Assalamualaikum and hello!
So a lot of you guys know that I was obsessed with Benton toner (click HERE to read). I have been using it for years and I think the time has come where the product is kinda immune to my skin, I guess? Anyways, I figure out that this thing happens and it's normal especially when u use the product for too long.
That's when i found their COSRX official Shopee account and as if it's calling me to give it a try - it's actually on sale! And FYI, I have been using this toner for almost a year before posting this review because I am so busy. I already wrote the draft for months but I didn't upload it since I haven't shoot the photos hahaha!
COSRX PROPOLIS SYNERGY TONER
What makes me pay close attention to this toner is that first of all, I tried a lot of COSRX products and trust me- they are all good. I dislike some but it was because of the scent, not formula. Second, it claims to be very hydrating but doesn't leave the sticky feeling to your skin. This toner also claims to be very effective in reducing redness and suitable for all skin types.
Propolis is known to be very good for our skin and body and this toner is formulated with 72.6% of black bee propolis and it is known to have highest content of propolis extract. Unlike normal toner, this toner is a little thick in consistency, kinda very light viscosity but not slimy. It's almost like the one I used previously.
INGREDIENTS
Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
WHAT IT CLAIMS
FIRST IMPRESSION
I actually bought 2 trial sized toner- Propolis Synergy and ABC Toner (Which is AHA, BHA and Vitamin C toner). Both works great but I prefer Propolis Synergy as it'sa little bit thicker and makes my skin more moisturised (ABC toner consistency is runny and watery. If you like light toner, ABC toner might be for you!
PACKAGING
The packaging design is simple and neat but it's exactly my style and every bottle is secured with a cover so you just need to twist the cap open to remove it (secure packaging). I'm kinda suprised with this because the trial size usually doesn't have that cover (or is it just been too long since I last buy trial sized products? hahah idk!).
The bottle is matte but includes a few clear lines which i love (i'm a sucker at minimal + clean packaging). Idk how to express it but the packaging alone already make this girl happy haha!
It comes in an individual boxfor both trial and full-sized product.
The ingredients, directions, cautions, where the product has been made and all of the info you need is written on the bottle but suprisingly it's still feels minimal and not overcrowded with writings. The flip cap makes it easier to use and it's very secure. Unlike pump or spray bottle, u don't have to worry about the missing pump / spray cover.
TEXTURE AND SCENT
This toner is a little thicker than watery toner. I don't think it's the type you can use in a spray bottle but it's not too thick like essence or serum. Even though it looks yellowish it doesn't turn your skin yellow and stuffs. It also sticks to my skin and doesn't take too long to dry.
I tried some toner that claims it absorbs really well and ended up absorbing under my skin and when it has been fully absorbed, my skin still feels dry and it kinda disappear. But i guarantee you this one is not. It moisturizes really well and doesn't leave my skin dry and flaky.
As for scent, it's super mild and I can't really smell it unless i take off the cap completely and inhale to the bottle 🤣. It's hardly there and for those who really hate skincare with strong scent- this one is for you! (same like Benton Toner, the smell is hardly noticeable)
HOW TO USE
There are several ways to use this toner and I love the original way which is just to use your hands 🤣 It saves my penny as I don't use too much cotton pads and saves amount of toner i have to use too.
So here's how you can use the toner :
1. Like you normally would- with your hands!
2. Use as clearing toner - pour it on cotton pad and rub it on your skin to remove excess debris
3. Mask toner - completely wet the cotton pad and leave it on your skin like a mask. Totally recommended for reddish and dry flaky skin.
MY REVIEW
Disclaimer : even though i would love it if COSRX sponsor me for this post, they didn't and this is my honest review. I bought this COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner using my own money :')
Pros:
🐝 Not too thick, not too watery
🐝 Very, very hydrating but not sticky
🐝 Packaging is minimal but very secure and neat. Love!
🐝 Extremely light scent
🐝 Really great for dull skin and redness
🐝 It improves my skin texture
🐝 Doesn't sting
🐝 Does not contain alchohol, parabens, artifial fragrances, essential oils and more things that shouldn't be in skincare products
Cons:
💸 Quite pricey, around RM69 for a 150ml bottle. But worry not, wait for sale time and you can get at least RM15 off! You can also use your coin if you buy it on their Shopee Official Store (click HERE).
Will I repurchase?
Well.... this is my 4th bottle actually hahaha! and I am going to use this until my skin becomes immune to it, just like my previous toner.
Will I recommend it to my friends?
Of course, yes!
The products from Cosrx Official Shopee will be shipped from South Korea so please be patient with the waiting time (no more than a week, It's actually quite fast considering it's from South Korea).
And, if you don't wanna buy from there or you found another seller that sells it cheaper than market price, please make sure you're purchasing from their authorised seller because you don't wanna apply some fake products to your skin, don't you?
Till then,
hani shubie