[ Review ] VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster

 
VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster Review

Product Description
VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster is an anti-aging and brightening boosting serum supercharged with 2,700 ppm of VENN’s patented form of Ginsenoside Compound K, a key anti-aging active in Panax ginseng with free-radical-fighting antioxidant power as strong as Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) but without oxidation and sensitization issues.

The Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster features VENN’s patented technology to water-solubilize Ginsenoside Compound K and thereby use potent concentrations of it in the formulation for brighter, firmer, and more even-looking skin.

Packed with 5 different types of medium- and high-weight hyaluronic molecules, Peptides, Polyamine, and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (Niacinamide), and B9 that work synergistically with Ginsenoside Compound K to provide comprehensive anti-aging skin benefits, including strengthening the skin and visibly reducing wrinkles, pores, and discoloration, VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster has been clinically tested to reduce trans-epidermal water loss, brighten skin’s appearance, improve skin elasticity, improve skin firmness, visibly reduce wrinkles, and visibly minimize pores.

Pure Tincture VENN Age-Response Hyaluronic Booster


Pure Tincture reached out to me late last year and gifted some products based on my skin concerns. Based in Singapore, Pure Tincture provides bespoke facials and beauty treatments with popular clean skincare brands such as The Organic Pharamacy, VENN Skincare, Odacite, OSEA and more. Other than facials, they also offer eyelash lift, back treatment and body massage too. 

If you are pressed for time, pop in during lunchtime and try their 30 Minutes Wonder Facial or if you are new to clean beauty brands, you can arrange an appointment for their Clean Beauty Swap as well. 
Check out more about their products and treatments on their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates. The owner, Helen has a clear and glowing complexion which is a testament to how well she takes care of her skin. 

Prior to visiting their salon, I have purchased products from them as a customer before, so I am thankful to receive a warm invite from Helen, as she patiently explained the origins of each brand she curated for her salon. 

Hailing from South Korea, VENN combines over 25 years of skincare research with clean, proven active ingredients to create intelligent skincare formulations that deliver clinically proven, visible results. Their groundbreaking technologies, including their proprietary Concentric Technology™, power potent formulations with a "supercharged engine” capable of optimizing and effectively delivering key nutrients and powerful natural ingredients to the skin.

VENN does not use synthetic fragrance, parabens, silicones, phthalates, mineral oil, colorants, sulfates (SLS/SLES), PEG compounds, phenoxyethanol, coal tar, and other controversial ingredients that they believe can be toxic and unsafe for skin.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster has a luxurious vibe to it. It is housed in a 30ml glass bottle with a gold cap that can be twisted to reveal the dropper for easy dispensing of the subtle yellow serum contents. 

VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster Texture



Lightweight and fast-absorbing with a smooth oily consistency, it has no scent and absorbed beautifully into skin.

How To Use :
Release 1-2 full dropper into the palm of your hand and gently pat evenly onto your face after cleansing AM + PM.

Performance and Ingredients

VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster is an anti-aging and brightening boosting serum supercharged with 2,550 ppm of VENN’s patented form of Ginsenoside Compound K, the main metabolite and a key anti-aging active component of Panax Ginseng.

What makes it special is that Ginsenoside Compound K, at 750ppm of concentration, shows as strong free-radical-fighting antioxidant power as the maximum antioxidant power of vitamin C, but does not oxidize and is not sensitizing.

This serum is an antioxidant powerhouse packed with vitamins and nutrients. It can also be used as an alternative to a Vitamin C serum for its skin benefits without any of the negativities associated with Vitamin C, such as oxidation and sensitisation. 

VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster works well as a hydrating serum pairing with Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream to combat the drying effects of retinal. 

It is a lightweight serum that fits in-between Mamonde Rose Water Toner and Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidant Firming Daily Treatment for that fresh and glowing complexion. I also like using it after Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum for that additional dose of hydration. 

Pairing it with a more concentrated toner like Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner would be too rich for my skin type, leaving it looking greasy. 

On its own, VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster has a silky smooth lightweight oily consistency that absorbed into skin quickly, leaving my face so soft, velvety smooth and supple with some shine. 

With regular use, my complexion looked fresh and glowing in just 1 week and appeared youthful after 2 months. 

