While my December empties were mostly the products I loved and enjoyed using, in January I made an effort to also use up the products I’m not enjoying. I don’t like to be wasteful, so always try to finish everything, unless my skin is reacting badly to it.

♥️Products I loved:
⭐️Strivectin Multi-action Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Mask - really nice colour changing clay mask that doesn’t dry up on the face! 
⭐️Clinique Anti-fatigue Eye Gel - my HG products for de-puffing the eyes! (the one I have on a picture is from men’s line as the lady’s one was out of stock, they are identical ingredients wise though).
⭐️Clinique All about Eyes Cream - ophthalmologist tested, fragrance free formula with pleasant texture that works great under makeup. 

😕Products that aren’t bad, but I didn’t love:
⭐️Jumiso Pore-Rest PHA9 Deep Purifying Facial Toner - it does gently exfoliate and hydrates the skin, but the texture is too slippery and doesn’t absorb well, also feels a bit sticky.
⭐️A’pieu Mineral eau-marine Lip & Eye Remover - it removes all my eye and lip makeup well, but makes the area around my eyes feel dry. 

⛔️Products I’m definitely not repurchasing:
⭐️Jouviance Glicolaser 5 Soft Peel Mask - clay mask texture that has sandy feel to it and smells really bad. Contains just 5% Glycolic Acid, but for some reason it stings like hell. Used it up on my feet😆
⭐️Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic - unpleasant scent, foamy and sticky, burns my face pretty bad even though I’m not new to AHA. Can’t use it on face, so finished on the body.
⭐️Bite Agave+ Weekly Lip Scrub - quite expensive, but absolutely doesn’t worth it and doesn’t do much for my lips. Also sugar crystals are pretty big and feel abrasive. 
⭐️Clinique Blackhead Solution 7 Day Deep Pore Cleanse & Scrub - it’s clay based product with abrasive particles, so I can’t see anybody using it as daily cleanser. It is ok as a mask, but I didn’t notice any improvement in blackheads. 
⭐️Clinique Blackhead Solution Self-heating blackhead extractor - it does develop warming sensation when applied on the skin, but it doesn’t extract anything. The massage applicator is plastic and feels rough.

❄️January empties❄️

Getting to the bottom of my skincare jars and tubes is incredibly satisfying for me🤣😅, especially when most of those products were great! ❤️

♥️Products I loved♥️

❄️Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - my HG product! It was my 3rd bottle! It’s nourishing, repairing and hydrating without feeling heavy and it works perfectly for my skin!
❄️Boiderma Hydrabio H2O micellar water makeup remover - this is my go to product for removing eye makeup! I don’t like oil based products around my eyes and this is a great alternative that does a great job! 
❄️Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment - one of not many eye creams I’ve tried that actually does show the results! The “crow’s feet” around my eyes became a little less visible and dark circles got slightly lighter.
❄️Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule - really loved this one! It feels more like essence rather then ampoule, but it’s super hydrating and soothing! 
❄️Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam - great cleanser for second cleanse! It has really nice texture, not stripping or irritating and cleanses really well! 
❄️Jumiso Pore-Rest LHA Sebum Control Facial Cream - great moisturizer for oily skin! Non-sticky, non-greasy formula, absorbs perfectly without any residue and does reduce sebum production. 
❄️I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm - great oil-based cleansing balm with amazing texture and smell that does a great job removing makeup and sunscreen. It is fragranced, however, it didn’t bother my skin at all. 

💚Products that are ok, but I didn’t love and won’t repurchase💚

❄️Herbivore Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum - it is a quite nice serum and the packaging looks absolutely adorable, however, it’s pretty gentle and doesn’t really stands out to me among other exfoliating products. Besides, it’s quite pricey (~56USD).
❄️Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Essence Toner - it’s a nice toner with great ingredients and texture. It does hydrate,
however, I didn’t notice any soothing effect. 
❄️Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask - it is all in one treatment - peel, exfoliator and mask with different kinds of AHAs. It is a good mask that worked well for me, it’s just too pricey for what it is (~50USD).

