Name: First Shot Essence Stick [Toning Control]
Brand: LEADERS
Rating: 4.03 (110 reviews)

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This is a Health Functional Food certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of Korea, designed to help maintain and improve your health.

This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions.

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Tell us about what you liked - texture, results, skin type, etc

Tell us what didn’t work - texture, skin reaction, or why you wouldn’t recommend it

리더스

First Shot Essence Stick [Toning Control]

No Brightening Effect

Feels Stiff When Applying

Pills on Skin

Not Hygienic

Small Size

Causes Allergic Reactions

Disrupts Oil-Moisture Balance

Portable

Not Sticky

Feels Comfortable

feels refreshing

Not Oily

Pleasant Scent

Lightweight

I'm not sure if it actually brightened my skin, and it runs out pretty quickly.

I really liked this product. I applied it whenever my skin felt dry while studying at the library.

퍼스트 샷 에센스 스틱 [토닝컨트롤]

However, those with super sensitive skin should avoid using this. It can cause blemishes to appear

Even with my dry skin, I can subtly see my complexion gradually becoming brighter

It seems like you need to use it consistently for at least a month to see results.

* Skin type: I have thin, extremely sensitive skin prone to irritation. Recently, I've developed a sun allergy (and occasional dermatitis). My skin tends to react poorly to laser treatments, peels, or exfoliation at dermatology clinics, so I need to be extra careful with post-treatment care. I'm prone to developing small bumps and blemishes, with an oily T-zone and U-zone, but overall I have combination sensitive skin.

* Ingredients that work well: Hyaluronic acid, propolis, centella asiatica extract, aloe, panthenol, allantoin, ceramides, niacinamide, chamomile, calendula, and zinc.
* Ingredients that don't work: Oil-based products (like orange oil, sage oil, rose oil) cause my skin to quickly become red, itchy, and develop blemishes.

I like that it comes as a set with both a stick and essence. Using them together seems to be more effective for brightening the complexion.

I'm not sure about its brightening effects. It seems to mainly lock in moisture and add a bit of glow.

The stick format is convenient, but I'm a bit concerned about hygiene. It's not suitable for reapplication over sunscreen or makeup. Due to potential dust and cosmetic residue on the surface, you might need to scrape off the top layer before applying during your skincare routine.

As a solid formula, it feels a bit stiff and doesn't glide on smoothly at first. It's hard to tell if you've applied enough or how much is on your skin. This probably means it doesn't feel greasy or heavy, though.

You can tell where you've applied it by a slight glow on the skin. However, be careful around the eye area as rubbing might irritate the delicate skin there. It might be best to apply upwards along the jawline and cheeks.

I can't really speak to its brightening effects, but in terms of hydration, it seems to work more by forming a protective layer rather than deeply moisturizing. If you apply it after a good skincare routine, it should help prevent moisture loss.

Being a brightening product,
it feels a bit stiff rather than smooth when applying
I think it would be better if it adhered more softly
to the skin when applied

2-second multi-balm perfection!

Leaders First Shot Essence Stick❣️
Controls pigmentation and evens skin tone!

Stick cosmetics are all the rage these days!
Effortlessly glide it on with ease~~
So convenient for morning and evening routines
Just swipe the stick and you're done - it's that simple!

It's gentle on the skin, not irritating at all
No tingling sensation, just a soothing application
I found it to be really wonderful!

The scent isn't overpowering, just a subtle
and comforting fragrance!

I'd love to try the other versions, especially the anti-wrinkle one!

Sensitivity: To be honest, this is where I had to deduct the most points. I tried applying it both over makeup and skincare, but red marks appeared exactly where I applied it. Fortunately, it didn't cause any inflammation or blemishes, but I'm cautious about using it on my face...

I was curious to try this stick product since it's so famous!

Effectiveness: It's supposed to have brightening and blemish-improving effects, but I think that's something you can only tell after long-term use. For now, I didn't notice any immediate visible results.

Application: Rather than being thick or creamy, it has a light stick texture! It's like a lightweight lip balm... The formula feels like it provides a slight touch of hydration rather than intense moisturization.

Can it be used over makeup?: When applied over makeup, there's a bit of pilling... Of course, you can touch up those areas, but still! I tried using it like a highlighting stick, but since it's not a heavily moisturizing product, I didn't notice much of a glow.

The amount seems a bit small, and I think it would have been easier to apply if the width was broader.

When it glides over your skin, there's a hydrating sensation that feels refreshingly cool. It's not the same moistness as an essence, but rather a watery hydration that provides a cooling effect. I found it more effective to gently roll it on, as there's a slight firmness to the application.

