When I first started getting into Korean skincare, essences were a mystery. I didn’t quite understand what they were supposed to do, or how they differed from toners and serums. While many companies take creative liberties in naming their products, in general, essences are thinner and lighter than serums, but have more skin beneficial ingredients than toners. I definitely enjoy using a good essence these days.
The latest addition to my collection is By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence. The brand sent it to me as a gift, but it’s available for purchase on their site (use the code LUCY15 for 15% off until April 30, 2020), as well as official By Wishtrend eBay and Amazon storefronts.
Main ingredients:
3-Complex: a blend of morus alba bark extract, nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and schisandra chinensis fruit extract to soothe the skin and prevent breakouts.
Willow bark extract - gently exfoliates and helps with acne
Centaurea cyanus flower water - promotes radiant skin
Propolis extract - soothes and protects the skin, especially for those prone to irritation
In addition to the promised improvements in skin condition and texture, the essence is also supposed to make all of the subsequent skincare steps more effective (hence the “Boosting” in the product name).
How to use:
Apply a few drops to the face
Gently pat in
Follow with the rest of your routine
I use this product after toner, but the official instructions say you can use it without toner. By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence is made without synthetic dyes and fragrances, parabens and ethanol, and is cruelty free.
My impressions:
This is a very new release, which means I’ve only had my hands on it for a few weeks. However, I already have an overwhelmingly positive opinion. Let’s start with the packaging - it’s absolutely glorious. The glass bottle immediately makes me feel like I’m holding something special. And while the glass is tinted, the liquid inside of it seems colorless to me.
Texture. Bear with me as I try to describe it. The essence is liquid, not thick but also not watery. It sort of glides onto the skin in the most pleasant way. Applying it is a joy for the senses. The product offers hydration and nourishment without being heavy or oily.
I have noticed an improvement in skin texture. My skin is smoother and softer, and the few breakouts I’ve had (thanks, stress) seem to clear up quicker than typically.
By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence can be used in the morning or evening. I’ve tried it in the morning and it works well (including under makeup), but I usually only use it at night (simply because I have more time and motivation). This is definitely another win from By Wishtrend and I am loving every moment of using it.
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By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence Ingredients: Aqua(Water), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract(10%), Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water(9%), Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract(9%), Morus Alba Bark Extract(8.7%), Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract(8.7%), Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propolis Extract(1%), Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin