Four-way Magic by Koh Gen Do

Long before it became a local household brand, Koh Gen Do has always been on my list of brands to dabble on. I'd always see quips on glossies talking about its efficacy and overall wear so needless to say, it's hyped up really well in my books. A couple of years ago, I finally chanced on it at Beauty Bar and I immediately snagged its best seller, the Cleansing Water (Php 1995, 380ml).

How awesome is this jumbo, limited size bottle?

Nourished with 95% moisturizing ingredients, it also hydrates, plumps, and firms delicate skin like a serum without causing irritation or leaving an oily or sticky residue. It’s formulated with Spa Blend Water—a blend of mineral-enriched hot spring water, Betula platphylla japonica juice, and six herbal extracts that protect and nurture skin. This cleansing water has been loved and trusted by entertainment industry professionals and actors for its quality and unwavering results.

As a makeup enthusiast for over 20 years (!!!), I've been trying my absolute best to religiously remove all traces of makeup on a daily basis. Koh Gen Do’s famous Cleansing  Water paved the way for the micellar water cleanser craze. This cleanser is so gentle, it can definitely be mistaken as water. To remove pesky dirt, oil, and waterproof makeup, I saturate a cotton pad with it and dab on my skin. If I'm too tired to move a muscle, I use a baby wipe and gently wipe my woes away.

Formulated with the brand’s signature Gloss Film Powder® that enhances longevity and leaves a lustrous film, this breathable foundation boasts high adhesion, skin color correction, double water-repellent coating, and ultimately helps prevent white casts. In addition, the foundation contains Bretagne Sea Water and moisturizing ingredients that protect the skin from dehydration due to environmental stressors.

When it comes to foundation, I used to think that Asian formulas are too thin and lack the coverage I need for an entire day. The Maifanshi Aqua Foundation (Php 2750) proved me oh so wrong. You can quote me on this -- it's the best flawless, weightless, and glowy-finish foundation I've ever tried. It's recently been reformulated to improve radiance, coverage, and wear. If you need a shortcut to chok chok skin effect, this is your best bet!

The only con I can think of is the limited shade selection. The bottles may look the same but they're very different especially on the undertones. For your reference, I wear one shade up the most tan shade (213), 123.

The best way to apply this is by dabbing it on the skin using this Koh Gen Do Makeup Sponge:

This absorbs very little product, making it a practical buy to complement my current foundation of choice. To set the Maifanshi Aqua Foundation or to refresh my skin midday, I am currently head over heels Koh Gen Do's Herbal Mist (Php 1595):

Hydrate and refresh with this Herbal Mist that leaves a 99% moisture-packed veil that supports and revitalizes skin. This multi-functional face mist helps relieve 5 skin challenges—dehydration, enlarged pores, oiliness, makeup creases, and redness—with Spa Blend Water, made of Japan's deep thermal spring water which contains eight anti-aging botanical extracts and natural moisturizing ingredients that improve skin texture.

Spritzing on this serum-like mist feels like a quick trip to the spa. It has this fresh herbal aroma that calms my nerves and preps me for my back to back meetings throughout the day. I love how it can be sprayed under or over makeup without my fear of getting red patches or melting my powder. True to its claim --  it's skincare made easy and smart with just one bottle!

In the Philippines, KOH GEN DO is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available in Beauty Bar stores located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, and TriNoma. Visit beautybar.com.ph, facebook.com/BeautyBarPH, ssilife.com.ph, or follow @BeautyBarPH and @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.