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Cow Brand’s been around since the Showa Era. For a reason. Their products are said to cleanse deep, lather well, and be full of mild ingredients safe for the most sensitive of skin. And they’re dirt cheap.Our editing department purchased what may be their flagship product–Beauty Soap Red Box–and put it to the test. We rated the efficacy of the formula and analyzed the ingredients. This is everything we learned.

Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for the best salon shampoo. We then chose the 18 most popular products and tested for the following:1. Application2. Mildness3. Lather4. Hair Texture5. Cleansing PowerWe consulted a researcher and talked about formulas–which would be the most mild and which would be the most effective? We also discussed the characteristics of different surfactants, including amino acids and sulfates, as well as nourishing ingredients and unnecessary additives.We then compiled everything we learned into a buying guide about and list of the best Japanese salon shampoos available online.

Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for the best commercial shampoo. We then chose the 26 most popular products and tested them for the following:1. Application2. Mildness3. Lather4. Hair Texture5. Cleansing PowerWe consulted a specialist about ingredients–which would be the most effective, the mildest, the most hydrating? We also discussed the pros and cons of sulfates and amino acid shampoos and of silicone and silicone-free formulas. We then compiled everything we learned into a buying guide about and list of the best Japanese commercial shampoos available online.

Whether you forget to water your plants or have a tendency to drown them, self-watering planters can be a lifesaver. That’s why we’ve decided to figure out what makes a great product.Poring over descriptions and reviews, we’ve found that the best planters have a visible water gauge, holes for easy watering, and adequate drainage for aeration. Some use soil wicks while others use rope, and the pot size should differ based on your plant and space. Keeping these things in mind, we handpicked some of our favorite self-watering planters available online.

Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for the best cleansing gel. We then chose the 25 most popular products and tested them for the following:1. Cleansing Power2. Hydration3. IngredientsCleansing gels tend to be mild, but we wanted to see what options, if any, would be suitable for waterproof makeup and oily skin. We also asked a specialist in cosmetic ingredients to inspect the formulas, seeking options for sensitive skin. We then compiled everything we learned into a buying guide about and list of the best Japanese cleansing gels available online.

We’ve searched the internet high and low to figure out what makes a great jump rope for working out. In our research, we found that the best jump ropes match your workout needs, are comfortable to use, and work for your height.For some, this may mean a speed-focused stainless steel rope, while others may prefer a PVC rope with an adjustable length. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve hand-picked our favorite jump ropes for working out available online.

Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for the best face washes for oily skin. We then chose the 53 most popular products and tested them for the following:1. Cleansing Power2. Hydration3. IngredientsWe were searching for products that could absorb oil without drying out skin. We also asked an expert in cosmetic ingredients to look at the formulas and point out options safe for those with sensitive skin. We then compiled our findings into a definitive list of the best Japanese face washes for oily-skinned folks available online.

It’s almost like a formula: Japanese + eyelashes = Heroine Make. If you know anything about Japanese cosmetics, you’re no doubt familiar with the brand and their peacock-lashed characters, a mashup between Disney princesses and shojo manga heroines from the 90s.So this time around, our editing department purchased Heroine Make’s popular Long & Curl Mascara – Advanced Film. We checked for smudge-resistance, finish, and removability. We also made sure it was easy to apply. This is what we learned during testing.

Canmake has two sister mascaras out: Gokubuto, the volumizing one, and Gokunobi, the lengthening one. Both are tubing mascaras, meaning they come off with warm water. But as with all wash-off mascaras, you’re left to wonder–will it smudge? Can it hold a curl? What’s the finish like?This time around, our editing department purchased both the Gokubuto and Gokunobi mascaras and tested for the above. We also made sure they were easy to apply and remove. This is everything we learned.

Pretend play is one of the best ways for kids to stretch their imaginations and creativity, and while kids can play with basically anything, good design can help your child grow. That’s why we’ve decided to figure out what makes a great pretend play toy.While researching, we found that the best toys are durable, age-appropriate, and sometimes even useful (to mom and dad). Toys that can be used in multiple ways are great, and ones that can grow with a child are even better. Keeping these factors in mind, we’ve put together a list of our favorite pretend play toys available online.

Micellar water’s more than just makeup remover. It’s supposed to cleanse and nourish your skin at once–and be non-drying and non-irritating.Out of all the solutions out there, Bioderma’s Sensibio H20 remains a favorite, whether in Japan, the States, or its native France. So our editing department purchased a bottle and put it to the test. We looked at its cleansing power, hydration, and ingredients. This is what we learned.

Our editors purchased Maybelline’s Lashionista and put it to the test. We wanted to see if it would add volume, length, and curl without clumping, if it was easy to remove, and if it was smudge-proof.We also checked how easy it was to apply. While a professional makeup artist might be able to get an amazing look out of a difficult product, we like things that are quick and simple. This is what we learned during testing.

Cleansers are usually a trade-off. You can find a cleanser that works on everything from waterproof mascara to lip tint, but it’s going to be harsh. Or you could find a cleanser that’s mild but will remove maybe liquid foundation. At best.However, at mybest, we’re constantly in search of a cleanser that gives you the best of both worlds. This time around, our editing department purchased Minon Amino Moist’s Moist Milky Cleansing. We looked at the ingredients and tested for both cleansing power and moisture. This is what we learned.

Cow’s a brand targeted at sensitive skin. Its products are as simple, natural, and mild as possible. Even the white and baby pink packaging makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.This time around, our editing department purchased Cow Brand’s Cleansing Oil. It’s marketed as additive-free, but we looked into the ingredients list to test their claims. We also tried the product out ourselves to check for cleansing power. This is what we learned.

THREE’s a higher-end makeup and skincare brand, famous for their use of botanicals. Their goal is to make products that beautify you in the purest, most natural way.This time around, our editing department purchased THREE’s Balancing Cleansing Oil and put it to the test. We looked at cleansing power and what ingredients were used. We then judged both the efficacy of the product and just how gentle it was on skin.

When we talk about Japanese cosmetics, we often talk about Sekkisei. Their skincare line is wildly popular, and now they’ve come out with a cleansing cream that can apparently moisturize and beautify as it cleanses.Our editing department purchased Sekkisei’s Cleansing Cream and put it to the test. We made sure it actually removed makeup and was moisturizing. We also analyzed the ingredients and, later on in this article, explain how to properly use the product. Here’s everything we learned.

Cleansing creams come with many benefits–they’re effective cleansers, but they’re milder than soap. They often contain hydrating ingredients and oils, so they’re suitable for dry skin. They almost sound too good to be true.Our editing department purchased Guerlain’s Crème de Beaute, a luxury cleansing cream, and put it to the test. We looked at the ingredients and the effect it had on skin and determined whether it was worth the price. Later on in the article, we also talk about how to properly use the product. This is what we learned during testing.

Card games are an easy, portable way to bring the fun to wherever you are, but a standard deck of cards can get old pretty quickly. That’s why we’ve decided to look for the best card games for adults.We’ve found that best games are appropriate for the group you’re playing with and can be played over and over and still be fun. And while raunchy adult card games may be all the rage these days, rest assured that there plenty of games for adults that don’t require you to air out your dirty laundry. Keeping all of the different factors in mind, we’ve handpicked our favorite card games for adults available online.

There’s a few things you should ask before you buy a cleanser. Will it actually remove makeup? Will it irritate my skin? Will I absolutely hate the scent and texture?Our editing department purchased Curel’s popular Makeup Cleansing Gel and sought to answer the above questions. We also analyzed the ingredients and, later on in this article, explain how to properly use the product. Here’s what we learned during testing.

Some of the best games make you pause and think–like a good strategy board game. That’s why we’ve decided to round up a list of the best options out there. Our picks offer various levels of competition and complexity and can accommodate a wide range of players.The best game for your particular group might be a multi-campaign legacy game that spans dozens of hours of play over several sessions, or it may be a quick game for two that takes half an hour and can be played over and over again. Keeping various situations in mind, we’ve handpicked our favorite strategy board games available online.

