salicylic acid Archives

First Impressions with SkinCeuticals

October 4, 2021

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing two products I received from SkinCeuticals. I know I included these in my empties posts, but I thought I would do a separate review. I received the Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment for Aging Skin and Phlorectin CF. I had heard of @skinceuticalsca before, but didn’t know a lot about the brand. Their mission is to “provide advanced skincare backed by science.” Thanks to @bnation_bicom and @skinceuticalsca I get to try these two products out.

Their products come in simple packaging which I don’t mind. While it’s fun to take pictures of pretty skincare bottles, I’d rather spend my money on effective products than pretty pink/blue/purple packaging.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment for Aging Skin

Skin Type: Oily, Combination

Skin Concern: Acne, Aging

Blemish + Age Defense is an oil-free, targeted approach for aging and blemished-prone skin. This first-to-market acid blend uniquely combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

Ingredients

Active: Salicylic Acid 1.5%.

Inactive: Alcohol Denat., Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycolic Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Octadecenedioic Acid, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Citric Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10

Retails for $112 CAD on the SkinCeuticals.ca website

RATING: 4/5

I did notice that my skin looked better while using this and it didn’t make my skin too dry or too oily. Since my skin is already dry, I made sure to use a hydrating serum with it and I only used it on my problem areas instead of using on my whole face (to save product).

I used a couple of drops morning and night. I like that it doesn’t have a scent. When you first put it on, you can smell the Alcohol in it (that’s the ingredient that’s listed first), but the alcohol smell dissipates after applying it. Unlike some other acne care products, this treatment doesn’t feel as tacky as other products I’ve tried and I like that. It’s one of the few products I’ve tried that has salicylic acid that hasn’t made my face red and/or itchy after using it. I can’t say how well it works for anti-aging since I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines. Before using this product, I have had a bit of texture on my forehead, I don’t know if it was from products I was testing out or diet (or maybe a bit of both). While I used this product, my forehead cleared up.

Skinceuticals Phlorectin CF

Phloretin CF features a patented unique combination of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid for enhanced protection against atmospheric skin aging – environmental stressor damage and premature signs of aging caused by free radicals from infrared radiation (IRA), UVA/UVB, and ozone pollution (O3). In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, Phloretin CF visibly enhances the appearance of discoloration, reduces fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination

Skin Concern: Discoloration, Acne, Aging

Ingredients: Aqua/water/eau, dipropylene glycol, alcohol denat., ascorbic acid, butylene glycol, triethyl citrate, phloretin, ferulic acid

Retails for $190 CAD on the Skinceuticals.ca website

RATING: 2/5

This product isn’t really geared towards my skin type since I have dry skin. I didn’t like the smell of this one. It smelled sweet like brown sugar. It also made my face feel tacky the whole day and I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin either. Even if this was a more reasonable price (it’s $190 CAD for 30 mL), I wouldn’t purchase because of the scent.

I think I would consider using SkinCeuticals products when I’m a bit older since they are quite expensive. I might consider repurchasing the Blemish + Age Defense serum again.

Have you tried SkinCeuticals products? Did you think they were worth the high price?

Love,

*Products were sent to me for review. Ingredients and descriptions in Italics were taken from the SkinCeuticals.ca website.

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First Impressions with Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

September 3, 2021
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing the Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Normal to Dry Hair I received from Topbox Circle.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo formulated to realign the hair scalp to eliminate 100% of visible dandruff*. You can now break up with flakes, itch, and irritation associated with dandruff and dry scalp. Up to 6 week anti-relapse promise. Recommended by dermatologists.

The Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo exfoliates and treats visible dandruff on the scalp from the very first application. More importantly, this professional product is the best dandruff shampoo to prevent its return. Results are continuous for up to six weeks post-use. Efficacy tested under dermatological control.
- Skin Type: Normal Sensitive
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- 100% Hypoallergenic
- Tested under dermatological conditions
- Tested on sensitive scalps
Ingredients: 1144624 B3 – Active ingredient (w/w) / Ingrédient actif (p/p) selenium sulfide 1%

Non-medicinal ingredients / Ingrédients non-médicinaux aqua • sodium laureth sulfate • glycol distearate • dimethicone • coco-betaine • glycerin • salicylic acid • parfum • sodium chloride • PPG-5-ceteth-20 • citric acid • sodium hydroxide • carbomer • sodium benzoate • tocopheryl acetate • menthol • 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol • CI 47005. (Code F.I.L. : C264790/1).

It retails for $19.95 CAD for 200 mL

In the past, I used to wash my hair every day, but now I try to do every other day. Sometimes I’ll stretch it to 2 days, but that’s my limit because my hair will get greasy and I tend to get headaches easily. I can easily wash hair every other day and I don’t have any dandruff, but if i stretch it to longer, the oil can build up to cause dandruff. TMI, I’m also prone to acne on my scalp (usually the back of my head), so I was hoping that this shampoo would help since it has salicylic acid and it did!

I followed the directions and tried using it twice a week (the website advises using it 1-3 times a week). So I went for twice to see. On the second time I used it, I noticed the next day that my hair was oilier than usual. I think my scalp was over compensating for the active ingredients in the shampoo. I decided to decrease to using the treatment once a week which worked best.

RATING: 3/5

Whenever I used the shampoo, I noticed that my hair looked quite shiny (healthy shine, not oily shine) the next day, but I just don’t love the scent. It smells a bit like chemicals to me, so I would use the Vichy shampoo on my scalp and then follow up with a nice-smelling shampoo/conditioner on the ends. I wouldn’t purchase this one on my own and I I’d rather try a different shampoo that’s not as expensive. I know Head & Shoulders shampoos have come a long way since I last tried it (probably like 10 years ago). Now they have scented shampoos instead of just the regular Original Head & Shoulders scent.

Have you tried Vichy Dercos shampoos? What are your faves?

Love,
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July 2020 Product Empties

July 31, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I don’t have too many empties this month. I think most of my products are fairly new so my product empties posts will only have a few items every month.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – I started using this as a moisturizer since I have quite a few primers and I know it keeps me moisturized. My skin was having a reaction and this was the only product I had that wasn’t new.

Repurchase? Absolutely! (Note: the travel size is more cost effective than the glass bottle)

Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash – This cleanser is meant for normal to oily skin. I have dry skin so it’s not really geared towards my skin type. I really wanted to try it though. It didn’t make my skin feel overly dry either. I purchased the 500mL bottle which was expensive for a cleanser, but it lasted a year. I used one pump every day during my nighttime skincare routine and it lasted more than a year.

Repurchase? No, but I would try something for dry skin from Kiehls.

Nanacoco Cleansing Oil* – This was a good cleansing oil. It had a floral fragrance to it which I didn’t mind. However, I would prefer a cleansing oil without a fragrance since I have sensitive skin.

Repurchase? No.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel – This acne gel works great as a spot treatment. It will help dry up a pimple that has a whitehead. It won’t be immediate, but if you use it for a couple days, you should see your blemish go down. This little bottle lasted a long time since I only used it as a spot treatment.

Repurchase? Probably not.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.

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Foundations | My Hits & Misses

March 17, 2020
Hi Everyone!

I’m sharing my hits and misses for all foundations that I’ve tried (that I can remember).

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

Just a heads up that there are quite a few cult fave foundations that I don’t love as much as everyone else. There are more foundations that I’ve tried samples of, but 1) this post would be way too long and 2) I don’t have a full opinion on them since I only used them a handful of times. This post will only include liquids/creams/cushions/sticks. I will include powder foundations in my Powder Hits & Misses post since I haven’t tried as many. It will also only include foundations that are still available. I’m going to keep my little reviews as short as I can especially if I have a full review of the foundation. I will link them so you can read them if you’d like.

