Continuing my search for the perfect brow, I turn my focus to Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen.  After already trying Urban Decay's Brow Blade and many other brow products, I am interested in seeing how well this affordable alternative can perform.

Ardell Stroke A Brow
Feathering Pen Review

Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Ardell
Product:  Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen
Shade:  Medium Brown
Color Payoff:  Highly Pigmented
Price:  $8.99
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Sally Beauty

Ardell claims that this product is both waterproof and smudge proof.  It's affordable too!  I picked mine up from Sally Beauty Supply since Ulta did not have it in stores (shame).  Sally does not have any testers so I had to rely on the swatch on the box as well as online swatches to make my decision.

SWATCH

Ardell Stroke A Brow - Medium Brown Swatch

Ardell Stroke A Brow Brush Tipped Applicator

Notice that there is practically no feathering in the swatch; which is a good sign.  Ardell Stroke A Brow has several shades to choose from:  Taupe, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, and Soft Black.  Worrying that Dark Brown and Soft Black would be too dark; I went with Medium Brown.  When I first swatched it, it was practically black!  I think that since it was new, a lot of product was coming out of the applicator.  But as time went on, the product coming out lightened up a little bit into a dark brown... If this is Medium Brown then what the heck does Dark Brown look like?  Vanta Black?  A void in the universe?  I guess my brows will just be darker than usual today.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen has good staying power.

The applicator is a brush tip instead of a felt tip - which is nice for accuracy.  The brush holds it's shape very well, not too soft, and allows fine lines to be drawn.  There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen.  If you take too long during the application process, then the ink flows towards the back of the pen; so the brush tip will appear to dry out.  You will have to put the cap back on and tap it gently against the counter to bring it forward again.  This was really frustrating to me when I first started using Stroke A Brow since I was still learning and I was slow.  While the pen does allow you to draw individual hairs; it can take too long to apply it this way and cause it to dry out.  To get around this, it is best to apply the product using a lot of short, quick strokes to fill the brow areas that look "thirsty" and then go back and draw a few fine hairs at the end and beginning of the brow.

Another thing I noticed is if you have any skin care products or sunscreen on your brow it will hinder application and won't really adhere to the skin.  I suggest wiping the brow area clean prior to using the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen in order for the product to transfer better.  It dries quickly so there isn't much of a waiting period after application.

The product is highly pigmented so a little goes a long way.  I found that it is long lasting and does not fade throughout the day.  It also performs well on combination / oily skin.  I did apply it before bed to see how well it would do in that scenario, but found that the product did flake a little bit over night due to contact with the pillow.  No transfer, though!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I like the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen a lot.  I find myself reaching for it far more than my other brow products (DiorShow, Urban Decay Brow Blade, ABH Dipbrow, etc.).  The formula is nice and has good staying power.  If you can get past the learning curve then it will work quite well.  You are probably wondering if you can redraw your entire eyebrow one hair at a time with this product.  While it CAN draw individual hairs, drawing one hair at a time can take too long and cause the tip to dry out while in use.  The best way to use this product is to sweep the brow quickly with short strokes, and then add more definition at the beginning and end of the brow.

The shade range is an issue though.  Medium Brown really is very dark.  Since the product is highly pigmented it can be easy to overdo it.  If you have patchy brows like I do, I recommend using Stroke A Brow to even out the patchy areas first and then do the rest of your brow with a pencil or ABH Dip Brow.  This will give your brow a little more structure and depth; resulting in a natural look!

Pricing & Availability

AmazonSally Beauty

Rating

A good friend of mine gifted me with a pair of Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler patches for my birthday.  Maybe because I look like trash in the morning and am always super tired.  At any rate, the gift was very much appreciated!

EXUVIANCE
HA100 Micro-Filler Patches Review

Is it worth the price?

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Exuviance
Product:  HA100 Micro-Filler
Scent:  None
Price:  $88.00 for Four Pairs and Serum or $15.00 for One Pair without Serum
Where to Buy:  ULTA

This product is a little unconventional as far as eye patches are concerned.  The pouch contains the typical tray which holds the patches.  However, what is different about the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler patches it is the ingredient delivery system.  The patches have these little "micro-cones" which are applied rough side down and worn over night.  You can see how these cones look below.

It looks and feels like a cat's tongue!

