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About a month ago, the team of allyoung.ph reached out to me and offered me to try one of their products, Swissvita's Micrite 3D All Use Cleanser Cream. It was my first time hearing about allyoung.ph & Swissvita so I did my research.

For those who don't know, allyoung Phillippines is an online beauty hub and has other branches in Europe, the USA, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The main brand they are selling in the Philippines is Swissvita whose products are formulated in Europe and Japan and manufactured in Taiwan. I also knew that they have the same ingredient level with luxury brands such as Chanel and SKII. Talk about posh.

They sent me the Micrite 3D All Use Cleanser Cream 3 in 1 Acne Clearing Solution along with other sample-sized products from Swissvita to try. It's my first time hearing a product that's a "cleanser cream" so it piqued my curiosity (did my research again and apparently, it's not a new thing. Pixi, Aveeno, Loreal, Laneige, are among brands that have cleanser cream products).


About the product:

Consistency: Light, airy cream

Fragrance: None

How to use: Use as first step, during cleansing 

My experience: 
I have limited experience when it comes to acne cleansers. I've only tried the ones from Cosrx (Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser) & Iunik (Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam) which I both like. I really don't expect much from acne cleansers since I think it's good enough for me if a.) it helps get rid of my acne (obviously) and b.) it's not harsh on my skin.

When I tried the cleanser cream for the first time, I was waiting for some stinging when I was rubbing it on my skin but thankfully, there was none. It feels very mild on the skin and does not feel stripping at all after. In fact, I noticed my skin was softer after using it. It felt like it helped unclog my pores while still retaining my skin's moisture after just one wash.

I checked the ingredients list and the most notable ones were amino acids (responsible for the gentle cleansing and helps keep moisture), moringa oleifera seed extract (boosts collagen production while helping the skin's natural barrier), and uncaria tomentosa extract (helps with skin repair).

Three weeks ago I was in such a stressful mood that I had developed a very painful pimple under my eye area. I put the cleanser to the test to see its progress:



Day 1- I concentrated rubbing the cleanser on the pimple area. As the pimple was a new one, I had a hard time using the cleanser because the pimple was still so painful to touch.

Day 2- The pimple has visibly reduced in size and redness. It also no longer feels painful when I touch it.

Da 3- No more pain at all and the pimple has flattened.

I was so impressed! These are only 3 days of using the product on an active painful pimple. I think it could render faster results on smaller pimples.

Overall, I am impressed by the product because I wasn't really expecting much from an acne cleanser. This, however, is worth the try and I'd recommend for all skin types since it's gentle, paraben-free, scent-free, and does a good job in maintaining the skin's moisture after using. The only problem I have with it is the price because this retails for PHP 1,099, which I think is a bit expensive for a 100g tube cleanser. They're having a BOGO sale now though for the product at https://www.allyoung.ph/products/swissvita-micrite-3d-all-use-cleanser-cream#bot.

You can check more about the brand on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/allyoung.philippines/) and Instagram page @allyoung.ph (https://www.instagram.com/allyoung.ph/).

I was lucky enough to have been picked to be a part of Wishtrend PH's Beauty Squad last April. As part of the squad, we get to try products from the brand in exchange for our honest reviews.

The first product they sent was the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, a new product from the brand that was released last March 2020. When I saw their email, I immediately researched about the product. I came across Eunice's 1st impression video with Wish Beauty Lab about this product and got interested in the product because of what she shared.

In making the essence, the manufacturers took the feedback they got from the Propolis serum. They strengthened the positive characteristics of the product and worked on the bad reviews that were shared too, like stickiness and scent of the propolis. Brands that listen to customer feedback holds a very special place in my heart because it only shows they take everything with a grain of salt. And it's been proven and tested that brands who listen to their customers progress further and do better compared to those who don't. 

The essence also contains 46% natural ingredients and is recommended for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It's also made with no essential oils and contains 4 active ingredients (thus the name, Quad Active):
  1. Propolis extract– anti-septic, anti-inflammatory characteristics
  2. Cornflower (centaurea cyanus) water– helpful in skin regeneration, promotes radiant skin
  3. Willow bark extract– fights acne
  4. Special 3-complex ingredients– combination of morus alba bark extract, nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and schisandra chinensis fruit extract for calming, anti-infllamatory, balancing sebum production
It also has fermented honey & black tea for added moisturizing benefits.

