Trust me! Once you try them, you will love them!😍

You may have read articles about this ingredient used in both kitchens and beauty counters - Propylene Glycol (PG) but what exactly is this chemical? I decided to do some research on credible sources online to find out if the ingredient is beneficial for my combination skin.   A colorless and odorless liquid that is completely water-soluble, PG is mainly regarded as a moisturizing agent used in skincare products to attract hydration and locks it into the skin. Generally, anyone who is seeking deep hydration and smoothness of the skin can use products containing the ingredient.   The Cosmetic Ingredient Review board (an organization of scientists who review the safety of cosmetic ingredients) have confirmed that it’s ”safe for use in cosmetic products when formulated to be non-irritating.” This means that companies need to conduct skin irritation testing on new formulas to ensure PG does not cause irritation when mixed with other ingredients, which is a standard test that many skincare companies run before launching any new product.   As long as you do not have an allergy to PG, it is a safe ingredient to use regularly. Due to its multiple functions, PG works well with almost all other ingredients.   While I do not specifically seek products that contain PG, I find that products that contain PG helps to hydrate my combination skin well, giving it a dewy glow throughout the day. Other than its main function as an emollient, there are also various other benefits, including addressing visible signs of aging, enhancing penetration of the skincare product, and prevent skin hydration loss.   I have two products containing PG in my bathroom counter now. I use Nivea Oxygen Boost Micellar Water as a make-up cleanser before my gentle facial wash. Micelles in the liquid cleanser help to attract water, oil and the dirt that comes with them, which is effective when combined with a cotton pad or wipe work to remove stubborn make-up. Micellar water works well for my combination skin as a gentle and hydrating cleanser that is powerful to remove water resistant make-up at the same time. My skin does not feel too tight and taut after using this, thanks to its water based formula of hyaluronic acid, golden algae, Hydra IQ and marine salt.   Another product containing PG is CLINIQUE - Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly. The lightweight water-jelly face moisturizer looks and feels different than most creams. The unique clear water-jelly texture feels fresh and penetrates quickly into my skin, especially for hot summer days. It delivers round-the-clock hydration repair, plus pollution protection with the formula’s “Clean Shield Technology”, formulated with a moisture barrier blend of sunflower seed cake, barley extract and cucumber fruit extract to strengthen skin’s barrier and retain skin’s moisture levels. On days when I want a lighter and more refreshing moisturizer, this is a nice change of texture.    

PETER THOMAS ROTH - Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream This mini came in a set that I purchased awhile back. I like how quickly my skin absorbs this and how light it feels. You only need a liiittle bit and it’s enough to spread all over your face. It dries fast and leaves a matte finish which is good for summer especially for oily/combo skin! ⁣ This retails for CA$68 for 48ml...I know, right 😳 There are definitely alot more cheaper moisturizers out there that work similarly so tbh I’d rather save my money! ⁣⁣ Key Ingredients:⁣⁣ - Three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid (restores skin to make it more hydrated, supple and smooth)⁣⁣ - Ceramides (strengthens skin’s barrier and locks in moisture)⁣⁣ - ProHyal+ (improves hydration for healthier-looking skin)⁣⁣ - Elderberry (antioxidant that soothes skin and fights aging)

SKINCEUTICALS - Retinol 0.5 Retinol Night Cream Retinols always sound so scary, right?! But as someone who has now used retinol for 6 months, the difference I’ve seen in my skin is incomparable to any other skincare product I use. This product was my introduction to retinol. SkinCeutical’s retinol cream in 0.5 potency never irritated or dried out my skin. It’s not the gentlest or most potent out of the three retinols that SkinCeuticals offers and but one of the more gentle retinols on the market as a whole. When I first started using this product, I added it in to my routine once a week, and then once every 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days and then 2 days. I determined the pace by observing my skin and looking out for any reactions or dehydration from the retinol. Everyone’s skin is different so listening to your skin and learning how to recognize certain signs in your skin is very important. The texture is just a medium-thick cream that you squeeze out of a metal tube. It’s not particularly hydrating but I found that if I pair a hydrating oil or cream with it (and making sure to apply it once the retinol cream has really sunk into my skin) that my skin never gets dry. The results I got from using this product included less breakouts (I now get occasional breakouts only around the time of the month), smoother skin texture, refined pores and the clarity and tone of my skin improved. I have recommended this product to many of my friends because of what I’ve seen it do to my skin. It’s definitely worth the price tag because of the results and because a little goes a long way! I’m still on my first tube and am halfway there to finishing it (after using it for 6 months)!

Avène Eau Thermale is an aerosol mist that contains spring water. The water is captured at the source to preserve its qualities that bring softness to the skin and soothe the skin. This mist is perfect to use in the summer when it is super hot outside. I keep one of these in my bag and it is a little spritz of heaven. In the winter, my skin tends to dehydrated more, so I like to use Eau Thermale in between skincare steps to make sure that TEWL is minimized. It is especially great to use prior to a hyaluronic avid rich serum. This mist is also a saviour when travelling. I like to use it to keep my skin hydrated and refreshed on airplanes. The mini size is a must have in any travel bag! The mist retails for $14 (5 oz) and $18.50 (10.5 oz) While I can definitely understand not wanting to pay so much for bottled water, this product really works! I took off a star for the price. Avène - Thermal Spring Water Spray

Let me preface this by saying the Too Faced hangover primer & setting spray are the primer and setting spray I reach for most often when doing my makeup. So, when they released a hangover skin care line, I was pretty stoked. This moisturizer contains jojoba oil, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid amongst other hydrating ingredients. The consistency is that of a regular day moisturizer but a bit thicker due to the sunscreen. Claims are that it’ll give you a dewy glow, leave no white cast, and fade dark spots and discoloration. I received 1 out of 3 of those claims. It gave me a dewy look, but it did give a slight cast, and has not, over time, faded my dark spots. Here’s why I gave it 3 stars: After the first use, I broke out horribly in places I’ve never broken out. First, I thought it was because it’s a chemical sunscreen, but the Coola Silk Drops are my HG sunscreen so I knew that couldn’t have been it. Have I sat down and took the time to go over the ingredients list to see what’s the cause? No. I just stopped using it. This review has reminded me that I need to do some research and see what was the cause of my breakouts. All in all, this could be a great sunscreen if it didn’t cause my acne prone skin to go berserk. Is it worth trying? Sure. Worth the price? No. It’s $34. You can find cheaper alternatives. It’s got some fairly good ingredients and i did enjoy the dewy skin it gave me. Take it from me and do your research before purchasing ANYTHING!