From the packaging to the formulation, I’ve taken quite a liking to I’m From’s 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 it’s 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 I’m From Rice Toner: - It’s 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: 🍶 I’ve 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. 🍶 This toner is made with 77.78% Korean rice extract, which is a pretty high percentage. This ensures that you’re getting maximum skincare benefits. 🍶 Since it’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, it’s ideal for many skin types, including mine. I have sensitive combination skin that leans oily, and I haven’t experienced any negative reactions with this product. 🍶 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.

UPDATE - November 10, 2024 I’ll admit I didn’t use this as much as I probably should have because my patience wears thin when I don’t see results soon enough. I used this for about a week and a half (or so) in October and decided not to continue with it since I have other skincare products that work better for me. As a seasoned skincare user, this probably isn’t the best product for me and is better suited for more sensitive skin types that need gentler products. That doesn’t take away from the benefits it offers, especially considering that this worked better for my sister than it did for me. Here are some updates on why I still rate this a 4/5: 🔸 Whenever I applied this, it did make my skin look a bit brighter, so I can attest to the hyperpigmentation benefits it provides. However, it takes quite a while to see results compared to some of my other products, which is why I don’t reach for it often. 🔸 This has absolutely no scent, so I’m not noticing any lingering skincare fragrance or sillage while moving around and doing whatever I’m working on. It makes my skin feel calm. It’s so watery that you might think it’s not doing anything to your face, but it is – just quietly. 🔸 Thankfully, I had zero negative reactions to this. I don’t react to most skincare now unless it contains one of my avoided triggers, so I’m probably not the best candidate to speak on sensitivity. However, my sister, who has reactive sensitive skin, reported no reactions with this product, so we’ll go with the fact that it’s great for sensitive skin types. 🔸 I did notice a reduction in sebum production. I’m not sure if it’s caused solely by this product or in combination with other products I use in my routine, but I’ve been getting fewer whiteheads when I include this in my skincare routine. However, even after not using it, I still haven’t gotten those whiteheads, so I’m unsure if it’s solely due to this product. That said, it does seem to fit well with most skincare routines. Overall, I’d still rate this a 4/5! ——————————————————————— ORIGINAL - October 9, 2024 Consider me interested anytime I see something meant to exfoliate the skin. This isn’t 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, I’ll 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 I’d rate this a 4/5: 🍊 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. 🍊 Mandelic acid is a gentler exfoliator compared to its structural counterparts (like glycolic acid) due to the larger size of its molecules. This doesn’t mean it’s less effective—just less irritating compared to other AHAs in the same category. 🍊 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. 🍊 It feels watery, making it very easy to absorb into the skin. Some of you may consider this a toner, but I wouldn’t. It’s best used before a toner. 🍊 This also claims to target hyperpigmentation, but because hyperpigmentation takes time to improve, I won’t be mentioning much yet. I haven’t seen dramatic results in this area, though I’ve noticed slight improvements like overall brightening of the face. Overall, I’d give this a 4/5. It’s a solid, gentle exfoliator.

UPDATE - November 11, 2024 🧬 After using this a couple of times, I decided that it's best for when my skin is really dry rather than for daily use. It has worked superbly in the hydration department, which is why I still rate it a 4/5. It’s a 5/5 in hydration, but a 4/5 for me overall as I'm currently addressing other skin concerns. 🧬 I love that this is scentless and non-comedogenic. It focuses on the use of peptides to combat aging, which sets it apart from most anti-aging products in the South Korean skincare industry. While there are brands that include peptides in their skincare, I haven’t come across any that rely on them solely for anti-aging. Additionally, it works better scientifically, as peptides encourage skin cells to produce collagen and elastin, improving the skin overall. 🧬 Overall, it’s still a solid 4/5 for me. ___________________________________________________ ORIGINAL - October 10, 2024 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 you’ve used the Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream and love its effects, pair it with these youth-activating drops, and voila—amazing 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: 🌙 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. 🌙 Gorgeous color: The serum starts as a beautiful blue but turns clear when applied, so no artificial dyes are left on your skin. 🌙 Free from irritants: It’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free. 🌙 No side effects: As someone with sensitive combination skin, I can confidently say I experienced no irritation after using this. Overall, I’d rate this a solid 4/5!

