What are Essences?

Essences to put it simply are a cross between serums and toners. They are as light as toners usually, have mostly the same consistency as toners but have a high concentration of ingredients like serums. I think they are also called the love child between serum and toner and it’s apt an apt description of them. Essences are concentrated formulas made to target some specific skin conditions like dull skin, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, dryness, etc, to name a few. They come in a variety of consistencies, watery like toners, gel-like and some can be as thick as a moisturizer too.

Are Essences necessary in skincare?

Essences prep your skin to absorb the subsequent products like serum and moisturizer. You will see more results from essences as they are made to treat the skin on a cellular level. Korean essences usually contain ingredients to help skin regeneration and improve skin cell turnover rate. Hence a result you will notice with regular use your skin becoming softer, smoother, and brighter. With consistent use, you will definitely notice a difference in your skin.

What is the difference between essence and serum?

The main difference I have found is the concentration of ingredients. The essence is at times also referred to as ampoules, boosters, and even serums, which are lightweight and less concentrated than serums. They also provide an extra layer of hydration and help in absorbing serums and other subsequent products more efficiently.

How to incorporate them into your routine?

According to me, they aren’t a necessary step however I’m sure many Korean women will beg to differ. Essences play a vital part in Korean Skincare and is an integral part of their routine.  They help prep your skin for more efficient absorption of other skincare products. Essences also provide an extra layer of hydration and their formulation helps in combating various skin issues. You can decide if it’s something you need in your skincare routine. If you have decided to incorporate into your routine this is where you’ll need to add it for maximum efficiency. Follow the steps: Cleanser-Toner-Essence-Serum-moisturizer-Eye Cream-Sunscreen-Lip Balm.

I’m From Mugwort Essence

Price & Quantity: $40 for 160 ml which will last you for quite some time.

Ingredients: Artemisia Princeps Extract 100%

Claims: This is a soothing essence made with the single ingredient of Mugwort Extract. The refreshing fluid formula adheres and absorbs into the skin to soothe sensitive skin and recharge moisture from within.

Availability: You can get it from Wishtrend 

Packaging: It comes in a simple yet elegant glass bottle. The minimal packaging of I’m From products has always drawn me. It’s basic yet looks so beautiful. In my opinion, the glass bottle isn’t travel-friendly but it can easily be shifted into another container as and when required. So I usually transfer it into a spray bottle as I find that easier to use and carry. It also helps in wasting less product according to me. I prefer spraying it on my face but it works just as well if applied directly using hands or a cotton pad.

Smell: It has a herbal fragrance which is unique to the I’m From Mugwort range. It’s a light and pleasant fragrance that

My Experience:

I’m From Mugwort essence is one product that I have tested the longest because it’s almost been a year since I started using it. Now, when the bottle is almost empty have I finally sat down to review it.  I’m really thankful that Wishtrend allowed me to try this essence without a time limit for posting. Although I’m pretty sure that they didn’t think I’ll take this long, sorry Wishtrend.

I have been a fan of using essences in my routine. They help in combating various skin issues and my oily/combination skin loves them. I’m From is a brand that focuses on simple ingredient lists and clean and transparent brand philosophy, these are somethings that I really admire about this brand.

Mugwort is famous for it’s antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps heal, soothe, and nourish the skin. Mugwort also helps in treating treat redness, psoriasis, and other skin sensitivities.  Before I started using it, I had already seen and heard a lot about it so my hopes regarding this were pretty high. However, when I first started using it, I noticed practically no difference in my skin for the first three weeks. My main reason for incorporating this in my routine was to help soothe my skin which at that time was having small red bumps and breakouts. When I didn’t see a difference I stopped using it, thinking maybe it wasn’t for me. 

I stumbled upon in again when I was checking my stash to look for a hydrating product to add to my winter routine, so I picked it up again in my routine. I applied it in the beginning with my hands but it has a watery consistency and I didn’t find that an effective method of application. This time, however, I transferred it to a spray bottle to make it easier to apply as a mist on my face after toner. The essence has a very light but distinct smell, which I’m assuming is what Mugwort smells like.  The essence has an almost water consistency. It absorbs in the skin within seconds. It’s light on the skin, doesn’t pile up no matter how many steps are there in the routine. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on the skin. The fragrance fades after a few seconds as well.

