Are you dealing with greasy and blemished skin during the hot and humid summer? If so, SKINFOOD’s Shine Muscat Cica line might be your remedy!
Shine muscats are large green grapes prized for their seedless flesh, sweetness and low acidity. In season from July to September, shine muscat grapes are a popular fruit across Asia.
Rooted in the concept that “we are what we eat,” SKINFOOD formulates skin care with nutritional food ingredients. For the Shine Muscat Cica line, the K-Beauty brand uses low temperature extraction to preserve the antioxidant properties of compounds like resveratrol in shine muscat grapes. The line’s purifying and soothing benefits are further amplified by the addition of calming centella asiatica extract and exfoliating salicylic acid (BHA). The collection is ideal for normal and oily skin types.
I used the Shine Muscat Cica line’s toner pad, daily sheet mask, serum and cream for one month, hoping the skin care routine will cool my heated skin and make it more even-toned, smooth and grease-free. Let’s see how it turned out!
Skin Benefits of Shine Muscat Extract
- Resveratrol and flavonoids in the green grapes contribute to antioxidant properties, which help protect skin from free radical damage.
- Shine muscat extract moisturizes skin.
- Vitamin C in shine muscat aids collagen production to boost skin elasticity and fade hyperpigmentation.
- Anti-inflammatory properties soothe skin irritation.
Shine Muscat Cica BHA Toner Pad
These essence-soaked toner pads come in a plastic jar with tweezers for hygienic and convenience use. Each toner pad includes an embossed side for exfoliating skin and a smooth side for toning skin. In addition to the key ingredients of shine muscat extract, cica extract and salicylic acid (BHA), the toner pads contain gluconolactone (PHA) to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum, as well as hyaluronic acid and butylene glycol to moisturize skin.
My Take:
The cotton pads didn’t tear or shed easily when using them on my face. The embossed side did its job of removing makeup residue and dirt, as I could see traces of foundation and other particles on the toner pad after use. Since much of the essence is at the bottom of the tub, I recommend turning the tub upside down a few times or giving it a good shake before use − make sure to close the lid tightly before you do so!
Shine Muscat Cica Daily Mask
The resealable tub of sheet masks includes tweezers for hygienic and convenient use. The lid needs to be twisted open to remove the seal before your first use. The sheet masks are designed for use every day in the morning or before makeup. The vegan cellulose masks are packed with cica extract, salicylic acid and panthenol to soothe, moisturize and exfoliate skin.
My Take:
Just like the toner pads, the cellulose masks aren’t premium quality but serve well in staying snug on the face to deliver essence into skin. Again, the essence is mostly at the bottom of the container, so you don’t have to worry about dripping when you take out a sheet mask till you reach the last pieces. The masks are slightly fragranced, but that didn’t bother me. The lightweight and watery essence left my skin feeling soothed and refreshed after use.
Shine Muscat Cica BHA Serum
This serum comes in a recyclable plastic bottle with a dropper that helps to easily and hygienically dispense the watery serum onto skin. Infused with the line’s main ingredients including muscat extract, cica extract, BHA and PHA, the serum calms and hydrates skin while unclogging pores. Other active ingredients like panthenol and various amino acids promote soft and healthy skin.
My Take:
This serum is one of the most lightweight serums I’ve ever encountered. It didn’t burden my skin and it left a refreshing and cooling sensation without feeling minty or drying. Usually I prefer washing away serums and creams from my face before going to bed, but this formula absorbed instantly into my skin, saving me the hassle of doing so.
Shine Muscat Cica BHA Cream
The refreshing gel cream comes with a clear muscat green hue and faint citrus scent. Like other items from the line, the cream is infused with muscat extract, cica extract and BHA. It hydrates and soothes skin without leaving any sticky residue, thanks to its lightweight texture and quick-absorbing formulation.
My Take:
This gel cream has a lightweight texture and cooling sensation that feels similar to aloe gels. It’s perfect for hot days when a normal face cream may feel too greasy on skin. I was delighted by the gel cream’s hydrating effect despite its aqueous texture.
The Verdict
I’m pleasantly surprised by how SKINFOOD’s Shine Muscat Cica line soothed and refreshed my skin. None of the products felt too sticky or heavy after application, making them perfect to use anytime of the day, especially during summer. After the first few uses, I could already notice my skin getting more refined and even-toned, while being less prone to irritations. They also helped minimize my oily T-zone in the morning. Those with oily and acne-prone skin types should give the Shine Muscat Cica line a try!
