Za India from the house of Shiseido, is constantly working on new innovations in skincare, keeping every target audience and age group in mind. While we were impressed with some of their White Perfect range products, Za recently introduced us to a new product from their Perfect Solutions range (a high performance anti-aging skincare line). This miracle product is called the Za Perfect Solutions Youth Whitening Serum, which was launched in the Indian market earlier this month. Since the product is suitable for a certain age group (and focuses on skin issues faced by them) and I don't belong to that age bracket (nor does my team), we decided to get someone on board who could test the product for us (for a fortnight) and tell us about their experience. Our test participant was team member Dhwanika's 31 - year - old cousin sister (name withheld on request), who readily agreed to help us out by trying the product for a month and talking about her experience.

What? - Za Perfect Solutions Youth Whitening Serum

Quantity: 30ml

Price: Rs 1299/-

What does it promise? With Revolutionary Retino-White Complex, this Powerful Serum delivers unmatched Radiance and retains Youthful Luminosity in just 7 days. Retinol Derivative reduces visible wrinkles caused by UV damage and aging, while its Breakthrough Intensive Triangle Technology improves skin’s resilience & clarity. It dramatically reduces excess melanin and signs of aging giving Radiant, Youthful & Perfect Skin.

Packaging: This tiny, classy bottle with a pump looks absolutely beautiful. The pink cap adds a unique charm to this bottle, making it look stylish. The bottle is sturdy and can be carried during travel without any issues. Since the cap fits well and the pump ensures that the product doesn't spill, one doesn't have to worry about any mess. Plus, thanks to the pump, you can be assured that you get the right amount of product for use and it doesn't go waste.

How to use? Apply morning and evening, after lotion and before moisturizer.

Push pump twice to dispense serum onto palm and smooth over face.

Texture: The product is slightly runny and the texture is extremely light. Once applied, one can feel how the product does not make your skin feel greasy or heavy. In fact, it is almost like plain water and my skin absorbs (or drinks) it up quickly, leaving my skin hydrated and nourished. Since June was a month mixed with humid (day) and slightly cold (evening) days, I skipped my moisturizer during the day, as this serum pretty much did the job (especially since I have oily skin). Maybe for those with extremely dry skin, you can use this with your regular CTM regime. I loved how the product left a dewy finish.

Overall experience: I started off by using this product at night and gradually (by the fifth day of use) began using it in the day as well. I don't really face too many skin issues, but the main concern has always been a few dark spots and uneven skin tone. I have always been a believer of the fact that products take their own sweet time to show results. I gave this product some time and the first thing I noticed was that my skin didn't feel greasy or heavy while using this product, which was a boon. Another aspect that impressed me was how post my night skin routine, my face looked fresh and radiant in the morning, just after a plain water wash. After 20 days of regular use, I noticed how it had started working on making the dark spots look lighter and slightly improved the appearance of my skin tone, especially the jawline and cheek area. While most serums would cause a huge dent in my pocket, this one does a brilliant job at less price. Although everything works in the product works and I swear by it now, I was a little disappointed when informed about the alcohol content. Hope team Za works on doing something about it. Otherwise, the Za perfect solution youth whitening serum has definitely got a fan in me.

Pros: Classy packaging

Light weight, non-greasy texture

Works well as an overnight serum

Adds a radiant, fresh glow to your skin in the morning

Priced well

Works on dark spots

Cons: High alcohol content

Verdict: If you don't have any allergies or issues with the alcohol in this product, then it should definitely make its way into your skincare regime. I am hooked on!

Edited and Compiled by: Priya Adivaekar

(with inputs on the Texture, Experience, Pros & Cons, Verdict from the test participant)

Love,

The Dancebee

Product: Za True White Exfoliating Clay

Price: Rs 399

Quantity: 100g

What does it promise? This whitening clay mask exfoliates excess surface skin cells, removes impurities around pores, absorbs sebum, and instantly imparts translucent skin. The SPA ingredients and Vitamin C helps the skin in instantly achieving luminous, translucent and moisturized skin.

Packaging: Simple white tube with a flip open cap. The packaging is light weight and sturdy, perfect for a product like this. The tube can be easily carried while traveling. The flip cap ensures that the product does not spill. 

How to use? After wash, dry your face. Take some clay mask on your hand and apply it all over your face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. Gently massage the product on your face using small circular motions for about a minute. Rinse thoroughly. Limit the product use to 2 - 3 times a week. Avoid harsh rubbing.

Texture: The product is soft and creamy. Despite the fact that this product acts as an exfoliating agent, the micro scrub granules are not huge or chunky (which is the case with most exfoliators), which is a huge relief for those with sensitive or acne prone skin. The creamy texture ensures smooth application and does not cause any kind of irritation.

