[ Review ] : Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream

 

Product Description

Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream is a refreshing and moisturizing oil-free cream that makes the skin clearer and more vibrant.

Benefits : 

1) Protects sensitive skin with natural ingredients - An effective ratio of 70% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and 10% Tea Tree Water helps improve sensitive skin.

2) Strengthens skin and minimize stress - Triterpenoids found in Centella Asiatica make skin clear and healthy

3) Soothing, Hydrating & Nutritious - Contains 6000 sprout extracts in organic form to provide abundant moisture and nutrients

4) Brightening & Wrinkle Care - Contains studied ingredient, Niacinamide & Adenosine for brightening skin tone and wrinkle care. 

5) Calming - Quick absorbing with cooling texture. In dry humid environment, this gel helps to protect natural moisture in your skin. Lower skin temperature

I adored gel moisturisers because of the humid weather in Singapore and Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream sounds like a great one for my skin so does it deliver? Lets delve down to the review!

[ Review ] : Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum

 

Product Description

Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum is an anti-aging serum with highly nutritive black snail to support the appearance of skin elasticity and natural cell regeneration.

Benefits : 

1) Nutrition : Contains 70% black snail extract to nourish the skin and makes skin look young.

2) Anti-Aging : Consists of 5 Black Superfoods which contain black anthocyanins and nutrients for the skin. The antioxidant helps skin glow, look and feel youthful.

3) Blemish Healing : Incorporates Centella Asiatica to fade acne scars and blemishes.

4) Facilitate skin recovery : Contain patented natural ingredients that help tired skin recover

5) Brightening and Wrinkle Care : Contains Niacinamide and Adenosine for brightening skin and improve wrinkles.

Thanks to Zhabalang for sending Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum my way as I have been wanting to try this serum! This is a paid collaboration with the store. You can read my previous review on Iunik Tea Tree Relief Serum which is suitable for blemish-prone skin! Based in Singapore, Zhabalang carries a curated range of Iunik serums targeting different types of concerns which you can check out. 

Also known as snail slime, snail mucin is the excretion from a snail, which is why it is also known and appears on ingredient labels as snail secretion filtrate or SSF. It is one of the buzziest ingredients in the skincare world because its been said to be an effective ingredient offering noticeable results. It moisturizes skin, promotes collagen production, aids in skin healing and regeneration. 

According to Iunik, black snails can hibernate for 6 months without drying as snail mucin helps the skin restore itself and stay supple and smooth.

[ Review ] : Iunik Tea Tree Relief Serum

 

Product Description

Iunik Tea Tree Relief Serum is a serum infused with Tea Tree and Centella Asiatica Leaf Water to soothe and heal skin for a clearer complexion.

Benefits :

1) Skin Soothing : Contains 67% Tea Tree Leaf instead of water to help calm and moisturize the skin.

2) Blemish Care : Contains 19.5% Centella Asiatica Leaf to help fade acne scars.

3) Nutrition : Patented 6-sprout extract provides abundant moisture and nutrition.

4) Brightening & Wrinkle Care : Contains studied ingredients such as Niacinamide and Adenosine to brighten skin tone and improve appearance of wrinkles

Zhabalang contacted me recently and offered to send me some products in return for my honest reviews as part of a paid collaboration and I have chosen Iunik Tea Tree Relief Serum, Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum and Iunik Centella Calming Gel. 

Based in Singapore, Zhabalang carries a plethora of popular products from brands like Iunik, Pyunkang Yul and Mamonde with the belief that simple is better. 

Korean beauty brand iUNIK ( Ideal Unique Natural Ingredients Knowhow ) prides itself on using only hypoallergenic ingredients for its products where its motto is to make safe and trustworthy skincare products with honest ingredients, honest price and honest distribution.

I personally have a soft spot for the brand as the lightweight textures from their serums and gel moisturizers are just perfect for Singapore humid weather. Check out my previous reviews on Iunik Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid Vitalizing Toner, Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum and Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream where both Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum and Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream are also available on Zhabalang.

[ Review ] : Samanli Bamboo Charcoal Black Bubble Mask

Product Description
Samanli Black Bubble Mask is a 1 step sheet mask made from bamboo charcoal which is effective in shrinking pores and helps with deep cleansing. Oxygen bubbles stimulate the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells and deeply penetrates the pores to thoroughly cleanse dirt while maintaining moisture and hydration.

