Back to Basics - MEIJI Amino Collagen Powder

Remember all iwannabelenglui's posts on collagen drinks? Now its back to basics... The one staple most lengluis over the years have been raving about. And in this post, we are totally agreeing with those raves! LOL

After the minions of collagen posts, there will not be a repetition of what collagen does for one. But.... why is iwannabelenglui going back to what other lengluis are consuming?

• When you're too busy, there is not much time for survey and stocking up... Just stick to a proven product (in other words... lazzyyyyyyy)
• It sounds more expensive to purchase this brand compared to other collagen products, but really, it is not. Try calculating on the amount you get by the dollar (or RM in Malaysia), researching on the ingredients and the days that amount can last you for
• Also cos' LOL.... iwannabelenglui is a super enviroment freak. The bottles and packages consumed over the years have to be collected for recycling each time. With MEIJI powdered collagen, you just re-use the can and get the refill packages

More INFO:
http://www.nattacosme.com/Meiji-Amino-Collagen-200g
Or just ask Ucle Google with the keyword "Meiji Amino Collagen" :p


Conclusion:
Its still all good... Till now people are still questioning iwannabelenglui's AGE! MUAHAHHAHAHA... ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Astalift Jelly Aquarysta - oh wowww....

The Way to Cool Jelly to YOUNGER Skin

As iwannabelenglui always says... no matter what skincare you apply on your face... the difference would not show as much as your hormone levels, diet and lifestyle... BUT..... hey, this product is voted NO 1 ANTI AGING SERUM IN JAPAN IN 2011... No harm trying out huh?

We broke the less is more rule when Astalift Jelly Aquarysta made its début in Jusco KL a couple of months ago... Muahahahahahaha... You may think this weird but... this brand is the baby of FUJIFILM. It's scientific base on how the product works is just too geeky for us giddy heads to fathom. So I'll stop right there.. And go see the Astalift site HERE.

If scientific bases is not your cup of tea, look at the BEFORE-AFTER eye pic from this lenglui's blog:

• http://laurablogsbeauty.blogspot.com/2012/04/astalift-review.html

Conclusion After First week of use:

• The jellylike texture is super interesting -Feels a little sticky right after absorption but, that goes away once you apply your moisturiser on top
• Mild fragrance of Damask Rose (a little like Naruko's Rose range)
• But, you see immediate radiance on skin once applied - WE ARE IMPRESSED
• Lets wait till half the jar 40g is gone for the next update
• Checked the ingredients and yes, it has Parabens... (there goes iwannabelenglui's so-called principal to go organic)
• Retails in KL at RM348 for a 40g jar - but they do have a smaller jar
• And so, its been more than half the jar used - Updated 21st Oct 2012:
• These are like direct collagen boosts on the skin
• These are LIFE SAVIOUR for lenglui's with breakouts who crave for anti-aging serums

More lenglui's Rave on THIS:

• http://www.londonbeautyreview.com/2012/05/skincare-by-fujifilm-astalift-jelly.html
• http://www.beautyjunkielondon.com/2012/05/astalift-jelly-aquarysta.html
• http://reviews.debenhams.com/9364-en_gb/123662000499/reviews.htm?sort=helpfulness 
• Japanese translated Review 1
• Japanese Translated Review 2

Avalon Collagen - Collagen on the go?

I figured by now there'd be enough posts on Avalon Fish Collagen Powder from other lenglui bloggers to cover the details of this brand. Just ask Uncle Google... hohohoho...

But why is sugar_cupcakes embarking on this whole new mission? Personally, she hates the packaging. It sucks.... Number 1 product in Japan? You'd think the company would invest more on marketing the package with a girlier approach...


So why switch to try Avalon?

• Laziness: You don't even need to mix with water when you're in a hurry. Just consume the powdered form in the individually packed tiny packages and you're good to go... Quick huh>??
• Feeling Green: You don't need to feel un-environmental friendly as with the glass bottles collected over time with liquid collagen supplements
• Uh-huh: Honestly, I'd prefer the liquid form of collagen supplements...
• Huhuhuhu: But the too many empty bottles collected over time makes me feel so NOT GREEN

I've stopped collagen supplements for 3 weeks to be able to see the effects of powdered form collagen supplements.... Again... with a reminder to oneself that collagen is merely a form of protein.... hey-ho......... the trial period has started.

