Skincare update: what I have been using in September. Back from holidays!

Once again, we are at that time of the year, when holidays end, and it’s time to start all over with the routine, be productive, and active, and adjust our pockets to our “new” reality. And what better than to start with clean and conditioned skin?...And hair free of impurities and soft? Get ready to smell like a goddess, and feel smooth like a goddess.

BODY.

Skin is the largest organ of our body, and with it, the one that suffers the most from external aggressions, and in some cases, the one we take the least care of. We simply decide to use any type of cleanser and moisturizer on it, without realizing if we are using the right product.

By having sensitive skin, the last thing I want after vacation is to have to go back to the routine with tight, and itchy skin after a shower, and even if I still haven't been able to find a perfect dupe for my favorite shower gel (Lactacyd shower gel), I have decided to find more affordable alternatives that effectively cleanse the skin, without leaving it dry, tight, and itchy. 

• Micellar gel shower, by BYPHASSE.

For months I had been trying different products from this brand, which had left me pleasantly surprised, therefore decided to leap to the rest of their range of products, mainly shower gels, starting with the range of micellar shower gels, which aim to gently capture impurities on the skin without drying it out.

Both correctly fulfill the promised function, but my favorite was the monoí shower gel, for leaving the skin softer, conditioned, and with the characteristic smell of the star ingredient: monoí oil. 

• Body wash, by SOAP AND GLORY.

Soap and Glory has become one of my favorite beauty brands. Their range of products indicated for the body has never disappointed me so far, however, some products work better on one type of skin than others, such as these two shower gels. Both smell great, have a good texture, are highly concentrated making 500ml last the same as 1000ml, and emulsify into a rich foam that covers the entire body. 

However, the Smoothie Star shower gel has a denser and richer texture, with an enveloping vanilla aroma, which leaves the skin clean, soft, conditioned, and perfumed; in contrast, Call of Fruity leaves the skin slightly tight.

HAIR.

Just as we cannot use just any product on our skin, the same thing happens with our hair, especially after a crazy vacation. Depending on the type of hair, preferences are different, since untreated, virgin hair will not have the same needs as hair that has already undergone various chemical treatments, such as bleaching, straightening, or dyeing.

• Nutritive and repairing reset shampoo, by BABARIA.

This shampoo is one of the best hair products that Babaria has created. It leaves hair soft, highly malleable, shiny, and smelling deliciously like a sweet orange smoothie.

• Aloe Vera and Shea Butter hair mask, by SECRET CODE.

The perfect complement to the previous shampoo is this hair mask enriched with Aloe vera and shea butter, which leaves hair extra soft and silky, with a very appetizing smell. Besides that, and in my personal experience, compared to other hair masks I have used, it is not necessary to use a lot of product to cover all the hair and see results.

• Kukuí oil shampoo, by OGX; and Keratin hair conditioner, by SYOSS.

If your hair is going through a very bad time, due to aggressive treatment, bleaching, or simply has just undergone an intense chemical process, this is one of the combos that has surprised me the most. To me, it has become one of the star combinations to use right after having a straightening treatment, since it leaves the hair clean, soft, and shiny, and progressively strengthens it. Definitely another masterful combination. 

• Baobab nourishing oil, by PRÉPHAR; Sleek and Shine 10 in-1 hair leave-in cream, by GARNIER; Ronquina enriched with rosemary extract hair toner, by CRUSELLAS.

The perfect triad to keep the hair nourished, soft, malleable, frizz-free, and smelling good. Right after lightly drying the hair, using a good hair tonic helps re-balance the scalp, preparing it for the next product to be applied. Yes, just like the skin, the scalp needs a good tonic that works as a first step and penetrates the scalp. My favorite is the one by Crusellas, which is enriched with rosemary extract, whose main ingredient is ronquina, a tree known for its balancing properties, which contribute to hair regeneration, preventing hair loss and breakage, with various antiseptic, antibiotic, and healing properties.

Secondly, leave-in conditioner, in this case, my favorite so far has been Garnier's 10 in 1, it does what it promises, and contributes to the nutrition and strengthening of the hair fiber (straightened hair and 4C afro hair). 

Finally, the final dressing is hair oil. Normally I alternate this last step with, occasionally, hair grease, my preference is always based on the best and greatest combination of natural ingredients. Baobab's oil is known for its softening properties. 

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April last ride: skincare products review.

This month have been full of new discoveries, based on new purchases like L’oréal face serum and moisturizer, vitamin C face toner by one of my favorite skincare brands, and a purifying gel face cleanser that turned out to be more gentle that appears. April 2024, have been full of hidden gems, that deserves more credit!

• Lemon’C Squeeze ampoule toner, by It’s Skin.

One of the most famous face toners in South Korea, have arrived to my dresser, and with it, to my daily skincare routine. Its main ingredients are lemon extract (vitamin C), and 8 different types of Hyaluronic Acid, that helps to illuminate, and balance the skin.