That said, as I was gifted the product without the box, I wasn't able to check on the description, instruction or the full list of ingredients hence I have extracted the following information from websites. 

The key ingredients are....

Ginsenoside Compound K : patented metabolite of Ginseng which helps promote collagen synthesis and fights comprehensive signs of aging, including dryness, hyperpigmentation, UV-induced skin damage, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity and firmness. 

Sodium Hyaluronate : A natural moisturizing factor and a humectant which hydrates.

Houttuynia Cordata Water : Rich in antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea Leaf Water & Extract : Rich in antioxidants and soothes skin.

Houttuynia Cordata Water, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Ginsenosides, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Freesia Refracta Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sucrose, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Cyclodextrin, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Catechins, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bacillus Ferment, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glutathione, Carnosine, Sodium Chloride, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-22, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glutamine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Pyruvate, Isoleucine, Leucine, Threonine, Valine, Inositol, Phenylalanine, Serine, Methionine, Glycine, sh-Polypeptide-64, Tryptophan, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Thiamine HCL, Riboflavin

Where To Purchase : Pure Tincture 

Conclusion

To conclude, VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster is an anti-aging and brightening boosting serum that left my skin so soft, velvety smooth and supple and with regular use, my complexion looked fresh and glowing in just 1 week and appeared almost youthful after 2 months. 

If you need high-performance, simplified skincare that is both effective and simple to use, check out VENN, tailored to a busy, modern lifestyle.

Thanks so much for reading! Lets connect : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

[ Review ] 100% Pure Vitamin C Mask

 

100% Pure Vitamin C Mask Review

Product Description
100% Pure Vitamin C Mask is a skin brightening face mask made with Vitamin C to promote collagen and elastin production, enhance glow, and soften skin. 

Key Benefits : 
- Enhances glow and skin luminosity
- Brightens and balances complexion
- Gently breaks away dull, dead skin
- Promotes firmness and youthful elasticity
- Brightens and tones dark spots, hyperpigmentation

As you may know, Vitamin C is great for collagen regeneration, smoothing fine lines, and lessening the appearance of dark spots.

Collagen is a necessary protein for firm, youthful skin. It is known for maintaining elasticity while repairing tissue damage, hence Vitamin C which has the ability to produce collagen in the skin makes it popular as an ingredient in anti-aging products.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, often illustrated as age spots, melasma, sun spots, and acne scars. Vitamin C can help to not only inhibit the response that causes hyperpigmentation in the skin, but also reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

Exposure to the sun leaves our delicate skin vulnerable to damaging free radicals. These are unstable atoms known to wreak havoc on the skin over time, causing increased signs of aging. Lucky for us, vitamin C is an antioxidant – which means it’s naturally talented when it comes to fighting free radicals!

So it is never too late to include a Vitamin C product in your skincare routine. Lets delve down to see if 100% Pure Vitamin C Mask fits your needs. I purchased this from 100% Pure Singapore

[ Review ] Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

 

 Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream Review

Product Description
Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ is a hydrating creamy sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UV protection with 100% mineral sun filters. Star ingredients Witch Hazel and Niacinamide offer multiple skin benefits such as calming, soothing, repairing, reducing redness and more. Great for all skin types, especially sensitive.

I received Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ as part of my Stylekorean collaboration last year, together with Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Sunscreen and Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid SunscreenBenton Air Fit UV Defense Sun CreamMary & May Cica Soothing Sun Cream and Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream.

For the uninitiated, chemical and mineral sunscreens shield the skin from UV rays in different ways. 

Chemical sunscreens allow UV light into skin. Once light is absorbed into the skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen ( such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate ) create a chemical reaction in which UV light is converted to heat and the heat dissipates from the skin. 

Mineral sunscreens ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium oxide are small particles that sit on the skin's surface and physically prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin. 

In a nutshell, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and offer protection by dissipating UV rays while mineral sunscreens sit on top of skin and reflect UV rays away. 

[ Review ] Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Conditioner

 
Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Conditioner Review


I received Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner in 60ml sizes with my last Naturisimo purchase and was so glad I did. 

Innersense Organic Beauty is founded in 2005 by 2 beauty professionals when they realized the need for clean, pure, organic and non-toxic professional quality hair care products. They trusted their innersense, sourcing the highest quality and Certified Organic ingredients, in the purest, most concentrated form, to create a complete, award-winning line of safe, sustainable and cruelty free personal care products. No parabens, silicones, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or questionable ingredients. 

