dontglowalone

Function: this lip scrub is meant to gently exfoliate your lips while leaving them hydrated with added ingredients like oils and butters. It’s a brown sugar scrub that targets dullness, dryness and uneven texture on the lips. Texture: a rough, scrubby texture. It literally feels like brown sugar mixed with softened butter. It leaves an oily film on the lips after washing off that feels nice and hydrating. Working it in gives a satisfying tingly sensation, but it can become irritating if you scrub past the lip line. Experience: i have never been much of a lip exfoliator. These are products that I feel are kind of unnecessary — if you keep yourself hydrated and apply balm regularly, your lips stay soft without harsh physical exfoliating. Although this claims to be a gently exfoliator, i think anything that uses a physical exfoliant (sugar in this case) can be too harsh for skin and is used too often most of the time (acids for exfoliating are much better IMO!!!). Overall, I don’t see myself using this very often (was gifted) and i don’t think it is worth the price, so I wouldn’t recommend to my friends. 3 out of five stars is being a bit generous, but it smells nice and I have to admit that my lips are really soft. The hydration is nice, but it is messy and I don’t like the oily feeling all around my mouth. Price: $24 for 0.6 oz fresh - Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator

Function: These are single use oil capsules for removing makeup and impurities. They’re for all skin types and target concerns like dryness, acne, and oiliness. They claim to leave your skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after use. I like to use these as the first cleanse when I double cleanse. Texture: run of the mill oil texture. The capsules are small, but you really only need one capsule to cleanse your whole face. They have a natural, plant-y smell. The capsules are easy to twist open and are biodegradable. Experience: I love these for travel purposes! I have had many experiences where my products have spilled all over my bag, but these obviously don’t do that. Like i mentioned earlier, these are a great first step in my routine. They do an awesome job of removing my eye makeup, which is always a pain. I don’t notice an intense increase in hydration after using them, but the oil washes off easily and without an filmy residue. It doesn’t burn my eyes when I work it in and it feels silky smooth as you wash. I don’t love the smell, but at least there is no artificial fragrance added! I’ve used this for a few weeks now and I received it as a gift. I like them a lot, but they are pricey yo. I don’t think I would buy these for myself when I can get a cleanse just as good from a balm or another oil — even though these are really convenient. Also, despite these being biodegrade capsules, I can’t help but still feel a bit wasteful when I use them. Overall, they work really well, but I’m not sure if they are worth the price, hence the four out of five star rating. Price: $75 for 50 capsules

Function: an antioxidant rich mask that treats redness, pores, and oil production. Claims that the use of high quality green tea reduces inflammation and redness and repairs free-radical damage. Detoxifies, decongests, and de-stresses the skin. Works its magic in 20 minutes!! Texture: smooth, creamy, thick mask. Dries like a clay mask because there is kaolin clay in it lol. Experience: this mask is my ride or die. I really love anything matcha and this is no exception! I’ve used this for a few months and a little really goes a long way. It’s my go-to when my skin is feeling dull, textured, and super congested. I actually purchased it because it was on sale at Costco and it looked interesting to me; I’m so glad i did!! I always recommend this mask, honestly can’t recommend it enough! Aside from the giant pores around my nose, i also experience a lot of redness there as well. When i wash this mask off, i see an immediate reduction in redness and pore size, so it really is the best of both worlds. Overall, my complexion becomes so much brighter and I legit glow!!! This is one of the only products I can wholeheartedly say is worth the price tag — which isn’t even that expensive considering the size of the product! In terms of time commitment, you see results after a twenty minute session and using it consistently only helps to keep your skin clear and bright. Price: $38 for 2.6 oz

Function: marketed as a 10 minute mask-treatment to refine pores and detoxify skin. Can be used as a spot treatment for active breakouts. Antioxidant rich to brighten complexion and pink clay to act as a magnet and pull out any congestion in pores (blackheads, whiteheads, etc.). Also targets oiliness and pigmentation — works to even skin texture. Texture: pretty standard clay mask texture. Thick, but spreadable and easy to apply. Although it comes with a brush to apply the mask, I prefer using my hands to create a more even layer. Dries down completely and tightens a bit/feels cooling as it dries. Experience: i bought this a few months ago when it was at peak hype on Instagram (was definitely influenced into purchasing!!) and was initially not suuuper impressed. BUT I’ve found much better results with consistent use. After using it 2 or 3 times a week for about 3 weeks, I did notice a reduction in the visibility of the pores around my nose. I get a lot of blackheads around my nose and am always looking for ways to clear them out. This mask definitely put in some work!! Though I saw positive changes, I felt more like the mask shrunk my pores rather than going in deep and clearing out the gunk. I’m still looking for a treatment that really eradicates the pores on my nose, but for now, I’ll take what i can get and continue to use products that at least make my pores look smaller! I really like using clay masks, so this mask is fun and relaxing for me — i could see how some people would find the drying process uncomfortable, but that’s pretty standard in a clay product. Overall i love Sand and Sky as a brand and swear by their glow drops!! I’d recommend this to my friends that are looking to reduce their oiliness and as a treatment for active breakouts. In terms of only combating blackheads, I’d still recommend it, but you have to be really consistent about using it to see good results! It’s a bit pricey, so it might not be worth it to everyone. Price: $49

Function: This toner works for all skin types, but does target specifically dry, dull, textured skin. It has white leaf tea water to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and soothe irritation. It claims to be a two-in-one product that preps & softens the skin (like a toner) while moisturizing (like a cream). It’s marketed as a having the same moisturization as a jar of cream but with the consistency and application of a toner. Texture: Watery, milky liquid that absorbs quickly. It’s pretty runny, but seems to be better applied with your hands vs a cotton pad. It has a tendency to run through your fingers, so work quickly with it! Experience: I’ve used this on and off for months, mostly on days when I feel like my face doesn’t need thick, heavy moisture, just a lil bit of hydration. I also use it when I think my face needs extra hydration, as a layer between serums and moisturizer. So, it’s pretty much perfect for any time of the year, no matter how your skin is feeling. I really like how gentle and calming this toner is. It dries fast and doesn’t feel sticky — my face drinks it up every time I use it and feels so smooth afterwards. I think the packaging is really cute, but application could be easier if it were packaged in a spray bottle (I just really love toners that are in spray bottles, ok?). There is also no added fragrance, so there is little to no possibility for irritation. I definitely recommend this product to all my friends. No matter you skin type, i think the cream skin toner can work wonders for you and make your skin baby soft! Plus, we all could use a little extra hydration in our routines! In my opinion, it is worth the price and priced competitively with other toners ( might be a little pricier, but it promises -and delivers- more than other toners in the market). Price: $33 for 5 oz LANEIGE - Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Krave - The Beet Shield Something I often do is make excuses for not wearing sunscreen. “I’ll only be outside for a few minutes...”, or “It’s getting dark soon!”, or “my foundation AND face cream have SPF!”. The answer to all of those is... iT dOeSn’T mAtTeR. APPLY, REAPPLY, REREAPPLY!!! The Beet Shield (known as Beet the Sun in Korea) is Krave Beauty’s sunscreen. It has SPF 50+, even though that is not marked on the US packaging due to FDA concerns. I have been using Beet Shield for over a year now, and am on my fourth bottle. It is, by far, my favorite sunscreen. It has a milky consistency (much like Glossier’s sunscreen, if you’ve used that!). The bottle is deceptively small - one will last you about 2 months with everyday use. I have very sensitive skin, and break out from products very often. That’s why I’m so in love with the Beet Shield - I know even when I break out and can wear nothing but a light moisturizer, Beet Shield will keep me covered and my skin calm. It’s also quite moisturizing! I have gotten many of my friends into the Beet Shield - and for the price of $20, it’s well worth giving it a try.

What it is : Sweet CHEF - Kale + Vitamin B Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask A sheet mask infused with kale (to hydrate and calm skin via the natural antioxidants and vitamins in it), vitamin B (to calm), and aloe (to soothe and nourish). One sheet mask retails for $3.50 and you can find them at Target My thoughts: This mask is made on a thicker cotton that feels plush to the skin, and it has cute touches like a kale leaf printed on one cheek and the phrase “don’t kale my vibe” printed on the other). I have purchased this sheet mask three or four times, and I always save it as a special treat for me skin when it’s really needing some calming moisture. My skin soaks up the the serum, and when I’m done masking it doesn’t leave my face sticky. Final Verdict: I love sheet masks, but if you’re using them thinking there will be drastic, long term results I don’t think you will be happy. I use them to soothe my skin when it is inflamed, add some hydration when it is dry, and just generally as part of my self care routine. This is one of my favorite sheet masks because it is affordable, soothing to my skin, and it has the cute finishing touch of the phrases on the cheeks. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a nourishing sheet mask or who has sensitive skin, and I see no reason to not give this a full five stars.

