with my coffee).

In terms of performance, I didn't really notice any drastic changes on my skin texture, to be honest I didn't notice any changes on my skin texture at all, but from my experience you need to take these powder for a longer period of time to notice any changes and that's why I'm so frustrated that I can't get these in here.

Cupal Collagen Ex 6000

 



Price: HK$500.00 for 3 boxes
Contents: 30 packets/ box
Local of Purchase: Watsons

I've been clearing my cabinet and found 2 boxes of these collagen, and since they will be expiring soon, I've been taking 2 packets daily and already finish one box.  

 

I most probably won't be repurchasing because I didn't like the flavour, on it's own it tasted a bit fruity, but if you mix it with other drinks it tasted weird. I've tried mixing it with juice and coffee, even water, but it all tasted weird.

 

I've already finished one box, but did not notice any improvement on my skin, however, I found my skin to be really bumpy (clogged pores???), but I'm not sure if is because of this product. I'll still finish my other box, and if I do notice any improvements, I'll keep you updated.

Chocola BB Drink Bit

Contents: 50ml x 10 bottles
Price: HKD199.00
Local of Purchase: Mannings

According to Eisai's webpage:

Chocola BB® Drink Bit is a drink that contains vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and coix seed extract, all ingredients essential for skin care, and is effective in alleviating rough, dry skin and other skin trouble from the inside out. Chocola BB® Drink Bit is low in calories compared to other products in the Chocola BB drink series, and as it does not contain any caffeine, it can be consumed before bedtime.

Main Active Ingredients (per 50 ml bottle):

• Vitamin B2 Sodium Phosphate 20 mg
• Vitamin B6 25 mg
• Vitamin B1 Nitrate 5 mg
• Nicotinamide 30 mg
• Coix Seed Extract 100 mg

My Opinion:
I've hated this product, because it tasted like cough syrup. I've finished 10 bottles and did not see any  any improvements on my skin texture, and I'm sure that I won't be repurchasing.

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium Gold

Contents: 200g
Price: HKD325.00

According to Meiji's webpage:

Amino Collagen Premium is a superb combination of the latest trend of most needed beauty ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid (for daily moisture) and Coenzyme Q10 (to support energy for easy absorption).

Highly recommended for women who is seeking firmer, more elastic and radiant skin. Embark on an early anti-aging regime by taking Amino Collagen Premium today!

1 spoonful of Amino Collagen Premium contains :

5000mg of 100% Fish-derived, Refined, Low Molecular Collagen Peptide - Easily absorb by the body.

450mg of Arginine (Amino Acid) - Revitalizes your beautiful skin. A type of amino acid that is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

50mg of Vitamin C - Neccessary for creating collagen. The essential vitamin that supports collagen.

60mg of Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is able to absorb up to 6000 times its molecular weight. It acts like a molecular sponge. This sponge-like quality gives the skin its youthful, firm appearance thus reduce face wrinkles.

10mg of Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 is naturally stored in our body. It is good for our beauty, health and vitality.

60mg of Glucosamine - A type of amino sugar that is often used for supplements as a component to create Hyaluronic Acid.

My Opinion:

I've been taking Collagen supplements for over a year now, and according to the instruction you are suppose to take one spoon everyday, but I've noticed that I can only tolerate one spoon every other day, otherwise I'll just break out.

I've been changing products all the time, and I've noticed that whenever I start with a new brand, I'll always break out at the initial stage (about a week), but once is cleared I'll be fine.

I'm basically hooked with collagen supplements, because I've noticed that once I stopped taking it for about a week, there would be a visible difference on my skin (e.g. lack of elasticity, skin looks dull,etc.).

I've started taking Meiji Amino Collagen (the original version) last year, and was very satisfy with the results, but when I saw the Premium version on the store, I just had to try it. This is even better than the original version, because by taking  the original version you need some time to see any actual difference on your skin, while after taking the Premium version for less than a week, I've noticed huge difference on my skin.

The premium version is pricier than the original version, but definetly worth it.

容量： 200g
價錢：HKD325.00

根據產品說明：

明治金裝氨基膠原抽取最優質之魚類提煉而成，低卡路里、低脂，不含砂糖。其骨膠原份子經最先進科技處理，體積比同類產品細小得多，更易被人體吸收。每天只須以一內附標準匙份量 (約7g) 開暖水、果汁或其他任何飲品即可。
成份：

• 氨基膠原—每天飲用能增加皮膚彈性，減淡皺紋，提升肌膚保濕力，平衡油脂分泌，使肌膚亮麗緊緻。
• 輔酶Q10—有助促進新陳代謝，保持細胞健康，對抗衰老。
• 透明質酸—提升肌膚吸水力，保持肌膚水嫩柔軟。
• 精安酸—讓身體產生適量的蛋白質，促進肌膚健康。
• 氨基葡萄糖—提升皮膚鎖水力，時刻保持潤澤有彈性。
• 維他命C—幫助身體製造更多骨膠原，回復肌膚自然青春美。

