The Ordinary brand was one of my top products to try last year as I had read positive reviews. Due to my dark spots, I decided to try The Ordinary lactic acid.
What Is Lactic Acid?
The term lactic acid appears in a variety of contexts. It is commonly associated with strenuous exercise since it builds up in your muscles. It is also found in certain foods like beets, milk, etc.
As well as treating fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration of the skin (age spots, hyperpigmentation), lactic acid can help reduce pores and brighten the skin.
Lactic acid is gentle and effective on the skin. Among those with sensitive skin, it is generally tolerable, which is not the same for all AHAs (glycolic acid, for example).
In addition to keeping pores clear, the exfoliation from lactic acid removes dead skin cells and excess oil, preventing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads from forming thus reducing acne.
NB-
A dermatologist should be consulted before using lactic acid if you have skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
It’s especially wise to avoid combining lactic acid with products containing retinol.
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Packaging
The Ordinary Lactic acid comes in a 30ml transparent bottle with a dropper, like most Ordinary products. It has a gel-like consistency and unique scent which isn’t overpowering but worth mentioning.
Always confirm that it is original by buying from confirmed online stores. Apparently, there is a lot of fakes out there. My favorite stores are @theskincareco_ and @tojuwa on Instagram.
The Ordinary Lactic acid serum also comes in 2 variants- The 5% and 10% strengths. If you’re a newbie and acids aren’t already part of your usual routine or perhaps your skin is particularly sensitive, start with the 5% version, and with time, you can incorporate the 10%.
My Experience
I applied twice in the first week at night. I also alternated the days I applied with my salicylic acid cleanser. Afterward, I progressed to 3-4 times a week and the results were phenomenal.
My mum kept remarking on how my face skin tone evened out. it was also not harsh on my skin as I didn’t experience redness or tingling.
Have you ever wondered what a serum means? The first time I heard about a serum was from a giveaway I won in 2019. I can’t forget my excitement even though I was clueless about my skin type or what I needed help with. It was a hyaluronic acid from Dr. Rashel and it changed the game for me.
This post is for the beginner (in fact anyone) who wants to learn more about face serums and how to make the best of them. It’s a long read, so you would find the table of contents helpful.
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What Is a Serum?
Serums are clear, gel-based, or liquid, and they tend to be less thick than a moisturizer.
According to Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, “Serums are thin-viscosity topical products that contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients.”
Another board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, describes face serums as skin-care products designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin.
A face serum usually comes after cleansing, but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. A serum can do so because it is made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin. This makes face serums an effective tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like hyperpigmentation or wrinkles.
Benefits of Face Serums
A serum can have numerous benefits especially if you use a face serum that’s well suited to the type of issue you want to address.
Absorbs quickly into your skin: Face serums are light weight skin care formulations and have thinner viscosity (i.e not thick). This allows the serum to be absorbed more easily into your skin.
Improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: Some face serums contain ingredients like retinol that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Protects your skin from free radicals: Skincare shouldn’t be only about treating a concern, but preventing future damage. Serums with ingredients like Vitamins C, E, green tea, etc help prevent oxidative damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays and pollution, which in turn lead to premature skin aging and wrinkles.
Potential to provide more visible results: Since serums contain higher concentration of active ingredients, they usually provide more visible results, compared with other types of skin products.
Feels light on your skin: Low viscosity and lightweight thus face serums can absorb quickly into your skin.
What are the types of serums?
If you’re still reading, I’m proud of you (wink) so let’s get into the types of serums we have. Knowing what type is crucial to decide which will best serve you at a particular phase in your skincare routine. There are different face serums with unique purposes and ingredients.
Some face serums help to brighten your face or boost hydration while others focus on fighting the signs of aging.
When it comes to choosing a skin serum, it’s important to recognize there are different types of serums, as well as specific ingredients to look for based on your goals.
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In general, face serums fall into the following categories:
Anti-aging serums
Purpose– Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City says that the pur[pose of anti-aging serums is to slow down the aging process. They do this by delivering essential anti-aging ingredients to effectively combat fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin type– Anti-aging serums are beneficial for all skin types and you can start using them as early as your 20s.
Ingredients to look out for – Retinol, caffeine, green tea, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid (generally labeled as sodium hyaluronate).
