From moisturisers to serum to sunscreens, it seemed like Face Republic have everything, and you are not wrong. This time, I'm bringing to you the king and queens of toners, the AHA/BHA Toner and pH Toner. Just ask any beauty guru and they'll swear by them easily.
Of course, let's not forget the key thing to do before you use the toners - cleanse your face of course. That's where Face Republic Pureprep Trio comes in.
Face Republic Pureprep Trio
Good things come in threes, and Face Republic Pureprep Trio proved that to be true. With two toners and a cleansing water, this set allows you to exfoliate your face and balance your skin's pH level as well.
Face Republic Pureprep Trio consists of:
- Mild Cleansing Water
- pH-balancing Toner
- AHA/BHA toner
Each of these products has its unique capabilities to brighten and smoothen one's face. Since there are two toners in the set, you can alternate between days or between your day and night routine.
Face Republic Products Combination
Additionally, the Face Republic set can be combined with other products as well.
The AHA/BHA toner can be accompanied with Gold Mineral Cleanser, Cica Gel Moisturiser, the Vita Line (Vita Capsule Luminous Serum and Vita Glow Toning Cream) and Purity Sun Essence.
The Mild Cleansing Water can be used with the pH Balancing Toner, the Hydro Line (Hydro Boost Serum and Hydro Barrier Ceramide Cream) and Purity Sun Essence.
Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner
AHA/BHA toner acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It is so gentle that it can be used daily and is suitable for sensitive skin as well. Aside from the common ingredients, you would expect in an AHA/BHA toner, there are also two outstanding ingredients:
- Sodium Hyaluronate - Moisturise the skin and lock the hydration in
- Vitamin E - protects your skin from free radicals and UVB rays
It is a skin-clearing toner that strips away rough and dull skin to brighten the complexion.
How does it exfoliate your face if it is toner? Aren't exfoliators supposed to be washed off?
According to Rivas, the Director of Education for Drunk Elephant, the acids in AHAs* will progressively exfoliate the skin while working to penetrate the pores, exfoliating them. AHA functions as a leave-on exfoliant, breaking down the 'glue' that holds the dead skin cells together.
In the long run of using this, it'll help with fine lines, wrinkles and oily skin.
*Lactic acid (milk), 0.01% citric acid and sugarcane extractsOn the other hand, we also have BHA in the toner. BHA is essentially salicylic acid from willow bark. It unclogs the dead skin cell build up on the skin's surface level, revealing a glow under all that gunk.
BHA also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it can help treat existing acne and prevent future blemishes.
Do note that a little BHA can go a long way.
If used daily, this can not only help manage breakouts but can fix uneven skin tone as well. Plus, it's the star product if you're looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The setback is - it will take a while for the results to be shown. Since a tiny percentage of Salicylic Acid is added to the toner for safe everyday usage, the effects of the product will take some time it to be shown.
Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner Review
Previously, I read about many warnings when it comes to AHA or BHA products so I was cautious with this toner. Over time, I realised that the Face Republic AHA/BHA toner is not one to be afraid of even if you have sensitive skin.
The toner does not have a distinctive smell and it gets absorbed into the skin instantly. Even after it was fully absorbed, I am still able to feel the chilly sensation on the surface of my skin. It is not sticky and it does not cause any irritation when used with other products.
As mentioned above, the setback about the AHA/BHA Toner is that it takes some time for you to see the effect from it. Thus, I am still watching my face change as I use it nightly.
So far, I did notice that my cheek area became lighter. Currently, my skin is still trying to adapt to the environmental changes (I blame you, hot and humid Singapore weather). Thus, I'll be updating this review again in the future.
Face Republic PH-Balancing Toner
The Face Republic pH-Balancing Toner aids in balancing your skin's pH-level and your skin's natural oils after cleansing. It prepares your skin for the next step without stripping away its natural oil. That means, you finally won't feel the tightness after cleansing your face.
