South Korean Pyunkang Yul is all about ingredients that are truly beneficial for your skin and not for the formula. That said, the formulas are really elegant and pleasant to use. Gothamista's review on youtube got me interested in this brand, so at first I tried quite a few samples, liked all the products and took the plunge with the nutrition cream first.
First of all, the amount of the product is massive 100ml. This cream should used as the last step in your skincare routine, it is rich in emolliants, contains macadiamia nut oil, shea butter and beeswax to seal the moisture in. A little goes a long way with it and if you have put too much you will feel it - the skin will not be able to absorb it. It comes with a tiny spatula and the size of the spatula is indicative of how much product should be used, ie. very little. Having said that, the cream is not very heavy or thick, it melts into the skin upon contact. I also like the heavy blue glass jar.
I use it mostly in the evenings because it tends to leave my face shiny, however really dry skins might like it during daytime too. My chin (the driest part of my face) absorbs the cream pretty quickly while my forehead never fully does. This is a really good moisturiser for winter time. I wake up with skin that is soft, calm (not red, tight, itchy or peeling) and moisturised. I experienced no breakouts from this product.
Ingredients:
Astralagus Membranaceus Root Extract - increases blood circulation which builds up skins ability to heal and protect itself. Rich in antioxidants and other skin beneficial phyto-chemicals.
Butylene Glycol - Texture enhancer, increases product penetration, humectant.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate - emolient, texture enhancer.
Butylene Glycol Dycaprilate/Dicaprate - Emulsifier, mix of butylene glycol (see above) and capric acid (plant derived fatty acid)
Hydrogenated Polydecene - a synthetic polymer, emollient and skin softener.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) - you probably know about this ingredient and everyone has their experience and opinion of it. It moisturises, reduces irritation, is rich in stearic and oleic acids, vitamins A and E. While some find that it clogs their pores, I am fine with it. It rates 0 on comedogenic scale.
Cyclopentasiloxane - a lightweight silicone. Keeps the moisture in. I don't like silicones much, but I never had a problem with this one in particular and it is pretty far down the ingredients list.
Cetearyl Alcohol - fatty alcohol. Emollient, texture enhancer, carrying agent for other ingredients.
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil - Comedogenic rating 2-3, but great at moisturising.
Polysorbate 60 - used as a thickening agent, and/ or to dissperse oil in water in formulas.
1,2- Hexanediol - synthetic preservative and moisture-binding agent.
Beeswax - thickening agent, emolliant. It is said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Gyceryl Stearate - mix of glycerin and stearic acid. emolliant, surfactant, emulsifier.
Cyclohexasiloxane - silicone used to improve texture, emollient.
Sodium Hyaluronate - highly effective hialuronic acid in salt form.
Sorbitan Sesquioleate - emolliant, derived from sorbitol which is a humectant.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethil Taurate Copolymer - synthetic polymer used as a stabilizer, teture enhancer. Provides sensation of freshness followed by melting when in contact with skin.
Isodexadecane - texture enhancer, solvent, skin conditioning agent.
Polysorbate 80 - is used as surfactant and emulsifier.
PEG-100 Stearate - emolliant
Gyceryl Caprate - monoesther of glycerin and capric acid. Emolliant, absorption enhancer.
*If you notice any mistakes in the ingredient explanation, please let me know, I am not a chemist, I am just a skincare enthusiast who can google very quickly. Paula's choice website is my favourite for no-nonsense ingredient explanation.
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What is it: Hydrating toner.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1
This toner has saved my face from a total dehydration at the end of the summer. I then was suffering from congestion and breakouts (thanks Clinique Moisture Surge!) so I've upped my exfoliation game and my skin felt more dehydrated and sensitive. It felt tight and dry even after a gentle balm cleansing, so as soon as I was done with cleanse/acid I was drenching my skin with this toner. While the texture is thicker like an essence, it would sink in immediately with no residue and my skin wouldn't feel tight anymore. I could take my time with following steps of my skincare routine.
I've tried both scented and unscented versions and I can't tell the difference, the smell was so mild. However if you're very sensitive to essential oils, go for the unscented version, it's just as good and hydrating.
Hydrating toners and Korean skincare in general are new to me and I am really enjoying them. Dehydration is one of my main concerns, so layering gentle and lightweight products seems like the way to go.
