Review | LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner

Toners have come such a long way from being just a product that you use as the next step in cleansing. These days, you can find all kinds of toners out there, ranging from hydrating and exfoliating ones to soothing and mildly-formulated toners for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Just choose the right ones based on your skin concerns. I myself love layering different toners; from the most lightweight to the thickest in terms of texture. I always start with an exfoliating toner, especially in my evening skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and make way for the rest of my skincare products to be well absorbed.

However, my toner-layering method just stopped working when I had the worst allergic reaction that caused my skin to become red, irritated, and flaky, or so I thought. As it turned out, I needed to combine a moisturising toner with a stronger exfoliating toner; Glycolic Acid treatment to really smooth out the flaky skin. I've tried several different toners that are powered by Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides, and other hydrating ingredients, but I kept my options open. One day, I got my hands on a deluxe-sized sample of the Cream Skin Refiner from one of my favourite Korean skincare brands under AmorePacific, LANEIGE. I think it's safe to say that my search for a hydrating toner is over and I quickly got myself the full-sized product. Before I go further into this highly-raved skin care product, let's get to know it a little bit more.

Product Description:

A Cream that melts into a Skin Refiner. This hydrating skin refiner provides ample moisture to the skin at the very first step of skincare routine.

Capacity: 150ml

Ingredients:

Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.

Packaging:

The Cream Skin Refiner comes in a pretty frosted glass bottle. Want to bring it along during your travels? Transfer some into a travel-friendly bottle to prevent accidental breakage.

 

There's simple product description printed on the back side of the box but also full description in the brochure that comes with every LANEIGE product.

Highlight on the ingredient; White Leaf Tea Water that's rich in amino acids that soothe the skin and reinforce the skin moisture barrier, making the skin truly healthy - which I have to agree!

Notice the sticker below there? That's the proof I've got mine (the first bottle) from LANEIGE Malaysia via their Official Lazada store during the product launch online before the stocks hit their beauty counters in departmental stores, etc. The promotion was to get a bottle at the retail price and get the miniature in 50ml for free. Definitely appreciate that as I've been traveling and I just love carrying this in my office bag so I can replenish my moisture in my mid-day skincare routine; layers of this toner and reapply my sunscreen.

 

The product features a unique cap that I have not encountered before. It has a lock system to prevent spillage, so make sure you twist the cap until you hear the 'click' sound. Notice the relief at the neck of the bottle?

The expiry date is printed at the bottom of the bottle in YYYYMMDD (Year-Month-Day) format. 

APPLICATION

 

The toner has a milky-looking watery texture that felt nice on my skin. I always use cotton pads for first liquid-based product application after cleansing routine, but if I were to use first treatment essence, serum, or ampoule prior to this toner, then I would apply it by pouring a few drops into my palms and spread it well on my face.

THOUGHTS

Once applied, the toner slightly dries down and my skin felt so nicely hydrated. I followed up with thick-textured essence, serums, and/or ampoules after this toner; essentially the rest of my skincare routine. On lazy nights when I'm too exhausted to do my usual full routine, I'd be deep cleansing my skin and applying this toner several times before putting on a sleeping mask. I'd still be waking up with well-moisturised skin!

I didn't use the Cream Skin Refiner every day as I still love layering lightweight hydrating toners on daily basis. However, this toner is the only one I'd be using after every Glycolic Acid-infused product. The reason is because this toner really helps in replenishing moisture loss as glycolic acid can potentially dry out and irritate my skin. Thanks to the White Leaf Tea content (high in amino acid), it provides better moisturisation hence strengthens the skin barrier. I can totally tell that my skin is feeling much smoother.

If you have normal to oily skin that's dehydrated like mine, a single layer of this toner would be suffice. If you have dry to normal skin, then I'd recommend layering this toner at least 2 times per application in your morning and night skincare routines.

Overall, I give this toner a 5/5! I love it; it works well with my dehydrated skin. Plus, it helps so much in repairing my skin when it was recovering from the flaky situation. Now that I'm about to finish my first bottle after about 2 months (at the time of this post), I'm glad that I purchased another one (and then some more) as backup.