I’m From Mugwort Essence became a part of my routine for months. Honestly, it took me a while to notice that the tiny red bumps that I had been plagued with for a long while were finally reducing and were completely gone in a few weeks. My skin was calmer, healthier, and smoother than it had been in the last year.

I knew Klairs Daily Skin Softening Water which I was using as a toner was responsible for it being smoother. However, I wanted to make sure that Mugwort essence was the one responsible for my skin being calmer so I took a risk and stopped using it for a few weeks. It didn’t take a lot of time for the red bumps to appear so added it back to my routine as haven’t changed it yet. After continuous usage of the I’m From Mugwort essence for months, I can safely say that it lives up to all its claims. It took me a while to figure it benefits out but then again every skin reacts differently and mine was just a little slow on the uptake.

Since it’s almost over I started using it less frequently in my routine. This means that from using it daily, I went to use it alternate days, then from thrice a week to just twice, Which is where I’m right now, though I’ll be switching it to just once every week now until I run out of it or acquire a new bottle of it, whichever happens, first. So far my skin has adapted decently to it. I’m From Mugwort Essence has helped in strengthening my skin barrier, in calming down the tiny red bumps. It not only soothed my skin but also helped in keeping it calm and hydrated.

Pros:

• Light-weight
• Fast absorbing
• Has a pleasant fragrance
• Clean minimalistic packaging
• Helps calm and soothe irritated skin
• Provides an extra layer of hydration
• Lasts for a really long time

Cons:

• Apart from the problem of wishtrend nit shipping to India which makes availability an issue, there’s isn’t any other con that I could find.

Will I Repurchase: In a heartbeat, this essence has been a staple in my routine for a year now. Mugwort essence has greatly helped in healing and strengthening my skin barrier and I’ll really miss using this essence in my routine once I finish this bottle.

Do I Recommend: Yes! If you are planning on incorporating an essence in your skincare this one is definitely the way to go. However, if you already use essence and haven’t tried I’m From Mugwort essence yet then you are missing out.

Overall summary: 4.5/5. While essences are not a necessity in the skincare routine, they can be very helpful in some cases. It’s fast-absorbing, light-weight, non-sticky on application. I’m From Mugwort Essence helps in calm, heal, and soothe the skin. It took a while to show the results but it soon became a great and necessary addition to my skincare routine.

You can also check out my review of Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule and Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

The post Everything you need to know about Essence: Featuring I’m From Mugwort Essence review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Let’s talk a little about the brand first.

Klairs as a brand is

• Respectful of the beauty of the environment and carries healthy values regarding the earth
• Simple and contains only the most necessary ingredients (NO colorants, NO alcohol, NO parabens, NO artificial fragrances/fragrance-free)
• Always working to bring their products to customers at reasonable prices
• A high-quality skincare brand for sensitive skin

Brand Philosophy

• No harsh ingredients.
  Klairs makes sure to create products with only the most effective, necessary raw ingredients, all of which have passed the safety measures of a research lab specializing in dermatologist brand skincare. We make sure our products don’t contain components that can irritate sensitive skin.
• No animal testing.
  Since our foundation in 2010, we have not tested on animals. We don’t believe in harming animals for our cosmetic purposes and we are working to putting down animal testing.
• High quality. Reasonable prices.
  Rather than conducting costly PR and marketing, the Klairs name has been spread through satisfied customer reviews and word-of-mouth. We will always continue doing our best to provide the highest quality products to our customers for a fair price.

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream rapidly calms sensitive, irritated skin leaving the face comfortably moisturized while also helping to strengthen external barriers. Its signature ingredient, Guaiazulene, a herbal extract of chamomile, soothes and cools down inflamed skin. It is also effective in skin cell regeneration. At the same time, Centella Asiatica extract, derived from a Madagascar-native plant known as ‘tiger grass’, helps damaged skin regenerate and prevents scarring.  It is an amazing, rejuvenating solution for calming all skin types. It can be used by applying to the whole face when dry or by applying to specific areas that require extra calming and soothing treatment.

Price & Quantity: $24.50 for 30 ml

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Polysorbate 60, Candelilla Cera, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Morus Alba Root Extract, Tromethamine, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Guaiazulene, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lecithin, Acetyl Glutamine, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Bacillus/Soybean/Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

Claims: This gentle cream instantly calms and soothes sensitive skin. Star ingredients include Guaiazulene, a natural component extracted from Chamomile Oil with powerful calming effects, and Centella Asiatica that hydrates the skin and relieves redness.

