February 2022 Empties – I have 10 items this month which are a mix of products I purchased, got as a sample or received as PR!  (Items received as PR*, GWP+)
😍 Love it! 🙂 Like it. 😑 Just ok. ☹️ Did not like

😍  Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam* -got this through a Picky Giveaway, I really enjoyed using this even though I tend to stay away from foaming cleansers. Very gentle, non-drying, will repurchase once I finish some of the cleansers in my stash
😑 The Inkey List Squalane Oil - I like the product but I don’t care for the packaging as it is in a squeeze bottle and gets all over the place. Wish it had a dropper instead
😑 The Inkey List Rosehip Oil - great oil, horrible packaging. 
😍 Meta Foret 12PM Calming Sunscreen* (I got for $4 in exchange for a review) – very hydrating and blends easily, love the consistency and no white cast! I’ll definitely repurchase 
🙂 Cosrx Low pH BHA Overnight Mask - very thick but my skin loves this mask and looks clear and smooth the next morning 
😑 Neogen Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Foam+ - got this deluxe sample from Soko Glam if I remember correctly, I found it slightly drying for me. 
🙂 Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream –  I used as a spot treatment for redness and some acne scarring at night as it has a slight white cast. I’m tossing it because it lasts forever and it is expired now
😍 Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence+ – I got this as a GWP through Ulta, this is really hydrating and absorbs quickly. My skin drinks it up!        
🙂 Audrey & Young Hi-Vegan Earth Water Cream* - purchased for $4 in exchange for my review. I like this cream as it is light and absorbs without stickiness, but not moisturizing enough for me especially in Winter
🙂 Vely Vely Artemisia Balance Essence* - yet another item I paid $4 to try/review, very soothing and absorbs quickly. I liked how it reduced redness and skin looked brighter

Updated to mention that you can check out my full reviews for the PR items either here on Picky Review section or my Instagram account. Thanks for reading!

February Empties!

January 2022 Empties – 1st batch of empties for 2022! All but 3 were purchased with my own $$. (2 PR*, 1 GWP+)
😍 Love it! 🙂 Like it. 😑 Just ok. ☹️ Did not like

☹️ The Inkey List PHA Toner- too gentle for me, tossing as it was past it’s PAO and I was using it on my arms
😑 Cosrx Oil-free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion – very calming, helped reduce redness due to 70% birch sap
🙂 Cosrx Two in one Poreless Power Liquid – low BHA super gentle alcohol-free toner 
😍 Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner* (original version) – very hydrating and brightens skin. Won in a giveaway through another company 
😍 Son and Park Beauty Water+ - very refreshing and skin feels smooth after using (deluxe sample)
☹️ Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask – expensive and I ended up with milia around my eyes
🙂 Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream –  is great if you have irritation or damaged skin barrier but too light for dry skin without layering with another moisturizer.
😑 The Inkey List  Beta Hydroxy Acid – I used this as a spot treatment for maskne, non-drying           
😑 Surmedic Super Glutathione 100 Bright Ampoule* - won in a Picky giveaway, see my review in review section.

January Empties

So excited that my December Picky box arrived today! Although I do already have 2 of the products (Pure’am Barrier Balm & House of Dohwa Rice Mask), it was such a great deal and can’t wait to try all the new products! I did love the barrier balm and mask, that I got through giveaways, so now I’ve got more to use these once I empty those!
It also came with a thank you card and product stickers! 
I’m so glad I was able to purchase one! And of course it was very nicely packaged too. Thank you Picky Team!

Picky December “Skincare Wonderland” box arrived!

So I’m browsing on Sephora app to see what the birthday gift options are and I did a little search. I found one product from Selfless already listed with a picture and price. It seems to be quite expensive for what you get, don’t you think? 
And only 1% going to environmental causes?


