Sunscreen: Charmzone Albatross Powder Sun SPF 41++ Review

Introduction to Charmzone

Charmzone is another great brand in Korea (although my love for Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo will never be outweighed hehe) - and has been making its way to North America on demand!

Their main concern is not how luxurious their products are, rather producing the highest quality products for their customers. The founder of Charmzone Kwang Seok Kim, a pharmacist from the College of Pharmacy in Sung Kyun Kwan University,  launched Charmzone to meet the needs of women: aging, lack of vitality, glowing skin, or firmness.

"Charmzone only strives to represent Korea in creating the highest quality cosmetics in the world..."

Some of Charmzone's various lines for specific needs include:

Pleasium: Protecting skin from harmful environmental factors. To keep skin firm and youthful, and tighten skin.

Medicell: Helps your skin regain its brightness - while aiding in dullness, dryness, and a lack of resilience.

DeAge: Provides your skin with potent nutrients such as tomato, pomegranate, red wine, and mulberry.

Wrinklear: Softens the skin, while treating deep wrinkles (all vegetable-based) - makes skin very firm and lifted with massaging techniques.

Gingko Natural: All natural plant-based ingredients, with the main ingredient, Gingko Biloba, to help soothe the skin from blemishes and environmental factors that damage the skin.

Hibutan: Keeps skin clean and bight - removing impurities deep within the skin.

Ziahn: Their oriental-medicinal based products - to treat damaged skin and make it look healthy.

Although it is a lower-end brand, compared to Sulwhasoo or The History of Whoo - I still find Charmzone products very effective. They use natural ingredients, however, fragrance is one big problem I find in Korean skin care which shields off the alcohol scent - the scent in these products are lovely, they may be a bit strong for those of you who dislike heavy fragrance in their skin care!

To begin with the Charmzone Albatross Powder Sun review:

Description: Charmzone Albatross Powder Sun SPF 41++ is developed with protecting & repairing system against UV rays as containg the PMMA (SUNPMMA –S: Polymethy Methacrylate) powder with soft and non-oily finish and the ABOMC (patent number: 10-0890428) powder with improved UV rays protection effect UV ray sunscreen. Non-oily look on the skin and keeps the moisture inside the skin. Three-in-1 effect (UV rays blocking, under make-up, enhance skin elasticity).

How to use: Before outdoor leisure activities, evenly smooth over face (avoiding eye area), arms, neck, legs and other areas exposed to sunlight.

Ingredients:

Review: You cannot use this product without smelling it! The scent is heavy, and when you put it on, you can smell it from a distance (my friend told me why my face smells nice haha). Regardless of its scent, the texture is like a powdered cream,  a bit thicker than the Seol Whitening Cream which also has a powdered creamy texture. It absorbs right away, leaving NOTHING behind - I hate sunscreens that leave white casts, which we usually see in Western brands, this doesn't!!! This is the ONLY sunscreen, from testing so many, that I purchase over and over again. Although I recommend purchasing a higher spf with '+++' full protection sunscreens, this is great for all year round. As most of you know, sunscreen is a must, even during winter seasons, and during the rain! Yes, you heard me! I cannot STRESS how much it is important to wear sunscreen every morning before you get out (a lower spf 30 will do indoors since UV rays penetrate through windows and walls - who knew? haha). The best thing about this sunscreen is its filters: it does not include any of the nasty oxybenzone, avobenzone, or the 'benzone' filters, rather Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Octinoxate, and Octisalate. I absolutely love this sunscreen - it really helps absorb oil on the skin, keeps skin moist, and leaves your skin looking matte all day long. So for those with oily skin, this is great, for dry skin - you need a rich cream before you apply this sunscreen! I highly recommend this sunscreen because although you don't look much in sunscreen, the plus is that it keeps skin very moist which I love!

Have any of you tried Charmzone products? :)

Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask Review

Description: A peel-off mask purifying and clarifying dull, devitalized and problem skin. Formulated with Korean Medicinal Herbs, this peel-off mask purifies and clarifies dull, devitalized and problem skin.  Traditional Korean Medicinal Herbs such as Small Solomonseal Powder, Honey, Japanese Honeysuckle replenish nourishment for improved, brighter skin tone and texture. This unique textured peel-off mask effectively removes impurities and dead skin cells to promote clearer and smoother skin.

