Saborino and Momopuri: Here are two Japanese skincare solutions for the really, really lazy ones out there

Since I started writing for Project Vanity many years ago, I have learned to adopt a multi-step skincare regimen. There was even a point where I challenged myself to a 10-step Korean routine! And yes, I totally get the sensorial appeal of each luxurious step. But I will always have just as much appreciation for the straightforward but efficient skincare routine. Now after having tried five of Japanese brand BCL’s high-performance products, I have no doubt that they have the simplified skincare routine down pat.

Beautybox Corp., purveyor of one of our all-time favorite kilay products, K-Palette, has brought BCL’s Momo Puri to our shores. The peach-themed basic skincare line features peach ceramides that help strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce the loss of moisture. Another key ingredient is the Lactobacillus paste that is gaining popularity for its anti-inflammatory properties.

My current routine now starts with the Momo Puri Cleansing Wash (P525 for 150g), which is silky-looking and has a paste-like consistency. The cleanser activates into a low-foam lather that effectively reduces excess oil without causing my skin to feel tight afterwards. The instructions indicate to use 1cm of product for regular facial wash and 2-3 cm for makeup removal. As I am a cleansing oil girl through and through, I prefer to use this as a second step cleanser and I stick to the standard pea-sized amount.

My step two is the Momo Puri Moisture Lotion (P625 for 200ml). This alcohol-free lotion acts as both a hydrating toner and essence. I skip the cotton pad altogether and pour the lotion on my palms to pat it directly onto my skin. Despite its liquid gel appearance, it feels runny like water on the face. It dries with just a whisper of tackiness, but doesn’t look shiny or greasy.

Finally, the Momo Puri Moist Gel Cream (P895 for 80g) is a lightweight pudding-like moisturizer that adds a slightly dewy finish to my skin. It applies like a regular gel moisturizer in that it easily melts as it is massaged on and doesn’t feel thick or sticky. No problem for daytime lounging or when used underneath makeup! And when put on before bed, I wake up the next morning with cheeks that have fully absorbed the cream yet do not feel flaky. There is still some mild tackiness left behind.

All three products have a peach scent. I notice that both the cleanser and the lotion have the same floral peachy scent that I usually associate with peach shampoo or body washes. The gel cream, on the other hand, has the fruitier smell of fresh ripe peaches.

While this Momo Puri 3-Step routine is already as uncomplicated as it gets, there are times that you might be tempted to get it ALL in a single step. No judgement here! Sometimes, we’re just too tired or lazy. Well, Saborino Sheet Masks are the answer! There’s practically no downtime as it only takes 60 seconds to compress the lotion, serum, and moisturizer steps into one quickie masking experience.

I was able to try the Morning Facial Sheet Mask (available in P295/ 5-piece pack or P895/32-piece pack) and the Goodnight Facial Sheet Mask (available in P325/ 5-piece pack or P895/ 28-piece pack). The former has a minty fruity-herbal scent that reminds me of Pei Pa Koa throat syrup, while the latter has a clean floral chamomile-like scent. A minute after donning the masks, the instructions indicate to pat the remaining essence onto the skin. There’s a lot left over that I can wring out the essence 2-3 more times for my face to soak up and still have enough to use on my arms and legs.

The mask size is big enough to cover my face and reach my jawline, but not enough to stretch over to my hairline. The masks also don’t quite reach the bottom of my nose. This isn’t a deal-breaker as I am still able to cover everything with the remaining essence.

I notice that the watery consistency of the lotion/essence of the morning and night masks don’t really differ from each other. But they do both offer a surprising level of hydration. The Morning masks get me through the day without any tightness, while I wake up after using just the Goodnight masks with my skin completely absorbing the essence but without feeling papery. For comparison, the Momo Puri Gel Cream is still more hydrating and leaves my skin bouncier. Still, the Goodnight mask has pretty impressive performance for a one-step solution.

These BCL products can be purchased via the Beautybox Corp. site, Lazada, or Shopee.