• pimple patches

    This or That | Pimple Patches

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Pimple patches! I’ve only tried hydrocolloid patches. I’ve never tried the microneedling ones and/or the ones with salicylic acid. I just use spot treatments instead. I may be missing out on the other types of pimple patches, but they’re so expensive for one time use.

    The COSRX acne pimple master patches were the first one I tried. Then I tried the clear fit ones, nexcare acne absorbing covers and last, but not least, Rael.

    I have tried eight different acne patches from six brands:

    Tapered patches

    • COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch
    • Rael Invisible Spot Cover
    • Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch
    • Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch

    Non-tapered patches

    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
    • Rael Overnight Spot Cover
    • PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches
    • Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

    I was sent the Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches and PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches to try, but all other patches were purchased by me.

    Even though some claim that you can wear them with makeup, I wouldn’t. They’re less noticeable without any makeup (see my reviews for some pictures).

    I’ve written about five different reviews/comparison reviews on my blog, so I thought I would collect all the information and update my thoughts in one post. You can check out my previous posts below:

    Comparing Acne Patches | 2019


    Reviews

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches


    This or That

    COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

    acne patch
    The pimple patch sizes I’ve tried so far

    Non-tapered

    Pros

    • absorb more than tapered ones
    • can wear them overnight

    Cons

    • easier to detect (but you could still wear them out of the house, if you don’t care)
    • aren’t as flexible, so it could stick out if you have it on a curved part of your face
    • if they absorb too much or get wet, the edges can start to peel off

    Tapered

    Pros

    • harder to detect, so you can wear them out of the house
    • they stay on well, even if you get them a bit wet. I’ve washed my face with one on

    Cons

    • don’t absorb as much
    • COSRX ones only come in one size
    • if they absorb too much, they could come off easily
    • if you wear them for too long, they get sticky/gummy
    Rael Overnight Spot CoverCOSRX Acne Pimple Master PatchNexcare Acne Pimple PatchPanOxyl Pm Overnight Spot PatchesRael Invisible Spot CoverCOSRX Clear Fit Master PatchNacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot PatchSubi Beauty Perfect Pimple PatchRohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover PatchCOSRX AC Collection Acne PatchJUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish CareBY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield PatchPeace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing DotsTHEKSHOP Acne Pimple PatchSome By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot PatchSKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch
    type - hydrocolloid only vs. hydrocolloid with salicylic acid, tea tree, etc. hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid with salicylic acid
    hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid
    perforated sheet?perforatednot perforatednot perforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforated
    Tapered vs. non-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtapered
    # in a pack52243640481818182826303620391822
    7mm-10--------------
    8mm16-24-------------
    9mm---20----28-------
    10mm205--2418918--18--24912
    12mm129122024-9---1224-15910
    13mm------------20---
    14mm-----------12----
    9x13mm (oval)---------9------
    11x16mm (oval)---------9------
    15x23mm (oval)---------8------
    thickness--------0.2mm-0.4mm with 0.39 mm edge-----

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master patches are the cheapest in terms of cost per patch. I didn’t take into account the sizes. There are more 7mm ones in the pack, so if you don’t use those as often, maybe one of the other brands is more cost effective for you.

    Cost (CAD)Cost per patch
    Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch (54 count)$24 USD from subibeauty.com0.44
    Rohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover Patch (28 count)$9 from chuusi.ca0.32
    Rael Overnight Spot Cover (52 count)$15.99 from amazon.ca0.31
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (96 count)$24.46 from amazon.a0.25
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (72 count)$21.400.30
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (48 count)$14.52 from amazon.ca0.32
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (80 ct)$20.99 from amazon.ca0.26
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (40 ct)$11.99 from amazon.ca0.30
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch (36 count) $13.400.37
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch$12.49 from shoppersdrugmart.ca0.347
    Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch$5.99 from thekshop.ca0.33
    Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Patches (36 count)$12.77 from iHerb0.35
    COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (18 count)$4.80 from chuusi.ca0.26
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 count)$5 from chuusi.ca0.208
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (10 packs of 24 count)$37 from amazon.ca ($3.70 per pack)0.15
    COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch (26 count)$7.00 from chuusi.ca0.27
    JUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish Care (30 count)$6.99 from thekshop.ca0.23
    BY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield Patch (36 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.278
    Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch (18 count)$7.99 from thekshop.ca0.44
    THEKSHOP Acne Pimple Patch (39 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.256
    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch (22 count)$8 from thekshop.ca0.36

    Ranking the hydrocolloid patches in different categories:

    Ease of use

    Both Rael patches have perforated backings to make it easier to peel off the patches without folding them or ruining the side of the patch. One time I accidentally folded a bit of the side and then the patch didn’t lie flat on my skin. COSRX Clear Fit, Nacific and Subi Beauty patches also have perforated backings. PanOxyl and Nexcare do not have perforated backings.

    Packaging

    The Rael patches and the Nexcare patches come in boxes. The COSRX patches comes in a shiny plastic pouch, as does the Subi beauty (holographic) and Nacific which can’t be recycled. They all come in a little sleeve that keeps the patches sterile. My least favourite is the PanOxyl ones, it’s almost similar to the packaging of a bandaid where it’s hard to slide it back in because it’s a bit tacky. 

    Variety

    The Rael and COSRX patches are best for variety of sizes and tapered vs. non-tapered. Rael also offers larger sizes (for body) and micro-crystal patches. COSRX also sells AC Collection ones that are oval-shaped. 

    Accessibility

    COSRX and Rael can be bought on multiple sites. Nexcare is available on Amazon.ca and the Shoppers Drug Mart website. Subi beauty, I think, can only be purchased on their website. Nacific patches are pretty accessible to Canadians, but they’re more expensive than the others that I like.


    Most of the patches perform the same, but the Nexcare ones weren’t sticky enough (stuck to my hair in the middle of the night) and the PanOxyl ones are almost too sticky that I’m afraid it’ll pull off some skin (especially if the pimple has popped and it’s an open wound.)

    My top choices out of the brands would be Rael and COSRX. For me, the Rael ones are slightly more worth it because of the sizes available for both tapered and non-tapered. I rarely used the 7mm COSRX ones and, for some reason, they have more 7mm ones in their pack than the other sizes. I also like that Rael switched from a pouch with foil to a recyclable box.

    What pimple patch brand is your favourite?

    Love,

  • October 2019 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum* (read my review) – This was a nice product, but it’s way too expensive for what you get. I used this up in about a month (used it day and night). Because it comes in a tub and it’s very fluid, I used way more than I needed to and therefore finished it quicker than a bottle of the same size.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Pixi Vitamin-C Tonic* – I enjoyed this and my sensitive skin didn’t have any reactions to it.

    Repurchase? I would definitely buy this in the future.

    Heimish All Clean Balm (read my review) – I don’t know if the cleansing balm went bad or something, but it smelled very different from when I first got it. My skin was reacting to something and I don’t know if it was the cleansing balm or something else, but now I won’t know because I probably won’t repurchase it.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Foam – It was nice, but my face felt quite dry after using it. It wouldn’t become my everyday cleanser, but I might use it once a week to get a good clean.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6* (read my review) – Love this!

    Repurchase? Absolutely.

    Elle Derm Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream* (read my review) – This cream had salicylic acid. I prefer having a salicylic acid in a cleanser or a serum instead of my creams. 

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo – I’m picky when it comes to coconut scents, but this is one of my favourites. it doesn’t smell like fake coconuts or plastic.

    Repurchase? Probably.

    Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser – I like this exfoliating stick. It’s gentle on the face and easy to travel with.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – Love these. If you haven’t tried them, you should get acne patches!

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

  • Haul | March 2019 Korean Skincare

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I did a haul blog post and because I’ve been on a low buy, there’s been no reason to do one. I’ve almost run out of my current cleanser (KORAI Cloud Cleanser – read my review) and my COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review), so I decided to order a bunch of different ones to try. Hopefully, these will last a while because I bought so many. I purchased the products from Chuusi.ca (a Canadian online shop that sells Korean beauty and skincare). I’ve previously bought from them and they ship things out really quickly. Last time, I ordered and then received a notification 3 hours later. This time, it was the next day since I ordered on a weekend. I’m really excited to try the products I ordered:

    • 3x COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
    • 2x Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Mask Pack
    • Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
    • COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
    • Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
    • Heimish All Clean Balm
    • Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
    • Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel
    • NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling (Green Tea)
    • Tony Moly Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid.

    I’d love to try other acne patch brands. So far I’ve only tried COSRX and Nexcare ones (read my This or That post comparing them)

    Update: Click here to read my review comparing the two cleansing balms.

    Have you tried any of these products? What are your fave K-beauty products?

    Love,

  • 15 Beauty Favourites I’ve Repurchased | 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I love a lot of different makeup products, but surprisingly I’ve only repurchased a small number of products and most of them are skincare. There are so many amazing products out there that I want to try and I only really started getting into makeup a few years ago. I mean I’ve always liked makeup, but I’m still learning and hearing about new brands and products.

