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Review: Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Mask

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Naruko's reputation as a well loved Taiwanese skincare brand has been established for quite some time now and I'm not sure why I haven't jumped into the bandwagon yet. As someone who has been suffering from acne for the longest time, Tea Tree is a staple ingredient in my skincare stash. What better way of being acquainted with the brand than trying out the best selling Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Mask. 

Naruko Tea Tree Mask


Product Description: 

This activated carbon mask is designed to absorb excess oil and prevent acne. It enhances sebum secretion control and maintains oil-water balance for shine & blemish free skin.

Benefits: It cleanses the pores and balances sebum production while providing hydration to reduce blemishes and post blemish marks.
Skin types: For all skin types, especially recommended for oily and troubled skin prone to acne, pimples and visible pores.

How to Use: 

Take out the mask and put it onto the face. Wait for 5-10 minutes, then take it off.

Price: 

P79.00 - Watsons

Ingredients: 

Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Chlorphenesin, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Serenoa Serrulate Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Piroctone Olamine, Kalanchoe Spathulata Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Alpina Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract, Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance
All products parabens preservative free.

Packaging:

The mask comes in a matte green minimalistic packaging which shows the brand's name. It's smaller than usual masks and is perfect to bring along during travels. 

Scent: 

It smells like some sort of medicinal herbal oil or is closer to menthol. Perfect for the tita in you but if you hate scents on your skincare products, then not so much.

Material:

I honestly did not expect the mask to be black. You'd think the 'activated charcoal' bit would give it away right? I had a hard time unfolding the mask, probably because it was thick and sticky. Fortunately, I didn't rip the sheet because it was sturdy enough. I imagine some people could feel uncomfortable wearing this because of how thick it is. 

Fit was nice but it did not cover my entire forehead. Having a big forehead sucks when it comes to sheet masking. It did adhere well though. 

Essence:

The packet contained a lot of essence, however, the mask was just perfectly soaked. The essence was clear and runny but it was not drippy at all. It was also absorbed well by my skin. 

Naruko Tea Tree Mask


Results:

Upon application, there was a warm but soothing feeling. Like the sensation you get when you rub efficascent oil (hello inner tita!). This feeling lingers even after 5 minutes of use. It was kind of tacky afterwards but it did eventually dry out well. Sheet mask is very refreshing. It left my skin looking matte yet feeling moisturized. There was also a noticeable brightening and pore minimizing effect after use. 

Pros:

  • Travel friendly packaging
  • Smells like menthol - the tita in me is happy
  • Mask is thick, sturdy and not easily ripped.
  • Adherence was good.Had a lot of essence but was not drippy.
  • Warm and soothing effect. 
  • Left skin looking matte but feeling moisturized. 
  • Minimized appearance of pores.
  • Noticeable brightening effect


Cons:

  • Has a strong scent
  • Hard to unfold
  • Did not cover my entire forehead. 
  • Can be uncomfortable because of how thick the mask is. 


Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought the Naruko Tea Tree Mask was fantastic. It had a brightening, moisturizing, mattifying and soothing effect which is true as was promised. Given the affordable price, it's performance is amazing. Too bad I did not have any prominent blemishes when I tried this mask, I think it would definitely have helped. I've seen how this mask helped calm down blemishes based on other reviews. It would be perfect for people who have oily skin, because of it's mattifying properties. This is the first mask I tried from Naruko and it certainly left a good impression. Can't wait to try out more products from this well loved Taiwanese beauty brand. 


Review: Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask

Friday, April 10, 2020

If you follow my insta stories, you’ll know that I love Jumiso Masks. Curiously enough, this is their first appearance on my blog. 😱 Read on for a detailed review of Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask. 

Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask Review

Product Description: 

Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask contains egg-shell membrane that’s rich in collagen to help enhance your skin elasticity. The cupra sheet is made out of 100% mildest cotton yarn, with the finest quality. This makes the sheet mask breathable and adhere better.