The package says that the patches can fall off over night, but as long as they are worn for at least three hours then that should be enough time for the micro-cones to dissolve into the skin. The instructions recommend using the Exuviance Age Reverse Total Correct + Sculpt Serum prior to application.  However, since I do not have this serum, this review will be solely based on the performance of the eye patches.  They are already expensive enough as it is...

INGREDIENTS

I am usually hesitant to use masks because my skin is highly reactive to nearly everything I try.  Patch testing is a LONG process for me and since I can't patch tests masks, I don't use them.  However, when I reviewed the ingredients list for the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler I realized that my skin should be able to handle it as there was only one ingredient listed:  Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.


Notable Ingredients:

• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - Lower molecular weight version of Hyaluronic Acid that allows for deeper penetration into this skin.  This allows for better moisture retention that is not removed by cleansing.  

COSDNA ALERTS

BEFORE AND AFTER

There are a few things to note regarding this product.  Only the center area of the patch contains product.  It is surrounded by a .125" thick adhesive lip meaning that you won't be able to position it close to the eye.  The Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches are also kind of rigid as far as eye patches are concerned.  It feels like you're wearing a stiff piece of clear tape with little spikes on it - so I was wondering if they would affect my ability to fall asleep (it didn't).  I tried to position the patch closer to my eye since the lip was in the way, but had to reposition the patch because the stiff plastic bothered me.  Luckily repositioning the patch did not prevent it from sticking again.  They did not budge at all as I slept and were still in place when I woke up.

Another thing that I did not expect was that it was a bit painful to peel them off.  It felt kind of like ripping off a bandaid very VERY slowly.  The Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches left a very defined outline on my face, which took about 40 minutes to dissipate.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I'm really not sure what to think about the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches... I really like the concept but it just leaves something to be desired.  They are also expensive.  My undereye doesn't feel as hydrated as when I used the TonyMoly My Little Pet Eye Patch (review here), and it also has been several hours now and my undereye is still a little sore after peeling them off this morning.  I peeled them off very slowly too...

The concept is that the Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deeper into the skin so it lasts longer, but at this price point can't you just buy a pack of 30 pairs of Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydrogel Eye Patches and use them more often?  And even then the Berrisom patches are still more affordable.

Perhaps they are only to be used with the serum, but let's be honest here.  The ingredients listed on the serum are not unique.

So what is good about this product?  I like how it is only one ingredient so I don't have to worry about my skin having a negative reaction to outliers.  I also believe that the seal the patches create over the undereye area and left on over night is helpful.  Imagine how soft your hands would be if you went to bed wearing gloves with lotion inside?  Maybe that's the answer - the fact that you are applying a source of stable hydration over night is what gives you the result, and not the product itself.  Of course any added serum or eye cream would be more effective under those conditions, right?  So perhaps if you get it with the serum it will be better (and maybe peel off easier). 

It has become increasingly difficult to find K-Beauty Cushions for darker skin tones.  My favorite cushion (IOPE Air Cushion in N31) now only offers the typical 21 and 23 shades.  The U.S. release of Laneige and Mamonde cushions do not include shade 31, and jump from shade 23 to 33 (ridiculous).  I just need a cushion for NC37 that can be reliably purchased.

YSL Touche Éclat Cushion
Compact Foundation

The YSL Touche Éclat  Cushion case is beautiful.

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
Product:  Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation
Shade:  B50 Honey
Coverage:  Sheer
Dewiness:  Semi
Scent:  Cucumber
Oxidation:  None
Price:  $48.00 (Does NOT come with a Refill)
Availability:  Limited (see Where to Buy below)

When you first open the YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation box you are greeted with a gorgeous gold cushion compact case.  This lovely little square case is lightweight which is good for people on the go.  It even has a good sized mirror inside as well.

The YSL cushion uses a mesh well instead of a sponge well.

Upon closing the compact you do not hear that audible *snap* sound we are all accustomed to.  It is easy to accidentally leave open which isn't fun.  I think if you do carry this cushion around with you, place it flat on the bottom of your purse since it doesn't feel like it closes securely.

SWATCH

The YSL cushion looks darker on NC37 but blends beautifully.

BEFORE AND AFTER

No primers or concealers were used for this performance test.

