Unboxing Beauty

I received a grand package from A-True 에이트루 the other day, full of samples from most of their different product lines.

For the last few days, I have been using the following products and I am going to give you my impressions on them

 

For 2 days in a row, I used the following products:

Violet Petal Black Tea Hydrating Toner ~ Black Tea Water 90% (Compagnie Coloniale) 

Product Description: A slightly acidic balanced hypoallergenic toner with plenty of organic acids from black tea help control the pH balance maintaining an even skin tone. With Mallows and Violets, they help to restore the natural skin balance by preventing excess oil from the T-zone and dehydration from the U-zone.

Directions for Use:  Soak a cotton pad with a toner and smoothly apply it over the face and neck.

This is just like a toner – very watery and I just poured into my hand and then patted on my face.  I did not notice a strong scent or any negative after effects.

Real Black Tea True Active Essence ~   Black Tea Fermentation 81.8% (Compagnie Coloniale)

Product Description: A bottle of naturally double fermented True Active Essence acts by filling every single layer of the dermis and epidermis to improve the natural vital power, restoring the skin’s original rhythm.  By selecting the finest tea leaves only, F.T.G.F.O.P is harvested within Castleton Tea Garden, placed in Darjeeling, India. Present the precious value of the top grade black tea which holds the first golden buds of spring.

Directions for Use:

STEP 1. After cleansing, sprinkle about a teaspoon of True Active Essence into the cupped palm of your hand (or a cotton pad).

STEP 2. Rub your hands together and gently press the product evenly onto your face and neck (Or apply smoothly over your face and neck using a cotton pad).

This is very different in texture from the White Snow Tea essence.  This is a very watery gel and I used it in the same manner as the toner, by pouring it into my hand and then patting it on my face and neck.  It did not have a scent and felt very pleasant.  It absorbed quickly.  I really like this essence and I am glad I have a deluxe sample, as I can continue to use it after I finish up with the foil reviews.

Violet Petal Black Tea Hydrating Moisturizer ~   Black Tea Water 71% (Compagnie Coloniale) 

Product Description: The silky texture of the moisturizer smoothly absorbs delivering moisture deep into the skin without any sticky feeling.   With Mallows and Violets, they help to restore the natural skin balance by preventing excess oil from the T-zone and dehydration from the U-zone.

Directions for Use:  After toner, thoroughly apply on your face and neck. Gently massage the product until it becomes completely absorbed in the skin.

This is a very light weight, non-greasy moisturizer that faintly smelled like violets, but that scent quickly disappeared.  The moisturizer did not absorb as quickly as I would have liked and I felt that the Snow Tea was better for my skin type.

Then, once I had finished with the above samples, I switched to these for the next couple of days

 

 

Rose Petal Black Tea Enriching Toner ~   Black Tea Water 81% (Compagnie Coloniale) 

Product Description: The Essential Toner smoothly absorbs into the dermis, delivering a deep hydration to maintain a relaxed and moist skin. Rose Petal Black Tea helps maintain high levels of moisture, giving you a more natural and beautiful glow.

Directions for Use:  Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the toner into the cupped palm of your hand and gently press the product evenly onto your face and neck until completely absorbed.

I am not a fan of this particular line ~ the Rose Petal scent is overpowering. 

 

Darjeeling Black Tea First Anti-wrinkle Essence ~  Black Tea Water 66% (Compagnie Coloniale)

Product Description: Smooth and soft textures help in quick absorption acting as a solution to the empty spots of the dermis and epidermis helping elevate the resilience of the skin. ‘Darjeeling’ is the champagne of black tea. Its own vital power comes from the fine golden tips of its buds, which help reduce signs of aging and restore the freshness of youth.

Directions for Use: Thoroughly apply on your face and neck. Gently massage the product until it becomes completely absorbed in the skin.

This essence is very rich and creamy.  Again, it reminded me of a serum, not an essence.  There was no scent and it absorbed quickly.  I do like this essence.  I have a deluxe size version of this that I will save for the drier winter months.

Darjeeling Black Tea First Anti-wrinkle Cream ~ Black Tea Water 65% (Compagnie Coloniale) 

Product Description: Moisturizing Complex and Hydrating Factors help in maintaining natural skin moisture to balance and reduce the first signs of aging. ‘Darjeeling’ is the champagne of black tea. Its own vital power comes from the fine golden tips of its buds, which help reduce signs of aging and restore the freshness of youth.

Directions for Use: Take the right amount with a spatula, thoroughly apply on your face and neck. Gently massage the product until it becomes completely absorbed in the skin.

This is a very heavy moisturizer – it is a cream.  I used it on my face and neck and arms!  This is the wrong time of year for me to use a heavier cream and it didn’t absorb quickly and my face felt very “dewy” and moist.   On a face that was already dewy and moist!!  I think this cream is better suited for the drier months and I feel that it deserves a second look at that time.  I do have a deluxe size sample that I will save and use in the winter time.   This had no scent.

I used the Violet Petal/Real Black Tea for 2 days and then the Rose Petal/Darjeeling Black Tea line for the next 2 days.   Although the Violet Petal was for normal/combo skin types, I didn’t feel this was as good as the Snow Tea Brilliant line for me.  The Rose Petal toner was not something I cared for, but that is because I do not tolerate rose scents very well.   I did like the Darjeeling Black Tea line, but it was the wrong season for me to try this out.

I really need to try the Verbena Mint Black Tea and  Earl Grey Black Tea line, as that is for oily skin.  I will see if A-True can sell overseas, as I am interested in the Sweet Song cleanser and I would pick up those other products as well.

Again, I want to thank Angela and A-True for giving me the chance to try their products and how generous they were with their samples.  I will continue to post reviews on the rest of the line as the week continues.  I still have a few more of the samples that are more suited for nighttime use, than daytime right now ~ Himalaya Black Tea Moist Deep Cream, Rose Petal Moisturizer and  Paradais Black Tea Aqua Blossom Essence.

[ all descriptions in italics are from http://www.a-true.com/eng ]

[ disclaimer:  All products were complementary ]