Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 12 Miscellaneous (Iunik, Banobagi, Ogana Cell, andLAB etc)

Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Ingredients:

Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* White cream, a bit oily

* Easy to spread on skin, no white cast

* Leaves skin very "oily" and shiny and it stays that way, looked the same over an hour later, hair sticks to my face, greasy

* Feels comfortable on skin, doesn't feel heavy, is not drying

* I feel a bit apprehensive towards Purito because of the sunscreen scandal but I do realize they have addressed the problem and this sunscreen is ok and I wouldn't mind using more as an at home sunscreen (because of the shine and grease)

Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Beta-Glucan, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Betaine, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens (Sesame) Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Almost like a gel cream

* It is moisturizing and feels nice, but definitely not "hyper moisturizing" like the bottle says! I was testing Caudalie SOS  Intense Moisturizing Cream the day before and after and Caudalie is definitely a lot more moisturizing (but heavier too of course)

* Could be nice for summer? I wouldn't mind using more but not going to go out of my way to purchase

Iunik Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid Vitalizing Toner

Ingredients:

Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Somewhat hydrating

* A bit thicker, essence like consistency

* Not sure if it broke me out a little or not

* What I feel after trying two Iunik products: they seem "basic", nothing miraculous or exciting but you know they can't go disastrously wrong

Thank You Farmer Tone Up SPF50 PA++++

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Oxide, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disiloxane, Caprylyl Methincone, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Water, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Disteariumdimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulphate, Polysilicone-11, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethyl Hexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Fragrance.

* Tried 1 sample

* Not much scent, a bit powdery, not strong

* Like the name says: tone up sunscreen. It is a mineral spf and it definitely feels like one, a bit thicker white cream, and leaves the white cast even if little is used, but I feel the whitecast is not quite as bad as usually with mineral sunscreens

* Pilled on the sides of my face where there is peach fuzz

* Interesting to test, but I am so over mineral sunscreens, especially the ones that can't act as primers because they pill  (white cast is bearable then usually)

B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lauryl Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-39, Decylene Glycol, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Fructan, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin

* Tried 1 sample

* Not much scent

* Brown-green-white cleanser, a little gritty

* Foams well into micro foam

* Slides well on skin, slippy 

* Not drying, no squeaky feeling on skin

* Quite good, actually! Wouldn't mind using more

Banobagi Rejuvenating Vital Emulsion Premium RX

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Diisostearyl Malate, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30AlkylAcrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Sodium DNA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* White cream

* Banobagi Emulsion feels oilier to me than the cream for some reason

* Leaves skin almost silky smooth

* Both cream and emulsion feel about the same as far as moisture for me

* Banobagi is actually a pricier brand, their own website shows prices from 40-80 USD. 

Banobagi Rejuvenating Vital Cream Premium RX

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycosyl Trehalose, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Stearyl Alcohol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Beeswax, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium DNA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Silica Silylate, Silica, Lysolecithin, Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dextrin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Arginine, Calcium Carbonate.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* White cream

* I think I like this cream better to emulsion

* Leaves skin almost silky smooth

* Cream and emulsion are not super different feeling in consistency actually? Maybe the sample sizes distract me? 

* Both cream and emulsion feel about the same as far as moisture for me

Banobagi Rejuvenating Vital Serum Premium RX

Ingredients:

Water, Polydecene, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Agar, Allantoin, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, t-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sodium DNA, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Lysolecithin, Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Dextrin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Arginine, Calcium Carbonate.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Clear, almost gel like serum

* Absorbed nicely

* Somewhat hydrating

* Not sure if broke me out or just my skin acting up?

Banobagi Rejuvenating Vital Skin Softener Premium RX

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium DNA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xylitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Copper Tripeptide-1.

* Tried 1 sample

* No scent

* Clear watery toner

* Absorbed well

* Nice ingredients, didn't notice much results using it a couple of times 

* Didn't feel especially hydrating

SUM Secret Essence

Ingredients:

?-

* Tried 1 sample

* Like clear water, very light

* Not much scent? Can't even remember!

* Absorbed immediately, left skin slightly softer, like your own skin but better

* I think this broke me out around my mouth and jaw

Isa Knox Phyto Retinol Oil

Ingredients:

?-

* Tried 2 samples

* Yellow golden thick serum essence, not oily at all

* Absorbed very nicely

* Not very hydrating but not drying either

* Perfume scent, strong at first but dissipates, very familiar so I think many k-beauty brands use this similar scent profile

* I think they still have this products but with the name AGE FOCUS Phyto Pro-RETINOL Wrinkle Serum and it is quite pricy at around USD 60

andLAB Mela Vita Whitening Cream

Ingredients:

?-

* Tried 1 sample

* Not really a scent

* White thick cream

* For some reason I thought whitening could mean that it is brightening with vitamin C etc but it is actually whitening, tone up cream

* My skin seemed to like this cream though, white or not! I used it during the night.

