Author: MICHXMASH

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #11: Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++

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This item was sent for review purposes.

Years ago I reviewed the 1st version of Klairs Mid-Day Blue Sun Lotion SPF40 PA++. They came out with a 2nd version a year or so later which I also tried, and now they have the 3rd! Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++.

This Sunscreen Sunday deserved a little intro blurb because I am very excited to discover how far this mineral sunscreen has come along since its beginnings!

INFORMATION ON KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

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This physical sunscreen is hydrating, lightweight, non-irritant, and gentle for any skin type, even sensitive skin. It is SPF 50/PA++++ and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin against UVA/UVB. By containing guaiazulene it also helps calm the skin. It has a natural tone-up effect after application with a semi-matte finish. Recommended for combination and oily skin.

– Wishtrend

Klairs is finally back with the newest updated version and it is called the Mid day Blue UV Shield! Get excited because compared to the previous versions, it has now become even 1) fresher, 2) smoother to apply on the skin, 3) more hydrating on the skin with a semi-matte finish, and 4) still remains to give a significant calming effect for irritated skin under the strong UV rays. 

– Wishtrend blog post

Price: $23 USD
Amount: 80 ml

UV FILTERS:

Type: Mineral
Zinc Oxide – Unknown
Titanium Dioxide – Unknown

Protection:
UVB: SPF50+ (~SPF60)
UVA: PA++++ (>PPD 16)

HIGHLIGHT INGREDIENTS (skinthusiast perspective):
Guaiazulene – what makes the formula blue! Has been described as a calming, soothing ingredient due to it being derived from the chamomile plant. INCIDecoder however lists this ingredient as antimicrobial/perfuming
Tocopherol – antioxidant
Comparing the 3rd version’s ingredients list to the first formulation, I can’t help but be a little sad. The first original formula had a handful of nice ingredients in it (Niacinamide, Panthenol, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tinosorb S!).
However I see why they have simplified the formula. Mineral sunscreens in general are recommended to those with sensitive skin, so a reduction in ingredients means less likelihood of problems. Niacinamide for example is one of my favourite ingredients of all time, and some people cannot tolerate it at all.
To add to the sensitive skin note – this does have fragrance. However on Wishtrend’s Instagram, they have answered that it is formulated with allergen free fragrance and it has been tested on sensitive skin.
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I personally don’t mind fragrance in products, as long as it’s
1. Not overwhelming
2. I’m using one fragrance included product in my routine
This sunscreen also has a few silicone ingredients in it. I don’t know about you, but the smell of silicone to me is not pleasant at all!

MY EXPERIENCE WITH KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

PACKAGING:  Opaque blue plastic tube with small spout.

CONSISTENCY:  Thick cream, but not heavy.

FRAGRANCE: Light, candy-corn scent. I have no other way to describe it other than it smells candy sweet, but corny? It isn’t offensive and it fades.

APPLICATION: Need to work it into the skin in order for it to spread well. The first time I used this I applied my standard amount too much at once and it looked REALLY weird and I definitely saw a blue cast. The second time I applied it in thin layers, and it looked MUCH better, but it seems to always pill around my hairline.

FINISH: Semi-matte. It isn’t flat, and I have a skin like finish on my face.

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FEEL: Slightly greasy. This has a handful of silicones in the formulation, and on my face it feels as if I applied something oily. When it has time to set, it feels slightly tacky. It is slightly drying around my eyes.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? I’m confused as to whether or not I’m mistaking the “tone up” claim of this product as a minimal cast, or vice versa. I see this “tone up” effect where my skin does look brighter and even. There is no obvious whitecast, but there is some sort of blue going on. When I look at myself in certain lighting, there is a blue sheen on my skin. I also find on my neck, which has a more distinct undertone, seems to neutralize in colour.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS? Klairs claims that it is hydrating, but I don’t find it adds any extra moisture. Because it has a semi-matte finish, I find it can feel a little drying, but not uncomfortable. I don’t find this “instantly” calming, but what’s good is that it doesn’t irritate my skin and it keeps my skin collected in the warmer weather.