In no particular order, here are my Hits, Likes and Misses:

Hits

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick (read my review) – This might be my favourite stick foundation I’ve tried to date. I even had the wrong shade. It was perfect for a girls trip. I packed this to use as foundation/concealer. This is one of my favourite Bobbi Brown items (Bobbi Brown Hits & Misses). I bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale and would definitely pay full price for it.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 – This would be my 2^nd favourite stick foundation.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation (read my review) – Love this. Even though it’s labelled as a foundation, it’s more like a tinted moisturizer. If only they had more shades available (I’m in between shades).

Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation – I need to find the right shade because the one I was using is too pink for me.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – I feel like this has a little more coverage than what I’d consider a tinted moisturizer. It’s a great product though.

Likes

Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation – Beautiful foundation and one of the closest matches I’ve ever had. It does have fragrance in it and oddly enough, it doesn’t smell that great. I would rather try the self-refreshing one that doesn’t have any fragrance in it.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation (read my review) – While this was a beautiful foundation, it just didn’t last long on me. I don’t know if the primers I tried were just too slippy or something. It looked beautiful on the skin, but I just couldn’t find the right shade match. It was either too pink or too orange.

Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50* (read my review) – Nice cushion foundation, but I’m between shades.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation – Can’t find a good shade match, but this is a nice foundation.

Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation (read my review) – I wish this had a pump. I’m also not crazy about the scent of this. Not my fave foundation.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick (read my review) – I liked it, but didn’t love this enough. It was just too full coverage for me (even when I used a very thin layer).

Hera Black Cushion Foundation – My sister got this for me in Korea. I just picked a shade that I thought would be okay based on pictures. Even though I’m quite light, the shade is too light for me. Plus, this is very fragranced (like a lot of K-Beauty products). The foundation itself is nice, but the fragrance is just too much for me. Plus, it’s hard for me to get in Canada. If it is available, it’s more than I’m willing to spend. So, I’d rather spend the money on something else.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation (read my review) – not my fave, but not my least fave.

The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream (read my review) – At the time I wrote the review for this, I really enjoyed it. Since then, I’ve tried other products I prefer more.

Perricone MD No Foundation Serum Broad Spectrum SPF30 (read my review) – Nice foundation that looks natural and provides sheer coverage.

Misses

For the foundation misses, there are ones that either just didn’t impress me much, didn’t provide enough coverage or had too much coverage.

Almay Clear Complexion Make Myself Clear Makeup* – I don’t really want makeup that has salicylic acid.

NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil* (read my review) – not my shade and coverage was too light for me.

Bali Body BB Cream (read my review) – This provided no coverage whatsoever.

NYX HD Studio Photogenic Foundation – Broke me out and smelled like plastic.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer – Was way too thick for me and shade range wasn’t great.

Garnier BB Cream – Shade range is terrible and it made my eyes water. Too much alcohol in it??

Nars Velvet Matte Foundation Stick – I bought this at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale and it just didn’t wow me. It sounds kind of mean, but there’s a reason that this is rarely on lists of Fave Stick Foundations.

Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation – Washed off easily with water and looked patchy on dry spots. What would happen if I wore this when it’s raining or went on a Maid of the Mist boat tour??

Nude by Nature Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation* (read my review) – Not enough coverage.

Nude by Nature BB Cream* (read my review) – Not enough coverage.

Wet N Wild Photofocus Foundation – Shade was wrong, too matte for me. I know they came out with a dewy version, but I also didn’t like the smell or the fact that it used a spatula instead of a pump.

The following foundations are ones I can’t give a definitive opinion on:

Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation – I think I had the wrong shade and also knew nothing about applying it. I ended up throwing this out despite not using it very often.

Holika Holika Gudetama Photo Ready Cushion Foundation – wrong shade. Wasn’t my fave cushion though.

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation – This was one of the first liquid foundations from the drugstore that I bought. It smells like chemicals, but I remember it being nice (I had the wrong shade though).