* Not super moisturizing, after a few hours almost drying.

andLAB Hyarucerin Moisture Cream

Ingredients:

?-

* Tried 1 sample

* A herbal scent, not strong but slightly lingers

* White cream

* Absorbs nicely, leaves skin slightly silky

* Moisturizing but not too heavy

* I could easily use more! The one sample lasted maybe 6 days for me... andLAB has generous sample sizes! I actually went looking for this cream but couldn't find it available anywhere. Maybe the brand pulled out of international market.

Ogana Cell Peptide Concentrating True Cream

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Vegetable Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Cyclopentasiloxane, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Pullulan, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Yeast Beta-Glucan, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Nonapeptide-1, Hexapeptide-61 Dimer, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

* Tried 1 sample

* Ever so slight neutral scent

* Thick white cream

* Felt comforting and smooth on skin, leaves a slight protective layer, doesn't completely absorb

* Moisturizing

* Contains Saccharomyces but using this twice didn't make my acne worse

* I wouldn't mind using more as a comforting winter cream based on texture!

* Ogana Cell is actually a bit expensive brand and this cream costs about 80-120 USD for 50 ml so I guess the texture better feel nice! Out of my price range, though!

Ogana Cell Peptide Concentrating Amazing Lotion

Ingredients:

Water,Glycerin,Dipropylene Glycol,Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate,Vegetable Oil,Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Cetearyl Alcohol,Glyceryl Stearate Citrate,Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil,Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate,Glyceryl Stearate,Sodium Hyaluronate,Trehalose,Betaine,Beeswax,Yeast Beta-Glucan,Ceramide NP,Alanine,Arginine,Glycine,Glutamic Acid,Serine,Copper Tripeptide-1,Acetyl Hexapeptide-8,Nonapeptide-1,Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Ferment Extract,Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract,Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract,Caprylhydroxamic Acid,Hydrogenated Lecithin,Octyldodecanol,Propanediol,Hydroxyacetophenone,Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer,Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer ,Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,Benzyl Salicylate,Limonene,Hydroxycitronellal,Fragrance.

* Tried 1 sample

* Ever so slight neutral scent

* Absorbs nicely

* White light lotion

* Surprisingly moisturizing

* Contains Saccharomyces but using this twice didn't make my acne worse

* I wouldn't mind using more based on texture! 

Ogana Cell Peptide Concentrating Tornado Cleanser

Ingredients:

?

* Tried 1 sample

* Smells herby, sandalwoody, not too strong though

* Gel cleanser, doesn't foam

* Includes small glitter bits that actually do feel rough on skin - I am a little worried they could get into eyes etc?

* Doesn't feel stripping to me, doesn't leave residue either on skin when used as a morning wash or as a second wash

* Didn't actually feel like tornado powerful, did a quick face wash with two layers of sunscreen and felt still sunscreen residue on skin

Empties since May

My empties from May to June so two months. Again, battling with the samples! Currently it is really hot here so it has limited my product usage. My face can't stand too much product when sweating all the time. I've been very good about sunscreen though! 

Face

Pile of Samples

My goal was to finish 20 samples again. I finished 19. I must admit I am a bit over samples now! My skin would love to just settle into a more long time routine! But I am still setting a goal of another 20 samples for the next two months so I can finish them all this year. I am not sure how many are still left.I do have quite many K-Beauty foundation samples but I would think everything is discontinued by now.

My favorites were DHC Elastin Collagen Ceramide Placenta Fresh Lotion, andLAB Hyarucerin Moisture Cream, Etude House Berry AHA Bright Peel Mild Gel (discontinued).

Sheet masks: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb, The Saem Charcoal and Potato, Innisfree Tomato and Broccoli

My favorites were Garnier Moisture Bomb and The Saem Charcoal. 

I actually have only few sheet masks left anymore. They are definitely not part of my basic routine, but I just fixed last week some sudden peeling around my mouth going on day 3 just by using a single sheet mask. And it was gone and not back, yet at least. So I am perhaps going to buy a couple new masks once my stash is finished.

A-Derma Lip Balm

Ok product, but probably wouldn't repurchase. A bit too stiff formula for my tastes, but I think it will not melt easily when carried in a pocket everywhere. But I kept this one bedside and it was my night lip balm for over a year! (Lip balm that I can easily put on in the middle of the night or in the evening if I can't be arsed to get out of bed anymore for something else. During winter I sometimes wake up with super dry lips and can't go back to sleep unless I do something about it.)