I had fun with Purederm Deep Purifying Black O2 Bubble Mask previously so when Glowing Jems offered to send me their Bubble Masks in return for an honest review, I was happy to try them out.

Based in Singapore, Glowing Jems carries Shero Ching and Samanli skincare products - you can check out their instagram account and facebook page for more details.

According to Glowing Jems, the Samanli Brand is founded by Samun Lisa who has received many beauty awards in China. The brand believes in providing beauty products that caters to different skin types and provide clients with the best quality product while maintaining its affordability.

[ Review ] : Boryeong Real Mud Hand Cream

Product Description
Containing natural ingredients and abundant minerals from natural Korean mud, this hand cream keeps the hands moisturized and well hydrated. It also includes mud and natural herb extracts namely Lavender, Bergamot, Freesia, Peppermint, Chamomile, Rosemary, Shea butter, Macadamia seed oil, Adenosine and Mango.

I purchased Boryeong Real Mud Hand Cream when there was a 1 for 1 promotion on Hebeloft some time back. A good and nourishing hand cream is much needed during the current pandemic where our hands are so dry from sanitizing. I have yet to find a good and effective hand cream and was hoping that this Real Mud Hand Cream can do the job well.

Produced from the nutrient-rich mud of the South Korea city of Boryeong, popularly known for its high-nutrient sea mud, usually used for cosmetic and their annual mud festival.

[ Review ] : Skylake Oriental Herb Relax Toner

Product Description
The Skylake Herb Relax Toner is a chemical and paraben free herbal toner spray that soothes, hydrates, tones skin and balances skin oil, leaving the skin with a cool and fresh sensation. It improves the skin texture and clarity and contributes to a more beautiful, balanced and glowing complexion. It also acts as a calming treatment by reducing redness and sensitivity and calming rashes and is perfect for sensitive skin, harsh peels or uncomfortable irritation on the face and on babies.

This gentle formulation is made from the Skylake patented herbal formulation and natural plant ingredients only and can be sprayed on the face without closing the eyes. It is also said to be edible which reminded me vaguely of Intelligent Nutrients where the founder once drank its hair spray in a bid to show that his products are non-toxic.

I purchased Skylake Oriental Herb Relax Toner from Hebeloft recently and was glad I did!

Related Post :
Skylake Natural Herb Sunscreen Review
Skylake Premium Oriental Herb Cool Shampoo and Herb Conditioner Review
Skylake Herbal Mask Pack ( Brightening ) Review
Skylake Oriental Mask Pack ( Relax For Trouble Skin ) Review
Skylake Elastic Dual Mask Pack Review
Skylake Botanical Body Wash Review.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Skylake Oriental Herb Relax Toner comes in a white 100 ml plastic bottle with a sturdy pump dispenser to dispense the mist with just the right amount of contents. It has a subtle herbal scent which is calming and soothing.

How To Use :
Spray the toner evenly on the face and neck and gently pat on the skin for better absorption. It can be used after cleansing or anytime to refresh the skin.

Performance and Ingredients

Said to immediately tone, balance and replenish moisture on dehydrated skin upon application, I readily agree with that statement!

I use Skylake Oriental Herb Relax Toner as a toner and love misting it on skin before serum application. My skin felt soothed and slightly hydrated with a cooling and refreshing sensation after every mist.

It also helped to minimize redness and sensitivity which my skin tends to get occasionally. Since I removed the product from my routine, my skin has not been in its best state with 3 zits occurring over several days which I have yet to pinpoint the root cause.

The Relax Toner had also been featured in Get It Beauty, a show which features popular Korean beauty products.

You would also be happy to know that the top 5 ingredients in the list are Water, Angelica Gigas Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract and Cnidium Officinate Root Extract which simply meant that you are reaping the benefits from these ingredients in every mist.

