When I first heard I’m From came out with a Pear line, I couldn’t help but raise a brow. I felt like they were really stretching the plant and fruit extracts idea and I didn’t have high expectations.
Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love some of their skincare like the I’m From Rice Toner and Serum, as well as their Honey Mask! However these are more traditional ingredients from nature that have quite a track record for their efficacy. Hearing about pear… Well, I thought it was quite random!
I still gave their Pear Soothing Pads and Serum a go, trying to keep an open mind. While pear in general is not my most favourite fruit, it is a sentimental one. Any family gathering on my Korean side would include some Korean Pear my grandmother cut up for the family to enjoy as a snack. On my Italian side my grandparents had a pear tree growing in their backyard; The first pick always smelled the sweetest!
I have used up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, and am ready to share my thoughts!
Note I am acne-prone, normal to dry skin. I get easily dehydrated from dry environments, and I am also using prescription strength tretinoin and dapsone.
Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products. My thoughts are honest, always*casts patronus*
All shopping links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link 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 feel uncomfortable, feel free to search a new link.
I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description and Ingredients
I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description
“This soothing pad contains 75% of Wild Pear Leaves, which delivers rich hydration with plant-based hyaluronic acid. With the main ingredient of pear called luteolin, it features an immediate cooling and soothing effect on irritated skin. The 2.55-inch size pad will make the skin moist and smooth with an eco pure cotton pad, leaving a light and fresh finish. Recommended for flushed skin and sensitive skin that needs cooling & hydration.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $24 USD Amount: 60 sheets pH: unknown Where to Buy: Wishtrend YesStyle
I always appreciate that I’m From products always have a high amount of the star ingredient they’re marketing. This way, we can actually get an idea of what it does for our skin. Their Pear Soothing Pad contains 75% Pear Fruit Extract. According to the description above and some general information on the interwebs, is mainly a skin-conditioning ingredient. What gives Pear Fruit Extract a bit of oopmh is luteolin. It is a flavinoid found in a variety of herbs, fruits and veggies that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There are some classic humectants in the list such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolized hyaluronic acid. And of course, “soothing” can’t be in the product name unless there is Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix. The pad also contains arbutin, an antioxidant that helps reduce the formation of pigmentation and brighten skin.
I’m From Pear Serum Description and Ingredients
I’m From Pear Serum Description
“This serum contains 83% Wild Pear Leaves, which soothes and calms the skin as it forms a protective barrier to strengthen the skin. It has a watery, light, non-sticky texture, which replenishes moisture for dehydrated and irritated skin. Recommended for sensitive skin that needs hydration as well as a healthier skin condition.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $25 USD Amount: 50ml pH: 6.1~7.1 Where to Buy: Wishtrend YesStyle
Once again, we see a high percentage of Pear as the base of the serum. This time it is a Leaf Extract at 83%. The fruit extract is also found at 0.1%. Goodie humectants glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethyl urea. There’s also a couple of plant extracts – Chondrus Crispus Extract and Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract – that also serve as humectants. Cocoa seed extract has some antioxidant benefits, and of course, Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix for soothing.
My Experience Using I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum
The I’m From Pear Soothing Pad is in a frosted plastic jar with a twist-off cap. The serum counterpart is in a clear glass bottle with a plastic pump and cap.
Inside the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad JarUp close photo of a single I’m Froom Pear Soothing PadSwatch of the formula of the I’m From Pear Soothing PadFormula of I’m From Pear Soothing Pad massaged into skin
I was pleasantly surprised with the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad, the pad itself was very saturated with the formula. It felt very soft when I’d use it in my skincare routine either as a “morning cleanse” in the AM or just as a hydrating toner in the PM. It does have a cooling feeling on my skin and left a good amount of moisture. It’s quite simple, but it does the job. On good skin days, I found the Pear Soothing Pad to be fairly gentle. However if my skin barrier was impaired, I found this stung a bit and I couldn’t use it.
The I’m From Pear Soothing Serum after pumping a bit on the back of handI’m From Pear Soothing Serum slightly massaged in to the back of hand
The I’m From Pear Serum I am less impressed with. It’s just a slightly more viscous version of the Soothing Pad formula. So overall it performs the same, but for my drier skin type I’d like a hydrating serum to be richer. I noticed on occassion this did sting my face if my skin in general was feeling a bit more sensitive. Instead of continuing to use the Pear Serum on my face, I have been applying this it to my scalp prior to a wash. It’s great at soothing my scalp – it even managed to reduce an itchy, red spot I had underneath my baby hairs!
Final Thoughts on I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum
After using up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, my overall feel for them is – take it or leave it. They’re not bad products by any means. They add slight moisture to my skin and have light consistencies, I overall thought they were easy to use. But now that they’re emptied, I don’t have an urge to get them again. They’re just a check off the list for new skincare products I’ve tried.
