Sunday, November 6, 2011

Review: Naruko Magnolia Brightening and Firming Serum and Night Cream

Hello ladies!

How's your weekend so far? Mine has been hectic all day. Between running errands and the inconvenient rain, I am finally getting time to sit down to blog... yay!

I am finally getting around to reviewing the Naruko skincare I've been using. A few months ago, I tweeted that I finally got this in the mail and that I was really excited to try it. For those of you don't know, Naruko is a Taiwanese skincare brand founded by Niu Er, who is well known in Taiwan as a beauty/skincare guru. I've never seen any of the Taiwanese beauty shows (I don't speak Chinese...!) but it's widely popular in Asia. Naruko Skincare is paraben free and does not test on animals. There are several different lines in the Naruko Skincare series. From what I counted, there is 11. They all focus on something different - from prevention to brightening to maturing skin.

Okay! On with the first product. It's the Naruko Brightening and Firming Serum (see website here) from the Magnolia line. This line focuses on brightening dull and sallow skin.


What it is:  Anti aging serum that firms and brightens skin
Claims: Brightens dull skin, prevents signs of aging, moisturizes, brings back translucent skin
Packaging: Hygienic pump, pretty frosted glass bottle :)
Texture: Gel-like formula.


Scent: A bouquet magnolia flowers. It's definitely warm, and the scent is quite strong but not unpleasant.

Strengths: Absorbs into skin quickly
Weaknesses: None at the moment.
Availability/Price: I ordered this online. Unfortunately, there aren't any vendors in my area. It is $23.50 for a 1oz/30ml bottle
Overall: I am halfway through this serum and I have to say I haven't noticed any significant improvements in my skin. It is very lightweight. The gel-like texture was good during the summer months but I think I'd go with something more nourishing when I am done with this.

Note: Serums are an extremely important step in your skincare routine because they are ultra concentrated and jam packed with antioxidants and nutrients for your skin, and will help your skin absorb all the beneficial ingredients in the next step of your routine - facial moisturizer/night cream.

Ingredients: Plantain Extract Complex, Phytoferulin®, Magnolia Pure Gel, Hyaluronic Acid, Tranexamic Acid

I am also using the Naruko Brightening and Firming Night Repair Cream (see website here) from the Magnolia line.




What it is:  A rich night cream that brightens and firms skin.
Claims: Brightens dull skin, smooths fine lines, prevents melanin production, long lasting moisture
Packaging: Twisty cap jar. Comes with a scooper.
Texture: Cream




Scent: The same as the serum.
Strengths: Very moisturizing
Weaknesses: None at the moment.
Availability/Price: I ordered this online along with the serum. $36.00 for 50ml/1.7oz jar.
Overall:  I am about  80% done with it and I am really liking this night cream a lot. It's very moisturizing and kept my skin feeling supple for hours. I didn't notice my skin looking brighter than before but I'm sure it takes more than 1 jar to see any difference.



Overall thoughts: Naruko Skincare is really versatile and has different lines for the many types of skin. I absolutely love how affordable it is with high quality ingredients and the many skincare lines that target specific skincare concerns. I'm looking forward to ordering more items from Naruko. Definitely.

I'm also currently using the job's tear lotion which I will review at another time :)

Have you tried Naruko? What's your favorite item?

Disclaimer: All items were purchased by me.


34 comments:

Beauty Box said...

Actually I feel exactly the same as you about the magnolia serum. It feels nice and all...and for my oily/combination skin, I actually like the lightness and it' hydrating enough for me. BUT didn't see any brightening effects. I did however find their Marjoram & Lavender Peeling Gel very brightening...like instantly after you massage it into your skin and rinse it off.

Jamilla Camel said...

Thanks for the review! Unfortunately for me,I need stronger surf!

Lilladylife said...

oh thanks for the review!!! i have the same night cream but have yet to use it bc im going to use my Clarins one soon but u have peaked my curiosity!

breakingrumours said...

i'm loving the marjoram and lavender brightening eye cream :) i see results the very next day after using it.

Unknown said...

Astrotrainfall: Thanks for the rec. I'm going to try the peeling gel in my next order!