UNDER MAKEUP: Like other mineral sunscreens I have tried, it’s good at gripping on to makeup so I can see this performing well under foundations. When I tried it with my Mac Face & Body, my skin looked way more bright and even than usual.

PROS:

  • Highest protection you can find in Asian sunscreens – SPF50+ PA++++.
  • Feels gentle and fairly light considering how much I apply.
  • Good amount of product for the price.
  • “Tone up” aspect – brightens and evens complexion.
  • For the most part, I feel comfortable wearing it on its own.

CONS:

  • Pills around my hairline a lot.

IN-BETWEEN FEELS:

  • Not-so-easy application; It is not streaky, but it’s not as effortless as the Soft Airy UV Essence, and on my normal to dry skin it has the potential to pick up dry flakes more easily. However because the weather is warmer, I can work with it better.
  • I like the semi-matte finish, especially during these warmer months, but it can feel a bit drying. Not uncomfortable, but I notice it.
  • While I like the brightening and evening perks of the “tone up”, it constantly makes me question if there is actually a cast. I have this problem with mineral sunscreens in general so it’s not like the Klairs one is unique in that regard. That being said, if you’re my shade (light-medium) or darker, you may prefer this more underneath makeup instead of on its own.
  • While this is advertised more for our oily-skinned peeps, it does feel tacky on my skin for a bit. Not sticky, but tacky.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield has had its rounds, and I like that overall the 3rd version has the least bit of cast and has a higher protection. I personally prefer sunscreens that have either hybrid (mineral-organic) or pure organic UV filters, but I found the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield overall enjoyable to use and I like reaching for it.

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
Use code “MichXMash15” to get 15% off your order

YesStyle
Use code “YESMICH” to get 5% off your 1st order, 2% off your next orders

These are affiliate links and codes. If you use them to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you are uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

I hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M

[RELATED CONTENT]

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
REVIEW | Klairs Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion SPF40 / PA++

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #10: Indeed Laboratories inDefense30 – Moisturiser & Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 30

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inDefense30™ is a lightweight moisturiser and partial mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. This formula easily absorbs into your skin to provide intense hydration and protect your skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays and premature aging. It contains zinc oxide, a non-toxic and soothing mineral that increases skin’s stability and defends against hyperpigmentation and brown spots; and Pycnogenol®, one of nature’s most powerful natural antioxidants that rebuilds collagen and protects skin from harmful enzymes to rebuild elasticity for smoother, younger-looking skin.

– Indeed Labs

Price: $20 CAD
Amount: 1.0 fl oz/30 ml

UV FILTERS:

Type: Hybrid – mineral and organic
Octinoxate – 7.5%
Zinc Oxide – 7%

Protection: UVA/UVB, SPF 30

HIGHLIGHT INGREDIENTS (skinthusiast perspective):
Petrolatum – probably the best occlusive to prevent TEWL
Glycerin, Urea, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA – humectants that are all skin-identical ingredients (already found in our skin)
Allantoin – soothing, skin softening, wound-healing
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract (Pycogenol) – antioxidant, when applied topically has shown to provide photoprotection
I appreciate that for a drugstore SPF there’s quite the handful of beneficial ingredients in the formula to help moisturize the skin and keep it calm. I noticed there’s Mica in the formula as well, but I don’t even pick up a glow from the swatch alone, so the amount seems fairly tasteful.

EXPERIENCE

PACKAGING:  Opaque plastic tube with a small spout.

CONSISTENCY:  Mid-weight cream.

FRAGRANCE: No additional fragrance or noticeable scent.

APPLICATION: On my hand it was very easy to apply, but on my face there was a constant struggle to prevent pilling.

FINISH: Moisturized, subtle glow, some pilling (eyebrows, nose, jaw)
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FEEL: Comfortable. I tried using this as a stand-alone moisturizer and it was not enough for my normal to dry skin type.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? Yes.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Adds some moisture to the skin. Not significant for us drier types, but it does not take away moisture!

