Lise Watier K-Beauty Skincare | 4-Step Cleansing Routine

When it comes to developing an efficient skincare routine, Korean women are showing the world how it’s done. K-Beauty is a trendy ideology based on health, hydration, cleansing and brightening. The objective is to achieve a clear, flawless complexion that needs no concealer or corrector.

To enhance your daily regimen, Lise Watier has teamed up with a laboratory in Korea to create a 4-step beauty ritual that purifies and balances. The products are enriched with highly concentrated natural ingredients and conditioning emollients that extract bacteria and prevent blemishes.

Step 1: Deep Cleanse

The Deep Cleansing Oil ($35.00) gently dissolves dirt and makeup with a moisturizing blend of sweet almond oil, avocado, coconut, babassu and macadamia. As you massage the lush oil into your skin, it loosens foundation, waterproof formulas and stubborn pigments while nourishing, soothing and softening. Add water to emulsify and transform the cleanser into a light milk that rinses away product build-up.

Step 2: Cleanse

Double-cleansing is a great way to detoxify your pores and prevent breakouts. The first lather breaks down excess sebum produced during the day and removes the oil/fillers in makeup, moisturizer and sunscreen. Once that barrier is disintegrated, you can effectively eliminate pollutants and bacteria lodged in the deeper dermal layers.

The Cooling Foam Cleanser ($26.00) is a satin cream that transforms into rich foam upon contact with water. It contains oat, elm, artichoke extract and menthol to leave skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. The formula is not particularly hydrating but it lathers well and removes all traces of makeup residue and dirt to enhance the absorption of cream and serum.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Most dermatologists recommend exfoliation 2-3 times per week but due to sensitivity I can only perform this step once a week.

This paraben-free formula ($26.00) is infused with fragrant rose petals that heal and moisturize while sugar crystals gently remove dead skin, smooth roughness and improve tone, radiance and clarity. The base is thick and slightly sticky so it works best on damp skin. Even though the granules are quite substantial, they are non-abrasive and suitable for all skin types.

After cleansing and exfoliating, my skin feels soft, smooth, renewed and purged of all blemish-causing debris.

Step 4: Tone

The Soothing Rose Petal Gel Toner ($26.00) is my favorite product in the line. It refreshes, protects, calms irritation and removes toxins without parabens or drying alcohols. Unlike most toners, the rich gel is dense and hydrating rather than liquid-y so it traps dirt and pollutants on the face, neck and décolletage to revive your natural glow (no need to rinse).

On busy workdays I don’t always have time for a 4 step cleansing routine so I adjust the process to suit my schedule and skin. Sometimes I leave out step one and three and other times I only need step two.

Lise Watier is available at shoppers Drug Mart, department stores (including The Bay) and online at lisewatier.ca

Korean Skincare: Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc Review

Korean skincare has been taking the beauty market by storm and on average Asian women spend more money on products to help improve their complexion rather than covering problem areas with heavy makeup. The idea of correcting instead of camouflaging inspired me to test out the Aqua Blanc Series which is formulated to brighten skin tone in just two weeks and improve the appearance of dark spots or in my case slight discoloration.

When you see the words “skin brightening” some of you may think chemicals and unnatural whitening but this line is all about using natural ingredients to revive dull complexions for a healthy glow that makes skin appear vibrant and healthy! It isn’t about changing the color of your skin, it is about enhancing it for a fresh, youthful finish that appears radiant with or without makeup.

The Brightening Boost Lotion has a refreshing gel-cream texture that creates a protective barrier with a layer of vitamins and hyaluronic acid for optimal moisture. The formula is very lightweight and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue or shine. Because of the matte finish it works well under makeup and leaves skin smooth, supple and silky. 

Enriched with 16 natural skin brightening extracts including lotus leaf, aloe, cucumber, macadamia seed oil, shea butter, olive, cranberry and more it firms and provides nutrition while diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The cream feels great on my skin and I can layer it with natural oils or a rich moisturizer if I need a bit more hydration in fall and winter. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and retails for $37.99.

