š October ā24 Reviews š
Always thankful to review new products and find some new faves and new dislikes. Hope the reviews help you on your skincare and overall care journey!
TasTheStuff
Oily/Sensitive
1
Rice Toner
A new favorite! Iāve been wanting to try this line forever and now Iām tempted to order some more stuff from this line!
TasTheStuff
From the packaging to the formulation, Iāve taken quite a liking to Iām Fromās Rice Toner. I remember wanting to try this a while back when it was released; however, due to the overwhelming number of skincare products in my collection, I decided to wait until those were finished. That was until I got picked by Picky to test this, and itās a little different from what I expected, but not in a bad way. Thnak you @go.picky, @picky.us, and @imfrom_us for sending me this in exchange for my honest feedback. A bit of background on Iām From Rice Toner: - Itās meant to be shaken before use. - Contains 150 ml (5.07 fl. oz.) of toner - Vegan formulation - Purpose: to hydrate and brighten the skin Here are my reasons why I give this toner a 5/5: š¶ Iāve always been a fan of rice-based skincare. It was the type of skincare that took care of my teenage acne and has kept my skin clear ever since. I have a deep appreciation for it. š¶ This toner is made with 77.78% Korean rice extract, which is a pretty high percentage. This ensures that youāre getting maximum skincare benefits. š¶ Since itās alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, itās ideal for many skin types, including mine. I have sensitive combination skin that leans oily, and I havenāt experienced any negative reactions with this product. š¶ There are absolutely no icky ingredients that would give the formulation a rating of less than 5/5. Some superstar ingredients included are: - Niacinamide - Common purslane extract for soothing - Hydrogenated lecithin as an emollient - Adenosine for improving the skin cell turnover rate Overall, I give this a 5/5.
I'M FROM
Rice Toner
4.7
(1491)
1312
2
Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
Didnāt expect to like this one as much as I did! Personally, Iām okay with stuff thatās a bit stronger but this is nice for days where youāre skinās inflamed and you donāt want to add additional irritation.
TasTheStuff
Consider me interested anytime I see something meant to exfoliate the skin. This isnāt the usual type of exfoliator I see on the market, which makes it stand out in its own way. After trying it for some time, Iāll say that I have mixed feelings, but most of them are positive. A bit of background on By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water: * A mild exfoliant suitable for sensitive skin types * Contains 120 ml/4.05 fl. oz. * Made with Panthenol, centella asiatica extract, and beta-glucan for soothing purposes * Purpose: regulating sebum production, gently exfoliating the skin, and reducing hyperpigmentation Here are some reasons Iād rate this a 4/5: š This is meant to help with sebum control, reducing the appearance of acne and blackheads on the face. The mandelic acid keeps acne and pimples at bay. š Mandelic acid is a gentler exfoliator compared to its structural counterparts (like glycolic acid) due to the larger size of its molecules. This doesnāt mean itās less effectiveājust less irritating compared to other AHAs in the same category. š The somewhat opaque, dark bottle is clearly well-researched. Since mandelic acid is sensitive to light, the dark packaging ensures the formulation stays stable and active. š It feels watery, making it very easy to absorb into the skin. Some of you may consider this a toner, but I wouldnāt. Itās best used before a toner. š This also claims to target hyperpigmentation, but because hyperpigmentation takes time to improve, I wonāt be mentioning much yet. I havenāt seen dramatic results in this area, though Iāve noticed slight improvements like overall brightening of the face. Overall, Iād give this a 4/5. Itās a solid, gentle exfoliator.
By WISHTREND
Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
4.6
(2114)
853
3
Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop
A good decent anti-aging serum. I do have favorites though, and this wasnāt in my top 3 but it wasnāt bad at all.