Benefits:

• A refreshing, soothing cream that suits all skin types especially oily skin
• The Blue Cream is made for calming rather than moisturizing, to rapidly soothe the skin in response to irritation.
• Soothes and calms redness caused by pimples and acne
• Helps regeneration in damaged skin and prevents scarring
• Can be used when experiencing irritation & heat flashes after sun exposure
• It is good after pore care, intense laser treatment, long term sun exposure, post-shaving

Availability: It’s available on wishtrend.com, you can use the code FEB10 for an extra 10% discount (Valid only till March 15)

Packaging: It comes in a beautiful glass tub with a spatula. The bottle is sturdy and classy. The 60ml variant comes in a tube packaging which I think is more travel-friendly.

My Experience: I received Klairs Midnight Blue calming cream at a time when my skin was behaving very well for me. This is one of the most hyped-up products from Klairs and I was very excited to use it. All I had read or heard were great reviews about it and I wanted to see how well it’ll work for me. I used it as the last step in my night routine for a few days before I realized that this was a very small tub and would not last me long at all if I keep using it. Since it didn’t show any difference in my skin in the first few days, I put it aside and promptly forgot about it. A few weeks later when my skin was suffering from acne and redness combined with tiny red bumps is when I decided to give this cream another try.

At first, I used it as a spot treatment but didn’t see any visible results so I started using it as the last step in my routines again. Though using it as a sleeping mask ensured that I was going to run out of this cream sooner than expected, it did work better than using it as a spot treatment for me. In the morning it acted as a nice and light moisturizer for my oily skin. It has an almost matte finish and didn’t make the skin oily even after hours. I’m sure people with dry skin would find it lacking as a moisturizer but for my skin, it works, though it is not advertised as such. It’s a lightweight, quick-absorbing, non-sticky, non-greasy cream that soothes the skin.

I saw that my acne was less inflamed, the tiny red bumps less visible, my skin didn’t feel as painful. It took some time to work on me, but in the end, it did help me calm my skin down. In a few days, my skin was calmer and healthier than before. The redness was almost gone, the bumps reduced in size and some vanished completely.

Even though it did calm my skin, I fell that there are other products that calm and soothe my skin faster than Klairs Midnight Blue calming Cream does and are cost-effective as well. People who frequently get sunburned or inflamed skin, I think will benefit more from this. People with sensitive skin will enjoy it as well.

Pros: 

• The ingredient list has some great calming ingredients
• It’s a very beautiful shade of blue, that in itself is so calming
• Is soothing and calming
• It’s lightweight
• Fast absorbing
• Non-sticky, Non-greasy
• Works as a great moisturizer for oily skin
• Is vegan
• Cruelty-Free

Cons:

• It’s costly
• The quantity isn’t that much compared to its price so I don’t think it’s cost-effective

Will I Repurchase: Probably not. This cream while being good isn’t something that I’ll repurchase it again. I can’t justify the cost with the results.

Do I Recommend: People with sensitive skin, or someone who suffers from frequent sunburns, itchiness, inflamed skin, acne, etc this might be worth the investment. Otherwise you can skip on this one as it leans on the costlier side.

Overall summary: 3/5 Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream a nice soothing cream, the beautiful blue color of this fills me with calmness whenever I use it. It has amazing skin-calming ingredients and will work really well for sensitive skin. It heals and soothes irritated, inflamed skin, works on calming acne and redness as well. However, it is a bit on the costly side so fewer points for that.

You can also check out my review for I’m From Ginseng Mask here, which is also available on Wishtrend.

The post Fifty Shades of Blue: Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (Review) appeared first on Ani Speak.

Product Name: By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule

Price & Quantity: $32 for 30ml

Ingredients: Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Propolis Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Panthenol, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Zinc PCA, Pantolactone

Claims: This ampoule contains Houttuynia Cordata Extract effective in soothing acne instead of water and 15% Propolis with powerful antioxidant effects. The product improves acne and sensitive skin through powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and immune system enhancement.

Availability: It’s available on Wishtrend

Packaging: It comes in a glass dropper bottle. I like it a lot because it picks up a dropper full of product each time leaving no space unlike many other droppers that pick up air as well.

