Since I have been introduced to Asian Skincare, specifically Korean brands, I have stumbled upon the most interesting ingredients that I would not normally apply on skin have I not kept an open mind. Snail and bee venom is not new to me anymore, however, I know that a lot of people are still in the dark about these 2 potent skin care ingredient.

Benton Cosmetics Snail Bee line banks on the power of these two unique creatures. It may not be vegan skincare option but, hear me out – it is really good.

Snail Secretion Filtrate

This is the mucus that the snails produce when they move. It contains tons of nutrients and is known for its anti-aging, hydrating and soothing properties. It contains hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, proteoglycans and other antimicrobial bodies that help the snail’s skin from infection, dryness and damage. These benefits can apply to our skin too!

Bee Venom

This venom is the natural alternative to botox. It smoothens and firms fine lines by stimulating facial muscles.  Aside from skincare, bee venom is also used in the medical field to treat arthritis, nerve pain and multiple sclerosis.

Adding Camellia Sinesis Leaf Water into the mix of Snail Secretion Filtrate and Bee Venom, this toner hydrates and smoothen the skin.

The product is dispensed in a plastic pump bottle. This watery toner is very liquid and does not contain any chemical viscosity ingredient. It is also unscented and colorless.

I applied this toner after cleansing. Since it is as liquid as water, I only apply one pump at a time because the toner will only run and spill down to the crevices between my fingers. Absorption is perfect; it sinks in quickly in to the skin. No burning sensation, no stings and no skin dry dryness.

Available at Joahye ($16.90)

This serum is part of the Snail Bee Ultimate Line which banks on the full potential of the basic Snail Bee line. Let’s just say that this is the platinum line of the Snail Bee experience.

Notable ingredients aside from snail secretion filtrate and bee venom includes: Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinesis Leaf water, Aloe Leaf Juice Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Water and Niacimide.

Benefits includes skin nourishment, skin damage prevention, corrects hyperpigmentation, improves skin tone and texture.

The serum is clear and has a viscous consistency. It spreads smoothly to the skin without leaving any greasiness or tackiness. It is also unscented.

I use this serum right after I used the Snail Bee toner. It is absorbed fast and it leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking suppler.

Available at Joahye ($25.90) 

This facial cream contains hyaluronic acid, Jojoba Seed oil, Sunflower Oil and a whole myriad of botanical  extracts such as Plantago Asiatica, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Elm Bark Extract and Laminaria Digitata (Oarweed – Algae). Of course, it contains the star ingredient: Snail Secretion Filtrate and Bee Venom.

This light weight facial cream has a naturally clean and fresh scent that comes from the ingredients. It does not contain any synthetic fragrances.  I use this cream after applying serum. It goes on the skin smoothly and dries to a silky soft finish.

What I like about this cream is that it seals in all the moisture from the toner and serum as well as add another layer of hydration, making my skin feel nourished. On top of that, it does not make my skin feel greasy or oily throughout the day.

Available at Joahye ($14.32)

Use coupon code: what_can_i_buy and save 15% off your total purchase! 
Click here now and start shopping!

EtudeHouse Cherry Jelly Lips Patch (Vitalizing)

This comic-like lip patch contains cherry extracts, hyaluronic acid and collagen which all works to soften, moisturize and plump-up the lips and the skin around it.

List of ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol , Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum , Agar , Phenoxyethanol, Shellac, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate , Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Potassium Chloride, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Sucrose, Benzophenone-4 , Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Prunus avium (sweet cherry) fruit extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen , Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract

A pack contains only one mask. I initially thought that there were several in a pack and that the patches where stacked together. No, it has just one very thick jelly patch.  I applied the mask on my lip area and I was pretty surprised that it stayed on and did not slide around. Of course I avoided moving my lips to keep it in place!

One of the ingredients in this patch is fragrance. I was apprehensive at first because most of the time, this causes my lips to dry. Fortunately it did not do that – after removing the patch, the appearance of my lips improved. It softened my lips making it easy to wipe away the dry skin. It also appears to be moisturized and look plumper.

Etude House Collagen EyePatch

This eye patch contains collagen which temporarily improves the appearance of the skin around the eye area. It also contains retinol, which when used consistently, may provide a long term improvement of fine lines and wrinkles. Since it only contains a little of the retinol, I think it only compliments the temporary effects of the collagen. It also contains vitamin A & E as well as Green Tea extracts.

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-75, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Ethanol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, TEA

A pack contains one set of eye patches. The patches were very thin and are stacked between 2 mesh backings. It was also very wet. Adherence on the skin is perfect. It did not slide down to cheeks.

I kept it on for 20 minutes. This patch, by the way, is perfect for catching eyeshadow fall-outs when applying make-up!

While the patches were on the undereye area, I did not feel and stinging, burning or tightening. It was just chill. It was also pretty refreshing. It also improved my appearance of my tired looking eyes.

Available at KKBEAUTYSTORE at $1.90 each (on sale)

Click HERE to purchase

The influx of skincare and beauty products in the market has already become inundating specially to those who looking for something new that will work well on their skin. In store, online and even in pop-up, beauty brands are everywhere with their cute packaging and top the art processing and formulas. However, at the end of the day, we always revert back to basics – something that Mother Nature gifted us for centuries. This is what Gorjus Whips is about – as stated in their website, it is “Where Nature Meets Beauty”.

