Skincare Report
These are the products that I’ve tried for the year.
All the products are purchased by me.
skin type: dry and sensitized skin
skin concerns: damaged skin barrier, dehydrated skin, dull skin, anti-aging, dark spots
age: 31
MAKEUP REMOVER
- repurchase
- empties
This cleansing balm is a classic kbeauty product that most people will actually love. It is easy to use, affordable and effective. I’ve finished at least two or three jars of these. This cleansing balm takes off all your makeup easily without stripping off your skin’s moisture. It spread and glide on your skin smoothly and dissolve your makeup effortlessly. It has a sherbet texture that is lightweight and easy to wash it off.
I have a love-hate relationship with its scent. I love the scent, but the fragrance is quite heavy. It doesn’t cause irritation on my skin but if you are sensitive to fragrance, you might want to think twice.
Another Kbeauty product that I love, it has a lighter scent and richer texture compared to the Banila Co Clean it Zero. It does remove all the makeup without drying out the skin. It is free from a lot of harmful ingredients such as paraben, sulfate, alcohol, and silicone. It contains shea butter, coconut extract, and lime extract so it feels moisturizing on your skin. When you wash it off with water, it turns into a milky texture. Your skin will feel soft and smooth after you rinse it thoroughly.
This is a new one that I bought. This one feels a little bit waxier than the other two. It does take the waterproof makeup off effectively and rinse off completely. But it contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate that is comedogenic and might trigger acne. It comes in a big jar 125ml, so I can see this one will last quite a long time. In addition, it doesn’t blur your vision and irritates your skin. Moreover, it is comprised of 100 percent vegan ingredients.
- empties
- repurchase
This is my second bottle and I’m sure that I will repurchase this one again. It takes my makeup off without irritates my skin. It feels like water, very simple and light. You won’t even feel that you are using a makeup remover. I love it feels refreshing like a toner, and it is so affordable. It contains niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol that is beneficial to your skin. However, it does not remove waterproof makeup like eyeliner, lip tint and mascara that well. You need to just set it on the makeup longer and go back and forth to remove it completely.
- repurchase
Bioderma H2O micellar cleansing water contains minimal ingredients but it removes all your makeup so well, even the waterproof one. It works like a magnet that lifts all the makeup, dirt and grime without leaving a trace. I love to bring this one with me every time I go to travel. It is easy to bring along, removes all types of makeup without feeling sticky or greasy on your face. Both of the micellar waters work well on my skin, but Bioderma removes waterproof makeup better than the simple one.
Face Cleanser
- repurchase
- safe for damaged skin barrier & sensitive skin
I started using this in May, and I’ve gone through half of the tube. It has a soft texture that pair very well with my Foreo device. It is very gentle and not very foamy(which I love) that is suitable for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. It is free of fragrance, therefore, the scent is not the best. Some people said it has a scent like a wall powder, I didn’t feel that way. This gentle cleanser does clean my face well and doesn’t strip off my skin’s moisture. It reminds me of a lot of my favorite cleanser First Aid Beauty face cleanser. Both have a similar texture, gentle to the skin and efficiently clean your skin without stripping off skin’s moisture.
- will not repurchase
- safe for damaged skin barrier & sensitive skin
I’ve used like ⅓ of this cleanser. However, this is probably one of the worst cleansers I’ve tried in my life. I had high hopes for this cleanser because I love Burt’s Bees and this cleanser does contain really good ingredients in it. For example, sunflower seed and coconut oil. It has a creamy and thick texture that is so hard to spread on your face evenly. It doesn’t really melt or dissolve even when it contacts with water. I tried every way I could but I really don’t like the texture. It spread more easily on dry skin though. Even though it does make my skin feel extremely moisturized and soft but I always worried that if I rinse it thoroughly or not. There are a couple of times I saw my face still has a little bit of cream remain(not dissolve at all). I need to be really attentive whenever I’m using this cleanser because I don’t want to clog my pores.
If you know of any ways that could make this cleanser easier to use, do let me know. I’ll still try to finish this one just to minimize waste.
Other Cleansers
All of the other cleansers are in a smaller tube. I only use them when I’m traveling somewhere. Whoo cleanser is quite foamy, I will not use it on my face every single day. I think they’ll strip off the moisture on my skin. I only use it if it’s a short trip and I want to travel light. It smells like Chinese medicine and helps with acne.
Toner
- repurchase
- empties
- safe for all skin types
This is my third bottle of HadaLabo Gokujun Hyaluronic lotion. This is by far the most affordable moisturizing toner that I’ve tried. No matter how many new toners I try, I always ended up going back this toner. I’m not fussy when it comes to toner. I only need something that is moisturizing or soothing. Most of my toners are from the drugstore. I do toner-masking from time to time, so I need a toner that’s free of alcohol. HadaLabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid that hydrate your skin. It is suitable for all skin types. You can apply two to three layers on your skin if you need a boost of hydration.
- empties
I also emptied another toner from HadaLabo. I’m pretty sure you know now how much I love this brand. This lotion contains allantoin and tranexamic acid that brighten and improve discoloration on the skin. This toner has a lighter texture compared to the hyaluronic one. However, I prefer the hyaluronic lotion more. The reason is that I did not feel any brightening effect on my skin. It works like a moisturizing toner to me. Thus, in this case, I’ll just use the HadaLabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion.
- empties
- repurchase
I finished two bottles of Bio-essence Energizing water. It is a face mist that contains minimal ingredients. The top ingredient is niacinamide which is one of my favorite ingredients. It replenishes and aids skin to repair itself. In addition, this face mist has a close to skin’s pH level which is pH 6.5. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. You can use this to set your makeup, moisturize your skin or calm your skin. I’ll repurchase this toner as it is gentle yet effective that moisturize and soothe my skin.