UNDER MAKEUP:
I haven’t bothered to try this under makeup because I couldn’t get it to work in my skincare routine in general.

PROS:

  • Gentle
  • Has additional moisturizing ingredients for skin’s health
  • Contains a cool antioxidant that may aid in photoprotection in pair with your SPF
  • Spout doesn’t get disgusting

CONS:

  • The insane pilling
  • Still has a cast despite there being an organic filter in the formulation

IN-BETWEEN FEELS:

  • I wasn’t a fan of the price for the amount you get, but the amount of beneficial ingredients in the formula make up for it

FINAL THOUGHTS

I have tried to Indeed Labs inDefense30 a number of ways:

  • Minimal skincare routine
  • After exfoliating
  • Exfoliating the night before
  • Shaved face night before
  • Regular skincare routine

And it just does NOT want to work with my skin. The only place this sunscreen seems to perform well on are my hands. I’m thinking for those of you with oilier skin, you might fare better with this one, maybe my face is just too dry. If you apply 2mg/cm2 with this SPF, I find it is slightly more comfortable compared to other greasy mineral-based formulas I have tried.

After reviewing this, it turns out that both my local drugstore and Indeed Labs official website do not sell this sunscreen anymore. Is there a reformulation in the works? I sure hope so!

Either way, I hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M

[RELATED CONTENT]

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #9: Hada Labo UV White Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #8: Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer

REVIEW: I’m From Fig Collection – Cleansing Balm, Scrub Mask, Boosting Essence

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The skincare world seems to not be on pause, for I’m From recently launched their new Fig Collection. I’ve never heard about Fig in skincare before, but I’m always down to learn about new and potentially skin beneficial ingredients!

“I’m From decided to launch three products with fig as their main ingredient and it is targeted to help you achieve ‘clear skin’. Whether used all together in a single routine or separately, you can expect

  1. delivery of antioxidants
  2. hydrating finish on the skin
  3. removal of dead skin cells
  4. enhanced skin’s texture.“

GENERAL CLAIMS:

  • Cruelty-free
  • For all skin types
  • Made in Korea

– Wishtrend.com

Looking more into Fig, there’s not really a whole lot I could find. Here are the ones a mere skinthusiast like me came across, so I thought I’d share (note the emphasis on “skinthusiast.” I’m not a skin professional, just a skincare consumer that’s interested in how ingredients work).

  • One study talking about how a 4% cream was applied on human volunteers for 8 weeks
    • Significantly decreased:
      • skin melanin
      • trans-epidermal water loss
      • skin sebum
    • Significantly increased:
      • skin hydration
    • Insignificant effects on skin erythema
  • Paula’s Choice lists it as a “BEST” plant ingredient
    • High in antioxidants
    • Prevents TEWL
    • Reduces the formation of dark spots

I took these sources with a grain of salt, but I definitely didn’t expect to find such a number of benefits Fig Extract could provide! Needless to say, I like testing skincare, but I tried these products with no expectations.

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Wishtrend provided me all 3 of I’m From’s latest Fig products for review purposes, and I am ready to share my thoughts and experience with each item!

  • Cleansing Balm
  • Scrub Mask
  • Boosting Essence

The products provided are for review purposes, however that does not effect my opinion in any way.

My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

I’M FROM FIG CLEANSING BALM

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Amount: 100ml
Price: $30 USD
7.8% Fig and Oil Water

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Opaque, violet coloured plastic jar. Comes with a small plastic spatula.

Texture: Sherbet, classic formulation among other Korean cleansing balms.

Fragrance: Artificial sweet smell.

Application: Nickel-size scoop, melt between fingers and gently massage all over face and neck. Fragrance does not linger for long. With wet fingers, massaged face again and product emulsifies.

Feel: I reminisce about the Banila Co. cleansing balms, but this one feels like it has more moisture to it.

