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If you’re into Korean cosmetics like I am, you’ve heard of Wishtrend. I’ve written before about the beauty of this online K-beauty haven, and now that we’re all inside and living virtually (even more than before), online stores are something I’m so thankful for. Especially when it comes to getting Korean beauty products delivered direct to my door.
A while back, I reviewed the C20 Vitamin C serum (they’ve now upgraded to the 21.5% Advanced Serum, for even more citrus-y goodness). I’ve also had a bunch of Cosrx goodies in my stash, but never unleasehed my thoughts on this here blog—well, that’s another blog post idea right there!
But today is an exciting one, as I’m introducing a new product By Wishtrend, the Quad Active Boosting Essence. So purrdy! As soon as I saw this product included propolis and fermented honey, I knew I’d be into it. I’ve written previously about loving honey (in both my food & my cosmetics, lol), and the anti-bacterial and moisturising properties are just it for me.
Upon closer inspection of the ingredients, I was jollied (lol) to see willow bark extract was right up the top, which assist in alleviating inflammation. I’m always on the lookout for a good serum, as retaining moisture is key to keeping my complexion looking youthful (each birthday is a blessing, yes, so it’s a happy medium between gratitude and fear with which I age).
I’ve also had a long and loving history with honey/propolis in cosmetics, and so my dry skin loves to see it. Click here for the full ingredient list & be pleasantly surprised. There’s a lot of bark/flower water extracts as well as the propolis and black tea, so you know it’s going to be clarifying, and anti-inflammatory… just what we like!
If you’re a longtime reader of this here blog, you’ll also know I have uber sensitive skin & it can be set off at any moment. Detonated! Kaboom! I really do live life on the edge in this way. But this product didn’t aggravate it at all, which is really saying a lot. I know that sounds sarcastic but it ain’t… this essence, which is more like an essence water in texture, is a real dream for my skin.
I managed to snap a little pic of the bright packaging (cheering up my quarantine time), and also a little peek of the flowers I’ve managed to keep alive(!):
The bottle is a thick plastic, I believe, but it feels pretty darn expensive. Maybe it’s the gold lid, but there’s something about it that feels more high end than it costs! Always a good equation imho.
Aaaand I love it when the products are sanitarily sealed (especially important right now):
I’ve been using this as my second step in my beauty routine, right after the Son & Park Beauty Water (which is what it says it is!). Of course, this is technically an essence, but it’s not sticky or tacky.
You can take a look for yourself here:
Admittedly, it’s hard to see in photos, but the texture is really nice & smooth… while also feeling moisturising. I wouldn’t say it’s the kind of essence that you’d expect the greatest nourishing properties from — it’s no night cream, or serum at that. But it is a beautiful, gentle and absorptive essence that gives my skin an even and smooth appearance after using it.
By the way, for those unaware or confused about propolis (I never knew about it until I lived in Korea), it is a compound that bees produced from the sap of trees to build their hives. It’s known for its antibacterial properties, so as well as moisturising and balancing dry skin (*raised hand emoji*) propolis products can be useful for those with troubled/acne-prone skin. Basically, it’s a very healing ingredient which, when combined with clarifying black tea, can give a smoothness and glow to a tired or stressed complexion.
Aaaand best of all? The lovely folk at Wishtrend have given my readers a 15% off code to use sitewide until April 30!
Simply enter STEPHANIE15 at checkout to claim it & get 15% off your order (and support this gal! Thank u *kiss*). They have a bunch of great brands, including Klairs & Cosrx, as well as By Wishtrend and others. Plenty of goodies to choose from!
Have you tried any products from Wishtrend? Let me know in the comments below! I actually have a few others to test & review so keep an eye out for those.
Steph x