When it comes to choosing a skin serum, it’s important to recognize there are different types of serums, as well as specific ingredients to look for based on your goals.
Skin-brightening serums
Purpose– To target skin issues like hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Skin types– Those looking to even out nix dark spots or even out skin tone. If you want to smooth out skin and minimize pores, then skin resurfacing and exfoliating serums work well.
Ingredients to look for – Phytic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and glycolic acid.
Good Molecules Doscoloration Serum on Urban Skin Nigeria.
Hydrating serums
Purpose– These face serums help infuse extra moisture into the skin. This would help make skin look fresh, plump, and younger.
Skin type– Those with dry skin are ideal candidates for a hydrating serum. Oddly enough, oily skin types (and even acne-prone skin) can also benefit from some targeted hydration.
Ingredients to look out for – Hyaluronic acid and peptides
Purpose-“Antioxidant serums help protect your skin from the free radicals you’re exposed to on a daily basis. They also aid in the prevention of fine lines and other visible signs of aging, and can heal and repair skin,” Jaliman said. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and cause premature aging.
Skin type– Ideal for or all skin types since we’re exposed to free radicals on a regular basis.
NB- Look at the ingredients to make sure a face serum doesn’t include any potentially irritating ingredients for your skin type first. Some things that can cause irritaion in some people include: Fragrances, dyes, sulfates or even citrus or mint .
Ingredients to look out for – Vitamins A, C and E, resveratrol, niacinamide, melatonin and L-Ascorbic acid.
Front view of lavender in oil and lavender flowers on a white towel on marble background.Photo from Unsplash
Introduction
As I stared at the bottle of shea oil in my locker, I toyed with the idea of finally trying oil cleansing for makeup.
“What if I break out?“
“Are those beauty influencers lying?”
I pumped some of the oil on my palms and applied it to my face. I was shocked! My makeup fell through like a defenseless army.
Have you ever heard of oil cleansing? I know it’s scary to think of applying oil to your face especially if your skin type is oily, but just give me a few moments to explain, and who knows, you may be a convert like I am now.
What Is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is the method of using oil to clean the face. This method originated from Asia in the 14th century as the women used oils to remove their traditional white makeup before following with their cleansers.
To oil cleanse is simply a way of deep cleansing your skin without stripping it of all of the essential moisture that it needs. To be fair, oil cleansing sounds scary but it is actually perfect for removing dirt, grime, makeup, and even sunscreen. The oil binds to all of those substances and makes them easier to remove.
My favorite thing about oil cleansing is that it’s so simple, anyone can do it. But before you try it, let’s address some concerns you may have.
Is it good for your skin type?
It is important to note that not every oil is for everyone. From my research, oil cleansing can be used by any skin type but you want to take note of caveats. There are different oils that are suited to the various skin types so trying the right one for you is key to getting good results.
If you’re oily and acne prone like me, some oil recommendations are; Grapeseed oil, pumpkin seed oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil. The goal is to reduce sebum production.
If you’re dry skin ; Avocado, extra virgin olive oil, almond oil. The goal is to use moisturizing oils to promote hydration.
For sensitive skin, some oil recommendations are; rosehip oil or jojoba oil. The goal is to not cause further drying so opt for oils that are not stripping.
Ultimately you have to know your skin type. Check this post to help you figure it out.
Ps- I’ve used shea butter oil twice with no adverse effect so far. Some sources advise to avoid coconut oil as it’s very comodogenic (clogs the pore).
What’s The Process?
Now you’re ready so let’s get into the fun part!
Apply a tiny amount of oil in the palm of your hands and massage into your skin for a minute or two. DO NOT WET your face.
Remove your eye makeup last by massaging gently.
Rinse off with water and follow with your cleanser.
Clean with a paper towel or face towel or air dry.
Continue your skin care routine.
Benefits of oil cleansing
Oil cleansing is definitely worth your time and here are some reasons why:
It doesn’t take long.
It effectively removes makeup without harsh chemicals.
The massaging process helps with congested pores and increases circulation and lymph flow which in turn makes the skin look healthy.
Bonus content
If you’re wondering what products to use, check out Simple kind To skin hydrating oil or the R&R Luxury Baobab oil.
For more information on oil cleansing and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine, check Hyram’s video below.