If you are new to korean skincare and are confused on what an essence does, then you are not alone. I also didn't know what essences did when I first tried venturing in skincare. Essences are typically thinner than a serum but are more potent and have more skin benefits than a toner. This particular essence is also supposed to enhance or make more effective the next products you're going to apply (thus the "boosting").


About the product:

Consistency: Watery, lightweight

Fragrance: None

How to use: After applying toner, before serum*

My experience: 
Propolis is one of my favorite skincare ingredients (niacinamide being the other). I think my skin does a little happy dance whenever I apply anything with propolis on it so I was so ecstatic when I received this.

I use this in both my AM and PM routine because it's so lightweight and feels very hydrating. I was surprised when the consistency came out watery because I was used to the Cosrx Snail Mucin essence that was thick and slimey.

Because of its consistency, it can easily be layered with other products and can be used to do 7 skins. Two weeks ago when I was so stressed and started breaking out, I tried doing 7 skins of this at night and it left me so impressed. In a matter of just a few days, I had already seen how it improved my skin's texture! It helped get rid of the bumps of my acne, making my skin smoother and softer. You know those pesky little bumps that come with acne? Yup, it has helped me greatly with getting rid of that.

I also definitely felt the calming claim of the product since the inflamed areas on my face (the sides of my noise) do not flare up as much as it used to. I got better and faster results when I was doing 7 skins of the essence but because I'm saving up the product because of how good it is, I'm back with using only 1-2 skins.

You can check this link https://linktr.ee/bywishtrend.ph on information on where to shop for this essence and other By Wishtrend products.
You can also check out their Facebook page (By Wishtrend PH) and their Instagram accounts (@bywishtrend.ph & @kbeautycafe).

I’ve professed my love for Cosrx's Hydrium Line a number of times now but I still don’t think I can stress it enough. The brand really did a great job on this one because all of them work so wonderfully, and I can definitely vouch for these products to anyone no matter the skin type. Two products will be reviewed in this post (cause I'm too lazy to do a shoot for the products separately) but you already know the verdict on these... ;)

COSRX Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule

About the product:

Description: Formulated with 42 percent Centella Asiatica extract and madecassoside compounds; provides ample moisture to effectively calm sensitive skin; boosts moisture and alleviates inflammation with vitamin B5; lightweight texture is quickly absorbed by skin*

Fragrance: None

How to use: Apply two or three drops onto face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. Evenly spread and massage it for maximum absorption.*

My experience: 
Centella Asiatica skincare products have grown popular over the years because it's known to be effective in treating inflammation and acne. This new Cica (or Centella Asiatica) ampoule from Cosrx was specifically tailored for people who have acne-prone, sensitive and irritated skin, helping provide instant soothing and cooling effects & lasting hydration. This has a thin and watery consistency, making it easy to spread on the face.

Whenever I have troubled and irritated skin, I run to my Cica (or Centella Asiatica) products. I have inflamed areas (sides of my nose) & eczema spots on my face & the rest of my body. There are days when I don't have a problem with them but when they're particularly stubborn, I go to my Cica products for comfort. I was actually saving this up because I still had 1-2 Cica products open but after applying all of them on my face & still reeling with an inflamed face, I had to bust my Cosrx open and then... I heard angels sing. LOL. But it honestly felt like it! After a few seconds of application, the inflamed areas on my face calmed down. 

Lately my inflamed areas have been reacting horribly on products I apply (even to my mild toner!!) that this is the only product it can tolerate. In a matter of days, I've already noticed how it has helped lighten the redness in these areas! 

I also apply this on my eczema spots on the rest of my body because it's been so effective in helping curb with the itchiness and we all know how eczema gets worse when you start scratching it. This is such a good product to keep in your collection for your skin's rainy days when it needs instant saving and relief. This has also marked its place in my list of Holy Grail products because it's just that good.

COSRX Moisture Power Enriched Cream

About the product:

Description: A moisture-rich formula that provides deep hydration for smooth and supple skin with a velvety finish**

Fragrance: None

How to use: Use as the last step in your routine.

My experience: 
Having dry to combination skin really has made me quite picky on the moisturizers I like. I rely heavily on good moisturizers and sleeping masks lest I want to wake up with a flakey face. 

Two weeks ago when my room was being made, I had to reduce the products I use both for my morning and evening routines because most of my stuff was placed in boxes. I had to stick to the basic routine at night: cleanse, tone, serum, moisturizer. 

