The hours that I spend seated whilst Jei does my hair are the most expensive hours ever – no, it’s not cos she charges an arm and a leg; instead, it’s because I’m always browsing all the magazines they have, and then I get totally beautyjunkie-flashed by product porn. The advertisements, the editorials and the advertorials – holymotherofbeautyproducts! Yes yes, I know, sucker much. Out comes the iphone, and I’ll be happily snapping away what I want to buy, which is about 75% of every beauty product featured. #shutupandtakeallmymoneynow
When I was there in April, I flipped through the Beauty Issue of Ceci (magazines usually have a theme per issue, or at least some iconic yearly Fashion Issue or Beauty Issue). The magazine apparently did some huge-ass survey across China, Korea and Thailand to find the top products of each category in each country. Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Serum was listed as the top selling essence (or serum) in Korea for 2012. (or something close enough).
Being the typical Ko’ho, I zipped off and bought myself one bottle. Ok I lied. I bought two bottles.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum – KRW22,000
A lightweight essence that’s relatively easily absorbed
Slight increase in moisturisation levels, you think?
I say…
- The packaging itself is simple enough – a short fat bottle with a pump dispenser system. Two pumps is sufficient for the whole face.
- The scent is heavenly! I’m loving it cos it has a slight tinge of mint (?) with green tea (vaguely – I’m not perfumer). Essentially, it smells really herby and refreshing at the same time.
- The texture is lightweight without being too runny (just slightly watery), and can be spread easily on the face.
- It is easily absorbed, but on a comparative basis, Hera’s Preperfection Serum was absorbed about 20% faster.
- It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling, but again, on a comparative basis, the aftermath of applying Hera’s Preperfection Serum felt more like nothing.
- It doesn’t leave a greasy film either – my skin felt more moist, and the fine lines were less obvious.
- Generally, it’s a nice lightweight essence that you can apply every morning cos it doesn’t feel too heavy.
- But since I’m a beauty nutjob, I actually did a test – I applied this on the left half of my face and Hera’s Preperfection Serum on the right half for 2-3 weeks.
- The result?
- Hera side: finer pores, slightly more radiant skin, slightly firmer skin, and smoother skin- there were less bumps (which I would classify as: potential pimples/small pumples/clogged pores)
- Innisfree side: slightly more radiant skin, but more bumps on the Innisfree side. I had some pimples along my jawline as well, cos I tried to squeeze out the bumps/whiteheads. Note: I wouldn’t really call this an outbreak though.
- Now I’m not sure if it’s because the Innisfree product is supposed to work this way ie it expels all the dirt from inside first, before healing your skin (La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Dup works this way), or am I just not adapting well to the product, the same way I can’t take to Laneige’s Whitening range nor the Sleeping Pack.
I’ll continue trying it for a couple more weeks cos I actually like how this product smells and feels. Will update again! 😀
beautifulbuns : a beauty, travel & lifestyle blog 
Pingback: IOPE Complete Care CC Cream | Because every part of you can be beautiful, even your buns
Pingback: Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence | Because every part of you can be beautiful, even your buns
Hi, am considering buying the serum and have been trying some samples the past few days. It is now Day 3 and I noticed a pimple outbreak on my forehead and chin. I have also been trying the seed cream, and tried the sleeping pack on Day 1 though, so don’t know if any of those are causing this outbreak. How was it for you after using the serum longer?
Hey Alicia, I think it was about a week for me, I used just the Serum alone, so I know it was that product causing it. I usually test products one at a time so I can pinpoint. I haven’t gone back to testing it yet cos I wanna let my skin rest for a bit 🙂
May i know What do u use after using the serum? Is it ok to use serum and toner only without other steps(eg.cream, moisturizer) ? Thanks.
Hi Elaine, I use toner, serum, emulsion, and then cream/moisturiser. I guess you could skip those if you’re in a rush for time (when I’m too tired, I just apply some sleeping pack and conk out), but it’s best that you go through all the steps, cos the cream is nourishing and thick enough to “seal in” all the goodness of the previous products. From what I know, serums are usually intensive boosters that work on the internal areas/cells but creams are the ones that envelope the outer skin and provide more intensive repair and firming action.
Pingback: Review: Hanyul Optimizing Serum | Because every part of you can be beautiful, even your buns
hi, may i know why do we need emulsion this step? i assume we supposed to have 2 steps cleansing, toner, serum, n moisturizer only. Can u give some examples on wad kinda product you use for the emulsion step? thank you
Hi Emma,
I wouldn’t say that Emulsions are a must, but they are a more lightweight version of cream moisturisers, and might suit daytime use, or for those who don’t like using “heavy” creams. Emulsion are usually like a milkier and more watery /liquid version of creams, while creams are heavier and more cream. They usually pack a lower level of moisture/hydration than creams (which are usually more nourishing). They can be used as a skin softener as well.
How I do it is:
Makeup remover – facial cleansing – toner / lightweight watery essences – emulsions – serums – moisturiser.
Most Emulsion products are named with “emulsion” so it’s pretty easy to catch them. Some emulsion that I’ve tried and liked include Sulwhasoo’s Extra Refining Emulsion, Laneige’s Perfect Renew Emulsion, and Hanyul Skin Essential Emulsion.
hope this helps! 🙂
Hi there, I have just started using Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum and experienced the same problem as you, tiny bumps/whiteheads. I am not sure if I should discontinue use. Did your skin condition improved after using it for longer period of time? Because you mentioned that it could be expelling the dirt within our skin so I thought the bumps/whiteheads might just be a temporary reaction for initial use. Thanks!
Hi Joanne,
sorry to hear that you got the same reaction 😦 I discontinued usage cos I’m sort of a panicker – if I see any signs of adverse reaction I usually just stop using it. I then go into full-on recovery mode with my healing skincare products. Plus, since I have so many products to try, I don’t really have the luxury of time to wait for a bad reaction to pass… Hope this helps and hope your skin gets better soon! 🙂
Hey Cheryl,
I’ve just read your review on the serum since I’m considering purchasing some products from the green tea line. (I’ve just finished Innisfree Canola Honey Kit and looking for something new.)
But now seeing that so many ppl have outbreaks from it, I’m not so sure anymore.
Do you think it’s the natural behaviour of our skin that’s trying to get rid of all the bad stuff…it happens when you use a natural face oil for the first week…
What’s your opinion on that?
xo,
Luchessa @ http://luchessa.org