❄️❄️December empties❄️❄️

As researchers suggest that it is safe to combine Vitamin C and niacinamide in the same routine I was just wondering with one should be applied first? The products I have are both serums and are the same consistency. What are your thoughts??

vitamin C + niacinamide

♥️❤️Products I loved and will repurchase:

✅Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm - my go to cleansing balm! No fuss, fragrance free, works really good. I’ve emptied over ten of full sized ones over the years!
✅HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Gel - absolutely great second cleanser! Non-stripping, fragrance-free, leaving the  skin feeling fresh, clean and balanced.
✅Caudalie Instant Detox Mask - excellent non-drying clay mask that makes my pores appear cleaner and smaller. I know this one has a new look now, not sure if the formula is changed as well though.
✅JMsolution Honey Luminous Royal Propolis Serum - I really love the texture and smell of this serum and the beautiful glow it gives to my skin. However, it’s not available to buy anywhere for a while, so I’m afraid it might be discontinued.
✅Potions Peptide Ampoule - I love peptides in skincare and this one was great! Nice texture, great formula, affordable price!
✅Peace Out Acne Serum - I don’t like it’s smell much, but it works great treating and preventing breakouts, so I’m going to get a full size of it!

🤔🤷🏼‍♀️Products that are ok, but I didn’t love and not planning to repurchase:

✅ HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream - beautiful packaging, great moisturizer, but has way too overpowering lavender scent.
✅Potions Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule - nothing wrong with a product itself, but Hyaluronic Acid is everywhere now, so I won’t stick just with this particular formulation.
✅Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream - it has pleasant texture and smell, but the finish is way to dewy for my oily skin. I always had to apply setting powder on top to don’t look greasy.

⛔️👎The products I didn’t like:

✅Clinique All About Clean rinse-off Foaming Cleanser - not a fan of this one.. it cleanses well and it’s not stripping, but I don’t like how my face feels after using it. There seem to be some kind of residue left on my skin. Too bad I also have a full size of this one.. 
✅Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil - way too greasy and way too fragranced. The smell is honestly giving me a headache. Glad it was just a tiny sample that came as gift with purchase.

🌷💖April empties💖🌷

I’m looking for powder or spray sunscreen for quick reapplication for summer. I know they aren’t as reliable as cream/gel sunscreens and I use those diligently, just looking for something that can be used occasionally if normal sunscreen reapplication isn’t possible. 
Thank in advance!

Powder/spray spf recommendations

While I am happy with this mask’s formula and its effects on my skin, I find the product’s stick format quite questionable. The stick design indeed ensures convenient and mess-free use, but clay mask is not the kind of product that is carried or applied on the go (like sunscreen), so I don’t really see a point. I am usually applying in the bathroom, so getting it on my hands is not an issue, especially if I supposed to be washed off in 3-5 minutes using my hands)) 

It actually goes on pretty sheer. I would prefer a bit more of a product to go on my skin, and it’s actually not easy to achieve with a stick format. It is also not easy to apply the mask around the nose. 

My other concern is how hygienic it is cause there’s no way to clean it after rubbing it all over the face.

All in all, I like the mask itself, but I would rather have it in a conventional tube or jar packaging. Anyhow, it was definitely an interesting experience, so if you like trying new things, this mask is worth a shot!
 
🌟Rating: 3.5/5

🩷💚Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask Review🩷💚

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

Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask, made with pink Himalayan salt and centella asiatica extract, calms sensitive skin while cleansing and refining pores for a clearer complexion. It also includes red bean powder to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth.

🗝️Key ingredients:
– Centella Asiatica Extract
– Kaolin
– Bentonite
– Illite
– Montmorillonite
– Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Price: 22 USD (27 g)

✨My experience✨
I am constantly using clay masks in my routine and love their effect on my skin, but this is the first time I am trying a clay mask in the form of a stick.

The formula is fragrance-free and gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is also enriched with a moisturizing essence, which prevents skin dryness after use. This clay mask helps to absorb excess sebum from my oily skin, ensuring the pores stay clean and preventing clogging.

The finish looks quite dewy on me and feels a little sticky. It does get better after I put the moisturizer over it though, however, I still find it a bit too heavy for my oily skin during the warm period of the year. 
I can sometimes get away using it in the morning if I keep the routine very simple, use minimal amount of products and use mattifying moisturizer and sunscreen. However, for now, I am using it just in my night time routine, but when summer is over, I will try using it again in the morning too.


Overall though, I do really think that this essence is amazing and love the results it’s giving to my skin. It’s a little heavy for my oily skin during summer, but I’m sure I’m gonna love it when winter comes. I think dry skin people gonna love it all year around!

⭐️Rating: 4.0/5.0

* PR

✨T’else Kombucha Teatox Essence review✨

I received this product for free from @bemusedkorea in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Kombucha Teatox Essence is a kombucha infused watery essence/toner that is formulated to clarify, calm and nourish the skin and improve its texture.

