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šŸŽ€ September ā€˜24 Reviews šŸŽ€

Hereā€™s to reviewing new things during September 2024! I had fun finding new favorites and put my thoughts on them. Hope you guys enjoy the read!

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TasTheStuff

Oily/Sensitive

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1

Maple Energy Infusing Serum

A new favorite serum! The packaging is something I look for in my skincare products because it looks so nice on my vanity. The formulation and effectiveness of this product is also amazing, so this has everything I want in a hydrating serum.

Maple Energy Infusing Serum product review
Maple Energy Infusing Serum product review
Maple Energy Infusing Serum product review
Maple Energy Infusing Serum product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

UPDATE OCTOBER 26, 2024 My previous review and opinion remains intact towards this serum, and Iā€™d like to add a few additional positives that made me like this even more! A Bit of Background on Dear Klairsā€™ Maple Energy Infusing Serum: - A goopy yet non-sticky serum - Contains 30 ml / 1.01 fl. oz. - Purpose: To deeply nourish and moisturize the skin and leave a dewy, bouncy glow Iā€™d like to compare this to the mixsoon bean essence as that is the closest product I can find for comparison to this, and I thought I would swear on the mixsoon bean essence but that has changed for me. This one blows the mixsoon bean essence out of the park and I find that this works better for my skin type (oily/combo skin). So for this review, Iā€™ll be using the overhyped Mixsoon bean essence as a point of reference. Here are some of the reasons Iā€™d rate this a 5/5ā€”possibly even higher if I could break the scale (and Iā€™m NOT one to gloss over brands just because I got it for free; my criticism knows no bounds): šŸ‚ Ingredients Comparison: The ingredient lists between the Mixsoon Bean Essence and Dear Klairs Maple Energy Infusing Serum are vastly differentā€”Mixsoon has only four ingredients. Surprisingly, I prefer the longer list in Dear Klairs because I want preservatives to ensure product longevity. ā€œAll-naturalā€ ingredients arenā€™t a priority for me here; I save that focus for my diet. šŸ‚ Clean Ingredient Profile: Despite the longer ingredient list, Dear Klairs contains zero unwanted additives, making it superior to most other serums Iā€™ve tried. šŸ‚ Shelf Life and Scent: While this serum has no added fragrances, it still smells noticeably better. Iā€™ve used it for just over a month, while I used Mixsoon for six months. By the third month, Mixsoon started smelling odd, likely due to its lack of preservatives. So, Dear Klairs wins this category. šŸ‚ Immediate Glow: I love how the Maple Energy Infusing Serum leaves a healthy glow, brightening my skin immediately after useā€”something Mixsoon doesnā€™t offer. Ā šŸ‚ Consistency: Both have similar textures, though Mixsoon is a bit more watery and feels slightly goopy upon application, drying down to a matte finish. Dear Klairs, in contrast, is a touch less goopy and dries to a dewy finish, which I prefer as it enhances the look of my makeup. Overall, I love this serum and am grateful for the chance to try it, thanks to Dear Klairs! #pickyreview #gopicky #pickyxklairs #klairs ___________________________________________________ ORIGINAL REVIEW SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 Lowkey, I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever obsessed over a serum until I came across this one. From the packaging to the formulation, it hits all the right notes. Iā€™m so thankful to Picky and Dear Klairs for sending me this beautiful item. The Dear Klairs Maple Energy Infusing Serum is designed to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin while maintaining its bounce. It's a great choice for those looking to prevent premature wrinkles and aging, keeping their skin youthful and vibrant. Here are some of the reasons Iā€™m obsessed with this serum: šŸ Have you seen the packaging?! I wasnā€™t expecting it to feel or look so luxurious until I held it in my hands. It has a nice weight, and the matte closure is stunning. šŸ The formulation is one of a kind. It may look sticky, but trust me, itā€™s not. It feels a bit goopy when you dispense it, but once applied, it dries down to a non-sticky, dewy finish. šŸ This serum is packed with skincare goodies and contains absolutely zero icky ingredients. Some of the standout ingredients include: āƒ Glycerin (moisturizing) āƒ Betaine (moisturizing) āƒ Squalane (emollient) āƒ Shea Butter (emollient) āƒ Mango Seed Butter (emollient) āƒ Adenosine (cell-communicating) āƒ Rutin (antioxidant) āƒ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and 7 (cell-communicating) From the ingredient list, you can already tell it works on a cellular level to hydrate and repair your skin. šŸ As someone with a sensitive nose, I didnā€™t notice any scent. Overall, Iā€™d give this a solid 5/5.