The Face Republic pH-Balancing Toner contains a few star ingredients:
- Allantoin - reduces skin irritation and soothes the skin
- Citric Acid - lifts dead skin gently and adjust the pH of the product, making it slightly acidic
- Vitamin E - protects your skin from free radicals and UVB rays
- Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate - These two are humectants. They draw and replenish the moisture of your skin
This toner is suitable for daily use and it is perfect for all skin types.
Why is pH level so important for the skin?
Your skin natural pH level is around 5.5 +/- 0.2 and various external factors can change that. From air pollution to makeup to oil production and even products with alcohol in it can change your skin's pH levels.
This will cause your face to overproduce sebum, which in some cases turn into acne, or become excessively dry. Thus, using the right product for your skin is important.
Once your skin's pH level is adequately balanced, that means you're ready for the next step of your skincare routine.
Face Republic PH-Balancing Toner Review
Face Republic PH-Balancing Toner is revitalising and helps balance the skin. I did notice that my skin no longer screams for water after I started using this toner. It has a light and indescribable scent that disappears after it is absorbed into your skin. I guess, I can say, my skin's pH level is well balanced now.
Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water
Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water acts as a makeup remover or a sunscreen remover to be used before your cleanser as a 'double cleasing' technique or on its own. It could also be used to remove excess sebum as well.
If you have an oily skin type, you can also use the cleansing water as a light refresher throughout the day.
For those that are wondering what is cleansing water. Cleansing water is purified water that is usually infused with essential oils, plants extract, collagen, and/or minerals. It has cleansing properties without the need to lather the product on your skin.
How to use Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water?
To use, soak your cotton pad with cleansing water and gently sweep it across your skin. If you are trying to remove your eye makeup, pressed the soaked cotton on your lids for a few seconds. Thereafter, gently swipe it to the corners of your eyes. Rinse off with water.
Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water Review
Makeup Remover VerdictFace Republic Mild Cleansing Water is light and refreshing. Its scent reminded me of dough in the making or a cup of jasmine rice water in the rice cooker - a warm and homely sensation.
After soaking the cotton pad, I swipe across the swatches gently twice and as you can see, they disappeared.
Excess Sebum VerdictI am very impressed with the cleansing water for it removed my favourite waterproof, sebum proof and smudge-proof eyeliner so cleanly. The tinted lipstick did get smudge but that is as expected with every tinted lipstick usage.
Aside from makeup removal, this cleansing water is great at freshening up your face and removing the excess sebum. Normally, if I do not apply any skincare after I use any cleansing product or even makeup remover, my skin will start to feel tight. However, with Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water, my face did not feel tight at all. My face felt cool and refreshing instead.
Dead Skin RemovalI do recommend for you to rinse off the cleansing water for this product can act as a gentle cleanser as well. That means, it can get foamy if you use too much of it or rub it on the same spot for too long.
My boyfriend has a built-up of dead skin in certain areas and I'd thought I'll try it out on it. In the past, he used to use remove the dead skin with rubbing alcohol. However, as you know, alcohol is bad for the skin especially a sensitive one.
With Face Republic Mild Cleansing Water, he no longer has to use abrasive methods to eliminate the dark spots on his body. With a few swipes of fully soaked cotton, a significant improvement could be seen. What was once the shade of a dark chocolate bar is now the shade of a tanned blondie.
Over time and constant usage, the stained skin could be observed to fade from its original colour. It was a celebration to call for as someone that has lived with this his whole life.
Face Republic Pureprep Trio Review
All in all, I enjoyed the Face Republic Pureprep Trio set. I do enjoy each of the products and it enlightens me to how well AHA/BHA toners are.
As I am using both toners concurrently, I am unsure if the lightening of my skin is caused by which toner. Thus, I have decided to use the toners separately, over a longer period and give you an update here in the future.
I felt that the mild cleansing water surprised me for it was not only able to cleanse waterproof makeup so efficiently but it was able to fade stained skin as well.
Get your Face Republic Pureprep Trio on Zalora or Shopee.
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