The ongoing result is salon performance formulas that hydrate, nourish and revitalize all hair types. Read more about the brand on their website



Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath Review

Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath is a luxurious hydrating shampoo for thick, coarse and thirsty hair. It boosts hydration for thick, coarse and damaged hair with raw shea butter and avocado, sage, monoi and tamanu oils and restores the cuticle with nourishing emollients that soften and smooth texture. Deeply hydrating, this silicone-free formula leaves hair bouncy and healthy.

How To Use :
1) Take a deep breath and become centered. 
2) Apply a small amount of hairbath into hands and emulsify into a light lather. 
3) With fingertips, massage into scalp. 
4) Rinse thoroughly.

[ Review ] I'm From Mugwort Essence

 
I'm From Mugwort Essence Review

Product Description
I'm From's Mugwort Essence is formulated with 100% mugwort extract grown in South Korea. This refreshing formula adheres to and absorbs into the skin to soothe and recharge moisture from within.

Mugwort extract has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. It helps prevent premature aging by combating damage from environmental aggressors. Mugwort extract also stimulates collagen production, which plumps up skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Do you have sensitive skin or skin that turns red often? 

According to this research study, the Japanese mugwort, Artemisia princeps (yomogi in Japanese), has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Skin care products containing Artemisia princeps extract (APE) are known to improve dry skin symptoms in atopic dermatitis. 

Another research study by a College of Medicine in Korea also reflected that Mugwort Leaf Extract can help relieve the symptoms of contact dermatitis. 

I have selected I'm From Mugwort Essence as part of my second Wishtrend collaboration, together with I'm From Rice Toner and Rovectin Forever Young Biome Ampoule. Staying in Singapore with its hot and humid weather condition can be a bane to sensitive skin so using calming products are much needed and that is where I'm From Mugwort Essence comes into my routine. 

I prefer to take my time with each skincare product so I don't do collaborations often, regardless of paid or unpaid. 

Check out my first Wishtrend collaboration on Instagram. 

Recommended Reading

Sephora + Cult Beauty + IHerb + Beauty Fresh Haul

 


A Christmas gift from a good friend.

Fresh Sugar Lip Kit
- Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
- Fresh Sugar Lip Mask

Medicube Korea reached out for a paid collaboration. Sadly the parcel was slightly hot during delivery, and made me concerned about the Vitamin C products inside. Also noted that the products were expiring in 8-11 months later. 

Medicube Triple Deep Whitening Gift Set
- Medicube Deep Vita C Ampoule
- Medicube Deep Vita Cream
- Medicube Deep Lifting Peptide Eye Cream for Face
- Free Gift Mask Pack
- Medicube Deep Vita C Pad


My haul from Sephora

Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Super Bounce Mask $40 ( down from $89 )
Purposeful Skincare by Allies (PSA) Light Up Vitamin C & E Flash Brightening Mask $30 ( down from $67 )
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm sample 
Dr. Dennis Gross B3Adaptative Superfoods Rescue Super Serum sample
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer sample

[ Review ] Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Review

Product Description
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is a lightweight SPF 50+ PA++++ sun cream that doesn’t leave a white cast and works well under makeup. It contains 1,000ppm mung bean extract that soothes irritation and tackles blemishes, along with 1,000ppm bio-hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisture. This sunscreen is vegan and cruelty-free.

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ was one of the sunscreens I received as part of a Stylekorean collaboration last year. It is touted as a moisturizing and quick-absorbing serum that is like basic skin care with EWG green grade ingredients and contains green bean extracts for antioxidant benefits. 

It has been tested to contain SPF 51.1 (+/- 3.5 ) so that consumers can be rest assured that it does contains a minimum of SPF50. 

Korean vegan skin care brand TOCOBO is dedicated in creating effective products to help enhance one’s inner beauty. TOCOBO emphasizes “Clarity”, “Modernity”, and “Satisfaction” in its product development by being transparent about ingredients used in formulas, and ensuring the items are in line with the latest beauty trends while meeting customer satisfaction. 

Bestsellers include the Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++, a sunscreen and serum hybrid that offers soothing effects on top of sun protection, and the Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++ that protects and moisturizes skin. 