Video Credit- Hyram’s guide to Oil cleansing and its benefits. I don’t own any rights to this video.
Hope you learned a thing or two about oil cleansing and you’re willing to give it a try.
Have you tried it before? Let me know in the comments.
Does building your daily skin care routine seem intimidating? With multiple steps and products in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the good news is you don’t have to!
I started out with some trials and errors. From reading anything I could find on the internet to watching skincare routine videos.
Now I’m excited to share the simple steps I’ve discovered and also tried myself!
One thing I have learned is that a daily skincare routine can be simple and effective. Yes, even 5 minutes is enough to do the job.
If you have a routine or you want to simplify yours, keep reading to take it all in.
NB- I included some recommended products based on what I have used. Except for the ones with * which I have read good reviews on but have not personally used.
Before we figure out your daily skincare routine, I always recommend monitoring your habits. The best way to start with a good skincare routine is in your lifestyle. Your lifestyle is a collection of simple habits plus consistency.
What habits do you need to have in order to ensure you take care of yourself from the inside out?
Drink more water.
That may sound cliché, but you’re doing your skin a whole lot good from the inside out.
“A lack of water means less radiance and more sag,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut.
Sleep more
It’s hard to get 8 hours of sleep daily, but when you can go for it. Your body boosts blood flow to the skin while you sleep. This means fewer wrinkles and dark under the eyes.
Don’t touch your face
I’m guilty of this so I can understand the struggle. Touching your face encourages the spread of oil, dirt, and bacteria. This leads to acne and just takes you steps back in your routine.
Have a good diet
A balanced diet is important, but sometimes life happens. In spite of that, there are ways to give your body good nutrients. I recommend adding greens to your diet, eating fruits (or taking supplements if you don’t eat fruits daily), and reducing your intake of soda.
Now that you have some tips for a good lifestyle, let’s get started.
Steps To Build Your Daily Skin care routine
Step 1- Cleanse
This is the first step and it is non-negotiable. Think of your face as a slate. You’ve been out all day and you need to clean off the grime before you prepare your skin for quick absorption. Choose a gentle and effective cleanser.
I would recommend a cleanser that is moisturizing and doesn’t strip your face of its essentials. In a minute you’re done with this step.
The next step is to tone. I reviewed one of my favorite toners at length here. A toner basically helps to balance the pH of your face after cleansing. Toners are essential products to prime your face so that the other products are well absorbed. Toners are also an avenue to add some essential ingredients to your routine. In less than a minute you’re done with this step.
The next step in your regimen is to apply a serum. A serum, according to NuGlow, is a water-based product that is full of active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Lactic acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, amongst others, that address specific skincare concerns. These concerns could be breakouts, anti-aging, etc.
The trick is to not just buy any serum, but buy it for a reason. I dealt with hyperpigmentation and the Ordinary Lactic acid serum was an answered prayer! Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient gotten in serums and is pretty good for those with dry skin. This step is just one-minute and you only need a few drops to rejuvenate your skin.
Ps- Sign up for the ADI newsletter where I share more tips on beauty and lifestyle!
Step 4- Moisturize
This is my favorite step in a daily skin care routine. Especially for those who are oily and acne-prone. Don’t skip moisturizer. You need something to seal in all that goodness you’ve applied to your face (and neck). Plump moisturized skin helps keep dirt, sweat, and makeup out leading to fewer breakouts.” A pro tip from Nuglow is to always apply your moisturizer last to lock in the active ingredients applied earlier.
Nowadays, some moisturizers come with Spf for sun protection so that is a win-win situation.
Last but definitely not least in your simple daily skincare routine is applying sunscreen. Sunscreens help protect your skin against the sun’s harsh rays. According to Ikkai beauty;
“Use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen. Choose something that ranges above SPF 30+ and should have at least PA +++ (‘+’ measure its efficacy).”
Also, use the two-finger rule to apply it all over your face, neck, and ears as well.
Sunscreens are expensive especially in this part of the world but don’t be discouraged. There are some good options to try. Choose one that is suitable for your skin type.
I currently use the Gavia because it’s bigger and more affordable for its size. It’s not my favorite, but it gets the work done. My biggest issue is it makes me sweat a lot, but I enjoyed using it during the Harmattan season.