Smell: It has almost no fragrance but if you sniff carefully it has a slightly bitter sweet fragrance. You won’t be able to smell it unless you are specifically smelling it and even then the fragrance goes away after 5 seconds so it won’t be a bother at all.

My Experience: I have always stayed away from Propolis products, something about their fragrance and stickiness always bothered me hence I stayed away from it. However, I kept seeing it everywhere and people were all praises for it so I caved and thought I’ll give it a try as well. When Wishtrend offered me the opportunity to try their products I thought of picking up Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampule.

I started using this ampule as a part of my night routine, applying it after toner and before moisturizer. It’s a thick ampule which is very pale yellow in color. Though it’s said to have no fragrance I could smell a slightly bitter sweet scent from it although it’s very faint.  It’s a little sticky upon application but not very much so hence it’s tolerable. I’m really grateful it doesn’t smell like Propolis or I would not have been able to use it at all. It absorbs in the skin readily and will be perfect for those who want a dewy look. It remains sticky for a while but after applying moisturiser it doesn’t bother much.

Coming to it’s effects and benefits, the first thing I noticed was how moisturize my skin felt. It’s a great moisturizer and I think people with dry skin will especially love it’s moisturizing effects. After a few days I started using it as a moisturiser in my morning routine and it worked great. It’s definitely going to be an addition in my winter skincare routine. I can’t say it helped much with Acne as in it didn’t reduce them, however I did notice that my skin looked healthier while I was using this in my routine.  While it didn’t stop acne, which I think isn’t the purpose of this ampule anyway, it help my skin heal faster. My skin felt more plump and dewy when I used this in my routine.

Pros:

• It’s has amazing moisturizing properties and will be a great addition in winter routines
• It gives the skin a dewy look
• It strengthens the skin barrier
• It will suit all skin types

Cons:

• It’s a bit costly
• I’m not sure if wishtrend is still shipping to India so availability might become an issue

Will I Repurchase: Probably.

Do I Recommend: Yes, if you can get your hands on it, it’s worth a try.

Overall summary: By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15%  Ampule is a great moisturising product and a perfect addition to any routine. It aids in the healing of skin and gives a dewy look.

 Read my review of I’m From Ginseng Mask here.

The post Why you need By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule in your routine appeared first on Ani Speak.

2NDesign First Lip Balm Restore & Soothing

Price & Quantity: It costs around $8-$10 for a 15gm jar but you can find it on discount usually for around $5-$6

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosehip oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Glycerin, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol.

Features: 

• Long-lasting strong moisturization lip balm the best solution for your chapped lips
• A moisturizing lip balm that shines your lips
• Can be used as the makeup base to improve the quality of your makeup
• Does not contain any artificial colouring or scent

Availability: It’s easily available on Jolse.com and RoseRoseShop.com

Packaging: It has a beautiful matte baby pink cap with the number 2 printed on it. It’s a beautiful jar and I simply adore it.

Smell: It has no fragrance so people with a sensitive nose will have no issues with this lip balm.

My Experience: When I first used it, I wasn’t expecting very much from it, to be honest. My lips which are perpetually dry like a desert are very hard to impress. So, I started using it and within a few days, I knew I had stumbled upon something amazing! Let’s talk about its packaging first. It’s a very beautiful and sturdy tub with a matte baby pink cap and has the number 2 printed on it in gloss. I love its colour, I’m so happy that I got the pink variant because it’s my favourite colour. It comes in three different variants. The cap colour of each variant is different, Apart from that I don’t think there is much difference.  It also comes in Black and White and they are equally gorgeous. I usually prefer my lip balm in a tube since they are more convenient to carry and apply plus more hygienic. But I’m glad this one comes in a tub since I get such a huge quantity at a very good price.

It is a very very moisturising lip balm. I’m saying that because I noticed that after this lip balm my lips stay moisturised for a very long time. It applies like a gloss and it looks so beautiful that you really don’t need to apply anything else. It improved the texture of my lips as well over time. My lips are now definitely more soft and smooth than before. I apply a generous amount of it during the night and I wake up with soft, smooth, moisturised lips that stay like that even if I don’t apply anything in the morning. Which by the way I had to do prior to this lip balm, otherwise my lips would start cracking up within minutes. Yes, they are that dry and that’s why I’m so impressed with this lip balm.