First off, the puff sucks.  It is supposed to be a dual purpose puff where you can pat using one end and swipe using the other.  It does neither of these effectively and seems to just absorb product.  I quickly switched it out for a Rubycell puff (from IOPE) and the application is far better.  The Rubycell puff fits nicely into the YSL cushion case as well.  I get my puffs from Jolse for like $4, but they are easy to find online. 

When I first swatched it I was a little worried that the B50 Honey shade was slightly too dark, but then I realized that it is similar to the IOPE Air Cushion N31 shade.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion blends very nicely on NC37 skin and looks natural.  I have also taken a swatch comparison of the YSL Cushion against the Laneige Pore Control Cushion in shade 31 for reference:
*Note:  Laneige Pore Control Shade 31 is lighter than IOPE Air Cushion N31

The YSL cushion in shade B50 is a little darker than Laneige Shade 31.

The formula has a similar consistency to Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar Skin Tint.  It is very smooth and sheer.  The coverage is not very buildable, and if you already have good skin it will give you a nice healthy glow.  I would say that it gives a satiney finish as opposed to dewy.

HOW DOES THE YSL CUSHION COMPARE TO KOREAN CUSHIONS?

Most Korean Cushion foundations utilize a sponge to hold the product, but with the YSL cushion the product is pushed through a decorative mesh.  The mesh releases just the right amount of product for application and doesn't spill out.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion also contains nearly the same amount of product as most Korean cushions coming in at 0.53oz.

This cushion does not contain SPF like most Korean cushions do.  However, if you already use Korean products then you most likely already use a stand alone sunscreen.  It is important to note that SPF from makeup does not provide enough sun protection and is practically a sales gimmick.  I like to refer to this video of Wayne Goss demonstrating how much foundation is actually needed in order to achieve the amount of SPF protection listed on the packaging.  It's ridiculous :).

One of my biggest pet peeves about Korean cushions is the serious lack of shade range and / or availability.  For instance, the Mamonde Cushion is available for purchase in the U.S. but for some reason the shade range jumps from 23 to 33.  Okay, let's just skip everyone in the NC25 - NC42 shade range.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion comes in 7 shades from B10 Porcelain to B60 Amber.  Still not a large variety but still better than most.  I just like how the YSL cushion is easier to purchase so I don't have to worry about where to source it from when I am running low.

The downside about the YSL cushion is that it DOES. NOT. COME. with a refill.  This means that you are getting significantly less for your money.  The cushion + case is $48.00 USD, and the refills are $38.00 USD each.

Aside from the price, if you are a fan of Korean cushions then the YSL Touche Éclat cushion will be an easy transition.

No - the refill does not fit into any Korean cushion compact.  Just thought I'd throw that out there!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really like this product, but it is expensive.  However, I do prefer sheer coverage and find that the quality of the formula is excellent.  It does not pill and looks natural.  I would say that this product is ideal for those who do not have any skin issues and are looking to enhance their skin, rather than covering it up.  Blemishes, acne, and rosacea WILL absolutely show through!

I would repurchase the YSL Touche Éclat cushion because of the quality of the formula, the ease of purchase, and the fact that it matches my NC37 skintone.  The price, case, and puff are not a big deal to me but I can see how it might be an issue to some.

In the end, if you love Korean cushions and also have trouble finding one that matches your skin tone then I would give this one a try!  Just keep in mind that the coverage is sheer!

WHERE TO BUY

Nordstrom - Shop Now 💕

Rating

Master Swatch List

This list is going to be an ongoing accumulation of all of the foundations (Asian Beauty and Western) I have tried on my NC37 skintone.  The purpose is to give consumers an idea of how dark a product is compared to other products they may have access to as a reference point.

MISAKINO's
Master Swatch List

Continuously Updating!

THE PROCESS

I swatch the product on my NC37 arm and take a photo of it using indoor lighting.  I try to always take it in the same lighting.  Once I have the photo I throw it into Photoshop, crop and blur it in order to get an "average" color.  Then I solidify the color and throw it on the template in the appropriate order.

Sometimes I have to make a few adjustments for lighting.  For example, I KNOW Laneige Pore Control # 31 is slightly lighter than Laneige Anti-Aging # 31, but the lighting made it appear to be darker in the swatch; so an adjustment was made to correct it.  I will do my best to make sure everything is listed in order from lightest to darkest.

I wouldn't focus on the actual color of the swatch since everyone's skin is different, but the guide should be helpful by showing if a product might be too dark or too light on you.  I will also provide mini reviews (if I can) for the products below.

