Girls, could you recommend nice cc cream or tinted moisturizer for dry skin? I want something light for the summertime.

Searching for a good cc cream or tinted moisturizer!

Could anyone say if aluminum is safe in sunscreen in long-term usage? Does anyone know any new research provided recently about it?

I see this ingredient even in the sunscreen for kids 🙄

Alumina in sunscreen 🤔

Nothing particularly bad. I think it’s suitable for newbies for vitamin C products and those who want to improve skin tone and bounce the skin. 

I received this product for free from Picky and Dear, Klairs in exchange for my honest review.

This is new Vitamin serum from Dear, Klairs!

The package is plastic, 30 ml, pump-bottle in paper box. 

It’s a transparent watery serum with a great spreadability and without any particular smell.

I use 2 pumps to cover my face and neck. It is absorbed pretty fast; it’s sticky after applying and after some time there’s a bit of stickiness left. Although it’s gone after applying cream (it is Malin and Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturiser now).

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum - is 10% Vitamin C derivative serum that brightens and tightens for radiant, bouncy skin!

Key ingredients are 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C derivative) and Niacinamide which are powerful ingredients that improve overall skin tone and pigmentation (melasma, blemish, freckles) and brighten and boost radiance. Also there are soothing and moisturising ingredients: Panthenol, Madecassoside, Beta-Glucan.

I think it’s good serum for brighteness and firmness of the skin, but not the dark spots. I have stubborn freckles and don’t see any changes (using 2 times a day during around 2 weeks).

Serum indeed suitable for the sensitive skin. I have slight couperose on my cheeks which can be sensitized by some cosmetics, however not by this serum.

Maybe I need more time to use it for the results with my freckles, so I think to upgrade the review after using all the bottle.

Full ingredient list: Aqua (Water) (solvent), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (antioxidant, brightening), Butylene Glycol (moisturiser/humectant, solvent), Niacinamide (cell-communicating ingredient, skin brightening, anti-acne, moisturizer/humectant), 1,2-Hexanediol (solvent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient, moisturizer/humectant), Methylpropanediol (solvent), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-identical ingredient, moisturizer/humectant), Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract (perfuming), Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel extract (perfuming), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract (perfuming), Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate (viscosity controlling), Panthenol (soothing, moisturizer/humectant), Pentylene Glycol (solvent, moisturizer/humectant), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (soothing, moisturizer/humectant), Tromethamine (buffering), Adenosine (cell-communicating ingredient), Madecassoside (antioxidant, soothing), Sodium Phytate (chelating), Beta-Glucan (soothing, moisturizer/humectant), Tocopherol (antioxidant), Linolenic Acid (skin-identical ingredient, emollient, surfactant/cleansing, perfuming), Xanthan Gum (viscosity controlling), Carbomer (viscosity controlling).

I didn’t see any cons. It’s oily but the composition is required to be like that and this oily has feeling completely gone with topping the cream upon it. Though be cautious to use it alone on the sensitive skin, patch test will be great option. 

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

The package is plastic, 30 ml, pump-bottle in a paper box with the first open seal.

The product itself is a white and quite thick cream-like suspension that goes transparent after distributing it on the skin surface. Also you feel oily texture and light warmth while applying it. Suspension doesn’t have any smell at all.

What is being said about this product?

“Pure Vitamin C 20% Element uses vitamin C in its purest form - ascorbic acid, to help visibly increase elasticity and balance an uneven skin tone. Highly lauded for its beneficial effects, but notorious for its instability, vitamin C's fresh potency is captured in time through elmt's innovative powder-in-suspension formula and airtight container. Our 2-Tier Stabilization Technology first locks in the effectiveness of vitamin C with the help of a bio-ferment extract, which is then suspended in a biolipid base to prevent activation until you need it.

Unlike water-based forms of vitamin C, this waterless product contains water-soluble vitamin C powder that activates upon contact with the skin's moisture. Each use imparts instant radiance, while also forming a protective barrier that fights environmental aggressors for a brighter & firmer complexion over time.” - by Wishtrend website.

So, the key ingredient is 20% pure vitamin C which is active only after applying on the skin. Perfect, imho!

I have couperose on my cheeks and in my periods sometimes my skin goes sensitized. I had to start using this product right at the start of my period and felt a bit anxious.