Serum
- empties
- will not repurchase
I thought I would love this hydrating serum from The Ordinary but unfortunately, I don’t. It contains 2% of hyaluronic acid and B5. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a powerful hydrating ingredient as it can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This serum enhances the skin’s hydration and the ability to retain moisture. It does moisturize and hydrate your skin. However, it feels really tacky on the skin. It needs some time to absorb into your skin. After it completely absorbs into your skin, it will feel less tacky. I’ll not repurchase this one because there are so many other products that contain hyaluronic acid with better texture.
- empties
- repurchase
It comes in a small tube which only contains 10ml each. But it does sell 5 packs in a box. Not only it contains hyaluronic acid, but it also contains CoEnzyme Q10 and Peptides. Both ingredients slow down the aging process and protect skin from external factors. It has a watery gel texture that absorbs into your skin within seconds. Your skin immediately feels plump and hydrating after it is fully absorbed. This one is my current no.1 hyaluronic acid essence for several reasons. First of all, it does deliver results on my skin. Secondly, it is easy to apply and suitable for all skin types. Last but not least, I love the packaging that comes in a small tube to ensure the freshness of active ingredients.
It comes in a jar containing 108 capsules. So if you use one capsule per day, this will last you approximately three months. It is easy to use, just take a capsule and twist it open each time. It has a scent and texture like fish oils(which I don’t like). The scent doesn’t linger though. Due to its thick consistency and takes some time to absorb into your skin. Even though it is whitening capsules, but I did not see any whitening effect on my skin. But it is a good anti-aging serum. My skin feels moisturized, tight and supple in the morning. If you want a whitening serum, skip this one. But if you are looking for an anti-aging serum and dry skin, you can consider this one. Capsule packaging also makes it very convenient for travelers, you don’t have to carry the whole jar with you, just bring the capsules that you need for the time being.
- repurchase
- empties
One of my all-time favorite serums, you can check the details here. Whoo Bichup Self-Generating Essence
Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence
- empties
Purito is a Kbeauty brand that takes a natural approach to strengthen and beautify your skin. This is their galacto niacin essence. It contains 92% of Galactomyces Fermentation and 5% of niacinamide. Galactomyces Fermentation is rich in minerals, vitamins and yeast peptides that moisturize and balance your skin. In addition, niacinamide brightens your skin and improves the overall skin’s texture. It comes in a bottle with a pump and the texture is featherweight and watery. It completely absorbs and penetrates into your skin in just a few seconds. My overall skin clarity is improved, but not my dark spots. However, it is very gentle. Most niacinamide products sting and cause irritation on my skin in the beginning stage but this one doesn’t. I’m not surprised as this brand is well-known for its safe and gentle formulation. This product is free from harmful ingredients, 100% vegan and pregnancy safe!
So this product is perfect for first-timer. If you want to try niacinamide products for the first time, this is the product for you. It is safe, natural and effective.
I want to try a product that contains a higher percentage of niacinamide, so I’ll not repurchase this one for now.
Face Cream
- empties
- will not repurchase
- safe for damaged skin barrier & sensitive skin
I heard a lot of good reviews about this moisturising cream and I finally bought and tried it. This cream is recommended by a lot of dermatologists because it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acids and ceramides. Besides, it is gentle and safe to use on sensitive skin or eczema skin. Frankly, I’m not impressed by this. First of all, I love the ingredients, very moisturizing and replenish dry and sensitive skin. But it has a rather thick texture that forms a protective barrier for your skin. It feels quite heavy on my skin, especially in the summertime. In addition, be careful not to use this one around your eye area, it will cause milia. I prefer the First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream over this one.
Physiogel Daily Defence Replenishing Night Cream (link)
- empties
- repurchase
- safe for damaged skin barrier & sensitive skin
One of my favorite face creams of all time. Click here to read more.
- empties
- repurchase
- safe for damaged skin barrier & sensitive skin
I almost finish my third bottle of Melvita Argan Oil. I’ve talked about this oil in my previous blog post many times. I absolutely love this argan oil and will repurchase this without a doubt. This is by far the best face oil I’ve tried. You can click here to read a more in-depth review.
- empties
- will not repurchase
This is a multipurpose cream hydrates, firms and tones skin. Different from other face creams, it has a gel-cream texture in black color. It is infused with precious black Kaviar, amino acids, black pearl and ocean minerals that nourish skin and reduce signs of aging. After you apply and spread it on your face, it will absorb and turn to a white/transparent color cream. It contains some very fine reflective iridescent particles that tone your skin and look glowing. I personally don’t like the multipurpose cream, I’d rather do my makeup separately. But if you want a product that moisturizes and tones your skin, this does the trick for you. On a side note, this can feel a little greasy when you first apply it. It definitely needs some time to absorb into your skin completely.
- will not repurchase
A cult favorite and recommended by many top makeup artists, this Embryolisse Lait Creme is a moisturizer, makeup primer, and face mask. I can see why it is favored by so many makeup artists because it is extremely moisturizing and smooth out your skin texture. As a result, your foundation glides on smoothly and lasts a long time. The active ingredients including shea butter, aloe vera, and soy proteins. All these ingredients moisturize and keep your skin soft and smooth. However, this product contains mineral oil and fragrance. In addition, mineral oil is one of the main ingredients. Therefore, I don’t recommend to anyone who is prone to sensitivity or acne. If you don’t mind those ingredients, this does make a really great makeup primer and moisturizer. I primarily use this as a makeup primer. It does make my foundation even and last longer.