THE SWATCHES

This list will be continuously updated.  Stay tuned!

MINI REVIEWS

Amore Pacific  |  Color Control Cushion Compact

Shade:  204 Light / Medium Yellow
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $60.00

Too light for NC37.  May be better suited for NC30 to NC35.  Nice formula.  Oily skinned ones might end up too shiny by the end of the day.

Amore Pacific  |  Color Control Cushion Compact

Shade:  208 Medium Yellow
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $60.00

A bit too dark for NC37.  Might be better after a summer tan.  Too warm toned for me.  Formula is good but the color just didn't match.  Not good for Oily skin.

Etude House  |  Real Powder Cushion

Shade:  W24 Honey Beige
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  No
Price:  $21.60 + Shipping

Too light for NC37.  Might be better for NC25 to NC30.  Formula pilled and shifted around face due to oily skin.  Does not seem to be good for Combination / Oily skin even though it is marketed as such.  Didn't like.  Read the review here!

Innisfree  |  Longwear

Shade:  31 Deep Beige
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $12.00

Very yellow.  Slightly dark for NC37.   Okay for Combination / Oily skin.  Didn't like the matte finish as it can feel cakey.  Just felt that it wasn't the best quality... but was only $12.00.

IOPE  |  Air Cushion XP

Shade:  N31
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Slightly
Price:  $??

I loved this cushion but shade was discontinued.  Great for NC37.  I miss it.

Laneige  |  Anti-Aging BB Cushion

Shade:  31 Brown
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $50.00

Good for NC35.  Applies dewy but dries to a satin finish.  Very difficult to find / ship to the United States.  Read the review here!

Laneige  |  BB Cushion (U.S. Target Edition)

Shade:  Medium
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Slightly
Price:  $34.00

Discontinued.  Good for NC37.  Very dewy.  Not good for Combination / Oily skin.  Read the review here!

Laneige  |  Pore Control BB Cushion

Shade:  31 Brown
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $50.00

Just a bit too light for NC37.  Might be better for NC35.  Good for Combination / Oily skin.  Very difficult to find / ship to the United States.  Read the review here!

Philosophy  |  Renewed Hope in a Jar Skin Tint

Shade:  5.5 Beige
Coverage:  Sheer to Light
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $39.00

Good for NC37.  Feels like a tinted moisturizer.  May not be good for oily skin.  Pretty nice formula!  Read the review here!

The Face Shop  |  Oil Control Water Cushion

Shade:  V205
Coverage:  Medium to High
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $??

My least favorite cushion.  It's orange!  I looked like an Oompa Loompa.  Matte to the degree of being uncomfortable.  It turned me off from the brand.  May be good for very warm toned, oily skin.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)  |  Touche Éclat Cushion 

Shade:  B50 Honey
Coverage:  Sheer
Finish:  Satin
Oxidizes?:  No
Price:  $48.00 (+ $38.00 per refill)

Good match for NC37.  I like this cushion a lot - Good quality.  Puff sucks so use a Rubycell one (will fit in the case).  Sheer coverage so imperfections will show.  It does not come with a refill as they are sold separately.  Read the review here!

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect brow.  Call it an obsession of mine.  I keep buying the latest and greatest of brow products with the hope of finding my HG.  I've tried DiorShow, ABH, Make Up Forever, NYX, Benefit and now Urban Decay's Brow Blade!

Urban Decay
Brow Blade Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Urban Decay
Product:  Brow Blade
Shade:  Dark Drapes
Color Payoff:  Highly Pigmented
Price:  $26.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Nordstrom

Urban Decay's Brow Blade boasts that it "creates flawless, defined brows without the permanence of microblading." Microblading has always interested me, but due to my combo-oily skin I decided that it would not be a good investment.  When I swatched Brow Blade on my hand at the store, I was very impressed with the precision of the brush.  I just had to have it.

SWATCH

Urban Decay Brow Blade - Dark Drapes Swatch

One end of Brow Blade has a Waterproof Pencil and the other End is the Ink Stain Brush.