For the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad, this basic type of performance makes sense and works well. I was really hoping for some more soothing and moisturizing prowess from the I’m From Pear Serum. I guess if you’re looking for that oomph in an I’m From skincare product, I’ve definitely experienced it with their Rice Serum (reviewed). If you’re very oily skinned and live in a humid climate, the Pear Serum also may be more your preference texture wise. But for my thirsty skin, I felt like I had to use a generous amount for me to feel anything substantial when it came to extra moisture. Also add the fact it didn’t really soothe my skin and actually had a tendency to irritate it further.
As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!
elmt is a new, exclusive skincare brand from Wishtrend, an online retailer of Korean skincare. I was sent the Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution to test out and I’m ready to share my thoughts!
For reference, I am acne prone, normal to dry skin. I am currently using 0.1% Tretinoin in my skincare routine so my skin is a bit sensitive as well. I used these solutions as my sole hydrator in my skincare routine for a couple of weeks on their own after rotating them in my skincare routine first to make sure I had no reactions.
Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products. My thoughts are honest, always*casts doe patronus*
All shopping links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link 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 feel uncomfortable, feel free to search a new link.
About elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution
“This solution gently but effectively exfoliates the complexion while keeping it moisturized and supple all at once. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution is formulated with AHA and vitamin C, which work together to remove dead skin cells to uncover your skin’s inner glow. To help balance the exfoliating properties, an antioxidant-rich super berry complex composed of 49.02% blueberry and raspberry extracts reduces inflammation and irritation, while also promoting cell turnover. All combined, you have a great daily exfoliator.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $20 USD Amount: 150ml pH: 3.0~4.0 Where to Buy: Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
elmt Advanced Calming Solution
“This lightweight, liquid-type solution doubles as a toner and serum that quickly absorbs into the skin to deliver a calming, regenerative experience for irritated skin. Enriched with more than 59.12% Centella Asiatica extract, a superstar ingredient highly lauded for thousands of years as a part of reparative skincare in Asia, and snow fungus-derived polysaccharides, which keeps the skin moisturized and comfortable, the Advanced Calming Solution is a one-stop solution to hydrate, heal and soothe.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $20 USD Amount: 150ml pH: 5.0~6.0 Where to Buy: Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:
Made in Korea
Vegan Friendly
Cruelty Free
elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution Ingredients
The elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution has a base of Blueberry Fruit Extract at 49.02% which comes from a fruit high in antioxidants, followed by good ol’ Glycerin, a humectant that’s naturally occurring in our skin. It also contains Rasberry Fruit Extract and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for antioxidants. The latter ingredient plus Licorice Root Extract can also aid in brightening. The formula also contains the classic combo of Allantoin and Panthenol for Soothing. Just before this soothing combo, we see the actual exfoliants – Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
I do question the exfoliating power of this solution however. While it contains AHAs and the pH level is low for them to perform, the percentage is very low. If the chemical exfoliant was Salicylic Acid, I would have more faith, for a 0.5% concentration of this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is effective. With AHA, the concentration needs to be higher, otherwise they perform more like humectants, and that’s what I fear it is doing in this solution. I believe in South Korea, the percentage of AHAs and BHAs for OTC products is limited, whereas over here in North America we can easily find AHAs at concentrations of 5-10% and BHAs up to 2%.
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution is in a base of the fan-fave ingredient, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water at 59.12%. Soothing ingredients Panthenol, Allantoin, and Centella Asiatica Root Extract are also in the formula to add to the soothing factor. There’s also humectants Glycerin, Pullulan, Trehalose, and Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide.
Firstly, I appreciate the minimal ingredients list in these elmt solutions and how the focus is on the purpose of each one.
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution does not have any intense active, and focuses more on humectants and soothing ingredients. While it doesn’t seem as fancy as the Gentle Exfoliating Solution, sometimes boring and gentle is what you need in your skincare routine!
Experience Using elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
Both solutions are in the same dark green glass packaging that have a white plastic twist-off cap with a spout for dispensing. Texture is also the same for both, very watery. For both I would apply 3 layers all over my face and neck like I would any hydrator.
Swatches of the elmt solutions. Both have the same watery texture.
No matter the amount of layers, I found no trace of moisture on my skin, both solutions would just disappear. The Advanced Calming Solution has a slight bit more slip but the overall feel on the skin is the same. These solutions seem better as a “morning cleanse” in my AM routine by drenching a cotton round with one of the elmt solutions and wiping my face and neck.
My doubts of the elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution happened – it does not exfoliate. I was hoping to see some mild decongesting around my nose, but my sebaceous filaments looked the same. I also hoped to feel some conditioning effects on my skin so it feels slightly smoother, but it just disappears and my skin has stayed the same.
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution did calm my skin a bit when I applied it after my skin was sensitized from a vitamin C serum. Another instance when my skin became irritated from an active I used, I only used this solution to help address the redness I developed. I saw and felt no difference in my skin this, and did not notice it helping reduce inflammation around my breakouts either. I experienced these types of benefits with the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, so I was hoping to have a similar experience with the elmt Advanced Calming Solution.