Gorjus Whips is a green and vegan-friendly skincare line created, formulated and designed by Jacqueline Elliott of Chicago, Illinois. Having 20 years of experience as an Esthetician and owning 4 spas, she has quite an experience and background about skin and beauty care. Per her story, Gorjus Whips was born when one night, she felt that her legs was dry! The drive came to answer the need to quench parched skin and that is exactly what she is doing now. Featuring Shea Butter, oils and other natural ingredients, Gorjus Whips products are handcrafted, made in small batches and does not contain any additives.

What makes Gorjus Whips extra special, to me at least, is its unique blend of ingredients. I have tried 4 products from it and all of it gave me a unique skincare experience.

LeMOAN Ultra Hydrating Whipped Face and Body Cleanser

Oh boy. This cleanser is a good one. This is the love baby of body butter and body wash! It has a thick and creamy texture similar to that of a body butter but it lathers beautifully like a body wash. The scent is a whole other story – it is divine! The blend of turmeric, lemongrass and rosemary gives it a unique spicy/citrusy relaxing scent.

I myself am a big fan of turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that work well on inflamed and blemished skin as well as calm skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Take time to take a whiff of this delectable cleanser. It is a delight to the senses!

Usolo Targeted Mositurizer

This moisturizer has a consistency of a very smooth yogurt! It is very light and it is easily absorbed by the skin without making it feel sticky and greasy. It also feels very cool against the skin – making it the perfect summer moisturizer!

Notable ingredients include sodium hyaluronate which penetrate the deep layers of the skin. It is the most effective humectant (attracts and holds on to water) keeping the skin well hydrated and moist. Aside from this, it also contains niacinamide which is effective in improving the appearance fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration and enlarged pores.

Defuse Acne Blemish Serum

This serum contains grapefruit extract, ginger root extract and pea extract.

Ginger is known to treat skin blemishes and acne as well as soothe burns and blisters. Grapefruit extract revives and brightens the skin. Pea extract, on the other hand, fights enzymes that break down collagen and elastin hence, slowing down signs of aging.

Personally, I do not suffer from acne but I do get a pimple or two every now and then. To test this product, I used it as a spot treatment for my pimple. One full pump of this product is enough to cover my whole face. The gel like consistency of this serum tends to be a bit tacky while it dries but, it eventually smoothens to a nice finish after a few minutes of application.

While I am not really the best candidate to test this particular product, I experienced positive results with regard to treating my pimple. It calmed down the redness and dried a couple of days after using it. It also did not sting or left the skin around my pimple look dry.

Rozsa No 160- The Whipped Pink Mud (Gentle Enzyme Cleanse and Masque)

This is not the typical clay mask that you sit around to dry for 30 or more minutes before rinsing. This mask is also a cleanser! Application and wait time is only for 5-7 minutes, just enough to vacuum out the dirt, debris and sebum on the skin. Add a little water, lather then rinse. Ta Da! You’ve masked and deeply cleansed in less than 10 minutes!

Notable ingredients include almond oil, baobob oil, oat oil, pink clay and lavender fragrance.

It also contains pulverized quartz crystals which serve as a scrub. It removes dead skin cells and reveals a smooth – baby bum – skin.  

Get to know Gorjus Whips by visiting www.gorjuswhips.com

One thing that makes a brand unique is the stories of the people behind its creation. Products are made to answer a unique need in the community backed up by the personal experience of the founder. That is why I never fail to always read the About Us section of online stores. That way, I can learn about the essence of the brand, its driving force and values.

J’enessence is one of the most unique and profound stories I have ever chanced upon online. The founder of the brand, Jennifer, experienced the most unimaginable struggles growing up. Facing emotional and physical abuse as a child and eventually being homeless in New York, this did not stop her from focusing on education which landed her a scholarship through Jerry Seinfeld. After finishing college and years after, J’enessence was born. What I admire about her is her resilience and ability to look beyond the pain of the past and move on to a brighter future while giving back to the community through Dress for Success – which empowers women to achieve economic independence.

Now to the products!

I Tried the Restore and Refresh Natural Body wash and Body Lotion. I’m telling you, these tandems are really good! It has a blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary - and it smells very potent! If you like light, almost non-existent smelling body products then this one is not for you. However, if you are like me who likes NATURALLY scented products that give an extra “umph” to your bathing and shower ritual then this one is definitely IT!

Restore and Refresh Body Wash

This body wash will take your showering experience to a whole new level. I shower with very warm (almost scalding hot says my husband) water. Combined with the refreshing scent of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary, it turned my bathroom in to a refreshing sanctuary. It even opened up and calmed down my sinuses (got some nasal allergies going on)!

Cleansing wise, it is very good. It doesn’t strip the skin with moisture and it doesn’t leave it dry.

Restore and Refresh Body Lotion

It really is best to use this body lotion right after using the body wash because it carries on the refreshing feeling longer. Having the same blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary, this lotion imparts the same calming experience. In fact, I found myself sniffing my hands because the herbal blends are just so good to the senses.

Now, don’t worry about “smelling like a grandma” due to all the minty based scent. It is only strong during the first 10-15 minutes and it eventually sublimes and becomes faint. The scent is still there but not as potent as compared to the initial application. In fact, after a while, the sweet rosemary scent is the one that lingers on the skin.

Other notable ingredient includes organic coconut oil and organic olive oil.

The lotion sinks into the skin without leaving any greasiness. It also keeps the skin moisturized throughout the day.

J’enessence products are all free from paraben, sulaftes, fragrance and dyes. It is also cruelty free and vegan.

 I love a good spa experience but seriously, I am too cheap to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a couple of hours of bliss.  So if you want to have a daily spa experience at home, without spending so much then check out J’enessence and its product line.

For more information visit https://jenessence.net 

or Click HERE