When I think of skincare, I think of affordability. Something you can repurchase when it’s exhausted.
Conclusion
In just 5 minutes, you can effectively keep at a daily skincare routine and get your skin goals with consistency. Remember, great skin care is not a sprint, but a marathon and you don’t need the most expensive products.
What products have you used? Do you have a daily skin care routine? Share with me.
This month is skin cancer awareness month and there isn’t a better way to remind us of the importance of sunscreen. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) describes how much UV radiation is needed to produce sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin compared to the amount of radiation required to produce the same effect on unprotected skin.
Simply put (because it gets confusing for me sometimes), if it takes 5 minutes for your skin to burn without sunscreen, if you use an SPF 50, it will take 50*5= 250 minutes before it burns. Keep in mind you need to apply the right way and with the right amount. I know, the sunscreen rules seem a lot, but you would get the hang of it by starting out.
Ironically, most of them are pretty pricey so finding an affordable sunscreen that ticks most boxes is a steal.
This led me to do a mini research on some of the unpopular names in the market some of which are affordable. I’m talking about #2000-#5500 and very sizeable. I’ve used about 4 of them so far and I’m excited to share what I think so you can save your money on and what’s worth trying.
Benefits of sunscreen
Sunscreen, as a dermatologist succinctly put it, helps prevent the ABC:
Aging,
Burns, and
Cancer.
SPFs do so by preventing the absorption of UVA (Ultra Violet Aging) and UVB (Ultra Violet Burn) rays thus protecting your skin from harmful changes that cause irritation and even worse, cancer.
That’s why it’s important to incorporate sunscreen into your routine.
I searched for this sunscreen on Beyonce’s internet to find reviews before getting it. While I wanted to add to the “body of knowledge” of affordable sunscreens reviews, I was very skeptical about buying it and feeling disappointed. I ended up finding just one review after I already bought it (oops!).
Appearance
The Dr. Sun sunblock comes in a blue and yellow 50g tube. The pack is quite simple and it has Spf 50 and broad-spectrum protection boldly written on it, which are quite good factors to tick off in your sunscreen. The tube also has a nozzle for easy application.
I don’t like that the writings are not quite distinct and you have to strain to read them, but overall a decent packaging.
Pro tip
Any time you’re about to buy a physical sunscreen, check if it has Zinc Oxide or if it contains Titanium Dioxide. They serve as broad-spectrum ultraviolet filters and are very safe to use. This sunscreen had titanium dioxide as one of the ingredients.
My Experience
I love the texture of this sunscreen. It is white-colored with a creamy consistency, and I actually enjoyed rubbing it on my face. Oddly, it smells like talc or powder and I’m not sure if that is something I fancy as it gave me calamine lotion vibes.
On the first day, I applied it, I almost shed tears because it left a terrible white cast on my face. What makes this heartbreak even worse is that it doesn’t make me sweat compared to GAVIA sunblock. I also noticed that the white cast faded to a bearable extent 30 minutes after application.
Immediately after applying the sunscreen
Pros
Very affordable- I got it at a Supermarkt (GLOBUS) for #1650 but the price could vary depending on the location.
Creamy texture and doesn’t feel heavy on oily skin.
Portable packaging to carry around.
Broad-spectrum and SPF 50.
The white cast fades after about 30 minutes of application, so good for days you’re not in a hurry or if you need to stay indoors (yes, you need sunscreen indoors or on a rainy day, beauty).
Cons
White cast that takes long to blend in.
Definitely can’t be used if one is in a hurry.
Verdict
I rate this product a 7/10 because of its texture and how it didn’t leave my face oily or cause me to sweat. The white cast is not the worst I’ve had with some mineral sunscreens, but it makes it a less enjoyable option.
Definitely would not repurchase as I don’t want to battle with a white cast.
Which sunscreen have you used?
Is there anyone you’ll like to see my review on? Please leave a comment for your girl and see you next time!
How often do you pick your face? Or have you ever planned to go for an interview or event and a few days before, you notice this annoying acne? Then keep reading for an affordable and effective solution.
The Cos Rx acne patch does not only prevent you from incessantly touching your face, but it also has healing properties because it contains hydrocolloid.