Packaging:

Like all of Jumiso's Sheet Masks, this one comes in a cute and simple packaging. I appreciate Jumiso's concept of showing a girl sheet masking while doing daily tasks - so relatable especially for busy ladies. Skincare at any time right? I feel sad every time I rip open a packet (because I ruin the packaging, haha!). Even the texture of the plastic packaging itself has a different feel than any other masks I have tried.

Scent:

It’s smells a bit like lychee. But it’s just a really faint smell though. Not too disturbing.

Material:

Opening the packaging, you immediately notice a net mesh. This is very helpful because the mask is super thin and soft. It makes handling it easier and so that the mask doesn’t rip easily. You use the mesh to position the mask on your face and once that is done, you remove the mesh layer to reveal the most glorious sheet mask texture I have ever tried.

The sheet mask is really really soft. My face feels loved every time I use it. It’s as if it hugs my face and settles to become another layer of it, you know, instead of feeling like I have a sheet mask on (even if I actually do 😂). It’s also adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about the fit too much. But it could be better though, especially on the mouth portion.

Let me talk about adherence. Oh wow. I can basically do anything with this sheet mask on my face and it still wouldn't budge.

When removing the mesh. 

Essence:

The essence is yellow-ish. Probably because of the egg component? Or maybe because of the lighting in my room? Haha. I’m not sure. It’s a bit runny and drippy too, but not too drippy that it runs down your neck. 

There’s so much essence! I swear. I saw a video once where Ara (Jumiso’s main ambassador) used the excess essence on her arms and neck. So I did that too. The essence could get a bit tacky after use but I usually wipe it off with a facial tissue and every thing is okay.

Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask Review

Results: 

I do feel that my face is glowing and bouncy every time I use it. Really perfect to use before a special occasion.

Pros:

  • Cute packaging
  • Has a mesh to help you position the mask on your face
  • Texture is heavenly soft.
  • Adherence = 100%
  • Generous amount of essence
  • Fit feels like a huge warm hug for the face.
  • Glow and bouncy skin after use.

Cons:

  • Has a scent (lychee-like)
  • Drippy and a bit tacky essence
  • Fit could be better, especially around the mouth.

Final Thoughts:

The overall sheet masking experience, along with the great effect has earned the Jumiso Chewy Elasticity Mask a place on my favorite sheet masks list. However, I will only use this for special occasions since I am trying to be conscious of my plastic consumption. 

I described this as a warm hug for your face, go on girl, try one now. You deserve it. ❤️

Review: Pure Smile Choosy Lip Mask (Peach)

Saturday, April 4, 2020

With the rise in popularity of matte liquid lipsticks also comes the rise of the chapped lips problem. To keep the overall matte look, matte lipsticks are usually drying so it is important to keep your lips hydrated and moisturized. Otherwise, your lips will look like a deserted island - with cracks and such. That’s not a beauty look we'll be aiming for, probably ever! So lip masks have found a growing market as well. It promises to keep lips moisturized while reducing fine lines. This blog post will be about my review of the Pure Smile Choosy Lip Pack in Peach. 

pure smile choosy lip mask in peach


Product Description:

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Patch contains Vitamin E, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. It comes in 5 variants: Peach, Milk, Fruit, Herb and Honey.

How to Use:

  1. Remove dirt and extra things an cleanse your face with your preferred cleanser. 
  2. Adhere the pack to the lip. 
  3. For 5-30 minutes, let the moist penetrate the lip and slowly peel off. When the drying is sever, apply mineral water to your lips. 

pure smile choosy lip mask in peach

Packaging:

The lip mask comes in a plastic packaging which matches the color of the mask, depending on the variant. It has a puckered lips on the front of the packaging, which drew me to this product. All information are in Japanese, though there is a white sticker that has the ingredients and instructions posted in it in English. The lips mask itself is housed in a white plastic sheet that probably helps keep the moisture within the hydrogel mask and to maintain its shape. 

