The Face Shop Yehwadam Pure Brightening Review

What's New in K-Beauty?

The Face Shop recently released their brightening line under the Yehwadam collection which boasts luxurious looking skin care products with ingredients inspired by tradition and beauty secrets passed down. The brightening line called Yehwadam Pure Brightening is formulated especially for Asian skin to reveal brighter and more radiant skin. It also has anti-aging properties which make it a double hit wonder if you're looking to be a beautiful blushing bride this year or a more radiant youthful complexion.

Anti-Wrinkle + Brightening

the meaning of Yehwadam

Does Yehwadam mean anything?
The name Yehwadam means YE (蘂): herbs and plants HWA (花): flower DAM (譚): story. Inspired by stories of beautiful Korean women and their beauty secrets passed down through generations. 

Yehwadam Pure Brightening Line

The unique thing about this brightening line is that it's formulated with "Chil-baek-seol-yun-dan Complex". I know this sounds a handful, but let me explain what it is. It's a formula made using 7 traditional medicinal herbs to restore skin's radiance and to minimised skin aging. The 7 herbs are Pearl, white Poria (Fu Ling), Atractylodes Macrocephala (Bai Zhu), white Ginseng, Honeysuckle, Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) and Peony. In addition, the herbs are harvested in Korean soil using the "Baek-ja" method which is a method where natural ingredients are boiled in pure water for a long period of time in order to maximise the efficacy and eliminate toxins that could irritate your body. This allows nutrients to be better absorb so you reap all the benefits of the herbs used.

Major ingredients:

Chil-baek-seol-yun-dan Complex (7 traditional herbs for skin brightening)

Niacinamide : skin brightening

Adenosine: anti-wrinkle

What is it for?

• improve skin tone
• reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots
• bring healthy beautiful radiance back
• minimised aging skin

Chil-baek-seol-yun-dan Complex

beautiful packaging, ideal as gifts too

luxury you can afford

One thing that stands out is the beautiful packaging Yehwadam comes in. Like all premium or luxury skincare products, the distinguishable elements are obvious - simple, minimalist with unique features if any. With a pearly white body, hard shell and silver finishings (aluminum) the cap/lid stands out the most. At the top of it, intricate Korean traditional flower patterns engraved on it. Feel it with your fingers, and you'll be tracing the outlines of the patterns. In the center, one single crystal is placed to complete its aesthetic design.

the 3D engraved Korean traditional floral patterns

one crystal is placed at the top

so you can shine bright like a diamond

The line consists of four essential products namely - toner, serum, emulsion, and cream. Which I will give a brief breakdown overview of each product, its features, and my first impressions.  I have been using it for about two weeks now which isn't enough to make a conclusive review but I'll still add my mini reviews on it - impression base. The steps to use them is after cleansing and double cleansing to remove all makeup or sunscreen residue, start with the toner followed by serum and either emulsion or cream (depending on your skin needs).

The emulsion is a lotion based moisturizer, ideal for day time use while the cream is thicker and richer best used for evening skincare regime before sleeping.

How To Use?

toner - serum - emulsion - cream

YEHWADAM Pure Brightening Toner 155ml @ RM158.90

The toner is made of glass with a faint white floral musk to it. It's a hydrating toner with a soft and translucent formulation to it. I use this with a cotton pad to apply on my face after cleansing. The toner isn't watery, it has hydrating properties so it feels soft, nourishing and refreshing to the skin. I get an immediate radiance from using this! This has become my favorite from this line. I almost didn't believe this is a whitening toner.

• Brightening + anti-aging + intense moisturizing toner
• Brightens face by leaving a healthy glow
• Lightweight and silky texture that glides on softly

How To Use?

Every morning and evening, after cleansing face, apply adequate amount on face and pat lightly for absorption.

YEHWADAM Pure Brightening Serum 45ml @ RM254.30

This serum comes in a plastic bottle (I think) so it's lighter in weight compared to the toner and the emulsion. The serum is white in color with a milky lotion texture which turns watery upon application. It's light and soft on the skin, no sticky or heavy feeling. The scent is pretty strong (floral musk scent) which puts me off. The serum claims to moisturize the skin, reduce dullness and the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and pigmentations. 

I was pleasantly surprised that I can see an immediate shine due to the shimmering essence! It's like a pearly translucent glimmer. Makes you feel like this is made for a mermaid.

• Instant brightening effect
• soft & fresh finish
• intense & lasting moisturizing effect
• soft, silky, luminous texture

How To Use?

