Tag: korean skincare

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

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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’m From Pear Soothing Pad Ingredients

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (75%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Arbutin

INCIDecoder

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

I’m From Pear Serum Ingredients

Pyrus Ussuriensis Leaf Extract 83%, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (0.1%), Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Sodium Phytate, Allantoin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum

INCIDecoder

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 Jar
Up close photo of a single I’m Froom Pear Soothing Pad
Swatch of the formula of the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad
Formula 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 hand
I’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!

xo, M

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution & Advanced Calming Solution Review

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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

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution

Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin

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%.

elmt Advanced Calming Solution

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf/ Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Pullulan, Trehalose, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Root Extract

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.

WHERE TO BUY:

Wishtrend – “MICHXMASH” 15% OFF

As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!

xo, M

Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum Review

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Fall is here, the air is around 5 degree Celsius, and I’m using the highest strength of Tretinoin – my face be feeling slightly sensitive! The timing seems fortunate, for I was sent Jumiso’s new Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum to try out. I have been using this serum 2x a day for past couple of weeks and I am ready to share my thoughts!

Product sent for review purposes. This does not sway my opinion of the product. My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

DESCRIPTION

Jumiso Super Soothing Cica&Aloe Facial Serum is highly-enriched serum that could soothes sensitive skin. It helps you to grow the power of natural moisturizing factor that developed for the improvement of destroyed skin barrier and exhausted and saggy skin elasticity.

– StyleKorean.com

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS

– Cruelty-free
– Made in South Korea

Amount: 30ml
Price: $24 USD
Packaging: Clear dropper bottle
How to use: “After using toner, in the essence stage, take an appropriate amount and apply it all over the face to absorb.“

INGREDIENTS

Screenshot of Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum ingredients

Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Ceramide NP, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Benzyl Glycol, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, SpiruLina Maxima Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Raspberry Ketone, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer,1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Trideceth-10, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA

  • Centella Asiatica Extract: 41%
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: 31%
  • 7 different hyaluronic acid molecules
  • 17 kinds of Amino Acids

Jumiso provides LOTS of pictographics in English on their ingredients, it’s best to check out the product page (link bottom of page) to get an idea of what the formula is all about. If you didn’t already notice, This serum is packed with a ton of skin beneficial ingredients! What’s funny is that they didn’t even highlight other great ingredients such as Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, and Adenosine!

EXPERIENCE

Texture: Serum on the thicker side (I’d say ampoule).

Fragrance: None.

Application: Sometimes I do 4 drops on my face, or a full pipette’s worth if I want some extra moisture.

Finish: Slightly glowy.

Feel: Emollient. Skin feels quite soft.

Instant Results: Adds extra moisture to my skin, also soothes if I became irritated from an active I used prior.

Long-Term Results: Hard to tell how impactful this serum is on its own, but all I know is that since incorporating it into my routine, my skin has been maintaining calm and moisturized skin and I don’t become easily sensitized to strong actives in my routine.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I am quite wowed by Jumiso’s Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum. It has quite the list of skin-friendly ingredients and a little goes a long way. I feel like it’s a nice serum to have if you need something calming and to add additional moisture to your skin, especially if you want something richer, on the more emollient side. I can also see this being a nice addition for those who irritated their skin too much with overuse of actives and/or propolis-based serums with a similar texture to this haven’t worked out for you. For oily-skinned peeps, you may find this nice on it’s own without moisturizer if you don’t mind more emollient finishes. Overall Jumiso’s Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum is a good option for those who just need to simplify their routine and bring back the strength of your skin’s barrier.

WHERE TO BUY:
StyleKorean *
Yesstyle *
Use “YESMICH” * for 5% off first order, 2% off returning orders

* Affiliate codes/links. This means that if you click on the link or use the code to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

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

xo, M

I’m From Rice Toner Review

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The last time I reviewed an I’m From product, it was back in 2016 when I experienced some awesome voodoo magic that was their Honey Mask!

Wishtrend sent me their I’m From Rice Toner to try out, and I’m ready to share with you all my thoughts on this product.