Some first several days quick review:

• Comes in 3 flavours - mango, lemon and blueberry
• Taste pretty nice considering the amount of sweetener added in
• Consume it in the morning before you breakfast and you'll see the usual collagen effect soon enough... Irregular consumption is good enough for me
• As mentioned earlier... the powdered form is much easier and quicker to consume
• And yes, imported Japanese products always show some result... even if its just a minimal effect

Shi-Tsu Collagen Beauty Drink

Collagen, Sheep Placenta and Bird Nest.. The super all in one?

There are just too many different beauty drinks and collagen supplements out there these days. We are spoilt for choice!! Uh-huh... which one would you lengluis go for? I've been sticking by CollagenMax for quite some time now. Though I had a 2 month++ break from any form of collagen or any sort of supplement. (Seriously, apart from trying to save on $$$... I was too busy working to go stock up... Haih... And, the Lemon Skin Ritual was the utmost cheapo-definitely-works-with-results skin saver ritual ever!!) I lived without any beauty drink for a couple of months and... skin is still pretty okay thanks to just de'simplest lemon juice help lol... But now.... I really think the overworked skin needs some pick-me-up... And so... I'm so so sorry CollagenMax, its time to try something new... Shi-Tsu Beauty Drink... (The ultimate decision lies with the way-too-cute to resist box... huahuahuahuaaaa.. See? Packaging is important!!)

 

I'll give this 6 bottles a go before making any firm conclusions on this.

What the advert says (See the links):

http://www.lelong.com.my/shi-tsu-beauty-drink-50ml-x-6-bottles-71771024-2010-12-Sale-P.htm

http://www.tokyoninki.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=7

What the box says:

Ingredients:

1. Switzerland Sheep Placenta Extract (10,000mg)
2. Marine Collagen (5,000mg)
3. Bird Nest (5,000mg)

Other ingredients:
Strawberry Extract, Blueberry Extract, Isoflavones, Food Grade Citric Extract, Dextrose Monohydrate, Vitamin B, Vitamin C.

Initial review and research result with Uncle Google:

• Tastes really bland and a little lemony. Honestly, this bland drink REALLY tastes like it contains no chemical substance as advertised..
• The box says "Product of Japan" but umm... Uncle Google gave not much answers on this brand or the laboratory where it was formulated... This is still pretty much a mystery to me! Dodgy...
• Found only minimal Chinese reviews on this... (And the complain was itchy skin) Uh-huh... lol.. I'm so taking the risk...
• The consumption details below on the advert makes one wonder... hmmm... interesting.. hohoho...
• For acne skin : Consume before 11pm ( the latest by 2am) before sleep. 
• For insomnia : Consume in the morning, drink a cup of water every hour for 8 hours. 
• For menstruation pain : Consume in the morning, drink 250ml of water every half an hour for 8 hours. (Water→Shi-Tsu　×Shi-Tsu→Water Fluids are needed for better absorption. )

• Costs way more than CollagenMax and Kinohimitsu's Beauty Drinks... RM98 for 6 miserable 50ml bottles
• But tastes pretty genuine.. (Still more info on this would help clear any dodgy doubts on this)

Heheheheh... as promised...

Conclusion:

• Sorry CollagenMax, sugar_cupcakes is alternating with Shi-Tsu for a while...
• Results seemst the same as CollagenMax but ingredients seems less intrusive to the body
• No more bad breakouts recently so skin is pretty well-behaved
• Less tired looking skin lately (probably cos I get enough sleep too.. lol)
• Younger lengluis, collagen drinks are just supplements so... no need to go all fanatic with them.. Just consume them when you think your skin needs a pick up..
• And... choose your brand by the company's reputation and ingredients! (^o^)

My Stash... LOL... I mean... I just had to post up the pics...

Collagen... Boob drink...
Small part of what money buys over the years..

I know - I know... its crazy... But awww... come on... I don't consume this everyday.... It just accumulated over a year.... And the pics are proof to myself... that stocking up is CRAZYYY...

And... these boxes are only part of the stash...

I guess this is where the $$$ went.. LOL... Thats why lengluis... Best keep purchases at the minimum... Only get what you need... hahahahaha...

Kinohimitsu BB Drink

And upgrade to its predecessor?

