Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive Review

Since this was on sale, I bought it and I think this was the first full bottle toner I bought but didn’t used it first coz I was so excited to try my Missha Near Skin products. So when my Missha Near Skin toner gave an empty bottle after months of usage, its Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive is next on my list.

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive Review

According to Laneige.com

Mild toner that soothes irritated skin, helping it restore its healthy state

Mild moisturizing toner that soothes stressed, irritated skin as it removes dead skin cells to give you a healthy complexion

1. Soothes skin

Moisturizing toner with no artificial fragrance or colorants, soothing stressed, irritated skin as it removes dead skin cells to give you a healthy complexion.

2. Keeps skin moisturized

Contains Bio-Dusali and fermented seaweed that grows in extreme conditions, energizing skin and restoring healthy skin turnover; hyacinth extracts help skin flush out heavy metals, pollutants, and other harmful substances so that skin stays clean and moisturized.

3. Keeps skin moisturized and healthy

Contains rice extracts, which have excellent soothing and moisturizing effects; the skin-friendly, high-molecule moisturizing barrier enhances skin’s ability to retain moisture, helping skin restore its healthy state.

I think this has another variant on this line but I chose this because it said to be for Acne prone skin. I was having a really bad acne problems back then that I don’t even want to look at the mirror sometimes… (I really wanted to write a post about how Korean skin care help me with my acne issues but I can’t find a time to it. Hopefully I can share with you all soon.)

Packaging is light to the eyes with no fancy designs. (I prefer it that way though) Compared to my toners, this one comes in a thick acrylic bottle, not in a glass. You can clearly see the product inside the bottle since it is transparent which I find it more helpful coz I will easily know if I still have enough or if there is something wrong with my liquids. 

I usually transfer my liquids into a small atomizer for easier application. The first thing I notice when I transfer it its consistency, it is almost the same with water, clear and not soapy. At first I thought the liquid is green color but actually it is colorless. Light scent that is close to none which I think is preferable for those with sensitive nose. Application and absorption is quick. I don’t have to pace long enough before I can add another product. It’s not sticky nor sting upon application. 

I am almost done with my bottle and I can say this product is worth my money. The 200 ml bottle lasted for about 7-8 months. So far, it helps me maintain my facial skin’s health being part of my regimen. Since I started using Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive, I never had any breakout problems and my skin still feels soft. It live up to its promise to keep my skin moisturized and healthy.

 What I like

Mild scent (almost none)

Moisturizing

No sticky feeling upon application

What I don’t like

The price (but it’s worth it though)

For the price of 1200 pesos, I think Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive worth every peso.

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Missha Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Toner and Emulsion Review

As I was panicking the last time where I can get the Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide, I ended up buying the Missha Super Aqua Skin Fresh Travel set at Lazada and got for Php 664.05.

Just so you don't know, I live in a province where you can see are sari-sari store only. That is why I panic if I run out of anything that I need because I can't easily purchase them right there and then compared to if you are living in the city. My only access are the online shops which I have to deal with shipping, hefty price and sometimes if it's pre-order, you got to wait a month to get it.

As far as I know, toner and emulsion are the basic skin care for lazy girls and those who are just starting up with Korean Skin Care like me. So I am reviewing them together.

The travel kits are in thick plastic bottles. I dropped the emulsion once and it didn't break so I am pretty sure it is plastic. I am not sure about the regular size bottles if they come in plastic too.

From the packaging:

"The Super Aqua basic series is formulated with Active Water System to help improve and maintain skin's healthy moisture balance, making skin moist and radiant."

Let's first go with Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Toner (30 ml).

"Fresh hydrating toner for clean and radiant skin adding moisture."

As the name it suggested, Aqua, the toner is very close to water in terms of consistency. At first I thought the smell was very close to a detergent but after using it for 3 weeks now, I got used to it and it became close to odorless. I apply it after double cleansing using my palms. I always prefer not to use cotton on Korean toners to save every last drop of it. Korean toners works differently from American toners which is usually applied with a cotton. The product is so light and absorbs faster into your skin but I always space my applications like 1-3 minutes every product to allow better absorption.

Next, the Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Emulsion (30 ml).

"Moist hydrating emulsion for lustrous and smooth skin balancing skin's oil and moisture level."

Emulsion or face lotion as what others usually define it. The lotion is very white and the smell is a bit stronger than the toner. I am really annoyed with the smell at first coz it's too strong for me but gladly I got used to it. I apply it after the ampoule or the essence. I used to put a lot on my face but I notice that it does not absorb on skin my quickly. (My skin is oily type.) Later I apply it on smaller amount for better absorption.

During the first few days using the Super Aqua Skin Fresh, I notice a small zits on my face. Gladly it disappeared after a week. Probably it was a reaction after shifting from Near Skin Firming Peptide set. Throughout the 3 weeks of using the product I notice less break out, and if it does it just so few. The Super Aqua Skin Fresh set is also mild on my face, I don't feel any tingling sensation during my application. This is really a good set if you are looking for moisturizing and hydrating effects. Waking up in the morning is also a beauty, it's not so greasy and skin feels so soft too. It didn't help with my blemishes though.