Breaking rumors: Ah, I was close to purchasing the eye cream but I don't know why I didn't :p

Lena L said...

oh, i like the packaging. very clean and understated! i can only identify 2 chinese characters or so, but it says "white jade something" isn't that nice? ;)

mandy said...

Looks like I probably won't get the full benefits of this line since it's for firming as well..I got the spray a while ago and haven't gotten around to use it :X I can't wait to finish my current skincare and maybe try a Naruko line!

Unknown said...

I think I've seen this brand, but i don't remember where. I'm glad this product works for you.

frecklesspeckles said...

i love the rose and snow fungus cubic moisturizer (it's actually a toner)... makes the skin feel instantly soft... i'm trying out the magnolia line too.. hope to see some results soon :)

Steph said...

i would love to try naruko products, i've heard many good things ^^

brightening dull skin sounds perfect for me =D will keep this review in mind!!!

Jen said...

I've never tried Naruko before.. I see so many YT gurus loving the product and some bloggers that love it.. but from what you've said.. it doesn't seem to do everything it claims to do, but then again, it takes time :)

나니 said...

OMDFGHJADHGA")#!"¤ I wanna try Naruko so bad! : ( As everything else quality, it's not available here. Did you get it from the official website or? I saw a few products on shoppingholics, but it's pretty expensive on there.

Beauty Style Addict said...

Nice reviews... The line sounds interesting, especially the night cream ^-^

http://beautystyleaddict.blogspot.com/

Alexis the Honey B said...

I would really like to try Naruko! All these asian makeup brands look so luxe! Great review!

Ashley said...

My mother is heading to Taiwan very soon but I forgot to tell her to check out Naruko for me, nooooo ><
The only bit that annoys me is all the product claims. Taiwanese brands always exaggerate beauty stuff, it kills me!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for dropping by and leaving a comment-- I hope you liked your gift! :)

Cominica said...

I never tried naruko before, looks good! But im not sure how can I find it here xD

Amy said...

I've heard of Naruko, but I never got around to trying their products for myself! I'm missing a lot of key ingredients in my skincare routine though...Now would be a good time to buy. :')

Unknown said...

I'm super excited to try out Naruko products but I've heard so many great reviews for so many of their products I don't know where to begin. Thanks for the reviews and maybe I'll have to try the night cream. Would you recommend it for winter?

Diana said...

Hi! I like to read your reviews ^_^ I've never tried anything from Taiwan haha

Unknown said...

What a wonderful review. I have heard of this product and was very curious about it. Thanks!

Shannon
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I do agree with your comment on serums! I'm on the look out for one! Too bad Naruko can only be bought online..

Emily said...

Seriously need this in my life..... ♥

MereMakeupManiac said...

i haven't tried any Naruko item but will keep this in mind! thanks for sharing!

Mai said...

i never heard of this brand, but thanks for the share it looks interesting (: ! and im looking for a night cream.. great post!

CMPang x
http://maisecrets.blogspot.com

noone said...

hmm interesting. ya I have yet to find a product which claim whitening to actually whiten your skin!

Audrey said...

I'll have to keep this in mind, if I ever need it! :)

Bravoe Runway said...

I am not well versed in Asian Skin Care at all...the only one I know is Sheseido. I'll have to ask my mom when she goes back to Taiwan to check this out. I am Taiwanese :)

Hollie said...

I've been wanting to try Japanese skin care products for a while but I just couldn't get my hands on them, they're just too pricey.

Awesome review.

Ahleessa said...

This sounded nice until you mentioned it did nothing for your skin. You already have nice skin. If it does nothing for you, it will definitely do nothing for me!... lol~

hevn said...

OoOhhhh I love magnolias! I'm still loving my Lavender series though. I must try this one next! Thank youuuuu

cushy said...

i guess not all naruko products work. thanks for the review

Angie | Pandaphilia.com said...

mmmm my skin feels thirsty just looking at this hydrating serum! magnolias are such gorgeous flowers too - i can imagine they have a beautiful scent too.

you've been to washu in stl? that's awesome! sometimes we're confused for the one up in washington state xD our school needs a more unique name. wintermelon juice! yes i have had it it's yummy and sweet :)

Joey said...

I've heard a lot about Naruko, but never really thought much about it since I assumed it's just popular due to Niu Er rather than because their products work. This was until a Taiwanese friend completely sold it to me and now I hope to give it a try.