Final Thoughts on elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
I appreciate the thought in the formulas and the amount you get for the price, but the performance of both elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution was sub-par on my acne-prone, normal to dry skin. In the few weeks I’ve had these products, they have not made a noticeable difference in my skincare routine; It just felt like I was applying water. No trace of additional moisture to be found, the Advanced Calming Solution did soothe my skin a bit, but not as much as other items I have with Centella Asiatica. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution does not exfoliate my skin, it performs more as a light antioxidant water, so I don’t really know if anything is happening. Usually if I want a product for exfoliation, I need at least 5% AHA and 0.5% BHA to notice any difference on my skin.
This new skincare launch was lackluster for me, it just doesn’t seem to pair well with my parched skin. Based on the texture alone, those of you with an oilier skin-type would enjoy them more than my thirsty, dry skin. I’m curious if any of you have ever noticed exfoliating benefits from a small amount of AHA in a formula – if you have, please let me know in the comments down below! It could just be my skin being too acclimated to strong chemical exfoliants.
I was super fortunate to win an Instagram contest Krave Beauty was hosting back in September 2018. I suggested a new title for their skincare book!
Before I knew it, it was the most popular one in their comment section and I’m being tagged in their story! The prize was full sizes of all 3 following products: Matcha-Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, Kale-aha-uya, Beet the Sun SPF 47+ PA++++, shipped from their Seoul facility.
When their skincare book comes out, just remember, *this girl named it*
I’ve been rotating these Krave Beauty products in my current skincare routine for a few months now and I am ready to share my thoughts with you all and whether or not Canadians and anyone else outside the U.S. and South Korea should continue their fascination with Krave Beauty. Please note the standard information on the products I share is based on Krave Beauty’s official U.S. website, even though I got the products from Korea.
If it isn’t clear: I won these products in an instagram giveaway. They were not sent to me for review purposes. I’m reviewing it because I want to.
All thoughts are my own, always. *casts doe patronus*
Founded by Liah Yoo (formerly known as YellowyCream), Beauty Youtuber. I’m not sure of her educational background, but she has been working in the beauty world for a handful of years now and has been an avid product junkie since before I started watching her. As a subscriber, I always noticed her thoughtfulness towards acne-prone, sensitive skin like hers when reviewing products.
I’m glad that in the past couple of years she switched gears and started getting more educational. She has a research team that debunks skincare myths, talks about efficacious, science-based ingredients, but maintains an open mind about new ingredients coming into the skincare game. Although she is classed as a Beauty Expert, I find her to be a non-BS one.
Even if I didn’t win her products, I have had a high interest in Krave Beauty since she launched it and wanted to purchase it for myself. Krave Beauty combines the benefits of plants and science-backed ingredients, all the while making sure it can accomodate the most sensitive of skin types. This sounds like my cup of tea!
Krave Beauty itself is all about pressing reset on your skin. Stop with the 10 step skincare, and just listen and feel for what your skin craves (Krave… get it?). Her line started off with the 3 products I’m about to review, and she has since followed up with another product launch, with most-likely more to come!
QUICK FACTS:
Sell only skincare
Vegan-friendly
Cruelty-free
Formulated without fragrance, essential oil, colorant
Wants to be a transparent company
Wants to #PressReset on your skincare routine and all the noise from the beauty industry
Create products that considers your skin’s health
Prioritize simplicity in their products while providing quality ingredients and care
“Skincare should be easy, Skincare should be a stress-free zone, Skincare should be a supplement to our lifestyle. And most of all, skincare basics should be, basic.
It’s time to #pressreset.”
I also like how Krave Beauty just launches products at its own pace. These past couple of years the makeup market became extremely saturated (how many eyeshadow palettes do we need people!?), and now you see skincare getting lots of hype and making its rounds, especially on Instagram!
Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
ABOUT
PRICE: $16 USD AMOUNT: 120ml / 4.05 fl oz pH: 5.0 – 6.0 CLAIMS:
– An antioxidant cleanser that doesn’t mess up your skin barrier
– Lifting everything your skin doesn’t want while leaving what it needs—healthy pH, hydration, antioxidants and no irritation
– Matcha and hemp seeds are here to boost the skin’s intake of antioxidants and essential fatty acids
– Contains 40% matcha
INGREDIENTS
HIGHLIGHTED INGREDIENTS:
Matcha
One of the most antioxidant-dense sources on the planet. Basically, we thought it’d be awesome to splash matcha every day on our skin.
Hemp seed oil
HIGH in essential amino acids, HIGH in linoleic acid, oh yeah, it’s so HIGH-drating! Great for all skin types, even for oily skin peeps. Hemp seed oil has a natural antibacterial property that helps to relieve inflamed skin conditions.
