October is almost over and as usual, the monthly skincare empties and reviews are ready for you. My school has finally resumed, and while I’m excited to move back into the routines, there is a lot to be done and daily doses of “God abeg” (God, please).
There are 3 skincare products I have used up this past month and their detailed reviews are linked for your ease. Enjoy and please leave a comment as well.
Dr Rashel VC Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening Essence Toner
What is it?
An essence toner containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. This toner hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling supple. It claims to be suitable for all skin types and I shared a detailed review of my experience and thoughts here.
I had a pleasant experience with this body wash and you would see why in the review. The only reason I’m not repurchasing immediately is that I want to try more body washes from St Ives.
Face Facts Hyaluronic Face Cream
What is it?
A moisturizer whose star ingredient is hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight texture is an oily girl’s dream. Full review and my experience here.
Price
1800 naira on Paxobeauty (their official distributor in Nigeria).
If you’re looking for a toner that doesn’t break the bank and would last a long time, the dr rashel vc vitamin c & niacinamide essence toner is a great choice!
What caught my attention was the price for the size and I decided to try it. It’s part of my October monthly skincare empties after 4-5 months of use!
Is this toner worth it? Keep reading to find out.
Description
The dr rashel vit C& Niacinamide toner comes in a 500ml transparent plastic bottle. The name and ingredients come in black and orange markings which makes the bottle stand out.
It has a flip cap cover with a pinhole to dispense the product. I love that it has a plastic cover between the bottle and the cap to prevent spillage when the bottle moves. Really thoughtful.
For the product itself, its texture is slightly more viscous than the regular toner, and I guess that’s why it’s called an essence toner.
The essence water is “enriched with vitamins which provide nutrients and creates a bright, clear skin.” It also claims to “exfoliate, hydrate the skin and is a perfect base for makeup”
This toner is so hydrating! The difference you get when applying on dry skin is really remarkable.
It is also not heavy on my skin, non-sticky, and just seeps into my face.
I didn’t get any brightening effect from the claims and I can’t ascertain its exfoliating claims from my experience. My skin’s overall look has improved since incorporating it into my routine, although I’ve also used it in conjunction with other products targeted to my skin concerns so I can’t attribute my skin’s texture to it alone.
Overall, applying the dr rashel vc vitamin c and niacinamide brightening essence toner is easy. It instantly hydrates the skin and is easily absorbed into the skin leaving a supple and plump face.
I would definitely repurchase because it’s huge and cost-effective. Please note that if you want a toner with extra properties beyond hydrating, then this toner may not be for you.
Have you tried this toner?What is your current toner Would you like to try it? Please share with me in the comments
Have you ever used a skincare/beauty product that you wondered why it took you this long to find it? That’s how I felt about the Face facts Hyaluronic face cream.
On my Instagram and Tiktok, I have shared some reasons to try products from Face facts. Not only are they gentle for sensitive skin, but they are also very pocket-friendly.
I exhausted my second tube this month and as usual, this post will contain my review of it. Enjoy!
Description
The face facts hyaluronic face cream is one of the products in their hyaluronic set which targets adequate moisture for the skin. This face cream comes in a 50ml white and blue tube. The packaging is dark blue and has a characteristic image of water which I suppose alludes to the moisture.
It has a creamy lotion texture. It’s not too thick, but it’s not as light as a lotion.
Claims/ Ingredients
According to their website:
“Our face cream is a match for thirsty skin, and deeply hydrates the skin for that healthy glow. The hero active is Hyaluronic acid, which will help smooth, plump & deliver hyperhydration, and Glycerin for that added moisturization.”
The first thing that got me about this moisturizer is how lightweight it is, despite it being a cream. The hydrating day cream from Face facts wasn’t the best for my oily skin, so this was a huge relief. It has a slight green tea fragrance that I love and is not overpowering. This moisturizer also doesn’t feel sticky and it absorbs easily into my skin.
I love that it was gentle on my skin and didn’t cause me to break out during my use. This cream claims to be hyperhydrating. From my experience, I would say it’s not “hyperhydrating”. It just gives that needed moisturization, but that is it.
