An essence based on fermented ingredients, with honey and propolis… How was I supposed to resist it? 😉 Here is my review of the Quad Active Boosting Essence from the Korean skincare brand By Wishtrend!
I have to admit that, even if I really wanted to try it as soon as it was released, the marketing of the brand regarding this essence was a bit confusing for me at first…
Indeed, By Wishtrend refers to this product as a “serum booster”, which I personally find quite reductive. An essence is good for the skin without needing to be the booster of another product, in my opinion!
Between that and the fact that the brand called it “Quad Active”, implying four key ingredients, and the fact that the formula actually contains much more than that… it wasn’t very clear!
So, let me explain in more detail what this is all about and why the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence is much better than just a “serum booster”! 😉
By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, product presentation:
The Quad Active Boosting Essence is the first essence from By Wishtrend, a Korean skincare brand that I mentioned in my review of one of their serums that I really like, the By Wishtrend Polyphenols In Propolis 15% Ampoule.
Wishtrend is basically a company that distributes (and also creates) Korean cosmetics. Their almost eponymous brand, By Wishtrend, was developed in response to recurring requests from customers of the online store, who wanted products that could meet specific needs. What is more, By Wishtrend defines itself as a “cosmeceuticals” (= at the crossroads between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) brand.
In the products of the range, we find many typical K-Beauty ingredients, which are generally inspired by traditional Korean medicine (honey, propolis, green tea, black tea, willow bark etc…). I always find these ingredients very interesting, and I enjoy using them in my routine!
No matter the name and the brand’s marketing to describe it, the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence is indeed a treating essence (if you want to know more about this category of products, I dedicated a whole article to them: Do I need an essence? ).
You can use it like other essences, after cleansing the skin and before serum.
Usually, essences are mainly focused on hydration, but here, this is not the only benefit. This essence is above all very soothing, and quite immediately, in my opinion!
This is probably due to the ingredients it contains. Judge for yourself:
– some Propolis, which I love, because it’s a great soothing and anti-bacterial ingredient,
– some willow bark water with very slightly exfoliating and purifying properties,
– soothing and calming cornflower floral water,
– anti-inflammatory Schisandra Chinensis flower extract,
– fermented black tea, anti-oxidant and soothing,
– fermented honey, very soothing and repairing,
– soothing Sacred Lotus leaf extract,
– and purifying white mulberry bark.
Propolis and honey are really my greatest hits of the winter. They are both perfect for my dehydrated, sensitive skin that tends to be acne prone.
By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, my experience:
I started the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence in September, and I just emptied my bottle. It was perfect in Fall because it’s not heavy at all but I also appreciate it a lot in winter, for its soothing effect!
I only use it in the morning but it can be used in the evening as well, no problem.
Its texture is very liquid and my skin drinks it instantly! I dab it into my skin directly with my hands, as I do with all my essences.
It’s super calming and I also find that it gives me a lovely glow, which is definitely appreciated. I wonder if it’s not due to the willow bark water, which is very slightly exfoliating (nothing irritating, don’t worry, it’s a very very mild chemical exfoliation).
It’s actually quite great for me who doesn’t use acids at all at the moment because of tretinoin 😉
It’s not necessarily the most moisturizing of my essences, but I don’t mind, I have other products in my routine for that! Really, I find it super pleasant to use and that’s good enough for me 😉
Also, it’s quite affordable (around $25) and it lasts a while (4 months for me).
In conclusion:
In short, I think it’s a very nice essence to use; my skin literally drinks it like water, but it’s still very soothing and there’s also that bonus brightening effect which is always welcome!
Actually, I just repurchased one bottle!
The retails between $23 and $28 for 100ml depending on the retailers.