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – I can’t say if I like or hate this because I bought the wrong shade. I bought this before I knew what I wanted in a foundation. I never fully tested it out. I would prefer a foundation that has a pump (instead of buying one separately and NARS has nice foundations that come with a pump).

To Try
- Bite Changemaker Micellar Foundation
- L’Oréal Infallible 24Hr Freshwear Foundation
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
- Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
What are your fave foundations?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.
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First Impressions with Ellé Derm Australia

August 23, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing an All-in-One Day and Night moisturizing cream. I was sent the Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream from an Australian brand called ellé derm. A little bit about the brand:

Founded by a pharmacist with over fourteen years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, we saw market demand for a product that is effective, derived from natural ingredients and have multiple benefits to fit in with our busy lifestyle.

Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream

Designed to help improve skin clarity, brighten skin complexion and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Benefits:
· Provide skin hydration for softer skin · Brighten skin complexion · Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Skin Types:
All skin types, except very sensitive and eczema

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Inulin, Fructose, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Oleate, Oligopeptide-68, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol [Natural, ECOCERT], Water, Cantella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance [Essential Oils], Potassium Sorbate.

RATING: 3.5/5

Based on the description, it’s probably not the best for my skin type since I have both sensitive skin and eczema. I tried it out anyway and while I don’t have fine lines and wrinkles, I do have acne-prone skin and this cream has squalane and salicylic acid. I had a bad breakout on my chin from my period and the cream seems to be helping. It doesn’t have much of a scent which I like. It stays a bit tacky throughout the day, but that just means it doesn’t absorb too quickly and keeps your face hydrated. I used to use salicylic acid products all the time, but now I’ve cut it down to using it only when I need it.

This is a nice cream, but it isn’t geared towards my skin type. I will continue using it when I have a breakout. It’s more beneficial for someone who doesn’t have sensitive skin or someone older since it helps with wrinkles and fine lines. Also, it’s an Australian brand and you have to pay shipping for international orders. If you live in Australia, this is a nice brand to try out.

Have you heard of Ellé Derm Australia? Check them out on Instagram or Facebook!

Love,

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YouTubers Made Me Buy It

July 27, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Have you ever watched a beauty YouTuber review a product and they rave about it so you have to go buy it too? Or read a beauty blogger and saw swatches of the prettiest highlighter that you had to get? Well, there have been quite a lot of products that I’ve purchased over the past two years because I saw a cool video or I watched/read reviews. I’ll let you know if I liked the product and if I’d repurchase.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these, but I kind of wish they had different packages for different sizes. Sometimes I have a ton of the smallest size left over until I get a teeny, tiny whitehead.

Repurchase? Absolutely!!

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – I bought this last year and don’t know if it was working that well. I had to stop because my skin was reacting to something I was using.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I quite liked this cleanser and it didn’t dry out my skin too much from the salicylic acid.

Repurchase? Yes.

CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask – This is kind of messy. If you put too much on, it can drip. It’s very hard to wash off your hands and clothes. The best way is to let it dry and then peel it.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather try a Biore Pore strip for the face.

Essence I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base – I haven’t put this through testing yet, but I like the formula and I have noticed that it does intensify eyeshadows.

Repurchase? Yes.

Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara – This mascara is like $5 and it’s great! It does dry out fairly quickly, but it’s not as painful as buying a $30 tube and having it dry out on you.

Repurchase? Probably. I just bought two other Essence mascaras to see how they compare.

Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (read my review) – It removes hair pretty well and I like the light it has attached when you turn it on.

Repurchase? I’d get the rechargeable one if I get another one.

Garnier All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Water – Originally, I was like, “why does everyone love this water? Isn’t it just water?” Oh, how wrong I was to think that. I love this stuff!

Repurchase? Already have!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review)- I love the smell of this. It smells so fresh and feel so nice on the skin.

Repurchase? Yes.

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is very finely milled and comes with a cute little puff. I’m not a huge fan of the mint smell, but it sets and mattifies my makeup nicely.