***Updating to add Virtual Event details***
I just got an email from Sephora regarding a Virtual Event which is 500 points and includes a cleanser

Selfless on Sephora

I used to do monthly empties posts but got busy and forgot. I think my last post was in June, so want to share my 2nd half of 2021 empties. All were purchased with my own $$ and I’ve included photos. I hope you enjoy!

😍 - love
🙂 - like
😑 - just okay
🙁 - nope
 
😑 IS Clinical Cleansing Complex (2oz sample size) – light gel cleanser with white willow bark extract, chamomile & centella asiatica. Full size is expensive so don’t think I would purchase
😍 Cosrx Low pH Morning gel cleanser – one of my favorite cleansers! I have repurchased too many times to count
🙂 Belif Cleansing Gel Oil Enriched – a gel-oil cleanser, removes makeup pretty well & liked the scent, but don’t think I would repurchase as it is a little expensive. It lasted almost a year though. Bought it on sale
😍 Farmacy Sweet Apple Clean Balm – great balm cleanser, smells like apples!  The top layer is pink, changes to a golden yellow as you use product (like you bit into an apple). Farmacy cleansers are all great, I’ve also tried the Cherry version but prefer this one.
😍 Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser – another favorite, love the texture & smell!  A little goes a long way, priced reasonably and lasted several months.
😑 Xycos Cica Green Cleanser – purchased via 0.8liter, jelly texture, it was very soothing but I wouldn’t purchase it again because it contains lavender essential oil. 
😑 Farmacy Skin Dew Mist sample – decluttered as I don’t remember when I got it, believe it is discontinued
😍 Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid – great moisturizing toner, especially for dry skin, repurchased multiple times. Kind of expensive but it works great for me. 
😍 Krave Great Barrier Relief – really helps to calm my skin, lasted almost a year since I only use it when I have irritation, have a backup. This and the cleanser are my favorite products from Krave.
🙂 Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum – Vitamin C product, expensive at $85 but it did help brighten my skin.
🙂 Farmacy Very Cherry Bright Vitamin C Serum – contains 3 Vit C derivatives and 4 forms of hyaluronic acid, also expensive but my skin glows after using and it doesn’t irritate my skin.
😑 Belif Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb – this is an anti-aging serum, another expensive product, helps with firmness and skin elasticity. Not sure if I would purchase again.
🙂 May Coop Raw Moisturizer – contains 70% maple tree sap, aloe, baobab tree & cactus extracts, very hydrating!
😍 Neogen Day+Light Protection Sunscreen SFP50+/PA+++ - hybrid sunscreen, one of my favs, love the citrus scent. 
😍 Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Screen SFP50+/PA+++ - lightweight and moisturizing, this one has an apricot scent!
😑 Youth to the People Air-Whip Moisture Cream – very lightweight moisturizer, didn’t work for my dry skin. Another declutter as it was past PAO

My 2021 Empties!!

YesStyle code: SHARONG26 

Wishtrend Referral Code: B0EA611E

Download Picky! Invitation Code : 33DB70CC

Haruharu Wonder Code: SHARONG26

I experienced some irritation after using, possibly due to the Essential oil ingredients. 


Review: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

I received this product for free from Picky and Skin1004 in exchange for my honest review.

This is described as a lightweight, oil-based cleanser that gently melts away makeup, sunscreen, & dirt without stinging the eyes.

Key Ingredients:
🔸 Centella Asiatica (10,000ppm)
🔸 Sunflower Oil 
🔸 Olive Oil 
🔸 Jojoba oil
🔸 Bergamot fruit oil

Packaging/Texture: 200ml clear plastic bottle with white pump cap. Texture is a somewhat runny oil (golden yellow) that has a distinctive floral scent.

My Experience: Skin1004 is one of my favorite brands so I was excited to have the opportunity to try this cleanser. I wear sunscreen daily and makeup sometimes, so I always do a double cleanse at night. 
This cleanser has Centella Asiatica and 6 botanical oils as the main ingredients. Centella Asiatica calms skin, while sunflower and olive oil provides sebum care, and bergamot & jojoba oils provide skin nourishment.

