Edited: The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Line Review

~Gongjinhyang Line~

~The newly upgraded Gongjinhyang line~

****Hey guys! I recently went through my Gongjinhyang products and realized that I had the newly upgraded version of the In Yang Balancer and In Yang Lotion. I purchased the set in Seoul, Korea - which has been recently introduced in the West. The In Yang Balancer and In Yang Lotion review are the upgraded version and not the 'older' version!!! The rest of the products reviewed are the 'older' version. Sorry guys!!!***

[Gongjinhyang - A secret Royal court formula that presents heavenly skincare to empresses]

Containing "Gonjinbidan" and "Wild ginseng Cordyceps sinensis". Gongjinhyang helps create a more attractive skin tone. Through the principle of yin-yang harmony to keep skin balanced and the principle of increasing water (moisture) and diminishing fire (dryness) to enhance moisture within the skin while soothing it effectively, it gives skin a new radiance and smoothness.


Contents in Gonjinbidan: Deer Antler Velvet Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, and Angelics Acutiloba Root Extract.

The products in The History of Whoo’s Gongjinhyang line are contain herbal ingredients that keep the supple and moisturized by hydrating dry skin and improving its purification capabilities (circulation within the skin helps with many skin problems). The rare herbal ingredients help treat the skin from within, to give your skin an outer glow. The Gongjinhyang line incorporates herbal traditional medicine that was used by the ancient royal family. The herbal nutrition stimulates the skin’s viability, moisture retention and adds radiance to the skin. The synergy between Gongjindan and Polygonatum also provides excellent wrinkle improvement, adds firmness and promotes a naturally youthful glow. This line is recommended for people in their early 30’s who have dry skin.

The philosophy behind the Gongjinhyang line is based on reducing the ‘fire’ on the skin or dry skin, and retaining water, which is the moisture of your skin. This line has been recently upgraded – not only has the lovely packaging been upgraded, but so has the formula. I used the ‘older’ version for 2 months, day and night when I had normal skin. Unfortunately, I do not have the ingredient lists at the moment – I did not keep the boxes for each item when I purchased it – hopefully I will be able to get it soon!!! I will be reviewing the In Yang Balancer, Qi & Jin Essence, In Yang Lotion, Qi & Jin Eye Cream, Qi & Jin Cream, and Hae Yoon Sun Cream SPF 50+++. For each product, with the exception of the In Yang Balancer and Qi & Jin Eye Cream, I used a pea-size amount, for the eye cream a little really goes a long way, and for the toner, I poured 4 pea size amounts on my palm and gently patted on my skin.

Potent Ingredients:

~Siberian Deer Antlers/Nok Yong~

~Snow Lotus~

~Asparagus Cohinchinesis~

~Cornus Officinalis~

~Acanthopanax~

~Wild Ginseng~

~Angelica~

I would like to begin my review with...

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang In Yang Balancer (upgraded)~

Description: In Yang Balancer is a herbal toner that keeps the skin soft and moist by hydrating dry skin and improving its purification capability.

Review: This toner is very watery, but when applied to the skin, immediately hydrates the skin. The scent is very floral, and some of you may find it heavy at times – but it was totally fine for me. Considering it is 150ml bottle, it does last a long time, which is excellent. Compared to the Jinyul Balancer, I would prefer the In Yang Balancer because of its light texture and consistency, it absorbs right away which is great for oily skin too (if you do have oily skin, I don’t recommend the rest of the products in this line for you), while the Jinyul Balancer took some time – but again, you have to consider that the Jinyul line is very rich because it is made for people over the age of 40. Nonetheless, I love this toner for keeping my normal skin hydrated!!!

The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Essence

Description: Qi & Jin Essence is a highly concentrated herbal serum for a more crystalline, vital and luminous skin tone. The finest herbal essences from Gongjinbidan offer a luxurious and silky smooth feel

Review: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ESSENCE! The texture is rich and it has a yellow/orange tint to it. It absorbs so fast, it leaves nothing behind, but silky smooth skin!!! The scent is not too heavy compared to the rest of the line. I found this essence helped with the texture of my skin, and how it made my skin feel very dewy. What I love about the creams in this line is it really makes skin soft and supple!!! This is one of my top essences I would recommend for those who have dullness, and need a boost in the texture of their skin.