Packaging, Scent and Texture 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is housed in a 50ml slim portable plastic bottle that is easy to hold and dispense. The sweet baby blue colour bottle is a bonus point. 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Texture


It has a strong floral fragrance which I am not a fan of. The lightweight lotion texture with a cooling sensation glides and absorbed well on skin. 

How To Use :
1) At the last step of your skin care routine, apply needed amount and gently pat until full absorbed. 
2) Apply onto neck, arms, legs, and any other areas that might be exposed to the sun.

Performance and Ingredients

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream is a moisturizing sunscreen with low allergens and contains mung bean extract and bio hyaluronic acid that gives deep hydration and provides a refreshing sensation.

Also known as a reef-safe sunscreen, it avoids Oxybenzone and Octinosate in its list of ingredients as they have been said to be harmful for marine ecosystem and coral reefs. 

The sunscreen has a lovely lightweight lotion texture that left skin soft and smooth with a velvety finishing without the tackiness but has a greasy sheen that thankfully can be mattified under makeup. It has no white cast, being a chemical sunscreen and is non-drying. It stings occasionally and on dehydrated areas though. 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream has an SPF of 50 PA++++ and helps to protect against UVA and UVB rays. SPF 50 sunscreens protect you from 98 percent of UVB "burning" rays that penetrate your skin, while PA++++ sunscreens provide extremely high UVA protection.

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Filters



The 5 sunscreen filters are...

Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid : A  L'Oréal-group exclusive sunscreen agent commonly called Mexoryl SX. As opposed to most sunscreen agents, it is water soluble.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate : A new generation, chemical sunscreen agent with high UVA protection and high photostability. Also known as Uvinul A Plus.

Polysilicone-15 : A chemical sunscreen agent with UVB protection. It also help to stabilize the famously unstable UVA filter, avobenzone and works especially well with Ensulizole to achieve high SPF protection. Also known as Parsol SLX. 

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine : A broad-spectrum ( full UVA and UVB protection ) chemical sunscreen agent which is also known as Tinosorb S. Hardly deteriorates in the presence of UV.

Ethylhexyl Triazone : A new generation, chemical sunscreen that gives the highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters today. Also known as Octyl Triazone and Uvinul T 150.

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (cotton) Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gossypium Herbaceum (cotton) Seed Oil, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Fragrance

Where To Purchase : Yesstyle | Stylekorean | Amazon

Conclusion

To conclude, Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ has a lightweight lotion texture that left skin soft and smooth with a velvety finishing, however I am not a fan of its strong floral scent and the greasy sheen on my combination skin which thankfully can be mattified under makeup. Adding on, it stings occasionally and on dehydrated areas. 

Some of my recent favourite sunscreens are Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ and Face Republic Purity Sun Essence.

Thanks so much for reading! Lets connect : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

[ Review ] Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

 
Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub Review

Product Description
Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is a refreshing, exfoliating scrub that instantly retexturizes, polishes and reduces the look of pores, with AHAs, lemon peel and sugar. This dual-action retexturizing scrub physically and chemically exfoliates. High-potency AHAs help loosen and lift dead skin cells, while lemon peel powder and sugar exfoliants gently sweep away rough skin. Plus, holy basil and chamomile help calm and soothe your skin.

I received Ole Henriksen Splashing Stars Cleanser & Scrub Duo as a Christmas gift from a good friend, which consists of Ole Henriksen Truth Juice Daily Cleanser (60ml) and Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smooth Scrub (30g). 

It has been a good 8 years since I last used their products - Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster and Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Skin Tone Corrector as they pulled out from Sephora then. Glad to see that they are back in local shores again. 

Exfoliating regularly is essential for soft, smooth and refreshed skin. Why is it good to exfoliate? Basically, dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, which can leave your complexion looking dull, rough and dry.

There are two types of exfoliation: Physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation uses small particles to manually scrub away rough, flaky skin and let smoother skin glow through. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves acids—such as AHAs, BHAs and PHAs—to loosen the “glue” that holds the dead surface layer of skin together and reveal the newer, fresher skin underneath.

Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is a physical + chemical exfoliant where potent AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) help loosen and lift dead skin cells while ultra-fine sugar and lemon peel powder gently sweep away rough skin.