What I have used till now was only derivatives of the Ascorbic Acid and not the acid itself. Percentage of the derivatives in the products was lower too. So I was pretty sure the I’d have some reaction but … No tigling, no burning, no redness. Any negatives wasn’t there for me, only pleasant warmth.

How they suggest to use the product!
Following your PM cleanse, apply 1-2 pumps at the last step of your skincare routine. Use alone, or mix with the water based toner or cream. For AM, finish with a sunscreen.

At the start I just use it after cleansing and after some time my skin felt itchy. So I added Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Toner before and Malin & Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturiser after the product. It worked better for my skin. No itches more.

I think not only my skin tone went brighter but my freckles started to disappeared. I think so cause I forgot to take a photo as a starting point of my journey. But I can surely say that my post acne scar on the neck went less visible in just one night. 

I’ll be using this product further and post the update on the Instagram.

For now, I like what I see.

Full ingredient list: Propanediol (solvent, moisturiser/humectant), Ascorbic Acid (20%) (antioxidant, skin brightening, buffering), Butylene Glycol (moisturiser/humectant, solvent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient, moisturiser/humectant), Pentylene Glycol (solvent, moisturiser/humectant), Candida Bombicola/Glucose /Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment (antimicrobial/antibacterial, surfactant/cleansing), Glyceryl Glucoside (moisturiser/humectant), AmmoniumAcryloyldimethyltaurate /VP Copolymer (viscosity controlling), Panthenol (soothing, moisturiser/humectant), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (emollient), Sodium Polyacrylate (viscosity controlling), Polyquaternium-10 (viscosity controlling), Ferulic Acid (antioxidant, antimicrobial/antibacterial).

I should note that my product has also product information in russian in the paper box which was pretty disappointing for me as a Ukrainian.
However it didn’t affect my opinion about the product.

As for the product itself I don’t have any cons about it.


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

Package.
The Balm came in the paper box. Inside the box there is a little plastic spatula and solid plastic sealed jar with the balm. Expiration date will come in two years so it’s pretty fresh product. Also you must use the balm during 12 month after opening which is standard time and of course I’ll use it quicker than that.

Color.
The Balm is olive-like colour because of green tea powder.

Scent.
No artificial fragrance here just a bunch of natural essential oils which smells light. Smells eucalyptus and no orange or anything else at all.

Texture.
The Balm is solid at first glance but quite soft in reality. It hasn’t any solid particles and is homogeneous. As a classic feature of any balms it’s oily when applied to the skin, then it is turned to milky watery consistency when mixed with water and after that can be washed away easily.

Key ingredients.
As you can see in the end of the review I write for all ingredients their function in the cosmetics. This balm mostly consists of emollients and perfuming oils. Quite simple and I like it.

From manufacturer.
Plant based Oil base mixed with Green Tea Powder which is highly effective in absorbing micro dust, penetrates deep into skin even through makeup and clears wastes inside pores without irritation. Completely washes off makeup but leaves your face soft and moisturising but non-oily. Leaving your skin soft as a baby.

My opinion.
I really liked this balm. It’s pretty comfortable when applied and when washed away it doesn’t leave any film on the skin or feels oily. Just leave refreshing clean skin. I didn’t use any cleansing foams after balm cause didn’t have to, it cleans really well. My dry skin felt clean but needed moisture as well. It’s not that it was dried out because of the balm I just like plump moisturised skin with slight glow ^^
Also I’m not a makeup person: just use some eyeshadows, mascara and tint-like lip products. Those were washed away pretty good.
The balm doesn’t irritate eyes (I use it to clean all my face even eye area without makeup).

Actually, I’m impressed by the balm and consider to purchase it when my balm collection for review ends ^^ (I have bunch of products bought before this balm arrived).
I can totally recommend it for all skin types. 

Full ingredient list: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive)(antioxidant, emollient), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate (emollient), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (emollient, perfuming), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate (emollient, emulsifying), Beeswax (emollient, emulsifier, film-forming agent, binding agent, lipophilic viscosity increasing agent), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower)(emollient), Water (solvent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Butylene Glycol (moisturiser/humectant, solvent), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder (Green Tea) (colouring, I think), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba)(emollient), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Citrus Lemon Peel Oil (Lemon)(perfuming), Citrus Medica Vulgaris Peel Oil (perfuming), Citrus Grandis Peel Oil (Grapefruit)(perfuming), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil (Orange)(perfuming), Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil (perfuming), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender) (antimicrobial/antibacterial, perfuming), Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus)(antimicrobial/antibacterial, perfuming), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary)(antioxidant, antimicrobial/antibacterial), Citrus Auranthium Dulcis Flower Oil (Orange)(perfuming).