This minimal routine just proved to me how good of a moisturizer this was. I didn't use any sleeping mask but this moisturizer alone sufficed. I woke up to such soft skin that feels super-hydrated, as if I drank gallons of water the previous day. It's quite thick at first, feels velvety upon application but sinks in so easily and beautifully, without jerking my skin or making it look oily.  The rich cream is packed with all the good stuff—B5 (panthenol), propolis (also one of my favorite skincare ingredients), and ceramide forms that help replenish moisture to the skin. It is honestly the best moisturizer I have ever tried & I'm so happy I won in the brand's Instagram giveaway that I got to try the whole line. 

Pairing this with the other Hydrium line ampoules (may it be the Hyaluronic or Centella one) is a sure winner. I've been having my best state of skin ever since I've switched to mostly Cosrx Hydrium products. The line is a total game-changer & I feel like I'll just keep going back to these products in the future. I really can't recommend the whole line enough to anyone. It's not just for people with dry or acne-prone skin but the whole line is just so good that I know it will wow anyone who uses them.

* From https://beautymnl.com/products/43155-hydrium-centella-aqua-soothing-ampoule
** From https://beautymnl.com/products/43153-hydrium-moisture-power-enriched-cream

Thank You Farmer is a Korean brand that was named thus because it took inspiration from the mentality that of a farmer— the brand does not believe in shortcuts with nature or skin. It uses "real" ingredients to help skin strengthen over time. 

Truth be told, I haven't heard of the brand before I got into the skincare community on Instagram. I got curious and when StyleKorean had a $9.99 sale for the brand last 2018, I grabbed the opportunity to buy items from the brand. I got their True Water Deep Toner, True Water Deep Serum, True Water Deep Emulsion, and Back to Iceleand Cleansing Foam, all of which I have emptied except for the toner (which I forgot I had).

About the product:

Description: Provides instant moisture and soothing care; simultaneously hydrates as it controls sebum to optimize your oil-moisture balance; helps prep your complexion to better absorb your next step skincare; offers whitening and wrinkle correcting function; enriched with inositol, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and adenosine; unique texture refreshingly quenches skin’s thirst*

Fragrance: Light, signature Thank You Farmer scent

How to use: After cleansing, dampen a cotton pad with toner or dispense onto palm to apply gently over face.*

My experience: Because of the quarantine, I cleaned my skincare stash and found this toner. I immediately used it because it's expiring by the end of the year. 

The product comes in a 150ml frosted pump bottle. Upon opening, you are greeted by the signature Thank You Farmer fragrance of the product. I honestly don't mind mild fragrances in products but if you're scent-sitive then you might do more caution with this. 

As a dry-combo skin-type person, I always lean on hydrating toners. I use 2 pumps and learned from mistake that it tends to be quite sticky, because of its glycerin component, if you use more than that so this isn't really the toner to use for your 7 skins.

Disclaimer though, this product is formulated with alcohol which can be a huge red flag for other users. Personally, my skin does not react horribly with alcohol but it isn't really a recommended ingredient for products (though I know from research that there are good alcohols that are used in products. I'm just not sure if this is one of them because the ingredients list just simply states "alcohol").

This product does a good job as a hydrating toner. It's watery-gel-like texture sinks in beautifully into your skin with light taps. It contains glycerin (moisturizing ingredient) and niacinamide (a favorite skincare ingredient) that does a lot of benefits to the skin. I just think they have to reformulate this one without alcohol so that it wouldn't raise eyebrows from other users. I also have apprehensions with its price because $20+ for a toner is already expensive for me. If it weren't for its brand sale in StyleKorean, I would not have given this a chance.

* From https://beautymnl.com/products/44436-true-water-deep-toner-150ml-a194946a-b6ce-4a08-87c4-5397fa4aa16c
Mise en scene hair products are a favorite in Korea. I first heard about the brand from the skincare community on Instagram. Close skincare friends from the community would rave about it so when I saw this on sale in Myeongdong last year, I knew I had to get one for myself. 

Little background on my hair: I've had frizzy hair for as long as I can remember. To address the frizziness, I used to have it rebonded every year (yikes) in high school and in college. I definitely felt the after-effects of all the chemicals on my hair because it became very dull. That's why I opted to try less harsh treatments like permanent blowdry. I've been receiving the treatment for my hair for almost 2 years now & my hair looks way better now (unlike the volume-less look rebonded hair gives you) & feels healthier too. 
About the product:

Description: An oil-infused hair formula that helps repair your hair within 3 days. Provides intensive hair care to damaged and brittle tresses; highly enriched with nourishing and healing argan oil, royal jelly, and rose water; helps deliver nutrients deep into strands; transforms dry, rebellious, coarse hair into smoother, silkier, and more manageable locks; leaves hair looking healthy, silky, and glossy*

Fragrance: Light, pleasant smell you will definitely like.

