Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 9 Feat Tonymoly

My earlier sample reviews:

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 1
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 2
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 3 Feat Tonymoly
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 4 Feat Innisfree, Dr. Belmeur
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 5 Feat Purito
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 6 Feat Sunscreens

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 7 Feat Tonymoly
Peeling Pad Sample Reviews

Tonymoly Tony Lab Dr. Return ATO Cream

Ingredients:

Centella Asiatica Extract, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Linanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetearyl Olivate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150 Distearate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylate-13, C12-16 Alcohols, Fragrance, Xantham Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Water, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol

* Tried 1 sample

* Slightly heavy white cream

* Doesn't completely absorb

* Felt very nice to apply, I liked the soft creamy consistency

* Felt moisturizing and protecting

* The scent is STRONG, generic perfume, that lingers for a long time


Tonymoly Prestige  Jeju Mayu Treatment Cream 

Ingredients:

Main ingredients: Adenosine, niacinamide, fermented Jeju Mayu (Horse-Cera ™ 30%)

* Tried 1 sample

* Strong soapy sweet scent but doesn't linger

* White cream

* Absorbed nice, felt nice to apply

* Felt moisturizing

Tonymoly Panda's Dream White Magic Cream


Ingredients: 

Water, butylene glycol, cyclopentasiloxane, glycerin, cyclohexasiloxane, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), alcohol denat., niacinamide, cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, sodium chloride, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone, crosspolymer, ethylhexylglycerin, caprylyl glycol, fragrance, honey extract, phyllostachis bambusoides juice, disodium edta, alcohol.

* Tried 1 sample

* Oh lordy, the cream is absolutely white magic cream - it turns my skin so white it's hilarious even though I apply a little

* Thick cream consistency, like a white thick physical sun cream with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide

* A bit difficult to apply, tugs skin

* Perfume scent

* Not moisturizing but I don't think it is meant to be, it is more like a primer I think

* If you want to look like a white ghost, this is a good cream because it is not oily or shiny or slimy, it has nice satin finish


Tonymoly Prestige Jeju Snail Essence

                          
Ingredients:

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Gold, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Leaf Extract, rh-Polypeptide-22, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin) Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides (Gardenia) Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Tromethamine, Vegetable Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Adenosine, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Scot's Pine) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

* Used 1 sample

* A bit chemical scent, but barely there

* Clear gel

* Absorbs well, no pilling with other products

* Didn't notice breakouts but I only used the sample twice

Tonymoly Goat Milk Premium Moisture Cream



Ingredients:

Goat Milk Extract Glycerin Butylene Glycol Water Octyldodecanol Cyclopentasiloxane Dimethicone Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate Niacinamide Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Hydrogenated Polydecene Panthenol Cetearyl Alcohol PEG-40 Stearate 1,2-Hexanediol Glyceryl Stearate Diisostearyl Malate Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane Isohexadecane Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Cetearyl Olivate Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Propanediol Cyclohexasiloxane Sorbitan Olivate Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer PEG-100 Stearate Dimethiconol Palmitic Acid Stearic Acid Sodium Polyacrylate Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Phenoxyethanol Ethylhexyl Stearate Gelatin Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Tocopheryl Acetate Fragrance Tromethamine Alcohol Ethylhexylglycerin Adenosine Cellulose Gum Disodium EDTA Trideceth-6 Pantolactone Sodium Hyaluronate Dipropylene Glycol Beta-Glucan Lecithin Sodium Citrate Polysorbate 80 Tocopherol Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Ceramide 3 Anthocyanins Citric Acid Hydrolyzed Collagen PVP Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Platinum powder

* Used 1 sample

* White, thick silky cream

* A bit stuffy scent but very light

* Doesn't fully absorb, leaves skin a bit slimy but not sticky, also very soft

* I have to admit this cream felt quite luxurious and I wouldn't mind using more during winter! Maybe I'll look into goat milk products more. Tonymoly cream is maybe discontinued? At least seems to be impossible to find.