Potent Ingredients:

~Japanese Honeysuckle~

Okjuk extracts suppressed the oxidation of biological membranes thicken the skin cells, which improves the skin texture.

~Small Solomonseal Powder~

Antibacterial and cleanses the skin. When applied to the skin it cleanses it from freckles, spots, and blemishes, leaving a fresh and brighter skin.

~Honey~

NMF (natural moisturizing factor) components of honey to moisturize the skin and increases skin moisture, which will lead to smoother skin. Contains the building material that is responsible for the moisture balance of healthy skin. The skin regains its natural ability to absorb moisture and to retain it, thus lending it elasticity and suppleness.

Before I begin my review, I would like to discuss the importance of peel-off masks. Peel-off masks are a very essential step when taking care of your skin – it will help absorb your skin care products, aid in keeping your skin unclogged, clean, clear and fresh. Remember to pick masks that have beneficial ingredients for your skin! The difference with a cream mask is that when it dries, you wash it off with water. However, a peel-off mask requires you to gently* peel off the mask. The Korean SA at Sulwhasoo told me that when using a peel-off mask, make sure to apply a light moisturizer (emulsion) before you apply the mask so it will not be too harsh on your skin when you peel it off.

Review: The Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask is a great peel-off mask I have ever used! I have been using it for years, and just love it!!! You would not expect it, but it also removes some blackheads (however, you do need a blackhead remover for serious removal – although I never recommend those nose strips, its WAY TO HARSH for your nose area). The texture of this peel-off mask is very sticky - almost like a honey feel, but is easily manageable. I apply a really thick layer on my skin, and let it dry for 20-25 minutes. Once dried, you should start peeling from bottom outwards. Remember, never apply it around your eye area – you will cause future damage! Usually for those who have an oily T-zone, you can apply it just to your forehead, nose and chin area, but for those who have troubled skin, I suggest you use it all over the face – all personal preference. After one use, I found my skin looking very bright and fresh. Especially, the texture of my skin was very soft and silky, and stays like that until the next day! The scent is very herbal – and once again, with all the Sulwhasoo scents are so soothing and calming to your mind, you will love using the products. This is a plus since your skin care products will absorb rapidly into the skin!!! Of course, this is no exfoliant (although it does remove dead skin cells, you need an exfoliant to thoroughly remove the impurities on your skin), so don't replace an exfoliant with a peel-off mask! Keep using this product once a week, and find your skin glowing!!!!! I highly recommend it to those with oily or troubled skin. This is definitely my all time favourite masks!!!

*Stay tuned for Sulwhasoo's Extra Refining Water and Extra Refining Emulsion compared to The History of Whoo Jinyul Balancer and Jinyul Lotion review*

Sulwhasoo Hair Glaze (Hair Treatment Oil) Review

Description: Nature-drawn camellia oil keeps the right balance of moisture and oil on the scalp and hair and green tea oil protects the scalp and hair from external aggressors, giving more healthy and refined look to your hair. Spreading over the hair with no sticky feel and providing natural luminosity and vividness to your hair, and help to restore the natural radiance of your hair.

Potent Ingredients:

~Camellia Oleifera~

Camellia oil supplies nutrients to the scalp and gently protects hair using natural ingredients that do not easily oxidize or deteriorate and protects from free radicals. This oil supplies rich moisture and elasticity to soften the hair.

~Coenzyme Q10~

Extracted from plants, supplies nutrients to help facilitate blood circulation within the scalp. This ingredient helps with hair-loss and anti-aging. Coenzyme Q10 plays a key role in the production of adenosine triphosphate – which help delay the aging process.

~Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)~
Potent anti-oxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate, aids in hair growth and hair follicle elongation. Helps to soothe dry scalp (flaking, redness, irritation). Green tea a contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which work as a hair conditioner.

