Azelaic Acid Products

I thought I could make myself a list of products containing Azelaic Acid! When browsing websites I sometimes run into them but can't remember the names later. I will update when I find more. Making lists helps me so that I just don't outright buy everything. :)

Azelaic Acid still seems to be quite rare ingredient even though it's beneficial for many skin concerns, like acne, aging and rosacea. It seems that nonprescription products have maximum 10 % of Azelaic Acid and prescription creams 15-20 %.

Personally I have little experience with Azelaic Acid but I guess that's why I'm still so intrigued! I tried The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Solution but it was either breaking me out, I was using it wrong, or my skin was throwing a tantrum back then anyway. Take your pick! Right now I just opened Skinoren Cream 20% and I've been using it for a couple of nights and even though it's too early to say much, I think my cheeks look better, smoother. But my cheeks are not my problem area to begin with. I have not experienced any itching, dryness or new breakouts yet.

Disclaimer: All the pictures in this post are promotional photos by the brands and I don't own them. The products are in a completely random order. I have converted all the prices to euro so that it's easier for me to compare their value.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Price: 7,20 € / 30 ml

Other: The most affordable out of the bunch.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Price: 37 € / 30 ml

Other: Includes also salicylic acid.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Azelaic Acid (skin-brightening/tone-improving), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (skin-replenishing), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (emollient), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Cetearyl Alcohol (texture enhancer), Glyceryl Stearate (texture enhancer), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Salicylic Acid (exfoliant), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (skin-soothing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Cyclopentasiloxane (texture enhancer), Xanthan Gum (stabilizer), Sclerotium Gum (stabilizer), Propanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

 Ducray Keracnyl Serum

Price: 15-25 € / 30 ml

Other: No mention of the Azelaic Acid %, but seeing as it is quite high on the ingredient list I would take a wild guess that it's close to 5-10%. Includes also Glycolic Acid.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), caprylic/capric triglyceride, azelaic acid, dicaprylyl ether, glycolic acid, glycerin, nylon-12, glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, dimethicone, acetic acid, ceteareth-33, disodium edta, fragrance (parfum), glyceryl laurate, myrtus communis leaf extract, niacinamide, sclerotium gum, sodium chloride, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate.

Ducray Melascreen Depigmenting Care

Price: 28 € / 30 ml

Other: No mention of the Azelaic Acid %, but I read on some random pharmacy site it's 12%. Also includes Glycolic Acid, according to the same pharmacy site 3%.

Ingredients: Aqua, azelaic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dicaprylyl ether, cetearyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane, glycolic acid, cyclohexasiloxane, glyceryl stearate, ceteareth-33, sodium hydroxide, acetic acid, benzoic acid, disodium EDTA, sodium chloride, tocopherol.

Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex

Price: 67 € / 30 ml

Other: Identical ingredient list with Ducray's Melascreen Depigmenting Care! How can that be? I think both lists are from reputable sites. Is it some ready-made formula sold to both brands by a third party? No mention of Azelaic Acid %, but if the formulas are the same, it's probably 12%, and Glycolic Acid 3%. Glytone's product is just double the price.

Ingredients: Water, Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycolic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-33, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol.

Garden of Wisdom Azelaic Acid 10% Serum

Price: 10 € / 30 ml

Other: Affordable serum but international shipping from Victoria Health is also about 10 € (for one kg).

Ingredients: Spring Water, Azelaic Acid 10%, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Leucidal SF (Lactobacillus Ferment), Jojoba Protein, Silica Gel, Carbomer, Dehydroxyxanthan Gum, Liposomes (Phospholipon) (they are derived from SOY), Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)

Youth Lab Balance Mattifying Cream

Price: 29 € / 50 ml

Other: No mention of Azelaic Acid %. Seems like it could be close to 10%, it's quite high on the ingredient list. I must say I'm rather intrigued by this cream, but hesitant because of shea butter and jojoba.

Ingredients: Aqua, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Azelaic Acid, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide 3, Chlorphenesin, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba, Cyclopentasiloxane, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Ethyl Linoleate, Farnesyl Acetate, Glyceryl, Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Glycyrrhetinic Acid Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Oligopeptide-24, Panthenol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Parfum, PEG-100 Stearate , Phytosterols, Polyisoprene, Polysilicone-11, Pyridoxine HCl, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soy Isoflavones, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Zinc PCA.