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang In Yang Lotion (upgraded)~

Description: In Yang Lotion is an herbal nutrition emulsion that stimulates the skin's viability. It improves the skin's ability to retain moisture and adds radiance to the skin.

Review: In my personal opinion, I did not find the In Yang Lotion to be my ultimate favourite. The reason being, it is TOO RICH – this is great for very dry dehydrated skin. Having normal skin going into this line, I found this Lotion to create a film on my skin that I did not like. Compared to Sulwhasoo's Basic Line, I would rather stick with Sulwhasoo's Balancing Emulsion, it is so light, but hydrates perfectly (you can replace it with Sulwhasoo's). But if I could, I would skip this Lotion because of its richness. The texture seems light at first, and it does hydrate the skin, but I do NOT recommend using it for oily skin and normal/combo, only if you have dry skin!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Eye Cream~

Description: It provides excellent wrinkle improvement effects. Its delicate but outstanding absorption tightens slackened cells around the eyes to create a pure and clarified look around the eyes without irritation.

Review: The best eye cream I have EVER tried!!!! Let me tell you how your dark circles are eliminated within two weeks, its unbelievable! When I bought this eye cream, I went into it without using an eye cream for two weeks, and I was sleep deprived due to my busy schedule. I know you guys are probably like, HOW COULD I NOT USE AN EYE CREAM for two weeks haha– but I am glad I didn’t, the reason being because I saw dramatic results!!! The technique I applied this is not in circular motions, but in patting motions, which still helps the product be absorbed. It has a yellow tint, and smells very herby, almost floral – the texture is very emollient and moisturizing the skin around the eyes amazingly. It states that it tightens skin around the eyes, and IT SURE DOES – my left eye can get a bit droopy, but this eye cream lifted and tightened it up. I highly HIGHLY recommend this eye cream, this is not a miss!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Cream~

Description: Qi & Jin Cream is a product of traditional beauty care techniques of the royal family. In addition to improved firmness through Gongjinbidan maximizes the skin's radiance.

Review: Another cream that is on my TOP LISTS – this cream will make your skin very dewy and soft. The scent is not as strong as the In Yang Balancer and Lotion (which would leave a scent behind on my face haha). The texture is rich, so I do not recommend it to those who have oily/combo skin. This cream is very moisturizing, and I find that it helps keep the skin hydrated even in harsh winter climates (I tested it outside to see how it battles through the cold!!!). I applied this cream by first, gently massaging, then lifting my skin UPWARDS from chin, to cheeks, and forhead – I saw improvements with the lifting techniques, and I recommend many of you to apply your creams this way, but be gentle so you do not stretch your skin. The results I saw from this cream is radiance, glow, firmness, suppleness, and plumped skin!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Hae Yoon Sun Cream SPF 50+++ ~

Description: Whoo's most well known herbal sunscreen cream with characteristics such as providing moisture to the skin, spreading out to the skin with soft texture, refreshing finish touches and absorption without stickiness with a light, smooth sun cream with water cream-like texture.

Review: When it comes down to sunscreens, the ONLY thing I look for is its protection. This sunscreen has a HIGH spf ‘+++’ which is very important, especially during summer times (apply sunscreen even in winter seasons!!!). The texture is thick, it has a light yellow tint, and it seems sticky, but it absorbs instantly. However, I found that because it is thick, it also created a film on my skin. Nevertheless, it did keep my skin hydrated and moist, but compared to the Charmzone Albatross Sun Powder, I would rather go with the Charmzone sunscreen.

Recommended? Yes I would recommend this line, ONLY for dry skin - some of you with normal/combo may find some of the products rich, especially the lotion. I have not tried the new upgraded line. My Korean friend told me that the new line absorbs much quicker, and if you are interested in these products, I advise you to go to the store to try them out - plus a new sleeping pack and upgraded mask-sheets have been included!!! 