Coco -betaine, Coco-glucoside, Decyl glucoside
A group of mild and gentle cleaning agents. These surfactants are less likely to compromise your skin barrier whereas harsh surfactants (like SLS) can strip away everything including your natural lipids. And these, you don’t want to surrender.
Love that it has 40% Camellia Sinsesis Leaf Water in the formulation; For me, it makes it a standout cleanser and it’s unlike other ones I’ve tried. I’ve washed my face with green tea water before (literally steeped warm water for like, 5 mins and splashed my face for over a minute) and I find I achieve similar results of skin softness and evenness, only the Matcha-Hemp Hydrating Cleanser can actually perform as a great 2nd cleanse. Not sure why they didn’t highlight Oat Kernel Extract and Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, I personally think they’re worth mentioning about this cleanser!
EXPERIENCE
USAGE: Evening as 2nd cleanse.
SCENT: None!
TEXTURE: One of the more interesting textures I have tried from a cleanser – A brown, chunky gel.
APPLICATION: From a pea to more than a nickel-size amount and lather on the face and neck.
FINISH: I keep my face slightly damp before going into my humectant products. However this cleanser does speed up water evaporation, and there were times when my face felt unpleasantly squeaky-clean.
INSTANT RESULTS: Face feels soft and hydrated after 1 minute of cleansing.
LONG-TERM RESULTS: Overall skin hasn’t been compromised despite the quick drying feeling it brings. No breakouts, my reliable 2nd cleanse for removing even the heaviest of layers of makeup, face always looks even tone and bright.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MATCHA-HEMP HYDRATING CLEANSER
PROS:
– Base is 40% Camellia Sinesis Leaf Water
– Good size
– Fairly affordable considering the amount and how much you need to actually use
CONS:
– Dries my skin too fast, even when it’s damp
KALE-LALU-yAHA
PRICE: $25 USD AMOUNT: 200ml / 6.76 fl oz TYPE OF EXFOLIANT: AHA – Glycolic Acid 5.25% pH: 3.0 – 4.0 CLAIMS:
– Skin resurfacing exfoliator that kicks your dead skin cells to the curb
– Revealing youthful, healthier skin while also feeding it delicious antioxidants from dark, leafy greens
– Kiss good-bye to the appearance of discoloration, sun damage, and fine lines with regular use
INGREDIENTS
HIGHLIGHTED INGREDIENTS:
Glycolic Acid (Sugar cane derived) 5.25%
A real game changer in your skincare routine! Glycolic acid is an effective chemical exfoliant that gently resurfaces skin texture and prevents clogged pores. With regular use, this nudges your skin’s cellular turnover slowly, fading the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines.
Dark, leafy greens (kale, spinach, parsley)
A vital energy booster for the skin, the antioxidants packed in these greens are the best thing you can treat your skin with—and that’s why we call it Kale-lalu-yaha! Not just that, it’s also chock-full of vitamins and minerals too. What more could you ask for?
Aloe + Hyaluronic acid + Vitamin B5
These are all natural hydrators which replenish, hydrate and soothe skin. Once you apply, you’ll feel instant hydration, especially if you pair this with a moisturizer that locks down it all down.
Allantoin
Allantoin soothes skin while buffering any possible irritation from the chemical exfoliation process. This is an absolutely wonderful ingredient which brings both moisturizing and soothing relief to a sensitive, inflamed skin.
I know you can only highlight so many good ingredients, but I’d like to point out this AHA toner also has Chlorella and Green Apple extract as greens in this product. There’s also Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), and Sodium Hyaluronate for moisturizing properties!
EXPERIENCE
USAGE: Evening. Started using it every other day. When I incorporated prescription-strength Differin, only 1-2x a week max.
SCENT: While first using it I didn’t smell anything. Now that I’ve opened it a handful of times, there’s a slight sour smell when you open the cap, but not on application.
TEXTURE: Watery.
APPLICATION: Sometimes I use my hands to apply a couple of swigs. If I feel particularly congestted, I apply it to a Klairs cotton pad (compressed or sponge).
FINISH: Slightly moisturized.
INSTANT RESULTS: Skin looks smooth and even.
LONG-TERM RESULTS: No surprise that the moment I incorporated this into my nightly routine, my texture improved. I find Glycolic Acid is the most effective when tackling these haunting atrophic scars.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON KALE-LALU-yAHA
PROS:
– Base is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water and not plain old water
– Improved my skin’s texture
– Not too irritating for my skin – I have used 8-10% AHA in the past, but now that I use a retinoid I’m happy for a lesser percentage.
– Non-drying – skin feels normal and sightly moisturized after use
CONS:
– Crystallizes at the dispense area
IN-BETWEEN FEELS:
The amount 5.25%; I’m an experienced chemical exfoliator user, so I could do with a higher percentage. On the other end, this is a fairly high amount if you consider it in the K-Beauty Market. Most of the chemical exfoliators in that market don’t go past 2%.
