Beauty Haul Korean Skincare Review: Missha Time Revolution Essence and Klairs Supple Preparation Toner

I used to be skeptical about skincare regimes because I thought good skin is only an outcome of sleep, water, and whatever meds my dermatologist prescribed. That’s it. Only recently did I have the courage to splurge a little and invest on products for a hydrated, dewy, youthful skin. Then I started researching more about sensitive skin and what types of skincare products actually work. Key takeaway? It does not have to be expensive to be effective!

I am now officially a convert.

I have a Combination (oily and dry skin) but from time to time, I get seborrheic dermatitis attacks and/or skin dryness resulting to face peeling and makeup caking.

• Age: 26
• Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive
• Skin Tone: Fair
• Features: Chinita
• Problem Areas: Oiliness (T-zone), dryness (cheeks), redness

In 2016, I constantly tried to look for a solution to my dry, rough, and dull complexion. I tried the Innisfree green moisture skin (which I got from Singapore Changi Airport) and Olay moisturising cream (from Watsons). Both worked for the first few tries but didn’t last long. When I switched to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream a year later and tried a couple of Japanese products, that’s when I saw real results and became more excited to try new products for my skincare regime.

I’ll give a review of my two most recent beauty hauls, which also happens to be my first ever purchase from BeautyMNL: the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence (P2,700) and dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (P 880). Both are award-winning products and safe for sensitive skin.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

	Missha Time Revolution Essence	Klairs Supple Prep Toner
Claim	+ Rejuvenates complexion + 80% fermented yeast concentrate + Smoothens the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores + Controls sebum and discoloration + Improves skin elasticity + Protects against skin-aging caused by UV rays + Boosts radiance for a beautiful glow	+ Faster absorption, enhanced hydration + Balance pH level + Calming formula + Non-irritating
Recommended for	Dry, temperamental skin Dry skin and a dull complexion Combination Skin	All skin types
Net weight	150 ml	180 ml

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Since we’re talking about two complementing products here (an essence and a toner), I’ll discuss my findings in an alternating manner- first Missha then Klairs.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Missha:

1. Fermented yeast extract from Himalayan purple barley – nourishes and moisturizes skin. It acts as a humectant that seals in moisture so skin feels hydrated from within.
2. Niacinamide – also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid. This anti-aging ingredient is helps restore the skin and reduce inflammation or redness. Other benefits include reduction of fine lines & wrinkles, as well as protection from the damaging effects of sun’s UV rays
3. Adenosine – This is a common molecule needed for energy production in the body. For skincare, adenosine has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects on the skin. It is responsible for energizing the skin cells for smoother and younger-looking skin.

Ingredients List

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bigida Ferment Lysate, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Polyquaternium-51, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Betaine, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Pirper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Beta vulgaris (Beet) Root extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Trehalose, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Raffinose, Tromethamine, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprytyl Glycol, Hexapeptide-9 Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate

Addition of Special Ingredient & Change in Fermentation Method

Klairs (see cosdna for analysis):

1. Phyto-Oligo – This is a patented blend derived from Althaea Rosea Flower Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and acts as a humectant, an emollient, and anti-inflammatory agent. As published by Klairs, Phyto-Oligo helps thoroughly moisturize the skin and resolve skin dryness.
2. Lipidure – is a polymer ingredient designed as a surface preparation agent and has good moisture retention capability.
3. Beta-Glucan – acts as a humectant and helps provide deep hydration. It is a great ingredient, especially for sensitive skin. Beta-glucan not only soothes and moisturizes, but also acts as a mild anti-oxidant.

Ingredients List

Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1

I’m pleased to see lots of botanical and organic ingredients and no alcohol! This is what a simple, no fuss, hydrating toner should be made of.

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PACKAGING

Missha

Now moving on to packaging and first impressions.

The Missha essence comes in a very elegant, shiny silver box. The bottle is made of frosted glass which makes it a bit heavy, plus the elliptical cylinder shape of the bottle makes it taller than a regular 150 ml container. For these reasons, it is not practical to carry around for an overnight thing or weekend getaway. I suggest to transfer the liquid to a small PET bottle when traveling. This also minimizes any occurrence of glass shattering and essence spilling everywhere.

The cap is fairly easy to remove and the bottle opening dispenses a perfect little drop when turned over 180 degrees.

Klairs

The Klairs toner, on the other hand, comes in a hard plastic, amber bottle. It is lightweight and has an apothecary, Aesop vibe to it – which I really like! True to the brand’s principles, packaging is “simple but enough”.

The dispenser hole is similar to that of Missha’s but since the toner is less viscous, it flows out more freely.

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TEXTURE, CONSISTENCY, & SCENT

Missha

This essence is a clear liquid, with texture and consistency very much like water. This makes it easy to apply on the face with a patting motion.