Review: My scalp had been getting dry during the winter season, and I needed something to help rescue my dry scalp! I purchased the Sulwhasoo Hair Glaze, which is now referred as the Hair Treatment Oil – and it really is a treatment to the scalp and hair. Not to mention, this product is perfect for oily hair too! This hair oil is concentrated with camellia oil, and ginseng being the fourth ingredient on the list (so sorry I do not have the ingredient list) - ginseng can nourish the scalp and boost hair growth. The scent is very herbal, which I love! The oil is quite runny, but when applied to the hair, leaves a nice shine with no residue whatsoever! What I love about this product is how moisturizing it was my for my scalp – I did several treatments with this product where I would apply a sufficient amount of the oil on my scalp, and wrap it with a warm towel. You can also pour some on your conditioner and shampoo. The results were amazing, within 3 weeks of using this product (2 times per week), my hair had recovered. For those of you who do suffer from severe dry scalp, I recommend you use this more than 2 times. Remember that dry scalp = hair thinning and loss. So make sure you take care of your scalp, as you do with your skin. Other treatments include olive oil and grape seed oil. However, I found that this treatment really improved the look of my hair and my dry scalp – it left my hair silky-smooth and glossy – a very natural look! Highly recommended to those with dry scalps, or those who want to improve their hair, it will not leave your hair looking or feeling greasy!

Have any of you tried this oil treatment? :)

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream Review

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream

60ml

Description: A revitalizing cream delivering nutrient-rich Ginseng to the deepest layers of the skin. Formulated with Korean medicinal herbs, this revitalizing cream delivers nutrient-rich ginseng to the deepest layers of the skin to revive damaged, depleted skin. Nutrient-rich extracts from the root and fruit of Korean Ginseng promote renewal and revitalize the skin from deep within. Membranous Milkvetch and White Mulberry strengthen skin's defense against signs of aging and restore clear, radiant skin. A luxurious textured cream promoting healthy looking skin while delivering nourishment to the deeper layers of the skin.

Potent Ingredients:

~Membranous Milkvetch~

~Compound K Enzymatic components of Ginseng Saponin increased hyaluronic acid within the dermal of the skin, which aids in promoting cell regeneration.~

~Ginseng Berry Fruit~

~By strengthening the skin barrier to be effective, as well as your outer skin, a representative of the fruit ingredient of ginseng ginsenosides (also includes protein, amino acid, and polysaccharides) in the synergy of the skin causing your skin to retain elasticity and enhances nutrition.~

Sulwhasoo’s very famous cream, the Concentrated Ginseng Cream, has been getting enormous raves! And I know why! This cream has the potent medicinal herb, Ginseng. Since ancient times, Ginseng has been used to give energy and vitality to the body. Considered a medicinal herb, Ginseng helps to strengthen the inside of the skin, and the outer skin, which gives your skin more elasticity and enhances nutrition through circulation. Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Cream will help erase signs of aging, fatigue, and dullness – into a moist, velvet, glossy, smooth, hydrated skin. This cream is nano-sized with Ginseng capsules to be delivered within the deepest layers of your skin – reason why it works!!! I admire Koreans for using the best technology for their skin care.

Ingredient List:

(Click to Enlarge)

Review: I used this cream along with my Sulwhasoo First Aid Serum, Balancing Water, Balancing Emulsion, and Revitalizing Serum, then Concentrated Ginseng Cream for 4 months. Sometimes I would use the Concentrated Ginseng Cream alone to see the effects by itself (I used a pea-size amount on my face in patting motion). I am impressed by this cream!!!!! It truly is a miracle worker. The scent smells strong in ginseng, and the colour has a light-orange tone to it. The scent of the ginseng is so soothing to the mind (especially in the morning). The texture is rich, but when applied, your skin is moist. Your skin will feel so soft, and look dewy which continues even after washing your face. What I love about Sulwhasoo is that it TREATS your skin – without those nasty silicones we see in Western brands. Although this cream is made for mature skin, I found it fine for my skin (mid-20’s). It does take some time to absorb, so make sure you have enough time to sit, relax, and patting this cream into your skin thoroughly (takes me at least 3 minutes, but ITS WORTH IT). Result: A plump, fresh, glowy skin, that persists even after not using the cream. This is a miracle cream I would definitely purchase over again and recommend to those who have dry skin (normal/combo – normal/oily – it may be rich as it was a little for me so use at night time) and want an extra step into their skin care for radiant skin!