And... it was time to stock up on collagen drinks... LOL... I've been sticking to CollagenMax (produced in Japan) for a while... But here goes... NEW stuff from Kinohimitsu that caught my attention... They came up with so many diff drinks... that got me thinking... This must be the new $$$ making scheme that so easily con women like me... lol.. They really should award me with loyal consumer award when I start posting pics of my stash... hahahhaha...

Okiee lengluis.. Will be updating this soon-ish. Come on... You don't expect an immediate report on a collagen drink. We need to wait... for the effects-effects! LOL...

What the box says:

• Ingredients: Acerola Cherry Extract, Bird's Nest Powder, Fructose, Fish Collagen, Rice Bran Ceramide, Fish Protein Elastin, Purified Water
• Restores your skin natural glow and radiance. 
• Regular intake helps to promote baby-like rosy complexion in just weeks.

Conclusion Update 1st December 2010:

• I don't feel much difference from the normal collagen drink
• LOL... 'cos  it contains collagen as well.. dope!
• But I stopped after one box and switch back to CollagenMax
• Don't know why, but Kinohimitsu collagen drink seems to encourage breakouts on my jawline
• But I still love Kinohimitsu's packaging best! :p

Kinohimitsu J'pan Bust drink up - The New Fab?

Back to Boobs.... hahahahhahahha

Update 26th January 2010

• Just realized there are quite a few comments on this post ... I know - I know... I haven't been updating this post in ages. But no matter how busy (yeah... work kinda sucks at a very depressing stressful point right now)... regardless, I'm gonna post a real short update here for this post readers! :p
• After 5 boxes of this... I'm gonna say... come on girls... don't waste your money unless you plan to take this drink for-e-ver. You know every month we women go through ovulation... and our hormones sorta bounces around... and thats when your boobs reaches its peak size too. Same goes for the theory in this drink - puereria mirifica. Yeah... after14 days the boob drink claims to make a difference. After 28 days... claims to show results. Uh-huh... I'll just have to say this... I've seen bigger days with the monthly cycle... lol....
• BUT.... this drink also contains 500mg collagen per bottle. So I guess its a kill 2 birds with a stone thingi. Yeah.. your body can only absorb so much collagen in a day. So yeah.. boobs will definitely feel firmer and more tender within consumption period. Nice.
• In conclusion: If 5 boxes isn't wow-ing me... I don't think it'll wow any of you readers too... :p And the boob adventure goes on.... :p
  

Update 8th December 2009

• Geez... so much for succumbing to temptation after much research on how safe it is to consume this... muahahaha... Lets see some blog on this soon.... sigh... going on the crazy boob adventure again....
  

You're probably wondering if I'd ever blog on this. Its new stuff in KL baby... but... pueraria mirifica has long been known to be used by native Thai women as a herb to increase bust size (I googled okay?) So emm... what's this thing with F-Cup cookies and boob drinks? lol.... And you're probably wondering why is sugar-cupcakes not crazy over these stuff? I mean duh..... getting C cup is LIKE a perfect dream-come-true!! Hahahhahaha.... Okay-okay... I'll continue this when I'm free... (--)" Now I've gotta get back to work... lol....


http://www.kinohimitsu.com/kinohimitsu_jpan_bustup_drink

CollagenMax (Updated 27th March 2009)

New Stuff Baby!!! (updated 27th March 2009)

Okay... I'm back to update this. Needless to say, I'm in no position to provide any before-after photos for this since I'm down with food allergy and the acne on my neck and lower cheeks are pretty bad. But I think... one photo blog is enough to show the effects of liquid collagen.. Checkout my blog on Kinohimitsu J'pan Beauty Drink... From what I gather, liquid collagen shows quicker results if compared to normal collagen supplements. Of course the absorption rate is higher.

Look, if you're feeling real ugly and down in the blues, thinking of saggy skins, opened pores and drooping boobs and butt.. basically you're feeling that you're aging... Give this a go. A box is worth the excitement of anticipating bouncy skin. And... if it doesn't work for you... heck... its not like this costs a bomb. After all... we should all age gracefully...