Using a body wash is one easy way to step up your body care routine. I used up the St Ives soothing body wash Oatmeal and Shea butter this month and really enjoyed it. This short post contains my review of it, so keep reading for the details!
Description
It has 2 sizes and mine was 473 ml. The bigger size is over 600ml. St Ives has a wide range of variants so I’m keeping an eye out to try another from their brand. The plastic bottle is transparent which lets your gauge how much product is still left. I love the brown and cream color of the tag on the bottle representing the star ingredients.
It had a characteristic cream color with a fragrance that wasn’t overpowering. I loved that the fragrance lingered during my bath. The texture is slightly runny.
Claims/ Ingredients
According to their site, the St Ives soothing body wash oatmeal and shea butter is “made with 100% natural oatmeal and shea butter extracts”. They also claim that “it soothes the mind, body, and soul while cleansing the skin with a sudsy sumptuous lather” which leaves the skin feeling smooth.
The star ingredients are oatmeal and shea butter. Oatmeal is known to cleanse and moisturize the skin, while shea butter works as an emollient that improves the smoothness of the skin. These two already give you an idea that this body wash is one to try!
The fragrance is easily one of my favorite things about this body wash. I also love the ease of dispensing the product unto my sponge, by just flipping the cap open. It lathers beautifully as it claims, and a little goes a long way.
True to its claims, this body wash felt moisturizing and didn’t strip my skin. I would notice how smooth my skin felt after a shower and I love that it doesn’t leave that “slimy” feel some bath washes do, despite it being very moisturizing.
Another thing I enjoyed about the st Ives soothing body wash oatmeal and shea butter was that it always left my space with the fragrance. Although the smell doesn’t linger on my skin for long, it’s just soothing to enjoy it during the shower.
How I used it
Apply a sufficient amount on my wet sponge and let it lather before using it on my skin.
Rinse off and repeat the step if need be.
Pros
It’s a big bottle that lasts.
It’s gentle on the skin and leaves it moisturized.
Suitable for all skin types.
Leaves the skin feeling supple and not stripped or tight.
Can be used daily.
Cons
The fragrance doesn’t linger after a bath.
It doesn’t lather if it’s not on a sponge/ loofah.
This product is a yes for me! The only reason I am not repurchasing currently is that I want to try the other variants from St Ives. My score for it would be a 4.5/5 because it’s affordable, easy to use, and leaves my skin feeling moisturized.
My Bondi Sands SPF 50 review is long overdue and you know I hate to gatekeep reviews!
The first time I saw the Bondi sands fragrance-free daily sunscreen lotion SPF 50 was on TikTok by another skincare blogger and I made a mental note to try it.
What caught my attention was the positive review and the size. I believe I’m at the stage of getting sunscreens that are bigger than 50 ml except if it was a PR package. My reason is that sunscreens are expensive, especially in Nigeria. If I’m buying a big size at a certain cost, then it’s actually affordable over a long period of time since I don’t have to restock often compared to a small size.
Bondi sands SPF 50 Review
Background
When I was doing my research for this product, I found out that Bondi sands is an Australian brand that not only has skincare products but suncare and self-tan products.
Australian sunscreen has great regulations because of the intense sunshine, so it’s a good option for sun protection.
Packaging
The sunscreen comes in a white tube with gold details. I love the simple yet effective look. It has a cap that is flipped and seals tightly to that prevent spillage. The fact that this product pack is opaque but I can still see where the product line is under the light, is amazing!
Size
150 ml or 5.07 fl. oz.
Protection capacity
The Bondi sands SPF 50+ is a broad-spectrum sunscreen meaning 8utv takes care of UVA and UVB rays.
Type of sunscreen
It is an organic/ chemical sunscreen as it contains chemical filters: Homosalate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Octyl salicylate. among others.
It has a creamy lotion consistency and is white in color. The texture is interesting because it appears lightweight but you may feel it’s too thick when you apply it on your face. Once you work it in, it absorbs easily and doesn’t require up to 5 minutes to blend in well. That’s usually the same experience for most chemical sunscreens.
Claims/ ingredients
Bondi sands has some tried and tested claims. According to their website:
“It provides UVA and UVB protection with a water-resistant formula which is fast-absorbing and dries to an invisible finish”.