Have you tried this lovely hydrating toner? Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Until next post, annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE PRODUCT   |||

LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner | RM125 on HERMO

||| Official links |||

Website | https://www.hermo.my/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HermoMalaysia
Instagram | http://instagram.com/hermomy

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. This product was sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Review | AllYoung X Elle Clean Beauty Foaming Facial Cleanser and Moist Beauty Iris Water-Like Oil

Last month, I've received another package from AllYoung Malaysia containing two products from Elle™ a brand used by AllYoung under license from Hachette Filipacchi Presse SA, France. I wasn't at all aware that Elle™ actually have a skincare division but being part of probably the largest magazine publishing business focusing on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment that just might be possible. Let me know if you have further information because the related websites are in Chinese so feel free to throw in some legit information.

Now, the first product that I want to get into is the face cleanser.

Elle Clean Beauty Foaming Facial Cleanser

Product Description:

The fine-textured foam contains 30% of Amino Acid ingredient which gently cleanses pores, moisturises and locks hydration within your skin. It will leave you with a radiant, smooth and glowing complexion.

Features:

• Refreshing Oceanic fragrance
• Chondrus Crispus Extract; rich in collagen which forms an invisible protective film on skin.
• Add-in 30% Amino Acid ingredient; helps to remove dirt easily, lock in moisture and slow down the loss of water from the skin. Provides intense skin moisture for long-lasting hydration.

Ingredients list:

Aqua, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, PEG-32, PEG-6, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Glycerin, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCL, Maltodextrin, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Panthenol, Hexylene Glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Hyaluronate.

How to Use:

Apply sufficient amount of foaming cleanser onto hands with some water and work it till it lathers. Gently massage lather onto skin and leave it on skin for few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. For day and night use.

Capacity: 105g

Packaging:

 

The cleanser came in its own box with a very minimal design; white with simple product descriptions on it. Note that the Period After Opened is only 6 months.

 

There's ingredients list printed on the label at one of the sides and the manufacturing and expiration dates are printed at the bottom of the box.

 

The same goes to the tube that houses the product; white and simple product descriptions on it while at the back of the tube, there's instruction on how to use and expiration date printed on. Basically, you can just throw out or better yet, recycle the box right away because all the information you need is right on the tube.

Unlike most facial cleansers I've encountered so far, this comes with twist cap which is somewhat inconvenient to me as I'm used to regular flip caps.

Application:

 

This product is creamy but once lathered, it is less foamy compared to your regular cleanser and can be easily rinsed off. I usually squeeze out 1cm size of cleanser onto palm (or at the back of your hand like me), lather with water until you get a foamy consistency. Massage gently onto wet face and gently cleanse for 30 seconds. Wash it off with water thoroughly.


Thoughts:

As you probably noticed on my social media; Instagram, I've been using this cleanser regularly; alternating with my other gentle cleansers in the morning and I do love how less bubbly the foam is as it doesn't dry out my skin even after massaging my skin thoroughly. My skin also feeling nice and smooth afterwards.

Elle Moist Beauty Iris Water-Like Oil

Product Description:

A new revolutionary oil and water balanced skin care. Get a fresh bubbly touch for activating of your nature beautiful skin with extra moisture.

Perfectly balances with Argan Oil (ECOCERT and NATRUE certified) and Alaria Esculenta Extract for performing a maximum affection. Yet it provides energies upon skin which will result in a better, healthier, glowing skin from inside out. Also effectively boosts the production of collagen hyperplasia, tighten and smooth wrinkles, finally, to regain the perfect elastic of your natural beautiful skin.

Ingredients list:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol Isostearate, Isododecane, Argan Oil, Squalane, Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Butylene Glycol, Iris Florentina Root Extract.

How to Use:

• Daily skincare: after cleanse your face, apply a small amount as a moisturiser and gently massage onto your face neck area till it's well-absorbed into skin. Use with a certain portion of lotion or serum for better hydrated result.
• With makeup: Mix an ample amount of foundation, apply evenly on face and neck area and gently massage it for fast absorption and long-lasting perfect makeup.
• Multi-purpose: Apply just a few amount on your lips to avoid cracked lips, apply on hair to protect split ends; massage your entire body with it for a relaxation and refreshing feeling. Minimum product, maximum results.

