These products were provided to me by Althea for my honest review. Affiliate links are not used in this post.
Dear Klairs is a brand that I had tried before in the past, and that had very good quality and simple products that worked well for my skin. When Althea Korea reached out to the Angels community about reviewing a handful of their products, I jumped onto the opportunity right away! They put forward three different ‘kits’ (these are not sold in kits but were paired together in this way for blogging and review purposes) and I chose their You Glow Glen Coco Kit – which, aside from having the coolest name, I figured would work best for me as it contains brightening and antioxidant products.
For this kit, I ended up reviewing three different items: the Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad, the Supple Preparation Facial Toner (pictured below is the smaller travel size, not full) and the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – which is a very popular product that I had been curious about for a while!
So far, I have used these products for a good amount of time so I have some great thoughts on it. However, I will also continue to use them (especially the Vitamin Drop) to see how I go with longer term results.
And, without further ado, let’s get on with the review!
Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad | USD$7
At first glance, this doesn’t seem like it would be a very exciting product but – actually – this might be my favourite out of the trio! It’s a very staple and basic skincare ‘tool’, but the concept of these is so innovative. They are definitely more effective than my standard cotton pads, although they are pricier.
Packaging
The cotton pads come in packs of 120 (60 sheets of each type) and are housed in a simple cardboard box. It has a perforated window which can be opens for easy access – you can also close it back through a slot on the side. I like that the packaging is simple and effective; there is nothing excessive or gimmicky here, which also works really well for the Dear Klairs brand.
I tend to keep this standing on the side of my vanity and I find it really easy to use. I usually have a little plastic dispenser that I use, but I actually prefer that these cotton pads come dispensable – it saves you having to buy something else.
That being said, the box is very basic and is not especially sturdy. This is not something I would travel with as it would definitely get crushed.
Product Description
These are called the 2 in 1 because one pack of these has two different types of cotton pads – one for wiping (i.e. exfoliation) and the other half for moisture absorption. This works especially well for Korean toner formulas as they are generally intended to rebalance and hydrate skin. Here are the two types of cotton pads:
- Compressed cotton: You use this with a swiping motion to felt get rid of waste, make up residue and dead skin cells. This cotton pad feels very densely packed and is a bit thinner, with a stripped texture.
- Sponge cotton: This one doesn’t absorb the toner and instead holds onto the product, allowing you to fully apply it to the skin – giving better absorption of the product (and less waste). Rather than a wiping motion, using a pressing, dabbing motion to aid absorption.
Personal Experience
Once I have started to use these cotton pads, I totally understand the concept! It is not a gimmick and they actually work really well. The compressed cotton has a really nice texture for exfoliation and, while I have been using them with my toner, I actually think I will start using it for my AHAs. It is not too soft or fluffy, so you don’t need too much product either.
For the sponge cotton, I would highly recommend that less is more! However much product you apply to the cotton, most of that will go on your skin so it isn’t necessary to fully saturate it. This cotton is perfect for hydrating the skin and, with a patting motion, allows the product to absorb really nicely.
Here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A pack of 120 cotton pads – 60 for wiping toner (cleansing and exfoliation) and 60 for hydration
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 2/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- COTTON PAD | 5/5
- SPONGE PAD | 5/5
OVERALL RATING? 8/10
THOUGHTS? Overall, I’m really happy with these pads and – even though they’re a bit pricey – I think that I will continue to use them! I would also be recommending them to other people. I don’t believe that these are an essential in the skincare routine, but it really does help to enhance the products you are already using.
Supple Preparation Facial Toner | USD$5 for 30mL (USD$22 for full size of 180mL)
This is the toner that is intended to go along with this skincare routine and, actually, it’s my second time using it! If you follow my blog, I previously reviewed the Unscented Version of this toner and really enjoyed the hydrating properties of it – this one is the original, which does have fragrances so you can pick between the two which ever suits you better. Personally, I don’t mind either but I would use the unscented version just to minimise fragrance in my regime.
The bottom pictured is actually a travel size of 30mL, which I finished up pretty quickly since I am essentially doubling up my toner use. The full size of this is 180mL and is a fairly reasonable price too.
Product Description
This is a simple toner product from Dear Klairs and it claims to moisturize/prep skin, help to rebalance pH levels and also soothe irritation and prevent dehydration. The below is their general product description:
Hydration is the key to great skin, so give your skin the right prep to take it all on with Dear, Klairs’ Supple Preparation Facial Toner. Made to balance out the skin’s pH levels, this moisturizing toner gives the skin a boost of hydration while transforming your complexion into the perfect canvas for your favorite skin care products to work their magic. It also contains nourishing ingredients that help prevent dehydration and irritations from flaring up, making it a must-have in our beauty stash.