The Aqua Blanc Concentrate is designed to be used on its own or with the lotion for an extra brightening boost. Not only does it help even skin tone and reduce dark spots it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to protect against pollution, dirt and impurities while deeply replenishing. This formula also has a wonderful cooling cream-gel texture and soaks in efficiently to make skin soft and resilient. Created with advanced Korean Biotechnology it is infused with natural brightening ingredients and anitoxidants that target hyperpigmentation. When used together the cream and concentrate seem to be most effective at improving my complexion. It retails for $45.99.

The Whitening Tonic works with the other products to enhance skin tone but it also protects against the elements, balances skin pH, minimizes pores, improves texture and prevents damage caused by dryness which is exactly what I need this winter! This product comes with a spray dispenser which feels amazing when spritzed on parched skin and although it is part of the treatment I use it on its own as a refreshing face mist when my skin needs a little pick-me-up or revival in the morning. It can also be applied after cleansing and before cream. The Tonic retails for $27.99 and is suitable for all skin types.

Like any skincare range results may vary and it may take time to yield visible results but after soaking up some sun this summer this collection is helping to restore my complexion to its former glory and undo some of the damage. I did have to use the products for a few weeks before I saw any improvement but combined with daily cleansing and weekly facials I am beginning to notice more radiance and almost no discoloration where my blemishes use to be. I like that the lightening effect is natural and subtle instead of patchy and inconsistent and I do find myself having to use less concealer which is great!

You can get this collection and more great skincare from Racinne by visiting their website at racinne.ca

*Press samples featured

Washbeautyco Konjac Sponge Review

If you don’t know much about the konjac craze that has been taking the beauty industry by storm and becoming increasingly popular among skincare aficionados then you are in for a treat! I can tell you first-hand that these jelly-like sponges are great little exfoliators and they kick butt when it comes to battling harsh environmental aggressors.

Konjac is derived from a nutritive root vegetable that is indigenous to parts of Asia including Japan, China and Korea. This earthy plant has been used for more than 100 years in traditional cooking and its impressive water binding properties make it a great moisturizer and cleanser for people of all ages.

Konjac is rich in vitamins, high in antioxidants, eco friendly, organic and safe for all skin types including sensitive, dry and acne prone. Not only are the sponges easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine they are also odorless and very effective for deep cleansing and removing dead cells to balance your skin.

When you first open the packaging the sponge is very hard and dry but as water soaks through the material it becomes super soft, absorbent and plush. I like to move the sponge in circular motions, rubbing it gently over my entire face, neck and décolletage. After use I recommend hanging it up in a cool area free of condensation, water or steam to keep it dry and clean.

The Konjac sponges by Washbeautyco are handcrafted responsibly in South Korea without the use of harsh additives and chemicals. They are a great size for the face and efficiently suck up dirt, excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads without stripping the skin of moisture.

I usually use my sponge in the shower after makeup removal which keeps it free of build-up and I don’t recommend using it with face cleanser as soaps tend to alter the fibrous consistency. I love the sponge’s porous material and it's ability to absorb and retain impressive amounts of water which naturally hydrates and softens.

After use I notice a smooth veil of moisture on the surface of my skin without a sticky unpleasant residue and my face feels fresh, supple and clean. I have the original konjac which is white in color and the charcoal infused konjac which is grey. Both work well but the charcoal sponge is better suited at removing impurities, bacteria and absorbing oil.

I also like to use the sponges after shaving for smoother, softer legs and having one sponge for the face and one for the body is a great way to pamper yourself from head to toe! The konjac sponge can last up to 2 months each and I often use it 3-4 times per week. They feel amazing after long workouts, during travel and following long sleepless nights that can tire the complexion. They help recuperate and revive the skin and all you need is water!

The Washbeautyco Back to Basics Konjac Sponges retail for $14.00 each and you can find them on their website by clicking- HERE.

*Press samples featured