Tonymoly Intense Care Gold 24K Snail Cream

Ingredients:

Snail Secretion Filtrate (65%, 650, 000 ppm), Glycerin, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-10, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Hydrogenated C6-14 Olefin Polymers, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceresin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Tromethamine, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Polyquaternium-51, Gold (CI 77480) (30 ppm), Colloidal Gold (50 ppb), Ferrous Oxide (CI 77489), Acetyl Heptapeptide-9, rh-Oligopeptide-1, Ceramide NP, Adenosine, Polyglutamic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea (Green Purslane) Extract, Volcanic Ash Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Vitex Agnus-castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Fruit Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Soleirolia Soleirolii Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Sasa Quelpaertensis Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Morus Bombycis (Kuwa) Leaf Extract, Propolis Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Scot's Pine) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA

* Used 1 sample

* A lightly sweet soapy scent

* Gel cream

* Not very moisturizing, had to add another cream on top

* Made my face itchy


Tonymoly Geolution Shark's Fin Collagen Cream

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Shark-Lift™(Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane)

* Used 1 sample

* Yellowish cream

* Quite strong scent that lingers, it is soapy green floral almost, like you could imagine an older lady's bathroom to smell like

* Feels moisturizing

* Absorbs nicely


Tonymoly Pokemon Foam Cleanser DISCONTINUED?

Ingredients:

Portulaca Oleracea extract & egg white

Bulbasaur version maybe: Water, palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, glycerin, lauric acid, potassium hydroxide, sorbitan olivate, cocoamidopropyl betain, sodium chloride, allantoin, panthenol, butylene glycol, portulaca oleracea extract, albumen extract, disodium EDTA, chlorophenesin, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

Pikachu version for comparison: Water, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phytic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Trioleate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Disodium Bis-Dioleoyl Glycerophosphoglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

* Used 1 sample

* White shiny pearl cream, foams but not excessively 

* Familiar sweet floral scent, ok to me, I think I read this is supposed to be green tea scent

* Felt surprisingly soft cream foam when I washed my face, afterwards my face felt a bit squeaky clean that I know some people don't like (too stripping) but I thought that my skin was just clean, didn't feel dry

* I believe this is old product and discontinued

Empties Since January 2022

My empties from January to February so two months. Halfway through February I realized I wasn't going to finish as many bottles as I wanted and switched to sample pouches for instant gratification! Also I had been itching to buy something (anything!) in the beginning of February and wanted to shop my stash every day to keep me in check. In the end I didn't buy anything beauty related in February. 

Again, I want to say that I would rather donate my shopping money to Ukraine and I wish other people would do the same. There are several charities you can donate to. You can support Ukrainian businesses and products. You can boycott Russian businesses and products. I don't want anything when I know there is war and people need necessities, shelters, peace and independence! Currently many hundred civilians and even a lot of children have been killed!

Face

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Creme

Gel moisturizer. Don't know if I will repurchase. Sometimes, especially during hot sweaty summer it felt nice. Sometimes I felt like it was breaking me out or making my skin worse. So maybe it is just not moisturizing enough for other times. But it is not a bad product at all, great under makeup, absorbed well, no greasiness. Surprisingly strong fragrance though.

Avant Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment 

I really liked this moisturizer for the night. Really locks the hydration in and in my opinion felt and smelled luxurious. Not going to repurchase, price is crazy (80-100 € or so). This was in Lookfantastic Advent Calendar, they tend to try to up the value of boxes with overpriced stuff.

Dermatica Treatment Subscription Tretinoin+Niacinamide

I am using now several months old bottles, ha! It seems the cream doesn't expire as fast as the expiry date implies. Of course I am disgusting so I do not recommend you to do as I do. The cream felt still effective even 3 months after the date. Mind you, I store all my skincare/makeup in a dark, cool corridor shelf, I keep only the opened shower products and face cleansers in the bathroom where the moisture and warmness can get to them. When I have finished my last expired bottle, I will renew my subscription, it's been paused for now.

Missha Time Revolution White Cure SPF50 PA+++ Transparent Beige

My last bottle of this product! I had bought it as a back up long time ago. So I quite liked it! Like a high SPF sheer foundation. It has been discontinued now though.

Neulii BHA PHA Peeling Pads

Good gentle peeling pads! A tub lasted forever because I cut the pads into four pieces. I have repurchased. Not sure if they are still available... their price doubled at least. So I highly doubt they still exist when I am finished with the new tub.

