REVIEW: SK-II PITERA DELUXE SET TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE: FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE (215MML) - FACIAL TREATMENT CLEAR LOTION (215ML)

Pitera, SK-II signature ingredient, is probably one of the most famous ones in high-end skincare products. Needless to say, I was longing to try out the notorious Facial Treatment Essence as well as the much-raved about Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. Last year, I saw this exclusive travel set in Hong Kong International Airport, so I snapped it up instantly because 1) it was tax-free and 2) it was cheaper to buy in a set rather than individual products. 

• What is Pitera? 

In 1970s, SK-II scientists found out that aged sake brewer all had youthful and soft hands even though their faces were all wrinkled. They assumed that it was due to the fermentation liquid that they came in contact with while fermenting sake. After testing over 350 kinds of yeast, they finally discovered the yeast strain that helped maintain the skin youthfulness, and Pitera was created. According to SK-II, Pitera contains a lot of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, which can enhance the skin's rejuvenation process.

• My opinion:

 - SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion: 

I really like this lotion because it's gentle, hydrating and non-drying. In my opinion, it's very hard to find a moisturizing yet non-sticky toner, but this one fits the bill perfectly. Even when my face was at its driest peak, it never dried my skin out. Having said that, I don't think I'll repurchase it because it doesn't really do anything to my skin: it doesn't improve my skin texture and has no effects whatsoever on my occasional breakouts (despite the fact that it contains salicylic acid). If you want to avoid paraben, then skip this because it does contain that ingredient.

- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence:

Many people recommend using hands to apply this instead of cotton pads, but for me, that method doesn't work. My palms seemed to absorb the liquid so quickly that I found I had to pour out more product. In the end, I just applied it according to SK-II's instruction, which was pouring it onto a cotton pad. This product has developed a cult following, but I have to say I hate it. First of all, it smells like... spit. If it has worked, maybe I could get over the scent, but sadly it doesn't. After using up the whole bottle, I can honestly say that I see no difference whatsoever on my skin. It doesn't make my skin worse but there's no improvement in my skin tone, pores and blemishes. Like the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, it also contains paraben. I'll definitely NOT repurchase this because I just don't see the point in using this as my skin looks exactly the same!

I said this before, and I have to repeat it now: My skin doesn't love high-end products! Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder for me not to splurge on purse-rippingly expensive items in the future (well, maybe not!).