Sulwhasoo Essential Set Unboxing Review


baby, I love how you shine

You know what's horrifying? When you're clearing your cupboards and you found this super expensive skincare set you bought years ago stashed away that's going to expire soon. That's my story *sob sob*. Arghh sometimes I really want to kill myself for buying and buying and then never using the things I "invested" in. SO without further a due, I'm going to start using my Sulwhasoo Essential Set today before it becomes one with the bin. My camera dieded (died) on me so I can't take nice photographs until I send it to Canon Service Centre for checks. I'm also using all my mental power to not go to Sony Centre to buy that RX-100 v camera that costs over RM4k. Why would I need another expensive camera right? (wait.... maybe I do). I should just buy iPhone 7 plus right? No.. I should buy 27" iMac, my all time dream computer. Screen so big, you can swim in it. Kidding. P.S I'm using my iPhone6S to take pics now.


breaking down the Sulwhasoo Essential Set

SO I started with the herbal soap to cleanse my face. It's black and has a Korean flower pattern on the soap which is so pretty I don't feel like destroying the soap. I used it anyway with my Clarisonic Aria and wow... my skin feels so smooth like a baby's butt. Can't freaking believe it at this point. It lathers up pretty well and after washing, it didn't dry out my face! (brownie points). There's the herbal scent since it's made of Korean Red Ginseng and traditional herbs.

Step 1 - Herbal Soap:
A cleansing soap formulated with 6-year old red ginseng and traditional Korean herbs
  • Nutrient rich Korean Red Ginseng and traditional herbs are infused for 12 hours to ensure maximum benefits
  • Washes away impurities with rich lather for soft and supple skin
  • Will not strip skin of natural oils
Ingredients:
WATER, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS (PALM) OIL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, ALCOHOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, LAURIC ACID, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ADENOPHORA STRICTA ROOT EXTRACT, LYCIUM CHINENSE ROOT EXTRACT, COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT, ANGELICA TENUISSIMA ROOT EXTRACT, HONEY, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, ANGELICA ACUTILOBA ROOT EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, TERMINALIA CHEBULA FRUIT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, ETIDRONIC ACID, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140), RED 17 (CI 26100), FRAGRANCE

Then I got confused on whether to use the first care activating serum or the essential balancing water, so I checked their site and found this video. I was so mind blown away by the video... it feels so peaceful, so connected, so one with your skincare products that I was not regretting this purchase. You gotta see the video, it's so holistic!

so feeling it after watching this video

So according to the video, the next step after cleansing is to use the first care activating serum. This serum can be used day and night before the balancing water. I need to get used to using this product because this is where the saying comes - a little goes a long way. I am used to watery serums so I pumped 2 - 3 onto my palm to use. Which is too much! It's rich and it gets sticky if you use too much. I'll try following the video and only use 1 - 2 pumps next time. I'm excited about this product since it's Sulwhasoo's star product!


Step 2 - First Care Activating Serum 60ml RM398.68
Achieve skin’s perfect balance with the best-selling product from the #1 premium skincare line in Korea. The first of boosting serums, Sulwhasoo’s signature First Care Activating Serum EX has been improved to better optimize the results of your skincare regimen for youthful, resilient skin. Now, discover the power of holistic skincare that merges ancient herbal wisdom with the advancements of modern science. 
  • Milkvetch promotes natural skin circulation
  • Dwarf Lilyturf and Licorice boost synergy among herbal extracts to restore skin's healthy radiance
  • Replenishes essential moisture and nutrients
Ingredients:

OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ADENOPHORA STRICTA ROOT EXTRACT, LYCIUM CHINENSE ROOT EXTRACT, COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT, ANGELICA TENUISSIMA ROOT EXTRACT, HONEY, ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT EXTRACT, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, NATTO GUM, BETA-GLUCAN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, JUGLANS REGIA (WALNUT) SHELL EXTRACT, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, ZIZYPHUS JUJUBA FRUIT EXTRACT, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, POTASSIUM CARBOMER, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, DEXTRIN, CELLULOSE GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE

Step 3 - Essential Balancing Water 125ml  RM275.28
This is a gel-textured toner that prepares skin for deep moisturization. A moisture-rich emulsion that absorbs quickly for a softer smoother skin. Instructions say to use this after the first care activating serum which got me confused here because I've always used a toner after cleansing my face. It takes a bit of shaking to get it first to dispense out which appears to be watery. I only used a pea size on my palm, warm it and gently spread all over my skin and tapity-tap for it to be absorbed. At this point, my face feels already rich from serum and toner alone. I'm not too keen to go with the emulsion or cream. Oh okay just to complete the step, I'll put emulsion on the dry areas of my face - the cheeks.