I currently have around 10-12 lip balms open that I used to use in rotation, since I get bored with them easily but after this, I find it hard to go back to using any other since I have to keep reapplying them every few hours and this one allows me to even forget the need to apply one for hours on end. It has no artificial fragrance or colour. It’s transparent and goes glossy on lips which works well for me. Since I now just go out in this lip balm and nothing else. It doesn’t feel heavy on the lips at all and forms a protective barrier on the lips. Which keeps them soft and smooth

It can be used as a base under the lipstick as well. Though I prefer applying it a few mins prior to the application of the lipstick and then gently wipe it off. That makes my lips soft, moisturised and prepped for the application of the lip balm at the same time ensures that my lipstick doesn’t get runny. Since this is a glossy lip balm there’s a chance of it making the lipstick runny. It does act as a good primer though and helps in keeping the lips moisturized even with matte lipsticks. I have almost finished more than half the tub as you can clearly see because I can’t get enough of this lip balm.

Pros:

• It’s highly moisturising
• It absorbs easily
• Makes the lips soft
• Has no artificial fragrance or colour
• Dermatologically Hypoallergenic tested
• Free from 20 harmful substances

Cons:

• People might find the tub packaging unhygienic. At times even I don’t know what to do with the lip balm left on my finger after I have applied it. So, I started applying that on my elbows and that has made a huge difference.

Will I Repurchase: I will until I find something better than this, which I doubt I will. It’s almost as good as Laneige Lip mask, if not better.

Do I Recommend: Yes, go give this a try. Since its way cheaper than Laneige and might I say better than it.

Overall summary: 2NDesign First Lip Balm Restore & Soothing is my current love. It’s a beautiful pink pot of love that will take care of all you lip woes so silently,  you will forget you even have something on. It repairs, softens, smoothens, and moisturises your lips effortlessly.

The post A Pink Pot of Love: 2NDesign First Lip Balm Review  appeared first on Ani Speak.

Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum

Price & Quantity: $20 for 60ml

Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Carbomer, Arginine, Sclerotium Gum, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ceramide NP

Claims: Let your skin to ‘take’ in all the ingredients it needs at once, like a Buffet.

The serum containing 49% Centella extract that promotes collagen synthesis and activates cell tissues to calm trouble scars. EWG-certified Buffet Serum also contains niacinamide, which balances skin tone with whitening effects, and Panthenol and Adenosine to help improve wrinkles, helping to replenish the skin evenly.

• Instead of just using Centella Asiatica water, Centella Asiatica Leaf is boiled in water and a solvent is used to separate and extract only certain substances.
• A high-quality product is thereby created including a high 49% content of Centella quantitative extract, instead of a small amount.
• The essence has been certified by the Environment Working Group (EWG), a Nonprofit Environmental Organization, focused on safety in the cosmetics sector.

Availability: It’s available on their website Puritoen.com

Packaging: It comes in an emerald green pump bottle which is simple and elegant.

Smell: It smells a bit like green tea. It’s a very faint and pleasant fragrance that doesn’t last for long.

My Experience: I had heard such a lot about the Centella Serum by Purito that I had very high hopes for this one. The Serum is lightweight and non-sticky. It’s a slightly thick serum, what I mean is it’s not watery in consistency. It absorbs quite easy and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness or heaviness. I used it for a week in my right routine but saw no visible results. At that time I was having red bumps all over my cheeks that would not go away no matter what I did. They would settle for a day or two just to return back. My main hope with this serum was to get rid of them. But when I didn’t see any results for a week I was honestly disappointed, I thought it would work and I was about to give up on using it. But I thought to be patient with it since I remember reading that some products that a while before they show results.

Determined with this thought, I keep using this serum religiously in my night routine. By the end of the second week, the red bumps were reduced. I paid no attention to it since I thought they will reappear like always. By the end of the third week, my skin was returning to its original condition i.e. of no tiny red bumps. Finally, after the fourth week, the red bumps were all gone and my skin was back to normal albeit more clearer than it had been in months. I stopped using it in the middle of the fifth week just to see if the red bumps would return. Unfortunately, they did after a week, just the beginning of them, like I could see them covering my cheeks again. Scared I went back to using this serum and within two days they vanished again.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this serum works amazingly well but you have to be patient with it. It gave me clear skin and I will continue using it. Purito Centella serum is worth every penny.