Jan Marini Rosalieve Redness Reducing Complex

Price: 81 € / 30 ml

Other: No mention of Azelaic Acid %, but as it is the second ingredient, would be weird if it's not 10% or a bit over (and also considering the price!).

Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Azelaic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Tetrapeptide-14, Ranunculus Ficaria Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Allantoin Acetyl Methionine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mel (Honey) Extract, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Quartz, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

Cos De BAHA AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum

Price: 11 € / 30 ml

Other: 10% of Azelaic Acid. Haven't heard anything about this Korean brand before and it's available for example on Ebay. Looks like a good serum but I'd like to hear some reviews if it's a legit brand/product!

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, *Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract

DERMAdoctor Picture Porefect Pore Minimizer

Price: 38 € / 30 ml

Other: No mention of the Azelaic Acid %. Looks like a gentle formula. One of the most expensive ones. I think it's not available in Europe.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Azelaic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arachidyl Alcohol, Yeast Amino Acids, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tricalcium Phosphate, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Mitracarpus Scaber Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Leaf Extract, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Sutilains, Beta-Carotene, Diacetyl Boldine, Dithiaoctanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Arachidyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Poly Methyl Methacrylate/EDMA, Hexylene Glycol, Lecithin, Gluconic Acid.

Vipera Cos-Medica Acne-Prone Skin Night Bio Serum

Price: 11 € / 30 ml

Other: No mention of Azelaic Acid %, probably not very much, but could still be 2-5%.

Ingredients: ISOPENTYDIOL, AQUA, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, AZELAIC ACID, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PEG/PPG-20-15 DIMETHICONE, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PARFUM.

PCA Skin Acne Gel

Price: 47 € / 29,5 ml

Other: No mention of Azelaic Acid %, but the product's work horse is 2% Salicylic Acid. Probably not that much of AA, but enough to have some calming effect. Includes also Denatured Alcohol which may or may not be drying.

Ingredients: Active: Salicylic Acid (2.0%) Inactive: Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Ethoxydiglycol, Azelaic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Extracts Of Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root And Poterium Officinale (Green Burnet) Root, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Potassium Hydroxide.

Travel Skincare Shopping in Krakow, Poland

I visited Krakow for a few days, a bit of an summer ex tempore thing I think? I've been wanting to visit Poland for a while and Krakow is often listed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the old town is UNESCO World Heritage Site. If I sound like I'm trying to sell you a holiday trip it's because I found Krakow so charming and welcoming! Krakow is a perfect mix of nature, old and modern. Busy cozy streets with quiet little nooks and parks here and there, very clean, only a short trip by bus and I was in the middle of the forest or in a very very beautiful quiet townhouse neighborhood with a lot of interesting architecture or in Wieliczka eating crepes. I would love to visit Poland again and take a bus trip through the country. Wonder how that would go as I didn't even learn to properly pronounce "dziękuję" during my visit... Polish is a difficult language!

Anyway, because I was travelling with hand luggage only there's only so much you can fit under 100 ml liquids in that 1 liter plastic bag. Also I didn't plan on buying things so I just did a quick googling on a whim and then went to store to stare at all the jars and tubs. Only affordable ones because all my money went to flight tickets. :) I must say I recommend having a check in baggage (and more money) so that you can freely choose whatever you want to purchase. It will be easy to fill because there are so many interesting things (if you are not super picky of course). I regret not buying more makeup though. I liked Galeria Kazimierz better than Galeria Krakowska because it was more relaxed place and everyone seemed a lot more happy there!

Also, I had some trouble getting cash as most ATM's didn't work with my card for some reason (???) but I was able to pay with card in every store. Notice, Poland doesn't use euros, they have Polish Zloty.

