Review: History of Whoo Hwa Hyun Cream

I think I got this sample when I bought 60 samples of Sulwhasoo Essential Rejuvenating Eye Cream. I hadn't had much experience with higher-end brand Korean cosmetics, except for the eye cream I just mentioned and History of Whoo Qi & Jin Eye Cream. I don't have visibly aging skin yet, but I can definitely see fine lines on my forehead which become wrinkly when I'm frowning.

Description (from eBay.com):

• The finest premium line from The History of Whoo, Hwa Hyun consists with a combination of oriental herbs and cosmetic ingredients that works to brighten, tighten loosen skin and also restores natural moisture levels all at the same time. 
• The Hwa Hyun line especially works to eliminate dry skin while refining skin texture and helping to promote a bright, clear complexion. 
• After using the Hwa Hyun products skin will look more naturally vibrant and restore a natural glow and brighter complexion. 
• Suitable for: Aging skin and dry skin type

My impression:

This sample was good for two generous applications on the face. I ended up using this once on my entire face and twice on my forehead because that's where my fine lines are. Upon application it felt like your typical aging skin oriented rich oily cream, similar to Missha Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream, which is also for whitening, wrinkles, skin elasticity/vitality.

When I woke up the next morning, I didn't see any brightening affect that I had seen overnight with Missha Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream. I didn't feel any natural vibrant or natural glow or brighter complexion. My face has gotten tanned from vacation and it looks really dull. This cream didn't make it better or worse.

The cream was well absorbed on my forehead and I did see some help on the fine lines there, around the same extent as Missha Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream. There was quite a bit still unabsorbed on the rest of my face. I didn't break out from it but my pores were enlarged and I did get a pimple shortly after :( I didn't feel that my skin got tighter but at the same time I don't think my skin is that loose yet to feel an overnight difference.

In my experience with this cream, it doesn't do anything but slightly help the fine lines on my forehead, which Missha Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream already does along with its whitening effect. So I won't be purchasing this. In fact, looking at eBay, it looks like you can only buy the samples!

Summary:

Only helps the fine lines on my forehead slightly
Does not brighten, refine skin texture, promote a clear complexion, make skin look vibrant, or restore natural glow
$230 for 60ml on koreadepart.com

Grade: 2.5/5 because it only helped the fine lines on my forehead a bit and enlarged my pores

Value: 1/5 because that's way too pricey for a cream that doesn't do much

Repurchase? No