One thing is bad for me about this product is that it could leave tone on my clothes. However all toning products do it.


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

The package is non-sealed plastic tube placed in a paper box with the first open check. Tube contains 50 millilitres of lightweight lightcolor toning sun cream. It hasn’t any sign about the expiration date after opening, both, on the paper box and tube. It just has shelf life expiration date on the tube. I assume it has 12 month life after opening for most of the sunscreens.

So,
“it is a mineral sunscreen offering SPF50 PA++++ sun protection (full ingredient list at the bottom). The cream-type formula combines yam root extract with panthenol to keep skin moisturized, while plant-based mucin and Vegan Milk Complex help strengthen the skin barrier. Enriched with brightening agent niacinamide and coming in a beige-tinted color, the sunscreen provides a tone-up effect for radiant results.” - Yesstyle website page.

Cream has light creamy texture that spreads and soaks well. I would say it’s moisturising at the beginning but not for long for my dry skin. It has light beige color and really light coverage so it couldn’t cover dark spots and acne scars really well. That’s why it could be useful as primer I think or as light coverage make up tone with a help of a concealer. 

Cream is a bit sticky at first. It has no aroma, just powdery smell as most of toning products. I do like it’s mineral sunscreen so could be useful for the sensitive skin though it has toning function so it depends on your skin.

Overall, I like this product. It suited my skin tone well and if I use a bit more moisturisers under I think it would be great summer option.

Full ingredient list: Water (solvent), Zinc Oxide (sunscreen), Cyclohexasiloxane (emollient, solvent), Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract (skin conditioning), Butyloctyl Salicylate (solvent), Panthenol (soothing, moisturizer/humectant), Propanediol (solvent, moisturizer/humectant), Dicaprylyl Ether (emollient, solvent), Isododecane (emollient, solvent), Propylheptyl Caprylate (emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone (skin conditioning), Niacinamide (cell-communicating ingredient, skin brightening, anti-acne, moisturizer/humectant), Caprylyl Methicone (emollient), Titanium Dioxide (sunscreen, colorant), Disteardimonium Hectorite (viscosity controlling), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (soothing, skin conditioning, abrasive/scrub), Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract (soothing), Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract (skin conditioning), Angelica Keiskei Extract (antioxidant, emollient), Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract (skin conditioning), Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract (skin conditioning), Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract (skin conditioning, skin protecting), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-identical ingredient, moisturizer/humectant), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (binding), Magnesium Sulfate (viscosity controlling), Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone (surfactant/cleansing), 1,2-Hexanediol (solvent), Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate (emulsifying), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (opacifying), Glyceryl Caprylate (preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (moisturizer/humectant, emollient), Aluminum Hydroxide (emollient, moisturizer/humectant, viscosity controlling), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Polymethyl Methacrylate (film forming), Adenosine (cell-communicating ingredient), Tocopherol (antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (moisturizer/humectant, solvent), Iron Oxides(CI 77492)(colorant), Iron Oxides(CI 77491)(colorant), Iron Oxides(CI 77499)(colorant).



I don’t like the presence of Homosalate and that I don’t know its percentage in the formula. 

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

The package is non-sealed plastic tube placed in a paper box with the first open check. Tube contains 50 millilitres of lightweight purple color sun cream. It hasn’t any sign about the expiration date after opening, both, on the paper box and tube. It just has shelf life expiration date on the tube. I assume it has 12 month life after opening for most of the sunscreens.

“Fitted with SPF40 PA+++, this chemical sunscreen helps keep UV rays at bay, while giving skin an instant glow-up thanks to 5% red onion extract and Multi Vita Complex in the formula. Additional ingredients of allantoin and heartleaf extract hydrate and soothe irritated skin. The sunscreen comes in a purple-tinted color to boost skin’s radiance by neutralizing uneven yellow undertones.” - Yesstyle website page.

Cream is lightweight purple color that doesn’t leave casts after applying. Felt a bit sticky at first, but it goes away in about 5 minutes. It has no aroma. Cream is indeed moisturising and comfortable, leaves the skin soft.