Pros:

• Simple minimalistic packaging
• Clean ingredients
• Works well on calming skin
• Lightweight
• Nonsticky
• Nongreasy
• Absorbs easily within seconds
• Lives up to its claim

Cons:

• Nope, can’t think of any.

Will I Repurchase: As long as I keep having tiny red bumps on my face I will keep repurchasing it. Though I’m hoping when I finish this bottle, I will finish those bumps for good as well.

Do I Recommend: Yes absolutely.

Overall summary: Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum is amazing. It’s lightweight, nongreasy and nonsticky. It absorbs easily and calms skin. It gives an even skin tone and clear skin. This Green bottle of goodness is definitely worth a try. Don’t worry if you don’t see immediate results with it as good things take time.

The post Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Purito is a combined word of “Purify” and “To” (comes from a Chinese character, 土 meaning “Soil”). “Purify” means to purify their natural ingredients to create safe and clean products. “To” means to go back to basics to strengthen and repair collapsed skin barriers.

Purito ABP Triple Synergy Liquid

It’s time to bid adieu to dead skin cells gently and effectively!

ABP is a safe exfoliating toner consisting of only EWG Green Level 1-2 ingredients. The triple synergy effect of AHA, BHA, and PHA, and healthy and effective natural ingredients, e.g. 80% apple water, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, make sensitive and tough skin lively and shiny. Turn a bright light on dull, unbalanced skin tone. Experience a bright clear skin in the refreshing morning.

Price & Quantity: $22 for 150ml

Ingredients: Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, 1,2-Hexanediol,Mandelic Acid, Betaine,  Salicylate, Arginine, Poncirus, Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Allantoin, CaprylylGlycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Panthenol,  Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract

What the Brand says:

• This toner is made by safely blending fat-soluble organic acid (BHA) and water-soluble organic acids (AHA, PHA) to adapt to all types of skins, e.g. dry, complex, and oily skin as well as sensitive skin.
• The dead skin cell toner is certified as safe with only EWG Green Level 1 – 2 ingredients, and none of the harmful substances commonly contained in these types of products.
• It is a healthy dead skin cell removing & moisturizing care toner without ethanol (alcohol), which is commonly contained in artificial fragrances and toners.

Availability: It’s available on Purito and Jolse.

Packaging: It comes in a simple pump bottle packaging. The brand tries to be as eco-friendly as possible with their packaging.

Smell: It has almost no fragrance so it’ll suit people with sensitive noses as well.

Features: This chemical exfoliation product with AHA and BHA uses acid to gently release layers of dead skin, helping to naturally remove built-up dead skin. It has less irritation than physical exfoliants such as scrubs and peels. The product contains naturally derived supplementary ingredients including panthenol and sodium hyaluronate, the skin remains moist and without tightness, even after exfoliation.

My Experience: I have been using this toner for a month now.  It comes in a simple clear bottle that makes it easy to know how much of the toner is left. Purito focuses more on what’s inside the bottle rather than its appearance and I appreciate that since it makes the products more affordable and effective. The toner can be used either directly on the face or by using a cotton pad. I prefer taking some on my hands and patting it directly on the face. It’s a little thicker than water in texture and consistency and a tad bit sticky when first applied, however, the stickiness doesn’t stay for long.

It’s a mild exfoliating toner that will suit all skin types including sensitive skin. It has a Ph level of 4 which makes it a really mild exfoliating toner. It gives my skin a dewy finish and is great for everyday use. It helped in keeping my skin hydrated and moisturised. It reduced the appearance of pores as well as keep the white and blackheads at bay. My skin became smoother after regular use.

Pros:

• Perfect for everyday use
• Works for sensitive skin
• Provides hydration
• Keeps the skin Smooth
• Lessens the appearance of pores
• Helps reduce white and blackheads

Cons: 

• If you are used to strong chemical exfoliants it might not do much for your skin apart from providing hydration

Do I recommend: Yes, it’s a good toner to start chemical exfoliation journey with especially for people who have sensitive skin.

Will I repurchase: Probably not as my skin is used to strong chemical exfoliants than this toner.

Overall summary: It’s a mild toner which will work well if you are just starting chemical exfoliation or have sensitive skin. Since its gentle, it does not irritate the skin or make it sensitive. It absorbs easily and leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It’s a bit gentle for my liking since my skin is used to strong Aha Bha Pha toners but it works great for layering.