UPDATE - November 11, 2024 - A Four Month Assessment of this Cream My opinion hasn’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: 🖤 Absolutely no negative reactions, and my skin isn’t dependent on it. I’ve noticed with some creams that if you skip a day or two, your skin starts cracking or peeling—as if it has become dependent on the product. I usually end up tossing away products that do that, but thankfully, this hasn’t caused any of those issues. 🖤 I haven’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. It’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, I’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 I’m glad to say I’ll be moving it up to a solid 4/5. I’ve also decided to incorporate this into my fall/winter skincare routine, as I believe it’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: 🌃 This is eczema-skin friendly. ⁃ 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 can’t just use any moisturizer because some can flare up my eczema. ⁃ 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. ⁃ This proves that your skincare doesn’t have to be overpriced to work for you. 🌃 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 won’t wake up with new pimples or other skin issues. 🌃 Lastly, this is perfect for oily-combination skin types. If you have dry skin, this isn’t for you. It’s hydrating enough for oilier skin types to absorb without looking or feeling greasy, which is often the case with most moisturizers. However, it’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. It’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 Here’s to another review of my favorite type of skincare product - a moisturizer! I feel like it’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 won’t break me out. I’ve had the chance to test out Dear, Klairs’ Midnight Blue Calming Cream and here are my honest thoughts on this: 🌀 Very rarely do I come across moisturizers with formulations that aren’t white, but this one was interesting! It’s blue in color, which I think is a good motivator in getting your daily skincare in. 🌀 The texture is a little thicker than your average lightweight moisturizer but still light enough to be easily absorbed into your skin. 🌀 I have eczema and I found that this helped soothe areas with eczema, which honestly impressed me. 🌀 This felt more like a moisturizer aimed in soothing and reducing irritation. If you don’t have issues with redness or irritation, this may not feel anything special. Overall, this gets a 4/5 from me.

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. I’ve already mentioned loving this product before, and finding out it comes in assorted flavors only adds to my excitement. Here’s why I like these: 💋 These are thicker than your typical lip balms—very hydrating but not overly so to the point where your lips feel overwhelmed. I’ve experienced that issue before, but these strike a great balance, comparable to another brand that’s my top favorite. 💋 These easily rank in my top 3. I’ll definitely be using them a lot during the colder months. 💋 While the flavors vary, the function remains quite similar across the different versions. I’ve tried both the Original and Mojito. The main difference lies in the scent. It’s noted that the Mojito version is meant to calm and soothe dry lips, but honestly, the Original does that too. I think it’s more about picking the scent that suits your preference. 💋 Scents: * Original: Reminiscent of manuka honey. It smells sweet and a bit syrupy, but in a good way. Don’t mistake it for being sticky—it feels emollient and balmy. * Mojito: This has a refreshing citrus scent, and I LOVE it. I’ve always leaned toward citrus scents, so this is perfect for me. 💋 I will say, these aren’t your everyday lip balms. They’re quite thick, making them ideal as a nighttime lip mask or for focused lip care. They don’t pair well with makeup, so if you're looking to hydrate your lips before applying makeup, this isn’t the product for that. Overall, this occlusive moisture lip balm is excellent for dedicated lip care. As long as you’re using it as intended, you’ll love what it has to offer. I’d rate these a solid 5/5.