Scent: 

I usually prefer my skincare to be unscented, but for lip masks, I actually like nice smelling ones. There was a slight peachy scent, which I liked. But it did not last once placed on the lips. 

pure smile choosy lip mask in peach


Material: 

The lip mask was rather larger than my lips, any lips on Earth for that matter. It has a hydrogel texture - kinda like the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Eye Patches. I do love hydrogel patches and this one was leaning more towards a gelatinous kind of texture. 

Results:

Upon opening the packet, I noticed that there was not a lot of essence remaining on the packaging. Probably because the hydrogel mask has absorbed it all. Since the mask is large, it wasn’t hard to set it up on your lips. It tasted and smelt good, like peaches. You’re supposed to use it for 5-30 minutes, that’s a huge time range. To make use of my money’s worth, I opt to use it until the 30 minute mark. It was not very adhering, so you might want to lie down. The mask will slip off if you keep moving - which I did. It was weird to not be able to speak. I’ve read that people would cut a hole to be able to speak but for me, that is too much work. It did give a moisturizing and tightening feeling afterwards. My lips felt smoother and also plumper. However, this effect did not last. Maybe just less than an hour. My lips still had fine lines. 

Pros:

  • Cute packaging
  • Light peachy scent and taste
  • Affordable
  • Moisturizes and softens lips
  • Large mask coverage

Cons:

  • Mask is not very adhering
  • You should stay still and not talk while wearing the mask so it does not slide off.
  • Did nothing for my lips lines
  • Moisturizing and smoothing effect did not last long
pure smile choosy lip mask peach
Left: Pure Smile Choosy Lip Mask when worn; Right: After using Pure Smile Choosy Lip Mask


Final Thoughts

Although the Pure Smile Choosy Lip Mask in Peach did soften and moisturize my lips, the effects only last for less than an hour. I do not think that is worth the trouble of going through the 30 minutes of not moving nor speaking just to get the lip mask to stick. There are better masks and products out there to keep your lips moisturized. I would probably stick with my Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for now. But even if it was not very effective, it was none the less enjoyable to experience.  

I'm From Mugwort Mask Review, Is Mugwort The New IT Ingredient?

Saturday, January 19, 2019

2018 was definitely the year of Cica (Centella Asiatica, see my highlight review on Rovectin's Cica Care Sleeping Pack). However, during the later part of the year, we have seen an unlikely contender ready to launch and reign over 2019. That ingredient is no other than Mugwort. So what is Mugwort and why is it suddenly popping out in our beauty products ingredients lists? I've been sent I'm From's Mugwort Mask from Wishtrend, proceed below to know more about Mugwort and a review of this trending product.

I'm From Mugwort Mask
I'm From Mugwort Mask - 30ml Sample Size

What is Mugwort?

Mugwort is a plant that is native to Asia, North America and Northern Europe but is also found globally. It is an herb in the daisy family (artemesia) which can grow up to 6ft tall during the summer season. It is commonly used for medicinal purposes, insect repellent and even as a food ingredient. For more information, read about it in WebMD. 

As an herb that grows naturally in Korea, Mugwort (also called 'tea tree' in Korea) has been widely known for treatments and detoxing effect. This is effective for treating acne, troubled, irritated skin and also well regarded for its soothing and cleansing properties.

Mugwort Skin Benefits: 

  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Anesthetic
  • Skin Calming
  • Prevents/Stops rashes, itching and irritation
  • Anti-inflammatory
Note: Mugwort can cause allergic reactions leading to sneezing and sinus-related symptoms, and can cause contact dermatitis and/or rashes in some people. People allergic to peaches, apples, celery, carrots, sunflower and other plants should avoid it. 

About the Product

The I'm From Mugwort Mask is a wash off mask to calm and soothe the skin. Containing 2.1% of mugwort, full of vitamins and minerals, it quickly soothes irritation and redness while having a cooling and calming effect. The mild gel formulation contains mugwort powder to regulate the heat of the skin as soon as it touches the skin. Apply a thick layer of the mask on areas with acne or inflammation. Find instant calming and healing of these skin troubles.