Overall Thoughts: Performs similarly to other cleansing balms I’ve tried. It has a nice texture, don’t need a lot to effectively remove a day’s face, leaves a moisturizing residue, does not dry out my skin.

I’M FROM FIG SCRUB MASK

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Amount: 120g
Price: $32 USD
1.2% Fig Powder

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Transparent glass jar with plastic top. Comes with a large spatula.

Texture: Thick and grainy.

Fragrance: Artificial sweet smell.

Application: Covered face and neck in a thin layer and left it for 5-10 minutes. With wet fingers, massaged skin gently and the scrub emulsified.

Feel: Fairly gentle scrub, left face feeling moisturized and smooth, did not dry out my face when I left the mask in place and after washing it off.

Overall Thoughts: I personally don’t care to use sugar scrub masks on my face, but the experience was still enjoyable – at first.

What I did not enjoy was the lingering fragrance and the slight irritation I experienced 10 minutes after washing the mask off and finishing up my skincare routine. I suspect it’s because I’m using Differin, otherwise I feel like my skin prior to Vitamin A would tolerate it better.

I’M FROM FIG BOOSTING ESSENCE

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Amount: 150ml
Price: $35 USD
62.7% Fig Extract

 

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Glass bottle with plastic cap, dispenser is a small spout.

Texture: Slippery water, reminds me of the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence.

Fragrance: None.

Application: 1-3 nickel-sized layers massaged all over face and neck and patted in.

Feel: Surprised at how gentle and hydrating it was! Skin felt very comfortable for a period of time before applying moisturizer.

Overall Thoughts: Favourite product out of the whole Fig Collection. It is hydrating, did not irritate my skin, skin maintained brightness throughout the day.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON I’M FROM FIG COLLECTION

1st place – I’m From Fig Boosting Essence

My overall experience with this skincare item was very enjoyable. At first, I felt like I have seen the most benefits when it comes to Fig Extract – hydrating, brightening, maintains skin’s moisture. Looking closer at the ingredients list however, it seems to contain quite a number of other notable ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, and can also provide the mentioned benefits. Whether it’s the Fig Extract or not, we can’t be certain, but at least the overall formulation seems very skin-friendly.

2nd place – I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm

Although it is a sherbet texture like other makeup removing balms on the market, I do like that bit of extra moisture it provides while not feeling too heavy like richer cleansing balms. It feels like when I follow up with my second cleanse, my skin does not feel as stripped. The only thing I didn’t really care for from this product was the artificial fragrance. If you like shopping on Wishtrend, it is also the only cleansing balm they currently offer.

3rd place – I’m From Fig Scrub Mask

It did also provide extra moisture to my skin and makes it feel very smooth, although I feel like I would have enjoyed the experience more if it not for it irritating my face after use. In addition, both of the cleansing products do have fragrance, but because I left the Scrub Mask on for 5-10 minutes, I had a little bit of a headache because of how fragrant it was.

And that is it for this review! As always, I hope you found it helpful and informative if you were considering purchasing one of these products to incorporate into your skincare routine.

Before you leave, did you like that I linked every beneficial ingredient? INCIDecoder and Paula’s Choice help me so much when learning about ingredients, and I want to promote every consumer to look at the INCI list instead of the marketing claims 🙂

xo, M

WHERE TO BUY:

These are affiliate links and codes. If you use a link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

Wishtrend:
Cleansing Balm
Scrub Mask
Boosting Essence

Use “MichxMash15” at checkout for an addition 15% off your order

YesStyle:
Cleansing Balm
Scrub Mask
Boosting Essence

Use “YESMICH” to get 10% off your order

My Scalp & Hair Care Routine 2020 (1A, Low Porosity, Thick, Long Hair)

MICHXMASH2 Comments

If you read my Hair Care Haul post, you already know that last year I began an overhaul on my scalp and hair care routine. My routine prior to that was standard – scalp serum, shampoo, conditioner,  hair serum, air dry most times, only blow dry when necessary. I found it all very tedious because I have a lot of hair and long hair, I just wanted it to be over with as soon as possible. I was definitely never as attentive to my hair back then as I am now. My scalp and hair were barely problematic for most of my life; It wasn’t until I started working in aviation and bleached my hair multiple times that I started developing problems. I would spend most of my money on scalp serums that definitely helped, but didn’t really pay attention to the other products as much – as long as my hair felt smooth and didn’t irritate my scalp, it was okay in my books.