About sunscreens in this cream:

Homosalate is a widely used chemical in sunscreens and skin care products with SPF. Homosalate is a potential endocrine disruptor and studies in cells suggest it may impact hormones. In addition to direct health concerns following homosalate exposure, the chemical may also enhance the absorption of pesticides in the body. It’s also not powerful UV protector so it should be combined with other sunscreens. As of 2020, Homosalate is permitted to be used up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US, but the EU is currently considering restricting it to only 1.4% (probably taking effect from 2022).

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also known as Octinoxate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate) - a clear, oil-soluble, "cosmetically-elegant" liquid that is the most commonly used chemical sunscreen. It only protects against UVB rays and it is not very stable either. To make it more stable it can be - and should be - combined with other sunscreen agents to give stable and broad-spectrum protection. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics in the E.U. and the U.S. if used in the recommended concentrations. It may however have some effects on the endocrine system.

Ethylhexyl Salicylate (also called Octyl Salicylate, Octisalate) is works as a UVB sunscreen filter and not a strong filter in itself, it's always used in combination with other sunscreen agents to further enhance the SPF and to solubilize other solid UV filters. Ethylhexyl Salicylate has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics and is not considered an eye or skin irritant.

Octocrylene - an oil-soluble chemical sunscreen agent that protects skin in the UVB and somewhat in the UVA II range. Its protection is not strong enough on its own but it is quite photostable and is often used to stabilize other photo-unstable UV-filters. The FDA considers it safe and effective in products with concentrations of up to 10%. However, side effects from octocrylene, such as allergic reactions, are possible. Research also shows that octocrylene and other chemical sunscreen ingredients can harm marine life.

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane  is better known as Avobenzone and is globally approved. In fact, it's one of the most widely used UVA filters in the world and has been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, with further safety studies ongoing. Many studies have shown that avobenzone becomes unstable when exposed to UV light, one reason reapplication during long periods of time outdoors is necessary. To increase its photostability, UV absorbers such as octocrylene and non-UV filters often accompany avobenzone in a sunscreen formula.

So, this purple sunscreen combines 6 sunscreens (if you count Titanium Dioxide too). As for me, the most disturbing is Homosalate in there, so I might not order it next time. As for you, it’s your choice to pick it or not.

Sure, if you have sensitive skin - mineral sunscreen is the only option, imho.

Full ingredient list: Water (solvent), Homosalate (sunscreen), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (sunscreen), Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract (antimicrobial/antibacterial), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (sunscreen), Octocrylene (sunscreen), Butyloctyl Salicylate (solvent), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (sunscreen), Butylene Glycol (moisturizer/humectant, solvent), Niacinamide (cell-communicating ingredient, skin brightening, anti-acne, moisturizer/humectant), Acrylates Copolymer (viscosity controlling), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (film-forming, skin conditioning), C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate (emulsifying, surfactant/cleansing), C20-22 Alcohols (viscosity controlling), 1,2-Hexanediol (solvent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient, moisturizer/humectant), Caprylyl Methicone (emollient), Pentylene Glycol (solvent, moisturizer/humectant), Houttuynia Cordata Extract (antioxidant, soothing), Hydrogenated Lecithin (emollient, emulsifying), Cetyl Alcohol (emollient, viscosity controlling), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (emollient), Glyceryl Stearate (emollient, emulsifying), Silica (viscosity controlling), Tromethamine (buffering), Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate (viscosity controlling), Titanium Dioxide (sunscreen, colorant), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (emollient), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (viscosity controlling), Dimethiconol (emollient, moisturizer/humectant), Trisiloxane (viscosity controlling), Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (viscosity controlling), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (viscosity controlling), Polyisobutene (viscosity controlling), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Kaolin (colorant, abrasive/scrub), Adenosine (cell-communicating ingredient), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (emulsifying), Xanthan Gum (viscosity controlling), Alumina (viscosity controlling, abrasive/scrub), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (coating sunscreen actives), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifying), Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (surfactant/cleansing), Allantoin (soothing), Tocopherol (antioxidant), Panthenol (soothing, moisturizer/humectant), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate (emulsifying), Glycoproteins (skin conditioning, moisturizer/humectant), Menadione (skin conditioning, antioxidant), Ultramarines(CI 77007)(colorant).

Yuccako