Pile of samples

Some of my samples are already expired, I have just been hoarding them! I guess, I like getting them, but I am stressed to actually use them because my skin is slave to routine. Now I made myself a promise to use all samples as soon as I get any new. Not that samples are easy to come by anyway these days. Many are something I would have used during travelling in the summer of 2019, I had several trips booked... So I guess it also makes me a little sad to see them and think of all the adventures I might have had.

My goal was to use at least 10 sample pouches by end of the February. I ended up using 16. My goal is to use at least 20 during the next two months (I think I have left about 50?).

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant

Yet another one of these! My staples.

Ceralan Shower Oil Cream

Basic shower product, have repurchased a couple of times. Maybe will repurchase again. Currently will use a face wash that I didn't like as a shower cream. 400 g of Ceralan costs about 15 € so I am thinking I could try a cheaper shower gel without fragrance from supermarket that I saw, it was 1 L bottle for 5 € (for comparison, 5 €/1 L vs. 30 €/800g for a basic shower product is a big difference). I often do get the feeling that a shower product is not cleansing enough so it is always a surprise!

Kicks Beauty Glowing Beauty Exfoliating&Tingling Mask

Super old face mask! I believe it was based on glycolic acid. It was too harsh on my face or at least my face always looked so much worse after use that I just didn't use the mask anymore! In the end I used it for feet&legs.

Prai Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme

Funny, almost whipped cream consistency! That was nice. But I disliked the scent even though it wasn't strong. I felt it was too heavy and started to pill eventually. But I have oily neck so if I put there something it needs to absorb completely and be very light. I got this cream from LF calendar. In the end I used it for arms&legs.

Hair

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave In Treatment

Got this from LF calendar. It was ok, I think. Not a fan of the minty/eucalyptusy scent. It was quite strong. Didn't notice much extra moisture or softness but hair was better after application than without, so there's that! Wouldn't repurchase.

Shopping from January to February

From January to February so during two months I spent about 63 € on cosmetics. I must admit I had a hard patch in the beginning of February, browsing a lot of beauty stuff. It was so weird, I felt like I wanted to find something new to obsess over! Even though I have a box full of unopened things at home! In the end I didn't purchase anything in February.

Right now I don't even feel like purchasing anything, the situation in Ukraine is very bad and surreal, I never thought Russia would actually attack. I feel physically sick and urge people rather to donate to Ukraine's cause than shop cosmetics. Just a few years ago I worked with Ukrainian girl and we ended up discussing politics and she strongly expressed her worry over her country and she just knew something would happen eventually. I hope she and everyone else are safe and get the help they need and this situation will be rightfully solved soon without Russia completely and unnecessarily destroying Ukrainians' beautiful country. 

All orders made during January planted a tree.

Lethal Cosmetics Charity Singles:

Professor Patch

Meekha

Mercredi

When I saw these singles, I couldn't help myself, I just went and bought them. They are very, very pretty, and they will compliment my custom palette!  29 € including shipping. I am not sure if they are limited. 100% of the profits are donated to animal charities Born Free and Gut Aiderbichl in Germany.

I do hope Lethal Cosmetics releases more special products in the future! Maybe marbled blushes next, with exxxxtra fine golden shimmer. And marbling with apricot, orange, yellow, peach, coral.

They have just released a new purple palette but purple shades are not my thing. The new pink multichrome single Allure looks pretty though. Unsure about buying more pink eyeshadow though, pink is so difficult color to pull off for me.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau de Toilette 20 ml

Burberry Her Eau de Parfum  7,5 ml

I wanted to try something new! I like mini sized fragrancies. I expected more mini sets for the holidays but nothing was released or just available last year. I think it is about time to try something from Marc Jacobs and Burberry and of course I went for sweet! 34 €.

Burberry Her is definitely a slight disappointment! Turns out it starts as a sickly sweet artificial strawberry and doesn't evolve for a long time. Reminds me of being a teenager and dousing myself in cheap strawberry-vanilla body spray. I had no idea I disliked strawberry note this much. Considering I really like raspberry+vanilla. Can't even smell raspberry here but like I've mentioned, I don't have a good nose. At least this perfume is something different from my usual purchases. Maybe the other Burberry Her scents like Eau de Toilette and Blossom would be more to my liking.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet starts a bit too screechy for me, but when it dries drown I do like it. This is sweet and fruity and sugary in a right way for me... But definitely not elegant at all or everyday scent. It is very, very sugary. And raspberry. But it is not heavy so I do not get headache. I wonder if I would like other Daisies as well. I always try to test them when I get a chance in store but they are not very memorable!