Overall experience: When something reads 'Clay Mask', you immediately think of it to be a 'keep it on for five minutes and then wash, pat dry' kind of a product. Za True White Exfoliating Clay is different. You don't have to run around the house keeping the mask on (and scaring a few others in your all white avatar). This fuss-free product is quick to use and provides instant result. The fragrance is subtle and quite similar to all the products from the True White range. We used it as directed for two weeks (twice a week) and noticed that the skin does feel soft and supple after use. It gives your skin a soft glow. Follow it up with a moisturizer and you will notice that the build up of sebum on your face will be lesser than usual, all day long. This product is perfect for the humid weather, especially for those with oily skin. If you are looking for something that can get rid of major blackheads, then this product is not for you. It is perfect for those who want to add a multipurpose product to their kit, instead of going through the typical routine of using a exfoliator and face mask.

Pros: - Nice, creamy texture

- Keeps excess sebum at bay

- Adds a soft glow to your skin

- Well priced for the quantity offered

- Tested by dermatologists 

Cons: Ingredients (Alcohol, Dimethicone)

Verdict: A decent addition to the huge variety of exfoliators available in the market. However, if you are looking for something that provides instant glow and cleanses your skin well, without using up too much time, then you can definitely give Za True White Exfoliating Clay a try. It is worth your money, thanks to the smooth texture and easy application process.

Have you tried the Za True White Exfoliating Clay? Tell us about your experience on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar

Love,

The Dancebee

Sometimes, choosing the right foundation can be quite a task. People often opt for the wrong shade or type, and worse, order such products online, despite knowing that a foundation needs to be tested properly before application. If you pick a shade that does not match your complexion, everything goes horribly wrong. So among the sea of foundations that we have in the market today, we got our hands on 2015's new baby - the Za True White Liquid Foundation. While we reviewed (and liked) their compact foundation earlier here, we thought of testing the liquid range to find out if it stands by what it promises.

What it promises? - Radiance and Clarity. The Spotless Brightening Powder and Poreless Powder create Pearly White Skin. Za True White Plus Liquid Foundation contains Vitamins C & E derivatives, minerals and hyaluronic acid for skincare. Its base formula leaves skin feeling satiny, smooth and bright. Tested by dermatologists.

Product highlight: Contains SPF 25 PA++

Application: Apply an appropriate amount over face, while spreading evenly from the center of face and turning outwards.

Additional Instructions (As mentioned on the product): Reducing the amount of application will lower the level of protection significantly. This foundation is recommended for use with products that contain UV protection of SPF 15 or higher. 

Price & Shelf life: Rs 950 for 30ml. Lasts for three years from the date of MFG.

What works?

Texture - The texture of this product is creamy, yet this liquid foundation is very light and smooth. It does not feel too heavy and blends quite well into your skin (provided you choose the right shade). Once applied, you will notice how the product does not leave any dry patches (Golden tip: always make sure you moisturize your face before applying any kind of foundation).

Shade availability - They have great options to choose from and the shades have been chosen keeping in mind the warm Indian complexion. While there are five shades to choose from for those with yellowish undertones, there is one - PO 10 - for those with pink undertones. So, there is something for everyone.

Coverage & Protection: Those who are looking to hide their dark circles or a few marks here and there, this product is exactly what you need. It gives you perfect coverage, without making it look like you are actually wearing something on your face. The sun protection is a great add on. SPF 25 PA++ and the texture makes this foundation good enough to wear everyday. 

Blends well: The product does not leave a cakey or matte effect. Rather, it moisturizes your facial skin really well and leaves a soft, smooth and dewy finish, which is absolutely amazing. For someone with dry to combination skin, you can try the Za True White Liquid Foundation without thinking twice. It really worked well for me.

What doesn't?

Glass bottle - Despite the pretty packaging and the convenient pump dispenser, carrying a glass bottle around in your bag can be a problem, especially while traveling.

Oily skin woes - If you are someone who has oily skin or a T-zone with patches of oily skin on the forehead, nose and chin, then you might need a compact to go with this product.

Lasting power: Though it lasts for a good 4-6 hours on dry to combination skin, it may go down by a few hours for those with oily skin type.

Availability - Za products are currently available at select stores and retail outlets. This was my concern while testing the compact foundation as well.

Final Verdict

For all those pros that overpower the cons, the Za True White Liquid Foundation is undoubtedly a good investment. Its gives you a flawless, dewy finish and the texture is perfect. We love how this product blends well and does not make one feel like a kilo full of make up has been slathered on. Not really your best bet if you have got oily skin, but otherwise, this is one great liquid foundation available under Rs 1000.

Have you tried the Za True White Liquid Foundation? If yes, then join the conversation on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar - and let us know about your experience.

Love,

The Dancebee