I'm From, although relatively new in the skincare industry, is a brand that is already making waves by putting a spotlight on natural skincare ingredients. Their brand promises that (1) There will be transparency with the ingredient that they use; (2) They will only use honest materials and processes; (3) They will not use any harmful additives. The brand is also proudly cruelty-free and completely transparent about the source and origin of their materials (including the farm where their primary ingredients are harvested), hence the name, I’m From.

I'm From Mugwort Mask
I'm From Mugwort Mask

The Mugwort used for their Mugwort Mask is said to be from Ganghwa, Korea, a marine climate. Since it is surrounded by the ocean, the air is not dry and this type of climate is optimal for growing mugwort, thus, improving the quality of the herb. They harvest during May, when the plants have peek vitality and energy and then ages it for 3 years in a traditional manner.

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Powder (2.1%), 1,2-Hexanediol, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Methylpropanediol, Ligularia Fishceri Leaf Extract, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Carbomer, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA. 

Learn more about the ingredients here: SkinCarisma

How to Use:

Apply a thick layer of Mugwort Mask after cleansing and spread evenly. Rest for 5-10mins and rinse gently with water. 

Price/Where to Buy:

$35 dollars at Wishtrend (currently on sale, 25% off) / Approximately 1800 PHP

My Experience

Packaging

The I'm From Mugwort Mask I received was in its 30ml sample size tube packaging which is really cute and travel friendly. It does remind me of Harry Potter since it kind of looks like something that would blend in the Wizarding World, don't you think? 

The original packaging is in a 110g glass jar which looks sturdy and elegant just like all other I'm From masks. The full size also comes with its own spatula for hygienic purposes. The box that comes with it has mugwort leaves embossed in it which is a nice touch. The actual coordinates and other necessary information are also shown in the box.

I'm From Mugwort Mask
I'm From Mugwort Mask - Original Size (Photo from Wishtrend.com)

Scent

Description of the scent really varies. Some describe it as smelling like something herbal, some say it smells like dirt or the smell of grass when it rains, but I say it smells like toothpaste. I'm pretty weird in my scent descriptions though. Haha! My friend mentioned that it smells like spearmint. I find it very relaxing.

Texture

The mask is a thick brownish gel with suspended finely grounded mugwort leaves bits and pieces. Kinda like jam with strawberry bits. This is truly something you don't see quite often in wash off masks. I like that you can truly feel connected with the natural ingredients in the product because you can legitimately see and feel it. 

Application

Letting the incredible texture of the I'm From Mugwort Mask touch my face was exciting. It spreads easily when applied using my fingers. A thin layer is enough but you can add more product if you wish. It is advisable to put a thicker layer on your problem areas. Upon application, a strong cooling sensation is recognizable. This was a nice relaxing feeling and lasted up until the recommended 10 minute masking time is over. There was an instant relief and soothing effect on my breakouts as well. It also reduced redness and calmed my pimples. 

Take note that this product is intended to "sit" on the skin and not be "rubbed". Your skin might be irritated with the rubbing action, especially since there are bits of mugwort that are irregular in shape and size. 

I'm From Mugwort Mask
I'm From Mugwort Mask Texture

Results

I recently had a terrible breakout. Due to this breakout, I toned down my skincare routine as a skin reset and went back to the basics: aloe vera gel, salicylic acid cleanser, a simple toner. To turn my skincare game up a notch, I have been applying a thin layer of the I'm From Mugwort Mask on ground zero every night and I believe that this has made all the difference. I initially planned on doing this for 7 days straight to see the effects but I didn’t find the need to. It turned out to be super effective, my skin loves it! I noticed that my breakouts were starting to calm down on as early as Day 2. Pimples were completely dead on Day 5. The results were simply amazing. I will now always reach out for this every time I see evil pimples looming over my face.

