Saturday, February 26, 2011

NEW: Sulwhasoo Snowise Massager

Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Spot Cream + Snowise Spot Patch + **Snowise Massager**



Sulwhasoo introduces another great product for the Snowise Whitening line, their Massager. This is a tool (when you push the button, it goes in gentle circular motions) that is used with the Snowise Whitening Spot Cream - to further accelerate results on dark marks (scars) and freckles. If many of you are not aware, when using spot treatments for your freckles and scars, it is crucial to massage the specific scarring area to help break town scar/freckle tissue underneath the skin. Luckily, Sulwhasoo has created this tool which is not only gentle but gets the job done! A bit of background on Sulwhasoo's Whitening Spot Cream and Snowise Spot Patch...


Description: Formulated with Korean Medicinal Herbs, Snowise Whitening Spot Cream treats pigmented skin while Spot Patch boosts results.


Potent Ingredients:
~Spreading Hedyotis~
~Rhubarb~

~Licorice Root~


Snowise Spot Cream is a highly concentrated spot treatment with herbal extracts including Spreading Hedyotis, and Rhubarb to effectively penetrate and provide targeted, intensive treatment for dark spots. Absorbs quickly and promotes a clearer, even color-tone.


Snowise Spot Patch includes Licorice Extract which softens the skin while a patch that is made from Korean Traditional Paper creates a protective layer to maximize the penetration of Whitening Spot Cream, providing a clearer, more radiant complexion. Adheres to the targeted area to provide continuous benefits of Whitening Spot Cream. (The spot patch is kept on for 20 minutes - it is best to use this whitening program at night!)

When I purchased the Snowise Whitening line, the Korean SA was nice enough to give me a few samples of the Snowise Whitening Spot Cream - it has a very strong scent of herbs, and is a somewhat-thick paste but absorbs rather quick. I could not review it because the samples were not enough for a full months use!!! However, she did promise me that this will help lighten scars and freckles :) Nonetheless, the full set including the massager will be available in a couple of months or so - the price range of this program is very expensive: $300 USD. For those of you who are interested in the Snowise Program, you guys are fortunate to get the massaging tool to help with fading those dark marks!!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Review: Coreana ECO 36.9˚ Nokdu Pure Peeling Gel

~Coreana ECO 36.9˚ Nokdu Pure Peeling Gel~

Description: Nokdu extract (detox) & alginate from algae (purifying) works on skin to remove waste, sebum & old keratin deep in the skin. In addition, gingko leaf extract improves skin metabolism by accelerating blood circulation. Moreover, polysaccharides from oat makes hydrated membrane so that it keeps skin dewy even after cleansing. Soft gel type texture relieves stimulus. The composition of the Nokdu extract has been fermented to absorb within the deepest layers of the skin.

According to Korean traditional medical science, the nokdu bean is known to detoxify more than 100 poisons, and good for alieviating fever. This bean is used for freckles and burnt skin by sunlight, and great for heat rash or inflammation. Helps remove sebum, dust and other environmental pollutants - while keeping skin very moisturized.

Directions: After cleansing, take proper amount and massage over the face except eye & lip area for about 1 minute. After, massage face gently and check the natural peeling material & waste come out, wash off with lukewarm water.

Potent Ingredients:

~Arginine~

Amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for wound healing. Arginine's possible activity in wound repair may be due to its role in the formation of L-proline, an important amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of collagen – great for dry skin types.


~Nokdu~

Also known as Mung Bean or Phaseolus Radiatus, this precious ingredient aids in detoxicant, heat dispersing, diuretic, and hypolipemic properties in the skin. Nokdu has a high amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Folate, Copper, Manganese, Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium, to help rejuvenate and balance the skin – to achieve healthier looking skin.