TasTheStuff
Blue is one of my favorite colors, so seeing these in completely black packaging made them feel so unsuspecting! I ended up loving this line more than I expected. If youāve used the Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream and love its effects, pair it with these youth-activating drops, and voilaāamazing skin! Thank you @go.picky @picky.us @klairs.us for sending this in exchange for my honest feedback! A bit of background on Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops: - An intensive EGF peptide treatment serum designed to target signs of aging - Contains 20 ml/0.67 fl. oz. - Made with epidermal growth factors (EGF) to stimulate skin cell turnover - Purpose: prevents aging and is suitable for sensitive skin types Here are my reasons for giving this a 4/5: š Unique formulation: Unlike many serums that use popular ingredients, this one uses oligopeptides and polypeptides to target premature aging, while others rely on retinol for anti-aging. Effectiveness varies by skin type. š Gorgeous color: The serum starts as a beautiful blue but turns clear when applied, so no artificial dyes are left on your skin. š Free from irritants: Itās alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free. š No side effects: As someone with sensitive combination skin, I can confidently say I experienced no irritation after using this. Overall, Iād rate this a solid 4/5!
Dear, Klairs
Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop
4.5
(678)
200
4
Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Iāve thrown this into my fall/winter routine as this works amazing in the colder weather!
TasTheStuff
Hereās to another review of my favorite type of skincare product - a moisturizer! I feel like itās a general safe skincare product that suits most skin types, and given that mine is oily and sensitive, I often look for ones that wonāt break me out. Iāve had the chance to test out Dear, Klairsā Midnight Blue Calming Cream and here are my honest thoughts on this: š Very rarely do I come across moisturizers with formulations that arenāt white, but this one was interesting! Itās blue in color, which I think is a good motivator in getting your daily skincare in. š The texture is a little thicker than your average lightweight moisturizer but still light enough to be easily absorbed into your skin. š I have eczema and I found that this helped soothe areas with eczema, which honestly impressed me. š This felt more like a moisturizer aimed in soothing and reducing irritation. If you donāt have issues with redness or irritation, this may not feel anything special. Overall, this gets a 4/5 from me.
Dear, Klairs
Midnight Blue Calming Cream
4.7
(3117)
1249
5
Propolis Lipcerin
I prefer the original to this. Be aware, donāt overdo on applying this because your lips can split.
TasTheStuff
I can never turn down a good lip product, and the Lipcerin by CNP Laboratory is no exception! These are a must-have for the cold season and far from your average lip balms. Iāve already mentioned loving this product before, and finding out it comes in assorted flavors only adds to my excitement. Hereās why I like these: š These are thicker than your typical lip balmsāvery hydrating but not overly so to the point where your lips feel overwhelmed. Iāve experienced that issue before, but these strike a great balance, comparable to another brand thatās my top favorite. š These easily rank in my top 3. Iāll definitely be using them a lot during the colder months. š While the flavors vary, the function remains quite similar across the different versions. Iāve tried both the Original and Mojito. The main difference lies in the scent. Itās noted that the Mojito version is meant to calm and soothe dry lips, but honestly, the Original does that too. I think itās more about picking the scent that suits your preference. š Scents: * Original: Reminiscent of manuka honey. It smells sweet and a bit syrupy, but in a good way. Donāt mistake it for being stickyāit feels emollient and balmy. * Mojito: This has a refreshing citrus scent, and I LOVE it. Iāve always leaned toward citrus scents, so this is perfect for me. š I will say, these arenāt your everyday lip balms. Theyāre quite thick, making them ideal as a nighttime lip mask or for focused lip care. They donāt pair well with makeup, so if you're looking to hydrate your lips before applying makeup, this isnāt the product for that. Overall, this occlusive moisture lip balm is excellent for dedicated lip care. As long as youāre using it as intended, youāll love what it has to offer. Iād rate these a solid 5/5.
CNP Laboratory
Mojito
4.8
(1862)
224
6
Propolis Lipcerin
Love this stuff, but donāt overdo it. Itās extremely hydrating and your lips can split if you add too much of this. Better than Vaseline, but know your limits on using this.