It also claims to “deliver up to 72 hours of hydration with added aloe vera and vitamin E which leaves the skin deeply moisturized and can be worn under makeup.”
It’s paraben and sulfate free so reef-friendly. It’s also widely claimed that it is suited for dry skin.
Did it deliver on all fronts? Let’s see from my experience.
Reef-friendly / reef-safe describes sunscreens that do not contain octinoxate and oxybenzone which cause coral bleaching.
My experience
My skin type is oily, although I noticed during the rainy season that it was acting like combination skin. Nonetheless, according to the claims I probably shouldn’t have gotten this sunscreen but I went on with it.
In summary, I have a love-hate relationship with this sunscreen because of my skin type. One of the reasons is the finish. The first week I applied it, it felt like something heavy was on my skin. After a while, my skin gradually got used to the layer and it was the only sunscreen I had that didn’t leave a white cast so I kept using it.
Even on days, I didn’t reapply, at night, I would look like someone with face oil.
I noticed it has a chemical sunscreen scent that I can’t quite describe although it has no fragrance. One thing I love about this sunscreen is how non-sticky it is, In addition to that, Bondi sands sunscreen does not leave a white cast.
I did notice that with my face facts hyaluronic cream, my finish was less greasy, but that’s my experience. I have also tried without using a moisturizer and noticed the greasiness was not as pronounced. Nonetheless, it still finds a way to appear.
The Bondi sands spf 50 didn’t cause me to break out and that’s worth mentioning. Another favorite thing about it is the texture which I explained above.
Here’s something else you need to note. My eyes would sting occasionally if I sweat or just randomly after using this sunscreen. It doesn’t happen all the time, but I’ve noticed it a couple of times after use for it to be a coincidence.
It always left my skin feeling moisturized and glowy, but that greasy feeling is hard to shake off for me. Bondi sands SPF 50 actually delivered on its claims of moisturizing even though I never went 72 hours of using it at a stretch (no one should do that actually).
How I used it
I used it AFTER moisturizer during the day. I also used it under makeup i.e sunscreen BEFORE makeup. It was lightweight enough to be used for my makeup routine and I had no problems with that Caroline mentioned in her review.
Pros
Big size and affordable
Leaves a dewy glowy look
Best for the cold season if you live in humid areas
No white cast
Sits well under makeup
Can see the product line and when it is about to be exhausted
Cons
Too greasy for oily skin
Occasionally stings my eyes after application
Where to buy
I got mine from Beautybydaz for #7,650 but it’s currently out of stock. Other online stores are Shop with Teeka, @24eleven on Instagram, and any in the list I have here.
I would rate this a 7/10 because of how it was for my skin type. I stuck to it for some reasons. One was I couldn’t afford to buy another sunscreen then. Another reason was it didn’t leave a white cast and was protecting me nonetheless.
Overall, the Bondi sands daily moisturizing face SPF 50 is a good sunscreen that is best for dry skin. If you do not have dry skin, but would like to give it a go-ahead, by all means, be prepared for a possible greasy outcome.
I may buy this again for the harmattan period. A lot of emphasis on “may”.
Have you tried this sunscreen?
Would you like to try it? Let me know in the comments.
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The k-beauty (Korean beauty) rave is not for nothing guys! They usually have tons of effective and gentle skincare products like the Beauty of Joseon essence water. I currently have 2 k-beauty cleansers for my morning and nighttime routines and thought I should do a comparison since I have used them for about a month now.
As much as your routine should be suited to your personal taste, a cleanser is non-negotiable for healthy skin. What’s interesting is that cleansing is the most essential step but it’s usually overlooked or seen as boring. If cleansing is not done correctly, it can compromise the skin barrier.
Cleansers are used to remove dirt and makeup on your skin. I recommend using a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin or cause irritation. That’s the reason I’m sharing my experience with these k-beauty cleansers so if they are something you want to try out, you can get an honest opinion about them first.
The Tiam Snail and Azulene Low pH Cleanser Review
Description
This cleanser is from the popular TIAM brand and just like most Korean beauty products, it is gentle and packed with good ingredients.
It comes in a 200ml purple tube with a white cap that has a nozzle to dispense the product. You have to ensure it’s sealed properly to avoid spillage.
