Merit is exploring skincare and their newest Instant Glow Serum is true to its name, and it is everything your skin needs to achieve that healthy, natural glow. Packed with 2% Niacinamide, 4 types of HA, Cacao Extract (rich in caffeine for plumping) and Japanese Goldthread Root (rich in antioxidants), this bi-phase serum instantly hydrates and plumps the skin. The texture is silky and watery and it absorbs nicely into the skin, without making it overly shiny as it happens with other “glowing” products I tried. It works well under makeup but it is also perfect on its own. And can we take a moment to appreciate the packaging? It’s stunning!

Skin Proud is a new UK skincare brand, it’s available right now only at Walmart, Boots, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Douglas (as what I know of). I love the pink packaging which is what drew me in at first. This is a 2-in-1 face mask that can be used as a wash-off mask, or you can apply a light layer on as a sleeping mask. It contains niacinamide, which is a well-known ingredient in the skincare community. Niacinamide is great for soothing irritation, brightening skin, and controls oil production. I really enjoy this product! I used this as a sleeping mask, and just applied a light layer on my face before bed. When I woke up, my face was so soft (like a baby’s bottom)! My skin looked so much smoother and brighter. I had some irritation and dry patches before bed, and in the morning the patches looked so much better and wasn’t as red and flaky (I know tmi). This smells exactly like raspberry kisel! It’s an Eastern European fruit dish (sort of similar to a light pudding) that uses fruit puree and is thickened with some type of starch. It is so nostalgic for me, my mom used to make it a lot when I was young. I think this product could potentially be a dupe for Farmacy’s new overnight niacinamide mask they released not too long ago. I am loving the product, and will most definitely try out other products from this brand in the future! Ingredients: ➢ Glycerin (hydrates skin) ➢ Shea Butter (moisturizes and soothes skin, high in antioxidants) ➢ Niacinamide (soothes and brightens skin, controls oil production) ➢ Avocado Oil (nourishes and moisturizes skin, antioxidant, high in fatty acids) ➢ Aquaxyl (moisturizing complex, helps retain moisture): ⇢ Xylitylglucoside ⇢ Anhydroxylitol ⇢ Xylitol ➢ Vitamin E (soothes skin, antioxidant) ➢ Cranberry Seed Oil (high in fatty acids and vitamin E, antioxidant, helps repair the skin’s barrier) ➢ Glucose (hydrates skin) ➢ Fragrance (generic term) ➢ Raspberry Fruit Extract (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial)