Saturday, 16 November 2013

Skincare Review ~ Etude House skin[mal:gem] Essential Toner

Usually when it comes to toners/astringents, I turn to Biore's Triple Action Toner, however, with my days of acne-ridden skin (hopefully) behind me, I decided to switch it up as its tightening effects started to dry out my skin in some areas on my face. Hence, I thought I would try out a toner that helps my combination skin and came across this.



As you can see, there is a film of oil on top of the solution which is quite odd compared to what I'm used to in a toner. However as this is used to combat combination skin, I have noticed my T-zone is less oily and shiny throughout the day and my face still feels supple and soft. 

My brother also happens to have the same skin type as me and we tend to share our skincare items (as well as cosmetics :P). Not only have I noticed an improvement, but he has as well in his skin. He has mild eczema on his face and this toner has certainly reduced his flare ups.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: [mal:gem] is a Korean word for cleanness, clarity and pureness. Skin Malgeum hypoallergenic toners promote clean, clear and pore complexion with moisturizing and pore cleansing formulas. 

HOW TO USE: As the toner is separated into two layers, I shake the bottle until the layers are all mixed and place the toner onto a cotton pad. I swipe this all over my face and then continue with my usual skincare routine.

SCENT: What I first noticed about the scent was that it was not as "chemical" compared to my Biore Triple Action Toner. There is a slight citrus/maple syrup scent which I don't mind and its not overly powering. 

PACKAGING: When I first looked up images of this product, I expected a glass-like bottle but what surprised me is that its made of plastic! It's definitely sturdy and I like the screw top lid as with my previous toners, sometimes I tend to break the capped lids :(

OVERALL: For those of you with combination/oily/sensitive skin, I highly recommend this toner. As it promises, the skin[mal:gem] Essential toner does 'promote clean, clear and pure complexion' and it certainly reduces oil production. One little thing I do miss compared to the Biore Triple Action toner is that refreshing feeling afterwards after cleansing, but I think that mostly has to do with the witch hazel in that product.

RATING: 8/10. Definitely will repurchase :)

For those of you with dry, normal or oily skin types, there are also other toners/astringents suitable for you in the skin[mal:gem] line.

For all you Shawols out there!! Look how cute SHINee are (≧∇≦)/

FRESH (Oil Control – For Oily Skin)
  •  Controls excess sebum while providing enough moisture to keep the skin matte. 
  • Cleansing and astringent toner removes residual buildup and tightens pores without overdrying to prevent sebum secretion.
SMOOTHER (Exfoliation – For Trouble Prone Skin)
  • Fruit acids in green grape, exfoliate keratin on a skin clearly for keeping smooth and soft skin. 
  • Cleansing and astringent toner removes residual buildup and tightens pores to prevent acne and pimples.
MOIST (Moisture Care – For Dry Skin)
  • Includes Hyaluronic acid keep skin moist and promote skin's own moisture.
  • Moist freshener tonic removes residual buildup and replenishes moisture to promote softness and comfort. Applicable as moisturizer. 
DEEP MOIST (Moisture Retention – For Dry and Sensitive Skin)
  • Highly nutrient skin to provide the skin with sufficient nutrients.
  • Moist freshener tonic removes residual buildup and penetrates deep within layers to soothe and protect skin. Applicable as moisturizer. 
ESSENTIAL (Oil and Moisture Balance – For Combination Skin)
  • Give a moisture barrier to a skin by the cream being smoothly absorbed.
  • Freshener tonic removes residual buildup and maintains oil/moisture balance for comfort and uniform pore expression.
DARA!! She looks so pretty :)

Other than its typical uses, you can also use this range as a spray, a spot mask or a full face mask! You can usually find these mask packs online at cosmetic.jolse.com or on ebay.

That's all for now, hope you guys enjoyed this post and found it useful!

~ Charmaine ~

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