TasTheStuff
I donāt see propolis used as a skincare ingredient oftenāitās a miracle component that doesnāt get the appreciation it deserves. While honey is the only food on earth that doesnāt expire and has unmatched healing properties, propolis is a natural substance made from tree sap that bees use to protect and seal their hives. Itās renowned for its antibacterial and healing benefits. Here are some reasons why Iāll reach for this often: šÆ Not sticky: Despite the manuka honey component, it feels smooth rather than tacky. Itās subtly addictive, so you might accidentally over-apply it. I recommend against doing so. šÆ Pleasant scent: It has a slight manuka honey fragrance that I enjoy, not the sickly sweet type. Itās very similar to the manuka honey I use for wound healing in a hospital settingānature sometimes offers the best treatments. šÆ Long-lasting: This doesnāt need frequent application. It helps protect my lips, which tend to get drier with weather changes. šÆ Beneficial ingredients: - Propolis extract (healing) - Beta-glucan (humectant) - Madecassoside (antioxidant, soothing) - Glycerin (moisturizer, skin-identical ingredient) - Squalane (emollient) - Shea butter (emollient) Overall, I give this a 5/5. It performs just as well as my favorite lip butter (Summer Fridays) and is priced better.
CNP Laboratory
Original
4.8
(1862)
224
7
Original Toothpaste
Iām only going to use this for freshening up the breath. It wonāt protect your teeth against cavities because there isnāt any ingredient that will help your teeth against tooth decay. I would not recommend a fluoride-free toothpaste - ever. Itās not scientifically or medically backed up, and the alternative ingredients arenāt exactly protecting your teeth.
TasTheStuff
This isnāt like my usual content of reviewing a Korean skincare product, but rather a slightly odd oneāI was quite intrigued by Euthymolās Original Toothpaste. Iāve only ever used Crest toothpaste since I was a kid, so trying this felt like a leap of faith. Iām not disappointed with the results, but I do have concerns about using a fluoride-free toothpaste, at least for me. There's enough evidence showing that going fluoride-free may cause teeth to develop thinner enamel and reduce their ability to remineralize early signs of decayāsomething I want to avoid. Nonetheless, I gave it a try. Please note, this will be a LONG read. A bit of background on Euthymolās Original Toothpaste: - Fluoride-free toothpaste that contains antiseptic ingredients - Contains 106 grams/3.7 oz - Purpose: to remove plaque and keep breath fresh Here are some of the reasons why I rate this 2/5: š¦· I cannot use fluoride-free toothpaste, and Iām somewhat against it. As someone with a medical background, there hasnāt been enough evidence to show that fluoride-free is a better option. In fact, Iād argue itās worse. š¦· I believe going fluoride-free weakens enamel. Now, I do understand this formulation might be better for those who experience mouth ulcers or pimples from fluoride use, so if youāre sensitive to fluoride, only then Iād recommend it for you. š¦· Upon using it, I noticed a slight sting initially that lasted for a while. It did not go away quickly after rinsing my mouth. I also noticed that this kind of destroys your taste buds for a while (around half an hour), so donāt eat right away after brushing. š¦· This product claims to provide cavity protection. Without fluoride, I question this claim, so I checked the ingredients for alternatives that might back it up. The ingredient list is simple, but I found hydrated silica, which is a mildly abrasive ingredient that removes plaque without damaging teeth. However, it doesnāt necessarily prevent cavities or help with decay, so Iām unsure whatās supporting this claim. š¦· Another ingredient I thought might contribute to cavity protection is Tocopheryl Acetate, but based on medical research, thereās insufficient evidence that it works as well as fluoride. I couldnāt find proof that itās a reliable cavity-protecting ingredient. š¦· The previous formulation included Thymol as an antiseptic, but itās been removed. So, Iām not sure what, if anything, adds extra protection now. š¦· Hereās a comprehensive list of the ingredients and their functions. While some are beneficial, it proves my point that this toothpaste doesnāt offer the long-term benefits that well-established brands do: - Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate: Abrasive that helps clean teeth; calcium and phosphate ions aid in remineralization. - Aqua: Water - Sorbitol: Moisture-retaining sugar substitute - Glycerin: Moisturizing agent - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Cleansing agent that creates foam - Hydrated Silica: Abrasive for plaque removal - Titanium Dioxide: White coloring agent - Carrageenan & Cellulose Gum: Thickening agents - Sodium Saccharin: Artificial sweetener - Sorbitan Oleate: Emulsifier - Tocopheryl Acetate: Antioxidant to reduce plaque (though lacking evidence for cavity protection) - Red 33 and Yellow 3: Coloring agents for the pink hue Overall, based on several dental cases of patients using Euthymol and experiencing dental caries, along with no scientific backing that it works as well as fluoride-based toothpaste, Iāll have to pass on this. Iāll use it as a breath freshener, but I wonāt rely on it to protect my teeth. I give it a 2/5.
