REVIEW: belif Hungarian water essence

~AG~

This essence contains hydration secrets of the legendary Hungarian Water that enabled Hungarian Queen Elizabeth to maintain her beauty into old age. This product is applied cool like a spritz of water, and clings to the skin lightly without stickiness, prolonging suppleness and softness.

This belief product has been on the backburner of my to-try product list. Finally decided to try it since my Laneige Water Bank essence was empty. This belief Hungarian Water Essence is very light and water-like. It is absorbed quickly into the skin, and does not leave a sticky feeling. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Essence, belif Hungarian Water Essence is not as moisturizing. I feel as though you have to layer it on with moisturizer for desired hydration. With Laneige Water Bank Essence, I can use it as a daily moisturizer without feeling any tightness (caused by dryness). The same cannot be said for belief Hungarian Water Essence, especially since I spend my workdays in an air-conditioned office. 

The GOOD thing about belief is that its products are free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, synthetic preservatives and animal-origin ingredients. This is particularly great for those with sensitive skin like me. Since it is free of synthetic fragrance, belief Water Essence did not have much scent to it. Its plastic packaging makes it safe for traveling, and the pump dispenser makes it easy to dispense the right amount. So far, my sensitive combination skin has not had any adverse reaction to this product. *thumbs up*

This belief Hungarian water essence would work great for those with sensitive skin and/or oily-prone skin. If you are looking for a lightweight essence, this Water Essence from belief should do the trick, but be sure to layer it with a moisturizer for more hydration.

Q&A: Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence

~MG~

Light plastic packaging 

Comes with a dropper applicator

Q: How much did you buy Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence for?
A: When I bought the first bottle at Laneige's retail store, it cost me ~$78. The second bottle was purchased at Shilla Duty Free at Changi Airport for ~$58. It was a $20 price difference!

Q: Why did you decide to try this Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence?
A: This is one of Laneige's global best-seller products. I have seen this essence win my beauty awards. I wanted a product that will help brighten my uneven skin tone, because I have quite a bit of acne scars  Korean beauty products are known for achieving clear, and fair complexion.

Q: What were your expectations of this essence?
A: My hope for this essence was to lighten my acne scars and brighten my complexion. 

Q: How long have you been using it? 
A: Started using the first bottle in February. One bottle lasts me about six months. Now I am on my second bottle. 

Q: Have you see any improvement from the continued used?
A: I think I have seen some improvement in my overall skin tone. My dark acne scars has lightened, though the difference is not very noticeable. 

Q: Does this essence work for acne or combination skin? 
A: Defnitely! It is lightweight and does not cause my skin to breakout. 

Q: Will you repurchase it?
A: Yes, it works fine for my skin. I especially like that the packaging is light, and is not made of glass. It is great for traveling! Unlike Kiehl's serum that has a glass packaging, and was too heavy to travel with. I will recommend this essence for those with uneven skin tone, and for those who want to improve their overall skin tone. The effect is gradual and not as noticeable, but it does help for acne scars. For those with more pigmented scars, I would recommend Laneige White Plus Renew Original Spot Ampoule for a stronger and targeted whitening effects. 

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence

~AG~

I bought this over a year ago in Singapore Changi Airport duty free. However, Laneige has come up with a newer version of the Water Bank Essence. They have re-pacakaged it as well. Anyway, this is my outdated review of this popular product from Laneige. 

The thing that stood out the most regarding this essence is the fresh oceanic scent. It smells wonderful and refreshing. It comes in a pump packaging which makes it convenient for application. The older packaging comes in a glass bottle which is hazardous for travelling. So, I usually the Ren moisturiser when I am travelling. 

Normally, it takes one pump to moisturise my whole face. On occasions when I find that my skin is drier, I use two pumps of the essence. What I love about this essence is that it absorbs quickly and does not feel sticky after application. The essence has a gel moisturiser texture which is rather lightweight. Laneige Water Bank Essence is perfect for this hot and humid weather. 

With my horrible experience with Korean skincare, I was afraid that my ultra sensitive skin was going to have an adverse reaction to Laneige Water Bank Essence. Thankfully, after more than two months of using it, my skin has not had any bumps or red patches. It also does not cause my skin to breakout, and does not clog my pores. Double Yay!!

Since this is a review of the older version of the Laneige Water Bank Essence, which you cannot find in the market anymore. I will have to review the newer version of the Water Bank Essence. I hope the newer version is just as good or even better than the older Water Bank Essence. Please stay tuned! I am  about halfway done with this bottle. 

KOSE Sun Protect Essence Gel

~AG~

I saw this Kose Sun Protect Essence Gel in a magazine recently. A sunscreen in a gel formula sounds very attractive for me. I been on a search for a lightweight oil-free sunscreen that will not clog my pores in this hot and humid weather. When I tested this product at the Kose counter, it felt cooling and hydrating. And it did not leave any white or oily residue. Once my dermatologist gives me the okay to use sunscreen again, I will definitely try it out.

New lightweight water-based sunscreen perfect for daily use.

This lightweight sunscreen glides over the skin without becoming sticky, giving a moisturizing and comfortable finish. Provides lasting hydration care. High UV blocking power reduces ph. SPF 50+/PA++++ thoroughly blocks UV-A which causes photo aging, and UV-B which causes sunburn. With a gel formula, it hydrates and locks moisture inside skin for long hours. The smooth texture blends easily into the skin without white residue. It is suitable to use as a makeup base, enhances application and lasting effect on foundation. Can be used for face and body. Easily removed with regular facial wash or body soap

Key Ingredients:

• Oriental plant extracts (Coix seed extract, Angelica extract, Melothria extract, Peach leaf extract) - for hydration
• Oriental minerals - to protect bare skin
• Glycerin - for hydration

REVIEW: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence

~AG~

The verdict is out for this supposed dupe of SK-II treatment essence. All I can say is that I am sorely disappointed with this product. I really had high hopes for it since there were quite a number of positive reviews.

The first day I used Missha Time Revolution, my skin had severe adverse reaction to it. Tiny red spots start appearing on my cheeks. At first I wasn’t sure it was caused by Missha Time Revolution, and I denied that it was a possible culprit. So I continued using it for two more days, and my skin became worst. My mother and boyfriend commented on the condition of my skin. The adverse effect of the product was very obvious to those around me.

As soon as I stopped using it, the red spots on my cheeks area disappeared. Thus, I can conclude that Missha Time Revolution does not work on my skin. I really wanted this product to work for me. But sadly, this product is a fail on my list.

REVIEW: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

~AG~

•  Used it for over 3 months
• Applied it as a toner with a cotton pad
• I did try applying it as treatment essence by patting it gently on the skin. But I find that using it as a toner works better - since it can help remove excess residues as well as treat the skin.
• Since the product it is expensive, I only use it at night after thoroughly washing my face.
• I started using it when my skin condition was temperamental. My skin had an uneven texture with little bumps and dry areas around the cheeks. This made my skin texture smoother and softer.
• It evened out the skin tone. My dry patches disappeared after subsequent use.
• However, I did not re-buy this product because my skin got better and did fine without it.
• Myth: That once you stop using SK-II treatment essence, your skin will deteriorate or reverse to its original state. I discovered that once my skin was stabilized (no more little bumps or dry patches), it was fine even after prolonged discontinued use.
• This product is worth the money when used as an emergency product - as a special treatment for troubled skin.
• I would recommend this product as a last option, when everything else fails. Because of how expensive it is, it is not affordable for everyday use.