As far as my experience goes, this cleanser does a good job removing all traces of sunscreen and makeup (except waterproof mascara). I use 2 pumps and apply with my hands on dry skin, gently massaging all over my face at night . Then I wet my hands, continue massaging until it becomes milky. Then I remove with lukewarm water.  
I like how easily it glides on the skin and how it washes off without any oily residue. My skin feels clean and not stripped. Then I follow up with my 2nd cleanse and the rest of my routine. Unfortunately I did experience some irritation on my cheeks, but unsure if it was from this cleansing oil or another product. (I plan to reintroduce again to check)
I am happy I was able to try this cleanser and will continue to use as it effectively cleans all traces of makeup and sunscreen.  But I do prefer other cleansers as my first cleanse and probably would not purchase. 

Pros: Cleans well, no oily residue, doesn’t burn eyes, short ingredient list

Cons: Contains 3 essential oils and added fragrance, strong floral scent

Update: I’ve been using this cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen nightly and have decided I really do like it. I reintroduced it after a couple of months and did not experience any skin irritation thr 2nd time around. It dissolves makeup quickly and rinses off cleanly without leaving any filmy residue. 

Please note this mask does contain denatured alcohol, although I personally don’t gave any issues with this as an ingredient, others might.

Earlier this month I took advantage of the latest @stylekorean_global “Ready Set Glow” program, which offers 3 full sized products for $9.99 in exchange for an honest review. I love how this promotion lets you try new products for an great price!
This product is an overnight gel sleeping mask that replenishes hydration on skin with 2,200ppm Calendula Petals (Marigold) & 25 types of Peptides.

Other Key Ingredients:
🔸Centella Asiatica 
🔸Chamomile Extract 
🔸Hyaluronic Acid
🔸Panthenol 
🔸Ceramide NP
🔸Tocopherol (Vit E)

Packaging/Texture: 110g/3.88oz frosted glass jar with silver screw on top. Comes with a spatula. Mask has a lightweight gel texture & a nice light floral scent.

My Experience: I’ve been using this mask every other night for about 2 weeks, after applying my retinol. To use, apply a generous amount on the face & neck before bed, then wash off with lukewarm water in the morning. 

Marigold contains several anti inflammatory ingredients like flavonoids, carotenoids & Lutron to help soothe skin. This has little Marigold petals that you can see in the gel. I really like how cooling & refreshing it feels as you apply on the skin - it spreads easily with no stickiness. 

This is a nice mask if you are experiencing any redness or irritation, it is so calming & clears it up quickly. 

The next morning my skin is soft, supple and feels hydrated. It is very nourishing & moisturizing, even for dry skin, although I think this would work for all skin types. (Use a moisturizer if you’re dry) 

Although Denatured Alcohol does appear on the ingredient list, I don’t mind because I really like the rest of the ingredients as they help repair & strengthen the skin barrier. I love that it is full of peptides that help to promote collagen production & reduces fine lines. I would recommend & would purchase again. 

 I had no issues although it does contain alcohol denat. However the rest of the ingredients are nice
It only has a 2 month PAO and will be hard to finish in so short a time.

I was lucky enough to selected by Cosrx to review one of their three new Derm Serums.  I was gifted the Vitamin C23 Serum which I have been using for about 12-14 days so far, so this will be more of a 1st impression review.

Update 9July: I found out a week after I received the Vitamin C Serum from Cosrx that I had also been chosen for a StyleKorean TMRM promotion & would receive all 3 serums, so I was extra lucky as I had a good first impression of this serum and now I have 2!!

This serum is described as a highly concentrated 23% pure vitamin C serum that provides the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin C with minimal irritation.  
I was excited to try this serum since I have some sensitivity to Vitamin C products with a high percentage of L-ascorbic acid.
 