Euthymol
Original Toothpaste
4.7
(141)
17
8
Glucamune Mask
Was not a fan. No further words needed.
TasTheStuff
UPDATE November 4, 2024 I already tested this and did not find favorable results with this. I gave it another try, and still did not like it. I disliked the way the moisture didnāt absorb and just sat on my skin. Iād like to thank @go.picky @picky.us @vtcosmetics_global for sending this over for my honest feedback. Unfortunately, I still have to rate it 2/5, and hereās why: šļø The mask felt hydrating at first but had a goopy texture that caught me off guard. šļø A few hours later, it seemed like the product just sat on my skin, triggering my neurosensory issues. šļø When I washed my face after 4-5 hours, a film came off, suggesting it hadnāt absorbed at all. I even tested it on bare skin with no other products. Overall, itās a pass for meāone of the few masks I wouldnāt recommend. _________________________________________________ ORIGINAL October 24, 2024 I've already raved about the Reedle Shot from VT Cosmetics (you can scroll back to see my thorough and honest feedback), so the bar was set pretty high. After being blown away by it, I was more than ecstatic to try a different product line from VT Cosmeticsāthe Glucamune Essence and Maskācoming in with huge hopes! I also like to mention huge thanks to @go.picky @picky.usĀ @vtcosmetics_global for sending this over in exchange for my honest feedback! Unfortunately, this product did not live up to my expectations at all. Initially, I thought it was promising, but after several hours, I noticed some issues with the mask. Here are a few reasons why I rate it 2/5: šļø When I first applied the mask, it felt very moisturizing, but the texture was a bit goopy, which caught me off guard. šļø However, a couple of hours after removing the mask, it felt like the product was just sitting on my skin instead of being absorbed. This triggered my neurosensory issues. šļø When I washed my face (about 4-5 hours later), I felt a film of product come off with the water, which was strange because it meant none of it had absorbed into my skin. For reference, I didnāt apply any other skincare before this to test it in isolation. Overall, this gets a 2/5 from me. Iāve never disliked a mask as much as this oneādefinitely a pass!
VT COSMETICS
Glucamune Mask
4.6
(489)
79
9
Glucamune Essence
A nice hydrating essence!
TasTheStuff
I've already raved about the Reedle Shot from VT Cosmetics (you can scroll back for my thorough and honest feedback), so the bar was set pretty high. After being blown away by it, I was ecstatic to try another product line from VT Cosmeticsāthe Glucamune Essenceācoming in with high hopes! A Bit of Background on the VT Cosmeticās Gucamune Essence: - An essence that aims to soothe and moisturize dehydrated and sensitive skin - Contains 100 ml/ 3.38 fl. oz. - Purpose: Deep hydration and soothing for sensitive skin - How to use: Typically applied after the cleanser and toner stage (step 3/4 in a skincare routine) This line proved no inferiority to the reedle shot line, and Iām honestly happy with it. This line aims to serve an entirely different purpose ā to thoroughly moisturize dehydrated and sensitive skin. Here are some of the reasons I rate this a solid 4/5: š§ The lightweight consistency absorbs easily into the skin without leaving any sticky residue. š§ I didnāt experience any negative side effects, making it great for sensitive skin. š§ With NYCās changing weather, where my skin tends to dry out, this made my skin feel hydrated and plump. The bounce effect was noticeable too. š§ Key ingredients include glycerin, betaine, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, beta-glucan, and squalaneāall working together to maximize moisture retention. š§ Itās alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, making it suitable for all skin types. Overall, Iād rate this a 4/5. It does a pretty good job focusing on hydration!
VT COSMETICS
Glucamune Essence
4.6
(371)
35
10
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
My favorite, as always.