The post Perfect for Sensitive Skin: Purito ABP Triple Synergy Liquid Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Everyday makeup, pollution, dirt and other impurities can settle on the skin throughout the day. The oil cleansing method, which has been around for quite a long time, isn’t “washing,” it is a simple method to purge as well as get rid of makeup and dirt while toning and moisturizing the skin at the same time in an easy effortless manner.

The facial cleansing oil is a delicate method to remove all the grimy skin oil that has mixed with bacteria, dirt, grime and other substance on your face and exchange it with clean, nourishing oils that help in balancing the skin’s natural oil.

 2NDesign Pure and Fresh First Cleansing Oil

Price & Quantity: $20 for 200ml.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isohexadecane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil

Availability: It’s available on Jolse and Roseroseshop

Packaging: It comes in simple and elegant packaging. It’s see-through pump bottle which allows you to see how much of it is left. It has a safety lock as which makes it spill proof while travelling.

Smell: It has a very light fragrance which doesn’t last so people with sensitive noses won’t have a problem with it.

My Experience: I use to think double cleansing using oil wasn’t for me since I have oily skin but after seeing the results of doing it, I changed my mind. I have been using it for the past few weeks and my skin feels better than before. It effectively removes all makeup without being harsh on the skin. It doesn’t dry your skin. It emulsifies easily with water. It doesn’t leave any oily residue behind which is a huge plus point. It removes almost all makeup which for me includes BB cream, liner, lipstick, lip tints, eye shadow etc.

I have been using it daily and I was afraid that it might break me out but I can proudly say I was wrong. Just two pumps are enough to clean my whole face. I rub it on my skin for 30 seconds and then wash it off with water. It emulsifies and becomes milky white during the wash. Just plain water is enough to remove it completely. My skin doesn’t feel dry after washing and I can actually see that it’s cleaner than before. I can even see a slight glow after using it. I use a mild cleanser after it just to get rid of any residue left. My skin loves this oil as it’s gentle yet effective and nourishes the skin without making it oily.

Pros:

• Elegant and simple packaging
• Effortlessly removes all makeup
• Easy to clean
• Doesn’t leave behind any oily residue
• Didn’t break me out
• Removes all dirt, grime and impurities
• With regular use, the skin is less prone to breakouts
• Is lightweight

Will I Repurchase: Yes, I like how it works for my skin

Do I Recommend: Yes.

Overall summary: 2Ndesign Pure and Fresh First Cleansing Oil is lightweight, non-greasy and easy to use. It effectively removes most of the makeup dirt and grime leaving the face clean but not oily.

The post Why 2NDesign Cleansing Oil is a must have in your routine appeared first on Ani Speak.

• Cruelty-free
• Ethanol-free
• Paraben-free
• Silicon-free
• Steroid-free
• Artificial coloring-free

Packaging: It comes in an embossed brown cardboard box. I love how beautiful it appears. The mask itself comes in a glass jar with black lid. It’s a thick jar which is eco friendly and can be reused once the mask is over. It also comes with a spatula to scoop out the mask. You don’t have to use your fingertips to do so which ensures the mask will remain free from external germs.


Price– $36.90 but it’s currently on offer for $27.68

Quantity– 120g 
For– All Skin Types
Availability– You can buy this from Wishtrend
Use coupon code- AFFBLACKFRIDAY (until 30 Nov) to get extra Discount

Ingredients- Glycerin, Red Ginseng Extract, Butylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Angelica Pubescens Root Extract, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Malt Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hyaluronic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Fragrance
Claims-

• Skin Detox
• Elasticity
• Nourishing
• Rejuvenating

Features of the Ginseng Mask:
3.97% Ginseng Extract-Formulated with 3.97% concentrated ginseng extract, the Ginseng Mask is designed to naturally open up your pores to deeply cleanse while replenishing the necessary nourishments for healthier, younger skin. Tired of losing elasticity in your skin? Give your skin the energy boost it needs with the Ginseng Mask.

