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If you’re anything like me, you’ve never heard of Mugwort in your life (until now). It definitely sounds like a witchy, potion-y ingredient of the gods… and it kind of is.
I was kindly sent a bottle of the I’m From Mugwort Essence by Wishtrend, and I must admit, I was very intrigued about this product. Mainly because I knew nothing about mugworts, apart from seeing it pop up on Asian Beauty blogs and IGs around the place.
To start with, the product comes in a sleek, green glass bottle, with its trademark I’m From logo on the front. I do find these products to look quite expensive, when they are, in actual fact, very affordable. That’s always a big plus to me! Of course, this expensive-feeling glass doesn’t always mean it will be easy to travel with — but then, who is travelling in 2020?!
This product actually reminds me of the first Korean toner I ever did see. The year was 2013, and I had just landed, minty fresh, to what would become my spiritual home (I just didn’t know it yet). Hitting up a local girl from one of the “Foreigners in Korea” groups, she gave me a bunch of secondhand clothes for not much at all, and a few beauty products she had. One was a toner, and I remember being so stumped about it!
It’s so funny to me now, but just seeing a bottle like this, and having a toner be non-astringent, just threw me for a total loop. Now, it’s like second nature, and I guess part of that comes with age and more experimenting with anti-ageing products (and beauty in general). But back then… boy, was this foreign!
But back to the product at hand. This glamorous little green beauty holds a whopping 160ml amount of essence, and it’s 100% mugwort essence (Artemisia Princeps Extract is the technical term), which pleases me greatly.
Now, the product itself — it is an essence, but I would say it’s more of a “first essence” or essence/toner hybrid. Being that it’s thinner than what I would typically deem an essence to be, and it absorbs more quickly and doesn’t leave the skin tacky, but more in preparation for next steps.
I do usually stack this in between my toner and an essence, so in my books it’s perfect to use as a first essence, and great for layering products whether you have oily or dry skin. The secret is always thin layers, people! And this Mugwort Essence definitely leaves my skin feeling hydrated and ready for more action (lol), and also has a nice herbal scent that just adds to the whole traditional vibe.
So, what exactly is mugwort? I probably should have discussed this earlier in the post, but better late than never! To be technical, it’s a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, native to Asia and Europe — and is commonly deemed a weed. But it is clearly so much more than that!
It is known for its healing powers, and when used in skincare it can have a brightening effect, be used to help treat acne and inflammation, helps to fight irritation… and is also just plain moisturising.
And the fact that this essence is 100% actual mugwort extract? Whew!
Honestly, I would agree with all of these statements, especially the radiance boosting properties and its moisturising capacity. I can’t speak to its anti-acne powers just yet, as I’ve fortunately not been experiencing that, but I do often have irritated skin and it is very soothing.
After application, my complexion does look bright, soothed and nourished. And this isn’t even my final form!
I love the simplicity of this product, and would definitely recommend and repurchase. It’s quite a joy to use, as I know that my skin will not react — this can happen a lot more often than I’d like! Once I get a skincare product in my arsenal that I know is tried & true, I don’t really like to let it go — and this is one of them.
If you’re interested in trying this baby out for yourself, you can pick it up at Wishtrend (they ship internationally). Plus, for the rest of October, you can use my code STEPHANIE15 for 15% off your order… happy early Christmas to you!
Have you tried mugwort products? Or this essence in particular? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!
Also: hope you enjoyed the Ella pics & support (she is very involved and enthusiastic about K-beauty also) 🙂
Steph x