Since mask-wearing became an everyday thing, I’ve been fighting and uphill battle to get my skin back. Sometimes it’ll almost be back to normal, but the cystic acne on my chin and jawline never go completely away. This was also the year for me to make some big changes to my skincare, making it more grown-up, I guess. Cleanser, toner, essence (maybe. more on that later.), Vitamin C (for day), retinol (at night), eye treatment, moisturizer. It’s worth the extra steps to me to know I’m doing whatever I can to try to keep my skin happy.
I’ve said this before that I’m a sucker for packaging/marketing in skincare. That’s landed me in some hot water with products that don’t work for me. As I’ve been trying to figure out what products work the best for me, I’ve fallen for it yet again. So here’s another review of stuff I did not like, as well as alternatives that I do like and can very much vouch for.
Products I love:
First up is SUNDAY RILEY Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence. Here’s the thing-I don’t hate this product, but for the price, I can’t see that it’s really done anything for me. I’d never even heard of essence, but after watching this video, I decided to add it to my routine, as it’s supposed to help you absorb skincare products better. I’m not going to lie, I picked this one because it was aesthetically pleasing. There’s nothing wrong with it, per say-it didn’t dry out my skin or burn or anything, it just didn’t add any value.
Try instead: e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Water Essence (this is the only “try instead” I haven’t tried yet. But it’s a fraction of the price of Pink Drink and I’d like to see if essence really might improve my routine.)
I’ve actually been using Vitamin C serum for the the better part of a year, but I’m definitely not a fan of Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum. It doesn’t even really feel like a serum to me (it’s super watery), and as soon as I started using it my face burned. I thought I had to give it some time and while it doesn’t burn as much, I still don’t like the texture.
Try instead: Fourth Ray Beauty Raydiate Vitamin C Elixir
Back when everything from Brandless was $3, I loved their Depuffing Eye Gel. For a while, Brandless disappeared from the scene completely. It’s back, but more expensive, and I moved on. Much like with the essence, I didn’t hate the Eva Naturals Matrixyl 3000 Eye Gel, but I just saw no results. In fact, it seemed to me like I actually developed more wrinkles under my eyes while using it. (That could just be me glaring at myself too harshly in the mirror coming up on my 32nd birthday, though.)
Try Instead: Dr.Organic Healthy Aging Eye Serum with Organic Snail Gel Extract
Retinol was another new-to-me skincare step, and maybe it’s just the entire brand I don’t like but I’m eschewing Eva Naturals Retinol 2.5% Anti Wrinkle Serum with a firm hand. Not only did it burn, but somehow every time I went to use it, I’d press down on the pump and product would splatter all over my mirror. Now, I haven’t tried another retinol yet, but The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is next on my list.
Try instead (if you’re looking for a gentle night serum): Fourth Ray Beauty’s Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Fourth Ray Beauty Avocado + Aloe Double Shot Serum
This one kills me because I actually love Revlon PhotoReady Rose Glow Hydrating and Illuminating Primer as a product, but the bottle/dropper situation makes it nearly impossible to get the product out. Actually, the reviews said as much, but I figured it couldn’t be that bad. Spoiler alert: it was that bad.
Try instead: Strawberry Whip Pore Blurring Primer
Since I’ve been using Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment instead of foundation, I’ve been using Cloud Paint and I’m not crazy about it. It’s fine but nothing to write home about. I find it a little difficult to manipulate.
Try instead: Blush Bomb Color Drops (half the price at a perfect dupe)
I have a thing where I will use every bit of a product until its empty even if I don’t love it, but I want to know how you feel about your recent empties. Is there something you love? Or hate?
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