*Stay tuned for Sulwhasoo Herblinic Serum and Sulwhasoo Hair Glaze review*

The History of Whoo Soo Yeon Cream Review

~The History of Whoo Soo Yeon Cream~

Description: This is jell-type moisture cream, which protects skin dryness from various harmful oxygen and stress and provides energy like pure oxygen (the silver and platinum ingredients) on the skin and manage the bright energy and water vein of your skin (herbal ingredients). The Soo Yeon Cream melts onto the skin and restores moisture. This light textured cream contains powerful ingredients in an exquisite blend. The skin is revitalized and looks fresh and supple.

The products in The History of Whoo Soo Yeon line helps to keep your skin hydrated and protected. The word Soo means water, and the products in this line concentrate on moisture retention and work to replenish skin clarity, protecting against skin dryness. As the formulas are based on oriental medicine, these products provide a fundamental solution to dry and tired skin and ultimately protect the skin from harm. The Soo line is built around the yin-yang theory of the East (the principle of restoring yin-yang balance, replenishing materials that are lacking and controlling excessive materials), reducing redness on the skin while purifying and brightening the overall complexion. The highly defined non-sticky formula allows the products to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, works to solve skin problems, and adds radiance to the face.

Potent Ingredients: 

~Ginseng~

~Acanthopanax Sessiliflorum Seeman~

 ~Lycium Chinense Miller~

 ~Platinum~

 ~Pleuropterus Multiflorus~

 ~Silver~

Review: This gel-type water-based cream is best for dry skin types. I usually get dry skin during the winter season, and always need a hydrating cream to moisturize and hydrate my skin. The SA introduced me to this cream when I went to The History of Whoo store. She guaranteed (as many Korean SA’s do haha) that this product would hydrate, brighten, and moisturize my skin. And YES, it did!!! I used this cream for more then 3 months now, consistent day and night. Its consistency is a somewhat-thick gel, but when applied to your skin, it feels like a smooth layer of water is being absorbed into the skin. The Soo Yeon line has a distinct smell; very fresh, herbal, but not a very strong scent. The main ingredients are of course the use of medicinal herbs to help with circulation, and help your skin retain moisture. In addition, silver and platinum – amazing huh? These two ingredients help to remove excess oil, impurities, and toxins, which allow the skin to absorb oxygen. The result: hydrated, moist, and plumped skin. One word of advice though, this cream may not be suitable for people over 30, as they need more hydration and richness. This cream is suitable for dry skin types around the ages of 18 to 24. I cannot stress enough how much The History of Whoo products work!

Ingredients:

*We could honestly do without the C1 14700, colourant!* But I would definitely recommend it to those who have severe dry skin during this winter season! You will be pleased with this product :)

The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Line Review

Introduction to The History of Whoo

The History of Whoo is one of the best Korean luxury brands to date. The spokes-model, Lee Young Ae, is the epitome of beauty - her skin flawless at the age of 40. I find that The History of Whoo has a different consistency to their creams than any other brand out there - which is why this brand is so unique. The History of Whoo, with many other different Korean brands, such as Sulwhasoo, use nano-technology. A high-advanced technology (Korea has been advancing in nano-technology) in skin care to help stabilize key ingredients into the deep layers of the skin - this is one method that makes their products super effective. Plus, the texture of their creams are very fine, thick-buttery, yet quickly absorbs into the skin. So what goes into The History of Whoo? All natural Chinese medicinal herbs (which date back to he ancient Daewongun dynasties) that are known to be effective!

(Lee Young Ae for the Gongjinhyang: Seol Whitening Intensive)

[Gongjinhyang: Seol] The whitening cosmetic enriched by precious ingredients extracted from camomile, wild chrysanthemum, pearl, chilhyang palbaeksan, essential oils and atractylis alba, the make-up method applied by Ziao Piny, the Queen of the Han Jing dynasty. It kept the skin of the Queen shining and her luxurious beauty as a white jade.

