Sparkled Beauty

We did it, folks, we almost reached 0 today (2 degrees/ 36F, feels like -2C/ 28F), and it would be even worse tomorrow morning (-4C/ 25F, feels like -10C/ 14F). How wonderful... not!

Let's talk beautiful skin care instead. This is Korres Pomegranate line, for oily to combination skin (i.e. me lol). The outside packaging is beautiful, and the product packaging is practical and cute. Sold me first thing.

About what's inside the packaging, the Pomegranate fruit contains three times the antioxidant properties of red wine or green tea, effective in fighting free radicals that cause premature aging of skin cells. Pomegranate extract is a rich source of anthocyanins, vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals, also has significant astringent properties due to its tannins content. It  helps tighten pores and rejuvenates the look of skin.

Worth noting is that the whole line is dermatologically tested, paraben/ mineral oil/ silicon/ propylene glycol/ ethanolamine free.

First product - Pomegranate toner (99% natural content).

This is an oil free toner with Alpin Willowherb and Witch Hazel extract that clarifies and mattifies, and minimizes pores. It also gently exfoliates to remove excess oil and dirt for a tighter and smoother skin.

Suggested use: apply with cotton pads to the face and neck, morning and evening after cleansing.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-5 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Epilobium Fleischeri extract, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluceptate, Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate, Punica Granatum Fruit extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf extract.

I gotta say this is one of the best smelling toners I have ever tried. It is gently and refreshing to use, though note the alcohol ingredient, if you don't want it in your toner. I am not normally one to care much for toner after washing my face, but I really enjoy this one. The pore minimizing effect though needs the support with other relating products reviewed below.

The bottle is 6.76oz/ 200ml, retails $26.

Then we have Pomegranate Mattifying treatment (83.2% natural content), is also supposed to mattify the skin and refine pores.

It is a runny gel with Pomegranate extract, Willow bark extract and rice starch that help absorb excess oil, long wearing and light weight. The pump is always a nice brownie point.

I used the product on full face without a moisturizer to test its full effect. It does quite a good job in mattifying my face, to the point that I had to add a bit of highlighter and bronzer to avoid a dull look. I also suggest not to skip your moisturizer, especially in the winter, or only use the product on the T-zone, depending on how oily your skin is normally.

The scent is very subtle, and did not linger but you do get a quick whiff of it when applying it on the face.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) starch, Alcohol, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Flower water, Xanthan Gum, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Caprylyl Glycol, Carrageenan, Sodium Levulinate, Lactic Acid, Fragrance, Sodium Anisate, Glucose, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Phytate, Punica Granatum Bark extract, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran oil.

The tube has 1.35oz/ 40ml, retails $49. It is a little pricy, I admit.

And lastly, the Pomegranate Purifying Natural Clay mask (91.1% natural content).

The Pomegranate extract and white argit natural clay, with sebum-absorbing capacity, are to remove impurities and deeply cleanse the skin, and Zinc helps to absorb oil.

Suggested to use on clean, dry skin, leave on for 10 minutes and rise with lukewarm water once a week after exfoliating.

This mask also has a light refreshing scent and dries super quick on the skin. You can add more layers to the desired coverage. I always opted to leave my mask on for at least 20 minutes, did not notice any irritation or redness because of that. With two thin layers, it did not give a tight feeling when dried nor cracked on the skin. And of course, the skin felt smooth and refreshed after. Super!

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed oil, Zinc PCA, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Allantoin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Punica Granatum Extract, Sodium Phytate, Lactic Acid.

Also a little over my regular price range for a mask (1.35oz/ 40ml, $44) but it is a nice weekly treat for the skin at the same time.

In short, I am a fan of the pomegranate fruit itself and this skin care line with it.