Last year, I got the chance to try out Kanebo’s newest line of skincare called Chrono Beauty. This line speaks to my heart as someone who appreciates the importance of maintaining a good, solid skincare routine. Because after all, healthy skin requires a long-term commitment. And of course, I’m partial to Japanese skincare.
Just a heads up, I absolutely adore this line and I’m really relieved that I finally can write down my thoughts about the line and the products I’ve tried. Some of the products have been an integral part of my routine, including prepping my skin for our big day last November.
Let’s begin!
Kanebo Chrono Beauty‘s concept is inspired by the rhythm of life. Just like the clock, as the time turns, so is the condition of the skin. Changes and adjustments must be made to meet the skin’s needs. The line provides basic skincare products starting from double cleansing, lotion (toner), emulsion and cream. But that’s not it, drawing from the inspiration, Chrono Beauty expands the line as it progresses. It has grown a lot since the past year. The newer items cater to different skin conditions and needs. From what I know, the line will launch more items until 2020.
It doesn’t take much to pique my interest because Chrono Beauty is all about customizing the routine. We can use the basic products but then interchange the step with different products here and there accordingly. The line has several seasonal items that we can choose as the season changes. Of course, it’s not set in stone. We can use the products however we like 🙂
Japanese skincare brands are known for their cream cleansers. As an alternative to cleansing oil, the cream cleanser allows the user to do a massage on the skin while using it. The key here is massaging it well with the warmth of the hands until the cream turns into oil. Then we can proceed to emulsify and washing it off. But some cream cleansers still leave a residue. Hence, a face cloth is important to have around. The trick is also getting the right amount. I would use more when I have makeup on and less when it’s just sunscreen.
Kanebo Chrono Beauty Softening Cream Cleansing is rather a great one. Once it turns oily, the emulsification process is quite easy. Even though it can remove makeup, I prefer to use it only when I wear a light makeup. But I am used to having a face cloth to help with the removal whenever I use a cream cleanser, just to be sure.
Kanebo Chrono Beauty The First Serum is undoubtedly my favorite product from the line. I’ve repurchased it several times and it’s hard to stay away from it. This product is meant to be used right after cleansing and before the lotion (toner). A couple of pumps for me, blended straight onto the skin with my hands.
It supplies moisture to the skin, making it radiant and supple. Brings you soft skin that will better accept the subsequent treatments.
To me, The First Serum does exactly above. I love that it doesn’t promote exceptional, far-fetched promises. It’s as simple as providing (extra) moisture and allows other products to absorb and work better into the skin. Last year, I wasn’t being too experimental with my skincare routine. I was trying to keep things more streamlined by using products that are focused on hydration and moisture. Once I started to incorporate The First Serum into the routine for a few months, I noticed the whole outcome was elevated. I feel the skin was absorbing the products better, like a sponge.
It wasn’t just that, The First Serum also helps to soothe and calm the skin, thanks to the Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf (Loquat) Extract and Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract. They are wonderful anti-inflammatory ingredients and also work as antioxidants. As you might know, I am always about soothing and calming the skin down because of the nature of my skin and the weather I live in. This is why The First Serum gets a lot of mileage. I can use it pretty much on any skincare routine, day and night.
Just a little note, if I were to use an exfoliating toner, then I would use this first then The First Serum and hydrating toner. But in all honesty, I prefer not to use an exfoliating toner. Straight to this after cleansing. My favorite hydrating toners to use alongside The First Serum are also-from-the-same-line Moisture Flow Rich Lotion, Shiseido White Lucent Luminizing Infuser, Lancome Energie de Vie Pearly Lotion and Blithe Vital Treatment 9 Essential Seeds.
The pairing product, I should say, with Kanebo Chrono Beauty The First Serum is the Moisture Flow Rich Lotion. There are two version: Light and Rich. I chose the latter because based on the texture alone, I like the Rich one better. It’s slightly more viscous than the Light version which feels too watery for me.
This goes perfectly with The First Serum. Definitely a go-to duo for me. It shares the same Loquat Leaf Extract and Watercress Extract as well. By all means, it does a superb job on its own though. Again, it doesn’t offer anything overly extraordinary other than bringing moisture into the skin. Sometimes finding a hydrating toner locally can be a challenge, but Kanebo Chrono Beauty offers one and it’s easily accessible while still being relatively affordable for Japanese skincare.
I pour the liquid into a cotton pad, quite generously until the liquid seeps thru the back of the cotton pad. Then make a quick light, continuous dabbing motion and gently pat the cotton pad onto the skin.
The newer addition (part of the second launch, if I remember correctly) to the Kanebo Chrono Beauty line is Frosty Gelee Lotion. Damn, I was anticipating this and it definitely does not disappoint! This product is meant to be used as an after-sun care. Technically, whenever the skin is feeling a little warm or reddened because of the heat.