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1 L

Bare Minerals Brush

Bare Minerals Brush

Blistex Sensitive Lip Balm

Dermosil Sea Salt Shampoo

These were gifts. Very useful! Bare Minerals brushes were found in random store (Rusta) for cheap. Wonder if the brand is going to fold this year because this is extraordinary for where I live, my country doesn't have anything like TJMaxx etc. Why would BM get rid of perfectly fine brushes? Never thought of trying these brushes before but they seem quite ok!

Blistex Sensitive is a good no frills lip balm, no scent, no color, soft, affordable... Probably will get another one.

Dermosil's sea salt shampoo is a purifying shampoo to be used every 1-2 weeks. It's like a scrub because you have to get the salt goo to melt against your scalp. But it really works! My scalp felt very clean, airy, zero itchiness afterwards. My hair felt really dry though, too, because it has been treated. But if I would have my natural oily hair I would wash my scalp with this at least twice a week to keep it clean! Excellent product so far but I'll try to limit my use to only every 2-3 weeks.

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 8 Innisfree, Miscellaneous

My earlier sample reviews:

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 1
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 2
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 3 Feat Tonymoly
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 4 Feat Innisfree, Dr. Belmeur
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 5 Feat Purito
Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 6 Feat Sunscreens

Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 7 Feat Tonymoly
Peeling Pad Sample Reviews


Missha Super Aqua Peeling Gel DISCONTINUED
 

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Milk Lipids, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Oxygen, Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Mannitol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitol, Urea, 1,2-Hexanediol, Algin, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Bromelain, Papain, Carbomer, Caffeine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance(Parfum)

* Tried 1 sample

* White-ish gel

* Not much scent, very light and sweet

* Balls up on your skin when you rub it in

* Very gentle in my opinion, could feel my skin was slightly smoother afterwards, but while using it didn't feel like there was any peeling/purifying action going on, the balling doesn't feel hard at all. When I went to use the second half of my sample in the evening (so twice a day) I actually felt some discomfort. So while it is gentle, it is also effective.

* Good everyday product maybe? Has been discontinued but there are many other "gommage peels" out there. Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Peeling Gel seems to be Missha's new version? I could very well try it!

Huxley Body Oil Moroccan Gardener
 

Ingredients:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Parfum/Fragrance, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecylp-Cresol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butylhydroxyhydrocinnamate, Bisabolol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Aqua/Water/Eau, 1,2-Hexanediol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Eugenol, Amyl Cinnamal, Limonene.

* Tried 1 sample

* Clear runny thin oil

* Takes some time to absorb for me, I can feel later on as well on my skin, but it is not slimy or anything. Not a "dry oil".

* Moisturizing, but not deep moisture, almost like just skin softness.

* Scent is actually quite nice, I don't mind it at all! Opens so fresh and greenish, like I've been just cutting some flowers, a bit rose in the beginning but then I lost it. When I applied the oil the scent got a bit soapy on my skin. It's also lingering for some time but it is not strong, quite perfect balance and lightness.

* As nice as body oils are, I am not sure I would actually commit to apply body oils/moisturizers constantly because I am so oily all over!

Tosowoong Spot Whitening VITA Clinic S.O.S

Ingredients:

???

* Tried 1 sample

* Very thick gel that just wouldn't absorb when I rubbed it in

* Almost like exotic fruits scent

* Left skin very sticky, also felt like there is a film on my skin

* Felt very hydrating/moisturizing!

* All in all weird product, but feels very nice on skin and I could see this working as a sleeping mask if you don't mind that your face sticks to the pillow


Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence

Ingredients:

Sea water, butylene glycol, glycerin, squalane, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, citrus unshiu peel extract, orchid extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, camellia japonica leaf extract, achillea millefolium extract, adenosine, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, tromethamine, polysorbate 20, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, fragrance

* Tried 1 sample

* Minty scent? Not really for me

* Feels very moisturizing

* Basic serum/essence type consistency, not thick, not watery

* Maybe I should try more sea water products?