I'm curious how many bottles I'll need to use before seeing noticeable results, beyond just a feeling. The absorption isn't the smoothest - it feels a bit thick when applying. However, I'm taking into account that it's not meant to be an oil balm, so that's understandable.

I've been worried about the stubborn dark spots and pigmentation above my cheekbones that appeared after having two kids. While I'll need to use it diligently to see full results, my initial impression after a few uses is quite positive. It's not as immediate as laser treatments, but I feel like it's subtly fading the discoloration.

Given the short testing period, it's hard to speak to the product's long-term effects, but overall I did notice a brightening effect. However, it's disappointing that as a Hwahae Tester, I couldn't verify improvements in dark spots or blemishes due to the limited use time. For this reason, I haven't included photos.

For stick-type products that sometimes come with a coating, you can reduce potential irritation by wiping them with a tissue before first use.

Though it contains PEG in the ingredients, I don't plan on eating the product... It might have been better without it, but I was satisfied with how it felt and it didn't cause any blemishes. However, those with super sensitive skin might want to avoid it.

Initially, it was hard and didn't apply well, possibly due to a coating. It's a shame there wasn't any guidance about this.

This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. The Hwahae Testers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.

Skin type: Combination leaning towards dry, thin skin, allergy-prone sensitive skin

The stick format and its just-right size made it convenient to carry around and easy to apply on the face.

The non-mushy texture allowed for a thin application each time. Compared to other stick formulas I've used, I loved that it had a lightweight finish with less shine and absorbed quickly.

Despite being a stick that directly contacts the skin and inevitably applies some pressure, I appreciated that it caused minimal irritation.

While I didn't notice much when used after hydrating products like toner or essence, I felt sufficient hydration when applied right after cleansing or during dry spells.

My rating is about 4.5, based solely on its hydrating power. If you're looking for improvement in other areas, I'd suggest checking other reviews!

When I first used it, since no one had used it before, it felt a bit stiff when I swiped it across my face..

If I had to buy it, I'd have to think twice. After all, these multi-balms, multi-sticks, essence balms, and essence sticks tend to be quite pricey for the amount you get...

Suddenly, a certain brand's multi-balm caught my eye with its prominent advertising, and before I knew it, similar multi-balms started popping up everywhere!

The 'stick format' is great because it doesn't get on your hands, and it's so nice to apply directly to your face. The color is a sort of 'pastel yellow?'
And you know how sometimes these products can feel sticky, overly oily, or just sit on top of your skin without absorbing? Well, there was none of that with this one!

It applies so smoothly and moisturizes well, without any pilling on the skin. It feels like nutrients are really sinking into your skin. It gives your face a glow - a subtle, soft radiance, you know?

When I first used it, since no one had used it before, it felt a bit stiff when I swiped it across my face..

I'm writing this review after winning and trying the product, but if I had to buy it, I'd have to think twice. After all, these multi-balms, multi-sticks, essence balms, and essence sticks tend to be quite pricey for the amount you get...

It absorbs better if you apply it after using a hydrating toner in your skincare routine. For best results, focus on applying it to areas where you're concerned about blemishes.

It doesn't have much hydration or richness, so it doesn't absorb particularly well. Unlike some other brightening essences, it doesn't give an instant overall brightening effect to the complexion.

I have oily skin with lots of blemishes like freckles and sun spots, so I've been getting laser treatments and professional facials. The packaging is sleek, and I love the size and grip - perfect for my vanity, making it easy to use morning and night. Honestly, I didn't expect much from a brightening product in just a few days, but I noticed a slight improvement in my small blemishes - maybe not obvious to others, but I could tell. If the long-term effects are good with consistent use, I'd definitely repurchase. The scent isn't overpowering, and the formula isn't too rich for my oily skin. I didn't experience any irritation, so I've been able to use it consistently since I got it, which is great for seeing results.

I'm using it to prevent dark spots and blemishes.

- The moisturizing power isn't high, so it's difficult to use this product alone for skincare. You need to layer something on top.
- It pills over makeup... I thought it was similar to Gahee's product, but it seems less rich. Don't use it over makeup.

- Light, non-sticky hydration.
- Easy to carry with its lightweight stick and comfortable grip.
- I've been applying it on my cheekbone area to prevent dark spots and blemishes. While dramatic effects are hard to see in just two weeks, it gives me peace of mind, haha.
- Despite containing pore-clogging ingredients (especially stearic acid) which I'm sensitive to, it doesn't cause any blemishes.

Korean Reviews

First Shot Essence Stick [Toning Control]

2 Reviews