I’m sure many of you have seen Holistic Habits and Organically Anna, the ladies with long, healthy, gorgeous hair. They pretty much inspired me to pay attention to my scalp and hair more. Also just me getting older and realizing I banked on my hair just being dead straight and with Asian genes equating to unproblematic. Oh how that is not the case!

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Using the recommended products and applying their tips and tricks, I have been doing the following routine for about a year since purchasing the recommended products to achieve and maintain healthy hair.

ABOUT MY SCALP & HAIR

My Scalp
Used to be super inflamed when I bleached for years, to the point where I developed a disgusting amount of dandruff. Now it is fairly balanced – no dandruff, but scalp gets itchy by the 2nd day after washing. Scalp can get quite oily. I tried “adjusting” to wash my hair only 1-2x a week for a year and it never adjusted (yes, even without using heat, using SLS and silicone-free shampoo / conditioners, dry shampoo).

My Hair
Long (just above waist). Dark brown that gets natural highlights in the summer, tips are dyed because I’ve been growing out my natural hair – haven’t dyed my hair since December 2017. Pretty much straight 24/7 – although when I get a haircut there is a slight wave. Would say mostly my hair is 1A. Low porosity. Not thick like typical Asian hair but still considered thick (if that makes sense). It didn’t look unhealthy, but I personally felt like my hair was lifeless and becoming dull.

MY SCALP AND HAIR ROUTINE

1x Week/Every Other Week:

Scalp Treatment: On a wash day, I massage the Innate Life Scalp Treatment all over my scalp by sectioning off my hair and rubbing the treatment on my hair line. Once I have covered my entire scalp, I massage it for 3-5 minutes, then let the treatment sit for 2 hours before shampooing with a clarifying shampoo twice (Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo) and a Calia Natural Shampoo. I have to shampoo my hair 3 times to get the treatment out, so that’s why I like following up with Calia Natural.

Conditioning Treatment: I have tried Calia Natural’s Intensive Conditioner, Briogeo’s Don’t Despair Repair, Innate Life’s Herbal Hair Mask… None satisfy me! I stopped using a conditioning treatment for a bit and just leave plain conditioner in my hair for longer. Currently I am trying to start to use Coconut Oil on my ends more consistently; It is able to penetrate the hair shafts, create a water-blocking layer, and prevent protein loss. I have a lot of hair, so it’s definitely the more affordable option!

Every Other Day:

Shampoo & Condition: After much trial and error, 1-2x a week hair washing is not for me. The buildup of oils is too much that no dry shampoo can help, also my scalp becomes irritated. It’s felt a lot better since giving up that endeavour and just washing it when I need to. I alternate my Calia Natural shampoos and conditioners depending on my mood.  I’ve been loving this brand because it doesn’t irritate my scalp at all, and the shampoos and conditioners are actually pH balanced to match the pH of your scalp and hair shaft! I make sure to massage the shampoo on my scalp for a few minutes, and leave conditioner on the mid-shaft to my ends for a few minutes as well. I recently started using a clarifying shampoo on days where I feel like my hair looks weighed down. The Calia Shampoos barely lather and I don’t see any cleansing agent in the ingredient list, but my hair always feels clean after using them and never oily. Sometimes my hair starts to look a little weighed down if I use them too much, so I use my clarifying shampoo (Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo) to help add back volume.