Innisfree Brightening Pore Serum
 

Ingredients:

Water, Propanediol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, 1,2- Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Gellan Gum, Fragrance I Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium Edta. Hyaluronic Acid, 3-0-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol

* Tried 1 sample

* Smells a bit like soap, very faintly

* Clear liquid

* Absorbs well, didn't pill, pleasant easy everyday formula feel, like I could use it daily

* Didn't notice any effects

* Mildly hydrating

Innisfree Truecare Allantoin Waterdrop Essence
 

Ingredients:

Water, Squalane, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin(2,000 ppm), Tromethamine, Glyceryl caprylate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, vitamin E, Disodium EDTA.

* Tried 1 sample

* White emulsion consistency

* No scent

* Absorbed well

* Moisturizing enough, that could replace moisturizer for me during summer

* Feels soft and calming

Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:



* Tried 1 sample

SKINFOOD Aqua Grape Bounce Mist Toner

Ingredients:

Sea Water(40 %), Water, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract(20 %), Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ethanol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Citrate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferulic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Carbomer, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Tripeptide-29, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

* Tried 3 sample mini bottles

* I thought this toner would have been already discontinued as I bought the sample bottles several years ago because this products a) looks cute in green color and b) the name is cute. (priorities, right!) But it is actually still available!

* Scent is sweet, but not overpowering, doesn't linger at all - I do actually like it a lot

* Watery toner

* Feels purifying but not drying. Not particularly hydrating but ok. I used the toner with cotton pads.

* Didn't notice breakouts or irritation, actually I think my skin seemed to agree with the toner. Could use more but unlikely I'll repurchase as it is a bit pricy and difficult to get!

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Repairative Cream
 

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, 1.2-Hexanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Lecithin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment, Honey, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylate- 13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Adenosine, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Ethyl Linalool, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Disodium EDTA, Cetyl ethyl hexanoate, CI 26100

* Tried 1 sample

* White-ish lotion

* Barely any scent, can't even say what the light scent is

* Absorbs well, is not heavy but not too light either

* No pilling with other products

* Didn't notice breakouts or any effects

Current Favorites

Inglot Duraline 

Lately I've been using Duraline with eyeshadow every time! I really think it helps with my creasing issue. Of course it is winter right now so I haven't been sweating much but I do have high hopes for summer as well... I prime my eyelids with Canmake as well. It's the best eye primer I have tried so far but I have very limited experience.  I also have used a light dust of powder before eyeshadow. I have extremely oily and I think hooded eyes.

I use Duraline just by mixing as many drops as I want on my hand with eyeshadow. I think I need to get a mixing palette so that it doesn't start to absorb to my skin/slide off while doing this. I try to not get Duraline straight to eyeshadow pans because I don't want to ruin them. Duraline is a massive help with glitters or shimmers because they do not have fall out when applied this way, plus they look more glittery and kind of part of the skin, not like a dry or dusty layer on top. 

This is the exact look I've wanted to master, a natural sheer shimmer/glitter that looks very effortless! So, it is not about the eyeshadow itself, it is the technique! I have experimented both with eyeshadow and highlighters. I felt so stupid when I realized that this is how you create the ethereal barely-there-but-bigger-glistening-eyes look, lol!  For eye shadow I have mainly used Lethal Cosmetics because I just bought a lot of singles from them last year and the shades are very pretty! I do have to say l like the most boring shades like champagne, gold, taupe...

Duraline is clear and very oily. It comes in a tiny dropper bottle. Canmake's eye base is very thick.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment

I already wrote before that I feel a bit meh about this popular conditioning product and said that maybe my hair felt softer, not sure. So the tube I got from LF advent calendar back in the day was left halfly unused.

But. The thing is, my hair was healthy and straight back then, and easily oily. Now, I got a permanent and have curls and my hair is amazingly dry (and damaged) and I can put oils, hydrators on everyday and my hair just slurps everything in. (My scalp is still oily, just so you know. Just not as bad as before permanent.)

