ECO YOUR SKIN is a bold one. It is a hefty promise for a brand to not only say their a moisturizer could provide a "moisture wall barrier" but that it could last for 48 hours. While that isn't the tagline that got me to try the Moisture Wall Surge Complex, I can certainly see where they are coming from with that claim after using it myself.
ECOYOURSKIN's description:
Moisture Wall Surge Complex, so-called "Water-Wall Cream", will form a moisturized skin wall to your skin layer for the next 48 hours. This effect improves thin and sensitive skin and heals skin damaged by UV rays.
Directions
After cleansing, use toner to moisturize your skin, then softly apply an appropriate amount of Moisture Wall Surge Complex to the face and neck except the eye area.
Ingredients
AQUA,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER,GLYCERIN,1,2-HEXANEDIOL,BETAINE,PEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH -20 ETHER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM PCA,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,PERSEA GRATISSIMA(AVOCADO) FRUIT EXTRACT,CORNUS OFFICINALIS FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE,ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER,TRIETHANOLAMINE,CAPRYLYL GLYCOL,ALLANTOIN,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF POWDER,ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN,DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE,PENTYLENE GLYCOL,ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT,GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, FRAGRANCE,CI 14700,CHLOROPHYLLIN-COPPER COMPLEX,CARAMEL
Cream 50 ml
ECOYOURSKIN (Korean retail): ₩72,000
Peach & Lily: USD $80.00
Packaging
A thick glass jar with a sturdy plastic screw-on lid. New boxes come sealed with a packaging label. The inside comes with an inner plastic lid for extra security, yet I don't keep it on once opened for quick access. The body of the bottle isn't opaque; it isn't a con here since I could still see how much product remains inside. I am also not too bothered by the underside/lip where the cap has its screw threads only because of the moisturizer's texture (it likes to stick to itself more than the those harder to reach sides).
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The gel has clear coral hue and a strong, fresh fruity plus aloe-y scent. It is weirdly lightweight yet thick at the same time because of its sticky and stretchy consistency. Rather than feeling watery like gel formulations tend to act when blended in, the Moisture Wall Surge Complex has almost a balmy, tacky sensation. Once the skin soaks the moisturizer in it leaves a generally satin finish and some remaining tackiness.
How I Apply
Scoop out a little with a spatula or my fingertip. Gently rub the product between my palms to create a thin layer. Press the moisturizer into my skin. Once I have generally covered my face I quickly and constantly pat all over to help the gel sink in better and lessen the stickiness.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I can't say I don't like it. I will say it isn't my favorite.
Moisture Wall Surge Complex does indeed create a great moisture barrier on the skin. I think it is mainly from its very sticky texture that it is able to adhere and stay so well. Perhaps it could last for 48 hours, but I do double cleanse my face at night and splash with water in the morning so it would effectively disturb, if not remove, said barrier before 24 hours even hits.
I love that I never show any dry patches or cakey makeup while using this moisturizer. It fairs well even when I wear the most matte of sunscreens, concealers, and powders. My skin never broke out from it or felt congested at all.
I just hate the tacky feeling left behind after application. Of course, if I sit long enough that finish becomes very minimal but I like to do my skincare routine and hop into bed; sticky skin, hair strands, pillowcases, and duvets don't mix well. Applying something non-sticky afterward also helps but for those that want minimal steps, this isn't the product to go to.
A repurchase from me, at full retail price, would be next to impossible. $80 is quite a lot for a solely hydrating product with no other actives. Granted, it does what it says well. Despite the heavy discount during the Peach & Lily sample sale, I did not repurchase the moisturizer mainly because I did not enjoy the user experience. Perhaps those with much drier skin would like this more? Those with sensitive skin may not enjoy the formulation's tug and tack nor the fragrance. Oily skin would probably enjoy something with a more barely-there feel.
Supposedly the estheticians treat you at an ECO YOUR SKIN or SKIN LAB L session, they whip out an entire bag of the Layering Essence Ringer Drip and apply it via an airbrush. How the skin can handle 120 ml of essence at once boggles my mind. Perhaps that kind of marketing worked on me because I wanted to try the product myself.
ECOYOURSKIN's description:
Whitening
Highly concentrated liquid water that instantly restores skin condition. A facial ringer drip that dulls dark spots and freckles and whitens skin tone.
Oily
Highly concentrated liquid water that instantly restores skin condition. A facial ringer drip that effectively controls sebaceous secretion and keeps skin moist.