November 21, 2024 Update I first tried this product back in August 2024, so I've had ample time to test it. Whether it's the seasonal weather changes or just having more experience with it, my opinion on this has shifted. This is purely based on my personal experience—if it works wonders for you, don’t let my perspective change how you feel about it. It’s still a good lip balm, but after more testing, I wouldn’t rank it in my top three lip balms or treatments. I’m adjusting my rating from 5/5 to 3/5, and here’s why: 🩸 Chapped lips and product reliance: When the weather changes, I typically rely on a favorite brand I’ve used for three years. With that product, I’ve never experienced chapped lips or needed to reapply in the same day. In fact, one application often lasts for a week because it truly heals my lips. I paused using that to try this balm exclusively, and my lips became severely chapped within days. By day three, my lips were so dry they started bleeding. It seems like there’s something in the formula that creates a dependency on the balm—without it, my lips became excessively dry. 🩸 Severe dehydration despite adjustments: I initially thought I might be overusing the balm, so I spaced out applications to every three days and used smaller amounts. Unfortunately, the same results occurred. My lips were the driest they’d ever been, to the point where my sister noticed and asked, “What happened to your lips? Moisturize them.” When I told her I’d switched balms, she said, “Go back to your old one because your lips are looking crusty.” Word for word. 🩸 Lack of lasting benefits: I regret not taking pictures to document how bad my lips got, but the experience was unpleasant. The balm seemed fine on day one, but my lips progressively worsened after that. I finally discontinued it and went back to my OG (Summer Fridays, by the way). My lips are healing now—no more bleeding, cracks, or crustiness, and no reliance on constant reapplication. Overall, I’d say this balm is okay for occasional use—maybe once a week—but it seems to make lips reliant on the product. I dislike products that create dependency because if I decide to stop using them, I don’t want to deal with adverse effects. For context, this feedback is specific to the original flavor. Interestingly, I also tried the mojito flavor, which wasn’t nearly as problematic. If you’re considering this balm, proceed with caution, especially with the original flavor. —————————————————————— October 2, 2024 Update It’s been about a little over a month of me using this and honestly, it’s great. It is designed to be used as a lip care product, and as long as you use it for that, it will serve you well. 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. I’ve already mentioned loving this product before, and finding out it comes in assorted flavors only adds to my excitement. Here’s why I like these: 💋 These are thicker than your typical lip balms—very hydrating but not overly so to the point where your lips feel overwhelmed. I’ve experienced that issue before, but these strike a great balance, comparable to another brand that’s my top favorite. 💋 These easily rank in my top 3. I’ll definitely be using them a lot during the colder months. 💋 While the flavors vary, the function remains quite similar across the different versions. I’ve tried both the Original and Mojito. The main difference lies in the scent. It’s noted that the Mojito version is meant to calm and soothe dry lips, but honestly, the Original does that too. I think it’s more about picking the scent that suits your preference. 💋 Scents: * Original: Reminiscent of manuka honey. It smells sweet and a bit syrupy, but in a good way. Don’t mistake it for being sticky—it feels emollient and balmy. * Mojito: This has a refreshing citrus scent, and I LOVE it. I’ve always leaned toward citrus scents, so this is perfect for me. 💋 I will say, these aren’t your everyday lip balms. They’re quite thick, making them ideal as a nighttime lip mask or for focused lip care. They don’t pair well with makeup, so if you're looking to hydrate your lips before applying makeup, this isn’t the product for that. Overall, this occlusive moisture lip balm is excellent for dedicated lip care. As long as you’re using it as intended, you’ll love what it has to offer. I’d rate these a solid 5/5. —————————————————————— ORIGINAL REVIEW - 08/22/2024 CNP Propolis Lipcerin in ORIGINAL I don’t see propolis used as a skincare ingredient often—it’s a miracle component that doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves. While honey is the only food on earth that doesn’t expire and has unmatched healing properties, propolis is a natural substance made from tree sap that bees use to protect and seal their hives. It’s renowned for its antibacterial and healing benefits. Here are some reasons why I’ll reach for this often: 🍯 Not sticky: Despite the manuka honey component, it feels smooth rather than tacky. It’s subtly addictive, so you might accidentally over-apply it. I recommend against doing so. 🍯 Pleasant scent: It has a slight manuka honey fragrance that I enjoy, not the sickly sweet type. It’s very similar to the manuka honey I use for wound healing in a hospital setting—nature sometimes offers the best treatments. 🍯 Long-lasting: This doesn’t need frequent application. It helps protect my lips, which tend to get drier with weather changes. 🍯 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.

This isn’t like my usual content of reviewing a Korean skincare product, but rather a slightly odd one—I was quite intrigued by Euthymol’s Original Toothpaste. I’ve only ever used Crest toothpaste since I was a kid, so trying this felt like a leap of faith. I’m 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 decay—something I want to avoid. Nonetheless, I gave it a try. Please note, this will be a LONG read. A bit of background on Euthymol’s 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: 🦷 I cannot use fluoride-free toothpaste, and I’m somewhat against it. As someone with a medical background, there hasn’t been enough evidence to show that fluoride-free is a better option. In fact, I’d argue it’s worse. 🦷 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 you’re sensitive to fluoride, only then I’d recommend it for you. 🦷 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 don’t eat right away after brushing. 🦷 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 doesn’t necessarily prevent cavities or help with decay, so I’m unsure what’s supporting this claim. 🦷 Another ingredient I thought might contribute to cavity protection is Tocopheryl Acetate, but based on medical research, there’s insufficient evidence that it works as well as fluoride. I couldn’t find proof that it’s a reliable cavity-protecting ingredient. 🦷 The previous formulation included Thymol as an antiseptic, but it’s been removed. So, I’m not sure what, if anything, adds extra protection now. 🦷 Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients and their functions. While some are beneficial, it proves my point that this toothpaste doesn’t 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, I’ll have to pass on this. I’ll use it as a breath freshener, but I won’t rely on it to protect my teeth. I give it a 2/5.