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

I really do like this serum. This was my second bottle maybe? I have a backup. My skin just looks better (brighter, smoother, less acne, more even color) when I use it. Pycnogenol is supposed to have antioxidant properties. I guess I will repurchase as long as The Ordinary makes it!

Nivea UV Face Sun Sensitive SPF50

Good face sunscreen, I've repurchased. I would recommend, affordable and fragrance free. I am now curious about Nivea's other face sunscreens.

Avene XeraCalm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Balm Sample

Feels nice and protecting, but nothing spectacular. Did try it when my skin was slightly irritated, worked nicely. Too greasy for day time wear, good sleeping mask. Possibly could purchase.

Body

The Body Shop Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion

Got this one as a gift. Must be from 2017. Or 2016. Not very moisturizing anymore, not sure if it ever was. Leaves kind of a film on skin. Shimmer is crazy pretty though, and long lasting at that too! I think that was the reason I was trying to save the lotion. Too strong scent, very fake berry. Aggravates a head ache/migraine if it's already coming.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x2

My staple. I have backups.

Molton Brown Rose & Rhubarb Shower Gel

At first wasn't impressed by the scent, but it grew on me. Would use again, but would not go out of my to purchase. Molton Brown's shower gels are not cleansing enough for me, so the scent is the main thing.

Nivea Kids SPF50

I have no idea how old this one is! And I haven't even written a review for it! But I am fairly sure I have even repurchased this bottle so it can't be older than a few years, right... right? Nivea has reformulated and released new sunscreens this year and it will be interesting to try them. I did like this one a lot, no scent, no white cast, easy to apply and wash off.

Hair

Wella Professional LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir for Keratin Protection Mini 30 ml

Got this one from my hair stylist as a freebie when I got permanent. Quite a strong fragrance and very slippy oily texture. I wasn't a huge fan in the beginning, but the more I used it, the more I liked it. Easy to apply and not heavy. Didn't particularly make my curls better but did feel protecting especially because I have thin hair and it turns frizzy easily. A little goes long way as well, realistically if I hadn't so many other products it would take me ~5 months to finish 30 ml. So now that it is gone I do miss it. I miss hair oils in general too. This was more effective than Moroccan Oil Treatment. But Moroccan Oil definitely smells a lot better! 

Shopping from May to June

My shopping from May to June so two months. I bought everything in May, nothing in June... I spent about 158 €. So I did go slightly overboard. So far I have used this year about 269 € in 6 months and I have had 3 shopping free months. Last year I had spent at this point 317 €. 

Also, last year I spent from July to August about 429 € so now I must contain my stress levels for the next two months! I took a peek what I bought and must admit there were several things I haven't used much during the year I've owned them. Kind of stupid to buy something just to "test it out" in a spur of the moment "I am doing this order now so better get everything at once because free shipping". But most of them have been useful which is good. I have only finished maybe 2-4 of those things though! Because most was makeup and it will take ages to make a dent.

ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+ PA++++

THE FACE SHOP Natural Sun Eco No Shine Sun Primer SPF50+ PA+++

MISSHA All-around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Innisfree Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 

Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Peeling Gel

+ Samples + Korean Wash Cloth (yellow one)

This is from Jolse, I've ordered many times from them. My only choice for shipping is DHL so the package comes from Korea in a few days, Jolse took about a week to ship it out.  Obviously have to deal with customs because it comes outside of EU. But actually DHL releases packages from customs almost immediately after payment, unlike basic Posti that is slow and can take days, argh! DHL has really stepped up, I like them now! About 75€

I got another Innisfree Anti-Aging Serum Sunscreen because I gave the rest of the last one to my mom to try it out (she's not into sunscreen so I give her once in a while something I think she could use easily). EDIT: She actually likes it! Says it is just like applying a moisturizer.

First impressions: Etude House Mild Watery Light smells surprisingly bad to me! Not strong, just hits the spot which makes me slightly nauseous. Otherwise, texture is nice and light, good stuff.

The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco No Shine Sun Primer is, hmm... pretty horrible. White and patchy and pills. I did expect it to be "brightening" (= somewhat white, mixed filters) but I also expected it to act like primer (= prime the skin smooth!). More like Clio's old primer sunscreen, you know? So I will experiment with this one and if I can't fix the texture issue I'll have to chuck it. 