My Thoughts

PROS:

  • Scent is very relaxing.
  • Free spatula!
  • Interesting texture with bits and pieces of Mugwort leaves; you can really feel the natural-ness of this product because of this.
  • Cooling and refreshing upon application.
  • Soothes redness and calms breakouts.
  • Gentle enough to be used daily.
  • Significantly reduced and calmed my breakouts in as early as 2 days.
  • Easy to wash-off.
  • Spreads smoothly.

CONS:

  • Scent (might be disturbing to some people but jot for me!)
  • Texture (might be disturbing to some people but not for me!)
  • Not designed to be massaged onto face. Some people do prefer to massage their mask for added relaxation during pamper time.
  • A bit steep on the price range.
  • Can be a bit messy to wash-off.

Final Thoughts

I'm From Mugwort Mask
I'm From Mugwort Mask

I actually did not love the I'm From Mugwort Mask at first use, probably because I didn’t have any inflammation then. But I used it again when I did and it definitely made a huge amount of difference. It calmed my skin and significantly reduced redness. It also contributed much in helping my pimples die down. I love the cooling and soothing effects this mask has. The scent is also very relaxing, so it does not only calm my skin, it calms my senses too. But if you want a mask that you can massage onto your face, try I’m From’s Ginseng or Honey Mask instead because this one is not what you are looking for.

Also, it is important to note that I’m From is a brand that I didn’t know much about when I received this product. But since then, I have grown a deep appreciation for the brand itself, as well as its products. I want to try sooooo much stuff from their mask collection (hi Vitamin Tree and Volcanic Mask!❤️). 

Also, to answer my previous question, yes, I think that Mugwort is definitely the ingredient to watch this 2019. I can't wait to see where it takes us this year. 

Have you tried any masks from I'm From? Let me know in the comments section!


Note: Product was provided by Wishtrend. All thoughts are my own. Your product experience might be completely different from mine. 


Review: Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Ever saw a product being given extremely positive reviews and you can't wait to get your hands on it, hoping it'll be the answer to all your skin concerns? Well, that happened to me for Elujai's Propolis Mrryh Ample Light. 

The Elujai Propolis Mrryh Ample Light was raved upon by some of my friends from the Asian Beauty Community- Philippines. They said that it reduced their breakouts, lightened up scars and made their skin baby soft. My interest was fueled further with new Propolis products sprouting here and there. It seems to be a promising 'it' ingredient recently. You can only imagine my excitement when it got restocked at Dara Beauty Market, a local Kbeauty shop in Cebu.

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light


First things first before we proceed with this review. A brief introduction for the star ingredient, Propolis. 

What is Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce from tree buds sap flows. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives. as well as function as a natural disinfectant against bacteria. This property of protecting the beehives is said to apply the same way to our skin. (Source)

It is even said that Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, ancient icon of beauty, started using propolis (then used as an embalming ingredient) on her skin.

Propolis Benefits:

  • It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral. 
  • It smoothens and softens skin. 
  • It is moisturizing. 
  • It soothes inflammations. 
  • It is free-radical fighting. 
  • It controls oil production. 
(Source) 

About the Product

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is an ample/ampoule which contains honey extract. It gives moisturizing abilities on the skin, prevents dryness and helps to manage moist skin. Also, it improves the condition of the skin and manages healthily with royal jelly extract, propolis extract and etc., because it stimulates the circulation of a cycle on the skin. Effects: Anti-Wrinkle, Whitening Functional Cosmetics.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Denatured Alcohol, Niacinamide, Propolis Extract Powder, Red Ginseng Water, Green Tea, Shea Butter Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Chamomile, Triethanol Amine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adenosine, Sodium Iodide, Dipostassium Glycryrrhizate, Fragrance, Powdery Martian Extract, Manganese Berry Extract, Leaf Bend Flower Extract, Freesia Flower Extract

For more information about the ingredients, please click here.