Ingrdient List:
(Click to Enlarge)

Review: I would like to stress how IMPORTANT it is to exfoliate your skin! Exfoliating helps remove the outer dead skin cells, which can clog pores, and cause skin troubles, so in order for your new skin to regenerate, it is vital to remove the waste built on the skin. I have used this product for more than 2 months, and I have decided to give the review now. When it comes to exfoliation, it needs to become a staple if you want your skin to appear clean and clear. I never recommend exfoliating products that have harsh beads or any type of beads because firstly, the beads just sweep onto the skin and do not remove all the dead skin cells, and second, some beads are actually harsh that they can tare the skin leading to pre-mature aging. I tested this out with a different exfoliate called CURE Natural Aqua Gel (which you guys probably are aware of). I exfoliated twice, first with a bead exfoliate and second with a exfoliating gel – a lot of my dead skin cells came out the second time – in my opinion, be skeptical with bead exfoliates as it may not remove all the dead skin cells off your face. Always look for non-abrasive exfoliants!!!

Nonetheless, this product is to be used twice per week. The gel is greenish-marine colour (we could honestly do without the color in this product it is not necessary!), and is a clear gel somewhat runny consistency. The scent is very fresh – almost smells like an ocean breeze haha. I used about a large coin size on my face (if you use too little, it will absorb right away, which will not allow you to massage the dead skin cells off). It is easily applied and forms a film on the face. You leave this for about 1 minute, however, in my experience, 30 seconds is good too. So, does this work? Yes it does!!! After a few seconds, I start massaging my face gently and these tiny balls start forming on top of your skin. The result is shiny and VERY DEWY skin. I found that this product also helps absorb my skin care products better. It keeps skin moist and hydrated – the Korean SA recommended this product for dry skin. Although I have normal, I did not mind the extra moisture! As for oily skin, it is fine to use this product, but because it may be a tad bit rich, a great tip is to use it before cleansing, and then cleanse afterwards. I absolutely love this gel exfoliate, and I highly recommend it!!!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

NEW: Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Mask

Introducing the new product from Sulwhasoo's Snowise Whitening line, their Whitening Mask!
Hedyotis Diffusa promotes circulation in the skin and White Lily extracts sooth and moisturize to activate the brightening effect. Penetrates into the skin smoothly and supplely for clear and soft skin.

Potent Ingredients:
~Hedyotis Diffusa~
~White Lily~

~White Ginseng~
This mask is a 10 minute deep treatment care for dullness that is caused by light and heat - the heat in Korean and Chinese medicine is known to cause problems like acne, imperfections, dullness, or an imbalance to your internal body. The mask-sheets are hand made and concentrated with Korean medicinal herbs like White Ginseng Polysaccharides that is fermented for 2 weeks to help the skin absorb the precious ingredient in the skin to brighten the overall skin complexion. With its cooling herbal ingredients, the Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Mask will help reduce the heat in your body - to achieve a balanced and brightened skin.


The clarity and brightness of the skin is improved by 6.9% in 4 weeks - and immediate radiance just from one use! When this mask is combined with Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Essence, your skin will gain 44% more clarity in 7 weeks (has been tested on 32 women by Derma Pro Co., Ltd).

The specialists at Sulwhasoo have designed the mask in a way it fits the face perfectly - it adheres easily on the face, and the essence is intact on the skin so it does not drip everywhere.


Considering Sulwhasoo is an amazing brand - this is their first mask-sheet!!! :) Aren't you guys excited about this?! I sure am! It will be arriving to North America soon - from what I aware of, this will reach The Amore stores in about 3 months or so, and the price tag is pretty hefty - you have an option to either purchase 6 mask-sheets or 10 mask-sheets!

So for all of you in love with masks, I highly recommend this mask! A great boost to the Snowise Whitening line :)!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

UPDATE: The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Line Review

~Gongjinhyang: Hwa Hyun~

At the end of December 2010, I purchased the Hwa Hyun line set which came with the full size Hwa Hyun Balancer, and Hwa Hyun Lotion, and the set came with mini jars of the Hwa Hyun Cream, Hwa Hyun Essence and Hwa Hyun Eye Cream. I was surprised that I still have the sample jars – I did not expect them to last me a month because I was going to purchase the full size, but ended up using the mini jars which is fantastic for me since there not cheap!