But the reformulated Missha All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun I actually like more than I thought. It has a sharp floral fragrance that does dissipate (no where near SVR's Sun Secure line stink to me) and nice texture. Good I haven't tried the original Missha Aqua, because many seem disappointed that the finish is not matte anymore. Because I would be disappointed too and like this new version less, now I don't have a comparison. This one has worked so far under every foundation I've tried.

So overall a random bunch. Wonder what I should try next? European ones, or more from Missha and Innisfree (they have a good track record in my eyes)? Or just sit tight and see the possible new innovations/reformulations next spring 2023?

A list of European ones on my "wishlist": Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF50 (expensive), Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (golden standard these days?), La Roche Posay Anthelios Uvmune Ultra Cream SPF50+ (some say this could dry more matte than fluid?!), Vichy Capital Soleil UV Age SPF50+ (fluid), Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF50+ (holy grail for oily skin?), Eucerin Pigment Control Sun Fluid SPF50+...

SpaceNK's free gift with purchase: Feelgood Edit. I am impressed! I did get two different products than what they promoted. Maybe they ran out of the original ones.

Both lip products look good on me colorwise. Rare Beauty's Lip Souffle reminds me of Peripera's Lip Tint. But I must say when I tried Nars Rosecliff my first thought was: I need this lipstick in full size. So natural and beautiful, my lips but better!

Medik8 X Space NK Limited Edition Skincare Box: 

Crystal Retinal 3 (30ml)

Press & Glow (50ml)

Hydr8 B5 Intense (8ml)

Daily Radiance Vitamin C (12.5ml)

The Discovery Gift: Feel Good Edit 11 products:

Nars Lipstick Rosecliff 

Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Fearless

Rose Inc Brow Renew Gel

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

Ultra Violette SPF30 Clean Screen Fragrance Free Gel

Olaplex No 3

Sunday Riley Auto Correct

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Body Scrub

Malin+Goets Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

Malin+Goets Facial Cleansing Oil Sample

Verso Super C Serum Sample

I had been eyeing the Medik8 set for a while but resisted, because it is 72 € after all (value 100 €). It includes almost all products I've been interested in from Medik8! When SpaceNK released the free gift with purchase set when you spend 70 € I couldn't resist... Wow, the set includes actually interesting things! Free shipping sealed the deal. Altogether 15 products (I think 2-3 fullsize the rest minis) for 72 €! 

It took 2 weeks to receive my order and it was well packaged, BUT the other one of the free samples had twisted and opened up and dried. Lol. Well, it's ok because it is very unlikely I would have even entertained purchasing Verso products. But maybe SpaceNK still should also put samples properly in the box and not just throw on top.

The GWP set had two different products from the promo pictures, I guess they ran out or something. I do not mind that either, because Ultra Violette SPF50 was switched to SPF30 (close enough) and Rose Inc Toner was switched to their brow gel which I actually do prefer as I have enough toners/essences as it is. This is a really good set. Usually GWP sets include mostly things I do not even want. I think both lip products, Rare Beauty Fearless and NARS Rosecliff, look great on me. 

A313 Pommade Vitamine A 50G  

This vitamin A ointment has a cult reputation, but apparently it is very weak because it uses only Retinyl Palmitate which is a retinol ester. Still, I have read mixed reviews how people have got nice results with this one, I do wonder how, but I figured it is at least a good night sleeping mask if nothing else (I noticed that for me it is best to use tretinoin/adapalene every other day so this could be my choice for the other nights). I ordered one for my mom who is afraid of any strong treatments too. At least they were affordable! 

I ordered them from Soin et Nature and this was my first order from them. The shipping was about 5 € and one tube cost 8,5 €. There were some good deals on this webstore as well but I decided not to gamble a big order because I do not have experience with them yet. It took 3 weeks to receive my order and it was well packaged. So if there is no hurry the deals plus affordable shipping may be worth ordering again! Another French store I just looked at is Cocooncenter.

Laponie of Scandinavia Free Sample Set:

FACE CREAM Moisturising light gel-cream 5ml

GEL CLEANSER Purifying, non-drying gel cleanser 5ml

How can I say no to free test set from a Finnish brand that I've heard people praise? Especially the moisturizer and cleanser. The packaging is beautiful and I like their brand philosophy: products with only the necessary natural ingredients, made for sensitive skin. But they are a bit pricy as well so I haven't dared to buy a full size to try them out. The full size moisturizer costs 32 €. Also their shelf life is only about a year, but they clearly state the best before date for the batch they are selling. So I would purchase a tube only when I can use it immediately. I own so many expired or nearly expired things that I try to be more careful in the future.