I am currently trialling Cosrx Galactomyces toner which is less hydrating but I am interested in fermented skincare and if I see any effect on my skin. If not, I will definitely return to this beauty.
I like something light and hydrating, not sticky and with mild or no fragrance. And CeraVe is it. The ingredient list also looks decent, first few are: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol. Then follows dimethicone, a type of silicone, which I really don't mind on the body (I'm suspecting this ingredient in Clinique Moisture Surge is making my face break out).
However, I find it slightly annoying that sodium hylauronate is at the end of the list, meaning that the hyaluronic acid is there only so that the brand can claim it being there. How will such a small amount affect your skin is anyones' guess.
Overall, nice lightweight lotion, that sinks in quickly, leaving the skin hydrated and happy. Not sticky, not perfumed, love the packaging with the pump. £9.00 in the UK, but Boots recently did a promotional deal where it was 20-30% off so wait for it and stock up. That's what I've done.
How long I've used them: It Cosmetics is all used up, it lasted me about 7 months with almost daily use. BareMinerals I've used for 10 days.
Similarities:
They're both foundations who are trying to be more. They both offer high mineral sun protection. CC has got titanium dioxide 9.0% and zinc oxide 6.3%. BareMinerals has titanium dioxide 6.2%. Both are hydrating, suitable for dry to normal skin. However, if your skin is peeling or flaky, they both will accentuate the dry patches. Gently exfoliate! They both look natural, don't oxidise, both make the skin glowy which can become shiny during the day (so keep a powder nearby), don't last for the whole day (which is fine, because I imagine you'd want to top up your spf during the day anyways).
Differences:
It Cosmetics CC Cream offers only 7 shades (mine is in Light), BareMinerals gel offers 16. CC cream is much thicker in texture, it looked most natural when applied with a makeup sponge or fingers. I could not build it to a full coverage because it is quite thick and would look cakey in real life. BareMinerals on the other hand is lightweight, spreads very easily and sheer. Applies well with fingers, especially if you want more than sheer coverage. BareMinerals layers better and doesn't cake so you can easily top up during the day. I also found that during a really hot day when I don't like layers upon layers of skincare and makeup (it will melt off my face anyways) I could wear BareMinerals just over a serum, it was that hydrating.
Packaging: It Cosmetics CC cream comes in a tube with a pump. In time the silver paint starts to come off and it's annoying and doesn't look great. BareMinerals comes in a squeezy tube.
Pricing: CC cream is £30 for 32ml and BareMinerals is £28 for 35ml. My guess is that I will go through BeraMinerals tube much faster due to its' sheerness.
Overall, both products are excellent at what they do. My skin tends to behave better during summer, it becomes less dry so I require less coverage. CC cream also feels a bit too thick for summertime, but I like its' almost protective thickness during winter. Do I need SPF50 while living in the UK? Probably not, but I don't really mind.
Have you tried any of these foundations? Did you like them or do you have a product that is so much better than these? I'm tempted to try Origins tinted moisturiser with SPF40 next. Let me know in the comments.
Skincare:
1. Omorovizca Moor Cream Cleanser. This is such a surprise for me. I got a generous 30 ml sample in my Liberty's beauty advent calendar and I was hooked. The price (£52 for 150ml) has kept me away from it for a while but I managed to get my hands on a couple of samples and I'm coming to the conclusion that I will have to purchase the full size. I love this creamy cleanser as a morning or second cleanse. It calms and soothes while the mud and minerals work magic on my spots and congestion. Whenever possible I leave it on as a mask for at least 5 minutes to get the full benefits.
2. Zelens Power A. Retinol with no irritation. Full review coming in a month or so.
3. Stratia Liquid Gold. This is my newest purchase but so far so good. I have ditched The Ordinary's NMF and Avene's Tolerance Extreme as soon as I got it. Review coming soon.
Makeup:
1. This will be old news in the ol' blogger vlogger insta world, but L'Oreal Paradise mascara. I've been playing around with Clinique's High Impact mascara for months and let me tell you, it had no impact at all. Paradise mascara is the total opposite - big long lashes within seconds.
2. Nars Blush in Orgasm. Now that the spring is here I'm all about this blush. Peachy pink with gold shimmer. Please don't be scared of shimmer in a blush. Applied high on the cheeks it doubles as a highlighter or just makes the cheeks look juicy. And healthy. I love this as an eyeshadow too!