Buying again? Maybe, this will be a good choice if I ran out with my favorites again or maybe for traveling if you don't want to bring those bigger bottles with you.

How about you? What you think about Super Aqua Skin Fresh line?

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Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Toner and Emulsion Review

I have regretted it so much why I didn't try this as soon as I had these samplers. This set of beauty bottle was hibernating in my closet for like a year already since I received them. I bought the M Perfect BB Cream so I had this two coming along on my package.

Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide line was the one of highest end product for Missha because it is really effective. This is according to the CS on Missha Philippines who replied to me when I inquired for its price.

A short description about the item from Missha US site.

"Near Skin Firming Peptide Extra Vital Toner helps make dry and fatigued skin smooth and bright while allowing the following skin care products absorb into the skin. It provides moisture to the skin and helps make even skin texture. Skin-friendly ingredients, like Lipid Water and 12 peptides, control moisture balance in the skin to help boost the benefits of following skin care.

Near Skin Concentrating Emulsion helps firm and tighten skin by maintaining moisture and nutrition balance while increasing turnover of dead skin cells, a cause of sagging skin. The soft and silky textured formula moisturizes and nourishes the skin to help make an even and smooth skin texture. Contains skin-friendly ingredients, like Lipid Water, Lipid Barrier, and 12 peptides, for firming and tightening benefits.

Near Skin Firming Peptide 4-Step Wrinkle Care & Firming System
Step 1) contains Fermented Bio-Calcium to strengthen skin barrier and tighten the skin
Step 2) contains 12 peptides to restore skin elasticity for firm skin
Step 3) improves fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth skin surface
Step 4) protects and strengthens skin barrier for healthy skin condition"

With the benefits stated above, I can really say that this combo is really effective on my acne prone skin. The effects are noticeable even after 3 days of using it during my night regimen. The effects are even better compared to what was prescribed by my dermatologist which I have stopped because I was not satisfied even after 1 year of following it. I did not use any other creams during my usage for this combo and I am loving the effect on my face. It really beats my previous regimen from my dermatologist. :)

After cleansing my face, I use Near Skin Firming Peptide Extra Vital Toner. The toner is lightly colored and smells good. I used to apply it using a cotton but later change and apply it by lightly patting using my palm for better absorption. After a while I apply Near Skin Concentrating Emulsion by gently massaging in circular motion on my face and neck. There was a slight tingling sensation during my first few nights of using it. I was worried it will cause any bad side effects but it was not so I think the slight tingling sensation was normal.

Just by using this two products, the effects are really great. On the third day of using it, I notice my skin was lighter and moist. Dewy not oily. And if I look at it closely it seems that the skin looks more relaxed than it was before. Pores were minimized but are still there. No major break outs during my usage and the zits that was already there before I started using it healed faster.

Now it’s more than a week of using the sampler, I am panicking where I can get these items so I can continue enjoying the benefits. Should I repurchase? Of course, definitely I am. I have ordered from a friend of mine but the stocks will arrive by December and my samplers are almost near to empty.

Shelling out PhP 2600 (Missha Philippines Facebook) for each bottle is such a horror compared to PhP 900 (from a reseller) each bottle. That was a huge price difference from the same product.

And no, I am not posting my face to show you the before and after like how they normally do it. :)

Update: 2/20/15

Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Toner and Emulsion

So I now have the full size bottle and they are so light pink. The packaging is elegant and very feminine. (They're so chic by the way!) Product consistency and effects on me are the same with the samples I tried few months ago. I was very glad to finally have them. The only downside with their packaging is that you can't tell how much toner or emulsion you still have because it is not transparent. I hope they can make it more transparent or maybe have a part of the bottle transparent so just we can see the level of the product inside.

The toner dispense a controllable amount of liquid and a pump for emulsion is adequate enough for my whole face. Both bottles are still heavy so I assume they are still enough after 2 months of using them. I wonder how long they will last on me. My face doesn't feel stingy anymore when I apply them unlike the first time I tried them. I use the toner morning and night and the emulsion on night time only.

Since starting a Korean Skin Care Routine, I can really say there has been an improvement on my skin specially on the moisturizing department. Though I still battle a few bouts of break outs on my jaw line part from time to time, but they are controllable. I have to accept that my acne is genetic and all I have to make sure is that it doesn't get worst then I will be fine. The oiliness is now very minimal and yay, I don't have to worry for the cheek to cheek greetings. Haha!

Update 7/25/15

The full sized bottle for toner lasted me about 6 months and 15 days. So far, the effects was good on me. I am more happy with my skin right now than before. I still have 1 more bottle in my closet but I think I'll try the Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Sensitive Toner.

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