Using it, I could realize why is so famous, since it combines the benefits of a face toner + face ampoule, obtaining as a result a rich formula, that balance and treat the skin, leaving it more luminous, moisturized, and full of life, as an immediate result. After a few weeks of use, the skin becomes more even, by reducing spots, helping to reduce pimples, as well as improving small expression lines.

Neither as liquid as a toner, nor as dense as an ampoule, but with a formula and texture that allows the facial moisturizer to be applied directly, not necessarily needing a face serum.

• Hemp seed cleansing foam, by The Nicess.

Particularly surprising for the price! Usually, this type of face cleansers are very drying, being the reason why their prices are too low (max 3USD). With a vegan formula, its main ingredient is hemp seed oil, well know for being a natural source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 which helps to condition the skin.

Not the best cleanser, but a good one to keep in mind, especially when we cannot afford to spend a lot of money on a water based facial cleanser. Not the richest formula, but a decent one, that removes all the impurities from the skin, without drying it, or leaving it tight.

• Nourishing cleansing Paste, by Eco U.

Based on the name, technically, it fulfills the function of a cleansing balm, but reading the instructions, its function is exfoliant, an exfoliating paste, composed mostly of natural ingredients.

Is not a product that I would recommend, since firstly it leads to confusion, and secondly, it has an aggressive formula and texture for the skin, making it quite uncomfortable to rinse. Its texture scratches the skin, far from exfoliating it without damaging it.

• Cleansing balm, by Fluff.

This two cleansing balm are absolutely a hidden gems! The formula, the texture, and the smell are just amazing; they dissolve and remove all the makeup, pollution residue, or any trace of impurities from the skin, even wax traces.

Since they are very affordable, I don’t mind the product size (50ml).

• Revitalift laser serum, by L’Oréal; Green Grape pore control serum, by Frudia.

The L’Oréal serum, improves skin texture, and helps to reduce skin blemishes. I used it at night, along with my night face moisturizer, and after a week of use, I started to see results: my skin was more even, and plump.

On the other side, the one by Frudia, was a totally discovery, since it balance the skin, by reducing the skin sebum production, helping to maintain the face fresh, and healthy-matt.

• Aqua non-stop active sun protection 50+spf, by Anne Moller; Avocado greenery relief sun cream, by Frudia.

The one by Anne Moller, ended up being one of my favorites face sun protection, for its formula, texture, and ingredients, that does not leave white cast, soft with the skin, provides a 360º sun protection, and does not sting the eyes. By the way, the one by Frudia, is the opposite: it leaves white cast, and sting the eyes.

• Revitalift face moisturizer anti-wrinkles and extra firmness, by L’oréal; Blanc de Noirs, night face moisturizer, by Natura Siberica.

I really loved both. L’oréal face moisturizer, is like an all in one morning boost, it protects the skin from sun damage (fps 30), and it helps to treat different skin problems like blemishes, fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles: The only handicap? It can’t be used around the eye area. 

On the other side, Natura Siberica face moisturizer, turn out to be a very complete night moisturizer, with a very pleasant texture, that deeply moisturize the skin, leaving it full of youth, to wakeup the next day like a queen.

• Purifying gel enriched with chamomile and Gotu Kola, by Kueshi.

Another hidden gem, that softly cleans and purify the skin. Normally, when names such as purifying or deep cleansing appear among the properties of a skin care product, they sound like a red flag for sensitive skin, however, this time it is not the case. This purifying gel, has as main ingredients chamomile and Gotu Kola, both famous for treat sensitive skin problems without damaging the skin barrier.

Cleans the skin in depth, is not drying, and it does not damage the skin barrier.

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**PD: as always this is me, sharing with you, my personal experience! If you want more, please subscribe, and follow me on my social media!***

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FIRST SKINCARE REVIEW OF THE YEAR: WELCOME 2024!

Last year was really amazing, so many Good things happened, being one of them, the opportunity to try a few interesting skincare and makeup products, so Let’s start!

FACE.

BEAUSTA Cica recipe face foam cleanser, & GARNIER ACTIVE micellar water for sensitive eyes and skin.

Having sensitive combination to oily skin type, every step matters to avoid any side effects. This is why Cica and Cornflower water, are two perfect main ingredients to calm, and refresh my skin. Used to use richer formulas, like the ones by The Saem, this one, feels incomplete, even if technically have some nice ingredients, and a soft formula.

On the other side, the micellar water for sensitive eyes and skin, to me is one of the best ones from Garnier. It easily remove all the impurities and makeup, even the waterproof ones, without dehydrating my skin, or causing any side effects.

FRUDIA enzymatic peeling gel, & HOLIKA-HOLIKA Soda Pore Cleansing.

Even if one of my favorites face scrub are from a western brand, the korean ones, are complete different, with a more advanced formulas, that are even suitable for sensitive skin, braking once againg with the topic that face scrubs can't be used on sensitive skin. The enzymatic peeling gel by Frudia, removes softly in one step all the dead skin cells, with the drawback of not being able to be used twice at the same moment, therefore everything need to be done in one step, thoroughly massaging the entire face.