Beet the Sun SPF 47+ PA++++
U.S. NAME: The Beet Shield
PRICE: $20 USD AMOUNT: 50ml / 1.7oz UV FILTERS:
– Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus)
– BisEthylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S)
– Polysilicone-15 (Parsol SLX) CLAIMS:
– A gentle, antioxidant-rich day fluid that protects your skin from harsh environmental stressors
-A lightweight, non-white cast leaving formula
– Charged with beet root extract and antioxidants to fight against the free radicals so you don’t turn beet-red
INGREDIENTS
HIGHLIGHTED INGREDIENTS:
Beetroot extract
An underrated yet amazingly antioxidant-rich vegetable, the beetroot holds skin enhancing properties like preventing signs of aging, reducing pigmentation and blemishes and moisturization! A true underdog superfood.
Allantoin
Allantoin soothes skin and relieves skin irritation. This is an absolutely wonderful ingredient which brings both moisturizing and soothing relief to a sensitive, inflamed skin.
Vitamin C, Resveratrol, EGCG
This powerful tag team of antioxidants is proven to shield skin against external stressors and neutralize free radicals.
USAGE: AM routine as the last step of skincare of course!
SCENT: None!
TEXTURE: Krave Beauty describes it perfectly – condensed milk! It also doesn’t feel sticky or greasy.
APPLICATION: I apply ~64% 1/4 tsp (I did a rough measurement of my face and I calculated this to be the amount needed to get the SPF and PA protection on my face).
FINISH: Shiny and moisturized. The shine eventually fades. No cast.
INSTANT RESULTS: Skin looks smooth and even, feels more moisturized.
LONG-TERM RESULTS: Provides good sun protection. Face feels slightly dry after I use this with foundation. Foundation-free days I do not get this.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEET THE SUN SPF 47+ PA++++
PROS:
– The base may be just water, but I love the texture! *Cosmetic Elegance*
– Uses modern, photostable filters
– Despite Alcohol in the top 5 ingredients, it doesn’t dry my skin too much
CONS: – Some days it stings my face (depending what I used the night before)
– I know this ingredient factors in formulation, but in my personal experience, using a product with Alcohol constantly (even in makeup) weakens my skin. I’m willing to purchase this SPF again, but I am wearing about what my skin would look like with consistent use. This is in a sunscreen rather than moisturizer foundation, so I hope this different formulation will not do the same thing
IN-BETWEEN FEELS:
– The amount 50ml is perfect as a travel-size SPF companion, but you’ll run out of this quickly if it’s your go to sun protection product. I wish they offered a larger size
FINAL THOUGHTS ON KRAVE BEAUTY
OVERALL PROS:
– Thoughtful formulations: first set of ingredients are actually key ingredients, and if you look at the ingredients list as a whole, there’s a lot of good stuff in it that look as if it makes up the bulk of the formulation.
– Affordable. Considering the quality of these products, I find the pricepoint very good, and you get a considerable amount for most of the products.
– Liah herself actually uses her products consistently. Sure it’s self promotion, but she DID want the formulas to work with her skin type as well. She’s also the public tester for her brand and we can see her skin’s progress.
OVERALL CONS:
– Not. Available. In. Canada. I wish they made it available in Toronto at least! Their U.S. facility is in New Jersey and we’re but a mere 6 hour drive away :3 We also sell SPF with Tinosorb in it so I’m sure it can get approved to be sold as an SPF here.
OVERALL IN-BETWEEN FEELS:
– Suited for MOST skin-types. Like I mentioned, the SPF was mositurizing at first but throughout the day my face dried if I wore foundation with it, and the cleanser leaves my skin feeling very dry if I don’t act fast with my humectants.
– You can make it work and you don’t have to alter your routine significantly when using these products.
I will make this clear: If I COULD purchase, I WOULD. I even want to try their new release, Great Barrier Relief! But alas, Canadians are always jipped, jipped I say!! I hope the Krave Beauty team offers international shipping soon, I know a lot of fellow skincare lovers want to try what they have to offer. Aside from that, if you are able to purchase Krave Beauty, I hope this review helped in solidifying your decision!
The more I delve into the realm of skincare science, the more I get into sunscreen. As much as I love being outside in the warm weather, you should always be on top of your sun protection game. While the sun is a life giver and healer, excessive sun exposure guaranteed causes burning and DNA damage. Depending on your genetic makeup and which part of the world you live, there is a unique balancing act we all have to play, but sunscreen should ALWAYS be applied well and reapplied.
Being exposed to the Asian Beauty industry and wearing their SPF products is what really begun this desire for constant sunscreen application. Undoubtedly the industry has many a comfortable and cosmetically elegant sunscreens on the market!
I’ve made quite the collection of sunscreens since and I thought I’d do some simple, but hopefully easily understood reviews on these sunscreens if you’re considering purchasing them!
QUICK NOTES: Skin Type: Acne prone, dry Shade: Light-Medium, Medium Undertone: Neutral, leans to yellow or olive (mixed Asian, I am confused about this lol) Application Amount: Nickel-size Photos: Natural light, taken right away
Make P:rem Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
FEEL:Very light. Not tacky and doesn’t feel like it adds moisture
STINGS EYES?Yes.