Maple Energy Infusing Serum

Dear, Klairs
Maple Energy Infusing Serum

star rating

4.6

(3819)

favorite

324

2

No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad

The packaging needs a ton of work, and the formulation of this could be better. Iā€™ve been trying this a few days, and Iā€™ll say that it does a great job of hydrating and slightly brightening my skin. Though, the leaky packaging is making me detest this more than I should.

No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad product review
No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad product review
No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

This is my first time trying this brand, and Iā€™m excited to share my honest thoughts. While this brand has been buzzing all over social media, I approached it with some skepticism. One thing that initially confused me was the numbering system on the products. For example, I saw the number 5 on the concentrated pads and had no idea what it meant. After doing some research, I found out that the numbers correspond to different product types. Honestly, I think itā€™s a genius way to differentiate between skincare items and their uses. As someone whoā€™s always preferred math over literature, I find this numbering system much easier to remember and identify the products Iā€™m using. Here are my thoughts after testing the product for a few days: šŸŒ¤ļø Though these pads are advertised as being niacinamide concentrated with a side label indicating glutathione, the actual concentration of glutathione is only 0.3 ppm, which is incredibly low. āƒ To put it into perspective, that's just 0.00003%. For glutathione to effectively reduce melanin production, you'd need at least 2-5%. This was really disappointing. It seems like the niacinamide, which is the second ingredient, is doing most of the work here. So, if you're looking for niacinamide benefits, this might still be a good option for you. šŸŒ¤ļø I havenā€™t seen an immediate brightening effect yet, but Iā€™ll keep using it to see if anything changes. For now, Iā€™ve noticed a nice glow and some added hydration. šŸŒ¤ļø The scent is gentle. It doesnā€™t have an overpowering fragranceā€”just a subtle, airy, citrusy smell, though I canā€™t quite put my finger on it. šŸŒ¤ļø I absolutely hate the packaging. It leaks everywhere. For a brand like numbuzin, I expected better product design. It spills as soon as I touch it, which is really frustrating. Overall, Iā€™d give this product a 2/5.

No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad

numbuzin
No.5 Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad

star rating

4.8

(1151)

favorite

322

3

No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

If youā€™re gonna try something from the No. 5 line in Numbuzin, go for this one. It actually works so well. It brightened my skin in such a short amount of time.

No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum product review
No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum product review
No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

I previously shared my thoughts on the Numbuzin No. 5 Concentrated Pads, and I wasn't impressed, which lowered my expectations for this product. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking it and would actually recommend it. As a WOC, I struggle with dark spots, especially after a pimple. I typically use niacinamide to help fade those post-pimple marks, but I sometimes feel itā€™s not strong enough. This product contains glutathione, which is known for brightening the skin and reducing excess melanin productionā€”exactly what I need. Hereā€™s why I ended up liking this product more than expected: ā–«ļø The first thing I checked was the concentration of glutathione. While itā€™s not at an ideal level for fighting hyperpigmentation, it contains 100 ppm (0.01%), which is significantly better than the pads that only had 0.3 ppm (0.00003%). Though standard skincare uses about 0.5-2%, this lower concentration makes it gentler for sensitive skin. ā–«ļøThe dropper came in a sealed package, ensuring product sterility. I found this to be a thoughtful touch for skincare users. ā–«ļø The texture is more opaque than clear, which I believe indicates itā€™s packed with active ingredients. Upon closer inspection, you can see microparticles of beneficial skincare components. ā–«ļø In addition to glutathione, it also contains panthenol for soothing, niacinamide (which works well with glutathione), and other powerhouse ingredients like tranexamic acid and alpha-arbutin. ā–«ļøAfter using it for about a week, I havenā€™t experienced any side effects, and I feel like my skin is already looking brighter. Overall, Iā€™d rate this product a 4/5. Iā€™ll continue using it to see if it earns a 5/5, but so far, itā€™s performing well.