Back to Elasticizer! It makes my curls shiny and refined. Using the Elasticizer once a week (or at least every other week), I don't have to throw oils at my hair everyday and my hair texture is nicer. I use it by washing my hair, then applying the cream onto very damp hair and just lift the hair up with a clip and let it sit on for as long as I feel, an hour or two, or overnight. Then rinse a bit. Or don't rinse at all if it looks fine.

As long as I have curls, I think I will keep using Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer. This was definitely an eye opener yet again, why some products are raved about and I don't understand the hype. Because if I don't need a certain product, of course it is going to do nothing for me!

Versace Bright Crystal EdT

Not my favorite scent or perfume overall, but, must give credit where credit is due... Lately been using Bright Crystal daily to work, it is so inoffensive and light! It lasts only a couple of hours on me but at least I know I haven't overdone it. I kinda think it is impossible to overdo such a soapy, fresh watery sweet floral scent though. That's all I smell, I can't detect any specific notes. I also have Yellow Diamond, and I like both equally. But for some reason I pick up Bright Crystal easier in the morning - maybe it is more of "shower clean fresh" scent for me than Yellow Diamond with citrusy notes?

The Ordinary NMF + HA Moisturizer

Such a nice boring bland moisturizer in a big tube for cheap. Plays well with anything or almost anything. I guess I can keep repeating this as a current favorite from time to time! (As I don't have any rules for what I list as favorites and when I list them.) Not luxurious feeling moisturizer at all, though. 

Maybelline Snapscara Mascara Waterproof

Excellent everyday mascara. I actually do like the shape of the brush and find it easy to use. I think the product is not too wet or dry. I usually never make a mess while applying and it hasn't smudged during the day. Obviously right now I haven't worn it outside in the rain or in extreme heat, just normal weather conditions. The mascara is also easy to remove with warm water. I have to say I do not get much volume with this mascara, mostly I go for my lashes but better look.

Avant Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment 50 ml Review

Ingredients:

aqua (water), hydrogenated polydecene, glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) butter, steareth-21, propylene glycol, Prunus Amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, peg-8 distearate, steareth-2, Oryza Sativa (rice bran) starch, Moringa Oleifera seed oil, panthenol, disodium edta, laureth-7, c13-14 isoparaffin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, polyacrylamide, pvp, pvm/ma copolymer, xanthan gum, glycolic acid, linalool, parfum (fragrance), ethylhexylglycerin, sodium dehydroacetate, phenoxyethanol.

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:

- Price is insane for a moisturizer, because let's face it, overnight treatment means just a bit heavier moisturizer

- The tube got quite ugly because the white turns into yellow, obviously not a problem unless it also means the product is compromised, just noticing it, and weird if the product and packaging should be worth almost 100 €

- Best to apply on a moist skin because otherwise it tugs skin quite a lot. Also, not very hydrating on its own, more of an occlusive feel

- No help with wrinkles or tightness of skin, like Avant promotes, maybe they just mean softness



+ Feels very nice on skin, protective, a bit heavy (due to shea butter maybe?). Texture is quite balmy.

+ I actually even liked the light, a bit general luxurious scent (I dislike the candier, sweeter scent in Rose Quartz Mask)

+ No irritation or break outs

+ Can be used daily even though they suggest to use it a few times a week (at least I didn't notice anything weird)

+ Leaves skin smooth and soft (but no miracles obviously)

* Avant is a weird brand, very expensive, and hard to find on many skincare websites. Mostly you can get it on different subscription boxes where they jack up the value of the box enormously. So can't help but believe it is a brand meant for these boxes. Of course it doesn't mean that the products couldn't be good. I feel like they also have raised their prices because when I started this draft, I had put the price down for this moisturizer as about 85 € and it is definitely more now when I looked.

* I also have Avant Harmonious Rose Quartz Revitalizing and Firming Mask from LF calendar. Also last year there was Avant's hand cream but I haven't tried it yet. Rose Quartz Mask feels also ok, very similar balmy texture. It's marketed as a purifying mask that doesn't need to be washed off. It has sweeter, vanilla-ish, stronger scent than the sophisticated Moisture Surge. 

Price: 

About 95-100 € / 50 ml

Bought from: 

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019

Buy again? 