TasTheStuff
š¤ UPDATE OCTOBER 24, 2024 My love for this cream is still going strong, as Iām about to enter my 9th month on this. It has solidified itself as an integral part of my skincare routine since March, and I donāt plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of āif it works for you, stick with itā. I donāt 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 didnāt 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 Iām about to enter my 9th month on this. It has solidified itself as an integral part of my skincare routine since March, and I donāt plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of āif it works for you, stick with itā. I donāt 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 didnāt 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 hasnāt 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! _______________________________________________ š©µUPDATE AUGUST 2024 - Update to the 3 month update I gave in July 2024 Iāve already raved about this product and shared my three-month update, and now Iām onto month four. I can confidently testify that my love for this hasnāt changed one bit. This is the one product I can wholeheartedly recommend from this app. Iāve even recommended it to some of my family members and friends who struggle with stubborn minor acne, and theyāve 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 youāre curious to know more about my experience with it, Iāve detailed my thoughts and progress in my July update. Itās worth checking out if youāre considering adding this to your routine. āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā š§”UPDATE JULY 2024 - After 3 months of testing!!! Iām 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 Iāve 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, Iāve bought a few to stay well stocked of this product. Iām doing a deep dive into details that I noticed while using this product for the last three months: š± 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 doesnāt respond as positively. š± Whenever I get (a few) new pimples, I literally put this on for the night. Iāve noticed that within a day or two, those new pimples completely disappear. I donāt 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. š± Iāve 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. š± 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. š±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 itās light without causing a grease-like effect, but heavy enough to hydrate the skin fully. It absorbs pretty well and doesnāt add āweightā feeling to the face. š± 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. āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā šORIGINAL 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, letās dive into what I thought of this product! š± 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. š± This product claims to target skincare issues such as redness, blemishes, irritation as well as hydrate and brighten the skin. š± 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. š± Iām currently using this in my rotation because through the few days Iāve used this, Iāve seen some improvements in my skin already. š± 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. š± 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
DR.G
Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
4.8
(4182)
547
11
Brightening Peeling Gel
Better than I expected it to be after months of usage!
TasTheStuff
UPDATE OCTOBER 2024 Iām changing this from 4/5 to 5/5! Iām not new to this product, and I find it to be a great one. I tried this a few times before and I found this to work well on sensitive skin types! Here are my reasons to why I love this and the brand, and give it a 5/5: š This works for sensitive skin types, so for it work on all skin types would be a no brainer. š The texture of this is gritty yet smoothāas youāre applying it and massaging it to slightly exfoliate the skin, it doesnāt sting or hurt. š This does not dry your skin out like some peeling gels do post-use. Rather my skin felt hydrated yet fresh and clean. š The braille on the packaging is such a nice touch. It shows thoughtfulness on the brandās end. Overall, Iād rate this a 5/5. Couldnāt find anything to be disappointed with in this! āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā ORIGINAL MARCH 2024 Iāve personally never tried a peeling gel, so this product natural piqued my interest. After trying it once, here are some of my honest (and pro) thoughts on this: š This product claims to be designed for tired, sentive, and hyper pigmented skin. As someone who fits into all of these categories, I found this claim to be true, at least to what Iāve tested so far. š As someone with sensitive combination skin, my skin did not react in any negative way. I tried a patch test, and then a full test, and Iāve seen some results so far. It has seem to remove dead skin cells, thus leaving me with brighter skin. I like it mostly for this purpose. š It is paraben free, SLS free, and phthalate free - all things that I prefer in my skincare. I didnāt expect any pore clogging or congestion so far. š The texture is a bit grainy, so it has a nice exfoliating effect as well. I know some people donāt want a grainy texture, but this has personally not bothered me. š While Iām new to this, itās something Iām thinking of incorporating into my routine. It added a step I didnāt know I needed.
DR.G
Brightening Peeling Gel
4.4
(1644)
406
12
PLUMP-KIN Retinol Neck Cream
It may be a decent neck cream but they shouldnāt be broadcasting it as a retinol cream when itās less than 2.2ppb (parts per billion) of retinol in this. Pumpkin extract may help facilitate that but itās not even high on the list.