    Before 2013, I never wore foundation or primers. My first foundation was the Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation. I rarely wore it because it was so expensive and I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know primer was a thing back then and I told the Sephora lady that I wanted full coverage and I liked matte. She told me to buy a flat liquid foundation brush because it’s better for applying full coverage. I learned about using sponges years later and even then, I didn’t know it was supposed to be damp. *idea pops into head*…maybe I’ll do a blog post on things I’ve learned over the past few years. It could help someone who’s just getting into makeup. Watching videos on YouTube and reading other blogs has helped me a lot. There have been so many times where I was like “OOOHHH!!!! that makes so much more sense!!!” Anyway, the Becca foundation went bad before I even finished it (it oxidized- I had no idea what ‘oxidizing’ was back then. I just knew that the foundation had turned orange). Before 2016, I had never worn bronzer or highlighter and didn’t like wearing lipstick; I mostly wore lip balm, vaseline or gloss.

    I have yet to find a lot of my holy grail products. I have a lot of favourites, but I don’t have products in each category that I could safely say, “I only need to buy this mascara/concealer/foundation from now on!” In my favourites list, I have a lot of products that I am planning to repurchase, I just haven’t had the chance to do so. I want to finish up other products I have first (as you’ll know from my mid-year makeup inventory). Since doing my makeup inventory, I’ve decluttered a lot of things.

    Here are the 15 products I’ve repurchased (I’m sure there’s more, but these are the ones I could think of so far):

    L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara – This was a favourite of mine in high school and I decided to get it again. It’s still a fave of mine- I wouldn’t say it gives amazing volume, but it helps my lashes.

    L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – I’ve probably talked about this lipstick so much that you’re tired of it by now, but it’s such a beautiful pinky-peachy-nude (it’s peachy when I swatch it, but not on my lips).

    NYX Micro Brow Pencil – I love this brow pencil. It’s a great pencil for the price, but recently, I have been loving the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil.

    Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (read my review) – I really like this cleanser and the fact that it removes makeup is a plus. I’ve been buying the tiny travel-sized ones from Winners because it’s hard to get Glow Recipe in Canada (their website ships to Canada, but I’m worried I’ll get charged duties- anyone order from Glow Recipe and know if there’s any duties?)

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review) – This sleeping mask smells so good and when I wake up in the morning, my face feels hydrated.

    Garnier Micellar Water – I love this micellar water. I feel like I should try a different brand just to compare it. Maybe I’ll do that once I’ve finished the bottles I have.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick (read my review) – I bought more of these on sale, but I think I will purchase something else for spot treatments. I don’t really like how it’s like a concealer where you use a doefoot applicator to apply it and then put it back into the tube.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution (read my review) – I used this everyday until I finished the bottle. As a test, I stopped using it for a few weeks and then started applying it again and my face cleared up. Of course, I still have the dark spots from the acne, but it flattened them out which makes it easier to apply makeup.

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – These things are great. If you haven’t tried acne patches, you should!

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Foaming Cleanser, The Face Shop Phyto Charcoal Cleanser & The Face Shop 365 Spearmint Cleanser – I’ve bought these cleansers multiple times. I would use them every day when I showered (rotating between the two that I had in the bathroom). I think these cleansers were so good that they were making my face dry because I ran out of these cleansers a while ago and I’ve noticed my face hasn’t been as dry (still dry in some areas, but not as bad). When I buy these cleansers again, I’ll only buy one at a time and use it once or twice a week instead of daily.

    Simple Makeup Wipes – I’ve been buying these at Winners because they’re cheaper there. I really like these makeup wipes and they’re great on the go, but since I’ve been using them, I haven’t been using my micellar water as much. Once I finish my current pack, I’ll go back to micellar water.

    Soo’Ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel (read my review) – This peeling gel is awesome. It’s disgusting how your skin exfoliates off in little balls, but it works so well.

    Pixi Glow Tonic – When I was using the little bottle of this from a holiday kit, my face looked brighter and clearer.

    What products have you repurchased?

    Love,

  • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

    This or That | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Acne patches! COSRX vs. Nexcare! I love the COSRX patches (read my review) and I thought that I should try another brand to see if they all perform the same. So, keep reading if you want to find out which one I like better!

    Don’t worry! No gross pictures showing used pimple patches. You’ll just have to trust me on the fact that they both work! 😉

    20180806_000030

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

    The thin clear hydrocolloid patch feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture, adhering your skin strongly. It’ll stay on through showering and washing! It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria, which is what causes them in the first place. It’s able to breakdown debris from blackheads and absorb gunk from whiteheads overnight, so you won’t experience a harsh dry patch from using this. It even helps flatten and heal cystic acne faster!