Capacity: 25ml

Packaging:

 

As you can see, the box is simply designed; I'd take it as the brand intends to focus more on the product itself, them being their ultimate acne solution skincare products. Do note that these products are to be used within 6 months after opening.

There's English product descriptions at the back and side of the boxes which are nice considering the brand is originating from Taiwan.

 

There's English product ingredients list at the back with the Expiration and Manufacturing dates printed at the bottom of the box.

 

The 25ml-worth of product comes in that cute transparent bottle with simple product description on the side of the bottle. 

 

There's also Expiration date printed at the bottom of the bottle too so again, no need to worry about disposing the box. The dropper for the facial oil is actually quite nice as a single pinch of the dropper is sufficient for my whole facial area.

Application:

 

As you can see above, the face oil is quite lightweight and watery and once spread and massaged well into skin, the finish is actually nice as it's not too greasy or anything, more like nicely hydrated!

Thoughts:

I actually quite liking the face cleanser as it's been a long time since I last tried a cleanser that doesn't dry out my skin but looking the ingredient, I'm a bit disappointed as I have never seen preservatives being listed so far high-up in the list; I believe there's only a small amount of preservative needed and whatever listed after that aren't really effective or proven to be effective or going to take a long time to actually affect the skin condition. Guess I'm going to finish the cleanser to really see the result but I highly doubt I'd see any difference.

As for the face oil, it's nice as it's watery and quickly absorbed into skin but again, even though there's one of the highly-regarded flower mentioned right in the name, it's listed right at the end of the ingredients list so the product itself is not really convincing. 

Update: I've tried the face oil by mixing it with a matte foundation and after several tries, I've decided to stick with mixing the face oil with the foundation rather than applying it prior foundation and use hydrating setting spray to finish off.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Myra Beauty Diary (@myrabeautydiary) on Apr 14, 2019 at 3:16am PDT

Thank you so much to allyoung Malaysia and Elle Skincare (Taiwan) for sending these products to me to try. I guess that's all from me. Do let me know your thoughts on these products and  I'll see you guys on my next post, annyeong~

||| Official Links |||

Facebook:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.facebook.com/allyoungmalaysia/

Instagram:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.instagram.com/allyoung_my

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated and solely for your convenience. The products were sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Blogger Mail | Re:sea Japan

Recently, a Japanese brand @reseahk sent me two of their products; Reborn Moisturizing Toner and Marine Nano Cream to try and as you've been seeing on my skincare diaries throughout several weeks ago, I've been adding them especially to my night routine solely because I'd prefer to do a much longer routine at night. I do sometimes layer the toner along with my lightweight hydrating toners in the morning. I'm gonna do a full review after several more weeks so definitely do stay tuned for that later.

I guess that's all for now so I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

Blogger Mail | AllYoung X Elle Clean Beauty Foaming Facial Cleanser and Moist Beauty Iris Water-Like Oil

Yesterday, a package arrived from allyoung Malaysia and they sent me these products from Elle Skincare (Taiwan)! As you’ve been seeing on my #myraskincarediary lately, I’ve been incorporating the cleanser in my routine and as for the beauty oil, I’ve been using it under matte foundations and boy, it’s lovely as it’s making my skin appears smoother and dewy but only the slightest which is to my exact liking.


I'm going to take my time testing and trying these products so I guess I'll keep you guys posted in few more weeks. Annyeong~

||| Official Links |||

Facebook:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.facebook.com/allyoungmalaysia/

Instagram:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.instagram.com/allyoung_my

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated and solely for your convenience. The products were sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Review | THE FACE SHOP The Therapy Essential Formula Foaming Cleanser

As you can see in my skincare routines, I've been using several products from The Therapy; an anti-aging skincare line by THE FACE SHOP for the past year which had lead me to getting more sister products from the same line early this month at their Buy 2 Free 1 sale! Usually before deciding on buying anything from this brand, I'd be trying a sample or two so after trying a deluxe sample that was given to me as GWP recently, I bought the full-sized Essential Formula Foaming Cleanser sister.


