Once I got my Missha FTE, which was included in my Althea Box, I immediately used it later that night.
The packaging is so, so luxurious. Those silver and grey markings, that shiny cap, and. that frosted glassss. This is probably the most elegant-looking, out of the many similar essences in the market. Even more than The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I dare say. It's hard not to keep staring at, standing tall and proud on my bedside table. (It is begging to be displayed).
The product itself is very watery, colorless, and has a faint smell. Most people describe the smell to be slightly of yeast, but I will disagree. I say, it smells like Cheetos. Nothing to worry, it's not that strong. You won't smell that cheese puff snackon your face.
Once applied and pat on, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can proceed to your next step as usual.
On to the claims and promises, here's what Missha has to say:
The very FIRST step to your skin care regimen.
Back to the Basics, a Stepping Stone to a Healthier and New Skin.
Contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. Also contains Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 component, to improve skin elasticity, enhance skin barrier function, and revive skin tone and texture. DN-Aid, made from Cassia-Alata Extract, provides vitality to aging skin, protects DNA from aging caused by UV rays, and promotes restoration of damaged DNA.
THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. The miracle water hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.
Now comes the sad, sad part.
After using it for two nights, one morning I just woke up with red, burning, itching and blistered skin. It was an allergic reaction. It was the first time I experienced something like that. I do have sensitive skin, but usually when my skin doesn't agree with a product I put on my face, I would breakout in cystic pimples, tiny bumps, or nodules. But rashes and flakey skin-- never. Until I tried the Missha FTE.
One more painful thing that adds to my anguish, is during those two nights and a day that I had applied the essence, I actually saw slight improvement on my hyperpigmentation. Yessss! Noooo! So I tried to convince myself that it wasn't Missha that had caused the reaction: how could something that seems so good and promising, actually be so bad? I continued using it, but only on the areas where I had pigmentation, and where I formed acne due to the reaction. Of course, the reaction never stopped, while I kept seeing improvement on the marks and healing of pimples... bittersweet. After two weeks of using it on and off, it was clear that FTE was causing my skin to react badly. So I finally, totally stopped using it.
Well, I'm back hunting for the essence that will be compatible and have good effects on my skin.
Ciao!