The ingredients they use include oats, both oil and kernel flour, papaver somniferum seed oil which is poppy seed oil that I personally haven't seen in skincare, and honokiol and magnolol which are antioxidants derived from magnolia bark.

Interesting Products/Brands

Sometimes I browse websites just to see if something new or interesting is out there. I honestly shouldn't because it just leads to temptation. This list is for me so I can remember them later (or sooner...) and for anyone else who hasn't heard of these brands yet. Maybe this also stops me from purchasing things immediately when I can share my excitement just by writing about them! Just so you know I know next to nothing about ingredients and skincare formulating so everything here is just my opinions or musings.

ALL THE PICTURES ARE FROM THE BRANDS MENTIONED, I DO NOT OWN THEM.

Face Theory

Face Theory has a lot of products with different actives. Their pricing ranges from 16-32 € and I find it fair. The shipping is 4,99 € for under 30 € order to Europe and free for over 30 €. For worldwide the shipping is 9,99 €.

The first product I noted is Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15, including 15% Azelaic Acid, Colloidal Oat and Green Tea. Azelaic Acid has become a popular ingredient (I like it too) and this serum is one of their bestsellers. They also have a 30% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Regena C30 Pro Vitamin C Serum, I like this EAA Vit C derivate and The Ordinary has a 15% one and the soon to be discontinued Hylamide 25% one. So this serum could replace the Hylamide one for me. Pro line also has 20% Niacinamide Porebright N20 Pro Serum which is impressive but I might just skip that one in fear of irritation. 

For eyes Ocuwake Eye Cream EYE1 with urea, bacillus ferment, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and liquorice extract sounds promising.

Garden of Wisdom

Garden of Wisdom is sold on Victoria Health (UK website) for us European peeps. For EU orders they should already include local tax and duty so no extra customs. The shipping costs depend where the order is shipped to, for me ranging from 10-20 €. Garden of Wisdom's prices range from 14-27 €.

They have an Azelaic Acid derivate (Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate) serum Azelaic Acid (PAD) which includes 12% of the derivate. Geek&Gorgeous aPAD Serum uses 20% Azeclair, a solution containing 6% pure Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD). G&G says that 6% is already an outstanding amount so can it be true that GoW has double %? Or maybe they also use just 12% of Azeclair?

Other interesting products from GoW are a plain 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Azelaic Acid 10% Serum, PHA Plus Serum which has Gluconolactone 8% and Lactobionic Acid 2% and Neurophroline Serum which claims to soothe acne and rosacea inflammation by limiting cortisol. Well, I am suspicious but I haven't seen any other brand parading around with Neurophroline so it is also interesting. It is an extract derived from wild indigo, Tephrosia purpurea.

Geek & Gorgeous

I have actually ordered once from Geek&Gorgeous but I got only aPad Serum for myself. So I will include them in this list. Their product prices range from 7,5-30 €. They have free shipping over €50 in EU and €60 in US. Shipping is 5 € between 25 and 50 € and 15 € under 25 € for Europe (I know, sounds complicated).  The shipping was crazy fast, I received my package in a day and half I think!

From them I also find interesting their 0,1% Retinal Serum, A-Game, as well as their liquid chemical exfoliators like Cheer Up with 6% Mandelic Acid + BHA (1% Salicylic Acid) which sounds gentle, just like their Calm Down with 4% PHA + BHA (0,8% Salicylic Acid). I have also heard good things about their Vitamin C Serum C-Glow with 15% Ascorbic Acid + Ferulic Acid that they produce weekly in small batches so you can get it fresh and it should survive at least 3 months after opening in the fridge without oxidizing (pure Ascorbic Acid is very unstable). I could try it sometime, but I suck at finishing things in time, that's why I usually go for stable Vitamin C derivates despite them not being as effective. 

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum

This product is almost impossible to get in Europe. But I have seen so many people mention Faded that of course it intrigues me, probably not enough to purchase even if it comes available somewhere though. Their website only ships to US, Canada, and the UK. It costs 38$ and boasts fading spots with Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid etc.

Full ingredient list:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Tranexamic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Alpha-Arbutin, Behenyl Alcohol, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Gluthathione, Turmeric Butter, Ethylene Brassylate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Azelaic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Melatonin, Phytic Acid, Squalane, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Arginine, Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol.

BasicLab Dermocosmetics

This is a Polish brand. I am not sure how I found it because I speak zero Polish, but I am very fascinated with Polish cosmetics because they seem to be front runners. Their products cost from 35-240 zł  which is about 7,5-51 € currently. They even ship to many European countries and if your country is not on the list they ask to contact them. For me shipping would cost 65 zlotys (~14 €).