3. Burts Bees pomegranate lip balm. Easy juicy comfortable lips.
Miscellaneous:
1. Our holiday in Porto, Portugal. Even though it rained cats and dogs the ENTIRE time we were there. The seafood, the wine, the views, the colours! I would love to come back when it's actually warm and sunny.
2. Leather converse. My feet stayed dry (nothing else did) and comfortable during the entire Portugal trip. And look, polka dots!
3. This embarassing but Dynasty on Netflix. The title is what sold it for me. Remember 80s Dynasty? I used to watch with gran when I was a kid. Oh so over the top, oh so the problems of the rich. Once a week, I love it.
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Lauryl Laurate, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Dehydroacetate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Trehalose, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Tocopherol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Linalool, Citronellol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Caramel, Geraniol, Populus Nigra Bark/Bud/Leaf/Twig Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract.
It promises to adjust to your skin needs, to provide continuous hydration, to protect against environmental toxins. A variety of plant oils and extracts offers anti-oxidants, hydration and energy to the skin.
What I liked: Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream is one of those rather runny creams that are packed with hydration. Once applied the skin looks instantly plumped and 'juicy'. Glowy without feeling greasy. And it stays that way throughout the day. It's excellent under makeup. This reminds me a bit of January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion, just with more oomph. And sadly with more fragrance :(
What I didn't like: Firstly, the fragrance. While very nice indeed, it is far too strong. And neither I nor my skin are particularly sensitive to smell/fragrance. Secondly, the packaging. The product comes out almost too easily out of the tube, almost always more than I needed. Also, once I thought the product was finished, I cut the tube in half and there was at least seven more applications there. The pump is always a way to go. This is a £40 moisturiser! Thirdly, the moisturiser separated in the tube. Not terribly and a good shake would always sort it out. But on a few occasions I did have clear oil coming out and the cream. Didn't particularly bother me, but it may bother some.
All in all, it's a nice moisturiser, especially for warmer weather, dehydrated skins and if you can get an offer (lookfantastic is excellent).
Somehow I've ended up with these cleansers in my rotation at the same time. Milky Jelly Cleanser (£15) was purchased on a whim the first day Glossier opened its online doors to the UK customers. And the Skin Laundry cleanser ( full size £20) I received in my Liberty Beauty Calendar a bit later.
While this selection may seem a bit random, actually these two cleansers are quite similar in a sense that they're both from American brands, they both promise a gentle cleanse, contain panthenol (vit B5) and don't contain parabens, mineral oil, SLS or fragrance.
They both have a very mild but pleasant smell, Milky Jelly smells lightly of rose water (2nd ingredient on the list) and SL Purifying cleanser smells of citrus (added orange peel and tangerine peel extracts)
The big difference between these two is that the Skin Laundry cleanser is slightly foaming. Nothing will work up a big lather and if you're removing it with a flannel you may not even notice that. This I guess is due to disodium cocoamphodiacetate which is derived from fatty acids found in coconut oil and is non-drying. Phew.
I have a small issue or two with both of the cleansers.
Firstly, I would never call Skin Laundry cleanser a cream. It's not. Cream cleansers are Pixi + CH Double Cleanse cream part or Ren or Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser or even Omorovizca's Moor Cream Cleanser.
Secondly, Milky Jelly Cleanser. I wouldn't attempt to wash my face JUST with this if you're got sunscreen, primer and foundation piled on. I just didn't find it THAT cleansing. It struggled with my It Cosmetics CC Cream or my Clinique non-waterproof mascara. Double cleansing is always a better idea.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 184, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anhydroxylitol, Polysorbate 80, Xylitol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide
Skin Laundry Purifying Cream Cleanser ingredients:
Water (Aqua/Eau), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride,
Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hexylene Glycol, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice, Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panthenol,Carbomer, d-Limonene, Citrus aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Both ingredient lists seem okay to me (I'm no expert, I just google them), however if you're particularly dry or sensitized , I wouldn't go for either of them. For me personally, Skin Laundry cleanser actually feels less drying and I enjoy using it more. With Glossier, I will stick to their makeup, which is awesome.
January empties. It's a big one this time.
1. Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser. This is one my most repurchased items ever and I'm not sick of it yet. I don't have a stash of this hidden away, but I typically miss it pretty quickly after I finish it. I like it when my skin feels congested and I enjoy using it as a mini face mask keeping it on while I brush my teeth or even take a shower. It's got glycolic acid in it, so I wouldn't follow up with an acid toner or use it if my skin is feeling irritated. Repurchase guaranteed.