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 didn’t absorb and just sat on my skin. I’d 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 here’s why: 🖊️ The mask felt hydrating at first but had a goopy texture that caught me off guard. 🖊️ A few hours later, it seemed like the product just sat on my skin, triggering my neurosensory issues. 🖊️ When I washed my face after 4-5 hours, a film came off, suggesting it hadn’t absorbed at all. I even tested it on bare skin with no other products. Overall, it’s a pass for me—one of the few masks I wouldn’t 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 Cosmetics—the Glucamune Essence and Mask—coming in with huge hopes! I also like to mention huge thanks to @go.picky @picky.us @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: 🖊️ When I first applied the mask, it felt very moisturizing, but the texture was a bit goopy, which caught me off guard. 🖊️ 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. 🖊️ 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 didn’t apply any other skincare before this to test it in isolation. Overall, this gets a 2/5 from me. I’ve never disliked a mask as much as this one—definitely a pass!

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 Cosmetics—the Glucamune Essence—coming in with high hopes! A Bit of Background on the VT Cosmetic’s 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 I’m honestly happy with it. This line aims to serve an entirely different purpose — to thoroughly moisturize dehydrated and sensitive skin. Here are some of the reasons I rate this a solid 4/5: 💧 The lightweight consistency absorbs easily into the skin without leaving any sticky residue. 💧 I didn’t experience any negative side effects, making it great for sensitive skin. 💧 With NYC’s changing weather, where my skin tends to dry out, this made my skin feel hydrated and plump. The bounce effect was noticeable too. 💧 Key ingredients include glycerin, betaine, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, beta-glucan, and squalane—all working together to maximize moisture retention. 💧 It’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, making it suitable for all skin types. Overall, I’d rate this a 4/5. It does a pretty good job focusing on hydration!

🤎 UPDATE OCTOBER 24, 2024 My love for this cream is still going strong, as I’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 don’t plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of “if it works for you, stick with it”. I don’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 didn’t use this for a week (switched to another cream temporarily due to vacation) — 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 I’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 don’t plan on changing it anytime soon. This literally fits the definition of “if it works for you, stick with it”. I don’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 didn’t use this for a week (switched to another cream temporarily due to vacation) — so I noticed that I should just stick with this cream as long as it works for me. ❤️ UPDATE SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 I'm now entering my seventh month of using this cream, and my opinion hasn’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! _______________________________________________ 🩵UPDATE AUGUST 2024 - Update to the 3 month update I gave in July 2024 I’ve already raved about this product and shared my three-month update, and now I’m onto month four. I can confidently testify that my love for this hasn’t changed one bit. This is the one product I can wholeheartedly recommend from this app. I’ve even recommended it to some of my family members and friends who struggle with stubborn minor acne, and they’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 you’re curious to know more about my experience with it, I’ve detailed my thoughts and progress in my July update. It’s worth checking out if you’re considering adding this to your routine. —————————————————————— 🧡UPDATE JULY 2024 - After 3 months of testing!!! I’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 I’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, I’ve bought a few to stay well stocked of this product. I’m doing a deep dive into details that I noticed while using this product for the last three months: 🌱 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 doesn’t respond as positively. 🌱 Whenever I get (a few) new pimples, I literally put this on for the night. I’ve noticed that within a day or two, those new pimples completely disappear. I don’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. 🌱 I’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. 🌱 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. 🌱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 it’s light without causing a grease-like effect, but heavy enough to hydrate the skin fully. It absorbs pretty well and doesn’t add “weight” feeling to the face. 🌱 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. —————————————————————— 💜ORIGINAL 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, let’s dive into what I thought of this product! 🌱 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. 🌱 This product claims to target skincare issues such as redness, blemishes, irritation as well as hydrate and brighten the skin. 🌱 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. 🌱 I’m currently using this in my rotation because through the few days I’ve used this, I’ve seen some improvements in my skin already. 🌱 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. 🌱 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

UPDATE OCTOBER 2024 I’m changing this from 4/5 to 5/5! I’m 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: 🍏 This works for sensitive skin types, so for it work on all skin types would be a no brainer. 🍏 The texture of this is gritty yet smooth—as you’re applying it and massaging it to slightly exfoliate the skin, it doesn’t sting or hurt. 🍏 This does not dry your skin out like some peeling gels do post-use. Rather my skin felt hydrated yet fresh and clean. 🍏 The braille on the packaging is such a nice touch. It shows thoughtfulness on the brand’s end. Overall, I’d rate this a 5/5. Couldn’t find anything to be disappointed with in this! ——————————————————————— ORIGINAL MARCH 2024 I’ve 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: 🍌 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 I’ve tested so far. 🍌 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 I’ve 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. 🍌 It is paraben free, SLS free, and phthalate free - all things that I prefer in my skincare. I didn’t expect any pore clogging or congestion so far. 🍌 The texture is a bit grainy, so it has a nice exfoliating effect as well. I know some people don’t want a grainy texture, but this has personally not bothered me. 🍌 While I’m new to this, it’s something I’m thinking of incorporating into my routine. It added a step I didn’t know I needed.

