Reviewing New Products #2

Welcome to my second "Reviewing New Products" post!!!

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been giving my skincare routine abit of an overhaul and have been introducing lots of new products to try and improve the results I achieve. So far I've had a lot of positive experiences, however this next selection of products that I'm reviewing have had varied levels of success. I chose these products for many different reasons and will be sharing my findings with you below...

#1) Neutrogena Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 55

Reasons for purchase: I know this sounds really bad but I never used to wear sunscreen unless it was really hot out :/ However, through watching skincare videos on YouTube I discovered that sun damage is one of the most commons signs of aging. At the time I didn't really pay much attention to this fact and would always finish my morning routine with a regular moisturiser. But then we went into lockdown and I realised that if I didn't start wearing SPF then I could be inadvertently causing irreversible damage to my skin. Also, at the age of 27, I really need to start focusing on anti aging and preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Thoughts (after 4 weeks): The first time I applied it I saw how thick it was and thought it would be just like your bog standard sun lotion. However, I soon discovered that it absorbed quickly into the skin, without leaving a white cast or any greasy residue. It also left my skin feeling really soft, which I didn't expect at all. This product has really surprised me and changed my whole outlook on sunscreen. I didn't realise they could be formulated for oily skin types and dry so matte. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything! Definitely repurchasing when this bottle runs out. Rating: 9/10

#2) Lumene Nordic Hydra Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask

Reasons for purchase: I really wanted to treat myself to a luxury product, so when I got my furlough pay I saw the perfect opportunity to do so :) I'd seen the brand Lumene on the Birchbox website, however it was really expensive and they charged for delivery so it didn't seem worth it. Then I stumbled across this product on Amazon and was seduced by the name "Aerating Gel Mask" as well as the fact it was on sale for £14.99... it seemed like too good a deal to miss! It claimed to hydrate your face as a mask that you leave on my 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with "cool" water. Or you can leave it on overnight for an intensive treatment.

Thoughts (after 3 weeks): I love the jelly-like consistency of the product and it smells lovely and fresh! Upon application the formula is like a very thick clear gel and feels very hydrating and soothing. Once it's been washed off my skin immediately feels refreshed and quenched. It feels like your skin has been given a tall glass of water! However, the last time I used it my skin felt like it was burning and I had to remove it after 5 minutes. My skin went very red and felt extremely irritated. I think it may have been because I applied my rose water toner beforehand. It must have reacted to the rose oil as it's never made my skin sting the other 2 times I've used it. Next time I'll leave out the toner and see if I have a more soothing experience. Rating: 7/10

#3) Belenos Skin Botanique Rosehip Seed Oil

Reasons for purchase: I'd heard a lot of good things about this oil, especially its benefits for acne prone skin. It's supposed to be very moisturising as well as helping to fade acne scars and improving texture. I was also aware that oils are becoming popular within the skincare world and wanted to see if they lived up to the hype. It said on Amazon that it was like a dry oil because of how quickly it absorbs into the skin. There were also lots of really positive reviews about rosehip oil on the Skincare Addiction subreddit that I recently joined.

Thoughts (after 2 weeks): Initially I didn't like the greasy film it left on my skin and how shiny my face looked after applying. However, I figured that I'd just applied too much of it. So the next evening I dispensed half a pump into my hand, rubbed my palms together and pressed it onto my face and neck. It took about an hour to fully absorb, however, it still felt greasy to touch. I didn't experience any kind of moisturising benefits or change in the overall condition of my skin. So I've decided to return it as it wasn't worth the money in my opinion. The only upside is that it didn't have a funky odour like the product description suggested. Rating: 2/10

#4) The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Reasons for purchase: I was recommended this product on the Skincare Addiction subreddit. I was explaining to a fellow user that I struggled with texture, redness and uneven skin tone and she suggested that I try this product. At first I was hesitant as I thought it was a chemical exfoliant but with some further investigating I discovered that it was a gentle daily acne treatment. It seemed like it would deal with a lot of my skin concerns and I'd already had success with their niacinamide serum, so I thought why not?

Thoughts (after 1 week): The first night I used a pea-sized amount that I applied to my forehead, cheeks and chin. My skin didn't react at all, which was reassuring. I liked the creamy texture but didn't think it spread very well as it was so thick. However, the second time I used it I noticed that an hour after applying my neck would get itchy. At first I thought the azelaic acid was reacting to my glycolic acid toner but then the same thing happened the next 2 nights. It was only on the 5th night, when I left it out of my routine, that I knew for certain it was the azelaic acid causing the irritation. I posted my concerns on the skincare subreddit and a couple of the users said that they'd had similar reactions to acne treatments and advised that I stop using the product altogether. I was really gutted that this product didn't meet my expectations but I guess that's just the risk you take with skincare products. Rating: 1/10


I hope you enjoyed reading my reviews and are encouraged to add some new products into your routine as well. As I always stress, this is just my personal experience and is in no way a true representation of the above products, as everyone's skin is different. So please don't be put off if you've been wanting to try any of these products for yourself (particularly the rosehip oil and azelaic acid). It's just a case of figuring out what ingredients and formulas work for you! I'm also planning on adding a new eye cream, vitamin C serum and cleanser to my skincare routine, so keep your eyes peeled for reviews on them as well!

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)