    24 patches per pack (3 sizes):

    • 10 x 7mm
    • 5 x 10mm
    • 9 x 12mm

    20180806_000123

    Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers (2 sizes)

    Works like a sponge to absorb pus and oil

    Visibly indicates that it is working

    Acts as a protective cover, reducing the urge to squeeze

    Drug-free, non-drying

    36 patches per pack:

    • 24 x 8mm
    • 12 x 12mm

    72 patches per pack:

    • 48 x 8mm
    • 24 x 12mm

    20180806_000245
    COSRX (left), Nexcare (right)

    The Nexcare patches have a kind of plastic bandaid-y smell and they are also a bit tacky on top of the patch too. The COSRX ones have no smell and are not sticky on top. Both patches are the same thickness (from what I can see) and I think the Nexcare ones are slightly more yellow. When I have them on, you can see that I’m wearing it, but when I have the COSRX ones, you need to get closer to see that I’m wearing a patch.

    I like that the Nexcare covers are packaged on a clear sheet so it’s easier to see how many you have left. I also like that they are sandwiched between two clear sheets. They are stuck to one and the other is to cover them. For the COSRX patches, they are packaged on a white sheet, so it’s harder to see them sometimes.

    For both patches, it says you can wear them under makeup. Since they are thicker though, the makeup would collect around the patches and emphasized the patch more. You have to make sure to carefully blend out around it if you want to wear makeup on top. I choose not to wear patches when I wear makeup. I tend not to wear pimple patches outdoors unless it’s in a spot that’s hard to see.

    WINNER: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

    I used the acne patches overnight and the Nexcare ones came off in my hair two times. The COSRX ones are also cheaper (even when you get less per package) for Canadians if you’re buying online. The Nexcare ones were about $10-12 while the COSRX ones are $4.50 on chuusi.ca and if you bought two, you’d get more patches.

    The COSRX ones have 3 sizes whereas the Nexcare patches have 2 sizes. I usually have larger blemishes so the small COSRX patches are often leftover until I have a small enough pimple to use it. They also have more of the small size in a pack unfortunately.

    I’ve compared the COSRX patches with Rael Miracle Patches (read it here).

    I’ve also written a This or That comparing a few different brands (read it here).

    Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?

    Love,

    jen

  • Review | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

    Hi Everyone!

    If you’ve read my review on the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches, you’ll know that I love them. When I heard that they came out with a new pimple patch that is thinner. They also claim that you can apply makeup on top, so I wanted to try it. I found a Canadian website called Chuusi.ca that sold them. They retail for $4.50 CAD, but unfortunately you can only buy one package at a time (on Chuusi).

    x.jpgClear Fit Master Patch

    In a package for the Acne Pimple Master Patches, you get 24 (10 small, 5 medium, 9 large). I tend to use the medium ones the most. The Clear Fit Master Patches come in a package of 18 and they are all the same size (the same size as the medium master patches- 10mm).

    An ultra-thin hydrocolloid patch that conceals blemishes and absorbs impurities and oil. These patches are thinner and less visible than the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches, making them perfect for use under makeup and during the daytime.

    How to Use: After cleansing, dry the area around the acne, pimple, or blemish and apply patch to completely cover the spot. The patch goes on clear. When the patch becomes white, remove the patch and cleanse the area before applying a new patch.

    media-20180216.jpg

    media-20180216xcgI mostly bought the Clear Fit patches because I wanted to see how well they were disguised under makeup. If you want to know how well the patches work, go to my review on the Acne Pimple Master Patches. The clear fit patches are thinner and not as noticeable, but they don’t absorb as much as the Acne Pimple Master Patches. The Acne Pimple Master Patches are the same thickness for the whole patch and they also stick better. The Clear Fit ones are thin and then thicker in the centre.

    I tried one under makeup and it just emphasized the patch more. I tried several different ways to conceal the patch: a cream concealer from the Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette (read my review), Maybelline Fit Me concealer and a powder foundation. I tried using a brush, my finger and a sponge. I thought the sponge would work the best because you dab at it instead of moving concealer around the patch, but it didn’t make much of a difference. For the powder foundation, it didn’t do anything, it just made the patch look cloudy.

    media-20180216xczxty.png

    RATING: 4.5/5

    I was disappointed that the clear fit patches don’t work under makeup. Unless you plan to wear pimple patches out of the house, I think the Acne Pimple Master Patches are better than the Clear Fit ones because they absorb more and you get more in each package (although the small patches can be a bit useless).

    Have you tried acne patches?

    Love,

    jen