Directions
Put it in an exclusive bottle for convenient use. After cleansing, take an appropriate amount on a cosmetic cotton or the hand. From inside to the outside of the face, spread out along the skin texture and let it absorb. When blended with our Vitamin Shots products, it is much more effective.
Ingredients
Whitening
WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN WATER, ASPERGILLUS/RICE FERMENT EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, MAGNOLIA BIONDII BARK EXTRACT, SALIX ALBA (WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) FRUIT EXTRACT, PROPOLIS EXTRACT, CHAMOMILIA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, THUJOPSIS DOLABRATA BRANCH EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, ALLANTOIN, STYRENE/VP COPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, ARBUTIN, FRAGRANCE
Oily
WATER,GLYCERIN,PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL,BETAINE,1,2-HEXANEDIOL,MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) EXTRACT,HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT,SODIUM HYALURONATE,CAPRYLYL GLYCOL,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,CENTELLA ASIA TICA EXTRACT,GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT,ARTEMISIA VULGARIS EXTRACT,VACCINUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (BLUEBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT,GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT,ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL,CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA WATER,BETA-GLUCAN,DRYOPTERIS CRASSIRHIZOMA EXTRACT,ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF POWDER,CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT,ALLANTOIN,DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE,FRAGRANCE,CI 42090,CI 19140,CI 14700
Essence 120 ml
ECOYOURSKIN / Ski (Korean retail): ₩55,000
Peach & Lily: USD $50.00
Packaging
The essence comes in a heat sealed plastic pouch. Luckily it does come with a plastic bottle with a press-top cap for easy dispensing. I decided to cut off the smallest of corners to make the transferring job easier but I still inevitably lost a bit of the product along the way. While the idea is novel and time it takes to fill the bottle short, it does require some extra work before use.
The bottle type gets the job done but it definitely isn't my favorite. Pressing the cap tends to create a back splash. The stream of product that comes out also gets messy unless you have a cotton to catch everything.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The liquid is is not colorless or orderless, instead it varies depending on the skin concern ("flavor") the pouch says it will target. Whitening is cloudy white in color and has a perfume-y floral scent. Oily is green-tinged in color and has a witch hazel/herb-y scent. Even though neither have alcohol in its formulation, both still give a similar effect in the sense that it feels a little cooling and refreshing after wiping.
Even though it looks and acts like water, the essence itself does leave a tacky finish until it is completely absorbed into the skin (and maybe evaporated into the air). My skin is left feeling a little more hydrating and softer than if I hadn't use it.
How I Apply
Saturate a cotton with the essence. Wipe my face and neck.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I don't quite like the Layer Essence Ringer Drip for what it is labeled as.
The scents for Whitening and Oily are way too strong for me to use in multiple layers as one typical would with essence-type products; both remind me of a cross between very strong perfume and rubbing alcohol. The slight tackiness of the formulations also doesn't encourage me to use in a patting manner.
Knowing the retail price per pouch of "essence" liquid makes me not want to waste any by pouring it onto a cotton to wipe my face with. My only justification is I purchased these at a steep discount ($10 versus $50) during the Peach & Lily sale. I could, more easily, turn a blind eye in order to quickly use the product up.
Since I use so little product each application, I don't think I am a good representation of how both worth for helping whitening or oily skin. Both act relatively the same as a toner and did well to remove rogue makeup and dirt. Neither made my skin sensitive or excessively matte and dry. Had I not looked at the ingredients list afterward, I would have thought the only differences were in color and smell.
I think it is very telling that I did not repurchase these despite seeing them again this year at the Peach & Lily sale. Not that the Layering Essence Ringer Drip are bad. Just that they aren't as special as I thought it would be. For othe price price, I would invest in a more concentrated serum/ampoule and a less scented, more hydrating toner/essence.
With the skincare diet trend going around, I was super intrigued by the possibility of condensing my typically two-part cleansing routine to just one step with the ECO YOUR SKIN Oil to Foam Cleanser. Both categories of products have their own merits and functions but saving time is always on the back of my mind. The concept is pretty new and not many brands have anything like it. After finishing the entire bottle of cleanser I think I can safely say it is an idea which isn't quite there yet.
Peach & Lily's description:
Instead of relying on sulfates, this cleanser utilizes coconut fruit extract as the natural cleansing agent to create suds that are rich yet mild on skin. Micro-bubbles help deep clean pores of makeup, residue and sunscreen. Aromatic oils like wild geranium and Moroccan wild chamomile help boost hydration so skin is left perfectly balanced and clean.
