Product Review 2022

 

Hey guys!!!

So today is my first ever product review post since November 2020 :O However some of these I've been using for almost a year, so they're not technically new products. Four of these products are K-Beauty and one is from The Ordinary. A few of them have been holy grails for awhile and two of them are brand new products that I've been trying for a few months. They are all currently in my skincare routine so I thought it would be fun to let you know my thoughts on them and whether I'd repurchase or not. So without further ado, please read on for my brutally honest reviews of each product...

#1) The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Used for: 10 months

Reasons for purchase: I originally bought this product as I wanted something to help fade my hyperpigmentation leftover from acne scars. I previously used Vitamin C and glycolic acid for this purpose but didn't feel like they were delivering the results that I wanted. I've always had a good experience with The Ordinary products so I thought I'd give their Alpha Arbutin serum a go!

My thoughts: Within a few weeks of using this product I noticed a big difference in how quickly my old acne scars faded, as well as new ones from where I'd picked my spots. It has a thick gloopy consistency but it absorbs into the skin within a minute. It comes in a jumbo size which I will continue to repurchase for a long time to come! Definitely a holy grail product with the best results for my hyperpigmentation.

Rating: 10/10 (Holy Grail)

#2) Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++

Used for: 9 months

Reasons for purchase: After the Purito sunscreen scandal proving that their sunscreens were only an SPF 19 I needed to invest in another sunscreen that would deliver high sun protection. I decided to get this product as it said it was a lightweight consistency that was perfect for oily/acne-prone skin. 

My thoughts: At first I wasn't sure about the scent as it was abit artificial but I learnt to get used to it after a few weeks. I love how it blends into nothing on the skin and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. I've found that when I don't have time to apply a moisturiser in the morning, this is moisturising enough by itself. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth every time I apply it. 

Rating: 9/10 (Holy Grail)

#3) iUnik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

Used for: 5 months

Reasons for purchase:  I tried the mini travel size first as it intrigued me. I really enjoyed it so I decided to purchase the full size and use it in the place of TO Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% Solution.

My thoughts: I love the medium weight viscous texture and how well it absorbs into the skin. It spreads really well and a little goes a long way. I also love that it uses a natural source of Vitamin C (seabuckthorn) and is combined with other ingredients to stabilise it. It uses niacinamide and witch hazel to help with oil control and breakouts. There's also propolis as the main ingredient to help with wound healing, calming inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. This serum is my favourite Vitamin C product and I use it every morning. 

Rating: 10/10 (Holy Grail)

#4) Cosrx Blackhead BHA Power Liquid

Used for: 3 months

Reasons for purchase: To be honest I bought this as it's a very hyped up product and is meant to be a gentle chemical exfoliant. It uses both willow bark water and betaine salicylate which are derivatives of salicylic acid. So I basically bought it on impulse!  

My thoughts: This is a watery viscous texture, probably between a toner and a serum, which spreads nicely over the skin. It absorbs within a couple of minutes and leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple with a whisper of hydration. I use it 3 times a week and find that this is enough for my skin. I had abit of purging within the first week but once my skin adjusted it didn't react at all. I'm not completely sure if the BHA is strong enough for my skin as I've still been getting breakouts. Maybe I need to use it more often to see if I get more noticeable results.

Rating: 7/10

#5) Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Used for: 5 weeks

Reasons for purchase: Again this was a complete impulse buy based on alot of good reviews on the Skincare Addiction subreddit. YouTubers were also raving about it so I had to try it for myself, as I didn't want to miss out!

My thoughts: This essence has a thick serum-like consistency which is alot thicker than most essences that I've tried. It's very stringy due to the snail secretion filtrate in the formula. I find it to be very hydrating and don't mind the slimey feel on the skin. It absorbs within a few minutes and leaves the skin feeling plump and bouncy. Because it's so thick I don't feel like I need to use a moisturiser afterwards. I just apply my SPF on top and I'm good to go! 

Rating: 7/10

I hope you've enjoyed reading my reviews on these 5 products that I've been using in my routine. The iUnik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum and TO Alpha Arbutin Serum have been repurchases since I finished my first bottles. I am currently on my second (iUnik) and third (TO) ones. I've also got a back up of each because I love them so much and they're super affordable as well! So glad that I discovered them! The Missha Aqua Sun Gel has been a hidden gem since abandoning the Purito sunscreens. I'm currently on my third tube and have 2 more in back up. I heard on Reddit that it was being discontinued so I panicked and bought 4 tubes of the Missha Essence Sun SPF45 only to realise that the Aqua Sun Gel was still in stock on Stylevana. What a nightmare! So I've decided to stick to my new holy grail sunscreen as it's my favourite one that I've tried and works really well for me :)

As for the Cosrx products I'm yet to see any noticeable results. I've also found that I've had more breakouts since introducing both of them into my routine. I really enjoy applying them but am yet to see if they'll perform effectively long term. I will have to do a follow up review on them both in order to evaluate their efficiency... So watch this space!

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)