I exfoliate once a week and like to really do it when I do it you know? I like to have BHA for my acne concerns and AHA for brightening and PHA cuz hell why not? Give me some enzymes too. The only acid I don’t tolerate well in high doses is glycolic acid. One of my very first skincare catastrophes was breaking out in compromised moisture barrier acne all over my cheeks after using the Pixi glow tonic too liberally. (Also an esthetician I follow just posted something about glycolic acid causing cell death??? 😳) Anyway does anyone know of any multi-acid exfoliants with low or no glycolic acid?

Multi-acids without glycolic?

I have reactive skin in a dry climate. I’m also kind of an actives maximalist, and I’ve been very patient in building up my skin’s tolerance for tretinoin and once weekly exfoliating. My white whale is vitamin C though. I haven’t been able to find a formulation with ascorbic acid that doesn’t sensitize me and cause my skin to react. Even when I introduce it slowly. Should I give up the fight? Are there other anti-oxidant serums or products I should try instead? Is there a vitamin c derivative with enough evidence of efficacy that I should stick to?

Vitamin C for sensitive skin?

I just finished my Makeup Rewined from Krave and am working through the Naturium cleansing balm (I’m less of a fan). Both these products are cleansing balms in tubes. I prefer this for two reasons 1) it’s not as messy as an oil cleanser which is liquid 2) it’s more sanitary than the pots of cleansing balm. Even if I use a spatula for the pots, I find that some balms in pots can clump up into what I call a “bricky” texture where they don’t melt and spread fully all the time (see the YTTP balm). I love the Inkey List oat cleansing balm. Are there any cleansing balms in tubes I’m sleeping on?

Best cleansing balm in a tube?

I have the Versed Baby Cheeks toner that I love, but the pump packaging sort of demands that I use a cotton round. I don’t like using the single use disposable ones but the reusable cotton rounds I bought I have a very terry cloth texture which can feel rough against my skin. I try not to drag it and instead press, but I miss the feeling of a classic soft cotton round. Has anyone found a real dupe?

Best reusable cotton rounds?

Honestly, nothing. The fact that I can’t buy it at Target? The fact that I used it all up and dont have any anymore? Sad. 

I know I’m late to the party, but I’m obsessed. This stuff goes on like a DREAM. I just saw when I searched this product that there’s a cushion and a stick too and I’ll probably be trying those at some point too. It’s hydrating but not heavy. My skin is too dry to use it in place of a moisturizer, but I think less dehydrated skin types could just cleanse and slap a teaspoon of this on their faces and greet the day. No alcohol, no scent, no pilling, no whitecast. I stan. 

I don’t know about firming, okay? But it doesn’t matter that much to me. I like the ingredients. In winter it’s not quite heavy duty enough for me, but in summer it works like a charm. 

It’s on the lighter end of the Nivea body lotions, but this is so classic to me. It has that soapy scent that I love. It’s hydrating but not heavy. Goes on great after a shower and soaks in quickly. 

The first bottle I had fired like missile. I had to spray it into my hand and then pat it into my face, which really defeated the purpose for me. But I wrote to Byoma and they sent me a new one with a functional sprayer. I think Byoma has had some trouble with their packaging, but the customer service team is extremely responsive and the products rock. They’re also affordable.

💦 I’m somewhat new to the mist game, but I love this stuff! It helps to keep my dry skin damp between steps, and this formula has probiotics and soothing ingredients but isn’t sticky. I like that it doesn’t have niacinamide because I have so much of it in other steps of my routine. It’s soothing and hydrating. 

I just have not cracked the code on this aluminum tube packaging. I feel like I sacrificed so much product in the end. 

Ooh it’s thicc! I think moisturizer concentrate is just a fun way of saying very occlusive and good for dry skin. Which it is. It does sot a bit on the skin but I like to feel that protective layer. Its more of a natural finish than a super dewy one, but I really believed it was doing it’s job. No scent. And I love the idea of a robust -biotic profile. Pre, pro, and post all have a place in my routine. 

This really sensitized my skin. I don’t remember if it has straight up L-AA which I’m usually too sensitive for, but I didn’t think it did. I have yet to have luck with any YTTP product, and given the price I sadly may have to give up the brand. 

This isn’t fair to YTTP because I have never had luck with a vitamin C product other than the ordinary’s 3-0 stuff way back when. I think if you want a vitamin c serum focused on brightness this probably could work for you? But is it worth the money? 

emtiesnuts