First Impression/ Packaging
I loved the white flat pack it comes in. It has a simple design and is very lightweight. That means it can fit into a mini bag for travel with no stress. I like that the benefits are written on the pack too.
Inside the pack is the sheet that contains the patches. They’re almost transparent and feel like little bandages.
My experience
Korean skincare products are fast gaining a spot in my heart. I had seen this review and wasn’t sure where to find it. From the article, it seemed too good to be true. I remember reading some DIY tips and tricks for those pimples that seemed to appear the night before a major event. Anyways, I made a mental note to get it someday since I’m acne-prone.
My first try was when I noticed this big zit on my cheek area (their favorite spot). After my night routine, I used a patch almost the size of the zit. I like that it sticks on the skin like a little band-aid. I noticed that it reduced the redness (inflammation) and the size of the zit. Seeing the content of the acne come out with the patch was remarkable. That’s the same result as popping a pimple, but with no bacteria spread and dark scars.
I also prefer to use the Cosrx acne patch at night for two reasons.
The first is I don’t have to explain why something strange is on my face. The second is the sweet surprise I get when I take it off in the morning. It feels surreal!
My first try was when I noticed this big zit on my cheek area (their favorite spot). After my night routine, I used a patch almost the size of the zit. I like that it sticks on the skin like a little band-aid. I like to use it on the acne that looks really inviting to pop. It’s like I’m curtailing my temptation.
Pros
It is lightweight.
Can be used for both males and females (like most skincare products can, actually).
Can be cute gift for a skincare lover.
Very true to its claims.
Reusable (if patch has no grime, but i prefer to use it once).
Cons
None that I know of.
Results
My acne was well reduced and it felt like I didn’t have any blemish there prior.
It also prevented me from touching my face (most times, because I still indulge once in a while) and less hyperpigmentation in turn. I would like to mention that this review is on hormonal acne, not cystic acne, so I can’t say if it works for the latter, although this article says so.
Will I be getting this again? Definitely. It does what it’s meant to do and I’ll rate it a 4.5/5
Have you used an acne patch before? Will you like to try it?
Nothing makes me happier than my friends sharing their skincare wins with me. Okay, cake and ice cream top the list, but you get my point. Recently I casually mentioned “mineral sunscreen” to my friend when she showed me a recent buy. It was when she called my attention to not knowing what it meant that I realized my assumption.
That’s the inspiration behind today’s post! The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate is still common and it’s good to know what they are so it informs your decision-making.
Mineral vs Chemical sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreens- mineral/ physical/inorganic and chemical/organic. Lately, there’s a hybrid type but most people agree on the first 2 mentioned.
Before I explain more, there are some things your sunscreen needs to have;
☀️What you need in a sunscreen
SPF 30 and above
Broad-spectrum protection (PA +++) ~shows it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
Water-resistant
UVA- Ultra Violet rays associated with Aging
UVB- Ultra Violet rays associated with Burns
Now let’s get into the real thing, shall we?
Chemical sunscreen with no white castMineral sunscreen with white cast
Mineral sunscreens
These sunscreens work by reflecting the UV rays away from your face. They act like a physical shield.
☀️Ingredients
Mineral sunscreens contain physical filters like:
Titanium dioxide & Zinc oxide.
One example is the affordable Gavia sunblock I reviewed a while ago. It contains zinc oxide just like my current mineral sunscreen; the Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF 50 +.
☀️Pros of Mineral sunscreen
They are a safer option for sensitive skin since they’re not absorbed and are less likely to cause irritation.
Naturally offers a broad spectrum of protection
Non-comedogenic meaning it’s less likely to clog your pores (aka won’t cause breakouts)
☀️Cons of Mineral Sunscreen
Easily rubbed off from sweating hence needs to be reapplied more often.
The risk of a white cast is higher.
Takes more effort to rub in as it is usually thicker than chemical sunscreen.
White cast is the white layer a mineral sunscreen leaves on the skin especially for people of color. It is not harmful in any way, but is esthetically unpleasant.
Chemical sunscreens
These sunscreens act by forming a thin film that absorbs UV rays before penetrating the skin.
☀️Ingredients
Chemical sunscreens usually contain:
Oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, etc. The Bondi sands broad spectrum SPF 50+ is a good example.
Ps~ I don’t bother “cramming” the ingredients, but I like to be familiar with them so I know what type I’m getting at a glance.