No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

numbuzin
No.5 Glutathione Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

star rating

4.7

(1244)

favorite

371

4

Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Oh this stuff is so greatttt!!! Now that autumn season is approaching in NYC, this has been my go to cream. Itā€™s so soothing and gets rid of the perpetual dry skin I get for the whole day.

Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
Midnight Blue Calming Cream product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

UPDATE - November 11, 2024 - A Four Month Assessment of this Cream My opinion hasnā€™t wavered since my last update; I continue to enjoy using this. Surprisingly, the weather in my area has been a bit different than expected, but the moisturizer remains a perfect choice. For the 5/5 rating, here are some of the newer reasons I continue to love it: šŸ–¤ Absolutely no negative reactions, and my skin isnā€™t dependent on it. Iā€™ve noticed with some creams that if you skip a day or two, your skin starts cracking or peelingā€”as if it has become dependent on the product. I usually end up tossing away products that do that, but thankfully, this hasnā€™t caused any of those issues. šŸ–¤ I havenā€™t experienced milia with this. This is another factor that really wins me over. In my family, we tend to get milia with creams that contain pore-clogging ingredients, so I can safely attest that this is non-comedogenic. ________________________________________________ UPDATE - October 10, 2024 - A Three Month Assessment of this Cream I honestly love this! With winter arriving in NYC, this cream has become my go-to moisturizer. Itā€™s thick yet non-comedogenic, and it prevents my skin from becoming flaky. I have small eczema spots under my eyes that flare up in cold weather, and only a few moisturizers have managed to keep them in check. Fortunately, the Dear Klairs moisturizer is one of them. For an in-depth review, please check my previous feedback, as my opinions remain unchanged. I highly recommend this! Given how effective it is in cold weather, Iā€™m now updating my rating to 5/5! ___________________________________________________ UPDATE - September 1, 2024 - A Two Month Assesment of this Cream I've had this moisturizer for a little over two months. Initially, I rated it 3.8/5 based on my first impressions, but Iā€™m glad to say Iā€™ll be moving it up to a solid 4/5. Iā€™ve also decided to incorporate this into my fall/winter skincare routine, as I believe itā€™ll be more beneficial to my skin during those months. I've come to firmer conclusions on why this is a great moisturizer for the cold weather seasons: šŸŒƒ This is eczema-skin friendly. āƒ As someone who suffers from eczema when the weather transitions from warm to cold, I noticed this has helped calm and soothe my trouble areas, especially the small patches of eczema I get under my eyes. I canā€™t just use any moisturizer because some can flare up my eczema. āƒ For example, I randomly used La Mer to help with the initial signs of eczema under my eyes, and it flared up badly the next day. I decided to use this moisturizer instead, and surprisingly, it suited my skin much better, making those creeping eczema patches disappear. āƒ This proves that your skincare doesnā€™t have to be overpriced to work for you. šŸŒƒ I attribute the soothing and calming effects to several ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, and Green Purslane Extract, among others. This formulation is infused with Azulene (Guaiazulene), which has antibacterial properties, so you wonā€™t wake up with new pimples or other skin issues. šŸŒƒ Lastly, this is perfect for oily-combination skin types. If you have dry skin, this isnā€™t for you. Itā€™s hydrating enough for oilier skin types to absorb without looking or feeling greasy, which is often the case with most moisturizers. However, itā€™s a bit thicker than your usual gel moisturizer, making it a better candidate for colder seasons, especially for those with oily or combination skin. Overall, I give this a 4/5. Itā€™s a great moisturizer for colder weather, but not so much for the warmer months, as it can feel a bit thick during summer. ___________________________________________________ Original Review - June 21, 2024 Hereā€™s to another review of my favorite type of skincare product - a moisturizer! I feel like itā€™s a general safe skincare product that suits most skin types, and given that mine is oily and sensitive, I often look for ones that wonā€™t break me out. Iā€™ve had the chance to test out Dear, Klairsā€™ Midnight Blue Calming Cream and here are my honest thoughts on this: šŸŒ€ Very rarely do I come across moisturizers with formulations that arenā€™t white, but this one was interesting! Itā€™s blue in color, which I think is a good motivator in getting your daily skincare in. šŸŒ€ The texture is a little thicker than your average lightweight moisturizer but still light enough to be easily absorbed into your skin. šŸŒ€ I have eczema and I found that this helped soothe areas with eczema, which honestly impressed me. šŸŒ€ This felt more like a moisturizer aimed in soothing and reducing irritation. If you donā€™t have issues with redness or irritation, this may not feel anything special. Overall, this gets a 4/5 from me.

Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Dear, Klairs
Midnight Blue Calming Cream

star rating

4.7

(3448)

favorite

1264

5

Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad

These arenā€™t like most brands in terms of their toner pads but that doesnā€™t deter it from the quality it puts out there! These a thicker with texture to allow your skin to get maximum absorption. I love these as I can split them in half and maximize their use. I havenā€™t experienced any negative reactions on my sensitive combo skin, so this is a win in my book.

Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad product review
Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad product review
Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

I love toner pads so much that Iā€™ve replaced my regular toner bottles with them. In hindsight, I find them far more hygienic and mess-free, which is why Iā€™ve come to appreciate Skinfoodā€™s Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad. Just when I thought it couldnā€™t get any better, these toner pads exceeded my expectations, from the cotton round fabric to the formula itself. Hereā€™s why Iā€™m a fan of these toner pads: āœØ Packed with Moisture: One pad is more than enough to provide ample moisture for your entire face. For maximum hydration, I recommend splitting one pad in half and placing each half on your cheeks. āœØ Fresh and Light Scent: The scent is subtle and refreshing, which is perfect for sensitive noses. It hasnā€™t triggered any headaches or sensory issues for me. āœØ Beneficial Ingredients: These pads contain several key ingredients, including: āƒ Carrot Root Extract (Daucus Carota Sativa) and Olive Oil (Olea Europaea) for antioxidant benefits āƒ Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate for moisturizing āƒ Beta-Glucan and Allantoin for soothing āœØ Soothing Before Actives: I use these pads before applying actives, and they help soothe my skin and prevent redness. The only caution is for those with an allergy to orange peel oil. Otherwise, Iā€™d rate this a 4.5/5! *Gifted by Skinfood, thank you so much! #OliveYoungNo1pad #Kbeauty #carrottonerpad #tonerpads

Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad

SKINFOOD
Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad

star rating

4.8

(410)

favorite

138

6

Carrot Carotene Moist Effector

A gentle, yet effective moisturizing ampoule. I love this for plumping my skin, but I prefer my skincare to be a bit more complex and contain certain skincare ingredients that do a little more for my skin. Iā€™d still consider this a solid skincare product though.

Carrot Carotene Moist Effector product review
Carrot Carotene Moist Effector product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

Carrots are a nutrient powerhouse that is often overlooked. As it contains beta carotene, this main ingredient works to protect your skin from oxidative damage such as premature wrinkling, aging skin, etc. Skinfoodā€™s Carrot Carotene Moist Effector focuses on restoring the skin to its best condition. After using this for quite some time, Iā€™ve come to appreciate this: šŸ„• This actually soothes your face without the sticky or greasy feel. As someone with combination oily skin, I tend to avoid products that make my skin feel ā€œheavyā€ with skincare. šŸ„• This is an ampoule that contains 75% of beta-carotene from carrot seed oil, which is probably one of the highest concentration used in skincare market. It also contains Carrot Root Extract (different from carrot seed oil), which contains provitamin A. Pro-vitamin A is famouse for its antioxidative and skin-regnerative abilites. šŸ„• I did not break out after using this. This one of the main factors that determine whether Iā€™ll keep using a product or not. šŸ„• This gives a soothing effect that makes your skin feel taken care of. It doesnā€™t feel streesed and rather relaxes you. Overall, Iā€™d give this a 4/5. It lives up to my expecatations of a good skinare product. *Gifted by Skinfood, thank you so much! #OliveYoungNo1pad #Kbeauty #carrottonerpad #tonerpads

Carrot Carotene Moist Effector

SKINFOOD
Carrot Carotene Moist Effector

star rating

4.5

(71)

favorite

14

7

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I used to be obsessed with this stuff in high school and remembering going through jars of these as my younger super sensitive skin was able to tolerate this stuff. Now that my skin is not as sensitive anymore, this stuff still works amazingly but Iā€™ve noticed a few downgrades. Why fix what was never broken? Anyways, at least this product didnā€™t downgrade too much.