Some Polish skincare brands I found by googling/saw in stores (don't know which are recommended or popular): Bandi Professional, Dermofuture Precision, Ziaja, Barwa Siarkowa/Cosmetics, Loton Cosmetics, Soraya, Bielenda, Iwostin, AA Cosmetics, Tołpa, Dermedic, Sylveco

Makeup brands: Hean, Inglot, Ingrid, Paese

Things I got:

Skinoren Cream 20% / Skinoren Krem 200mg/g (Azelaic Acid)

Skinoren is a prescription acne cream in most countries, by Bayer. You can get it at any pharmacy I think. Krakow is the promised land of pharmacies, I saw one almost on every street in the center, near Old Town. Also the shopping centers I visited had pharmacies, as well as the Krakow Airport before the security. You have to request Skinoren Cream at the counter, they keep them behind the desk. You don't need a prescription and they don't ask questions why you are getting it. (My acne flared up during the trip though so it must've looked natural for me to buy acne products...) Pharmacy staff speaks good English. Also, got some effective allergy medicine just by asking "something for allergies". Skinoren costs about 15-18 €/30 g.


Bandi Professional Medical Expert Anti Rouge Acid Peel + sample Anti-Aging Cream

Polish dermo cosmetics brand. The stores didn't have a complete line up but it seemed like they have a lot of interesting products! Bandi has an online store as well but shipping seems to be costly outside Poland. I've been interested in PHA products and I like the 5% PHA peeling pads by Neulii so I thought, maybe I'll go for this 10% gluconolactone and lactobionic acid peeling serum. It cost about 13-14 €.


Dermofuture Precision Normalizing Moisturizing Elixir

Also a Polish dermo cosmetics brand with a lot of interesting things! Again, choosing a product to buy was very difficult... so I ended up taking something very safe, a moisturizing serum. I was eyeing their anti-age and anti-oxidation serums as well. I've seen Dermofuture's products online also which is great! I lost the receipt but this serum was maybe 5-10 €?


Ziaja Oczyszczanie Liście Manuka aka Manuka Tree Deeply Cleansing Peeling Paste

Ziaja is an affordable Polish brand that I've seen online several times. This scrub was only about 2-3 €! However I didn't find their complete line up anywhere, but I was interested in this manuka line for acne/unbalanced skin already. Ziaja has interesting products using natural ingredients and I've seen a lot of praise so I'm curious to try something. I didn't take a cream because I have so many of those waiting to be used.


Barwa Siarkowa/Cosmetics Krem Siarkowy Nawilżający aka Moisturizing Sulphur Cream

I just saw "sulphur cream" and though, yes, perfect. At home checking the ingredients it seems the cream has a lot of pore clogging things. But it's okay, I will test it and see how it goes. Many people seem to like it on a Polish beauty site (wizaz.pl)! Interesting brand using sulphur in their products. I lost the receipt but this one was maybe around 5 €?


Loton Cosmetics Szampon Micelarny Odbudowujacy z Bursztynem aka Micellar Shampoo with Amber Extract

I bought this shampoo because a) it was cute and small and cheap (about 1 €?) b) the hotel shampoo was absolutely destroying my hair (and it is still recovering!). Loton shampoo is a lot better. I guess it uses some sort of micellar cleansing and natural ingredients?


Hean High Definition Matte Rice Powder

I had forgotten to take a powder with me so I wanted to buy something cheap and preferably from a Polish brand. This one was about 3-4 € I think. Rice powder infused with marula oil felt like a nice choice.


SVR Sebiaclear Mat+Pores Sebum-Regulating Anti-Enlarged-Pore Mattifying Care

Not Polish, SVR is French pharmacy brand. Just saw them at the well-stocked pharmacy and thought, why the ever not, I will buy this cream I've been wanting to try. SVR is not available in my country. So even if you don't feel like shopping Polish skincare in Poland (why not though?) there are other options. SVR cream cost about 11 €.

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 4 Feat Innisfree, Dr. Belmeur

I must continue with my sample hoard! I have ignored them way too long. As you can see, many products get discontinued or reformulated fast. I did give over a half of my samples away already because I figured I will not have enough time or energy to test all. Now they all fit in one makeup bag and that was my goal.

My earlier sample reviews:

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 1
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 2
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 3 Feat Tonymoly
Peeling Pad Sample Reviews



INNISFREE Bija Cica Essence DISCONTINUED?

