Review: Nature Republic’s Snail Solution 80 Ampoule Special Set

A lot of the skin care products that I’ve grown to love over the recent years have mostly revolved around snails. The secretion from these wonderful molluscs has proven to be a very effective remedy for various skin problems. I’ve grown so fond of it that I find myself gravitating towards different snail products from different brands. 

It was, therefore, a no-brainer that when I went to Nature Republic, I glued myself to their snail skin care section, which is where I found the Snail Solution 80 Ampoule Special Set. 

The main product of the set is the Snail Ampoule which contains 80% snail secretion filtrate. Hence, the number 80 printed on the bottle. The other two items that are included are sample sizes of the Snail Solution 90 Skin Booster (90% snail secretion filtrate) and the Snail Solution 80 Emulsion. Both these samples are also available in regular sizes.

Each of the items in the set aims to brighten the skin and improve on wrinkles. I applied all three products, one after the other, after cleansing my face and using toner. I will, therefore, be reviewing them as a whole rather than individually. 

REVIEW 

A common characteristic of snail products is how instant its effects are. Upon first application with these goods, my skin immediately felt more refreshed and revived. The products promptly hydrated my skin, leaving it smooth and supple.

I then observed its effects the next morning before washing my face and was impressed to find how even my skin tone looked. There was less oil than usual and my pores were ridiculously tiny that I couldn’t even really see them up-close. I continued using this set for my day and night skin care regimen for a week now and I’m very happy with the improvements it has made. 

My skin feels a lot suppler, looks very clean, even, bright, and smooth. My pores are almost invisible up-close and overall it has effectively hydrated my skin.

I should also mention that these products have a very pleasing scent. Not too strong and quite calming. 

How to use: 
There are instructions at the back of the box that tell you how to use the product but I found it a little incoherent as to which needed to be used first. Based on what I've read, I simply came up with a sequence that I hope is the correct way. I use the Skin Booster - Emulsion - Ampoule in that order after washing and toning my face. I apply the products by patting it on until it's fully absorbed by my skin. 

Packaging: 

The set comes in an elegant earth-friendly box. 

Both the emulsion and skin booster comes in 30ml plastic containers which I honestly find difficult to use. It was quite challenging trying to get the product to come out without having to exert much effort. The best way was to shake the product to the lid part before opening it. 

The ampoule which also comes in a 30ml size, was simpler to use. The lid is basically a dropper which picks the thicker consistency of the ampoule with ease. 

Pros

• Easily absorbed by the skin
• Effectively moisturises and revitalises
• Smoothens skin
• Softens skin
• Greatly decreases appearance of pores
• Brightens skin
• Smells great

Cons

• A little pricier than I would have hoped for 
• Impractical design of the Skin Booster and Emulsion

Price: P1,795.00

Moisturiser: How To Use It In Four Ways Other Than The Obvious

1. ADJUSTABLE COVERAGE: MIX FOUNDATION WITH MOISTURISER

This technique makes it easier for you to adjust your foundation to the weather conditions and to your skins needs. On days that you need less coverage you can mix more moisturiser with the foundation. It blends easily with cream or liquid foundation and results in something like a tinted moisturizer depending on how much you place.

If you're looking for something heavier then simply apply a pea sized amount of your moisturiser for smoother application and more coverage.

*This technique results in healthy dewy looking skin.  

I got this foundation palette at Makeup Design Academy (Robinsons Galleria/ Mother Ignacia, Q.C.). It usually needs to be mixed with 244 fluid for a more liquid consistency but since they didn't have stock at the time I was studying there, I experimented with moisturisers mixing them with the cream foundation and I found that it worked just as well. The foundation resulted in a smoother liquid state making it easier to apply.

Cream Foundation (alone)

Cream Foundation (with moisturizer)

(Not completely blended out for comparison purposes. On the left side is the cream foundation without moisturiser)

Both blended with a Beauty Blender. The Cream Foundation with moisturiser was able to cover a larger area as compared to the one without. Plus, it took half the time to blend. When blended out fully, both still result in the same form of coverage. 

2. INTENSITY AND PRECISION: MIX EYEBROW POWDER WITH MOISTURISER

Dab your eyebrow brush on some moisturiser before placing brow powder for a clean line. Personally, I find that it works better than brow wax and it's perfect for simulating real brow hair.

Brow powder (alone) applied using MAC 208, a very excellent brush.

Dab some moisturizer.

As you can see, you get a cleaner, more saturated hue as compared to using brow powder alone. 

3. MIX WITH EYESHADOW TO CREATE EYELINER

This also works well if you want to use your eyeshadow as eyeliner. What I do is I take my MAC 208 brush and dab on some moisturiser before placing it on an eyeshadow of choice. The result is just like the one seen above. A very clean polished line perfect for creating strong and accurate liner looks. 

4. MIX WITH EYESHADOW FOR COLOUR INTENSITY

Moisturiser works like water as well so if you want your eyeshadow color to pop an extra mile than mix the two for more intensity. It helps when you don't have an eyeshadow primer on hand. I use moisturiser instead of water because you're practically combining the benefits of the moisturiser with the product you're using. Benefits that water lacks. 

I used Aubergine from Smashbox and applied it on with a MAC 219 brush. The one on the right is mixed with moisturizer and is evidently more saturated. 

NOTE: Do not drown your brushes with moisturizer otherwise it will just remove the makeup you're trying to apply. 

Hand Model: Corrine Barcelona