WHITECAST? No.
WATER RESISTANT?Unknown.
SKIN BENEFITS?
Skin is very healthy-looking and even tone throughout the day; more in-the-moment type of effects rather than long term. Don’t really feel the “cool down” from infrared, but my skin is never irritated when I have sunscreen on.
GOOD UNDER MAKEUP? Yes (It Cosmetics CC Cream). CC Cream is able to glide on my skin very easily and doesn’t disrupt its finish. Both products have a glowy finish, but I’ve used many different types of complexion products with this sunscreen to know it won’t make your makeup overly glowy.
Jolse, another online Asian Beauty Retailer that offers worldwide shipping on Asian skincare, makeup, and other cosmetic products! They sent me the Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel * to review and I’m ready to share my thoughts with you all!
I’ve been using the product for about 3 weeks now, about 3-4 times a week.
I’ll say it right now, I loved it after the first time I’ve used it.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
Features (as listed on Jolse)
Lemon water, lemon extract, and carbonated water eliminates skin wastes.
The mild peeling gel tends the skin with a moist and fresh finish.
Natural ingredients provide moisture and soothes the stimulated skin.
Price: $9.65 USD Amount: 120ml Texture: Thick gel
Highlighted Ingredients:
Citrus Lemon Fruit Water (90ppm = 0.009%) and Extract (10ppm = 0.001%)– Contains a high amount of vitamin C, but there are only extracts so we don’t know if it’s even a decent amount of vitamin C to have a long term effect, but it can impart a brightening effect. Carbonated Water (47ppm = 0.0047)– The idea behind this is that it washes your face better than plain water. The bubbles deliver oxygen to your skin, helping to wash away dirt and dead skin buildup. Also claimed to help with puffiness, as well as firming and plumping the skin and controlling oils. Washing your face with carbonated water is a technique originally hyped up and popularized by Japanese women.
Other Notable Ingredients (listed by basic functions (some are repeated)):
Skin-Conditioning: Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract (also could be sensitizing), Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Hydrolized Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa Rice Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract Skin-Soothing: Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis, Veirginania (Witch-Hazel) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract Antioxidant:Camellia Sinsesis Leaf Water (47ppm = 0.0047%): Antioxidant, Witch Hazel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Algae Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract Exfoliant: Carica Papaya Fruit Extract (possible exfoliant properties)
Very awesome that the ingredients list are mostly that of skin-soothing and skin-conditioning! (I found the basic functions from various websites like EWG, Paula’s Choice, Special Chem. Feel free to correct anything if the basic function is not accurate).
The main advertising points on Jolse.com are in Korean, so I don’t know what all the claims are and how hyped up other ingredients may be.
MY EXPERIENCE
Scent: Fragrance is listed in the product. It smells like a dish detergent, but not in an overly chemical way. It’s very light, so it doesn’t bother me much. I was expecting a strong, artificial, citrusy sweet type of scent. I’m pleasantly surprised how gentle and natural it actually is!
Application: Spreads well without pilling immediately. Pilling is not as chunky, it looks thinner. You can lightly massage your face for a decent amount of time without feeling the product dry up too much.
Instant Benefits: Face does not feel dry or like it was even compromised negatively from any product. Skin feels very soft and smooth, looks even tone and slightly brighter.
Shizzle from my face. I used to get more when I started using peeling gels!
Long Term Benefits: Helps prevent skin congestion and gets rid of any rough feeling on my face. I use it in the morning and it has never sensitized my face. The feel of my skin is well maintained when I use it consistently.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel has become an instant favourite. I was expecting a cheap, conventional peel that would just do the basics of exfoliating with no additional skin benefit. This peeling gel does what it says and I am surprised at the quality. There is a lot of product that contains a bunch of skin-soothing and conditioning ingredients, making it gentle on the skin and leaving baby soft results. Because of this, I don’t know if we could say the lemon-derived ingredients or carbonated water are the true keys to making this product so good. Either way, my skin has only been benefiting!
I saw it being sold on Amazon.ca for $20, whereas on Jolse.com it’s $9.65 USD (right now $7.24 USD because of a sale)! To find a skincare product that works well, is affordable, and has good ingredients is a rarity, so I’m glad I got a chance to try it. On that note, I’ve barely been touching my current peeling gel, Dr. G. Brightening Peeling Gel (but I will definitely finish it up).
You can buy Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel at Jolse.com
Hope this review helped you out! Is washing your face with carbonated water really that awesome? Also, did you like how I listed the ingredients by their basic function? Let me know your thoughts, that way I can tweak upcoming reviews to your preference as well.
If you’re a frequent reader of my blog, you’ll notice that the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner has been mentioned a couple of times or so in my posts. If you know me in person, I may have demanded that you buy it at some point. But I’ve never really got into detail as to what it is about this toner that makes me love it so much. I got sent Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner * to try out, so I thought this would be a good time to go in depth about both toners!