Ingredients:

WATER,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,SQUALANE,HEXYLDECYL MYRISTOYL METHYLAMINOPROPIONAT E,PANTHENOL,PCA DIMETHICONE,ALLANTOIN,TROMETHAMINE,XANTHAN GUM,GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE,ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER,CARBOMER,TORREYA NUCIFERA SEED OIL,ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN,ASIATICOSIDE,MADECASSIC ACID,ASIAT IC ACID,CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT,ORCHID EXTRACT,CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT,CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXT RACT,DISODIUM EDTA,MADECASSOSIDE.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Milky consistency, like watery emulsion

* Makes skin feel very soft while it absorbs fast, my skin could have had another 1 ml sample easily slathered on top. My skin was still soft and looking calm the next morning.

* Couldn't find Bija Cica Essence anywhere anymore so I guess it has been discontinued. I really wonder why, because based on one sample, it is quite good and gentle! Maybe Bija Cica Skin is so similar that there is no need for Essence? (Wait, is Bija Cica Skin being discontinued as well?)



INNISFREE Bija Cica Balm REFORMULATED?

Ingredients:

WATER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, SQUALANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, MADECASSOSIDE, MADECASSIC ACID, ASIATICOSIDE, ASIATIC ACID, TORREYA NUCIFERA SEED OIL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, PANTHENOL, C12-16 ALCOHOLS, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, PALMITIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, POLYSORBATE 60, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, TROMETHAMINE, DISODIUM EDTA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Very un-balm-like. Absorbs immediately, skin looks like blurred, feels soft, very light. But not at all greasy or shiny, zero stickiness. Looks just like a bit blurred normal skin with nothing on it.

* Next morning I felt my skin looked a bit dull.

* But also because the balm absorbs so well and partly disappears, I felt like 1 ml wasn't enough (but, I hadn't put another cream under it, only two layers of serums). You could run through this stuff quite quickly.

* Again, I'm amazed how fast the k-beauty world runs, this balm has already been reformulated as Bija Cica Balm EX. Comparing the ingredient lists, they have lifted panthenol up and all the centella asiatica derivates have been moved all the way down to the bottom. I don't know how I feel about the reformulation as I think the balm felt very good like this as well, but I would think there is a reason for reformulating something. I'm guessing one is that panthenol seems to be trendy right now.



INNISFREE The Green Tea Seed Serum

Ingredients:

The green Tea Extract (75.9%), Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ethanol, Glycerin, Betaine, The green Tea Seed Oil (208mg), Prickly Pear Extract, Orchid Extract, Tangerine Peel Extract, Camellia Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Extract, Grapefruit Extract, Orange Extract, Tangerine Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cocoa Extract, Dextrin, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

* Tried 1 sample

* Has a soapy, mild scent

* Consistency is almost clear, runny serum

* Leaves skin slightly tacky, but bouncy. It felt like my greasy sunscreen attached itself to it very well and wasn't even so greasy like it normally would be.

* I think this is cult classic kind of serum? It felt ok and it was nice to try it but nothing that would make me run to shopping right now.

* I'm not sure if the serum has been reformulated or not, there is also something called Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed. I can't keep up. The ingredient lists are different at least.



INNISFREE Soybean Energy Oil 

Ingredients:

BACILLUS/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, METHYL GLUCETH-20, POLYGLYCERIN-3, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, ARBUTIN, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, ADENOSINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROXYPROPYL CYCLODEXTRIN, PPG-13- DECYLTETRADECETH-24, DISODIUM EDTA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, FRAGRANCE.

* Tried 1 sample

* Has a perfume-y scent but not that strong or unpleasant

* Very watery oil consistency, like an essence really

* Absorbs very nicely and quickly, just don't use too much, then it becomes tacky

* My skin felt and looked soft, calm and brightened up after application. I applied the oil on top of Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser and used nothing else.

* I am considering getting more samples of this oil. I'd like to confirm if my skin tolerates bacillus ferments or if it freaks out when I apply them several days in a row.