How To Use

Apply 3-4 drops on clean face and rub or gently pat on entire face.

Price/Where to Buy

130 PHP at Dara Beauty Market. 

My Experience

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Packaging

The product comes in a 15ml amber colored glass bottle. The bottle also contains a dropper for hygienic and convenient application. The bottle doesn't seem full upon opening because some of the product is already inside the dropper. You can easily see that the dropper is made of cheap materials because it's not as sturdy as other droppers I have tried. Product is so cheap that I can let this go. I love the packaging overall. It looks elegant and is extremely photogenic. I do wish they'd package this in bigger bottles. 

Scent

I love the smell! It smells like baby powder and that may bother some people but I honestly love it. 

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Texture

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is, by its namesake, very very light. You can even apply this during the mornings. The liquid is clear and a bit viscous but is not too thick either.  Texture allows it to be easily spread throughout the face. 

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Application

Dropper makes application easier. Product is easily absorbed by the skin. Immediately, I feel my skin is smoother and moisturized. I also noticed that I felt some soothing feeling on my existing pimples. It doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky too. 

Results

I slowly incorporated it into my routine and it did not work for me at all. Not only that, after a few days of use, I had some tiny bumps and pimples all over my chin! I am acne-prone but I don't usually breakout in this area so I do not think that this is purging. Also, the pimples that developed were also itchy which is not common for me. Some were huge and some were small in size. I have to admit that it did moisturize my face and I did see how soft it made my skin. 

I decided to stop using it and my breakouts started to heal. I gave it another chance after a few weeks and boom, just like that, same effect. I woke up with new bumps and pimples on my chin area again.  😱 I knew I had to stop using it since my skin was reacting negatively. 

My breakouts were large and inflamed which is not common for me.

My Thoughts

PROS:
  • Very cheap. 
  • Lovely bottle.
  • Comes with a dropper.
  • Light and is not tacky.
  • Moisturizes skin.
  • Smells like baby powder. 
  • Soothes breakouts.
  • Softens skin.
CONS:
  • Made me breakout.
  • Not easily available or always sold out. 
Although Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light worked for so many people, it sadly did not work me. I wanted this product to work so bad because I love how affordable and soothing it is. I really love the powdery scent too! It did moisturize and soften my face but the effect is not worth all the breakouts that were popping out. 

I also wanted to thank this product. It made me realize that my skin does not receive honey based products well. In skincare, it’s beneficial to find out what ingredients your skin likes and what it loathes so you know what you want to avoid.

I still won’t discredit Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light. It did work well for a lot of people, so it might just work for you. If you’re not sensitive to honey, then it might be worth a try. If you are, then heed my warning and STEER CLEAR!

Repurchase?

No. 

Have you tried Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light before? Let me know in the comments below.

Note: This post is not sponsored in any way. All thoughts are my own. Your product experience might be completely different from mine. 





Review: Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Sensitive and irritated skin will never be in trend. Unfortunately for us, due to our lifestyle and stress that is what most of us end up with. How often do you wish to go back to what your skin looked like when you were younger? Do you wish to repair all damages time have caused? Rovectin, a cosmeceutical skincare brand which comes from luxury cosmetic laboratory in Santa Monica, CA, USA, understands this sentiment.

They recently launched their Cica Care Product Line to target our skin concerns. The Cica Care Line consists of three products: Cica Care Purifying Toner, Cica Care Balm and the Cica Care Sleeping Pack (review here). I was lucky enough to be chosen by Style Korean to test out some of these products. One of which is the Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner.

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner
Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner

About the Product

The Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner is a gentle toner which refines and soothes irritated skin with madecassoside and panthenol. It enhances skin-related quality of life and tolerability from extremely stressed skin conditions. It is a toner packed with benefits for your tired and damaged skin. This toner not only helps cure damaged and sensitive skin, but its ingredients also help hydrate, whiten, and prevent wrinkles.

Ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Sodium Citrate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Phosphatidylcholine, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Lysine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline

Active ingredients and functions: 


  • Houttuynia Cordata and Centella Asiatica - soothes and calms allergic skin condition
  • Madecassoside - helps regenerate skin cells to make the skin looks more supple, glowing, and healthy 
  • Ceramide and Panthenol - helps strengthen the barrier of the damaged skin

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner
The bottle is so sturdy!

How to Use

Use morning and night, after cleansing. Sweep over face and neck, avoiding eye area. 

Price/Where to Buy

1728 PHP or 32 USD at Style Korean. They ship internationally and offer free shipping for a minimum order total cost.

Though it may look pricey, the large size (260ml) compensates for it. Typical toners have 180ml of content at 1200 PHP. Calculating per milliliter:

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner - 1728 PHP/260ml = 6.65 PHP per mL
Other toners - 1200 PHP/180ml = 6.67 PHP per mL
Practically the same right?

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner

My Experience

Packaging

It comes in  a sturdy plastic container that allows proper dispensing of the product. The container is also frosted which elevates the design to a whole new level. All necessary information are printed and clear. The 280ml product content is a lot too! I imagine it'd last me many months.

Scent

I was initially thrown off by the scent. It smells herbal-ly. But now, I have learned to appreciate this. It smells really clean (there is no such scent! haha, you get it). No fragrance is added though, so this is what the ingredients really smell like when combined. Others have indicated a lavender scent, which I honestly don't smell.

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner
My hands are dirty! Haha. I'm eating popcorn while I took this shot.

Texture

The Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner is watery - hence, a runny texture. I have to use it using a cotton pad. I waste too much product when I apply it using my palms. It is clear and does not have any additional colors.

Application

Upon application, there is a slight cooling sensation. It absorbs unto my skin quickly, much quicker than my Klairs Supple Preparation Toner. I hate waiting for products to absorb since I am always rushing. I also feel that my skin is instantly hydrated too and that it is ready to absorb the rest of my skin care products. 

Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner

Results

I noticed that after using this product for a few days, it calmed down the breakouts I had on my skin. Seriously, I have been so sleep deprived these days that breakouts are inevitable. It helped reduce some of the redness I was experiencing in my face as well. It removes impurities and dirt that my cleanser can't. I also feel that it soothes the irritated parts of my skin and is making my skin 'heal'. I find that it's refreshing to use, especially at night. I did not see an effect on brightening and wrinkle prevention though. 

My Thoughts

PROS
  • Hypoallergenic
  • No Parabens
  • No added fragrance
  • No Colorant
  • No Mineral Oil
  • Soothes Irritation
  • Contributes to skin healing
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Leaves skin hydrated
  • Calms down breakouts
  • Reduces redness
  • A lot of product with 260ml of content
  • Refreshes the skin
CONS
  • Smells herbal and can be overbearing
  • Needs to be applied using a cotton pad/ball
  • No noticeable brightening effects
  • No noticeable wrinkle prevention effects
  • Very pricey
I generally like the Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner. The pros are greater than the cons. I like how it soothes my skin and how it aids my skin's healing process. My breakouts are ever thankful. I also like how it feels refreshing and how it calmed down my pimples. I don't like how runny it is. I still prefer to use my palms in applying toner as cotton pads absorb so much product, which is a waste.

Although the Rovectin CICA Care Purifying Toner is an incredibly great toner, I find that it is also incredibly above my price range, though price is made up for by more product. If I had not been given a chance by Style Korean to try this out, I would never even have considered this. However, Rovectin is such a great brand and I completely support their brand's mission (see here).

Repurchase?

Maybe if it goes on sale, perhaps around 50% off.

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Have you tried this product? How did it work for you? What's your favorite Toner? Let me know in the comments below.


Note: This product was provided by Style Korean for a review but all thoughts are my own and are not influenced by the brand and/or its affiliates. 

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