After applying toner, dispense an adequate amount and gently apply on the face in an outward direction.

YEHWADAM Pure Brightening Emulsion 140ml @ RM158.90

The lightweight emulsion comes in a glass bottle so it's heavy. The texture is fresh, light and silky to the skin. The color is white and the same scent lingers on (not as strong as the serum). It feels soft and moisturizing to the skin like chok-chok skin! (bouncy, baby soft skin).  This brightening emulsion definitely smoothens the skin with a protective layer while giving it a dewy shine so you look fairer. You can use this as a primer so your makeup stays longer!

• reveal skin's natural brightness
• anti-aging + moisture retaining emulsion
• soft & silky texture

How To Use?
After your serum smooth over face and neck using gentle pressing motions to aid absorption.

YEHWADAM Pure Brightening Cream 50ml @ RM254.30

The cream comes in a plastic jar and boasts a bigger lid to display the beautiful designs of the 3D Korean floral patterns on it. When you open the lid, there's another protective cover on the cream with a heart protruding out so it's easy for you to remove the cover. The cream is highly concentrated to deliver instant radiance to the skin. It claims to have special molecule ingredients to help keep skin firm and smooth. Upon application, the cream melts into the skin revealing yet another shiny radiance on my skin! (how many times have I repeated this?!). It's not sticky but there is definitely a slightly greasy feel to it. You can definitely skip the emulsion and go for this if your skin is overly dry. I would prefer to use this at night before I go to sleep so my skin can be "cooked" overnight. The same scent is present.

• instant brightening effects
• brightening + anti-aging + intense moisturization cream
• Soft, silky and creamy texture

How To Use?

Dispense an adequate amount and gently massage over the entire face. Pat your face with palms to aid absorption. This can be used in the evening or after emulsion if you have dry skin.

so are you ready for the bright side?

Overall, I am enjoying my two weeks of using this skincare and am continuing to see if my dark spots and pigmentations can be reduced by daily usage. I like that it's not drying because normally whitening or brightening skincare tends to be drying! This Yehwadam however, is moisturizing! I almost thought it was an anti-aging moisturizing line.

brightening without the dryness

Which comes to another bonus, anti-aging. I'm currently very much into anti-aging products because let's face it, I'm no spring chicken anymore so I like the three-in-one skincare benefits from this Yehwadam Pure Brightening line as it targets signs of aging, brightens and reduces dark spots and pigmentation while keeping my skin hydrated and soft like a Korean chok-chok skin would look like.

I hope to get a clearer face from here because I haven't been religiously using sunscreen (hate using sunscreen because it's sticky and smelly). I'll be entirely honest that this isn't cheap to get, and that if you're looking to invest into brightening, anti-aging skincare, this is a good start as it's still affordable compared to luxury tier skincare brands out there.

Please read reviews, get some samples to test out (sensitivity/etc). Don't just jump into it because the packaging is beautiful (lol). It does make a good wedding or bride-to-be gift if anyone is looking for one. Imagine how the wedding vanity table photos would look?

P.S: I have sensitive skin, but so far I did not get any reactions from using this line for 2 weeks.

The Yehwadam Pure Brightening Line is available at all Face Shop Malaysia stores. You can also visit their online store to purchase it or offline stores which you can refer to their website here for more information. Updates and promotions? Follow their Facebook and Instagram channel.

*prices listed here is with gst.

What I'm Burning: Voluspa Ceramica Alta Saijo Persimmon

Summer Favourite, the Saijo Persimmon
burn time 120hours

From my third Voluspa haul, the first candle I picked to burn was the Saijo Persimmon. It was an instant favorite with me. Even before I burn it, the smell was already winning my nostrils. It had the most attractive scent among the Voluspa haul I purchase. Mind you there are 8 other scents in there but it attributed to the special candle lid design on this one. Called the Ceramica Alta candle or the Ceramic Pillar Scented Candle from Voluspa, it features a lovely ceramic bottle, heavy in weight, firm to the grip and it is big compared to the photographs shown that you would not expect how beautiful it would be until you received it. Modern yet traditional.

a good candle size 19x8x8

The top lid also made of ceramic, is a vented snap close lid allowing the scent even when it's not burnt to disperse out. Doubling as "diffuser" home decoration piece. Only when you need to burn it, the lid must be left open.

