Brand Review: Laneige

With so many people getting into Korean skincare, I was curious to try it out myself, and today I'll review Laneige Hydrating Trial Kit* (link), which includes moisturizing foam cleanser, toner, essence, moisturizing cream and sleeping mask. I'm using this set as part of my nightime skin care regime. I'm happy with all the products though I prefer some more than the others. I also love the size of each item as they're small enough for taking when traveling, but big enough to get a good opinion about each item before committing to full size products.

Moisturizing Foam Cleanser: Even though it says it's moisturizing, I've only used this cleanser a couple times, because I feel that it might dry out my skin. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't want to take the risk. This cleanser feels nice on the skin and it's more creamy than foamy once it mixes with water. It removes all makeup and the skin is left very clean, almost squeaky clean though not as dry as when using regular foam or clay cleansers. However, I think that in the long run it might be too much for everyday use and it could dry out the skin, so I use it in combination with other face washes.

Power Essential Skin Toner: This toner has a thicker consistency, and feels almost like a facial serum. The bottle has a small hole, so I have to shake it to get the toner out on a cotton pad, but I wouldn't call it a con. It feels very nice when being applied to the skin, so I use it both in the morning and in the evening. That's why I'll probably run out of it before I finish any other product from this set, but that's normal as I usually don't finish the products at the same time no matter if it's a mini set or full size hair shampoo and conditioner.

Water Bank Essence: This serum is very light, but not watery. It's also very moisturizing and many times I'll apply my other thinner serum underneath and leave it as is without any additional cream on top. My skin feels very soft, plump and comfortable when wearing this essence.

  

Water Bank Moisture Cream and Water Sleeping Mask: I decided to introduce both products together so I could compare them side by side. The product on the left is a moisturizing cream, which is thicker than a sleeping mask. Moisturizing cream applies and absorbs to the skin easily and quickly making the skin feel soft, full, hydrated. I apply it most of the nights unless I use Laneige and another serum, in which case I use Laneige essence as a moisturizer. The sleeping mask has a lighter, more gel like texture and feels more watery/lighter on the skin. It's supposed to be used only a couple times a week by applying it in the evening and leaving through the night. I didn't use it long enough to see long term results, but I didn't notice anything different after a few times that I had it on. It does hydrate my skin, but it doesn't feel/look any different from when I would use a regular moisturizer. Maybe that's also because my skin is not dry currently, and it would feel different for someone who needs extra moisture in his/her skin.

So my favorite products are face toner, serum (essence) and sleeping mask. I think they would be enough for warm weather skin care as the serum gives enough hydration for my skin, and for whenever I want an extra kick, I could use the sleeping mask.    



* marks PR samples received complimentary