Needs to be applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure as its effect is not immediate.
More likely to irritate the skin due to its ingredients.
Requires more frequent application.
More likely to clog the pores and could cause frequent breakouts.
Could sting the eyes.
“So Iruoma, which is better?”, you might ask.
The one you would actually wear according to byrdie. Mineral sunscreens are better off due to being less irritating but, don’t let the sunscreen debate rob you of trying whichever type you want and actually using it.
Adding sunscreen to my skincare routine felt like a luxury I couldn’t bring myself to indulge in. Imagine spending almost the whole amount you used to buy a set of products to buy just 1 product. I’m probably being dramatic, but you get my point.
Then my friend introduced me to Gavia Sunblock and Whitening cream SPF 60. I had just exhausted my Aqua Missha sunscreen and I wanted something that wasn’t too pricey and a bit larger.
Gavia sunblock whitening cream comes in a cute yellow and orange 200g tube. Written on the body is Spf 60 and it claims to offer “Excellent sun protection, brightening and lightening effect. Excellent protection against radiation UVA and UVB with Vitamin C and is water resistant”.
PS- The “whitening” is simply a marketing strategy as it doesn’t actually whiten or bleach the skin.
Ingredients
It contains sun-blocking agents like Zinc Oxide and Octyl methocinnamate, as well as emollients, thickening agents, and vitamins A, D3, and E among others. The full list is seen in the picture so I won’t bore you with the details.
My Experience
Gavia sunblock has a creamy texture which I think doesn’t feel heavy on application. I was nervous about doing the 2-finger breadth method because I was worried it would leave a white cast. Guess my surprise when it didn’t! It does take some seconds for it to blend in so that’s fine. I also enjoyed the matte feeling it left after application.
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Pros
Very affordable for its 200g size- I got it on Jumia last year for about #4500, but its currently #5500 in my local supermarket.
Creamy texture and feels lightweight on my oily skin.
Broad-spectrum and SPF 60.
Does not leave a white cast after application
Cons
It makes me sweat and some of my friends have noticed the same.
Has a slight fragrance which I don’t mind, but if you don’t like fragrance, then that’s something to take note of.
Verdict
I rate this product an 8 out of 10 because it doesn’t leave a white cast, and has an excellent matte finish but it makes me sweat. Would repurchase it as it’s affordable and I enjoy how it feels during the harmattan season.
Which sunscreen have you tried?
Would you like to see more reviews? Please leave a comment for your girl and see you next time!
Welcome back to another product review. Reviews make me excited and I hope you enjoy them. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner was my introduction to hydrating toners. If you’re a South Korean skincare lover, you probably have heard about Klairs. They have a line of products that range from cleansers to moisturizers to toners.
Disclaimer: This post contains my opinions and they’re not sponsored by this brand. Also, this is not a recommendation as your skincare products should be suited to you. This is for you if you have been looking for a review of this product or you need a toner like this. Keep reading!
What is a toner anyway?
Toners are skincare products whose main job is to restore the pH of the skin. They’re used after cleansing. It’s basically like a preparation for your skin before you start applying the other things. Think of it as laying the foundation for other layers of products.
“Toners are not necessary, but they can be a great adjunct to a skincare regimen for those that need help with oily skin or markedly plugged pores.”
All that to say, a toner can be a good way to add active ingredients such as antioxidants, exfoliants or retinoids, to your existing skincare products.”
Meeting the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
I saw Klairs on Buy Better during my research for a new toner early in the year. One thing about K-beauty products is that they’re big on vegan and paraben-free ingredients. Seeing the majorly great reviews, I couldn’t resist. See here for the steps to take before investing in any skincare product.
The Small bottle’s opening
claims/ list of Ingredients.
Klairs Supple Toner claims to balance the skin’s pH level and improve your entire skincare regimen’s effectiveness. It also claims to create the perfect canvas for your skincare products thereby enhancing the effectiveness of serums and creams. It is cruelty-free. This brand pretty much ticks off the cool boxes for a great product.
Did it live up to its claims? Keep reading for my experience.
The Look/ Packaging
I loved the packaging of the smaller bottle. It also comes in a big bottle (180ml), but I purchased the small bottle (30ml). It has 2 variations; scented and unscented. I got was the scented one. From my experience, the fragrance is so minimal, but if you’re really sensitive to fragrance, opt for the non-scented.