Repurchase? Possibly.

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise (read my review) – I compared this to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I’m sad to say that I’m not a fan of either one.

Repurchase? No.

Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser (read my review) – I saw this in a BuzzFeed video, I believe and had to see if it really worked. I really like it because it’s so soft.

Repurchase? I bought a dupe that was a 4-pack, so it’ll take me a while, but I’d repurchase when I need to.

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter (read my review) – This is a beautiful highlighter that gives that wet, metallic look.

Repurchase? Yes, I really want some of the other shades.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – I’ve tried the Matte + Poreless and the Hydrate + Smooth, I preferred the Hydrate + Smooth because it gave a dewy finish.

Repurchase? No. No more drugstore foundations for me.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I read that the Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, uses this (don’t know if she still does) and I had to try it for myself.

Repurchase? I bought this, but haven’t tried it yet.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – This smells like chemicals to me.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation – This was the first drugstore foundation I got. I bought the wrong shade and back then, I didn’t know what primer was or that you had to wet the sponge. Knowing what I know now, I could probably get a better match and get a more beautiful application, but no more drugstore foundations for me.

Repurchase? No. I didn’t love the smell of this.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – If you read my Mid-Year Inventory on Foundations (click here), you’ll know that I’m looking to find high-end foundations with different finishes and coverage. I didn’t love this one and I’d rather get the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation as my sheer foundation.

Repurchase? No.

NYX Setting Spray (Matte) – I think I’d rather pay a little more for a better quality setting spray. I don’t know if this helped a whole lot, but it made my eyes water.

Repurchase? No.

Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter – Why pay $50 when you can pay a fraction of that for a gorgeous, butter highlighter?

Repurchase? Absolutely!! I need more shades!!!

Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Blends like a dream and smells so good (which is surprising because I’m not a huge fan of scented things!!)

Repurchase? Definitely!!

Pixi Glow Tonic – I got a pack that had a travel-size bottle of this and I will definitely be picking up a bigger size when I’m done my current toner.

Repurchase? Definitely!! (UPDATE: I think I’m allergic to witch hazel which means I can no longer use this).

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (read my review) – I love Pixi and it smells so good and keeps the face hydrated.

Repurchase? YES!

Pixi Peel & Polish (read my review) – I liked this, but it smells like paint to me and I’ve found other brands I like better.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This sponge gets huge when it’s damp and I love that it has a flat side. I bought this at Winners (4 pack for $20) which was cheaper than at the drugstore.

Repurchase? Absolutely! At Winners though.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I didn’t know what I was missing until I bought this eyelash curler. Previously, I’ve used a Tweezerman, Revlon and Sephora lash curler, but this one beats all of those.

Repurchase? When I need to buy a new one, yes!! Although I hear that the Shiseido one is good too and you can buy just the refills for that.

Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – So pretty!! I wish I could get more shades, but Wet N Wild is hard to find in Canada and Rexall only has a selection of Wet N Wild products.

Repurchase? If I can get my hands on it, yes!!

A lot of the products on this list, I would repurchase. For most of these, I heard more than a few good reviews, which made me buy them. So, it’s no surprise that I love them too.

What products have you bought because of a YouTuber’s recommendations?

Love,

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My First K-Beauty Haul | January 2018

January 23, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I bought some things from a Canadian-based online store that specializes in Asian beauty products. Most Asian products are really expensive on Amazon.ca or hard to find, so I was looking for a Canadian website that has free shipping and I found Chuusi.ca. They ship via Canada post and it’s free shipping if you spend $60 or more (under $60, you pay a flat rate depending on your province). I was super impressed with how fast they shipped it- I ordered it and 3 hours later, I got an email saying it was on its way! They also included three samples in my package. I ordered items from COSRX, Etude House and INNISFREE.

I’m excited to try these products out. I have had the No Sebum powder, Eye Primer, acne patches and cleanser on my wishlist for a while. I got the silk finger balls to see if they actually work and the makeup remover because it’s good for sensitive skin.