TasTheStuff
I know some of you may think neck creams are a gimmick, and while I initially believed that too, I regret not taking care of my neck sooner. I now use one diligently, and itās made a big differenceāI even have a favorite brand I stick to. But that doesnāt stop me from trying new ones and possibly finding new favorites! A Bit of Background on Tony Moly Plump-kin Retinol Neck Cream: - A neck cream with a cooling roller application - Contains 50 mL / 1.69 fl. oz. - Purpose: To reduce the appearance of fine lines on the neck The first thing that stood out to me was the roller attachment (my favorite feature in neck creams!). After weighing the pros and cons and testing it, Iād rate this a 3/5 for the following reasons: š This neck cream has a fall/holiday vibe, and I love it. The bold orange shade is eye-catching and unique, even though itās a color I wouldnāt usually gravitate toward. While aesthetics are fun, Iād like to focus more on its functional aspects. š Although itās labeled as a retinol-based neck cream, thereās a higher concentration of moisturizing agents than retinol here. It contains 2.2 ppb retinol (parts per billion), translating to a mere 0.00000022%. For comparison, a good standard retinol product typically has 0.5%-1%. š I believe the brand is relying on pumpkin seed extract to support the retinol claim, as pumpkin contains a notable amount of Vitamin A (retinolās origin compound). However, this extract appears near the lower middle of the ingredients list, so itās not delivering the retinol benefits as advertised. š Despite the minimal retinol content, the cream can still improve neck lines due to its moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, and hydrolyzed collagen. š There are potential allergens in this formula, so check if itās suitable for you. A few that stand out are: - Limonene - Linalool - Mandarin/Bergamot/Orange Peel Oil Overall, Iād rate this a 3/5. I dislike when a product is marketed around an ingredient that doesnāt make up a substantial portion of the formula. The retinol content here is negligible, so calling it a retinol neck cream feels unjustified. #pickyreview #gopicky #pickyxtonymoly #tonymoly
TONYMOLY
PLUMP-KIN Retinol Neck Cream
4.7
(1648)
101
13
Rice Toner Pad
I love both the toner version and toner pad version, but I prefer the toner pad version more. It screams hygienic and top tier skincare. This has moisturized my face well and prevents it from chapping from NYCās cold air.
TasTheStuff
I was already a fan of Iām Fromās Toner (the bottle version), so I had high expectations for this one, especially since itās in my favorite form: toner pads! There's something about toner pads that just screams clean and high-quality to me, so I always gravitate towards them. Hereās why this gets a straight-up 5/5 from me, no strings attached: š These toner pads are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, making them ideal for all skin types. My oily/combo skin loves them. š The pads have just the right thicknessāthey sit securely on the face without slipping, while still delivering ample skincare benefits to make a noticeable difference. š If you thought I couldnāt love a rice-based skincare product more, think again. Now that this comes in toner pad form, Iām definitely stocking up. It's hygienic, and I love the assurance that these pads stay on my face for at least 15 minutes (I feel like this really enhances the skincare effects for me). š While itās mainly marketed for dry skin, my skin, which leans oily/combo but gets drier with the NYC weather changes, benefits from these too. I think itās perfect for the colder months. Overall, I rate this a solid 5/5 for its gentle brightening effect and decent hydration boost. Plus, Iām From is one of those brands that truly lives up to the hype. #pickyreview #gopicky #pickyximfrom #imfrom
I'M FROM
Rice Toner Pad
4.8
(3198)
378
14
Madeca Cream Time Reverse
This feels like those cream in tubes you get at the pharmacyā usually great for winter due to the thickness and creaminess. I wouldnāt use this during warmer months though, as it can feel thick.
