I find it amazing at how beauty brands in Japan spread their brand and product range. Fancl has recently paired up with different food companies and added their own HTC Collagen.

I’ve heard of collagen ramen, collagen candy and slipping collagen into nabe (hot pot) (this was all the rage last year in the Japanese restaurant scene in NewYork).

But Fancl has definitely stepped up the competition by putting their reputable brand on food products — from bread to desserts. All these items cost below 500JPY, which is not bad at all for “fancy” collagen. HTC Collagen is their own collagen formula that has three kinds of amino acids which is more effective than standard collagen.

You can read it in more detail at Trends in Japan.

The latest product on my radar is Mandom Beauty’s Cleansing Express all-in-one make up remover/cleanser/toner.

The tagline, “Ready for bed as soon as possible!” caught my eye on the train and there was a cartoon of an OL (office lady) looking all tired on the couch with limbs entangled in a colourful heap.

Apparently, all you need to do is squirt some of this magic liquid onto a cotton pad, wipe off your war paint, splash your face with water (optional), and then moisturize.

I thought it was in the budget range of cleansing oils and was about to dismiss it, since I have heard nasty reviews of cheap brands like Ponds and Biore. But my itchy fingers did a search on the Internet, and what I found out was, there’s no alcohol in this huge 300ml bottle. At only 950JPY at pharmacies, it’s definitely on my to-buy list.

There are three versions: Sebum, Moist, and Agecare. Here are some rave reviews by other beauty bloggers: Musings of a Muse, Lady L, and La Belle Cose.

I totally went gaga after I read how each and every one of them removed stubborn waterproof eye makeup and didn’t feel any residue on their skin after.

Although I’m a fan of Fancl’s Cleansing Oil and DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil, I’m interested to give this one a go because it feels like water. Wow. It’s available in the US for USD13.99 on webichi and it’s SGD16.90 in Meidi-ya at Liang Court.

ヒアルロン酸

If you see the Japanese words above in a beauty product, you might wonder what good it would do for your skin.

Honestly, I’ve never seen this chemical used to sell Western products but apparently hyaluronic acid is used in many toiletries and skincare products all over the world. The cool thing is, it’s also found throughout your body.

Simply put, hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that fills the spaces between cells, and keeps them hydrated them by absorbing moisture. It basically serves as a protective buffer or a “cushion” between cells.

Skin loses elasticity and becomes dry because moisture is lost and that’s because hyaluronic acid in between your cells have decreased. To keep skin hydrated, it’s important to have hyaluronic acid at optimal levels.

So, if you see the katana words above in masks (especially Kose masks), collagen supplements, or moisturizers, you know what it’s for.

Kawaii, deshoooooo?

I’m not sure if this would get MAC junkies excited because MAC has always been sexy and edgy. Their red Christmas collection is a little OTT for me but glamazons will definitely rush to buy these hot palettes.

Anyway, if you are interested in these landmark collectibles, Hello Kitty Mac will be released in February 2008 ‘(in time for Valentine’s Day?). It’s rumoured to be an extensive selection that has two categories: the Hello Kitty Colour Collection and the more high-end Hello Kitty Kouture. Lipsticks are USD14; lipglass, USD14; eyeshadow palette, USD38 — all affordable if you ask me.

I think what will make collectors sit up would be the Hello Kitty Kouture Dazzleglass, USD28, which is a reusable silver chain pendant with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals on black with a pink crystal bow.

I kinda drooled when I read that the Sheer Mystery Powder, USD90 (available in three hues), comes in a silver powder compact with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background.

It’s because I’m a closet Kitty Chan fan…

There’s a bit of her in my bathroom. I don’t think I would buy any since it’s the recession but I would love to poke around at the MAC store in Omotesando Hills.