I love me some chemical exfoliators: they make my skin smoother, keep any wrinkles and acne at bay, and when used in moderation, really amp up the quality of my skin.
I guess I was too comfortable using chemical exfoliants in the form of toners and masks, for I was sent the By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash* to try out and felt like sorcery was at work!
I was VERY perplexed by enzyme powder washes. My friend loves them, but I just couldn’t comprehend how a powder cleanser could be that amazing. I’ve used powder cleansers in the past, and although they’re handy for travelling purposes, I couldn’t bring myself to to find them a necessity. This is where the noggin’ wasn’t processing the word “enzyme” in enzyme wash!
From my understanding, (food-derived) enzymes are chemical exfoliants that are gentler, and quicker at removing dead skin cells. These types of enzymes are proteolytic, meaning they break down other proteins.
In the case of our skin, they remove old keratin, a skin protein that glues cells to each other to form a protective layer outside the skin. Usually too much keratin is what causes scaly skin and too much build up, which can lead to skin conditions like keratosis pilaris.
While researching the effectiveness of enzyme washes, I could not find any scientific study on its beneficial (or detrimental) uses in skincare. Only sources for enzyme washing detergents popped up, so I’m even more perplexed by enzyme facial exfoliants.
Before we get into the use, let me just say I grossly underestimated this product.
If you follow the Korean beauty scene, the latest skincare advice is to use vitamin C and vitamin E products together in your skincare routine. They have been talked about as a power couple and it is highly recommended to combine the two to really maximize both their skincare benefits.
The Benefits of Vitamin C and E Together
Boosting vitamin C effects on your skin
Protecting skin from sun damage
Neutralize any free radicals that occur after sun exposure
Help synthesize collagen
Maintain the cross-links between the collagen fibers
The Controversy Combining Niacinamide with Vitamin C
If you noticed on the Vitamin E Mask, niacinamide is one of the key ingredients. Some beauty companies advise consumers not to pair any niacinamide to vitamin C products; both combined will neutralize the other, rendering both ingredients ineffective in your skincare routine.
The only time I have heard otherwise:
Charlotte Cho from Soko Glam state that Niacinamide actually helps stabilize vitamin C and they’re very safe to use together
Paula Begoun explaining that old studies on their incompatibility were due to using unstable formulas, and today’s studies show the formulations they test with today are stable
Wishtrend conflicted itself; they had a youtube video saying to not combine the two ingredients together, yet on their Vitamin E Mask page, it describes how Niacinamide helps stabilize vitamin C and its own benefits are enhanced when combined
I’ve been using these 2 products as part of my night time skincare routine for a few months now, and I feel comfortable enough to finalize my thoughts on these products and how they work together.
To piece this review nicely, I’m going to start by individually reviewing the products and finalize my thoughts by how they perform together at the end. Also, because I’m reviewing two products, I didn’t include the section on claims and ingredients list, but I left links down below for you to check it out yourself. Read More »
StyleKorean sent me the Cosrx Clear Fit Blemish Cushion (shade #23 natural beige) to try out back in September. Despite posting a selfie with the product, I didn’t publish a review at the time because I couldn’t get over it not being my skin colour. I ended up wearing other products to match me so I put this cushion on hold until it was the middle of winter (which it is now) when I have a better chance at matching the product. I love Cosrx, they’re a very affordable and effective Korean cosmetics brand that really cater to us needy acne-prone skin peeps. So I was really happy to get a chance to review Cosrx’s first makeup product and share my thoughts with you now!
This post is unsponsored.
Product was sent for review purposes.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you use this link to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thanks for your support if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.
All thoughts are my own, always. *casts doe patronus*
Description
“The cushion that not only covers acne prone skin but also calms and soothes
1. Contains trouble care and soothing essences to treat sensitive skin all the while providing excellent coverage
2. Provides perfect coverage to leave your skin looking flawless
3. Trouble & Acne Scarring Coverage + Calming + Care
4. Specialized for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Suggested Use:
Pat lightly over your skin using the enclosed puff
I really like the packaging. Soft square outline, sleek, and with a nice big mirror! If anything, the packaging does show off your finger prints rather quickly, but that’s only a concern for those that need to take photos of the product (like myself).
The puff is pretty standard. The website says the part for the fingers is a little bigger than a usual puff. I personally like puffs, for they’re so effective at applying any complexion product evenly and doesn’t soak any of it up. Using a puff is also how you should ALWAYS apply cushion foundation by the way.
Now onto the 15g/0.52oz of product. This is a very standard amount in cushion foundations, but it does automatically give an “aww” feeling to those of us that know that a regular foundation is just over double that! Higher brands like Laneige offer a refill, so it’s a bit disappointing purchasing this wont. However I’ll touch on the amount in a bit as we continue on.