I’d rather get coal than Body Star. In fact, let’s cancel Christmas. TRULY - Body Star Perfecting Cream *product was gifted, but opinion is obviously my own This body cream by Truly (formerly known as Truly Organic *cough* FDA scandal *cough*) is supposed to “perfect” your skin (moisturize, hydrate, smooth). But, to be frank, you might as well use actual butter. It also has the audacity to claim it targets stretch marks and cellulite. It comes out in a thicc, creamy paste. If held in your hand for long enough (see photo) it starts to literally melt and slide, leaving a trail of oil. That should tell you how it sits on the skin - no matter how hard I rubbed it in, it would feel like I’m a buttered turkey about to be put into the oven. I don’t have terribly dry skin, and this product is not marketed as such, so this is my experience as a 22yo woman with normal skin. Body Star left me feeling greasy, and with a few random pimples on my butt and upper arms (those may have appeared coincidentally with my first use of the cream, but maybe not). Another HUGE pet peeve: this cream is advertised as targeting “cellulite, stretch marks and dehydrated skin”. No, this cream will not remove your old stretch marks, along with most other creams that claim to do so. I could not find the full list of ingredients online (why?!), but the two provided on the website (Cactus and Prickly Pear) do not have the power to reverse stretch marks, in my opinion as a non-professional bean. This cream is artificially colored butter with a sickly sweet scent and a hefty price tag ($28). Please do not buy this.

CHERIE APP Clarisonic Mia facial cleanser. It’s an electric brush, for all skin types (you have different brushes for different skin types) to clean your face squicky clean from day to day dirt, pollution and also makeup. It’s also supposed to improve the appearance of the pores. Sooooo.. I bought my Clarisonic few years ago because it was trendy and I wanted to try it. I bought it pretty blindly without looking up for reviews and else. (First mistake! 😫) I started using it with the sensitive brush head and it left me all red like my face was ATTACKED. I didn’t give up right away, and just started using it twice a week, back then I haven’t noticed any change in my pores. Then I slowly forgot about it until I buried it somewhere in a drawer. I don’t recommend this product it is OVERPRICE (99$), OVERHYPE the brushes are also EXPENSIVE (between 27$ and 32$). This is not worth it in my opinion. I give it a 1/5. Don’t be like me at that time. Do your research, ask people about it and be sure before purchasing it It’s a little investment, I truly think that foreo might be better and much more affordable. OK BYYYYYYYYYYYYE !

Say hi the one and only eye serum I have! DRUNK ELEPHANT - Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum is a satiny eye serum formulated with a powerhouse of ingredients to tackle the major signs of aging under and around the eyes such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage for a rested, more youthful appearance. Its a white, thin serum that is targeted to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear and help firm the eye area. I personally don’t have fine lines around my eye area, so I have not noticed a difference when it comes to fines lines or wrinkles. I’ve used this eye serum for about 6 months and I do enjoy it but I would reach for my other eye products over this one just because it is a very thin texture and I like my eye products to be thick which this one sadly isn’t, at all. I would recommend this product to others because I have not had a bad experience however I don’t think it is worth the price of $60 for 0.5 oz. I also don’t like the texture or consistency because it is SO thin and doesn’t feel very hydrating.

One of the best toners on the market for people with dry skin! This LANEIGE - Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a two-in-one formula that preps and softens like a toner and moisturizes like a cream for maximum hydration benefits in one simple step. This is targeted to people with dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. This toner has never ever broken out me out, it has just ultimately hydrated my skin so wonderfully. My overall experience with this product has been great! A little goes a very long way so I am still on my first bottles but have loved the results. I decided to try it because of the texture… its like milk!!! Its pretty thin and is so awesome! I really enjoy this! I would so recommend this to anyone with ANY skin type but especially dry skin! It costs $33 for 5.0 oz. It is SUCH a great product and so worth the price… very affordable for a ton of awesome product!