ANGELICA GIGAS EXTRACT : This herb has significant anti-aging properties - scientific testing has established its ability to block collagenase and elastinase, the enzymes which cause break down of collagen and elastin.   It is also a powerful skin detoxifier assisting with acne, clogged pores and irritations so is particularly suitable for oily skin.
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM EXTRACT : Cleans blood, disinfects and anti-inflammatory
MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) LEAF EXTRACT : Calms inflammations, disinfects and to soothe digestive problems
CNIDIUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT : Acceleration of blood flow, soothes, bactericidal, emollient

Water, Angelica Gigas Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Inula Helenium Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Conclusion

To conclude, Skylake Oriental Herb Relax Toner is a gentle toner filled with herbal goodness for soothed and hydrated skin and would be great for those battling with sensitivity and irritation. This product is also featured in my Top 25 Beauty Empties I Loved in 2020. 

Check out my favourite toners - XOUL Calming Cell Toner and Purito Centella Unscented Toner. 

Thanks so much for reading! Sign up on my mailing list so that you will not miss a post again!

 

Lets connect : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

[ Review ] : Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner

Shampoo Product Description
Intensely moisturizing shampoo for dry, bleached, lighter coloured or highlighted hair. Contains Ocean Silk Technology and argan oil to provide optimal moisture, leaving the hair healthy and manageable.

Benefits 
- Weightlessly restores moisture in dry and chemically lightened hair
- Helps repair chemically damaged hair
- Leaves hair healthy and manageable
- Vegan and Cruelty Free.
- Free from Parabens

Conditioner Product Description
Intensely moisturizing conditioner for dry, bleached, lighter coloured or highlighted hair. Contains Ocean Silk Technology and argan oil to provide optimal moisture, repair damage and fight frizz for healthy, shiny and manageable hair.

Benefits
- Intensely moisturizing for damaged hair
- Repairs damage and fights frizz for more manageable hair
- Leaves hair shiny
- Vegan and Cruelty Free.
- Free from Parabens

I have been intrigued by the brand for some time but the only reason why I don't purchase them is because I no longer use SLS-laden hair products. While I don't mind using SLS hair products occasionally but I would choose not to buy a hair product with SLS on the first row in the ingredient list. It is my personal choice as I believe there are better ingredients which can replace SLS.

I won the travel sized Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner from a giveaway hosted by Sergei on Instagram earlier this year. I was saving these products for a travel trip but since I won't be able to travel because of the pandemic so its best to use them up before expiry.

Swedish brand Sachajuan fuses high-quality ingredients and innovation to produce simple, effective and uncomplicated hair care. The minimalist design of each product is inspired by traditional glass medicine bottles and the white elegance of Sachajuan salons. A holistic approach and well-balanced active ingredients will leave you with hair that not only looks good, but feels great.

[ Review ] : Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser

Product Description
This delicate blend of botanical extracts gently removes impurities from sensitive facial skin without stripping, allowing skin to breathe freely leaving skin thoroughly cleansed, calm and soothed.

With the last purchase of my favourite cleanser, Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser Olive Oil and Plantago Extract and a mist toner, I was able to choose a free gift and I chose a travel-sized Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser from the limited choices available.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

The complimentary Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser that comes with my purchases is a travel sized version that is housed in a similar black opaque bottle with 50 ml contents. However, instead of a pump dispenser, the travel size version has a flip top cap which is understandable.

I adored the uplifting scent which makes cleansing such an enjoyable experience. The texture is runny, lightweight and seems mild and gentle but isn't a gel as claimed. There were some light suds during lathering which I feared that the cleanser may be drying for my skin.

Performance and Ingredients

In terms of performance and effectiveness, skin is left clean, smooth and very soft but thereafter, the taut sensation appeared several minutes later after cleansing which isn't a good sign. This usually meant that the cleanser is not suitable for me as its drying for my combination with surface dehydration.

Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser contains the following ingredients :
Chamomile, bergamot, and willow bark : visibly reduce pores and age spots
Polyphenols and mucilages from cold pressed rose petals : leave skin toned and soothed
Polysaccharides from Aloe Vera : help skin stay beautiful, calm, and supple

Aqua (Purified Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Plant), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (Plant), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Potassium Sorbate (Organic Listed),Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Leaf Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil Expressed, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Linalool (Plant), Limonene (Plant), Geraniol (Plant), Citronellol (Plant).

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser Olive Oil and Plantago Extract

Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser ( Shopee ) 

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser Olive Oil and Plantago Extract ( Shopee ) 

Conclusion 

To conclude, Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser isn't as gentle as it claims to be, at least for my skin type. The taut sensation after cleansing was a deal-breaker for me, so I won't be purchasing this cleanser.