Heating Solution-The natural heating properties of ginseng opens the pores to release impurities, and aids the absorption of active ingredients.
High-concentrate Nutrients-Filling in the skin with nutrients where there once was impurities, this serum thoroughly hydrates the skin to make it shiny and healthy.
Increase Elasticity-The highly-concentrated Ginseng extract tightly adheres to the skin, working to add elasticity to flat, lifeless skin.
Skin Purifying-The concentrated antioxidant properties of the Ginseng extract purifies skin that is fatigued from external stimuli and accumulated waste.
More about the Main Ingredient-6-year-old 3.97% Ginseng extract.
Because ginseng extract is made with a moisture content of less than 14%, it is possible to store the taste, scent and active ingredients of ginseng in a concentrated state for a long time. Meticulous control of temperature, time and pressure is required until one ginseng is made into ginseng extract. Through this process, a new active ingredient unique to ginseng extract was discovered. The I’m from Ginseng Mask is formulated with the concentrate of high-quality ginseng extract at its purest.
During the process of turning ginseng into ginseng extract, changes occur in the percentage of its main components. Ten components that aren’t originally present in ginseng, or were only present in small quantities – such as antioxidants and heavy metal detoxing agents – are newly formed or multiply in content.
The [I’M FROM] Ginseng Line is formulated with ginseng extracts to give antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Smell: It has a very faint spicy fragrance which I assume is what ginseng smells like. The fragrance isn’t overpowering or overwhelming but a nice soft fragrance. It’s not too strong and hence people with sensitive noses won’t have a problem with it.
Shelf life: 12 months after opening.

How to use–

• Apply a generous amount of the mask on clean face
• Massage it gently with your fingers and you will feel the mask warming up 
• After messaging for 5-10 minutes wash it off with cold water.

The mask may thicken due to the change in temperature. This is normal due to the presence of ginseng extract in it. If it’s too thick to use wet fingertips to message the mask as it will soften the texture.

My experience: I was experiencing some breakouts and weakened skin barrier which made my skin react a lot. I had small red bumps on my cheeks that wouldn’t go away. That was when I received this mask which came as a savior. Since Ginseng was something I  was using for the first time I did  a patch test to  make sure I wasn’t allergic to it or didn’t have any adverse reactions to it. As soon as I put a little on my hand and massaged it as instructed I could feel it heating up. Thankfully I wasn’t allergic to it nor did it react with my skin but It was so hard to wait a day to try this mask.

This mask has a similar consistency and texture to honey something which I’m not a huge fan of. I scooped a little mask with the spatula and applied all over my face. The mask was sticky just like honey but spread easily. After a few seconds I started feeling the mask heating up. As I kept on massaging it kept heating. It wasn’t too hot or uncomfortable but a unique experience. It was very interesting to feel this mask heat up. After massaging for about 10-12 minutes I washed it off. The first thing I noticed was that my skin looked plump. My pores appeared minimised and my skin looked clean. This mask didn’t dry out my skin at all. I was wondering if my skin will appear red due to the heat but it wasn’t the case. My skin just felt good. I have used this mask a few times and after each use I feel that my skin looks plump and healthy. I have a feeling I’ll be using this mask a lot during winters because of its heating effect.


Pros

• Amazing ingredients list
• Didn’t react or caused me to break out
• Unique feature
• Easily available
• Works Amazingly well
• Makes the skin look plump
• Isn’t drying on the skin
• Makes the skin appear clean and healthy

Cons

• It has a honey like texture which I’m not a huge fan of.

Overall: 5/5 . I’m From Ginseng Mask is true to it’s claims. It helped my skin restore it’s health and I loved the heating sensations and effects of this mask.
Will I repurchase: Yes! I’m really looking forward to trying the other range from I’m from as well.
Do I recommend: Absolutely. It’s a mask definitely worth trying and keeping in your vanity. 

The post Review: I’m From Ginseng Mask appeared first on Ani Speak.

The post Review: Holika Holika Pure Essence Sheet masks appeared first on Ani Speak.

Sweet Lemon Candy Mask- Whitening+Emollient+Moisture

Mellow Cotton Candy Mask- Moisture+ Nutrition+ Protection
HolidayCandy Mask- Sheen+ Nutrition+ Moisture
Mystic Potion Candy Mask- Moisture+ Nutrition+ Activation
Honey Milk Candy Mask- Moisture+Nutrition+ Energy
Little Witch Candy Mask- Moisture+Nutrition+ Elasticity
Cake Pop Candy Mask- Moisture+Calm+Protection
They performed well up to their claims and out of them The Sweet Lemon Candy Mask and the cake pop candy masks are my favourite.

The post [Candy O Lady] One week candy mask appeared first on Ani Speak.