I chose the Dark Drapes shade because my brow hairs are black.  I do prefer to go slightly lighter but all of the other color options seemed to be too warm.  I would like to have a dark ashy brown, but not this dark if that makes sense.  One thing that I did like about this product is that it is dual ended.  This really sets it apart from the competition (as far as precision pencils are concerned) because you get more product.  For example, both the DiorShow Brow Styler Pencil and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz contains 0.003oz of product whereas Urban Decay's Brow Blade contains 0.01oz.  This means Urban Decay's Brow Blade contains 30% more product at a mid-range price point.  

BEFORE AND AFTER

Brow Blade seems to break down after a few hours on combo-oily skin.

The Ink Stain portion of Brow Blade has a brush tipped applicator as opposed to a felt tipped applicator.  This allows for very fine lines to be drawn.  It is great for filling in the beginning and ends of the brow.  The downside to this is that the brush is very flexible so it is hard to control.  It takes some practice to be able to produce precise lines similar to microblading.  I found that the Ink Stain formula can also feather so not all of the lines will be as fine.  However, from a distance this is not very noticeable.  I used the Waterproof Pencil side to address the larger patchy areas of my brows.  To me this was just as good, if not better than my DiorShow pencil.

After running some errands for a few hours I returned home and took another photo.  The day photoed was not one of my oiliest of days but you can see that the product still feathered and faded.

I continued to use the product throughout the week and found that it can fade significantly due to sweat.  It is summer here with the temperature rising to about 106° Fahrenheit.  I don't sweat a lot, but when I got home I saw that the areas where Brow Blade was used was much lighter than the rest of my brow due to feathering.  So if you have skin that can get a bit oily or sweaty then product might not perform very well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I like the product but I feel that people with dry to normal skin will love it.  For my combo-oily skin, it did not feather to a terrible degree so repurchasing will depend on the shelf life.  I heard that the tip can dry out pretty quickly and I will update this post as soon as it does so.

As for the oily skinned folk - the precise lines will just not be as crisp as the day goes on and it will feather and fade.  Therefore, if you are looking to redraw large patches of missing eyebrow one hair at a time you may be disappointed. You might be better off using Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow (since you get a lot) with a fine brush and setting it with the Jamsu Diving Method.

I do like the direction that brow products are moving in order to attain a more refined look and am looking forward to seeing how the brow pen formulas evolve over time.  If Urban Decay can come up with a more robust formula for oily skinned ones then I would be all over it!  Otherwise, I am on the fence.

Pricing & Availability

AmazonNordstrom

Rating

I will be traveling again shortly and wanted a simple (and easy to apply without a mirror) lip tint to keep in my bag.  I searched the Ulta website and found that this tint had good reviews, but since my local Ulta was out of stock I ended up buying it at the Target next door for only $6.00!

e.l.f. Cosmetics
Gotta Glow Lip Tint Review

e.l.f. Cosmetics Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Peach

INFO SHEET

Brand:  e.l.f. Cosmetics
Product:  Gotta Glow Lip Tint
Shade:  Perfect Peach
Coverage:  Sheer
Scent:  Very Subtle, Sweet
Flavor:  None
Price:  $6.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics describes the Gotta Glow Lip Tint as a product that "reacts with the chemistry of your lips to deliver a personalized, perfect shade of pink, berry, or peach! The ethereal hue gives a sheer flush of color that enhances the natural beauty of your lips. The gel-based formula glides on smoothly and is infused with Shea Butter to moisturize and nourish."  I selected the Perfect Peach color because it seemed like it would be a nice addition to my every day look (and I thought the Perfect Pink shade might be too pink for me), and since it was so affordable that I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. 

SWATCH

e.l.f. Cosmetics Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Peach - So Pretty!

e.l.f. Cosmetics Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Peach swatch on my NC37 skin.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Peach changes color based on the surrounding skin's PH level.  So the color change can vary from person to person.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Please enjoy this Ren and Stimpy close-up of my mouth.

How does this product even work?  Allure.com has an excellent article explaining the science behind it, but basically there is a type of dye used for color changing lipsticks that reacts to your skin's PH, and since the product is so sheer your natural lip color is enhanced by blending with the shade resting on top of it.

The picture above really does not do the Gotta Glow Lip Tint color payoff justice though.  A quick application resulted in a very beautiful and sheer coral pink color.  The product applies smoothly like a lip balm due to the shea butter content in it's formula.  It feels moisturizing at first, but seemed to dry out slightly as the day went on; so it might not be good for those with chapped lips.  The lip tint color did not fade over time but I did need to reapply after eating - which is to be expected.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall I am very happy with the e.l.f. Cosmetics Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Peach.  I really like how the shade is not orange but a nice coral pink color.  I didn't think it would work as well as it did but was pleasantly surprised.  It's perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look.  