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask product review
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask product review
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

UPDATE November 7, 2024 Iā€™ve already given this a 4/5, and after using it a few times over the last month since I got one, I can firmly stand by that rating. This is one of the better clay masks Iā€™ve used and really works well in removing gunk from the face. Thank you @go.picky, @picky.us, and @ innisfree_official for sending this over in exchange for my honest opinion! Here are some of the reasons why this mask has continued to be a solid choice for me: šŸŒŽ It literally draws out gunk from the pores while minimizing them. I didnā€™t notice this before, but after a few uses, Iā€™ve seen my pores shrinking on their own. I think it may be due to the hydrating factors that plump up the skin, helping the pores stay smaller. šŸŒŽ This is fun for a girlā€™s night. I had some friends over, and we used this while watching movies. They all thought it made their skin look amazing afterward, which changed my mindset a bit, especially since no one experienced any sensitivities or allergic reactions. šŸŒŽ I still think the past formulation was a bit better. It dried quicker, and you could feel the mask fully drying before washing it off. With this one, even after quite some time, it didnā€™t fully dry down for me, and I wondered why. Itā€™s not a bad thing, but I prefer my mask to completely dry before rinsing. I thought I was applying it too thick, but even with a thin layer, it feels the same. Overall, Iā€™d still rate this a 4/5! __________________________________________________ Original September 22, 2024 I didnā€™t think Iā€™d see this come back into my rotation ā€“ this was my holy grail mask during my high school days (around 2015). Itā€™s even more nostalgic knowing that my younger self wouldā€™ve been ecstatic to try this as a giveaway win. I loved this mask for many reasons, but with the evolution of skincare products over the years, masks kind of faded into the background, so I didnā€™t repurchase it. But if thereā€™s one mask you should try, itā€™s this one. Itā€™s probably the only mask where I notice immediate benefits. Hereā€™s a breakdown of why Iā€™ll be revisiting and reloving my high school holy grail, though I did notice a few changes Iā€™m not thrilled about: šŸŒ‹ This stuff literally draws out the gunk from your pores, especially once it dries down. Back in high school, I didnā€™t want to be the kid with visible blackheads, and this mask really kept that under control. šŸŒ‹ I used to believe it was made from volcanic remains, and while Iā€™ve grown older (and hopefully wiser), I can now connect the ingredients with the benefits they bring. Some key examples: - Lactic acid: An exfoliant that helps with removing buildup. - Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A powerful antioxidant. I can attest to this because my pores stayed clear after using the mask. - Kaolin: A physical exfoliant that scrubs away blackheads. - Volcanic Ash: I wasnā€™t imagining itā€”this really was a key ingredient. šŸŒ‹ Itā€™s full of moisturizing ingredients, so it doesnā€™t dry out your skin. šŸŒ‹ I used to have the most sensitive skin in high school, reacting to almost everything, so the fact that this mask didnā€™t irritate my face made it my first true skincare love. Overall, Iā€™d give this a 4/5. It was much better in the past, and I truly miss those days.

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

INNISFREE
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

star rating

4.4

(736)

favorite

111

8

Madecassoside Blemish Pad

My new favorite pads! Hyped up on social media for all the right reasons.

Madecassoside Blemish Pad product review
Madecassoside Blemish Pad product review
Madecassoside Blemish Pad product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

This is the Amazonā€™s Best-Selling Toner Pad for a Reason! As someone who deals with occasional breakouts, I was immediately drawn to Medihealā€™s Madecassoside Blemish Pad. True to its name, this product aims to keep acne at bay while promoting blemish-free skin. The formula includes ingredients that align with my skincare needs and effectively prevent acne flare-ups. One of my major skin concerns is hyperpigmentation, especially as a woman of color. This product contains vital ingredients that help prevent the darkening of acne spots after they've been popped, which is why it's a win for me! Here are my key takeaways on why I recommend it: šŸ©µ Superstar Ingredients: - Niacinamide: brightens and combats acne - Glycerin: deeply moisturizes - Hydrogenated Lecithin: works as an emollient - Centella Asiatica Extract: soothes and provides antioxidant benefits - Madecassoside: offers both antioxidant and soothing properties šŸ©µ Hygienic Tweezers: This comes with hygienic tweezers to maintain the productā€™s sterility and prevent contamination, which could unknowingly cause acne. šŸ©µ Easy Application: After cleansing, apply a pad and leave it on for 10-15 minutes to allow your skin to absorb its full benefits. šŸ©µ Pad Quality: The pads are thin but cover a good portion of the face. You wonā€™t need to use multiple pads for decent coverageā€”two will be more than enough. šŸ©µ Results: Expect glowing, hydrated skin, and within a week, youā€™ll start to see post-acne dark spots fade. Just be aware that this has rosemary oil in it, so if youā€™re allergic to it, itā€™s best for you to avoid this. You can snag this during Amazon Prime Day on October 8-9, 2024 with a 30% discount! #gifted by Mediheal @mediheal_us - thank you so much for sending me these goodies!! #blemissing #blemishfighter #glassskin #squarepad #koreanskincare #kbeautytrend #viralkbeauty #amazonprimeday