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Drying: I like to use a microfibre towel (Kitsch Microfibre Towel) to absorb as much water out of my hair as possible and I find it helps minimize hair breakage(you can also use an old T-shirt). I usually have it on for 30 minutes to an hour depending how chill I am lol. I find doing this helps lessen the amount of time I apply heat on my hair. When I am ready to dry my hair, I apply a leave-in conditioner all over, with a focus on my ends (I have been rotating between Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray and Beach Cosmetics Mellow Out Leave-in Conditioning Detangler). I keep the dryer a fair distance away from my scalp and hair, and I switch to the cool setting once I feel that my hair has dried enough. I have tried air drying my hair for years and frankly I haven’t noticed much of a difference for what it does to my hair other than it being annoying and causing more frizz to my seemingly straight hair.

Every Day:

 

Apply Hair Serum to Ends: The Innate Life Rose Hair Elixir is the first oil-based hair serum that I actually really like. It moisturizes my ends really well, has a faint rose scent, and I only need a few drops! Occasionally I use the Hask Monoi Nourishing Shine Oil; While I like that it smells nice and softens my hair, I find it’s not as long-lasting. Silicone-based products tend to build up in your hair, this one just disappears lol. Usually my hair likes silicone-based hair serums, I guess this one just can’t compete with the bleach! On occasion, I also like to spray my hair again with leave-in conditioner to make my hair feel softer (and smell good).

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Brush hair 2-3x a day: I have been using the TEK Oval Brush religiously for over a year to brush my hair. Wooden brushes are recommended to help with scalp massage, distribute your natural oils through your hair strands, and prevent excessive breakage. I personally haven’t noticed a difference with hair oil distribution, but I love it for scalp massages and it has been one of the gentler brushes I have used on my hair. It’s tips are rounded and I had a hard time trying to dupe it. I like that I can put some pressure on my scalp and get a nice, comfortable massage going without it getting tender up there.

And that is is for my current scalp and hair routine! I honestly never thought I’d be the type of person to put this much effort into my hair, but I’ve really been noticing the benefits from all this TLC and the difference when I get lazy. I have also received compliments from friends and family that my hair looks shinier and thicker, and feels softer! I actually find my haircare more relaxing and contributes to my #SelfCare more than skincare lately!

I’m almost finished all my Calia Natural Shampoos and Conditioners and have actually purchased the Innate Life Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner to try out. I also purchased their new Neroli Hair Primer and Leave-In Conditioner! I actually wanted to repurchase the Beach Cosmetics Mellow Out Leave-in Conditioning Detangler, but it looks like they’re not operating anymore 😥

Overall I find this routine has been working really well for me, but my curiosity has peaked with the Capillary Schedule (Cronograma Capilar) and I may be trying that soon! Have you tried it before? Let me know in the comments, I’m super intrigued by it.

As always, I hope you found this helpful and informative! I had fun talking about something other than skincare, so I may be doing some more scalp and hair related content in the future.

xo, M

The following are affiliate links and codes. If you use them to make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you so much if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

CALIA NATURAL
$5 OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE:
https://prz.io/6OaJEzU1

THE INNATE LIFE
USE “MICH” TO GET 15% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE
http://www.theinnatelife.co/discount/MICH

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Walmart.com

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Sephora

TEK Oval Brush
Amazon.ca

Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel
Well.ca

Hask Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Shine Oil
Ulta

REVIEW: By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence

MICHXMASH1 Comment

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If you know me, you know I love me some hydrating toners, essences, and lotions in my skincare routine. When it comes to satisfying dehydration on my acne-prone, normal to dry skin, I prefer layering light hydrating products so I don’t feel overly congested, but still satisfyingly moisturized. By Wishtrend recently launched their newest product, the Quad Active Boosting Essence, specifically targeted for those with inflamed, acne-prone skin! I tested it out for a couple of weeks and am ready to share my thoughts with you all!

