CLAY+essence
  • A Kairos Moment Capsule Collection
    Lepaar,  oil

    Lepaar – A Kairos Moment Capsule Collection

    I was recently privileged to receive a trio of LEPAAR products entitled, A Kairos Moment Capsule Collection, from Boxwalla. The set exemplifies the magic of slow, soulful skincare. The sentiment alone makes me melt! Read on and see why this one-off, limited edition (non-subscription) purchase is worth the investment. About the Brand Founders, Johanna & Christo, are the ultimate story tellers and free spirits, driven by passion, celestial energy, nature and sustainability and educated by experience and tradition. Their union is a representation of refinement and spirit which also happens to be the story behind this wholistic luxury brand whose objective is to achieve effective products that generate a graceful…

  • Bellflower Sunscreens
    Bellflower,  sunscreen

    Bellflower Sunscreens

    the products A physical and chemical sunscreen to provide sun protection, moisture and anti-aging effects.     Bellflower Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ The Bellflower Watermelon Fresh Sunscreen is a light and fresh chemical sun cream without white cast that moisturises via Watermelon and Centella Asiatica Extracts plus Sodium Hyaluronate. It’s very affordable, retailing for around USD$14 for the 50ml tube. ⁣   Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract (11,700 ppm), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyisobutene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate,…

  • ByWishtrend 15% Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid
    ByWishtrend,  serum

    ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid

    the claim The Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Serum claims antioxidant care, skin brightening, acne prevention, boost collagen and recovery from UV rays and recommended for oily-combination skin and for vitamin C beginners.     the science Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It has the ability to decrease sun damage and dehydration plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ascorbic Acid (often referred to as L-ascorbic acid or LAA) is considered its most potent form, effective at concentrations over 10%. Vitamin C is also easily absorbed into the skin and enhances the skin’s ability to repair, speeding up cell turnover with an increased ability…

  • Neostrata Resurface
    body,  Neostrata,  second cleanse,  serum

    Neostrata Resurface

    the claim The NEOSTRATA Resurface line claims to harnesses the power of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to smooth and refine the skin’s surface through daily exfoliation. Neostrata employs a Smart Amphoteric Complex gradual release delivery system to help maximise skin tolerability while using high concentrations of AHAs.     the cleanser The Foaming Glycolic Wash is formulated with 18% Glycolic Acid and 2% Lactobionic Acid to exfoliate and cleanse congested pores as well as prepare the skin for optimal benefits of the regimen that follows.     the ingredients Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, PEG-8, Alcohol Denat., Arginine, Ammonium Hydroxide, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lactobionic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citrus…

  • essence,  Missha

    Missha Red Algae Treatment Essence

    the claim Made with 100% Irish Moss Extract, a type of Red Algae that strengthens the skin’s defense and combats external stimuli that might harm it, the Missha Red Algae Treatment Essence is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and powerfully antioxidant to promote youthful and healthy skin.     the ingredients Chondrus Crispus Extract (Irish Moss Extract)   Both CosDNA and EWG return an ideal rating for this single ingredient essence.     the science Red Algae is a nutrient and vitamin rich seaweed promoting healthy skin. It’s slowly fermented at 36.5°C for 100 days to increase the potency of it’s natural antioxidant strength. Antioxidants (zeaxanthin, lutein) shield skin from damaging airborne pollutants,…

  • routine

    Fragrance In Skincare

    why does it matter? Fragrance in skincare can be contributed naturally or synthetically. Natural examples include essential oils and botanical extracts like lavender, mint, citrus and rose. Synthetic are chemically derived in a lab. Fragrance can make a product smell better and more enticing. Regardless of its origin, appeal or concentration, fragrance is a very common sensitising ingredient that can affect all skin types.   It’s worth noting that cosmetic companies are not required to disclose the components that make up the ingredient “fragrance” so that opens up any number of potential problems.   Fragrance may have a negative effect on the skin either in the short or long term.…

  • Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum
    Blithe,  serum

    Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum

    the claim The Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum is a two-in-one pressed serum fortified with almost 60% cold processed chaga mushroom extract combined with a blend of fermented oils to deliver lasting hydration while protecting against harsh climates and pollution.     the ingredients Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract (56.4%), Water, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2—Hexanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-16 Alcohols, Caramel, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Acrylates/ClO-3O Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate—13, Pentylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Triethyl Citrate, Adenosine, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Juniperus Mexicana (Texas Cedarwood) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot)…

  • Blithe Vital Treatment 8 Nourishing Beans Essence
    Blithe,  essence

    Blithe Vital Treatment, 8 Nourishing Beans Essence

    the claim Packed with eight different peptide and vitamin-rich beans, the Blithe Vital Treatment, 8 Nourishing Beans Essence claims to be a bouncy and light liquid that rejuvenates dull skin for a youthful effect. The ‘pulp’ efficiently delivers nourishment, helping to slow signs of aging while invigorating the skin.     the ingredients Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract (13.17%), Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Fruit Extract (9.66%), Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract (9.66%), Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract (9.66%), Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract (9.66%), Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract (9.665%), Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract (9.66%), Phaseolus Vulgaris (Kidney Bean) Seed Extract (9.66%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-32, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil,…

  • Paula's Choice,  serum

    Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

    the claim The 10% Niacinamide Booster is a concentrated niacinamide serum booster presented as an ultra light liquid formula that improves uneven skin tone and refines the appearance of pores, texture and fine lines. It also promotes a brighter, younger looking complexion.     the ingredients Water, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Acetyl Glucosamine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Glycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ubiquinone, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Carnosine, Genistein, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol     CosDNA returns a safe formulation with all active ingredients rating green.  

  • hydrating toner,  Isntree

    Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

    the claim The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner claims to be a highly concentrated, dermatologically tested toner boasting hyaluronic acid, trehalose, birch sap extract and collagen to rejuvenate skin with moisture.     the science Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt derived from Hyaluronic Acid. It delivers similar benefits only skin absorbs it more easily. Hyaluronic Acid is a Glycosaminoglycan, a vital naturally occurring substance of the skin which works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded and continuously renewed. Able to attract up to 1000 times its weight in water, it’s also a competent humectant, well supported by Glycerin and Butylene Glycol, the latter also assisting to increase the effectiveness…