Ottie Green Tea Emulsion review

200mL of Ottie Green Tea Emulsion

While I was in Bonjour, a sales associate recommended this product to me, it was not only affordable but it made my skin feel so soft.

Prior to being introduced to this product, I have never heard of the company "Ottie" Their website describes their brand name as

the compound word of French “Hauteur”, which means elegance, highclass, pride and arrogance, and English “Pretty”.

impressions:

• long lasting
• makes skin feels soft
• milky (as it is a Emulsion)
• no scent
• skin absorbs this product
• does not work in harsh N America climates

The websites promotes this product as:

Forming oil&water barrier on the surface of skin to protect from harmful circumstance/ water-oil balancing.


According to the website, there are several features of this product: 

Anti-inflammation, Astringent, Poreless, Calm, Soothing, Moiturizing, Balancing water and oil level of your skin.

1) Green Tea Extract / Grapefruit,Sophora Root,Neem / Portulaca Oleacea : Anti-inflammation,
Allantoin / Hyaluronic acid / Aloe Vera : Soothing & Moisturizing

Vita. E : Nourishing

2) Clean, Clear, Light, Refreshing, non sticky3) For early skin ( woman&men), troubled skin from pimple, acne

Like using other emulsion/moisturizers, this product is no different, after applying serum, take a small amount and apply it all over your face. It takes really good care of your skin!

Verdict:
While I was in Hong Kong, this product did wonders for my skin, it prevented my skin from cracking and gave it enough moisture and it does exactly what it claims (in its features) however, taking it back to N. America, I was sad that it was less useful, I think the weather over here damages our skin too much and this emulsion simply is not enough...  I'm waiting for a stronger formula suited for N. Americans. (and those who live in harsher weather conditions)

score: 9/10
website: http://ottie.co.kr/product/green-tea-emulsion/

Question: what are Softeners, Emulsions and Essences

Who here has been confused many MANY times about emulsions, softeners and essences? are they the same thing? or how different are they? Are there any equivalents? How are they different from our normal toners, serums, moisturizers? For those who enjoy using products from Asia, you will find terms like Emulsion, Essences and Softeners, and they can certainly be quite confusing.

I have been confused quite a few times, I recall several times when I was in Asia shopping for skincare products. I felt so out of place, so in order to know what I want to look for and what I need I did some research. Let me share with you some of my findings and hopefully they will help you "decode" these terms so you can find what you are looking for when you are shopping for Cosmetics in Asia (or looking for something in an Asian brand).


(see how Softeners, Emulsions and Essences are different/similar to Toners, Moisturizers and Serums)


Softeners: Softeners are usually confused with being Toners... they look similar BUT they do different things, a softener is used to moisturize (hence the name "Softener") while a toner is to clean and balance pH (I will write a post later about Toners). The steps to using Toners and Softeners are these are --> Toners, Softeners, Moisturizers. I guess there aren't real equivalents to Softeners.

(Softeners are usually found in Asian skin care products, they can be called "moisturizing lotions" but look like toners)

photo credits: www.productreview.com.au

Emulsions: Emulsions are similar to moisturizers but they are a lot lighter. In Asia, Emulsions are translated as "milk cream" to describe it's consistency (like milk). It is also more richer at the same time. Because of the weather conditions in Asia (mostly humid), a lot of women use emulsion as a daytime moisturizer.

image source: www.barneys.com

In Asia, they are very precise with naming their products, most people confuse Emulsions with Creams, they are similar as they are both moisturizers except emulsions are lighter and creams are richer and much thicker. This is why people usually use emulsions as a daytime moisturizer and creams as a night moisturizer. (This is usually why most emulsions have UV protection, while most Creams do not). 

image source: www.barneys.com

For those who have dry to very dry skin, they have the option to use both an emulsion and cream in the same routine. This will not "ruin" or "over saturate" your skin. However, the best way is to use Emulsion then cream though as this will create a much stronger moisture boost (because of its richness).




Essences: Essence is another word for serum, they are the same thing. Like serums, essences are used after toners and before moisturizers. 

photo credits: sk-ii.com

Essence or serums are concentrated forms of nutrients that are made so that your skin will immediately absorb it when applied, this helps fix "deeper" skin problems.

I am writing a post on serums (link will be posted here when it is done)


So, keep in mind Softeners, Emulsions and Essences can be used in the same skincare routine. Please read my other blog post to see how using Emulsions (moisturizers) and Essences (serums)  together can help enhance your skin.