Now for an over-run of this line, which I have introduced in my blog; the Hwa Hyun line is meant for anti-aging, hydration, and whitening. This line is an all-in-one functional cosmetic line – potent ingredients include Velvet Deer Antlers, Jade, Gold, Ginseng and various other medicinal herbs to help rejuvenate the skin and help whiten the skin. Using this line for a month, I have seen dramatic results – my skin is very smooth and silky, and my skin glows! I can’t say this has whitened my skin, and if you would like to whiten your skin, then the Seol Whitening line would be much more suitable!!!

I am still using the five products in this range, and I believe a full month has given me enough results that I can review this line for you guys!!! I will be reviewing the Hwa Hyun Balancer, Hwa Hyun Essence, Hwa Hyun Lotion, Hwa Hyun Eye Cream, and Hwa Hyun Cream. I used this line with normal/combo skin – my cheeks tend to get dry during the winter season! I used a pea-size amount for each product, more for the toner and a dab for eye cream.

The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Balancer
Description: The Hwa Hyun Balancer refines skin texture and promotes a brighter and clearer complexion. With ginseng extract, jade mixture, powedered deer antlers and gold, etc significant ingredients, Hwahyun Balancer revitalizes and lightens your skin while restores the hydration your skin needs. The History of Whoo Hwahyun Balancer provides you with a youthful and refreshed look, brightens your skin and further prevents the dark pigmentation.

Review: This toner has a gel-watery (almost like jelly-water) consistency, but very light. It took some time to absorb – it felt somewhat rubbery. If observed closely, you can see the gold shimmering! You don’t need a lot of the product – pour some on your palms and gently pat on your skin. I personally love the scent of this line – it is very floral. Now for hydration, yes it kept my skin hydrated more than the Seol Whitening Skin Balancer, but not as much hydrated than the In Yang Balancer. Nonetheless, it left my skin very soft and dewy, but you need to pat the toner in to absorb!

The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Essence
Description:  This premium essence helps skin to quickly absorb its light weight texture, evens out the uneven complexion and controls the oil imbalance. Hwahyun Essence nourishes your skin with unique aroma and texture, soften and tighten up your skin, efficatively delays the skin aging and turns the clock back in time for a younger looking skin.

Review: I absolutely love this essence – there is something with Whoo’s essences that I love. It is rich, yet so light, and they just refine the texture of your skin! You can literally see the gold in this essence. It smells heavenly – very strong aroma of herbs and flowers. It keeps skin moist and so soft – leaves a silky touch to the skin and instantly plumps the skin. This is one of my definite picks from the line! Compared to Seol Whitening Essence, the Hwa Hyun Essence is much more hydrating. With this essence you will see an instant glow from within the skin!!!

The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Lotion
Description: The Hwa Hyun Lotion revitalizes and brightens up the imperfect complexion on your skin. Suitable for combination to dry skin with the most prestige ingredients like the powdered deer antlers, powdered gold and tree extract that allows your skin to quickly absorb its light weight texture. With the court beauty recipes of Queen Jahee, Hwahyun Lotion promotes skin de-aging by brightening the entire skin through each layer of the skin and gives a result of a natural glow from the deepest skin layer

Review: The texture of this lotion is very rich, much of Whoo’s lotions are rich anyways – but I had no problem with this lotion because it absorbed right away, leaving my skin hydrated. The feel of this lotion is much more richer than the In Yang and Whitening Lotion – I would prefer this lotion than the In Yang Lotion though because the In Yang although it felt light, it was way too rich for me! I tested this alone while standing in the wind, and it kept my skin hydrated without drying it out (for about 10 minutes), so this is a plus for dry skin types!!! The scent is very floral and it’s a white textured product. With first application your skin is plumped, and within a few weeks this works to firm up the skin – it glides smoothly on the skin and absorbs right away.