I gave this a green light starting last week. It works just the same as the Kinohimitsu one. I still get really firmed up moisturised skin after 2 days of consuming a bottle. Its amazing how these things work (I'm 28 by the way). Even my mum (55 this year) is starting on them now... Only... its cheaper and more worth your cash $ since you get 9000mg of marine collagen per bottle as oppose to the Kinohimitsu one which is 2500mg of marine collagen per bottle. However, both has its pros and cons.. which I'm going to list down below:

	Kinohimitsu J’pan Beauty Drink	CollagenMax
Taste	Nice like fruit juice	Fishy sweet liquid
Collagen Per Bottle	2500mg	9000mg
Other Ingredients	Perilla Seed Extract-WSP, Silk Protein, Soy Isoflavone, Apple, Lemon and Lycee Condensed Juices	Vitamin Bs, Vitamin C, Flavoring (I forgot… let me go home check the box again)
Collagen Source	Not Stated (Fish Collagen)	Deep Sea Cod
Maintenance	3 days 1 bottle	3 days 1 bottle
Pricing per bottle	RM15	RM15.80
Pricing per 1000mg of Collagen	RM6	RM1.76
Quality of Product	Claims to use all natural ingredients	Contains flavoring and synthetic consumable substance
My Preference	If money was no object, I’d choose Kinohimitsu anyday. They taste better and the ingredients does seemed of better stuff.	Obviously I now favour CollagenMax. A bottle is worth 3 bottles of the Kinohimitsu one and… they worked just the same.

Etsu Potion Mask - Collagen another step?

Collagen Mask...

I bought this mask to try when it was first introduced in KL several years back. And... very much being a "jakun", I haven't had my own DIY mask that came with a miniature mixer bowl and mask-brush. So when I first saw this.... WHOAAA>>> so cool!! Its like having your own facial saloon right at home... lol

Conclusion:

• This mask is relatively easy to mix and its really quite cool 'cos you'll end up with some gelatin-like texture mask to be brushed on your skin
• I hate the part where you've gotta wash it off. Amazingly the mask always leaves residue on your face even when you wash it off using the wash sponge. Yeah... that sucks
• I think it kinda soothes your skin after you so some DIY facial like picking out blackheads with the blackhead tool
• Overall... I don't really think its worth the price. Might as well get some soothing korean mask. Topical application of collagen as facial mask doesn't really seem to do much. Afterall.. its does not penetrate through your upper layer epidermis... so then... whats the point?
• But this doesn't make Etsu's stuff all bad.. They do have a range of collagen supplemants too you know... So maybe... those are worth better reviews. But... since I've not tried that and don't plan to for now.. who knows... Go Google your money's worth.. :p
  

Kinohimitsu J'pan Beauty Drink (updated 6th March 2009)

(update for March 6 2009)
Make way for smoother, firmer, younger looking skin in just 6 days!
**See photos below for 5 boxes and 2 weeks after of no maintenance**

Don't ask me why?? But if you do read this... (see below for excerpt from the Kinohimitsu site) I bet you'd be tempted to try it too! Geez, why not? I want a cellulite free bum, nice racks and glowing complexion. And I want it all naturally (see the 100% safe note?). In 6 days? Wow... I'm game. The only downside to this... is $... (lol) Yes, for the sake of beauty... you need $...

The Before After Tests

Kinohimitsu J'pan Beauty Drink is the most effective way to restore youthful vitality to skin - not only on your face, but your whole body including the neck, bust and bum.

Kinohimitus J'pan Beauty Drink, the functional, instant drink with a high concentration of Collagen helps to plump up your skin - so make way for smoother, firmer, younger looking skin in just 6 days!

100% Natural, Safe

• No additives - no sugar added, no preservatives, no artificial colouring or flavouring, no chemicals.

Effective

• Collagen in concentrated liquid formula enables immediate absorption by the body.
• Noticeable firmer, smoother, brighter, youthful skin with glowing cheeks in just 6 days!

Selling at Watson, Guardian, Caring pharmacies at about RM79++ for a 6 bottle pack. That's like 80 bucks for 6 days.. Haih... talk about costly. I've actually done research on collagen supplements before I went ahead to get this. Currently, Meiji Amino Collagen powder - 5000mg seems to be the most effective value for money collagen supplement in powder form (http://www.malaysianbabes.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t24830.html) in the asian market. I see it mentioned in most Asian beauty forums. But-but... I checked the ingredients... I'm allergic to shellfishes... so Meiji is out for now... So here goes... one of the priciest collagen supplements on the shelf... Kinohimitsu J'pan Beauty Drink

Honestly... I don't think this is going to make much difference...
Lets see my money's worth...