The only thing I'm truly disappointed in is that the label, undeniably beautiful vintage collages inspired by each scent in the collection. The label seems to be a sticker or waterproof paper of some sort, wrapped around the body. I notice some ceramic candles in my haul, the label was not evenly done, with a slight protrusion which makes it unsightly. I do wish, it could just be printed onto the ceramic body one way or another to really make this exquisite.

I guess that could be blessing in disguise if you'd want to repurpose them into home decoration or storage pieces by removing the labels.

The scent - Saijo Persimmon, has notes of the finest variety of persimmon layered with peach and red currant. It made me happy because it smells of yummy juicy peaches being squashed and blended into peach tarts. It's not overly sweet but the happy cozy sweet kind. A lovely citrusy fruity scent, suitable for summer. The scent lingers for a couple of hours after burning.

More information about this candle here. Check out my 3rd Voluspa haul here with more pictures of the Ceramica Alta.

All Voluspa scented candles are made with no phthalates, no parabens, no sulfates, no animal testing and 100% cotton wicks for a clean, long lasting burn.

My Third Voluspa Haul

one haul, 8 candles, worth over rm1.6k

You don't know how obsessed I am with Voluspa right now. My head is filled with Voluspa and every day I can't stop thinking about my precious candles (turns into Gollum's voice). I've liked fragrances for a long time, be it aromatherapy, essential oils, perfumes, diffusers, and well candles. I first discovered Voluspa at Bangsar Village 2 shopping mall at a shop under Ms.Read's parent company. I can't remember the name anymore, they've closed down for many years now. Other places to get your Voluspa fix would be the Voluspa Malaysia at Thimble Boutique. They often have year-end promotions and fund raisers. You can also spot them at quirky bazaars sometimes.

Voluspa is also available at Nordstrom, Lazada, Fashion Valet, UBuy and MySale. Mine is from MySale because they're getting it from Voluspa UK's clearance and I only need to pay RM25 flat rate international shipping (which is by far the best deal). Definitely, do not miss out on promotions if you're planning to stock up on candles, the sale price is almost the same if not better compared to brands such as Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candles. A two-wick Voluspa candle costs over RM200, when you could get it at the clearance price of RM59 only. The burn time is 50hours.

The downside? It's a one month wait and they don't pack fragile goods properly (I've numerous damaged orders since last year). However, their customer service has stepped up to speed these days to refund "very bad" damages. My 3rd Voluspa haul came last week, and one of the candles were badly damaged (no hope) so it was refunded. I'm sad because that was the scent I wanted, Crisp Champage.

Anyway, I love Voluspa so much and I want to share what I got for my 3rd haul so enjoy the pictures because I did haha. I'm going to put the np price but if you really want to know what's the sale price, leave a comment.

Voluspa Ceramica Alta Candle (Ceramic Candle) NP RM210.95

love all the intricate designs on this ceramic candle

a good candle size 19x8x8

I bought 6 Voluspa Ceramica Alta candles but unfortunately, one of it was badly damaged. Among the surviving scents, 4 are best sellers - Saijo Persimmon, Laguna, Suede Blanc, Vervaine Olive Leaf. Macaron has mixed reactions from fans because it could be too sugary or too light to be taken seriously. I picked Vervaine Olive Leaf after watching Candles Off Main's recommendations. It smells like a luxury bathroom. Suede Blanc is a woody/oriental/spice scent category which smells like leather. I thought that was interesting so I wanted to pick it up. Laguna is a beach sea scent, which I bought as a birthday gift for my dear friend Candy to remind her of the Spa Villas, Pangkor Laut. It smells powdery, but you definitely could smell the sea amidst the beach sands and you just feeling sexy enjoying your beach holiday. Saijo Persimmon is my favourite out of all these because it smells so juicy and vibrant!

I am impressed with the ceramic candle range, it's thick, heavy, has a good body, and a vented ceramic snap-close lid that still disperses the scent even when it's not lit (genius right?). It looks pretty on its own already! I only wished the label was embossed onto the ceramic itself. It's a paper label, which wasn't wrapped tightly. You can see it's uneven. It's still a two-in-one keeper! (I still super duper love them). The size? 15oz 425grms with burn time 120hours.

Voluspa Vermeil Collection - Bourbon Vanille NP RM179.10

see the gold specs on the silver glass?