Before jumping into the review, I'll have you guys know that the reason to get this cleanser is mostly because I'm enjoying more hydrating, moisturising, even nourishing skincare products as my normal to oily skin is leaning towards drier side these days so when it comes to cleansing products, I'd prefer cleansing balms and oils rather than micellar waters as first cleansers and as for second cleansers, I'd choose cleansing foams that don't bubble up so much as those tend to give me dry, taut skin afterwards.


Now let's get into it, shall we?

I've noticed that this cleanser is from the brand's The Therapy Essential Formula hence I'm expecting for it to be a moisturising product targeting those with normal to dry skin. I'd say that The Therapy skincare line itself is aiming those aged 30 and above like myself but if you are with similar skin type then why not give yourself a chance to try the whole line?

Product Description:

Formulated with ultra nourishing Oat Seed, Marigold Flower, Bay Leaf, and Olive, blended carefully by hand over a period of 6 weeks, this foaming cleanser creates rich, dense foam that gently removes surface impurities while leaving skin feeling moisturized and comfortable.

Capacity: 150ml

Packaging:

Like the rest of the The Therapy skincare products, this cleanser came in that beige box with vintage vibe especially due to the fonts and logo design. Such lovely vintage French style I'd say.

 

At the side box, there's the origin story of the The Therapy natural blending method with English and French product description on the other side of the box. It's important to note that this product is formulated without 7 additives; parabens, tar colorant, animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, talc, paraffin, polyacrylamide.

Also, the cleanser does contains Alcohol Denat which can be irritating to sensitive skin but looking at its position not in top 5 of the ingredient list, I was assured by that and don't find this irritating my sensitive facial area which is my U-zone; lower cheeks and jawline at all. Still, if you could find some time and get yourself a sample to try then please do so.

At the bottom of the box, there's indication that the product is to be used within 12 months after opened. Note the distributor sticker; LG Household & Health Care which is the licensed distributor here in Malaysia so no worries! It's definitely authentic product from South Korea!

The product came in a tube packaging with similar design to the box and has the same product description on it. I'm loving the look and feel of the tube for sure.

 

There's simple product name at the back of the tube and the expiry date is embossed at the top of the tube for easy reference. The format is YYYYMMDD.

The cleanser came with a nice cap for easy product dispense and the proper amount of cleanser you should be using for the whole facial area should be in the size of  Malaysian 20 cent coin or ~20mm.

Application:

 

I always dispense like a pea-sized of the cleanser which as you can see when it's flattened out above, it's roughly in the size of 20 cent coin. I've been using this cleanser a lot in my night skincare routine as a second cleanser so after mixing with some lukewarm water, I'd be lathering it up and thoroughly massage it all over my facial area. This doesn't bubble up so much as it feels rich, smooth and creamy foam along the cleansing routine. This cleanser has the same scent as its other sister product which is nice and not overpowering at all.

After rinsing it off, I usually let my face to air-dry after tapping the excess water for a minute; to absorb as much moisture as I can then followed up with the first treatment product for the day.

Final verdict:

Overall, I'd give this product 4.5/5. I really do like it as it does what it claims; rich foam that gives luxurious feeling but seems to work rather gently on my skin without leaving it feeling dry, taut as my skin is indeed feeling moisturised, nice and smooth. 

After double cleansing steps, I'd definitely recommend for you guys to add another step before toner and that would be a first treatment product and as shown in the above photo, my choice here would be the cleanser sister product; I'd say it's the star of The Therapy skincare line, First Serum. This is simply to be used with cotton pads and not only removes any excess from the cleansing step, it moisturises, making my skin feeling smooth and plump. 

I guess that's all from me. Let me know your thoughts on this product by leaving comments down below. I'll see you guys on my next post. Annyeong~ 

 ||| SHOP THE POST |||

THE FACE SHOP The Therapy Essential Formula Foaming Cleanser

RM59.90 (Inc. 0% GST)

||| Official links |||

Website | http://thefaceshop.net.my
E-store | https://www.thefaceshop.com.my/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thefaceshopmalaysia
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thefaceshopmalaysia/

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated and merely for your sole convenience. The product was bought with my own money and all my opinions stated here are my own based on my personal experience using the above product.