DR. BELMEUR Daily Repair Foam Cleanser

Ingredients:

WATER/EAU• LAURYL HYDROXSULTAINE• DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE• ACRYLATES COPOLYMER• SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE• SODIUM LAUROYL ASPARTATE• GLYCERIN• PANTHENOL• SODIUM CHLORIDE• COCAMIDE MEA• SODIUM BENZDATE• CAPRYLYL GLYCOL• SODIUM SULFATE• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE• CITRIC ACID• TRISODIUM EDTA• 1,2-HEXANEDIOL• METHYL GLUCETH-20 PROPANDIOL• MONARDA DIDYMA LEAF EXTRACT• BETULA PLATYPHYLLA JAPONICA JUICE• BET-GLUCAN• CORCHORUS OLITORIUS LEAF EXTRACT• SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT• PHYTOSPHINGOSINE• ETHYLHEXYGLYCERIN• PARFUM/FRAGRANCE

* Tried 2 samples

* Has a mild floral scent, I was surprised because Dr. Belmeur seems like a line that wouldn't have fragrance

* Starts out as a gel, turns milky with water contact, and then foams a bit when you rub it. It doesn't feel like it foams a lot, and the foam isn't soft or thick (aka luxurious feeling).

* Stings my eyes but then again why did I open them in the first place.

* My skin feels a bit dry afterwards, but otherwise looks calm and even.



DR. BELMEUR Clarifying Moisturizer

Ingredients:

WATER/EAU• DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL• CYCLOPENTASILOXANE• TRIETHYLHEXANOIN• GLYCERIN• 1,2-HEXANDEIOL• DIMETHICONE• PANTHENOL• AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER• CITRUS UNCHIU PEEL EXTRACT• NIACINAMIDE• BUTRYOSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER• GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT TROMETHAMINE• MARRUBIUM VULGARE EXTRACT• SAMBUCUS NIGRA FLOWER EXTRACT• PEUCEDANUM OSTRUTHIUM LEAF EXTRACT• HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS EXTRACT• CARBOMER• SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL• VERONICA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT• MELISSA OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT• MALVA SYLVESTRIS(MALLOW) EXTRACT• ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS EXTRACT• PRIMULA VERIS EXTRACT• MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) LEAF EXTRACT• ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT• ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER• TRISODIUM EDTA• BETA-GLUCAN• BUTYLENE GLYCOL• GLYCOPROTEINS• CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) OIL• CITRUS AURATIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL• ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL• EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL• MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL

* Tried 2 samples

* Again, a surprising mild, pungent vs. sweet scent, not bad but I almost felt like I tasted it when breathing it (strange!)

* Not greasy, absorbs fast. Leaves a slightly tacky silicony feel on skin.

* I felt it was initially enough when put on top of hyaluronic acid serum, but in half an hour my skin was tight.

* Clarifying moisturizer could work well for a super hot humid weather but that's rare here. Reminds me of Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Oil Free Moisturiser for some reason even though they are completely different... maybe it's just the consistency feel.



DR. BELMEUR Daily Repair Moisturizer

Ingredients:

WATER/EAU• DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL• GYLCERIN• CYCLOPENTASILOXANE• 1,2-HEXANEDIOL• MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (NUTMEG) EXTRACT• PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE• HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE• CETEARYL ALCOHOL• PEG-40 STEARATE• GLYCERYL STEARATE• BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER• PHYTOSPHINGOSINE• BETA-GLUCAN• SORBITAN STEARATE• PANTHENOL• MONDARDA DIDYMA LEAF EXTRACT• BETULA PLATYPHYLLA JAPONICA JUICE• CORCHORUS OLITORIUS LEAF EXTRACT• SALVIA OFFINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT• XANTHAN GUM• HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE• DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER• TOCOPHERYL ACETATE• CETEARYL OLIVATE• DIMETHICONE• STEARIC ACID• CARBOMER• TROMETHAMINE• PEG-100 STEARATE• SORBITAN OLIVATE• TRISODIUM EDTA• ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN• PARFUM/FRAGRANCE

* Tried 1 sample

* Scent is fresh and not overpowering, quite pleasant

* Consistency is very normal cream

* Takes quite a time to absorb, don't think it completely absorbs at all, so it leaves skin shiny

* Moisturizes well, used this cream on its own and it was enough

* Maybe pore clogging - I had clogged pores beforehand, but at the end of the day there seemed to be significantly more

More Shopping but Nothing Extravagant

I did a complete no-buy period for a while, then I decided it wasn't needed anymore, because I know better now how to restrict myself, and obviously I'm starting to understand what works for me.  Now I just have to shop smart, only things I actually need or things that bring me a lot of joy, currently that being learning how to do make up again. Yes, it is a skill you can forget if you don't practise it. I think concentrating on make up for once also helps me not to be so obsessed with my skin condition (I don't have a super bad skin but trying to fix things makes you look at your skin a lot more critically).