The small bottle lasted about 5 weeks for me. It comes in a simple reusable dark translucent plastic bottle with a hole opening that helps control the amount. The texture is runny with no particles in it.
The texture of Klairs Supple Toner.
Method of application
I learned that our hands are efficient in applying toners and that’s how I used this product. Instead of using a cotton pad, I put a sizeable scoop and applied it over my face like a serum. The best way is to dab it into your skin gently. I love the way it is absorbed into the skin and the instant hydrating feeling.
My Experience
This toner felt so cool on my skin and didn’t have that stripping feeling I have had with alcoholic toners. It did leave a sticky feeling after use but after following up with moisturizer, so it wasn’t a problem. I also noticed that my face would feel plump after use. The only con is that it simply maintains your skin in addition to hydration. If you’re looking for a product with extra actions, then you might be disappointed.
I got the 30ml bottle from Buy Better for #2550 ($6). The 180ml on their site is #7000 ($17). It’s also available on Jumia last I checked.
Who needs it?
Klairs supple toner can be used on sensitive skin and oily skin, particularly good in dry seasons. It commits to the hydrating claims and it’s no wonder with all the ingredients.
Verdict
I would give this product an 8/10 for its ingredients, packaging, and feel on my skin and would try it again after products targeted at my acne concerns.
Do you feel tired when people talk about their skincare routine? How many times have you watched several videos and when you hear them mention some expensive products, you give up? Hold on! The steps to crafting a skincare routine that is suited just for you are not only simple but worthwhile.
I’m becoming more passionate about sharing my journey in skincare, because I believe that no matter how much you have or what you earn, there’s always a suitable way to take care of your skin without breaking the bank more than necessary.
Are you ready? I’m sure you are so keep reading.
WAYS TO CRAFT A SKINCARE ROUTINE SUITABLE FOR YOU
What is your “Why?”
The first thing is to figure out is your reason. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the foundation you would build your informed decisions on.
Do you want to maintain your already thriving skin?
Are you targeting a specific skin nuisance e.g. acne or hyperpigmentation?
When I started being intentional about skincare, my goal was to get rid of the dark spots on my face. I’m acne-prone and I’m always picking my face (thankfully I’m better now). I also wanted to invest more on my face than makeup. In all fairness, I suck at doing my makeup so that was a motivation.
In summary, it’s important to figure out your why, because it will inform the decisions you take to have to craft a skincare routine specific to you
Know your skin type and the issue you want to work on.
Do you know your skin type? Check the Sanex skin type finder to have an idea of what your skin type is. Mine is oily and acne prone and I find it fascinating how we have different skin types.
Skin type is classified based on factors like its hydration, sebaceous secretion, and sensitivity level from a cosmetic point of view. Please note that all skin types are healthy. The 5 types are- normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.
If you don’t know your skin type, you would end up spending a lot of money without results.
Have a budget.
You know I was getting to this, right? I would confess, this isn’t the easiest part for me as my shiny object syndrome is a battle! What I find helpful is having a budget when buying skincare products. I ask questions like, How much can I spend per month on this?
Can I afford this product when it is exhausted?
Does my face really need this product?
Set a budget and check the product reviews especially if it’s something you plan to purchase again.
Sociasl media has given us the best of both sides. Information at our finger tips, but here’s the catch- it’s any type of information, both accurate and false. It’;s left to us to verify our sources and it’s no different for skincare. Don’t just get some information from a TikTok video or Pinterest without checking for more. Let’s prevent stories that touch.
I love what @theskincareco_ does on Instagram with educational videos on skincare. On Youtube, Doctorly and Hyram are my faves. The former is run by 2 certified dermatologists and they’re hilarious.
Another way to learn is by observing other people’s skincare routine. That way you can adapt methods to suit you.
Your identity is not in the “smoothness” of your FACE.
Last but not least, crafting a skincare routine that works for you takes time. It is best enjoyed without comparing your journey to another person’s own.
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Know that if it is suited to you, the results will come eventually, and like I said earlier- they’ll be worthwhile.
What steps are you taking to create your skincare routine?
Let me know in the comments. Happy weekend, friends!