It has a very very light scent that initially reminded me of my grandma but after a few more applications I figured the smell comes from the yeast and root extracts. After all, most fermented products have a natural smell, but not disturbing at all.

Klairs

There’s a faint floral and citrus-y scent when you open the bottle (probably because of the essential oils and leaf extracts in it) and quite refreshing. I love the consistency – not as runny and watery as the other toners I’ve tried, but also not very viscous so it’s easy to spread and dry. The product is colorless and slightly thicker than water but leaves no residue as it dries up.

Just about two months ago, Klairs launched an unscented version of this toner in a clear bottle and purple label. Due to popular demand, they decided to remove traces of fragrance and essential oils. If you’re allergic to any scent or just prefer an unscented one, opt for this instead (same price).

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DRYING RATE

Both products are instantly absorbed easily by the skin. In a matter of seconds, you can already apply the next product.

Since Missha is an essence and Klairs is a toner, the former feels slightly thicker and stickier on the face than the latter, but also dries up quickly regardless.

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RESULTS

I’ve been using these Korean products for more than 6 months now (updated Jan 2019) and I must say, no regrets at all! My skin still feels supple, healthy, and radiant. The red blemishes or patches that usually appear on my cheeks or eyebrows due to irritation disappeared ever since I started using the essence and toner.

And the peeling I experienced weekly due to skin dryness? Gone! I do hope my skin continues to improve as I inject more products like exfoliators and vitamin C serum into my daily regimen.

Missha

This product claims to soothe, smoothen, firm and moisturize the skin, and balance sebum level. How did it do?

So far it is able to deliver everything it said. I cannot compare it with other essences since this is my first attempt, but I swear by this product already! It also made my skin dewy, hydrated, and brighter. I kid you not. Our skin cells are exposed to a lot of free radicals and dirt which makes it dull and tired. But after using this product, my face visibly looks brighter and more vibrant! (Disclaimer: this is not a paid article)

Another thing I want to point out is, since I live in the Philippines where the air is humid and weather is hot, I noticed that even with my combination skin, my face stopped producing as much oil as it used to. Probably because it has that added layer of moisture on top.

The only thing I cannot confirm at the moment is the firming and anti-ageing claims because I am only 26 and that has yet to be proven when I reach 40.

Klairs

I don’t like toners that dry the skin – and Klairs preparation facial toner does the complete opposite! I love how it works on my face. I instantly feel the calming effect and nourishment that penetrates to my skin. Also, it did not cause breakouts or allergic reactions.

With a pH level of 5 (close to neutral 7), the toner effectively delivers on its promise: prepare the skin absorb the following products better and boost effectiveness.

Whenever I wake up in the morning (even with a lack of sleep), my skin feels good and retains that inside glow from my new skincare routine. It now thanks me for feeding it with the right supplements for repair and regeneration. Applying makeup isn’t much of a concern anymore because I have a fine canvas to work with!

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HOW TO USE

I’m taking baby steps – doing my best to follow a 5-step evening skincare regimen. I know a couple of friends who religiously follow a 10-step routine but personally, I want to slowly introduce and examine the effect of each product on my skin. I’ll get there eventually.

Here’s my sequence:

1. Facial Wash
2. Toner
3. Essence (wait for 10-20 minutes)
4. Serum / Sheet Mask – once a week using Lululun face mask
5. Moisturizer
6. Eye Cream

Different sites have varying recommendations on the sequence, but as a general rule of thumb, go from the lightest consistency to the thickest.

I’ve been following this regimen for over 2 weeks now (only in the evening before going to bed) and so far I’m happy with the results! On how much product to apply,

• Missha: Pour 4 drops on the right palm. Place the left palm on top of the right, then do a twisting motion clockwise and pat onto your face.
• Klairs:
  • The directions on the bottle say: “Apply on a clean face. Gently pat all over your face using your palms. Pat remaining product into skin until fully absorbed.”
  • Personally though, I prefer applying toner using a cotton pad. So what I do is I place 2-3 drops of toner on a flat cotton pad and apply it to my face and neck.

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RATING

	Missha Time Revolution Essence	Klairs Supple Prep Toner
Price	4	4.5
Packaging	3.5	5
Performance	5	5
Overall	4 / 5	4.8 / 5

Overall, I can say that these products are worth every penny and live up to the hype! Would highly recommend both for those with combination and dry skin like me. No need to spend more than Php 2,000 on products that give the same (or even better) results! Know what you need and buy according to your skin type.

You may order both the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence and dear,Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner from BeautyMNL, Althea, and Soko Glam.

P.S. I think the bottles will last me more than 6-8 months because I only use them in the evening. But we’ll see. I shall keep you posted. Leave some comments below! 🙂

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