TasTheStuff
When I first saw this brand, Centellian24, the first thing that came to mind was that it is very similar to pharma-branded/medical doctor skincare brands. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted to see what this brand had to offer and whether their products would be suitable for someone with an oily/combo skin type. Iād like to thank @go.picky, @pickyrewards, and @centellian24_global for sending these over in exchange for my honest thoughts. Iāve got three products to test from this brand, which allows me to provide a more conclusive and thorough opinion on them. š Madeca Cream Time Reverse My Rating: 3/5 A Bit of Background on Centellian 24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse: - An alcohol-free cream used during the last step of a skincare routine - Contains 50 mL / 1.69 fl. oz. - Purpose: to prevent aging and firm/plump the face š I really did not like that the ingredient information wasnāt readily accessible, as this is one of the things I look for to determine if I can use a product on my combo/oily skin. After some digging, I was able to find the list. š As for the ingredients list, I was a bit surprised to find that it comprises 78 ingredients. While there were some great ingredients, there were also many icky ones that donāt sit well with me. š I like the texture of this cream. It has a bit of weight and is opaque without being overly thick. It does not have the consistency of a watery cream; this feels like those creams you find in prescription drugs, the ones with a heavier density. Itās nicely hydrating, for sure. š The scent is quite medicinal. It has an herbal smell I canāt quite pinpointāyouāll either love it or hate it. I donāt mind it. š A particular ingredient, Active Teca, consists of a few patented ingredients, including: - Centella Asiatica Peptide - Centella Asiatica Vitamin - Centella Asiatica Ceramide - Centella Asiatica Hyaluronic Acid - Centella Asiatica Protein Extract The goal is to improve the skinās firmness in the deeper layers. š The amount of perfuming agents is staggering and somewhat deters me from putting my complete trust in this. It hasnāt caused a reaction for me, but my skin did tingle for a bit upon application before settling down. Iām not sure this is suitable for everyone, as there are potential allergens since it contains so many essential oils. Overall, I give this a 3/5. Itās not bad, but the overwhelming number of essential oils isnāt sitting right with me. I also donāt think this is good for warmer months, as it can be too thick, but it may be great for winter.
Centellian24
Madeca Cream Time Reverse
4.5
(422)
55
15
Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max
I did see this hydrate my skin well, but I didnāt see any improvement in terms of hyperpigmentation reduction after using it for a week.
TasTheStuff
When I first saw this brand, Centellian24, the first thing that came to mind was that it is very similar to pharma-branded/medical doctor skincare brands. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted to see what this brand had to offer and whether their products would be suitable for someone with an oily/combo skin type. Iāve got three products to test from this brand, which allows me to provide a more conclusive and thorough opinion on them. š¹ Mela Capture Ampoule Max My Rating: 3/5 A Bit of Background on Centellian 24 Mela Capture Ampoule Max: - Highly concentrated ampoule meant for treating dark spots before the moisturization step in a skincare routine - Contains 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz - Purpose: to improve old dark spots, freckles, or blemishes and promote a brighter, even complexion š¹ As a POC, I was immediately interestedāthis seemed like the kind of product Iād hope could tackle older blemishes that donāt completely fade. š¹ The small size is a plus; itās ideal for testing without a big commitment since this is a pricey product. The 15 mL provides enough time to decide if itās worth a full-size purchase. š¹ After only a week of use, I didnāt have enough time to see any changes in hyperpigmentation. My initial impressions are: - Pros: It does make my skin feel supple and firmer. However, thereās a lingering feeling on the skin until it fully absorbs. - Texture: A bit watery with some density, applying semi-opaque and drying to a semi-matte finish. - Scent: Has a noticeable herbal fragranceāheavy on the perfume, which Iām not a fan of. - Brightening: No visible brightening effect so far, despite the brand claiming āvisible improvement after just 5 days.ā I canāt verify this but plan to update if I see changes after a longer trial. - Breakouts: No new breakouts, though I use other products that help prevent blemishes, so itās hard to isolate this ampouleās effects on that. š¹ This product uses patented ingredients, including 10,000 PPM (1%) Gluta-CTM (which contains pure vitamin C, glutathione, and hyaluronic acid), 2,000 PPM (0.2%) MELACLEAN, and 5,000 PPM (0.5%) MELADROP. Iām not sure how effective these patented ingredients are, and there isnāt much information on their specific compositions, but I imagine their main purpose is to target hyperpigmentation. I personally havenāt seen results yet. - Niacinamide, included here, is likely the ingredient targeting hyperpigmentation, but itās so common in Korean skincare that Iām unsure what sets this ampoule apart in the skincare industry besides the use of their patented ingredients. Overall: Iām giving this a 3/5. It claims to target dark spots, but I havenāt seen any brightening effect so far. Iāve used other anti-hyperpigmentation products that delivered visible results in as little as three days, so this one hasnāt impressed me yet.
Centellian24
Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max
4.5
(497)
48
6
8
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