The Face Shop - YEHWADAM Pure Brightening Serum Review

Brightening products have always been popular in skincare. For some reason, when I first started using skincare, I was under the impression that brightening meant whitening. Which it really isn't. Brightening products are focused more towards exfoliating in order to enhance the skin. Whereas whitening products include bleaching agents to remove dark spots. I'm not into using whitening products, but I am definitely interested in having brighter more youthful looking skin.

Since I don't wear a lot of makeup, brightening serums or creams kind of act like a base for my skin. I find any blemishes are sort of blurred away with the brightening products. So overall, I don't have to wear a lot of foundation. 

So if you're like me, and you're more au naturel, then you might be interested in the this new product line by The Face Shop.

The Face Shop recently launched their YEHWADAM line. On their website, they currently have YEHWADAM revitalizing line which incorporates Ginseng. 

Launching on October 5th, The Face Shop will be releasing their Pure Brightening line. Which focused towards brightening and anti-aging:

Specifically developed to reveal skin's brightness and radiance by reducing the appearance of pigmentations, dark spots, and dull skin tone [...] The forumula, which contains the natural ingredients of Chilbaekseolyundan*, improves the appearance of dull, pigmented skin by creating a brighter, more radiant complexion

*Chilbaekseolyundan - patented brightening ingredients formula that includes 6 pristine traditional herbs harvested in Korea.


 Taken from The Face Shop brochure:

Instant brightening effect: instantly reveals skin's natural glow and brightness using brightening ingredients such as pearl powder. Soft and fresh finish: non-sticky serum gently absorbs into skin, leaving a fresh finish. Intense and lasting moisturizing effect: serum contains lamellar, a moisturizing ingredient with a similar structure to skin, to replenish skin with moisture

The Face Shop mentioned 6 ingredients they use that are supposedly natural brighteners.

These 6 ingredients are: Peony, Pearl, Ginseng, Cnidium Officinale, Honeysuckle, Atractylodes Macrocephala

Atra-pterodactyl what what? It's basically just a big word for an ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. Cnidium Officinale is basically the same thing as well.

Packaging

The packaging looks very luxurious. The cap has a cute jewel on it and it has a frosted 'glass' sort of look. The package itself is all plastic. I actually expected the bottle to be heavier but was surprised at how light it is. To be honest, with how light the bottle is, it does feel a little cheap. Otherwise, it is still very gorgeous.

Looks aside, I really like the pump. The spring in the pump is amazing. It doesn't stick, product comes out really easily and the serum doesn't cake up at the pump. One pump also provides at least a pea sized amount of product, which is more than enough for my entire face.

Product

Even though it is a serum it really doesn't feel like one. The consistency is in between a serum and a lotion.

I was unable to photograph it, but it does have a slight pearlescent sheen. It does say that it is made with some pearl powder, so that is most likely where it comes from.

Upon initial application, it does offer immediate brightening effect. Not only is it brightening but it leaves a nice glow on the skin as well. It also does exactly as it claims, it's light weight and doesn't leave a sticky finish. It absorbs into the skin easily as well. Sometimes, I even forget to apply a day cream because this serum offers a pretty decent amount of moisture.

As it is an anti-aging line, it is important to note that it has a very strong mature scent. I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but after a while I have become slightly used to it. Luckily it doesn't stick around too long and eventually dissipates.

Overall Thoughts

I've been using this daily and nightly for the past couple of weeks and I'm quite liking it. For the mornings it offers a nice glow to my skin. I also like that it's non-sticky and light weight.


I would say though while it does leave the skin looking brighter and with a natural glow, the effects are short term. I've only been using it for the past month and my dark spots are still visable. They are a little more muted, but overall not too much of a difference made.

I really like the glow it gives my skin before I put on my makeup. I like this serum in the morning the most since I only apply makeup on my t-zone so this product still has its chance to shine.  

There is 45ml in this bottle, which is a lot more than a lot of other serums, but it does have a pretty hefty price tag of $78 CAD + taxes.

If you're a fan of The Face Shop or you're looking for a brightening anti-aging serum, this product and the entire YEHWADAM Pure Brightening line is available starting on October 5.

Summary

The Good
- Skin looks brighter and has a nice glow
- Amazing pump. Great springs and one pump is enough for the entire face

- Gorgeous packaging
- Light weight serum, doesn't feel heavy on the skin
- Doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky
- Provides some moisture

The Bad
- Short term effects
- Doesn't get rid of dark spots like it claims
- Strong mature scent
- Feels light and slightly cheap
- Expensive

*This product was sent to me complimentary in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is my own and it is in no way influenced.