I saw the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water on sale at Beautytap and purchased it without hesitation.  Sulwhasoo:  You had me at Ginseng.  Everyone needs a little bit of hanbang in their lives.  Besides, my evening routine could use a little more love...

SULWHASOO
Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water Review

Did someone say Hanbang?

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Sulwhasoo
Product:  Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water
PH:  5.5
Scent:  Herbal (Hanbang!)
Price:  $82.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Sulwhasoo

I have to say...  Sulwhasoo has packaging that really knows how to make me feel like a fancy lady.  The Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water comes in a beautiful (and heavy) frosted glass bottle with a luxurious gold cap.  The thick glass bottle also means that it may be hard to get the last bit of product out as it is used up.  But... it really is gorgeous.  Simple yet elegant at the same time.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water is advertised as an anti-aging toner rich in nutrients that help nourish, moisturize, firm, and increase skin elasticity.  This tells me that the results might be hard to capture in a photo and could be something you can feel more than see.

INGREDIENTS

Water, glycerin, butylene glycol, glycereth-26, alcohol, betaine, panax ginseng root water, glyceryl polymethacrylate, Bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, propanediol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, behenyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, glyceryl caprylate, fragrance, cetearyl alcohol, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, tromethamine, methoxy PEG-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, disodium EDTA, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, adenosine, sodium stearoyl lactylate, honey, cetearyl glucoside, beta-glucan, lilium candidum bulb extract, rehmannia glutinosa root extract, paeonia albiflora root extract, nelumbo nucifera flower extract, polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, sorbitan isostearate, polysorbate 60, hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, hydrogenated lecithin, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, dextrin, theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, potassium hydroxide, acetic acid, BHT, tocopherol

Notable Ingredients:

• Panax Ginseng Root Water - Water resulting from a steam distillation of the Panax Ginseng Roots.  Panax Ginseng Root is a multifaceted anti-oxidant which boosts hydration, smooths skin texture, evens out skin tone, and reduces wrinkles by increasing skin firmness.  
• Adenosine - Derived from yeast and naturally occurring through out the body, Adenosine is proven to be an effective anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing agent. 
• Honey - This peptide / anti-oxidant rich ingredient is widely known for it's antibacterial properties.  It soothes and heals abrasions by forming a protective barrier over the skin.  
• Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract - aka Chinese Foxglove.  In Chinese Medicine it is used for multiple purposes, but for skin care it is beneficial for treating eczema, psoriasis, and abrasions.
• Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract - A powerful skin conditioning agent that brightens, firms, and plumps the skin.  
• Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract - aka Sacred Lotus Flower Extract.  An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces redness, swelling, and soothes the skin.  

COSDNA ALERTS

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water has a nectar-like thickness.

Opening the bottle I am hit with that glorious hanbang scent.  The toner has a nectar-like consistency meaning that it will run freely down your hand (with slight resistance) and leaves a thin film.  It has a similar thickness to Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX, but does not seem to absorb as well.  If you apply the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water to damp skin; it will absorb better.  Another option is to apply Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water after a First Treatment Essence or Activating Serum.  I use it after my DIY Green Tea and Licorice Root Serum as it is runny like water.

After the first night of application, I woke up with my skin noticeably softer.  Like... really soft.  My skin also felt a bit tighter too, but not out of dryness.  It just felt more perky.  I think I'm in love!

FINAL THOUGHTS

First of all, is it worth the $75.00 price tag?  I would say yes.  I already use Sulwhasoo Essential Balacing Water as part of my morning routine and the bottle lasts me about 10 months.  Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water is the same size; so I figure as it will last around the same amount of time as part of my PM routine, and will cost about $7.50 per month.

The product worked as advertised:  My skin felt nourished, moisturized, firmer, and bouncier.  I also noticed that my skin had a general healthy "glow" and seemed to be more awake.  It just felt happier; if that makes sense... it felt good.

I do not believe this product is absolutely necessary in a routine.  It is a luxury item more suited for those who enjoy pampering themselves:  I.E. ME! :).  So if you are looking to fine tune your current routine by increasing skin nourishment / pampering then I would definitely consider Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water.