The "star product" I am interested in is KORYGUJĄCE SERUM Z RETINALEM 0,15%, CZYNNIKIEM WZROSTU KOMPLEKS 2%, FITOSFINGOZYNĄ I KARNOZYNĄ 2.0 REDUKCJA I STYMULACJA, which translates roughly to CORRECTING SERUM WITH RETINAL 0.15%, GROWTH FACTOR COMPLEX 2%, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE AND CARNOSINE 2.0 REDUCTION AND STIMULATION. It includes a whopping 0,15% of Retinal (the most I have seen) and 2% Peptides and lots other goodies. Full ingredient list:

Aqua, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Propanediol, Squalane, Dibutyl Adipate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76, Decarboxy Carnosine HCl, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Retinal, Phospholipids, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Ascorbic Acid, Arginine, Hydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone.

Other interesting products and ingredients BasicLab has are SERUM Z TREHALOZĄ 15% I 10% PEPTYDEM NAWILŻENIE I WYPEŁNIENIE which translates to SERUM WITH TREHALOSIS 15% AND 10% PEPTIDE HYDRATION AND FILLING. Trehalose should be very hydrating, protecting ingredient with antioxidant benefits and reflects skin's own Natural Moisturizing Factors.

Also PEELING KWASOWY ZMNIEJSZAJĄCY NIEDOSKONAŁOŚCI REDUKCJA I ZWĘŻENIE which translates to ACID PEELING TO REDUCE DEFECTIVENESS REDUCTION AND TREATMENT and it has 6% Shikimic Acid, 5% Mandelic Acid and 3% Lactobionic Acid. I had never heard of Skikimic Acid before. It is actually obtained from star anise and it is a gentle AHA acid with multiple benefits.

Mad About Skin

Mad About Skin is actually a youtuber's brand I stumbled upon. Funny because I rarely watch youtube but I ended up on Rob's channel because he talks about normal cheap products as well. His skincare lineup is not tempting me to purchase them right now but I do find it impressive when ordinary people follow their passion. The brand's bestseller must be the Got You Covered Super Serum which is a mix of Azelaic Acid, Ascorbic Glucoside, peptides, Panthenol and antioxidants. They are also in middle of formulating a few different sunscreens so it is interesting to see what they are going to be like. As I have understood sunscreens are one of the most difficult things to get right. 

Full ingredients for the Got You Covered Super Serum:

Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Ascorbic Glucoside, Hexylene Glycol, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Cucumis Stivus Fruit Extract, Glucose, Fructose, Panthenol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Pollen Extract, Tilia Platyphyllos Extract, Mel Extract, Malva Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Ubuquinone, Calendula Officials Flower Extract, Sucrose, Urea, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Dextrin, Hexyl Nicotinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol.

Olival

Olival is a Croatian brand and their prices range from 3-28 €.  They seem to ship worldwide and the shipping costs vary from 47 kn to 270 kn (currently about 6-35 €), depending on location and weight. For me shipping would probably be ~22 € which is getting steep. They have multiple collections, from a first glance the interesting one is the black and white Professional Collection. Some of their other collections are Immortelle and Green Coffee.

Olival also has a retinal 0,1% serum called Vitamin Serum RA in their Professional line and it includes a lot of other goodies as well: ceramides, aloe, astaxanthin, allantoin, bisabolol. I would also go for their sunscreen/cream Krema Za Lice SPF50/Professional Face Cream SPF50. Based on ingredients, it would work as a primer (includes cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone), and Olival also suggests that its airy, foamy texture works for oily skin:

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Niacinamide, Ubiquinone, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-80.

For some basics, Olival's "cleansing oil" Microemulsion for the First Step of Facial Cleansing, Peeling Toner AHA PHA (5,9% : Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid) and Microexfoliant (1% Salicylic Acid, powder Zea Mays Starch). I did like Dermalogica's Microexfoliant and even though the ingredients are completely different here, I still think the powder exfoliants are surpisingly effective.

Olival's Immortelle Collection is more affordable line and includes basics. It is based on Helichrysum Italicum Flower which is effective for skin healing. Personally I haven't heard of this ingredient before.

Niche Beauty Lab

Under Niche Beauty Lab there are several different brands - just like under Deciem. I got the most interested in their "expensive" brand, Theramid. The serums are 32-35 € so I find the prices fair. Their "normal" line Transparent Lab is priced at 10-20 €. The shipping is free to most countries in Europe, USA, Canada etc.