No, too expensive. But, if I can get the moisturizer for free or on super sale I wouldn't mind using it again.

Worth the money? 

Honestly, not worth the full price tag, but Avant's Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment is not a bad product. They should just not use possible scam tactics in cahoots with beauty subscription boxes and sell the actual product for a reasonable price, which for me would be about 25-35 €.

BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner 75 ml Review DISCONTINUED

Ingredients:

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract*, Propanediol, Glycerin, BTB13™ (Orotic Acid, L-Carnitine), Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Inulin (Prebiotic), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Prebiotic), Betaine, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Parfum  

*Extracted to water (Aqua)  

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:

- Breaks me out badly after using it for 3-5 days straight and generally makes my skin dull and ugly by that point, and trust me I tried multiple times to go on and off and apply less or keep applying but my skin got progressively worse! It didn't matter if my skin was dry or oily when I tried, the break outs started anyway. When stopped using the product, they cleared in 2-3 days and my skin got brighter again.

- Didn't like the scent at all, it was weird, sweet, marzipan like, I can still smell it just by thinking about the product, yuck. It wasn't strong per say but it went deep into my nose!

- Must be ordered online from specific beauty stores/salons

- The small travel sized bottle had a poor nozzle that it was a bit difficult to get the product out and it got dirty easily, bigger bottles had a pump (I don't know how the new small bottles are)

+ Extremely hydrating and moisturizing, hands down the most hydrating thing I have tried, immediate relief for painful dryness (from tretinoin), absolutely amazing feeling

+ The texture is very slippy, like a thin gel or serum/essence, absolutely no skin tugging needed even if applying a small amount

+ Can be layered, but I didn't feel the need, left my skin a bit slippy too but very bouncy

+ Made in Finland

+ New gentle anti aging/skin improving ingredient, BTB13 (also a negative though, it is new so no long term data)

+ Some BTB13 products have travel sizes available to try (like this one I bought), I wish there were even smaller deluxe samples so I could try them for 1-2 weeks and see if I get breakouts again

* BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner has already been discontinued and reformulated a long time ago and I have this old release I used a long time ago when I purchased it.

* This product is called toner but I feel it is definitely more of an essence or serum. It is also marketed as an essence, advised to layer it on skin as needed.

* Sadly, I can't remember how this product layered with other skincare or makeup as it has been so long, but I believe it was ok because I can't remember frustration about this part.

* BTB13 is an interesting chemical compound. The following is from their own website: "BTB13™ is a chemical compound, developed by Finnish researchers, that consists of orotic acid, L-carnitine and hyaluronic acid. The compound is widely patented and has been proven to protect cells from harmful oxygen radicals." And: "The active ingredients in BTB13™ are L-carnitine (BT) and orotic acid (B13). Orotic acid (INCI: Orotic Acid) is a naturally occurring acid in the body, and is important both for the renewal and active functions of cells. L-Carnitine (INCI: L-Carnitine) is a natural amino acid that enhances cellular metabolism and cleanses metabolic waste from cells."

* The new reformulated toners replacing Sensitive Facial Toner are BTB13 Pro-Age Vitalizing Toner and BTB13 Intense Hydration Toner and I would probably go for BTB13 Intense Hydration Toner because it doesn't include Aloe Barbadensis Water. But, both seem to be interesting options, because neither one has Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Water. Now, I do not know if I am sensitive to rose water, but it sure is weird how much my skin didn't like Sensitive Facial Toner. I have never showed any signs of Aloe sensitivity either but if I try their products again, I'd like to rule out at least some ingredients.

 

Price: 

For new formula Intense Hydration Toner:

100 ml / about 16 €

250 ml / about 30 €

I paid for Sensitive Facial Toner on sale:

75 ml / 10 €, normal price was 12,50 €

Bought from: 

Hillankauppa

Buy again? 

Discontinued. I am considering trying the new formulations at some point. But if this exact one would be available, definitely no.

Worth the money? 

BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner definitely wasn't worth the money due to the bad and immediate break outs and ugly skin, but I really want to feel the same level of hydration again, it was wonderful! That's the reason I am considering trying the new formulations. I definitely would have recommended this toner for dry skin. I feel price is fair for the immediate hydration relief.