Claims:
▪️Fades acne & hyperpigmentation
▪️Brightens complexion & evens skin tone
▪️Diminishes fine lines & wrinkles
▪️Firms & plumps skin
 
Key Ingredients:
▪️Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
▪️Tocotrienols (Super Vitamin E)
▪️Sodium Hyaluronate
▪️Allantoin
 
Packaging: 20ml dark brown bottle with glass pipette
Texture:  Oil with watery consistency, pale yellow in color. No added fragrance but has the same scent as other Vitamin C products that fades quickly.
PAO:  2 Months.  It is suggested to refrigerate to maintain freshness
 
My Experience:  I’ve been using this in the AM only, before moisturizer and sunscreen.  I apply 2-3 drops into my hands and massage into my skin. It is very lightweight, & spreads easily onto the skin.  
I do feel a slight tingle after application, while it isn’t sticky, it does feel a little tacky on the skin until it fully absorbs. It also layers well with other products, without any pilling.  
I had heard of Tocopherol (Vit E) before, but not Tocotrienols.  I did some research and found out that they are also potent forms of vitamin E that are considered stable and powerful antioxidants.  Tocotrienols have skin soothing agents & helps even skin tone.  When combined with Vitamin C, it in double the antioxidant ammunition to fight damage from free radicals and more UV damage than products containing vitamin C by itself. 
Sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture & reduces inflammation.  Allantoin soothes and protects the skin & reduces irritation. 
It also has some other great antioxidant ingredients like 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, Tocopherol, Safflower seed oil, & carrot root extract, as well as brightening ingredients like niacinamide & licorice root extract.  
I have not experienced any burning issues & no irritation so far.  
I have not noticed any significant improvement in hyperpigmentation yet in the short time I’ have used this serum, but my skin appears brighter & more even toned.  
I will definitely continue to use to see the long-term effects.

UPDATE 9July:
I’ve now been using this serum for close to a month (AM only).  I’m now using it daily, applying 2-3 drops onto my skin.  When I first started using the serum, I did feel a very slight tingle after applying, but don’t notice anything now, other than a slight tacky feel on the skin until it completely absorbs. 
It does have that funky smell other Vit C products have (meat/iron scent), but I’m used to the scent, and it fades quickly. Packaging reminds me of The Ordinary. I have noticed that my skin looks brighter & more even toned with a smoother texture. I’m also starting to see slight reduction in dark spots as well.

Nothing bad, just the lid is a little annoying. 
I dont care for how you have to unscrew the jar to remove the plastic protective insert. I took it out completely and lay the spatula on top of the balm.  That may not be the most sanitary way of storing it, but it works for me.  I’d love if there was a slot to hold the spatula in the lid without leaving it on top of product and worry about it getting greasy. 

I was given the opportunity to try this cleanser via  a “Try Me Review Me” event  in exchange for my honest review.  This cleanser is a sherbet oil-based balm formula that melts away all traces of makeup without stinging eyes.  It features Rice Bran water and grain extracts to deeply nourish, moisturize, and brighten skin.
 
Rice Water is rich in amino acids and minerals and some of its benefits include:
▪️Soothes sun damage
▪️Calms redness
▪️Protects skin barrier
▪️Provides anti-aging benefits
 
The Radiance cleansing balm contains Rice Bran Water, Rice bran oil and Rice bran extract.
Other key ingredients include:
▪️Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
▪️Sea Buckthorn
▪️Oat Extract
▪️Job’s Tears
▪️Glycerin
▪️Propanediol
 
Packaging and Texture:
▪️100 ml plastic tub with a lift-off lid and white spatula, has a clear plastic lid to protect product
▪️Soft-white sherbet balm formula, with no added fragrance or essential oils
▪️Cruelty-free and vegan formula, retails for $19
 
This version of the cleanser is “renewed” with upgraded packaging and reformulated to better withstand temperature changes, so you can keep it in the bathroom without worry. I like how I can just pop the lid up and down, but the clear plastic lid can only be removed by screwing open the jar. I found it was a pain in the neck to do that every time but this is a minor issue tgat can be resolved by just taking it out.
 