Theramid's High-Concentrated Vitamin A Treatment Clinical Vitamin A is combining 5% Granactive Retinoid, 0,3% Retinol, and 0,1% Retinal. Which sounds like an amazing cocktail. Best you can get if you count out Adapalene and Tretinoin? (I am not an expert.) The ingredient list:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Coco-Caprylate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Retinal, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Plankton Extract, Ceramide NG, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Jojoba Esters, Lecithin, Pullulan, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tricaprylin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.

I am very tempted to give it a whirl even though I do not need it! Perhaps I'll gift it to someone at some point. Other interesting serums from Theramid include Derma Peptides 22% Multi-Peptide Treatment, C-Tetra E.F. Intensive Vitamin C Treatment, Ceramide Treatment High Dose 3% Ceramide. And of course one for eyes, Advanced Eye Treatment Anti-Aging and Depuffing, which I am also interested in. The key ingredients are 5% Peptide Complex, 5% Ceramide Complex, 5% Ascorbyl Glucoside and 0,1% Retinol. The ingredient list is:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C10-18 Triglycerides, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caffeine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Betaine, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Oligopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-9, SH-Polypeptide-11, Retinol, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Punica Granatum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Lecithin, Tricaprylin, Polyglycerin-3, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Acetyl Glutamine, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Sucrose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate.

From Transparent Labs nothing jumped out the way from Theramid, but I still did take a note of Protect + Correct Serum with antioxidants Resveratrol, Ferulic Acid, Turmeric and ACE Complex, Gentle Rejuvenation Serum with antioxidant Ellagic Acid (which is "new" and promising ingredient), Niacinamide and Retinol, PIH Sun Spot Fading Treatment with Tranexamic Acid, Azeloglicina, Niacinamide, Kojic Acid and Luminia Granatum and Barrier Restoring Hydrating Cream with Hyaluronic Acid, ACE Complex, Madecassosside, Ceramide and TECA. 

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil Infused Gloss

Everyone knows Bobbi Brown if they are into makeup. I don't own anything from them but they seem to have good products. Only recently the brand has become easily available for me. I really would love to try Crushed Oil Infused Gloss because it might be the perfect combination of gloss and lip oil and the shade selection is very good. 

I am interested in the shade #07 Force Of Nature which could be my perfect nude based on pictures! Full ingredients:

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Bht, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Orange 5 (Ci 45370), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 6 (Ci 15850)]

Of course I'd love to try other products (bronzers, highlighters, their other lip products) from Bobbi Brown as well but due to price and my already existing hoard I am purposefully ignoring the temptation. 

Glamshop pl

Glamshop is a Polish makeup brand and they especially have lots of pretty eye shadow singles! Shipping costs depend on the destination and range from 40 to 400 PLN (about 9-87 €). For me in the EU the shipping cost would start from ~16 €. Which is the same as the other Polish brand BasicLab Dermocosmetics so I think this is the usual rate from Poland to Nordic countries. Their prices range from 4-30 € usually. The eyeshadow singles are 20,16 PLN which is about 4,37 €. I did see Glamshop having very good sale prices recently.

The products that stood out to me were for example Glam Classic Foundation in Olive 0 and 1, they seem like very nice neutral shades that I could pull off. Actually Olive 0 is one of their bestsellers. I have heard good things about their face powders as well. As for eyeshadows, I would probably order metallic/pearly, ultra pearl and velvet singles because I am currently into glitter!

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask Review

Ingredients:

AQUA / WATER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, p-ANISIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, MANNOSE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PVM/MA COPOLYMER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SORBIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE.

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:

- A bit excess material with the protective film



+ Light scent

+ White mask, nice fit, a bit less material on jaw/cheek area than Korean sheet masks I've tried which is good, I guess my face shape is a bit more narrow/I have high cheekbones but hollow underneath 

+ Included a removable protective film on mask to help to put it on, unnecessary for me but maybe helps someone who hasn't used any masks before?

+ The sheet was medium thick and comfortable, stayed well on face

+ Stayed moist longer than the suggested 15 min, maybe 25-30 min

+ No irritation, skin felt moisturized, no breakouts

* I am actually not sure if Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is still available, this was bought a long time ago. I could go for other Garnier sheet masks as well based on this one.

Price: 

1,5-3 € per piece

Bought from: 

Super market

Buy again? 

Maybe.

Worth the money? 

I think sheet masks in general are only worth it when used as a treatment for very dry skin due to some kind of irritation, tretinoin, etc... But overall I think Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is worth it: easy to buy from supermarket when the need arises, fits my face quite well without the excess material on jaw/cheek area, hydrates nicely and is good price if you can catch it for around 1,5 €!