I also have a Youtube video reviewing the Toner as well as I’m From’s new Rice Serum and Cream!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLLJpvF5kco&w=560&h=315]

Product is a PR sample and provided for review purposes.
All thoughts are my own, always *casts doe patronus*

CLAIMS

This toner is made with 77.78% Rice Extract effective in whitening and elasticity care. The product forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, eliminate dead skin cells and provide luster and moisturization to rebalance dry and tired skin.

– Wishtrend

Price: $38 USD
Amount: 150 ml
How to use:
1) Before use, shake well to mix the water and emulsion layers.
2) After cleansing, dispense on a cotton pad and wipe off or press onto dry areas.

  • Made in Korea
  • Made for all skin types
  • Cruelty-free
  • Free of ethanol, silicone, steroid, artificial colouring, artificial fragrance

INGREDIENTS

Rice extract, Methylpropanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated poly (C6-14 olefin), Niacinamide, Pentylene glycol, Common Purslane extract, Rice bran extract, Japanese elm bark extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Distilled water, Polyglyceryl-10-myristate, Butylene glycol, Adenosine, Cellulose gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol

Total number of ingredients: 18

From my -skinthusiast- perspective…
I’ve mostly heard of the benefits of Rice Extract from other people making anecdotal claims that the traditional -washing your face with Rice Water- helps to soften and brighten the skin, and keeps one looking young. I have also DIYed a Rice Water toner before and while it gets pungent pretty quickly, the first handful of uses I did instantly notice my skin felt soft, moisturized, and looked bright. INCIDecoder unfortunately doesn’t have any solid information to share on Rice Extract, but Paula’s Choice’s ingredient dictionary states the following:

“…rice bran is a rich source of over 100 antioxidant compounds, including vitamin E, ferulic acid, and oryzanol.

The bran also contains moisturizing polysaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients like calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.”

Aside from the abundant amount of Rice Extract, I always love me some good ol’ Niacinamide for an extra boost! I’ve said it multiple times and I’ll say it again, Niacinamide is a great multitasking ingredient for brightening, strengthening the skin barrier, and minimizing pores. This toner also is filled with a handful of humectant and emollient ingredients, making it a toner on that will have more of a light residue than a fresh, barely-there finish. In my experience, it would sit between the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner and The Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.

Moisturizing (mix of humectants and emollients): Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated poly (C6-14 olefin), Pentylene glycol, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Butylene glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
Antioxidant: Niacinamide, Common Purslane extract
Wound healing: Common Purslane extract, Adenosine

INCIDecoder Breakdown

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Glass bottle with a small spout.

Usage: Morning and/or evening, applied after cleansing with hands. Would sometimes layer the toner.

Texture: Thin milk.

Fragrance: None.

Finish: Light but moisturizing. Not as moisturizing as the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.

Instant Results: Skin feels smooth and has a light moisturized film. There have been the odd times my skin felt sensitive after using it.

Long-Term Results: Skin rarely feels rough or dehydrated.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The I’m From Rice Toner reminds me of a more well preserved, enjoyable version of the old school method of DIY Rice Water toner lol. If you’ve ever been interested in that old school way of softening and brightening your complexion, this toner is the easier way to go. I’m not 100% on how much “elasticity care” it can provide, but preventing water loss is always a #1 priority when it comes to preventative aging, and this toner definitely helps to add and maintain skin’s moisture. Overall the I’m From Rice Toner performs well and I’d imagine anyone else using it would enjoy it for what it offers.

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

Links provided are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and use it to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you do not feel comfortable, feel free to Google a new link.

Hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M

RELATED CONTENT: I’m From Rice Serum and Cream Review

REVIEW: By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash

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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.

Read More »

Dynamic Duo? Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop & Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Face Mask

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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

I happen to have two Klairs products that have been recommended to go together! Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop and Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask.

IMG_3239 (2)

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 »

ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water Review

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In my personal opinion, tried and true, chemical exfoliants are the most effective products when dealing with indented scarring without breaking the bank.