我的意見：

小妹已服用了膠原補充產品超過一年，大部份的產品都要求使用者每天服用，但根據小妹的個人體質，只能隔日服用，否則一定會出粒粒。

於這一年內，小妹都轉過好幾個不同的品牌，而每一次轉新品牌，都定必會出粒粒，約一星期後就會無事，所以大家如過食完膠原補充產品發現出粒粒，那是正常的。

膠原補充產品已變成小妹的必需品，因為如果小妹停服超過一星期，皮膚就會明顯變差（如單性變差，膚色變暗等）。

去年小妹已試過明治的氨基膠原，覺得效果不錯，於是見明治出了這個金裝就買來一試。這個新裝比舊裝更正，服用舊裝時要等一段時間才能見到皮膚的改善，但服用了這個金裝大約一星期已見到皮膚有明顯的改善，真的不錯。雖然這個金裝比舊裝貴，但小妹覺得值得。

Brand's InnerShine Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract

Contents: 6 bottles per box (each bottle contains 50ml)

Price: HKD198 for 2 box

According to Brand's Webpage:

What is OPC?

Grape seed extract contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs), which are active ingredients that help strengthen your skin collagen and reduce the loss of elastin - the protein that keeps skin firm. Together with powerful Antioxidants and Anthocyanins from the berries extract, it provides natural goodness for the skin.

OPC is nature's super Antioxidant 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

*Scientific References:

1. Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin, OPCs: Introduction and Its Benefit Applications.

Where does it come from?

1 pound of OPC is extracted from 1000 pounds of grape seed, making it extremely precious.

What does it do?

OPC locks and strengthens skins collagen to keep it firm and combat free radical damage to delay ageing and help body as well as skin stay young.

Ingredients: Water, Aronia (Chokeberry) juice concentrate, Sweetener (Fructose, Trehalose), Thickener (Maltodextrin), Blackcurrant juice concentrate, Cranberry juice concentrate, Blueberry juice concentrate, Flavour enhancer, Grape Seed Extract.

My Opinion:

I've got 4 boxes of this and already finished 3 boxes. This stuff taste delicious, just like Ribena (blackcurrent juice), but apart from tasting good it did nothing to my skin, as I did not notice any changes at all. I think it'll be cheaper to drink Ribena rather than this....

白蘭氏活顏馥莓飲

容量: 一盒6支 (每支 50ml)

Price: HKD198 兩盒

根據白蘭氏網頁:

白蘭氏^®InnerShine^®活顏馥莓飲精選歐美原產地四種天然果莓(野櫻莓、黑加侖子、蔓越莓(紅莓) 、藍莓)精華而成，另添加天然保養因子葡萄籽精華，加強抗氧化防護。

特點:

-蘊含豐富的花青素及原花青素，有助防止游離基破壞皮膚組織。

-當中的原花青素，抗氧化效能比維他命C高出20倍及維他命E的50倍(1)。

-有助強健皮膚內的骨膠原及防止骨膠原及強性蛋白的減退。

-促進血液的循環，以助提供營養及氧氣至皮膚，令皮膚更亮澤。

天然健康，適合天天飲用

選用四種天然果莓並添加葡萄籽精華，含有豐富的營養成分，令肌膚更健康；為最佳的口服美肌飲品。成分天然，絕不添加防腐劑及人工色素。

適用於:

追求肌膚美麗之人士

我的意見:

小妹於特價時買了4盒，已經飲了３盒，覺得這個活顏馥莓飲非常之好味，味道好象利賓納，但除了味道好之外，並沒有發現皮膚有任可改變，所以我還是會選擇飲利賓納，起碼價錢比較便宜....

Meiji Amino Collagen

Contents: 200g
Price: HKD250

Description:

Collagen holds the key to "youthfulness and beauty". The amount of collagen in your skin starts to drop sharply after the age of 20. Collagen helps to restore skin elasticity and diminish fine lines. Therefore, replenishing generous amounts of collagen is a shortcut to maintaining a youthful appearance. Meiji Amino Collagen is made by high quality of fish collagen peptide, it contains very low calories.

The daily recommended unit is 5000 mg, because that's about one-third of the amount of protein we need per day, one spoon (7g) per day is strongly recommended.

How to use it:

Take one spoon of powder into cup and mix with juice or water.

My Opinion:

About 3 years ago I've bought my first can of Meiji Amino Collagen, and after finishing it, I didn't notice any difference at all, I've actually told my friends that this product was useless and didn't work at all.

Recently, I've noticed that I had problems with skin elasticity (I've noticed that my skin was sagging.....). I've started to take this again and about 1/3 thru the can, I've sarted to notice that my skin is alot firmer.

Don't try to mix this with water or juice, because this taste like milk and it's weird to mix it with juice, I like to mix it with milk.

I've nearly finish my can, and I'm definitely going to buy it again....