Review: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

What is it?: A toner that is as moisturising as a cream (lasting moisture all day). Doesn’t change the skin i.e. this product is not anti-ageing or acne-curing.

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Price: £20.77

Volume: 150ml (quite large!).

Suitable for: Dry / Dehydrated / Combo

NOT for oily skins – May be too heavy with those who have easily clogged pores (i.e. very acne prone). This may feel too heavy.

Can be used:

To minimise your skin routine (just cleanser – use the refiner (a few drops and 2-3 layers), and that’s it!

Or as a mask (soak into cotton pads, apply on face and leave to soak in).

For those who need extra moisturisation after toning (i.e. dry skins).

Texture: Creamy. It really feels like a liquid cream – that is the best way to describe it. As you can see from the pictures – this leaves a greasy film/residue on the skin for a few minutes but eventually disappears. Heavier than the I’m from Rice Toner.

Under makeup?: Leaves a sticky residue a minute after rubbing in (exactly the same feeling as after applying a cream) I think the partial stickiness would make this a good makeup primer!

How I use it: I tap this in! I cannot use a cotton pad with this (I feel like I’m wasting the product). I drip this onto my fingers (sparingly) and then TAP into my skin. Then possibly use 1 more layer and that’s it!

I can either choose to follow up with a cream or not – it depends on how I’m feeling.

I don’t personally use this as a toner because I use my toners to swipe off dirt/dust after cleansing. So this is a serum/ampoule/essence for me mainly.

Fragrance?: FRAGRANCE FREE! 😊

Packaging: Gorgeous on your shelf. Has a twist-click cap (to secure it) But because its glass – not the best for travelling.

Notable Ingredients:

• Meadowfoam Seed Oil (helps the skin retain moisture)
• White Leaf Tea water (For dry skins – contains amino acids to aid in moisture retention).
• Glycerin (moisturisation)
• Green tea and vitamin E (antioxidants).

Full Ingredients: Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Green Tea, Tocopherol.

Video : Live Swatch and some more explanation of the product

What I like:

• No fragrance
• Genuinely hydrates the skin (doesn’t just disappear after rubbing in)
• A little is needed (will last a long time)
• You get a lot.
• Absolutely does give a glow to the skin (that Korean dewy look is achievable with this).
• No alcohol!

What I don’t like:

• Not good for travelling (because of the glass bottle and it’s quite heavy)
• It would have been good if more anti-ageing ingredients were added such as peptides (not yet proven to be anti-ageing, but you understand what I’m trying to say). To plump up fine lines and such, so that I don’t feel the need AT ALL to add extra products. I would love to simply leave this on my skin and add nothing more.

Final thoughts: This is a really interesting product. I’m sure because Laneige have created this kind of technology – they will absolutely bring out more ‘liquid cream’ products directed at those with oily skin and ageing skin. There is nothing I’ve tried that has the same feel as this product and although it does not suit oily/acne prone skins, I think those with dry skins really would love this. My skin is usually oily but because I am using retinol, my skin is dry and therefore this product is great to use at the moment. I don’t think skins living in a sweaty and hot summer will suit this product.

Overall Score: 3.8/5 (minus a bit because this would not do well in hot/humid regions (may feel sticky and not as breathable).

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.