P.S: I've also tried this after cleansing without using the serum and it already feels rich as it is. You can feel your skin supple at this point when the product is absorbed.
  • Matrimony Vine soothes and calms, promoting skin health and harmony
  • Delivers deep hydration while immersing the skin in a veil of essential nutrients
  • Restores skin's optimal pH balance
Ingredients:
WATER, ALCOHOL, OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED EXTRACT, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ADENOPHORA STRICTA ROOT EXTRACT, LYCIUM CHINENSE ROOT EXTRACT, COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT, ANGELICA TENUISSIMA ROOT EXTRACT, HONEY, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT EXTRACT, BETA-GLUCAN, NATTO GUM, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, GLYCERETH-26, PROPANEDIOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, POTASSIUM ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE

Step 4 - Essential balancing Emulsion 125ml (Day Use) RM299
Next is to use a moisturizer to complete my skincare regime. I only dabbed a dot on each cheek and spread it outwards. Already feeling all the layering is too heavy on my face now. I might reduce the quantity use for serum and water next day to see if it feels still heavy. I'm really torn between going through all the steps. Is there such thing as too much "moisture"? This cream alone is already moisture without the use of Balancing Water.
  • Chinese Tree Peony softens skin texture
  • Yai Jiu Hua promotes skin's natural circulation for improved skin clarity
  • Spreads easily over the skin, absorbing completely
Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Octyldodecyl Myristate, Glycerin, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Adenophora Stricta Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Honey, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Natto Gum, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Behenate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Carbomer, Palmitic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Triethanolamine, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Step 5: Essential Firming Cream 75ml (Night Use) RM450.89
This is smooth hydrating firming cream to deeply nourish your skin to restore resilience (elasticity) and minimized the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's creamy but melts away into your skin once you apply and massage on your skin. It smells herbal (as with all the products in this line) and has a heavy/rich feel after application although not sticky. I would use this if my skin is really dry during the day but at night before sleeping this would be really good. Also, skin works well when sleeping so this baby would work it's magic while I sleep. 

It's formulated with the brand's exclusive JISUN Firming Complex, a compound consisting of ingredients known to deliver powerful skin-firming effects. Goji berries strengthen the connection between skin cells; black soy amplifies the effects of goji berries; and arrowroot replenishes deep moisture. Its velvety-smooth cream texture sinks deep into your skin.
  • Blended with potent Korean medicinal herbs to instantly firm and tone while stimulating collagen for a long-term lift
  • Adlay Millet detoxifies and promotes elasticity
  • Pomegranate, Green Tea and Gingko fight free radicals to maintain youthful radiance
Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Peg-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Polyacrylate-13, Fragrance, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Polyisobutene, Honey, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 20, Kaolin, Hydrolyzed Soybean Extract.
glass packaging is so luxurious!

So there you go, I'm using all 5 products now from Sulwhasoo's Essential range. Just the scents alone makes me feel so "loved" and at peace with my skin. This may be contributed via their branding and packaging. I love all the products even without trying?! (mental issue) and the packaging, they're made of glass so it feels heavy and luxurious. I just wish the cap was also made of glass to compliment its glass body? The caps are made of plastic btw. I hope I turned into a Korean girl soon LOL.

Prices listed here may not be up-to-date. If you're interested to find out more about Sulwhasoo and to check for product price and recommendations please refer to the list of Sulwhasoo stores in Malaysia below:

Sulwhasoo Boutique, Sunway Pyramid, Selangor
G1.130, Ground Floor (Orange Zone), Sunway Pyramid
03-56132082

Parkson Pavilion KL
Level 3, Parkson Pavilion KL Shopping Mall
03-21106218

Parkson Suria KLCC
Ground Floor, Parkson Suria KLCC
012-3881437

Parkson Sunway Velocity, KL
Ground Floor, Sunway Velocity, KL

Parkson 1 Utama, Selangor
Ground Floor, Parkson 1 Utama Shopping Mall
03-77319646

Parkson Gurney Plaza Penang
Ground Floor, Parkson Gurney Plaza
04-2288521

Parkson The Spring, Kuching
Ground Floor, The Spring Kuching
08-2236232

AEON Mid Valley
Cosmetic Floor, Mid Valley Megamall
03-22023858

AEON Tebrau City, Johor
First Floor, Tebrau City Shopping Centre

Isetan The Gardens, KL
Isetan The Gardens, Ground Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City,
03- 22010180

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