⭐️Key ingredients:
🌿74% Kombucha Extract - packed with antioxidants and nutrients, it clarifies pores, prevents signs of aging, improves skin tone and texture 
🌿Niacinamide - smoothes and brightens the skin 
🌿3 types of Hyaluronic Acid - keeps skin hydrated and boosts elasticity 
🌿Probiotics - keep skin balanced and calm, protect from environmental aggressors

⭐️Price: 36 USD (150ml)

💛💛My experience💛💛
I took a little extra time to test this product before posting my review, as I wasn’t sure how I feel about it right away.
On one hand, this essence looks gorgeous, packed with great ingredients, and I really love the effect of it on my skin. It’s incredibly hydrating and nourishing and makes my skin looks plump, supple and smooth. 
On the other hand, the texture of it is on a heavier side, and even though it doesn’t feel greasy, it is kind of slippery and creates a thin film on my skin, and, unfortunately, makes my already oily skin look even oilier. 



There is absolutely nothing bad about it! Love it!

🌿✨KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner review✨🌿

I received this products for free from KAINE in exchange for my review. All options are my own.

KAINE is 100% vegan, clean Korean skincare brand that formulates safe and effective products using natural ingredients.

Not only the brand refuses to use animal ingredients and test on animals, it also donates portion of its profits to animal rights organizations 🐰🐭❤️

The company also emphasizes the importance of sustainability by using only PCR packaging (manufactured from used and recycled glass and plastic) 🌎🌱❤️

✨Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner - concentrated, antioxidant-rich toner that provides intense hydration and soothing as well as improves texture and elasticity.

🌱Key ingredients: 60% Fermented Kombucha, 1% Panthenol, 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Allantoin.

This ampoule toner is absolutely amazing! It is super-hydrating and soothing and leaves my skin velvety soft and bouncy. It is also balances my skin’s oil production and reduces acne. Since I’ve started using this toner about a month ago, my complexion looks much clearer. 
Using it together with Chaga toner, I’ve also noticed slight improvement in skin’s elasticity and firmness. 

The price is a bit too high in my opinion, however the tube is quite big (80ml) and should last for a while. It’s also on sale pretty often.

🧡P.Calm Cato Cream review🧡

I received this product for free from P.Calm in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much again P.Calm for choosing me as a brand ambassador and sending me your great products to try! 

It’s been over a month since I’ve incorporated P.Calm products in my routine. All of them are working great for my skin, but the Cato Cream is my absolute favourite from the whole line!

P.Calm Cato Cream is vegan hypoallergenic moisturizer formulated to repair damaged skin barrier, provide long lasting moisture, brighten the skin and reduce appearance of fine line and wrinkles.

The Cato Cream is suitable for all skin types as it takes care of both dry U-zone and oily T-zone due to it’s double-biopolymer structure that allows pores to breath.

⭐️Key ingredients:
✅ Cato Barrier Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids)
✅Glutathione 
✅Bisabool
✅T-CA (Tea Tree + Cica) 
✅Glycerin 
✅Niacinamide 
✅Allantoin 
✅Squalane

⭐️Price: ~49 USD (80 ml)

⭐️My experience:
I am loving absolutely everything about this moisturizer!
It’s lightweight, lotion-like texture spreads and absorbs easily without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. It is fragrance-free, non-irritating and works perfectly for my oily acne prone skin.
It leaves my skin deeply hydrated without feeling heavy and makes it look supple and bouncy. 
I am a big fan of exfoliation and sometimes I overdo it a bit, but this moisturizer fixes my occasionally compromised skin barrier in no time. 
Since incorporating this cream in my routine my complexion looks healthier and more radiant. I am also finding it quite soothing. It does seem to help with persistent redness around my nose making it a bit less noticeable.


All in all, it’s an excellent moisturizer for strengthening the skin barrier and I would totally recommend it to everyone regardless of skin type and skin concerns. 

The only bad thing about this product is pilling. I see quite a bit of pilling on the sides of my face in the morning...

I am a fan of Dr. Jart products, espesially the cica line ones, and this sleeping mask is not exclusion! It is really soothing, calming and hydrating. I am using it on the same nights as chemical exfoliants and this mask calms my skin almost immidiately after exfoliation. It has nice texture, not greasy or sticky. The amount of product you get is really generous.