Thanks to Hope In A Blog: 
http://hopeinablog.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/history-of-whoos-gongjinhyang-line-renewed-and-updated/ by mentioning this upgrade, they have stated that the newly added ingredients are: aloe vera and metasequoia glyptostroboides extracts :)!!!


For those of you with oily skin, I don't recommend this line because the richness may cause some bumps and milia seeds on your skin, so its best to stay away from this. The scent is very floral and herbal, I did not mind it personally - and the texture of the creams are very delicate and luxurious. Overall, I am happy with this lines results. It helped my skin remain soft and supple - it really refined the texture of my skin, and I always woke up to smooth silky skin. My top recommendations are the Qi & Jin Cream, Qi & Jin Essence, and Qi & Jin Eye Cream!!!

Please share any experiences you had with this line :)

UPDATED: Where to purchase Korean skin care products: Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo

Sulwhasoo @ Bergdorf Goodman New York

Many of my readers have been e-mailing me regarding where to buy Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo products, and since they are hard to find products, luckily, in North America, we have a few stores around us!

~U.S Locations for Sulwhasoo~

   

1. BERGDORF GOODMAN

Website: http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/templates/EntryP.jhtml?itemId=cat346700&parentId=&masterId=&cmCat=&page=2

Address: Beauty Level at Bergdorf Goodman, New York, NY, 10019

Please check out their awesome page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/Sulwhasoo.Girls

Two lovely knowledgeable ladies, Julia and Gina work at Bergdorf Goodman Sulwhasoo counter, will help pick out the right products your skin needs (you can also test at the store :). If you live around the area, call to order or schedule an appointment, this is not a miss! 212 872-8726.

~THE AMORE: U.S Locations~

Address: 17801 Pioneer Blvd, #K, Artesia, CA, 90701

Number: 562 865-2088

Address: 15440 Beach Blvd. #151 Westminster, CA 92655 

Number: (714) 898-3898  

Address: Pioneer Blvd, #K,  Artesia, CA, 90701 

Number: (562) 865-2088  

Address: 1635 S San Gabriel Blvd San Gabriel, CA 91776  

Address: 928 South Western Avenue Suite 213 Los Angeles, CA 90006 

Neighborhood: Koreatown

***Thanks to one of my readers, Nicolle, she has found two locations that sell Sulwhasoo!!! Thanks Nicolle :)***

Address: Amora Cosmetics

31217 Pacific Highway South

Federal Way, WA 98003-5401

Number: (253) 941-8875 

Address: Amora Cosmetics 

9701 S Tacoma Way Ste 110

Lakewood, WA 98499 

Number: (253) 581-3780

**Two new addresses located in New Jersey and New York: Thank you Sandra <3!!!**

*New Jersey*

Address: The Amore

270 Sylvan Ave #255

Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 07632

(201) 568-0400

*New York*

Address: The Amore

Korea Village

15024 Northern Blvd.

Flushing, NY 11358

~THE AMORE: Canada Locations~

3. THE AMORE Canada: Various stores located around the GTA in Ontario

Locations in Canada: http://www.amorecanada.com/html/contact.asp

You can order online, call them for product information, or place an order and pick it up :)

~The History of Whoo Canada~

4. Jasper Cosmetics: Seoul Plaza
Address: 6080 Yonge Street, North York, Toronto, Ontario: Number: 416 226-3748

This location carries a SPA, they provide body massage and facial treatments, with the powders of Korean beauty massage techniques to help circulate the skin :)

5. Jasper Cosmetics: P.A.T Supermarket
Address: 675 Bloor St West, Toronto, Ontario Number: 416 532-2961

6. T&T Supermarket
Address: 715 Central Parkway, West, Mississauga ON Number: 905 848-8113 Address: 7070 Warden Avenue, Markham ON Number: 905 470-8113

At the moment, I am not aware of any store selling The History of Whoo in U.S. However, there are Korean skin care flag shops in California, and when I get updated, I will post the addresses up! Till then, if you ladies have any questions please ask! I hope this helps!!!

~Very elegant design - almost feels like a Spa~

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? :)