How do I use it? In place of a hydrating toner. The gel texture turns into liquid once spread across the skin. I usually use a pea-sized amount. If I were to layer, I will do two thin layers. Applying it heavily doesn’t feel that great, especially since I still put other products on top. So a layer or two thin layers is ideal. Frosty Gelee Lotion needs a little bit of time sinking into the skin unlike usual toner, but that’s OK. I actually enjoy the process. It’s like being enveloped with a safety blanket. The cooling sensation is a definite quick pacifier for the heated skin.
Considering my skin gets heated up and irritated quite easily (due to the environment), I ended up using Frosty Gelee Lotion pretty often in my routine. There were a few times where I would apply this straight for a week just because the weather wasn’t being friendly with my skin. It makes my skin feel more comfortable and almost instantly soothed. Helps to calm down the tiny red bumps (due to the sensitized skin). Definitely a must-have!
Aside from Loquat Leaf Extract and Watercress Extract, this also contains Rubus Suavissimus (Raspberry) Leaf, or known as Sweet Tea Extract and Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (the salt of Glycyrrhizic Acid or Licorice Root).
Kanebo Chrono Beauty Bloom On Serum was also part of the second launch of the line. I was told beforehand that this serum was particularly created for women during “the time of the month”. Intriguing, right? It was formulated to soothe, hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it softer and smoother. It uses Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Poria Cocos (a type of mushroom) Extract, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (another derivative of Licorice Root) as part of the ingredients.
During PMS, the hormones fluctuate causing changes in the body, including the skin. Discomfort, redness, uneven, puffy, sometimes dry and dehydrated, rough, even acne; are the common symptoms we usually experienced. On me, Bloom On Serum can alleviate these except for acne. Then again, it’s not an acne treatment anyway. That being said, it does help to reduce inflammation on the skin, which in return, aiding the acne to heal faster too.
I love, love how it feels on the skin. There is a noticeable smoothing effect once blended, due to the Methyl Trimethicone (silicone) content. It’s quite similar to the Frosty Gelee Lotion. There’s a sense of the skin being enveloped and encased. Protected. It gives an immediate skin conditioning. It’s hydrating and moisturizing at the same time.
Even though it’s marketed to be a once-a-month treatment, I personally don’t mind using it whenever I feel like it. Day and night. I went through the first bottle quite fast because I was using it to prep the skin before the big day and afterwards to keep my skin in tip-top condition.
The First Serum + Frosty Gelee Lotion + Bloom On Serum = happy skin days.
The last product I want to highlight is the Kanebo Chrono Beauty Relaxing Brume. Facial mists (not toner in a mist) are sort of like a yes and no for me. Mainly because they’re not in the core routine for me. I use them on and off, if I remember it. Some of them are meh, some of them are above average.
The Relaxing Brume is above average. Because it doesn’t just dissipate into oblivion. The fine mist elegantly disperses the liquid into tiny little specks. It covers the entire face easily with a few spritzes and none of the uncomfortable wet-feel. Moreover, it stays. There is a layer of moisture provided, not much but noticeable. It’s not meant to replace a proper hydrating toner though, it’s just for (moisture) touch up. And it gives a touch of dewy finish to the skin. I use it (when I remember to) during the day when I’m working indoor with the air conditioner on.
I almost want to say it’s similar with TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist but it’s not there yet. That one is pretty much a liquid moisturizer in a mist. A league of its own.
Anyway…
There are other Kanebo Chrono Beauty products I’ve briefly tried. Not pictured here but I’ll write a short impression, mainly on texture.
- Bouncing Emulsion – I chose the Light version for this one. To be used after the Moisture Flow Rich Lotion. The texture is nice and lightweight, as often found in Japanese emulsion product-alike.
- Fresh Day Cream SPF 15 – a day cream with SPF protection. As a cream, this doesn’t feel as heavy as I thought it would be. It’s quite nice and moisturizing. I still use another sunscreen on top of this though.
- Night Lipid Wear – funnily enough, I find the texture is similar to the Fresh Day Cream. It’s considerably lightweight for a night cream. On my combination skin, it’s enough. But I’m not sure how it will fare for drier skin types. A thicker application or extra layering may be needed.
Overall, I truly enjoy Kanebo Chrono Beauty line as a whole. It focuses on hydration and moisture, with lots of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Keeping a good, strong skin barrier. This is the foundation I believe in achieving and maintaining a healthy skin. Even though the line has expanded with new products, I find that they upheld to the same principles, just on a different potency level.
It may sound like Kanebo Chrono Beauty does a basic job. Nothing stellar or out-of-the-world results. Yes, that’s true, in a way. But in my point of view, many people undermine the importance of having a good, solid-although-basic, skincare routine. Having products that we could rely on over and over again. Or whenever our skin is acting up or when we just want to simplify it. Maybe we just need to maintain the skin. That’s not easy to find for many out there, believe me.
The line is worth to look at if you’re in need of such. No big words, just comforting.
Disclaimer: Yes, I received these as PR samples for review consideration. If you follow my Instagram, you’d know that I love them and have repurchased the products myself. As always, honesty and integrity are the two things that I uphold the most in my writings.