How to use: (see below review for instructions)

My experience: 
This is one of those products that made me giddy after purchasing so I immediately used this. After I took a shower, I blowdried my hair completely and applied the serum. I went about our day in Seoul and after calling it a day, I was kind of unimpressed how my hair didn't feel anything different. 
The day after, I was determined with the product, tried it again, and alas! It worked better the second time around! That's when I realized that I was using it wrong! I mean, not totally wrong but there was a better way of utilizing the serum to its fullest:
  1. Blow-dry your hair for a couple of minutes until it's damp
  2. Apply the serum on your hair (I make sure to apply a generous amount on the tips)
  3. Blow-dry completely
  4. Use the cold temperature on your blow-dryer for about 5 minutes to complete the look
I swear to you that you feel your hair in the softest and bounciest it has ever been. This has become a staple in my routine that I no longer feel comfortable when I go out of the house without using it. I still have another one in my stash, but in a different variant (Light) and I'm excited to use it too. They recently came out with a coconut variant too which, based from reviews from skincare friends, works and smells equally as good.

Mise en Scene products are available in Shopee & Lazada.

* From https://beautymnl.com/products/15192-damage-care-perfect-repair-serum
Dear Klairs is one of the most raved k-beauty brands. When I got into skincare, almost all of the beauty gurus I watched on youtube would always mention this brand as one of their favorites.

Last year, when I was in Korea, I was looking forward to buying something from the brand. I remember one skincare friend telling me that she didn't see any Klairs store in Myeongdong. I stayed for 5 days in Myeongdong and true enough, I had a hard time looking for products from the brand. I didn't find it either when I was in Olive Young. I turned my hopes to google and it led me to a department store named Chicor in Hongdae.

It wasn't like the stores in Myeongdong where there were usually sales in stores. It displayed all regular prices and the Klairs product that I wanted the most, the Soft Airy UV Essence SPF, was out of stock so I just got the sample size of the Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask instead.
About the product:

Description: Fortified with antioxidant Vitamin E, the E Mask brightens, improves wrinkles and prevents other signs of aging.*

Consistency: The pudding-like texture is in memory foam consistency to reveal brighter, firmer and more hydrated skin. *

Fragrance: None

How to use: Use as a daily moisturizer or sleeping mask.

My experience: 
I immediately used this that night that I bought it but I woke up to a few bumps on my chin area the next day. I used it again the following day and got the same results so I stopped using it after.

A month ago, I found this product again when I was organizing my stuff and decided to give it another shot and I am so happy I did. Fortunately, there were no longer bumps the day after I used this. I woke up with the brightened and glowy face, just like the product claimed!  I use this alternately and my face has had a dramatic youthful glow ever since I incorporated this in my routine. This contains Niacinamide which complements my hyaluronic acid serum (from COSRX) well. 

I find this as a very useful skin-prep especially on days where I have engagements that I need to meet with people. This has easily made a spot in my top fave products and will definitely repurchase a full-size when I empty it. 

* From https://www.wishtrend.com/shop/freshly-juiced-vitamin-e-mask/ 
 I really do try sometimes to make my #texturetuesdays on Instagram look decent.

Products used:

  • Pixi by Petra T-Zone Peel Off Mask
  • Nature Republic Aloe Gel
  • Skinfood Sugar Scrub
  • Seoulunni Red Peel Tingle Serum
  • Rraw PH Body Frosting
  • Nars lipstick in Raquel
  • Leegeehaam Matcha Clay Pack


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ABOUT ME

A skinthusiast originally from Instagram (@raffy.skin) sharing her skincare routines and reviews, hoping the internet would care.

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POPULAR POSTS

  • Review: Mise En Scene Perfect Original Serum
  • Review: COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule
  • Review: Cosrx Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule & Moisture Power Enriched Cream
  • Review: Swissvita Micrite 3D All Use Cleanser Cream
  • Review: Thank You Farmer True Water Deep Toner
  • Texture: BLK Skin Tint Sun Shield & Apieu Eye Glitter
  • Review: Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

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