Review: BLACK PAINT - Easy Four Step Pore Care

Quite excited over BLACK PAINT Pore Care Pack!

Just a little background on BLACK PAINT.

BLACK PAINT is a organic skincare brand, established in Kyoto, Japan. 

They celebrate their 15th anniversary this year, and are also the proud winners of the Grand Gold Medal of Monde Selection Awards for 6 consecutive years.

BLACK PAINT's founder is researcher Miyuki Maeda.

For Maeda, it all started as a challenge to find a cure for daughter's rare kidney disease.

In the course of her research, 

she realized the importance of bacteria naturally present in our body, known generally as flora.

Flora in the gut and on the skin can function as a line of defence and protection.

For example, Staphylococcus epidermis keeps the skin hydrated and maintains pH balance.

Based on her discoveries, instead of using synthetics like anti-bacterial agents for sterilization,

Maeda focused on nourishing the flora to enable natural healing and protection.

To mimic the nutrients produced by the flora, 

BLACK PAINT uses only natural, organic ingredients in their products:

They boast a blend of more than 100 types of plant oils and 50 types of essential oils.

Woah, that's a lot. :o

In order to combat troubled skin, BLACK PAINT believes that it should start from the pores.

Pores clogged by excessive sebum, dirt and make-up can lead to various skin problems.

Skin which is not nourished is also unable to renew efficiently as well.

Their 4 step approach is: Unclog, Hydrate, Nourish and Protect.

Step 1 - Unclogging pores

For starters, BLACK PAINT soap containing high-grade Kishu Binchotan Charcoal is used.

The slightly alkaline based soap restores pH balance, and nourishes skin.

Charcoal is well known to be a good absorber of impurities.

Organic and natural oils protects the skin and minimize irritation.

To use the soap, immerse it into warm water, approximately 40 degrees Celsius.

I used the bowl provided.

Once the soap is in a paste like texture, it is ready to be applied to dry skin.
Warning, this step is a little messy!
Don't use water which is too warm.

Apply the soap directly from the bar, using all melted surfaces if possible.

It can even be applied over make-up to remove it.. Like seriously? :o

Massage the soap into skin for approximately 1 minute.

The soap adheres itself to the clogs, and the massaging motion aids in the extraction.
There is a slight floral fragrance, not too overpowering.

Rinse soap off gently with warm water.
Due to the runny texture, some of the soap got into my eyes while washing
It stung more than the usual soap I use, so be careful !

Leave the soap bar to dry naturally on a soap dish. 

Remember to keep it away from direct sunlight!

The Black Konjac Sponge helps to further exfoliate.

It contains Kishu Binchotan Charcoal as well.

The sponge removes partially exposed blackheads which were not removed by the soap 

Excess keratin is also removed to enable translucence, and also allows better penetration of lotion.

Soak the sponge completely in warm water, for 3 to 5 minutes, until totally soft.

Squeeze the excess water from the sponge by compressing it. Do not twist the sponge!

Massage face with sponge using a gentle circular motion, outwards.

Leave the sponge to dry naturally.

Step 2 - Hydration

Best Water Toner to the rescue !

With 30 types of natural minerals, it nourishes skin, restores and maintains hydration balance.
No alcohol is contained in this toner.

To use, you may apply 3 -5 pumps directly to skin, and pat for better absorption.
Another method would be to apply it onto facial paper and apply it as a mask on cheeks and forehead.

This is (trying to be) glam..

When in actual fact I'm like omg dont fall. LOL.

I prefer the pat on method, to ensure even application on my face.
There is no tight feeling after the toner dries.

Step 3 - Nourishment

Oil Water Rose Lotion is our product of the moment.
This is an emulsion lotion - made up of 2 layers : oil and water.

The top layer contains Damask Rose oil, Argan oil, Olive oil and another 8 types of plant oils.
It combats the visible effects of aging, like fine lines and pigmentation.

The bottom layer contains Damask Rose water, which soothes skin.
It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Damask Rose also provides a soothing aromatherapeutic effect.
Honestly it smells like Bandung. hahaha !
Fragrance is not too heavy.

Before use, shake the bottle until the lotion changes into white!
Apply 3 - 5 pumps of lotion directly to skin.

Step 4 - Protection

Water Cream Moisturizer is used.

The water-based moisturizer contains Moroccan Argan oil, which improves skin metabolism.
It is also to promote moisture retention, and protects against environmental pollutants such as dust.
Lavender oil is added for its calming effect, both on the skin and for aromatherapy.

For this product, the lavender scent is very overpowering. :x

Apply a pearl sized amount onto face, gently spreading it on the skin.
Its good that they provided a spatula for clean scooping. ;p

The cream should transform into water droplets upon application.
But unfortunately, all it did for me was leave a waxy feeling.
The waxy feeling lasted for 5 minutes, and my skin felt smooth to the touch after that.
Still, it was uncomfortable, so I'm probably going to skip the cream next time.
I have normal skin, so by experience I recommend the cream only for people with dry skin.

Can you see the waxy area?

Only one puny droplet of water. :x

If you wish to apply make-up, do so after your face is dry.

Before and after!

Don't think there is much visible difference, 

but in terms of feel, there was a good hydrating effect, despite the waxy feeling from the cream.

TAADAAA.
Four step pore care complete!
I wouldn't say its an easy four step pore care, hahahah.
To stick to this routine everyday for 28 days will be a challenge, but I will try!
Share with you guys the final result then. (:

My favourite item was the Oil-Water Rose Lotion.
I liked the scent, and the hydrating feeling it gave me.

Interested in trying out BLACK PAINT?

BLACK PAINT Easy Four Step Pore Care is available at the following places:

Takashimaya Basement Level 1
West Gate Isetan Basement Level 2
BLACK PAINT online website