Essence Brushes: Cheek Brush, Angled Crease Brush, Smudging Brush, Short Blender Brush

I needed some brushes for practising eye shadows and just grabbed these cheap ones. I must admit after a couple of uses, I'm not a big fan. Definitely will replace them when I find something I like, something softer. But they are alright for the price and purpose I got them for.


Essence You Better Work Eye Primer

Tried a couple of times and I have a feeling I might end up loving this stuff.


Essence You Better Work Fixing Spray

Haven't tried yet. My first fixing spray ever. I thought I would buy something cheap and small without alcohol first.


Lumene Nordic Chic CC Color Correcting  Powder in Light (Shade 1)

Now that I think about it, I probably should have gone for the darker shade 2, but I took this one out of habit as I used to use many compacts of the old version of CC Powder in Light. Plus it has the most neutral undertone, the darker shades all lean a bit to orange (probably for the color correction effect). Anyway, I'm interested in to see how this new version works as it has a green spot in the powder.


Lumene Valo Light Glow Lumenessence Brightening Beauty Lotion

Mon Dieu, the fragrance. I felt like I was rubbing perfume on my face when I tried it. Maybe I just have to accept that Lumene does make up the best and leave their more expensive skincare alone as it all seems to be very fragranced. (Their cheaper Klassikko/Classics line is not bad though.) Let's hope the scent will dissipate after a while, it happens to some products after they have been opened. I bought this one because of a sale and I've been wanting to try a product with witch hazel.

Schwarzkopf Taft Instant Volume Powder 

I've wanted to try a hair powder for a while, if I could style my hair without making it too heavy and greasy. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet properly.

Lily Lolo Mineral Make Up Samples + Kabuki Brushes

Lately I have thought a lot about mineral make up powders and how they could possibly be nice for my skin, maybe not clogging it or causing other surprise reactions. So, I ordered some samples from Lily Lolo because they seem to have a lot of different shades. Haven't tried them yet but I'm quite sure one of them or a mix of them will match me. Both kabuki brushes feel really soft and pleasant, I like them even though I haven't even used them yet! 

Flow Cosmetics / Kosmetiikka + Korento Mineral Make Up Samples

More mineral make up samples! I wanted to love these, but I didn't have a straight shade match. By mixing two shades pretty much 50/50 (ivory & porcelain) I got a pretty nice finish though, but it would require me to buy two jars at once and I haven't dared to do that yet. Because I'm still new to mineral make up powders and it's a lot of money.

Cien Men Aqua + Total Invisible 48 h Antiperspirants 

More staples. Also, going to be wild and try the new one in the middle. My life is so exciting!

Lindex Beauty Lipstick 12 Peach Review

Ingredients:


Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Microcristalline Cera, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Microcristallina, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl Laurate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Aroma, Geraniol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal.

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- The shade is supposed to be "peach" but it's completely pink on me...

- ... and on top of that incredibly shimmery and a lot lighter than my natural lips! I totally look like I'm a kid playing with barbie makeup or something.

- Smells like cheap plastic too.

- Turns patchy almost immediately. All dry spots and texture are very visible.

- The color payoff is quite poor, you have to swipe your lips several times to get an even layer.

- Don't think it's very long lasting, half an hour after application it was all over the glass when I drank water. Not transfer proof at all. (However, it doesn't promise to be.)




+ Doesn't feel drying.

+ Feels very smooth to apply, no tugging.

* I think I'm not being very fair with all the negatives with Lindex Beauty lipstick, but this is just my opinion on my skin. I'm warm/neutral skintone (perhaps even olive?) and my skin always makes lipsticks pull too pink. Still, I thought something that was named "Peach" wouldn't do that. The pink shimmery thing on my lips just made me too horrified to even consider wearing this lipstick outside.

* I don't have very much experience with lip products and I don't own many of them, but still I do know immediately if I like something or not. Strange how obvious everything is when it comes to lips.

* I am going to try to repurpose the lipstick as a highlighter/blusher, let's see how it goes! If it doesn't work, I might just have to trash it sadly.