Taste:Tastes like some sweet fruit juice
Texture: Err... liquid
Packaging: Cute and hints of pink..
Rating: 8/10
Results:

1 day after 1st bottle - 9 January 2008
Okay... believe it or not... I was skeptical... How can a lousy bottle of fruit juice-like stuff do anything... But... But... something felt different on my skin... dunno what is it...

1 day after 2nd bottle - 10 January 2008
Kinda like "boing-boing" when you poke your cheeks... Weird... Lengcai poked my cheeks... needless to say.. he was **amazed**

1 day after 3rd bottle - 11 January 2008
Smile lines at the corners of my lips were virtually gone... Seriously, I'm amazed... Bum-cheeks felt a little firmer...

1 day after 4th bottle - 12 January 2008
No different... Like after 2nd bottle...
But... guess what...? I went to Watson's to buy another 2 boxes of the 6 pack bottles!! Cos' the price for a 6-bottle pack in Guardian Pharmacy is now RM89.90 which is no longer the promotion price of RM79.90 in Watsons... muaahahhahahaaaa... talk about "kiasu"... Hey! I saved RM30 from the 3-boxes in my quest for younger looking skin!! Besides... if its showing results in less than 2 days... I think this is gonna be worth investing in!!

1 day after 5th bottle - 13 January 2008
A little disappointed... but, there were no more surprises on my skin... Looks just as if I've just had the 2nd bottle..

1 day after 6th bottle - 14 January 2008
Okay.. There were no more surprises on my skin. But... believe it or not... My smile lines are almost invisible now (except when I do smile la...) and, the skin texture seems plumped up. I'm **amazed** enough already .. so now I'm moving on to the 7th Bottle..... Just in case... you know... the smile lines return.. lol...

Look HERE for more information on ingesting collagen

Look HERE for even more in-depth studies on collagen

Conclusion:

• I think this produces different result on different individuals... as they say, no 2 person are the same. Don't take my word for it cos' everyone's body work differently.
• It WORKED for me. You want visibly younger looking skin? Yeah! this is worth an expensive try.. (If you're only approaching your first wrinkles... I think this is a better alternative to Botox)
  
• I'm not sure about how long this is going to last though... Supplements are only making up a little for the nutrients and protein our body lacks. I suppose maintenance is vital.. (The box says for maintenance, take 3 bottles a week)
  
• A little research shows that ingesting collagen does NOT send that collagen to your skin. So, there's no full proof that this is going to give you younger skin. But, there's no known side effects cos' your body gets it from food anyways.
• Its also reported that collagen also helps with joint pains and is being used as a dietary supplement for treating osteoporosis
• I've taken a pic of before the 1st bottle... But won't be publishing the before-after pic until I've reached a stage where I've given this a month's worth of trial... You don't get overnight beauties...
  

After 1 month 6 days (16 February 2009):

• I've reached the stage where.... smile lines are gone!! Non-visible until I really do smile!
• Skin actually glows!
  
• But.... READ THIS: there's a downside to this... After 2-3 weeks of consuming this... I'm starting to get breakouts on my neck that look more like my seafood allergy acne! Okay... I did ingested something which I wasn't suppose to (some allergy to stingray-fish)... Still.... that breakout should have dissolved by week 2. But... I'm still having breakouts on my neck now! From earlier research, I guess I was expecting a little breakout coming up soon enough... See girls who are experiencing breakouts from ingested collagen
  
• Lets see what happens when I stop this for a week after my last bottle of Kinohimitsu. (this is when I'll try to upload a macro-shot of my skin after) Lets hope the breakout goes away after this... Though... a little breakout for firm boing-boing skin is worth all the trade-offs! LOL... (6th March 2009 - Dang... the pics isn't as clear as I'd like it to be... and you'd probably noticed... I got a tan... from wakeboarding... Apologies for the gross-ness of the pics to the point that you can see the pores so clearly... cos these are super-macro shots... But yeah.. pores seems less dilated and the skin texture's plumper huh? heh-heh-heh)
  

• Collagen drink definitely works for me. But... again... this is a supplement, not a one-time miracle drug... Like any supplement, you're going to stick to this regime for the next half of your life... And... the collagen you take might not go to your facial skin (maybe elsewhere like your joints lol). After all... its just a protein...

Also, check out my recent blog on CollagenMax