I really like the sherbet balm texture, as it melts into the skin, changing from the balm texture to an oil, and then turns milky as you add water.  I use this cleanser at night as part of my double-cleansing routine.  I take 1 scoop of balm, apply it to my hands and massage onto dry skin with my fingertips on my face and neck.  As it turns into the oil consistency,  I continue to massage it for about 1 minute total, just to ensure that all sunscreen and makeup (if wearing) melts away.  Then I use some lukewarm water to emulsify into a milky texture and use my hands (or a soft cloth) to wash off the cleanser.  Then I follow-up with a 2nd gentle cleanser (either a milk or non-foaming cleanser) to ensure all traces of makeup etc. are removed.   It does remove eye products without stinging the eyes, but as I wear waterproof tube mascara, I use a special eye makeup remove before using my oil-based cleanser.
 
This is a great cleanser in my opinion! It is very easy to wash off, and it does not leave a greasy/oily film after using.  It also does a good job of removing ALL makeup without irritation or stripping the skin.  I like how it has no added fragrance or essential oils.   This is a great balm cleanser for all skin types, but especially for those with dry, aging skin like mine.  I would definitely repurchase this balm, as it is less expensive than my #1 favorite (Farmacy Green Clean) and removes my eye makeup better than my #2 favorite (Banila Co). It also has no scent (as best I can tell) so if you don’t like products with natural fragrance, I highly recommend this balm.

Nothing, although the opaque container does make it difficult to see when product is running out.

I received this product for free from Picky and By Wishtrend in exchange for my honest review. 

This night cream features 1% Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative extracted from the Babchi plant that claims to provide a similar effect as retinol without irritation. It also contains 0.03% retinal, the most powerful & stable Vitamin A product available without a prescription, that is 11x stronger than retinol. They work together to improve skin texture, & target signs of aging.

Other Key Ingredients:
💜 Betaine
💛 Niacinamide 
💜 Macadamia seed oil
💛 Adenosine 
💜 Hyaluronic Acid (2types)
💛 Ceramide NP
💜 Tocopherol

Packaging/Texture: 30ml purple bottle (color of Babchi flowers) with yellow airless pump dispenser. Cream is bright yellow (natural color of retinal) with a thick creamy texture & no noticeable scent.

My Experience: This is marketed as a product for new retinol users or those with sensitive skin. That being said you should start out slow, 1 pump no more than 2x a week at night only. (More experienced users maybe 3x). Be sure to patch test and stop using if you experience irritation. 

I’ve been using every other night for about 2 weeks, applying in PM using 1-2 pumps, patting until fully absorbed. The rich creamy texture is more like a balm & applies easily. It does feel slightly tacky on my skin, but it isn’t greasy & nicely moisturizes skin with an occlusive feel. 
Now that the temperature is warmer, I don’t need to add moisturizer, but probably would in winter when my skin is more dry. Skin feels soft, smooth & looks plump & nourished the next morning when I wake up. I have not experienced any redness, flakiness or dry patches, but consider myself an experienced retinal/retinol user. 
I normally use another brand that has an 0.1% strength retinal 3x a week, so this is a little too gentle for me personally. I’ll probably alternate this with my normal retinal product since my skin can tolerate without irritation.  I’ve enjoyed using it in my nightly routine, but do prefer my other brand.

With continuous & consistent use, this night cream can improve skin elasticity, the appearance of dull skin & fine lines/wrinkles. 

Retinal is really the key ingredient, but assume the brand focused on Bakuchiol instead because it’s the current buzz ingredient, is a vegan alternative & quite gentle. Note that this is not safe for pregnant women & be sure to use an SPF during the day.