I’ve always been a fan of Project Vanity, so when they announced the release of In Her Element, I was beyond excited. It was immediately on my long, long list of products to try, and since I like finishing every ounce of skin care I buy (it hurts too much to throw anything away), I’ve only managed to get my claws on it now—a year after its release! Luckily for me, my previous toner had been running low (for reference, it was the Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner that I’m also high-key obsessed with), which meant I had the perfect excuse to spoil myself!
The product I’m reviewing today is none other than the In Her Element Petal Skin Rose Toning Essence. For everyone who has met me, you’d know that I’ve been a BIG fan of rose products throughout 2019. There’s something about rose extract that really understands my skin’s needs; I’m so in love with the way it deeply moisturizes my skin without needing to pile on product, making it easy for my combination skin to sit comfortably with or without makeup! Rose water generally has anti-inflammatory properties as well as brightening properties, which are two benefits I really look for in products as I’ve been having trouble with acne, scarring, and dullness in the recent months.
WHAT IT CLAIMS
To really get a feel of how this product performs, let’s first take a look at its claims. This toner supposedly helps you achieve more radiant skin, similar to the Japanese trend of “petal skin,” which is matte yet bouncy, as opposed to the famed Korean glassy dew. With its rose and niacinamide elements, this toner helps to brighten, restore, and clear the complexion while prepping for the skin care routine to come.
WHAT I THINK
Before I get into the effects, I’d first like to commend In Her Element for its wonderful packaging. Beautiful floral patterns aside, I absolutely adore the push-top component this toner comes in, as it makes dispensing onto a cotton pad infinitely easier. This is the first toner in this packaging that I’ve tried, as they usually come in either regular pump bottles or mist sprays, and I love the innovation so much! The formula itself is very watery, making it absorb quickly into the skin and easy to layer underneath your serums and moisturizer.
Since I have an oily T-zone, I really appreciate that because it’s so lightweight, this product doesn’t feel heavy nor clogs up my pores. As for its “petal skin” effect, I do notice that my oils are less obtrusive—albeit present, but less—with a lovely brightness that I wouldn’t really liken to whitening per se. Its brightening effect is more of an “inner glow,” so for those suffering with chronic zombie-like dullness like me because of environmental damage and dehydration, I really think you’d enjoy this.
Upon application, I do feel that my skin had become much smoother! I’ve recently been waking up to softer skin, and while I do still have some scarring on my cheeks, I’ve noticed that the pimples that have appeared in the duration of my usage (around 2 weeks so far!) have faded much more gracefully than the ones prior. As for the scarring before my usage, I do notice a slight lightening effect, though definitely not anything groundbreaking just yet. I do have faith, however, since I’ve barely made it to half the bottle as of now. Overall, I do feel like my complexion has been much, much healthier lately! I’ve been using it twice a day, and I’m loving how it’s treating my skin. I haven’t experienced any adverse effects, and while I do still get acne, I’d attribute that more to the fact that I’ve been sleeping much later than usual, drinking a lot more coffee, and drinking a lot less water—I know! ¡Qué horror!
FINAL VERDICT
If you were to ask me if this product is worth trying, I would answer with a resounding, “Yes!” There is nothing about this product that I disliked, but always take the usual precautions with trying new skin care; ALWAYS check the ingredients list if you have allergies, patch test, and watch carefully of any irritation. But for those that are hiyang to rose like I am, then by all means, do yourselves a favor and add this (and maybe a second bottle, because I’m honestly thinking of hoarding) to your carts STAT!
Written by:
Julia Benito
Julia is Calyxta’s resident crazy plant lady with an unstoppable caffeine addiction and an ever-increasing love for glitter eye shadow. When she’s not staring out the window mulling over the correctness of her grammar, she can be found drawing on eyeliner, watching anime, reading books, or petting strangers’ dogs.
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