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream for Face 10 ml Mini Review

Ingredients:

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2- Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol,Squalane, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Parfum, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Butylene Glycol, Raffinose, Adenosine, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ceramide NP, Folic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Cholesterol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate,Collagen Extract, Propanediol,Alcohol, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract, Phytosphingosine, Tromethamine, Maltodextrin, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sorbitan Laurate, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Oryza Sativa Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Sodium Cocoyl, Glutamate, Rutin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Benzyl Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Plankton Extract, Carbomer, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Ceramide AP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, VP/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Arginine Ferulate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Disodium Phosphate, Acetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Retinol, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium PCA, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Sucrose, Cysteine, Proline, Histidine, Calcium Chloride, Taurine, Tryptophan, Asparagine, Formic Acid, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-imide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Chloride, Citrulline, Ammonia, Ornithine, Uric Acid, Tyrosine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Potassium Hydroxide, Alanine, Arginine, Urea, Isoleucine, Maris Sal, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Glucosamine HCl, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Ceramide EOP, Benzyl Benzoate.

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:

- A light scent, weird for eye cream to be fragranced but it is not bad to me and it doesn't linger or overpower, still unnecessary

- Didn't notice brightening or smoothening etc on my eye contour, so it felt like any other eye cream/cream that is ok but not special



+ Light lotion and absorbs well (no residue on skin), I can apply huge amounts if I want to

+ Doesn't irritate my eyes or cause milia no matter how much I apply

+ Feels ok moisturizing, not too little or too much

+ Sometimes I did wipe some cream elsewhere on my face, felt just like any cream, didn't seem to break me out

+ Worked well with my other products, no pilling

+ Lots of good ingredients in the list (but not sure if included in amounts that actually matter)

* My first and only product from AHC, a Korean skincare brand. I got it from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. I feel like over half my products are from these calendars! Good way to try many different things, especially because I have gotten all my calendars as christmas gifts from my partner. <3

* I am now used over half of AHC Real Eye Cream and everytime I put it on I keep trying to find things to say about it. It is ok, it is basic, not much to review!

Price: 

30 € / 30 ml full size product

Bought from: 

Got from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

Maybe? Probably not though. Not very memorable.

Worth the money? 

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream For Face is one of those products that I would use if I got more but probably not going to go out of my way to purchase it. Price wise it is good, because full size if bigger than eye creams usually and it can be used for whole face. But then again, any cream can be used for eye contour. But this is a good, ok cream that absorbs well and I can see it working for all skin types.

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizing Cream 15 ml Mini Review

Ingredients:

aqua/water/eau, glycerin*, squalane*, ethylhexyl cocoate*, ethylhexyl palmitate*, cetearyl alcohol*, vitis vinifera (grape) fruit water*, borago officinalis seed oil*, potassium cetyl phosphate, coco-caprylate/caprate*, cetearyl wheat straw glycosides*, caprylic/capric triglyceride*, palmitoyl grape seed extract*, vitis vinifera (grape) juice*, crithmum maritimum extract*, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, sodium hyaluronate, oleyl alcohol*, cetearyl glucoside*, hydrogenated olive oil stearyl esters*, parfum (fragrance), tocopheryl acetate*, carbomer, caprylyl glycol, hydrogenated vegetable oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, citric acid*, sodium hydroxide, tocopherol*, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate (235/001)

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:

- Broke me out slightly but consistently during the three week test period (breakouts stopped when stopped using) which leads to:

- Lots of comedogenic ingredients that seem to be trigger at least to my oily-combination skin

- Full size 50 ml comes in a jar if you are against jars



+ Light scent, pleasant to me

+ Soft cream, excellent consistency, not too oily or too thick but still protecting, leaves skin soft and smooth, not sticky

+ Feels moisturizing (but I would not call it S.O.S. Cream - for dry skin probably nice daily cream), nice combination of moisture and hydration

+ Cute pink packaging (pink is my weakness after all)

+ Caudalie is vegan and uses mostly natural derived ingredients if you are into these things

* I do have a soft spot for Caudalie products, for some reason. I guess I like their aesthetics! What I have tried their formulas are very nice and it almost seems like the scents are not as strong as few years ago. Or I have lost my sense of smell because I have smelled too many cosmetics products.

* For my oily-combination skin I have loved Caudalie's Moisturizing Sorbet and Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser.

Price: 

25-35 € / 50 ml full size product

Bought from: 

Got from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

To me no, because Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizing Cream broke me out, but otherwise it was very pleasant rich cream that is not too rich and did what it was supposed to do: moisturized nicely and worked with my other products. For dry skin probably excellent, but for irritated dry skin I would search something else.