I wanted the Vermeil collection since last year but this collection proved too fragile for delivery. All of my orders for this candle ended up broken. I was surprised this latest one Bourbon Vanille survived and got to my hands in one piece. It's really too pretty, but I what I really wanted was the scents in Makassar Ebony & Peach, Prosecco Rose, and Casa Pacifica (all damaged, and refunded sob). The Vermeil collection has one of the prettiest light to design collection. The candles are packaged in antique double embossed glass with shining metallic specs on it. The size 110z / 310grms with burn time 60 hours. 

Voluspa's signature candle tin now trademark & patented.

I was really lucky to have gotten my hands on this during the sale! It's Voluspa's latest scent from their Jardin collection. The Apple & Blue Clover, which smells almost like Makassar Ebony & Peach but it's more of a floral scent once you start burning. The double wick tin is the signature of Voluspa's btw! They even patented it. So I'm guessing, brands like Soi Candle won't be able to produce their double wick tins too now? (they look the same).

What I love about Voluspa's double wick tins is that it survives being broken into pieces. They're travel-friendly, lighter than glass and durable. The tin has beautiful designs on it based on what scent/collection they're under. There's embossed logo with heat stamped gold borders.

Voluspa Vermeil - Incognito NP RM179.15

star embellished, gold exterior with "Braille" like dots

Now I wanted to pick up the double wick oval tin just to have one into my Voluspa collection. I was surprised yet again to discover that the tin wasn't just a one tone colour. There's embossed, Braille like designs on it! The scent, Incognito is seriously more suitable for men. I regretted buying this because it smells like Dior Savage with oud ingredient in it. Smells like a dark mysterious rich handsome savvy man. Just like how the ingredients expressed "Incognito is a mysterious fragrance and intoxicating blend of amber, black patchouli and oud". The size 12oz with burn time 50 hours.

let's take a look at the ceramic candles again, look at the design!

vented close-snap ceramic lid

beautiful intricate designs on the lid


Voluspa uses coconut wax, healthier to breathe in

So there you go my 3rd Voluspa haul. Of course, I would like to review them as I use them. I'm on a mission to try all their scents in my ability and review them on my blog. Yes, now you know how crazy I am but do you know why I have fallen in love with Voluspa? It's not only because of the designs and packaging (I'm a sucker for this) it's also because of the unique scents they're able to create that doesn't smell cheap like how you get with cheap to medium range candles. Voluspa smells gorgeous, and their designs are gorgeous. They're cheaper than Diptyque and Jo Malone candles but smells equally good, which is why they're called "Luxury You Can Afford".

Also, Voluspa has their own blend of coconut wax which is healthier, toxic free when burn. There are no phthalates, no parabens, no sulphates, no animal testing and 100% cotton wicks for a clean, long lasting burn.

P.S: I want to add that their candle can be repurposed as trinket storages, flower vase, etc!

Voluspa's Proprietary Coconut Wax Blend

Voluspa's candles are poured with a luxurious, extremely clean burning, coconut wax blend.

This proprietary formulation was developed after years of research and development and is truly an innovation in the industry. Voluspa is one of the first candle companies to use coconut wax commercially. Coconut wax is made first by collecting coconuts and then cold pressing the oil out of the meat of the coconut. That coconut oil is then turned into coconut wax through the process of hydrogenation, which is the same process by which soy wax is made. Features of this new blend:

• Extremely clean burning! Independent lab tests show that Voluspa's coconut wax blend burns up to 90% cleaner than a 100% soy wax candle of the same size and fragrance.
• Beautiful creamy white look and feel.
• Holds a high volume of fragrance.
• Works well with perfume fragrance. Doesn't interfere with a fragrance's true notes and character like soy wax.
• Ecologically sound, sustainable, and pesticide-free manufacturing.
• Wicks are 100% cotton for a long lasting clean burn.

FentyBeauty by Rihanna Launching Soon

@fentybeauty is coming!!!! Countdown to September. 8. 2017 starts now. #FENTYBEAUTY will be available globally at @Sephora and @harveynichols. Link us at FentyBeauty.com #regram @badgalriri

A post shared by Fenty Beauty By Rihanna (@fentybeauty) on Aug 1, 2017 at 12:03pm PDT

Just got an email update that Fenty Beauty is opening soon in Sephora (globally). If you don't already know, the news about Rihanna launching her own beauty brand started last year but I haven't seen anything up till today with this launching news that it'll be available on Sephora and Sephora online globally as well as the official site www.fentybeauty.com. There's not much to see on the site or Instagram account @fentybeauty yet, I gather you'll get more luck following the hashtag #fentybeauty. I'm not that excited since I'm not a big fan of Rihanna but maybe you are!