We always do a double-take when we see the words “cleansing” and “balm” plastered across a jar. A product can cleanse or it can moisturize, but both? And effectively? Hard to say.Our editing department purchased RMK’s popular Moist Cleansing Balm and gave it a few test runs. We also analyzed the ingredients and, later on in this article, explain how to properly use the product. Here’s what we learned during testing.

Board games are a great way to combine critical thinking and fun for your young ones. That’s why we’ve decided to look into what makes a great board game for kids.We came to the conclusion that the best games encourage learning, are age-appropriate, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. While some games only work for a narrow age range, others will have parents continuing to play long after the kids have gone to bed. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.

Good cleansing oils have the following things in common. They remove makeup. They neither dry out skin nor leave it greasy. They’re quick, non-irritating, and easy to use. Overall, that’s a pretty tall order.Our editing department purchased Senka’s popular All Clear Oil and tested for the above. We also analyzed the ingredients and, later on in this article, explain how to properly use the product. Here’s everything we learned during testing.

There are two things that make a good earplug: comfort and noise cancellation. Well, you might need some other stuff in musicians’ earplugs or earplugs for swimming, but for your general block-out-your-spouse’s-snoring or your-coworkers’-chatter plugs, those two features are the most important.Our editing department purchased Moldex’s popular Pura-Fit 6800 earplugs and tested them out. This is what we learned.

Contrary to popular belief, board games aren’t just for kids, and adults aren’t confined to just playing Settlers of Catan. That’s why we’ve looked into what makes a great board game for adults. Basically, the best games fit the group that you’re playing with, are replayable or last several playing sessions, and match the occasion.So if you’re playing with a constant group of board game hobbyists, the best game for you is probably going to look different from what you would play every once in a while at a casual dinner party. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorite board games for adults available online.

Scissors are one of those things you don’t think about but are in fact an indispensable part of your household. That’s why we’ve decided to cut through the junk and research what makes a great pair of scissors.We chose to stick to general use scissors and found that the best ones are durable, comfortable, safe for all members of the family, and cut through anything from paper to cardboard. That might mean you need titanium-coated stainless steel blades, a left-handed grip, or a mechanism that makes use easier for arthritic users. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorite scissors available online.

Having a flowering houseplant can really brighten up your room, though the thought may be a little daunting for beginners. That’s why we decided to figure out what makes a great indoor flower for beginners. After taking a deep dive, we’ve found that the best beginner flowers are easy to care for, flower frequently, and don’t stir up your allergies.If you’re new to houseplants, it’s important to keep factors like sunlight, watering frequency, and temperature in mind, but these plants don’t make that too hard. After combing through reviews, we’ve handpicked our favorite indoor flowers for beginners available online.

Sometimes it feels like there’s so much going on that it can be hard to remember it all. That’s why we’ve decided to find the best diary apps available online. After poring over reviews and descriptions, we’ve figured out that the best diary apps work on the platforms you’re most comfortable using, record the information you want to save, have external backup, and include features that make it easier to keep on journaling.Whether you’re too busy to write, a diary traditionalist, or a more visual-focused person, the best apps looks different for everyone. Keeping these things in mind, we handpicked our favorite diary apps available online.

Power banks seem simple enough–you plug in your device and they feed it juice, right? What’s there to review? But there’s a lot that goes into a portable charger–size and power, output (which also determines charging speed), and likelihood of malfunction, such as overheating. It’s these small things that, when push comes to shove, really make a difference.Our editing department purchased Anker’s popular PowerCore Lite 10000 and gave it a test run. We then summed up the pros and cons of the PowerCore Lite 10000 and also suggested a few alternatives, just in case that you find that it doesn’t fit your needs after all.

We’ve searched the internet high and low to figure out what makes a great correction tape. During our research,we found that the best correction tapes not only cover up your mistakes, but also offer helpful features like rewinding, see-through, and retractable tips.Whether you’re using it to cover typed print, block out documents for photocopying, or fix handwritten mistakes in your bullet journal or notes, a good correction tape will make your life easier. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite correction tapes available online.