These products were sent to me by Wishtrend for review purposes. That in no way effects my opinion on the product. My reviews are honest, always
*casts doe patronus*

INFORMATION ABOUT BY WISHTREND QUAD ACTIVE BOOSTING ESSENCE

This essence is recommended as a serum booster that contains ‘Quad Active’ Ingredients: 3 Complex Ingredients (Morus Alba Bark Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, and Propolis. These ingredients are widely known to help with anti-inflammatory, anti-pollution, and anti-bacterial effects to maintain your skin to stay healthy and lively. Also, with supporting ingredients Black Tea and Honey, it provides moisturizing effects to the skin. Recommended using this essence in between your toner and serum step!

– Wishtrend.com

  • Price: $23 USD
  • Amount: 100ml
  • Made in Korea
  • Cruelty-free
  • pH: 5.2 – 6.2
  • Free of 5:
    • Ethanol-free
    • Silicon-free
    • Steroid-free
    • Artificial coloring
    • Artificial fragrance
  • Quad Active: 3 Complex Ingredients
    • Morus Alba Bark Extract (8.7%)
    • Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract (8.7%)
    • Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract (9%)
  • Also contains:
    • Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (10%)
    • Propolis Extract (1%)
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial

INGREDIENTS

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Aqua(Water), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract(10%), Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water(9%), Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract(9%), Morus Alba Bark Extract(8.7%), Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract(8.7%), Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propolis Extract(1%), Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin

SKINTHUSIAST PERSPECTIVE…

First off… I’m not sure what the “Quad Active” ingredients actually are, since they list 6 ingredients as their key ones and don’t really focus on 4. Am I missing something? Aside from that, I am impressed that those key ingredients make up 47% of the formula! I appreciate that they share the percentages, this way we know for sure ingredients like these may/or may not be working for our skin. The only key ingredients I am familiar with are Propolis Extract and Willow Bark Extract, which are primarily soothing. I know it says 10%, but I personally would not rely on Willow Bark Extract to provide similar effects as Salicylic Acid if you were thinking this may be an exfoliating essence.

Here’s a sum of what Paula’s Choice has to say about these plant extract ingredients (no INCIDecoder list unfortunately):

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water – soothing
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract – rich in antioxidants, humectant, soothing, restoring
Morus Alba Bark Extract – antioxidant, soothing, brightening
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract – antioxidant, soothing

Overall, a nice blend of moisturizing and soothing ingredients with some antioxidant properties, nothing that should sensitize already impaired skin.

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Glass bottle with a spout.

Fragrance: None.

Texture: Thin and watery with some slip.

Application: Apply nickel-size amount 1-3 times, depends if I need extra moisture that day.

Finish: Slightly tacky, skin does not look overly shiny or under-replenished.

Feel: Lightweight, skin feels soft.

Instant Results: Moisturized, calm skin. I applied a bit of this on a freshly popped, not-ready-to-be-popped pimple (you know what I’m talking about) and I was surprised at how much it calmed that area! I was ready for it to increase in size and become more inflamed due to my impatience.

Long Term Results: Helps maintain skin’s moisture, clarity and calmness.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I wasn’t expecting to be this impressed with By Wishtrend’s Quad Active Boosting Essence, but I am! A little goes a long way, it’s watery texture provides a light moisturized residue, it has never irritated my skin (even on a day I felt like I had a pretty impaired barrier), and managed to calm down a freshly popped zit. Similar to their Polyphenols In Propolis 15% Ampoule, there is also no additional fragrance or fragrant ingredient in the product, and the essence’s texture is mostly due to skin-beneficial ingredients. Word of caution, even if you have acne, do not expect this to be a treatment, it may just be a nice supplement in your routine help to ease some inflammation and keep skin comfortably hydrated while using more heavy-duty actives like Vitamin A or Benzoyl Peroxide.

Overall I definitely think any skin type can use it, it all just depends what you need out of your routine.

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend USE “MichXMash15” at checkout to get 15% off (affiliate code)
YesStyle

These are affiliate links. If you click on the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission. If you use the code to make a purchase, I also earn a commission. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M