The product has three key ingredients, two of which are my favourites so it’s expected that this toner works so well for me:
- Phyto-Oligo: Moisturizes and soothes the skin
- Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, preventing dryness
- Centella Asiatica extract: Rich in amino and fatty acids for anti-aging properties
For people who are concerned about the use of fragrances in this product, do note that they have used organic fragrances which claims to have lower stimulation (skin sensitivities, I assume) and a higher stability for the formula. If you would prefer to avoid it, you can still check out their Supple Preparation Unscented Facial Toner which retails for the same price and is essentially the same product, minus fragrances.
Personal Experience
As with the unscented version, I really enjoy the Dear Klairs toner. I find that it is super hydrating and leaves your skin feeling really plump and fresh, but is also fast absorbing and really good for using in the morning or layering. The formula of their scented version is essentially the same and, even though it has fragrances in it, I like that the overall scent is still very light and subtle.
This is a product that is really well suited for layering toner – so it pairs really well with those cotton pads too. I’ll definitely continue to use these. Considering that it contains two of my favourite ingredients (Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica extract), I just know it’s doing wonders for me.
Here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A hydrating toner that also rebalanced skin pH and soothes
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 4/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- SCENT | 4/5
- HYDRATION | 5/5
- ABSORPTION | 5/5
- SOOTHING | 5/5
OVERALL RATING? 9/10
THOUGHTS? I love this toner and I would happily recommend both versions of it to people. When I finished up my little travel size (sorry, it’s so small – I would always buy the full size and just decant if I need to), I ended up returning to my unscented one… and then I will have to buy more once I finish.
Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop | USD$23
And lastly, but most excitingly, this is the product that I’ve been wanting to try out for ages! I had it in the back of my mind since I first heard about it (I reviewed the sleeping mask version of this) but, for some strange reason, had never ended up purchasing it! I guess it’s because I don’t actually change up my skincare routine that much unless, like right now, I’m asked to try out new things. However, I’m glad that I took the opportunity to test this out, because this serum was very different to how I imagined it!
Packaging
First off – the packaging of this is beautiful and I want everything to be holographic. In fact, I actually touched on the packaging of their brightening collection when I reviewed their new Soft Airy UV Essence and fawned over the print.
The serum comes in a white box with a holographic print of the bottle. This is also carried onto the actual product packaging, which is very simple but beautiful. It has a clear glass bottle with a dropper dispenser.
The overall look of this Vitamin Drop is very professional and classy. Their products are packaged like what I would expect to find at a dermatologists.
Product Description
According to the Althea website, this is a gentle Vitamin C based serum that helps in brightening the skin: “Packed with pure vitamin C extract, this gentle concentrate effectively brightens the skin from within, ensuring you’re left with a radiant complexion without the irritation. It also comes with 5% ascorbic acid to lightly exfoliate away dead skin cell buildup, evening out the skin’s texture. The result? Smooth, bright skin that’s ready to take on the world!”
It contains ascorbic acid to gently exfoliation and even out in the skin tone as well. Surprisingly, it is also advertised as being suitable for all skin types, even sensitive or acne prone skin – the former whom would often have to avoid many Vitamin C products.
This product contains three key ingredients:
- Pure vitamin C extract: Lifts pigmentation and brightens the skin naturally
- 5% Ascorbic acid: Gently exfoliates away dead skin cells to even out the skin
- Centella Asiatica extract: Rich in amino and fatty acids for anti-aging properties
Application
The Althea website states to apply just a few drops and to pat in the product for best absorption – which I would definitely agree with. This is a product that you don’t want to be over applying, especially since overuse of Vitamin C can actually cause break outs.
For me though, the most surprisingly thing was the texture of this serum! This Vitamin Drop serum actually has a more oil like formula, so it can be a little scary at first. However, it is absorbed relatively well by the skin – just make sure you use any water based products beneath it. I would also not recommend it for daytime use: for the first reason that Vitamin C can make skin more photo-sensitive and also because it does leave a slight oiliness to your skin which can affect make up.
Personal Experiences
My skin has been problematic at the moment, so I was a little hesitant to jump back into my Vitamin C. However, I can definitely see that this product is helping to even out my skin tone, although it is not really helping with the break outs.
It is, however, helping to reduce some of my newer acne scarring though it is taking time. I think that this can help to lift light discolouration on skin but, if you are concerned about deeper pigmentation, then this might be too gentle.
Here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A Vitamin C based serum to brighten, exfoliate and even out skin
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 4/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- BRIGHTENING | 3/5
- ABSORPTION | 3/5
OVERALL RATING? 7/10
THOUGHTS? This product is lower rated just because it is very gentle. I guess that I am the sort of person that wanted quick and dramatic results, but this is a product that does require longer term use. It does work, however, and I would mostly recommend it for people with more sensitive skin or who are new to using Vitamin C and want to take it slow.
If you’d like to pick up any of these products, check out the Dear Klairs range at Althea!