The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Eye Cream
Description: This premium eye cream helps diminish dark circles and give your eyes a glow from the deepest layers of the skin. Allow the gold and jade powders to help brighten the skin around the delicate eye area, while the powdered deer antlers and medicinal herbs to rejuvenate the skin and erase the signs of time.

Review: I honestly have something with Whoo’s eye creams. After using the Qi & Jin Eye Cream (top recommendation) this is also on my top lists! You really see the gold shimmers – it is thick gel-type texture (I would not consider it a cream) but is EASILY absorbed. If you are prone to milia, and there were some concerns with the Qi & Jin Eye Cream being too rich, than this is my top recommendation for you guys!!! This is not very moisturizing compared to the Qi & Jin Eye Cream – however, this LIGHTENS your eye area. Within a week I saw results – my eye area had this subtle glow! I absolutely LOVE this eye cream. Remember to pat your eye creams gently around the delicate eye area and not massage because it will stretch and cause pre-mature wrinkles!!!

The History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Cream
DescriptionThis premium Hwahyun Cream instantly brightens up the overall imperfect complexion, prevents skin aging and strives a perfect soothed and balanced look and feel. This highly enriched premium cream contains rich ingredients of functional whitening properties, such as powdered deer antlers, powdered gold and tree extract effectively refresh and hydrate the uneven skin tone. With the court beauty recipes of Queen Jahee, The History of Whoo Hwahyun Cream promotes to transform your skin into luminous and translucent complexion, effectively delays the overall aging process.

Review: I had a problem with this cream – it seemed not to spread evenly on my face. At first I wondered if it was because I was keeping it in my bathroom that the temperatures may have caused a problem with this cream because it was cold, and even if I warmed it up it didn’t seem to do the trick. Since this is a thick buttery consistency, imagine butter being cold, but not being able to spread. So I took this cream out and left in my bedroom, and when the temperature of the cream changed to a warmer state, it easily absorbed into my skin. Probably not one of my top recommendations – the Qi & Jin Cream and Whitening Cream are much better in my opinion. Although this cream is moisturizing and it really helps plump my skin, it seemed that when its cold it will not spread on your face, and I needed an extra cream on top to seal in moisture. Regardless, I did see brightening effects with this cream, so I am pleased with that hehe!

Recommend? For dry dehydrated skin you may need something a little more hydrating - but if you have dry or normal skin it works great! This line helped plump my skin and keep my skin firm, but the whitening effects are minimal and because in my opinion this is an all-in-one line, I would rather buy a line that is targeted to ONE purpose because you know it will help with that specific skin problem. For dryness I recommend the Gongjinhyang Line (which also plumps and firms the skin), and for whitening the Seol line (helps with freckles/ dark marks and dullness). Considering the price, I bought this for $680 USD – so it is expensive. I did expect a bit more since most of the products in The History of Whoo produce results instantly! The best results I have seen from using this line is how plump and firm my skin has become!!! I will still be using these products for a few more months to see what happens considering this is an anti-aging treatment line (& “whitening” hehe) Nonetheless, the ingredients in these products are very effective. THE ONLY products I would HIGHLY recommend is the Hwa Hyun Lotion, Hwa Hyun Essence and Hwa Hyun Eye Cream - if you want a hydrating toner, the In Yang Balancer is excellent, and Qi & Jin Cream. The Hwa Hyun Cream is not so convenient haha but it does help keep my skin plump and radiant!!! You can use them separately and still see results :)
*More information on the Hwa Hyun line:
http://sulwhasoo-sulwhasoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/history-of-whoo-hwa-hyun-line.html
*I will get the ingredient list soon for you guys* :)

Have any of you loved this line? What are you experiences with the Hwa Hyun line?