* I took a quick look at the other cosmetics that Lindex offers and they don't look bad at all. I mean, this lipstick doesn't look bad either, only when I'm wearing it on my lips. Still I don't know if I would actually buy anything else from the line up though.

Price: 

9,99 € 

Bought from: 

Got as a free sample sometime ago from Lindex

Buy again? 

Never did in the first place and will not in the future.

Worth the money? 

Definitely not for me. I mean, think of all the things you could get for a whopping 10 euros! Why Lindex lipstick when there are so many options out there? Sometimes the make up lines from clothing brands are good, at least a couple of items out of them, but this lipstick sure wasn't one of them. It's not even close to wearable in this shade for me and even if it were another shade, it still transfers and accentuates dry spots and other unevenness despite being creamy. I'm glad I didn't pay for the lipstick (the colour does look nice in the bullet!) but now I have to figure out how to get rid of it. 

Etude House Soon Jung Trial Kit Review

Ingredients:


Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner 15 ml

WATER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CARBOMER, POLYGLYCERIN-3, DISODIUM EDTA

Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion 15 ml

WATER, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, SQUALANE, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE- 2, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, STEARIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM EDTA

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 7 ml

WATER,PROPANEDIOL,PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE,CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE,GLYCERIN,HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL,POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE,BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER,CETEARYL ALCOHOL,PANTHENOL,MADECASSOSIDE,CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,1,2-HEXANEDIOL,POTASSIUM CARBOMER,XANTHAN GUM,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,DISODIUM EDTA

Soon Jung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm 5 ml

WATER, PROPANEDIOL, PANTHENOL, SQUALANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, STEARIC ACID, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TROMETHAMINE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 STEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL

Thoughts:


Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner 15 ml


Ingredients: WATER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CARBOMER, POLYGLYCERIN-3, DISODIUM EDTA

* To be honest, didn't really notice any changes when using this toner. Not hydrating but not irritating or drying either. Almost like water. Some people say they get the benefits when patting several layers on but I just felt dumb doing that because I didn't feel it was doing anything.

* Repurchase? Probably not now. But will keep it in mind. I still would need a safe gentle toner.

* Recommend? I think this toner is ingredient wise a very safe bet and you can't go wrong with it. It's another thing if you feel like it's not doing enough or is boring. 

Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion 15 ml


Ingredients: WATER, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, SQUALANE, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE- 2, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, STEARIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM EDTA

* Now the embarrassing thing happened and I lost the emulsion before trying it at all. :) It must be somewhere! I'll update if I find it again. I bet I would have liked it though and I'm bummed. Also this is why you don't buy and try too many things at the same time. EDIT: The emulsion absorbs very quickly, leaves skin at the same time soft but almost with no product feel. Great for layering. It's not heavy when layered under a cream, but a couple of layers of the emulsion is fine alone as well. And when it's hot and humid, only one layer is good. I used the emulsion sample extra fast, because I felt it was so versatile and I could use it in every situation! Good under makeup, too.

* Repurchase? Maybe I'll get the full size only because I feel so annoyed I didn't get to try it!!! Can't lose a big bottle! EDIT: I am considering it, seems like a versatile basic emulsion. Something that you don't necessarily think you need, but keep reaching for when the bottle is there.

* Recommend? Sure looks nice with the squalane, panthenol, madecassosside and tea extract... EDIT: Combination skin friendly definitely. I do recommend trying a sample at least. Especially if you haven't tried emulsions before, this is a good one to start with.

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 7 ml

Ingredients: WATER, PROPANEDIOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE,GLYCERIN, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PANTHENOL,MADECASSOSIDE,CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT,1,2-HEXANEDIOL,POTASSIUM CARBOMER,XANTHAN GUM,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,DISODIUM EDTA

* Feels nice and absorbs in 10 minutes, doesn't feel heavy at all, but still feels protecting and soft. Not immediate soothing effect though like with the balm. When I use the cream for the night as a last step my skin is slimy in the morning. The cream leaves skin somewhat shiny even though it doesn't feel sticky or greasy after the 10 mins.

* Repurchase? Again, maybe later, maybe not. Didn't wow me, but feels like a nice basic cream. Not perfect, not bad.

