Happy hump day! For the majority of you who are working office jobs, it probably feels like another work day if you’re working from home.
At least the work week is half gone 🙂 you can do this!
Today’s review will be of a toner (feels more like a serum texture though) from The Saem! They call it the Flax gel texture.
I’ve never tried skincare from The Saem before, only tried their makeup line, such as their famous Cover Perfection Tip Concealer that was really good at concealing, but does oxidise a little.
From what I remember when I used it years back, it might have changed now.
I believe I chanced upon this product randomly through suggestions from Google (lol) and gave a quick read on their product.
One of the reason why I ended up getting this was due to the fact that I’ve never tried their skincare line so it piqued my interest even more to try one from The Saem.
Have you ever had such experience?
Anyway, the price was also reasonable for the amount given so here is my review after roughly 2 months plus!
Read my previous review: Review | The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
What: The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner
Price: S$13.90 (from Shopee)
Weight: 180 ml / 6.08 fl. oz.
Period-After-Opening: 12 months
Look & Feel
I was kinda surprised that this came bigger than I expected when it came with the box. But I was also pleasantly surprised at the design haha. It was pretty cute with the cap looking like a cork.
Though the cap does get slightly loose overtime with more usage.
I make sure to grab the neck of the bottle instead of the cap just in case it slips out.
The claims of this Harakeke toner are as follow:
- Instant Moisture Restoration – Harakeke extract used instead of mineral water – 3 times stronger hydration than Aloe Vera and Olive Oil
- Great adhesive quality – Flax gel texture
- Gentle Hydration – Tested on sensitive skin
- Formulated with Organic Calendula Flower Water and New Zealand’s Manuka Honey (Increase Hydration)
You may refer to their website for more info: The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner
Apparently, the Harakeke plant has more moisturising properties than aloe vera and the Maori people would use it to alleviate skin stress and dryness.
The downside of this toner would be that you can’t really transfer a certain amount for travel use. It would result in a change in consistency. Refer to the application below for more description on that.
Anyway, to ensure that the proper consistency is dispersed for each usage, I recommend you to bring the whole bottle if you are using it for travel.
Otherwise, you can try the Mamonde Chamomile Pure toner as well. My boyfriend and I really like it.
Read more of that review here: Review | Mamonde Chamomile Pure Toner
It does not have the same texture, but I feel like that product is not getting the recognition it should. It only has 6 ingredients!
Application
The consistency of this as a toner was none like what I’ve used before.
It comes out almost like a clear serum, and has a flax seed gel feels to it. If I were to compare it to something, it is almost like aloe vera gel.
After a few seconds, it slowly turns into a more liquid form if left alone.
As if the gel was melting due to the warmth of your skin.
However, once the toner is spread and lightly dabbed onto the skin, it absorbs within seconds while cooling your skin at the same time!
As you can see from my photos below, the last photo was just seconds after I patted it into my skin. Maybe 5-15 seconds total inclusive of dabbing and spreading?
Of course, since your hand does not have sebaceous glands, it is dry and absorbs almost any skincare product quickly.
Related post: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Start Moisturising Your Body
But when I compare it to my face, it absorbs within 15-30 seconds (with a cleansed face that’s only lightly dabbed with the towel to remove excessive water).
It is definitely possible for oily or normal skin to use this because it is very lightweight. I haven’t tried layering this toner but I believe it will not have much problems doing that due to the transformation in consistency once it spreads.
Dry skin types may try this also, however, I can’t vouch for its hydration capabilities for that skin type since I’m geared more towards oily combo skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you can still try it but I would like to say that Parfum / fragrance is the last ingredient of the list. Should you prefer scentless skincare products, then this may not be the one for you.
I was also previously using this in conjunction with The Ordinary Lactic Acid + HA and I had no issues with the combo.
Related review: Review | The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
My routine went a little like this:
The Ordinary Lactic Acid (nighttime only) -> this product -> Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
Related review: Review | Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
In general, application had no issues though there will be a distinct scent. I didn’t realise this product had fragrance until I tried it because of how it was marketed.
I naturally thought it had no fragrance because of how green and ‘eco’ they presented this product in their website.
Despite it being the last ingredient on the list, (meaning the lowest concentration) the smell is actually pretty strong.
Not in a bad way because it smells like a refreshing scent where you’re in a forest with fresh morning dew and nice smelling grass.
That would be how I’d describe their scent.
Also, bear in mind that it may feel more like a skin softener when you spread it on your palms (before patting onto your face), but once it becomes a more liquid form, it’ll feel like a toner.
Due to this texture and consistency, it is kind of hard to use this with a cotton pad. It isn’t impossible but you may need to use more pumps. I currently use 1.5-2 pumps for my whole face without any cotton pads.
Yes
- Lightweight
- Great for humid climates
- Affordable
- Ease of availability
- Possible to layer
- Cooling effect upon application
No
- Fragrance in product, may be too strong for some
- Not very travel friendly
Am I Repurchasing?
Hmm, this wasn’t a wow product for me. It did the basic job of a toner in a gentle way as I didn’t prefer using it with a cotton pad – uses too much product that way.
I probably will not repurchase but it was a decent skincare product from The Saem and if you want to try new things, you may give this a go!
Overall Rating
Are there any treasures that you found in a brand that is more known for their makeup than their skincare? Share with me!
With 💕,
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