Madecassoside Blemish Pad

MEDIHEAL
Madecassoside Blemish Pad

star rating

4.7

(432)

favorite

215

9

R.E.D Blemish Oil Control Paper

Pretty decent, and gets the oils out! Youā€™re left with a nice, not so greasy face. Also doesnā€™t cause breakouts.

R.E.D Blemish Oil Control Paper product review
R.E.D Blemish Oil Control Paper product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

These sheets are great, and one key point I want to highlight is that theyā€™re hypoallergenic, making them suitable for all skin types. Some of the reasons I ended up liking them include: šŸŒ± These work even when your face doesnā€™t seem super oily. I used them in the morning, and even though my face didnā€™t look oily, they still managed to absorb excess oil. šŸŒ± You get 70 sheets for around $5, which is a great deal! Plus, they often go on sale, so it's a budget-friendly product to keep on hand for quick touch-ups. šŸŒ± The sheets are made with green tea extract and green tea oil, both of which are great for calming irritated skin. šŸŒ± Thereā€™s a noticeable green tea scent, and while itā€™s not the most subtle, I personally love it since Iā€™m a fan of the green tea fragrance. Overall, I didnā€™t find any cons and give these a solid 5/5!

R.E.D Blemish Oil Control Paper

DR.G
R.E.D Blemish Oil Control Paper

star rating

4.7

(1824)

favorite

82

10

Black Snail Retinol Ampoule

Itā€™s an okay formula, just thought the design could use some serious revamping. The dropper doesnā€™t grab enough product due to how thick it is. Formulation wise, the product is nice and goopy, and dries down to a semi-matte finish.

Black Snail Retinol Ampoule product review
Black Snail Retinol Ampoule product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

As someone who's been exposed to snail mucin in K-beauty for over a decade, it takes a lot to impress me with this ingredient. I learned back in high school that my skin didnā€™t get along with snail mucinā€”Cosrx actually caused me new acne issuesā€”so I avoided it for a long time. A few years ago, I revisited it and while I donā€™t get the same reactions anymore, Iā€™ve found that newer ingredients in K-beauty seem to work better for me overall. I gave this product a try for a couple of days, and I have mixed feelings. While the formulation has its merits, I donā€™t see myself reaching for it often. Hereā€™s why Iā€™m giving it a 3.5/5: šŸŒ It's packed with great ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, retinol, tocopherol, and centella asiatica. You might notice skin brightening and revitalization. šŸŒ The formula is too thick for a dropper. A pump wouldā€™ve been more efficientā€”sometimes the dropper doesnā€™t pick up any product, which is frustrating. The packaging needs a revamp. šŸŒ There is fragrance, which doesnā€™t bother meā€”I actually prefer some fragrance in skincare. However, the scent here is a bit stronger than Iā€™d like. šŸŒ The texture is smooth and goopy. While it doesnā€™t leave a sticky residue, it feels somewhat heavy on the skin, and that weight takes time to disappear. I think this would work better for drier skin types, as I have oily-combination skin. Overall, I like the formula but not the packaging or the slightly heavy feeling it leaves on my face.

Black Snail Retinol Ampoule

DR.G
Black Snail Retinol Ampoule

star rating

4.5

(2531)

favorite

202

11

Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

My favorite. No words needed. Iā€™ve been testing this for over half a year now and itā€™s a product of 2024 for me.

Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

šŸ¤Ž UPDATE OCTOBER 24, 2024 My love for this cream is still going strong, as Iā€™m about to enter my 9th month on this. It has solidified itself as an integral part of my skincare routine since March, and I donā€™t plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of ā€œif it works for you, stick with itā€. I donā€™t have acne marks as visible anymore, just mainly a few freckles (that I had since birth). This has prevented most of the new pimples from coming in. I did have a giant pimple around the month of August when I didnā€™t use this for a week (switched to another cream temporarily due to vacation) ā€” so I noticed that I should just stick with this cream as long as it works for me. ___________________________________________________ My love for this cream is still going strong, as Iā€™m about to enter my 9th month on this. It has solidified itself as an integral part of my skincare routine since March, and I donā€™t plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of ā€œif it works for you, stick with itā€. I donā€™t have acne marks as visible anymore, just mainly a few freckles (that I had since birth). This has prevented most of the new pimples from coming in. I did have a giant pimple around the month of August when I didnā€™t use this for a week (switched to another cream temporarily due to vacation) ā€” so I noticed that I should just stick with this cream as long as it works for me. ā¤ļø UPDATE SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 I'm now entering my seventh month of using this cream, and my opinion hasnā€™t changed at all. Looking back at the condition of my skin just half a year ago, I feel so grateful for this product. I remember in 2023, my aunt gave me unsolicited advice about my skin, which really annoyed me because I had just moved and my skin was under a lot of stress. Fast forward a few months into 2024, and my skin has mostly cleared up. The unsolicited advice has also stopped! _______________________________________________ šŸ©µUPDATE AUGUST 2024 - Update to the 3 month update I gave in July 2024 Iā€™ve already raved about this product and shared my three-month update, and now Iā€™m onto month four. I can confidently testify that my love for this hasnā€™t changed one bit. This is the one product I can wholeheartedly recommend from this app. Iā€™ve even recommended it to some of my family members and friends who struggle with stubborn minor acne, and theyā€™ve told me they love it as much as I do. What makes this product so special is its consistency in delivering results over time. Even after four months, it continues to keep my skin clear and smooth, without any signs of irritation or diminishing effectiveness. I genuinely believe this is a game-changer for anyone dealing with similar skin concerns. If youā€™re curious to know more about my experience with it, Iā€™ve detailed my thoughts and progress in my July update. Itā€™s worth checking out if youā€™re considering adding this to your routine. ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€” šŸ§”UPDATE JULY 2024 - After 3 months of testing!!! Iā€™m glad to have won another giveaway for this! Having a couple of months of experience on this cream, I can give my finalized opinion of this product as Iā€™ve already finished one jar and am starting another one. This is probably going to be the product of the year for me. I did not expect to love this so much as I currently do. The way this has fade most of my acne marks is unreal, and I cannot thank the brand enough for making such a great product. Besides winning the giveaways, Iā€™ve bought a few to stay well stocked of this product. Iā€™m doing a deep dive into details that I noticed while using this product for the last three months: šŸŒ± Besides it clearing up old acne spots and marks, this has been very helpful in keeping new pimples at bay. I try not to steer away from this particular moisturizer, because when I do, my skin doesnā€™t respond as positively. šŸŒ± Whenever I get (a few) new pimples, I literally put this on for the night. Iā€™ve noticed that within a day or two, those new pimples completely disappear. I donā€™t know what it is, but in a way, this works like my pimple patches, except better. I can attribute it to the science of this formulation. šŸŒ± Iā€™ve mentioned before that I have acne prone combination skin. While this kept my acne at bay, it simultaneously repaired my skin barrier and kept it well hydrated, even if I forgot to put this moisturizer the following day. šŸŒ± This has a cooling sensation so when applying this on puffy skin (which I have on some mornings), it immediately cools and soothes the skin. I feel that this moisturizer really lives up to its name. šŸŒ±As someone with combination skin, I avoid products that leave my skin feeling greasy or such. This does not do any of that. I actually would argue that the texture of this cream is best suited for oilier skin types as itā€™s light without causing a grease-like effect, but heavy enough to hydrate the skin fully. It absorbs pretty well and doesnā€™t add ā€œweightā€ feeling to the face. šŸŒ± I used to have a slightly more textured skin before using this. I would feel a little bumps here and there and I felt it could use improvement. Funnily enough, while using this for the last three months, I just noticed my skin is a lot smoother and the texture is gone. I would some days go without my skincare routine, but the one thing I did try not to miss was this particular cream. I attribute a lot of my skin improvements to this cream. Overall, this will always stay a solid 5/5 for me. I hope the formulation never changes. ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€”ā€” šŸ’œORIGINAL REVIEW - MARCH 2024 Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Picky and Dr. G in exchange for my honest review. With that being said, letā€™s dive into what I thought of this product! šŸŒ± As someone with acne prone skin, this product particularly interested me. I saw so many tiktok videos talking about this product so I was really excited to be given the opportunity to try this. šŸŒ± This product claims to target skincare issues such as redness, blemishes, irritation as well as hydrate and brighten the skin. šŸŒ± Key ingredients support the claims. Niacinamide is an ingredient I sought after in my skincare so I was pleased to see this ingredient near the top of the list. It also contains Centella asiatica extract, which is proven to help with soothing and reducing redness of the skin. It also helps with evening out the skintone. šŸŒ± Iā€™m currently using this in my rotation because through the few days Iā€™ve used this, Iā€™ve seen some improvements in my skin already. šŸŒ± The smell of this is light and very refreshing. It is an added bonus that this has a very clean smell with no fragrance. This is perfectly suitable for those with sensitive skin. šŸŒ± I rate this a 10/10 so far. No stinging feel, reduces appearance of dark spots, and actually reduces the redness in my face. I feel that this actually works in targeting the skin issues I had. I still have to continue this for some time to give whether the final verdict is 10/10 or not. #pickyreview #gopicky #dr.g #drg #skincare

Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

DR.G
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

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4.8

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B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream

Iā€™m pretty sure the Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream is a reformulation of the B5 Panthenol Re-barrier Cream. This formulation has so many similar ingredients, and the cream feels superb to apply. However, one thing I did not like was the tacky feeling that stayed for a while after applying (Iā€™d say I felt it even half an hour in).

B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream product review
B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream product review
B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream product review
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TasTheStuff


Oily/Sensitive

*Iā€™m aware that this is slightly different but I believe this is a reformulation or a very similar product! I had high expectations for this, especially since itā€™s been hyped all over my socials. Panthenol is one of the latest buzzwords in Korean skincare, and Iā€™m all in for itā€”I actually love it for my sensitive, acne-prone, oily-combination skin. Purito Seoulā€™s Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream contains 100,000 PPM of panthenol (which translates to 10%), much higher than the typical market standard of 1-5%. As weā€™re shifting into the colder season where I live, Iā€™ve become more selective with hydrating and moisturizing creams that truly benefit my skin. Iā€™m happy to say Iā€™ve taken a liking to this cream, but one drawback keeps me from completely loving it. Here are the reasons why I rate this a solid 4/5: šŸŽ‹ The ingredient concentration is exactly whatā€™s advertisedā€”10% panthenol base, much higher than the market average. Itā€™s soothing, and leaves your skin looking glowy and hydrated, with that coveted glass-like skin effect. šŸŽ‹ Itā€™s genuinely fragrance-free! Perfect for all skin types, especially for those with acne-prone and oily-combination skin like mine. No pore-clogging at all. šŸŽ‹ I love how it initially settles into my skinā€”it has a semi-dewy finish. With moisturizing stars like squalane and sodium hyaluronate, you can expect your skinā€™s moisture barrier to strengthen over time. šŸŽ‹ The texture is a rich, semi-opaque gel that feels luxurious without being too heavy. Application feels so good! šŸŽ‹ The one downside? The slightly tacky after-feel that sticks around for more than 10 minutes. Iā€™m not sure if itā€™s just the batch I received, but itā€™s a bit bothersome. It takes longer than Iā€™d like for that feeling to disappear, and honestly, Iā€™d rather not deal with it. Overall, Iā€™d still rate this a solid 4/5! *Gifted by Purito Seoul @purito_official. Thank you so much for sending this my way! #GlowCream #Panthenol #GlassSkin #KoreanSkincare #SkinBarrier #SkinTok #Purito

B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream

PURITO
B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream

star rating

4.7

(329)

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413

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DianT user profile picture

DianT

Oily/Resilient

Love it
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1

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TasTheStuff user profile picture
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TasTheStuff

Oily/Sensitive

Thank you! ā¤ļø
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Jozsanina user profile picture

Jozsanina

Dry/Sensitive

I like honest reviews
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