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 it’s made a big difference—I even have a favorite brand I stick to. But that doesn’t 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, I’d rate this a 3/5 for the following reasons: 🎃 This neck cream has a fall/holiday vibe, and I love it. The bold orange shade is eye-catching and unique, even though it’s a color I wouldn’t usually gravitate toward. While aesthetics are fun, I’d like to focus more on its functional aspects. 🎃 Although it’s labeled as a retinol-based neck cream, there’s 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%. 🎃 I believe the brand is relying on pumpkin seed extract to support the retinol claim, as pumpkin contains a notable amount of Vitamin A (retinol’s origin compound). However, this extract appears near the lower middle of the ingredients list, so it’s not delivering the retinol benefits as advertised. 🎃 Despite the minimal retinol content, the cream can still improve neck lines due to its moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, and hydrolyzed collagen. 🎃 There are potential allergens in this formula, so check if it’s suitable for you. A few that stand out are: - Limonene - Linalool - Mandarin/Bergamot/Orange Peel Oil Overall, I’d rate this a 3/5. I dislike when a product is marketed around an ingredient that doesn’t 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

I was already a fan of I’m From’s Toner (the bottle version), so I had high expectations for this one, especially since it’s 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. Here’s why this gets a straight-up 5/5 from me, no strings attached: 🍚 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. 🍚 The pads have just the right thickness—they sit securely on the face without slipping, while still delivering ample skincare benefits to make a noticeable difference. 🍚 If you thought I couldn’t love a rice-based skincare product more, think again. Now that this comes in toner pad form, I’m 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). 🍚 While it’s 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 it’s perfect for the colder months. Overall, I rate this a solid 5/5 for its gentle brightening effect and decent hydration boost. Plus, I’m From is one of those brands that truly lives up to the hype. #pickyreview #gopicky #pickyximfrom #imfrom

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. I’d like to thank @go.picky, @pickyrewards, and @centellian24_global for sending these over in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’ve got three products to test from this brand, which allows me to provide a more conclusive and thorough opinion on them. 🍎 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 🍎 I really did not like that the ingredient information wasn’t 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. 🍎 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 don’t sit well with me. 🍎 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. It’s nicely hydrating, for sure. 🍎 The scent is quite medicinal. It has an herbal smell I can’t quite pinpoint—you’ll either love it or hate it. I don’t mind it. 🍎 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 skin’s firmness in the deeper layers. 🍎 The amount of perfuming agents is staggering and somewhat deters me from putting my complete trust in this. It hasn’t caused a reaction for me, but my skin did tingle for a bit upon application before settling down. I’m 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. It’s not bad, but the overwhelming number of essential oils isn’t sitting right with me. I also don’t think this is good for warmer months, as it can be too thick, but it may be great for winter.

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. I’ve got three products to test from this brand, which allows me to provide a more conclusive and thorough opinion on them. 🌹 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 🌹 As a POC, I was immediately interested—this seemed like the kind of product I’d hope could tackle older blemishes that don’t completely fade. 🌹 The small size is a plus; it’s ideal for testing without a big commitment since this is a pricey product. The 15 mL provides enough time to decide if it’s worth a full-size purchase. 🌹 After only a week of use, I didn’t have enough time to see any changes in hyperpigmentation. My initial impressions are: - Pros: It does make my skin feel supple and firmer. However, there’s 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 fragrance—heavy on the perfume, which I’m not a fan of. - Brightening: No visible brightening effect so far, despite the brand claiming “visible improvement after just 5 days.” I can’t 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 it’s hard to isolate this ampoule’s effects on that. 🌹 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. I’m not sure how effective these patented ingredients are, and there isn’t much information on their specific compositions, but I imagine their main purpose is to target hyperpigmentation. I personally haven’t seen results yet. - Niacinamide, included here, is likely the ingredient targeting hyperpigmentation, but it’s so common in Korean skincare that I’m unsure what sets this ampoule apart in the skincare industry besides the use of their patented ingredients. Overall: I’m giving this a 3/5. It claims to target dark spots, but I haven’t seen any brightening effect so far. I’ve used other anti-hyperpigmentation products that delivered visible results in as little as three days, so this one hasn’t impressed me yet.