By the way, the one by Holika-Holika, really surprised me for its main ingredient (baking soda), and the product formula. It gentle removes all the impurities, being able to be used again at the same time, in high contrast with the one by Frudia. The texture feels like microbubbles penetrating deep into the pores, removing all the dirtiness, leaving the skin soft and velvety.

 

TONY MOLY  Wonder Tea Tree Pore Fresh Toner.

Since the green panda face moisturizer, indicated for combination to oily skin (one of my all time favorite moisturizers), this face toner is the second product I try from this brand. 

Formulated with ingredients that are specially indicated for combination to oily skin, like Tea tree and green tea, that contributes to even the skin tone, sebum regulation, helping at the same time to reduce pimples, making it suitable for people with acne prone skin.

The main purpose of this face toner is to refresh, balance, and purify the skin, penetrating deep into the pores, leaving the skin prepared for the next step. However, to me, is not one of the best face toners in the market, but a really good one, to keep as a vanity backgroung, since it really helps to regulate progressively the sebum production, softening the skin texture the same time.

 

EYES.

VITAMIN TREE & ORJENA eye moisturizers.

After having watched so many skincare videos, and read a few blog post about how important can be to use an specific moisturizer to the skin of the eye area, for being a more sensitive zone, that needs a more lightweight, and fast absorbing moisturizer, that helps to to prevent, and treat fine lines and wrinkles, I ended up trying this two ones, to start including them in my routine. 

Both of them are from Korean skincare brands, being Orjena one of my favorites low cost Korean beauty brands, for their face serums, sheet mask, and enzymatic peeling gel.

The one from The Vitamin Tree, whose main ingredient is Niacinamide, was definitely a game changer: it decongest, moisturize, softens, and refresh the skin of the eye area, leaving a slight sensation of freshness. On the other side, the Orjena eye cream, which have more main ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, and marine algae, it felt more like a basic lightweight moisturizer.

**PD: as always this is me, sharing with you, my personal experience! If you want more, please subscribe, and follow me on my social media!***

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GARNIER VS EVOLUDERM: THE BEST LOW-COST MICELLAR WATERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN IN THE SKINCARE MARKET? UNDER 2EUR! PART 1.

It have been a few months since I started to test in depth this four micellar waters, and I have a few things to say as a combination to oily sensitive skin women.

As it is well know that Garnier has one of the most famous micellar waters lines in the world, however, after the undeniable success of its first micellar water (the one with the pink cap), and after having released a wide variety of micellar waters whose purpose is to adapt to consummers necessities, is time to put their range for sensitive skin to the test, contrasting them with some low-cost unknown brands that may surprise by how nice they can work, because even if Garnier micellar waters are inexpensinves, there some incredible options for less than 2EUR, can you believe it?

GARNIER SKIN ACTIVE MICELLAR WATER FOR SENSITIVES EYES AND SKIN (BLUE CAP) VS EVOLUDERM MICELLAR WATER FOR REACTIVE SKIN WITH REDNESS.

The one by Garnier, claims to eliminate waterproof makeup, calming the skin at the same time, without leaving any greassy residue, being suitable to use it on eyes (the face most sensitive area), having as one of the main ingredient cornflower water, that hepls to calm and aliviate the skin.

On the other hand, the one by Evoluderm, is particularly indicated for one of the most controversial types of sensitive skin: reactive with redness. Formulated without alcohol, it claims to remove in just one gesture makeup and impurities. The secret? Its formula enriched with Aloe Vera extract, that helps to calm the skin, and promotes wound healing.

MY EXPERIENCE.

Both micellar waters remove the makeup perfectly. In my case, four cotton pads were enough to remove all the makeup and impurities from my face, not leaving any trace: no watery eyes, no irritated skin, no dry lips, with either product!

The only thing that difference Garnier micellar water from the one by Evoluderm, is how the first one removes more easily waterproof and long lasting makeup (as exactly claims). But, instead of that, both are really good and affordable options for sensitive skin types.

GARNIER SKIN ACTIVE MICELLAR WATER FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE (PINK CAP) VS EVOLUDERM MICELLAR WATER FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN.

Both created for dry and sensitive skin, with the difference that the one by Evoluderm is formulated without alcohol with a 93% natural origin ingredients, promising to remove the makeup in just one gesture. While the one by Garnier claims to cleanse, hydrate, and remove makeup confortly, all in one, combined with moisturizing milk, in an hipollergenic and perfumeless formula.

MY EXPERIENCE.

Both of them are really effective on sensitive skin: no watery eyes, no skin irritations, and no dry lips. To me, they perform exactly the same, with the only fact that the one by Garnier seems like a watery cleansing milk (a meaningless variation of something that already exist: pure marketing).

In general, both brands have really nice micellar waters, but the most incredible fact is how for less than 2EUR (250ml), a brand can create such a good quality product for sensitive skin. By the way, another interesting fact, is how Garnier brake with the alcohol taboo in the skincare industry, coming to create hypoallergenic skincare products, with confortable formulas. 

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***PD: as always this is me, sharing with you, my personal experience! If you want more, please subscribe, and follow me on my social media!***

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