(Gongjinhyang: Seol Whitening Essence)

The History of Whoo Seol Whitening line uses nano-emulsification - similar to nano-technology. The main ingredients are: Wild Chrysanthemum, Chilhyang Palbaeksan and Pearl. These three ingredients are known to give 'whitening effects' to the skin. These three ingredients will help to naturally reduce skin pigmentation, reduce melanin production, remove impurities, and whiten your overall skin complexion. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening skin care line is meant for *all skin types*, so make sure to have a rich moisturizer handy for you dry skin types!!! Diosmetin, which is the main ingredients in the Seol Whitening products, has been extracted from the wild chrysanthemum flower. It has been proved by studies that this natural whitening agent works to remove freckles/scars/dark spots dramatically when used consistently for 8 weeks.

Potent Ingredients:

~Wild Chrysanthemum~

~Pearl~

~Chilhyang Palbaeksan~

*I have normal/combo skin*

I will review The History of Whoo Seol Brightening Foam Cleanser, The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Skin Balancer, The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Essence, The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Program Kit (upgraded), & The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Cream. I have used all these products, morning and night, for 5 months!!!


*The products should be used in THIS ORDER* :)

1. The History of Whoo Seol Brightening Foam Cleanser

Description: A snow-white herb extracts foam cleanser that adds transparency to your skin. While the rich and fine foam of the water-soluble cleanser thoroughly removes impurities and sebum even from the skin's pores, its oriental medicine-based 'Chilhyangpalbaeksan' ingredients help keep the skin moist and clear.

One of the best cleansers I have ever come across - HANDS DOWN! Cannot describe how much I love this product. It foams into a nice lather, yet it is not drying at all - very moisturizing! It is a thick-smooth white product and does not contain those nasty SLS! As I have mentioned before, ingredients are VERY IMPORTANT to me. I was able to get it from a post on www.joseibi.com:

Ingredients: Purified Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Butylene Glycol, Mitain CA, KOH, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Methylcocoyltaurate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Ethylene Glycol Stearates, Cholesterol, Ceramide, Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Portulaca Oleracea L. Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Extract, Diospyros Kaki Folium Extract, Cinnamon Extract, Artemisia Argyi Lev. et Vant. Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum L. Extract, Mespilus Germanica Extract, Green Tea Extract, Japanese Cornlian Cherry Extract, Schizandra Extract, a Chinese Matrimony Vine Extract, Mulberry Root Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Korean Pine Seed Extract, Mandarin Orange Extract, Fennel Extract, Sandalwood, Papaver Rhoeas L.

This gentle-mild foam cleanser is very gentle for acne-prone skin, and for dry skin as well. Ingredients such as sandalwood are added to keep the skin clean and clear from breakouts. This cleanser really does what it says - leaves skin transparent! After using this for four months, it gives a glow to the face, and it is just a cleanser!!! The smell is very fresh, and mild floral/herby scent!!! Definite grab!!!

2. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Skin Balancer

Description: Exotic oriental medicine-based 'Chilhyangpalbaeksan' ingredients and 'Gamguksu', a simmered and cold-processed wild chrysanthemum essence, are absorbed deep into the skin to make the skin as clean and clear as a white gem. It enhances the effectiveness of skin care products used in subsequent steps.

Ingredients:

Another great product, it is a keep!!! Leaves skin so soft and dewy - it looks like milk, but not too watery. The smell is heavenly, not too strong! And although I have been reading reviews of its 'tingling' sensation, I have not felt that - maybe for sensitive skin? This toner really does make your skin fair. That is one thing I love about these products - they WORK!!! And it absorbs very quickly. I advise not using a cotton pad for many Korean toners - especially for The History of Whoo and Sulwhasoo because, First: these products have the most beneficial ingredients, why waste it on cotton pads, Second: it's...expensive!!!

3. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Essence

Description: The History of Whoo's Whitening Essence helps to prevent dark spots and provide a new whiteness to your skin. Give your face its natural glow and freshness back using this Asian cosmetic product; by penetrating deep into your pores, this unique serum acts to maintain natural moisture and the herbal components will keep your skin looking young. Have your skin looking fairer, rosy, and refreshed.

You will DEFINITELY see the fine-powdered Pearls in this essence! This is a thick yet runny essence, but when applied to the face, makes your skin SOFT and leaves a dewy-feel. (Contains 0.055g of Diosmetin) I absolutely love this product. I have seen effects of this product with how it brightens up my skin and no, there is no artificial micas in this product haha. Remember to always wrap your face with your palms to allow the product to penetrate into your skin - the heat of your palms will do wonders!!!

4. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Program Kit (40ml Gel + 10ml Jinaek Essence Program)

Description: History of Whoo Whitening Essence Program Kit is the 4 weeks whitening concentration program in the highly dense essence type by carefully prepared the previous medicinal herbal according to the secrets from courts. This is not only for the blemishes on the outside of the skin to provide further transparent and previous complexion for the skin. Extracts from wild chrysanthemum and the chihyang palbaeksan ingredients are combined in this secretive formula based on oriental medicine and produces synergies to intensively recover the clarity and white tone of your skin and leaves a smooth finish.The Whitening Gel Cream also contains vitamins that help remove dead skin cells. This new concept-based product not only removes discolorations, but also gets rid of melanin that are already formed deep in the skin, transforming an uneven tone and tired-looking complexion into a white, clear and vivid one.

This product WORKS!!!!!!! Give it four weeks and you will have your dark-marks lightened - they will appear as if it is not there anymore!!! The consistency is like a white-sticky glue - but not too sticky. I apply this not in circular motion, rather by patting it all over my face, then wrap my palms on my face for full absorption. This product instantly absorbs, leaving nothing behind! I have found this product to be very effective, besides the Seol Whitening Cream, because my skin has gotten lighter as a result of using this! I saw results in less than 2 weeks which is amazing in itself.

5. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Lotion

Description: Wild chrysanthemum extract, an active whitening ingredient, and 'Chilhyangpalbaeksan' produce a whitening synergy. Whitening Lotion helps keep the skin clean and transparent with a refreshed sensation. It goes on lightly and gently, is rapidly absorbed and leaves no stickiness or dryness, only moisturize and smoothness.

Ingredients:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!! Immediate effects after one use!!! This is a runny-white liquid product, that goes on smoothly and leaves your skin with a dewy finish. (Contains 0.10g of Diosmetin) I guess this dewy aspect to this line may have to do with the whole 'fairness' aspect. Nevertheless, this product is amazing. I apply it by gently patting it into my skin, and then wrap my face with my palms for complete absorption. It really does leave my skin moisturized! During winter times, a rich-cream does come in handy, and for those of you who have dry skin - you will NEED to top up with a moisturizer!!!

6. The History of Whoo Seol Whitening Cream

Description: An envied smooth, clear and white complexion can now be yours. Allow whitening extracts from chrysanthemums and chilhyang palbaeksan to work wonders with your skin as they blend into Whitening Cream meant just for your face. The cream works not just superficially but goes deep to treat the skin as it enriches and moistens, giving it the clarity and whiteness comparable to a pearl. Its brightening effect becomes visible almost as soon as it touches the skin, and lasts longer than any other product, well into the next day.

I don't think I can describe this cream without saying how AMAZING it is!!!!!!! It leaves your skin clear, clean, fair, translucent, illuminated... you name it!!!!!!! I have been using this product for quit some time, and love it. It is very moisture-rich, and leaves your skin SOO SOFT and touchable!!! The consistency is like a creamed-powder, but goes on smoothly and leaves a nice finish to your skin. (Contains 0.10g of Diosmetin) I absolutely love this, and highly recommend it to those who want to achieve their desired even-complexion!!!

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Recommended? YES! If you want fairer skin, less noticeable scars or dark marks - this is a steal!!!! Its hefty price may want you to runaway, but trust me you will see results!!! And by many countless of others who have used these products saw results instantly!!! Please leave any feedback, or if you have tried The History of Whoo :)