What does my skincare routine have in common with uni textbooks? They're both updated frequently and are outdated by the time they're in print, and they take generous bites out of my bank account. By the time I post this at least two of these items will have become empties, so I figured they should get their time in the spotlight before they step off their pedestal.
Firstly the Neogen Wine Peel Gauze Pad is a fun novelty. Each gauze pad is double sided; one side is a gauze texture meant for manual exfoliation whilst the esssence it's soaked in provides some chemical exfoliation; the other side is soft and embossed, meant for toning the skin. It smells just like my favourite grape candy and the little pocket allows you to slip your fingers into the pad which adds some great points for ergonomics. I don't think it's a very concentrated or strong product since my skin has never felt sensitised after usage.
The FAB Radiance Pad feels more potent. It tingles with usage, but it's still mild enough that I could use it every 1-2 days without feeling overexfoliated. I saw more immediate and satisfying peeling and cell turnover of an obvious scar. The only con is that each one is about the size of a round cotton and some times I'll need to use two if I use it in the morning and there's a bit more gunk on my face. I'm sorry I don't have an image of these since I kept it to be used in my next empties post, but perhaps I'll have repurchased another tub by then.
AHA 7% is too strong for me. It causes tingling sensations on my skin which subsides, but it takes its toll on the skin around my mouth and I can immediately tell that area has been overexfoliated by the 2-3 days of peeling afterwards. Sorry that I don't have a picture of it, because I gave it away before I got to include it in the photoshoot.
I say toner but I love this more as a third cleanse/morning cleanser. It's so effective at removing any residual makeup that I don't feel clean unless I've used this product. As a morning cleanse it removes all the fluff that comes off my clothes (and somehow works its way up to my face when I'm sleeping), prepping my skin for makeup. I'm hooked. Check out my in-depth review here.
A standard eye cream that does the job. It feels thick and heavy when you first dispense it but it's offers a deceptively lightweight application experience, and has a mousse like texture. It helps to moisturise my undereyes and has definitely helped with smoother concealer application. I've seen a teeny reduction in my smile lines too, but somedays they're too prominent to really get rid of sigh
Whew updated skincare routines are fun. I got to know more about some of my products and I can finally clear out my packaging because I have no excuse to hoard them anymore XD Let me know if you've used any of these products before and what you think of them in the comments below!
1. Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Oil (Oil Cleanse)
I've never met an ineffective oil cleanser, and this one by Skinfood is no exception. It has some obvious slip to it and so doesn't feel thick and viscious. It emulsifies my makeup quickly and gently, and leaves my skin feeling conditioned after rinsing. The only product that it takes longer to scrub off are lip tint products, but that's why companies invented tint remover right?
Cleasning oil in action. The most stubborn of the swatches would be that massive pink stain there belonging to a Tonymoly tint.
The rub and rinse.
The rest of the makeup comes off with ease, even the liquid lip swatch, with the exception of the Tonymoly tint.
I've never met an ineffective oil cleanser, and this one by Skinfood is no exception. It has some obvious slip to it and so doesn't feel thick and viscious. It emulsifies my makeup quickly and gently, and leaves my skin feeling conditioned after rinsing. The only product that it takes longer to scrub off are lip tint products, but that's why companies invented tint remover right?
Cleasning oil in action. The most stubborn of the swatches would be that massive pink stain there belonging to a Tonymoly tint.
The rub and rinse.
2. Too Cool For School Sitkoza Cleansing Gel* (Second Cleanse)
One of my life goals is to be as cool as TCFC. Their packaging is always, always on point. This cleansing gel features cute fluoro skull packaging, possibly a suggestion that it kills all the dirt and grime nestled in my face.
The gel is non-foaming and has a lovely, fresh scent.
It's somewhat better than using water alone for removing makeup but definitely isn't a product to rely on if you're lazy and want to skip oil cleansing (although who would, that shiz feels amazing) because I've found leftover foundation and eyeliner traces after using this by itself. Since I always double cleanse though, I don't have a problem with this as a second cleanse.
Just to be extra I rubbed both hands with some Son&Park toner to see what was left. The left cotton pad was used for the TCFC cleanser, and it had some foundation liner, and more tint left on it. The other pad was a slight rosy pink front the tint too, but otherwise I saw no other traces of makeup.
One of my life goals is to be as cool as TCFC. Their packaging is always, always on point. This cleansing gel features cute fluoro skull packaging, possibly a suggestion that it kills all the dirt and grime nestled in my face.
The gel is non-foaming and has a lovely, fresh scent.
It's somewhat better than using water alone for removing makeup but definitely isn't a product to rely on if you're lazy and want to skip oil cleansing (although who would, that shiz feels amazing) because I've found leftover foundation and eyeliner traces after using this by itself. Since I always double cleanse though, I don't have a problem with this as a second cleanse.
Just to be extra I rubbed both hands with some Son&Park toner to see what was left. The left cotton pad was used for the TCFC cleanser, and it had some foundation liner, and more tint left on it. The other pad was a slight rosy pink front the tint too, but otherwise I saw no other traces of makeup.