Etude House Lip & Eye Remover – This is a good makeup remover. No complaints here. I thought it was funny that this just said ‘lip and eye remover,’ they should really say ‘lip and eye makeup remover’ 😀

Gently dissolves traces of makeup from the eyes and lips. The dual-phase formula is mild yet effective, minimizing irritation to the sensitive skin in the area.

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer – I like that it’s a thin formula. I haven’t put it to the test yet, so I don’t know how well it performs.

Make your eye makeup more vibrant, longer lasting with the Proof 10 Eye Primer, and get through the day (and night) knowing that your eyeshadows and eyeliner are in their place. No more runny panda eyes, and no more greasy creasy! The light weight texture makes the primer easy to spread, without being too sticky so the eyeshadows are still blendable. Available in a light beige color to give light matte coverage to the eyelids, covering up discoloration and brightening up the eyes.

COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (read my review) – I love the Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review), so I thought I’d give these a try because they are thinner. I was excited to try this because it says you can use under makeup. When I tried it, I was disappointed that it looked terrible under makeup. It was better to just apply it and not put makeup on.

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. Each package contains 18 individual patches.

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I liked this cleanser. It helped with acne and it’s gentle enough to use every day even though it has salicylic acid.

A renewed cleanser from the original Cosrx Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and various botanical ingredients including Tea Tree oil and Willow bark extracts, this cleanser gently removes impurities and excess sebum while soothing the skin. The creamy formula lathers into a bubbly foam and leaves your skin mattified and clarified.

This cleanser is suitable for combination to oily skin types.

COSRX Blackhead Silk Finger Balls – I need to try these out and I’ll write a review on them.

Made with 100% natural silk cocoons to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and blackheads, leaving your skin feeling smooth and clear in an instant! Massage your skin with a finger ball once or twice a week to help stimulate circulation and promote better absorption of skincare products to follow.

INNISFREE No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is great because it’s so finely milled. I don’t love the smell though; it’s like a minty, medicinal scent.

The Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is a loose powder that helps control oil and excess sebum. Formulated with Jeju natural minerals, this oil-control powder is a must-have for setting your make up and preventing it from becoming patchy due to excess oil.

Comes in a translucent color that helps brighten dull skin tones!

So that’s what I bought from Chuusi. I like what I’ve tried so far.

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

Love,

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Review | The Face Shop Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment

December 28, 2017

Hi Everyone!

If you have acne-prone skin like I do, you probably know about Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Acne Spot Treatment and Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. Last year, I bought The Face Shop’s Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment thinking it was a dupe, but it contains different ingredients. The EradiKate and Drying Lotion contain sulfur, whereas the Clean Face Clear Away Spot contains salicylic acid and tea tree extract.

It works in the same way as the Drying Lotion and EradiKate, you use a q-tip to pick up the sediment at the bottom and dab it onto your problem areas. Because it doesn’t have sulfur, the smell isn’t nearly as strong, it smells more like rubbing alcohol and tea tree oil.

I bought the acne treatment for $17 CAD for 18 mL (at the time of purchase last year, price may have gone up).

A special care product that instantly soothes and controls breakouts

Contains Tea Tree Extract that soothes the acne and purify the skin, and Salicylic Acid that removes dead skin cells effectively

Provides soothing effects and controls the excessive sebum production with Calamine Powder

Prevents inflammation, pigmentation, and anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles and dehydration

To compare, I have the EradiKate (I’ve never used the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion). I have acne-prone and sensitive skin, so my skin gets very dry from products that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

I wouldn’t suggest using this overnight because after a few minutes, it hardens and gets very flaky. If your face makes the slightest movement, it will start to flake off.

RATING: 4/5

Obviously it doesn’t work as well as the EradiKate, but if you’re looking for something gentler than the EradiKate or Drying Lotion, this is a great alternative because of the salicylic acid.

What acne treatments do you use?

Love,

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