* Recommend? Those with dry skin might have to layer several times and those with oily skin might get the slimy feel that I experience when not layering other products correctly with the cream. As I have combination skin, I experience both ends. How nice is that (not). Otherwise I do admit Barrier Intensive Cream is more calming than many or all of my other creams and it applies gently.

Soon Jung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm 5 ml


Ingredients: WATER, PROPANEDIOL, PANTHENOL, SQUALANE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, STEARIC ACID, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TROMETHAMINE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 STEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL

* I feel the balm is the stand out of the Soon Jung trial kit. It's very smooth, just melts on the skin and doesn't leave skin sticky. Also it felt immediately soothing and moisturizing when I put it on. The finish is very balm like, shiny but still feels light. Actually can't remember how slimy my skin was in the morning after using this one as the sleeping mask, I guess I was just amazed how nice it felt on skin without any heaviness. The sample was way too small to make any assumptions how it works long term however.

* Repurchase? I was actually going to, but my skin had a phase when it was a lot better so I put it off. Now I consider it again!

* Recommend? Yes, I do recommend trying the balm, at least a sample. Great when skin is acting up or feels tight. Also comfortable sleeping mask.

Overall thoughts about Soon Jung line:

* No wonder people talk about this line a lot. It is quite nice. I might want to try the cleanser as well! The products feature some ingredients I really like and all the cream samples felt really nice, soft and smooth..

* The products are all unscented and for the inexpensive price, they are quite a steal. They certainly feel like they would cost more. I think they would work for most people.

* The sample sizes are quite small so I only got short experience with them. None of them broke me out at the time however (except can't say anything about the emulsion). They lasted maybe around two to three weeks? Because I wasn't using them twice a day. Even though they didn't break me out, they did nothing to my current already existing acne except some soothing. They did not help with clearing it and they did not prevent it. But like I said, the samples are too small to make long term assumptions, and Soon Jung line is not meant to clear acne anyway. But I think it would work great with acne treatments.

Price: 

Soon Jung Trial Kit about 7 € / 4 sample items

There are travel sizes and regular sizes for every product in Soon Jung line and the following are the regular, bigger ones when you get a bit more value for your money (prices from ebay):

Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner about 11 € / 180 ml

Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion about 10 € / 120 ml

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream about 10 € / 60 ml

Soon Jung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm about 10 € / 40 ml

Bought from: 

Rubyrubyshop

Essence Honey Care Regenerating Nail & Cuticle Mask 25 ml DISCONTINUED

Ingredients:

AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, STEARIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, MEL EXTRACT, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, TOCOPHEROL, GLUCONOLACTONE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN, LACTOSE, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) ROOT EXTRACT, BETA-CAROTENE, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), COUMARIN, CI 15510 (ORANGE 4), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5).

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- I would rather have a tube, a jar is always added annoyance

- Not really a miracle product if you really want results, I don't feel much exfoliation or a long lasting moisture

- Fake honey smell, reminds me of disgusting honey hand soaps (don't like honey or coconut)

- For me it is a bit extra to have a separate cuticle mask! I could easily replace it with a good hand cream and facial acids.




+ The texture is really fun, sticky gel, I would just want to touch it

+ Does soften cuticles and fingers (I just slather it quite freely)

+ You can wash it off like instructions suggest or leave it on for a night for example, I think it helps. If hands are really dry, it does absorb in.

+ I think the ingredient list looks nice? (I'm not an expert.) Includes honey and other moisturizing ingredients, also gluconolactone.

* Talk about impulse purchases. The jar is way too cute. I was travelling and my nails and cuticles were feeling dry and uncomfortable, then I saw this unpractical item for cheap! So I had to get it.

* My nail care is really random and I don't usually put too much thought into it, unless something disastrous is going on. 

Price: 

About 2-3 € / 25 ml

Bought from: 

Weird store selling everything cheap inside a luxury shopping center

Buy again? 

No, discontinued? Essence has other similar new items though.

Worth the money? 

I guess so, I don't think it does too much but it's fun and relaxing to use and I kind of did needed it. (Not really but eh.) Has lasted for a long time (bought in 2017!). Should pan it as fast as possible. Would I buy other nail care products from Essence? Not planning to do that really. Still I would not be against them. But I don't feel like anyone needs them, they are just entertainment. Just use a good hand cream and the same gentle acids to exfoliate the cuticles as on your face!