I don’t have terribly picked scars, but they are quite noticeable in certain lighting. They have plagued me for many years after having cystic acne, and truthfully, I thought I would have them forever unless I spent crazy money on some type of professional treatment. However, it wasn’t until a lovely friend of mine gifted me an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) toner that I started noticing my face becoming smoother and my breakouts lessening after every use! Within a month I saw results; not perfect, but my goodness, did it make me feel a hell of a lot better and more hopeful for my skin’s future.

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AHAs and I have had a very intimate relationship ever since, however, AHAs can be a bit uncompromising. Depending on the formulation and concentration of AHA, the product has potential to dry out your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. It is precisely this reason that I wait until the end of summer to use chemical exfoliants. I’m avoiding the burn and potentially damaging my skin further than before.

This year I started using the ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* and have used it consistently every night for about 2 months.

Now before we get into the review I’d like to say, I had no idea what mandelic acid even was! I’ve heard of glycolic, lactic, citric… never mandelic. This is a very new AHA treatment to me, so I absolutely had to use it for a while to really see and understand how it performs!

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First Impressions from a Peeling Gel Skeptic | FT. The Face Shop Mild Papaya Peeling

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I discovered peeling gels while delving into the realm of Asian Beauty. They are supposed to be the gentlest alternative to exfoliating. The idea is while lightly massaging the peeling gel around your skin, all the little bits pilling up is supposed to be dead skin cells.

I am a skeptic about this type of product is because:
1) Any peeling gel I ever tested in store pilled up instantly – how am I supposed to know if it’s really dead skin, or the product just drying up instantly?
2) Because it’s so gentle, I feel like it is not an effective exfoliant compared to a physical scrub (HUGE fan of the Italy Towel).

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I received a large sample of the Face Shop Mild Papaya Peeling for Christmas. I have been in the bad habit of overly scrubbing my skin with the Italy Towel and that is definitely not the smartest thing to do; it gets rid of the dead skin but it leaves my face irritated from its sand-papery touch. I decided to hang it dry and give the peeling gel a shot and see if it can prove me wrong.

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First Impressions | Etude House 0.2mm Therapy Air Masks (Lotus, Hyaluronic Acid & Snail)

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In my previous post Winter Skincare Routine for Dry and Acne Prone Skin I mentioned that sheet masks were Asia’s gift to us. I still and have always held by this statement since I tried sheet masks way back when I first started getting into Korean skincare.

If you don’t know, sheet masks are, well, sheets, on average the size of your face (not accurately), drenched in serum. While it may seem gimmicky, these babies sure do wonders. I always notice my face more hydrated, smooth, and bright. Depending on your specific skin concerns, constant use over time of specific sheet masks may help those problems!

While in Seoul a tourist must always walk around in Myeongdong, for this is where most, if not all, skincare shops are within walking distance of each other.

My favourite Korean brand Etude House was having a sale specifically for foreigners (lucky me) of 10pcs of the 0.2mm Therapy Air Masks for 10, 000 Won (~$12 CAD). Of course I got 4 packs (split between Nick and I. Nick uses sheet masks.)

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I purchased Lotus (soothing & purifying), Hyaluronic Acid (skin moisturizing) and Snail (smoothening & firming).

Since it’ll be a while for Nick and I to go through all of them, this post will be dedicated to the first time use of each mask!

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Review: I’M FROM Honey Mask

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Hey beauties,

During WishTrend’s Black Friday sale back in November 2015, I ordered the I’M FROM Honey Mask. It was honestly just because it’s been hyped up so much on their YouTube, and I wanted to see for myself that a honey mask could be that amazing. It was also on sale 🙂

From what I was able to gather on their website, this mask contains 38.7% real honey, not extract, from Jiri Mountain, Korea. The brand “Honey & Persimmon World” is the name of the small farm in Wolpyeong Town that provides the brand I’m From the honey for its mask. They get the honey from the bees living in Jiri Mountain. By using their own technology, they safely store it in a glass jar.

I honestly didn’t think much about this mask once I first used it, because I thought it would be like any regular honey mask I tried. Boy, was I wrong. This mask surprised me with the end result I got, and I don’t know if I can not have this in my skincare collection once it runs out.

Read on!

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