Franco-Korean Innovation: Jowaé Skincare

Hi beauties!

Last month, I attended a launch for a new skincare brand called Jowaé, from the Korean word for harmony.

This skincare brand was developed as a result of French-Koran research. The products in this line are designed to re-establish the vital balance in skin lost as a result of daily aggressions like pollution, climate variations, stress, and fatigue.

Korean beauty regimes are hard-core. Traditionally, they involve ten steps starting with two or three different cleansers. Jowaé has found a way to reduce the regime to just these four steps to balance skin and address issues like dark spots: cleanse, prepare, activate, and correct.

What I like about the Jowaé brand is that it offers choices. For example, for the cleansing step, you can use the Soothing Cleansing Milk (for dry skin) or the Purifying Cleansing Gel (for oily or sensitive skin).

So far, there are a couple of standouts in this skincare line:

• Hydrating Water Mist–This mist contains antioxidant Lumiphenols and Sakura blossom water. It refreshes and moisturizes the complexion at the same time.
• Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Serum–The key ingredient in this serum is Red Ginseng, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its stimulating and antiaging properties. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid and brown seaweed extract to fight the signs of fatigue.
• Revitalizing Moisturizing Lotion–This body lotion is light, yet it leaves skin soft and supple. Skin also looks more luminous. 💥

In Canada, you can find Jowaé products at Shoppers Drug Mart, with prices ranging from around $20-$50.

Thanks to the Jowaé team for the brand intro at the amazing JW Marriott Parq Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Disclaimer: Media sample provided, all opinions are my own.

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Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette

Hi beauties!

I’m always tempted when it comes to makeup minis, so I just had to pick up this travel palette from Smashbox.

Talk about multifunctional. The Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette features wet/dry (no sparkle!) shades that you can use as a shadow, liner, or brow powder,

Here are the eight neutral shades in the palette (mostly cool tones):

• Haze (light grey)
• Rosehip (muted pink)
• Grounded (medium cool brown)
• Wheat (soft warm brown)
• Vanilla (soft light beige)
• Desert (medium/neutral brown)
• Earthy (warm brown)
• Canyon (dark brown) 

The shadows can be built up for drama or applied with a light touch for a “no makeup” look. The shades have good pigmentation, are creamy, and last a long time.

If you like this palette, you can also get a full-sized version of this palette. For me, this is a great idea. 💡 If I love a palette, I get hooked on it until the bottom of the pan starts to show through.

The palette also comes with a mirror and a step-by-step guide with tips on how to accentuate your brow and eye shape. Overall, this palette packs a punch, so it’s a good value.

Clarins Pore Control Serum

Hi beauties!

Have you noticed that skincare brands are introducing more pore minimizing products lately? Well, blame it on selfies and social media tools like Instagram and Snapchat.

I recently received a sample of Clarins’ latest pore product, Pore Control Serum, which helps to reduce the appearance of pores, smoothe skin texture, and illuminate the face.

The product is based on research by Clarins Laboratories, which observed that skin surrounding the pores showed a lower expression of collagen and elastin, leading to loss of elasticity resulting in more visible pores.

To combat this loss, Clarins developed a green biotechnology featuring vine flower cells extract. By contributing to the synthesis of collagen and elastin in skin surrounding pores, vine flower cells extract helps to reduce the look of pores.

The formula also contains organic arbutus extract to reduce sebum production, and tamarind pulp acids to help eliminate dead skin cells to refine, smooth, and even out skin.

Using Clarins Pore Control Serum

The texture of this serum is light, so it immediately absorbs into the skin. The instant gratification is a blurring effect, while long-term results include less visible pores.

Clarins suggests applying the serum using these steps:

1. Mix and warm serum in the hands to bring it to skin temperature and encourage absorption.
2. Apply with smoothing motions from the middle of the face to the sides.

In the morning, I apply the serum under makeup like a primer (it’s not drying, so there’s no caking). At night, I apply it a bit more strategically making sure to cover areas where my pores need extra help.

Disclaimer: Media sample provided, all opinions are my own.