If you are looking for a nourishing cleanser suitable for dehydrated and sensitive skin, then check out Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser Olive Oil and Plantago Extract which I have gone through 4 tubes with another 2 tubes as backup.

Recommended Reading :

Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser

Dr. Lewinns Private Formula Sensitive Cleansing Milk 

Edible Beauty No. 1 Belle Fracais Cleansing Milk. 

Thanks so much for reading! Sign up on my mailing list so that you will not miss a post again!

 

Lets connect : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

[ Review ] : Remescar Tired Look Eye Contour Creme

Product Description
The delicate skin around the eyes is extremely thin and vulnerable. First signs of fatigue will appear around the eyes. Remescar Tired Look is an effective eye contour cream which gives an instant cooling boost and helps to make you feel less tired. It is specially formulated to address signs of fatigue around the delicate eye area.

I received free Remescar Tired Look Eye Contour Creme with my purchase of Remescar Dark Circles and Eye Bags and have been applying it diligently prior to applying the Dark Circles and Eye Bags Cream.

Packaging, Scent and Texture 

Remescar Tired Look Eye Contour Creme comes in a white plastic opaque bottle with a pump dispenser that dispenses just the right amount for application around the eye area. That said, because of its opaque material, its difficult to tell when the product is depleting. The fonts on the front of the bottle also disappeared after 5 months of regular usage.

Similarly to Remescar Dark Circles and Eye Bags, it is packed in a pretty large box that bellied the 15ml size.It has a subtle chemical-like scent which probably come from its ingredients.

[ Review ] : Remescar Eye Bags & Dark Circles

Product Description
Remescar Eye Bags and Dark Circles is an instant and effective eye cream which helps to diminish bags under your eyes and the appearance of dark circles with just one single application per day. You’ll feel refreshed and feel years younger in just a few minutes, all day long. The effectiveness of Remescar Eye Bags and Dark Circles has also been proven clinically and works for all skin types.

I have been intrigued by the product for a long while so when I won a Watsons e-voucher some time back, it was apt for me to purchase it. I have eye bags due to genetics and nothing seems to be able to eradicate them hence I am forever on the hunt for that effective eye treatment product.

Made in  Belgium, the Remescar products are developed and manufactured by Sylphar, a manufacturer of medical devices and cosmetic products which started in 2008. Their focus is on bringing out innovative, consumer friendly products that stand out because of their revolutionary technology.

The marketing campaign for Remescar Eye Bags and Dark Circles has been nothing short of amazing, demonstrating that the disappearance of eye bags can be instantaneous, as the product helps to drain and tighten the undereye area. The ad reminded me vaguely of Jeunesse Instantly Ageless Microcream.

Just check out the video below.

[ Review ] : Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch

Product Description
Easy to use, concentrated Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch that provides moisture and nutrition with soothing effect. It helps to promote wrinkle improvement and skin elasticity.

Hailing from Korea, LEADERS Cosmetics is a brand created by LEADERS Skin Clinic and established by dermatologists who have graduated from the top of their class at Seoul National University. LEADERS develops its products based on its scientific skin research know-how from skin experts and produce products with proven effects and safety. LEADERS approach cosmetics grounded within science and fully realize product quality through collaborative efforts with professional dermatologists.

LEADERS Cosmetics has formulated an integrated system that plans, researches, produces and distributes products internally while also being equipped with the expertise of biotech company, PROSTEMICS, as its affiliate. The core of LEADERS Cosmetics integrated system is the Skin Science Research Center, established in 2009, valuing two components above all else: dermatologists’ skin diagnosis and the use of safe ingredients.

I purchased a sheet of Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch when I was in Korea. Always love purchasing new skincare products which I have not tried before. Turned out that this is available in Sephora but its currently out of stock.

This Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch is the Winner of the Cleo Beauty Hall of Fame 2012 and it owns 2 international patents on its temperature sensitive state-changing soluble hydrogel system, selected as one of the world-100-superb patent products which won 3 most innovative awards.

I have previously tried some facial sheet masks from Leaders Insolution back in 2012 but unfortunately, most did not leave a deep impression on me so lets dive down to see how these patches worked for me!