Directions
Apply the foam onto dry skin and massage gently before rinsing with tepid water. Optional: leave the foam on for 2 minutes as necessary to brighten skin tone.
Ingredients
CARBONATED WATER, WATER, TEA-COCOYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCERIN, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, POTASSIUM COCOYL GLYCINATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, COCAMIDE DEA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BETAINE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER WATER, GERANIUM MACULATUM OIL, ORMENIS MULTICAULIS OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, LEONURUS SIBIRICUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, ALGAE EXTRACT, CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA EXTRACT, ENTEROMORPHA COMPRESSA EXTRACT, UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA EXTRACT, ECKLONIA CAVA EXTRACT, POLYSORBATE20, ALLANTOIN, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID, ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, CI 42090, CI 19140
Cleanser 170 ml
ECO YOUR SKIN (Korean retail): ₩30,000
Peach & Lily: USD $34.00
Packaging
New bottles of cleanser come in a sealed box to ensure its safety. The foaming pump bottle is fairly standard and does a great job at dispensing uniformly aerated bubbles. See-through packaging is always a plus in my books. ECO YOUR SKIN also paid attention to the small details such as having the tube inside be curved to allow every last drop of cleanser to be used.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
While the liquid inside the bottle is a bright green color, the foam that comes out is mostly white with a slight tinge of green. Unlike the foam created by foaming nets and cups, this pumping mechanism produces a very light and airy lather which means it also tends to deflate quickly. The cleanser has a very strong and lingering herby scent due to all the extracts and essential oils.
Foam on clean/bare skin will stay fluffy until it is rubbed onto the skin. Interestingly, foam on dirty/product-laden skin will immediately dissipate into a runny liquid texture. Perhaps this is due to the surfactants in its formulation? The cleanser ultimately washes away easily without leaving the skin too tight or dry. Whether there is leftover product residue depends widely on what I am trying to cleanse off (skincare only versus light- versus heavy makeup).
How I Apply
1. Use after removing makeup/waterproof sunscreen with cleansing balm or oil.
2. Make sure my hands and face are mostly dry.
3. Pump 5-6 times into the palm of my hands.
4. Transfer onto my face and slowly massage all over.
5. Rinse well.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Even the name "Oil to Foam Cleanser" kind of seems to suggest the product to be a 2-in-1. However, the Peach & Lily ladies at the sample sale last year suggested it is to be used how I would any other foaming cleanser—after a makeup remover and not in place of one. The ingredients don't suggest it is oil based either, instead carbonated water and water are the top-most components. The others that follow are mainly surfactants and solvents. "Oils" only show up in the form of a couple of essential oils (geranium and chamomile) further down the list.
Therefore, using it as a water-based cleanser is precisely how I emptied most of the bottle of cleanser liquid. I like the product a lot in this manner. The foam definitely makes cleansing a more gentle and lush-feeling process. I would prefer if the bubbles were denser though because it dissipates too fast. Otherwise, it removes cleansing balm residue well without stripping my face and had no bad skin reactions. I can't say if it stings my eyes or not because I tend to keep them shut until it is completely rinsed off.
There were a few times I gave it the duty of cleaning waterproof, "mineral" sunscreen off my hands after application. It surprisingly works very well for the task—far more efficient than a typical hand soap but not as heavy-duty nor messy as a cleansing oil.
On an occasion or two, I tested it for any makeup cleansing abilities on light makeup days. I cannot say I was disappointed because I honestly didn't expect it to remove much. Let's just say I would not recommend it as a replacement for any removing liquid, oil, or balm.
I think a big factor in whether someone would like this particular product or not lies in the small details:
- You have to think of it as a water-based, post-makeup remover cleanser.
- The auto-foaming ability is nice and saves some time from having to manually create the suds.
- Less dense foam means a shorter cleansing time, which can be a good or bad thing.
- The smell isn't terrible but can be overwhelming since it lingers for as long as it is on the face.
- One bottle of liquid foaming cleanser doesn't last nearly as long as a tube of non-liquid cleanser.
Unfortunately, consolidating my cleansing routine in such a manner won't be happening any time soon. It did reopen my eyes to the world of self-foaming cleansers. Perhaps if I were to try another one it'd be a less expensive and less fragranced (even if "natural") option.