2. Omorovizca Moor Cream Cleanser. I wanted to not like this purely for it's price. It's expensive for a cleanser. But this is one clever cleanser. When I had a dry, irritated and angry skin that was breaking out of nowhere, this was one of the products that made it more balanced, soothed and clear. It's got mud, minerals such as zinc and magnesium in it. It has also got a rather strong smell of muddy camphor, peppermint and menthol, so may not be for everyone. I wish it had a pump and it should have a pump for the price we're paying but I'm not an expert, perhaps there's a reason for it not having it. I may repurchase this.
3. Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. This has lasted me a long time because I only used it sporadically. I don't know why, I think I just had a lot of acids on rotation. It's nice, not too strong so would be good for an acid-newbie. The smell was not particularly pleasant - like sour fruit and that smell that lactic acid has. I got this more than a year ago for a really good price, so if you want to try this, watch out for the deals.
4. QMS Medicosmetics Travel Size Activator Mask. A hydrating, refreshing hialuronic sheet mask. The sheet didn't fit my face comfortably - but then I do have long nose and most masks don't fit me properly. The skin felt nice afterwards but it's not repurchase-worthy for me.
5. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Levres lip balm. i had this little tube for quite a few years. It's very good. Nourishing, soothing, not too shiny, not fragranced. May be repurchased.
6. Tresemme heat defence travel size spray. It's been here before, it will be here again. Just a basic heat protection.
7. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. This is a clever little thing, especially great for dry skins. Lactic acid is already quite mild and it's also a humectant. Combined with hialuronic acid, it offers a nice combo of mild exfoliation and hydration. It also contains Tasmanian Pepperberry (hence the pink tinge) which reduces irritation. May be repurchased.
8. Dr Sebagh Serum Repair. I don't know. I wasn't wowed. The immediate lifting and tightening effect (that lasts until you put moisturiser on) can be provided by much cheaper serums and I actually do not enjoy that effect, this may be different to those with more mature skins. It's got hialuronic acid, collagen and patented peptide that provide anti-ageing benefits. Like with most peptide and collagen boosting serums, the effects are never immediate so I cannot comment on that. It's expensive (£69 for 20ml) and the screw cap somehow broke. Will not be repurchased.
9. Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body scrub. I like the smell, give me all the limes and sugar. But as a body scrub, I'd rather use an exfoliating glove as it did bugger-all to my skin.
January or haul or what I bought this month. New year, new monthly feature! I'm hoping to do this every month, showing and talking about mainly style and beauty things I bought for myself in a month. I may feature home decor or entertainment bits in here from time to time.
So this month I was a bit spendy in the fashion department. Beige knitted dress and midnight blue jacket (on sale) from Zara.
Zelens Power A was purchased with 20% off from lookfantastic. So far, I'm loving it.
Gianvito Rossi kitten heel slingbacks were 60% off from Browns. I may return the heels since I was on the lookout for nude/ tan shoes. These are too light and too pink and the minimalist in me is afraid that they will not get worn enough to justify keeping them. The shoe lover in me says screw it, they're gorgeous.
What do you think? Do you buy shoes just because they're pretty? What did you buy this month?
This has got to be my favourite serum at the moment! Argireline Solution 10% by the Ordinary is a lightweight peptide serum that is supposed to target dynamic wrinkles. The website advises to apply this on forehead and around eyes, I typically apply this liberally and all over, AM and PM.
Usually I don't like serums that are too watery. For example, I didn't like NIOD's MMHC serum, because it would sink in faster than water and my skin would not feel comforted by it, it felt a bit tight.
This being a peptide serum, I also expected it to be slightly sticky, just like The Buffet. It is not. Argeriline is super lightweight and water-like, sinks in quickly, but feels hydrating and plumping.
I see a noticeable difference with the fine lines under my eyes that started appearing this winter when I was super dry. It layers well with other serums and creams, and sits well under makeup. It's pleasant to use.
I'm looking at this online now and it says that it is not available for shipment in my area due to EU regulations. What?! How was I able to purchase it last time then? And more importantly, why?! I only have a third of it left!
Go, grab it if you can!
20/01 EDIT: Argireline Solution 10% is back in stock and available to purchase in EU.
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