3. Exfoliate
I am absolutely terrible with exfoliating - I don't have a set schedule, I don't bother testing products one by one so it's taken me ages to figure out what's good, great and meh.
Exfoliating Pads
Firstly the Neogen Wine Peel Gauze Pad is a fun novelty. Each gauze pad is double sided; one side is a gauze texture meant for manual exfoliation whilst the esssence it's soaked in provides some chemical exfoliation; the other side is soft and embossed, meant for toning the skin. It smells just like my favourite grape candy and the little pocket allows you to slip your fingers into the pad which adds some great points for ergonomics. I don't think it's a very concentrated or strong product since my skin has never felt sensitised after usage.
The FAB Radiance Pad feels more potent. It tingles with usage, but it's still mild enough that I could use it every 1-2 days without feeling overexfoliated. I saw more immediate and satisfying peeling and cell turnover of an obvious scar. The only con is that each one is about the size of a round cotton and some times I'll need to use two if I use it in the morning and there's a bit more gunk on my face. I'm sorry I don't have an image of these since I kept it to be used in my next empties post, but perhaps I'll have repurchased another tub by then.
Chemical Exfoliants (Liquid)
AHA 7% is too strong for me. It causes tingling sensations on my skin which subsides, but it takes its toll on the skin around my mouth and I can immediately tell that area has been overexfoliated by the 2-3 days of peeling afterwards. Sorry that I don't have a picture of it, because I gave it away before I got to include it in the photoshoot.
Physical Scrubs
I use this exclusively for my dry, scraggly lips. It scrapes and bunches up the shrivelled skin so I can apply my lip balm properly. Otherwise, the particles are too large and abrasive to use anywhere else. Jump to the next product to see a comparison shot of the size of the particles.
The beads in this one are so small it doesn't feel like it's damaging my skin at all. It definitely helps that it's dispersed across a cream and reduces the abrasive feeling. Left is the Klairs sugar polish and right is the Natio scrub. Keep in mind they're both meant to be mixed with some water during usage.
5. Goodal Moisture Barrier Liquid (Essence/Serum)
I thought I was breaking out from this when I first trialed it, but false alarm. I like this, it has a floral scent and it sinks in quickly.
Had I not done this post, I never would have realised it has alcohol in it. However it makes my skin feel very comfortable and despite it being winter, it often provides enough hydration that I don't need to layer another serum. Although the bottle is opaque I can tell how much is left by holding it up to the light - after more than 2 months usage I still have 40% of it left. Loving this stuff.
I thought I was breaking out from this when I first trialed it, but false alarm. I like this, it has a floral scent and it sinks in quickly.
6. Moisturiser
I alternate, or sometimes use simultaneously, two moisturisers, depending on how my skin is feeling. The lanolin cream is a very occlusive product which soothes and nourishes my skin. A little goes a long way and it's the only cream that I've felt the need to use the warmth of my hand to press and hold against my skin - it melts and absorbs straight in, leaving my face feeling wonderfully soft and nourished. If I use a thin and controlled amount, I can also use this under my makeup and the result is a very smooth, near flawless finish.
Acwell Aquazene Effector
Acwell is a brand I would love to get to know more. I've used their sheetmasks before which were a wildcard because the material was so thicky and heavy, but it ended up being fantastic at calming my skin down and reducing the redness. So when I saw their skincare line being sold, I had to give it a go.
The Acwell Effector is a gel moisturiser with an obvious fragrance. It's refreshing to apply and the only complaint I have is not knowing how much product I have left. The amount of silicones in this means it also doubles to prime my skin for makeup by smoothing the surface out. Does anyone know a cheaper seller to purchase Acwell from? I would love to try more products from them!
Acwell is a brand I would love to get to know more. I've used their sheetmasks before which were a wildcard because the material was so thicky and heavy, but it ended up being fantastic at calming my skin down and reducing the redness. So when I saw their skincare line being sold, I had to give it a go.
A standard eye cream that does the job. It feels thick and heavy when you first dispense it but it's offers a deceptively lightweight application experience, and has a mousse like texture. It helps to moisturise my undereyes and has definitely helped with smoother concealer application. I've seen a teeny reduction in my smile lines too, but somedays they're too prominent to really get rid of sigh
I've reviewed this product before. It's moisturising, cooling and spreads well without leaving a whitecast. The finish is slightly greasy but also glowy.
Whew updated skincare routines are fun. I got to know more about some of my products and I can finally clear out my packaging because I have no excuse to hoard them anymore XD Let me know if you've used any of these products before and what you think of them in the comments below!
Until next time,
Vivien | IG @vistillhere
* = affiliate link. I'm a StyleKorean affiliate, which means I get a small commission if you use my link to make a purchase. This all goes back to supporting my blog, and being an affiliate does not affect my opinion about the product in any way.
* = affiliate link. I'm a StyleKorean affiliate, which means I get a small commission if you use my link to make a purchase. This all goes back to supporting my blog, and being an affiliate does not affect my opinion about the product in any way.
Comments
Post a Comment
Share your thoughts