Testing the Product
Application
For the love of Lee Min-Ho, do not press too hard into the compact. I did this the first time I used it and not only ended up with a full af coverage and cake face, I had a ton of product leftover on the puff that I could not put back into the compact! Light, minimal presses is key to making this cushion look REALLY good.
Coverage
(Lighting is altering colour of product. It doesn’t make my skin look darker by any means, it actually makes me look paler. This is one light layer applied)
Coverage is surprisingly and pleasantly natural. By that I mean, you can definitely get medium to full coverage, and it won’t look like you’re wearing product. Every time I used this cushion and asked my boyfriend or friends how my makeup looks, they could never tell I was wearing foundation.
Finish
The website again says matte, but I can’t agree. It’s satin finish at best. And I find saying matte will mislead the oily ones to think that this will be matte for a while. No no. You will get to dewville very fast while wearing this product! Although the product covers well even as it becomes dewy, this doesn’t help out my pores. At first it looks like it blurs them nicely but as the day goes on that look doesn’t last. It’s not like they look that awful, but it doesn’t look any better than what they originally look like. This also emphasizes dry patches off the bat. It’s particularly noticeable between my eyes!
Colour
23# natural beige is a very close match to the palest I can get, and this winter got me looking quite pale! When I originally tried this product I was definitely a medium skin tone, so the contrast of my face and everything else was too great. Hence, why it took so long for me to review this product! I wasn’t happy with the colour and I felt it unfair to judge that part of it because it was clear that it couldn’t blend into my skin properly. Now that I fall in the range of light in foundation shades, this colour matches my face spot on! I’m happy to see no funky kinda undertone *cough GREY* and it doesn’t make my skin look too white that there’s still significant contrast to my body.
Wear
Without powder or setting spray, and not doing many daily things, this will last a solid 8 hours on your face. That’s like a school/work day so it is a pass for me in longevity. Once it decides to actually fade, you can’t really tell on places where there is one layer of product. I put an extra layer on my chin (most problematic area), and I could tell by the end of the wear test that I had extra product in that area. I felt like I had a foundation goatee!
Extra Notes
Application for dry skin slightly problematic:
will cling to dry patches
reapplication will emphasize it more
using a setting powder will REALLY emphasize dryness
Oily skin problems / dewy problems:
This cushion becomes super dewy, you will be doing check-ups quite frequently.
It may fade faster, since it faded on my dry skin in time.
It doesn’t emphasize texture. It may emphasize the big bumps on your skin if you have, in which case, I would really precisely set certain areas to make sure that isn’t the case.
Between humid to dry weather, it’ll last longer in drier weather. It doesn’t look like you’re melting in humid weather, but if you’ll be outside all day, expect to touch-frequently.
Overall Opinion
Despite the 15g of product, a little goes a long way with application to get good coverage. I’m also this shade for a certain period of time until I fall into the light-medium/medium range again, so it’ll last me the time I need it. Also, I personally pay $40-$60 CAD for foundation in general, so the price isn’t too awful for me.
I feel like the skincare ingredients actually worked. Any redness I have before applying the cushion is gone by the time I do my skincare routine. It doesn’t make a huge difference on my pimples, but it’s always a plus when a complexion product doesn’t contribute to clogged pores or exacerbating the problems of your current acne!
It still looks natural despite the medium to full coverage. I’m always aiming to look as natural as possible when applying makeup, so I feel like for anyone who has more acne than I do will be really happy with that!
Overall, the Cosrx Clear Fit Blemish Cushion is like a Monet:from far away it looks okay, but up close, it’s just a huge mess (please get my Clueless reference).
By this description I mean, it looks really good at a distance; makeup doesn’t look melted, I have a nice natural dew going on, and my skin still looks like my skin despite the medium to full coverage.
However, up close is where all the issues I have with this cushion. It really emphasizes my dry patches. As the day progresses, and my T-zone naturally gets oily, the product just remained in my pore area and everywhere else it disappeared. Also, when I layered the product on my chin, my most red and problematic area, it looked like I had a foundation beard at the end of the day and you could tell that you’re using something to cover up.
Despite the natural medium to full coverage, good colour match and undertone, and not aggravating my pimples, I can’t bring myself to want to buy this. The knitty gritty of how the cushion foundation looks bothers me too much. Part of me thinks it’s just not good for my age, because my skin seems to show more problems if I wear something with heavier coverage. If you’re younger than me (I’m 27 as I write this), this most likely will look better on you.
It’s quite a bit of a summary, but I do hope this review helps you decide whether or not the Cosrx Clear Fit Blemish cushion is something you’d want to buy!
Where you can buy the Cosrx Clear Fit Blemish Cushion:
Another year, another round up of beauty products I have loved for 2017! And by love I mean… When I think about these products, it gives me the glo on the inside. I’ve actually discovered so many products in 2017, the skincare round up is a different post all-together! I don’t think it’s possible for me to live minimally. So much to try, not enough faces!