The Tiam cleanser has a transparent look and is gel-like in texture (a gel cleanser). It has a mild fragrance I can’t describe but it’s almost not noticeable.
Claims/ Ingredients
This k-beauty cleanser claims to be moisturizing and rids the skin of dirt and impurities without stripping it.
Snail secretion filtrate (7%)– this is a soothing ingredient that is rich in hyaluronic acid and keeps the skin moisturized and supple.
Allantoin– Protects and soothes the skin
Panthenol– Acts as a humectant
My experience
Now to the “meat of the matter”. I have enjoyed using this cleanser! My sister and now my mum are hooked on it as a result, and we have different skin types so that is a testament to its properties. The Tiam snail and azulene low pH cleanser has a pH of 5.5 so it doesn’t disrupt your face’s pH as much which is a good property for any cleanser.
I also like that it has its directions in English at the back of the tube. After cleansing, there was no tightness or irritation noticed and I found this blogger who shares the same experience even from the previous version of the cleanser. On two occasions, it stung my eyes, but I’ve just been making sure I don’t open my eyes when I use it.
How I used it
This cleanser was my morning and evening cleanser for a while before I got the Frudia cleanser I would review next. Now it’s my nighttime cleanser. I apply it to my wet face and massage it outwards before rinsing. After that, I carry on with the rest of my routine.
Pros
Gentle on the skin
Good for sensitive skin because of its low pH
Really affordable- 200ml for 4500-6000 naira depending on the vendor.
Improves the overall appearance of the skin thanks to its ingredients.
Cons
I can’t fault this product but if I had to give any con it would be how easily the cap moves which can be messy if not sealed properly.
Where to Shop
I got on Beauty by Daz for 4,950 naira, but you can get it from any of the stores here
Apply your cleanser in circular motions and outwards as that helps massage the skin and circulates blood flow.
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The Frudia Citrus Brightening Micro Cleansing Foam Review
Description
Frudiais another k-beauty brand I didn’t know about till I started looking for another cleanser to add to my stash. They have a wide range of variants and use fruits as a distinguishing mark. In this case, mine is citrus.
I love their characteristic bright packaging. This cleanser comes in a bright yellow 145ml pack similar to TIAM’s snail cleanser- just the color difference.
The cleanser has a white look and is creamy in texture. The pack says it contains microbeads so that’s worth knowing. It also has a citrusy fragrance.
claims/ ingredients
The Frudia cleanser claims to be brightening as it contains Jeju citrus peel, naturally occurring vitamin C, and a combination of fruit oils like mango, apricot, grape, and grapefruit. It’s also said to be brightening and refreshing.
I wasn’t expecting that texture! It is so creamy and I thought it was a moisturizer I bought, lol. After noticing that it lathers well, I started using a dime-sized amount. The fragrance is my favorite thing about this cleanser as it smells like oranges.
On the first day I used it, it felt dry. Although I attributed that to the quantity and adjusted it in subsequent uses. So far, it still pales in comparison to the TIAM one in terms of how non-stripping the latter is.
One thing I noticed is that it leaves my skin “feeling” clean and looking for moisture. I’ve also been using it almost daily as part of my morning routine but sometimes I alternate between the TIAM one because of that “drying” feel this gives me.
How I used it
This cleanser is relegated to my morning routine as I focus on hydrating my skin during the day. That’s how I’ve been able to use the cleanser.
Pros
Has good cleaning properties
Pretty affordable- 145ml for less than 5000 naira on most sites.
Cons
Can be drying
It may not be suitable for daily use depending on your skin type
It may not be suitable for sensitive skin because of the microbeads
These k-beauty cleansers are worth trying but from my experience, I would definitely be repurchasing the TIAM one but not this FRUDIA variant.
FAQs contains bonus tips for you, my skincare bestie!
Cleansing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a cleanser do?
A cleanser or face wash is the first item in a skincare routine that basically rids your skin of dirt and impurities from exposure.
How often should I use it?
Ideally twice a day. Morning and night. Some estheticians and beauty influencers say once for sensitive skin but I’m yet to be part of that camp.
What type should I get?
There are different types of cleansers I would delve into in detail in another blog post. Cleansers come in different forms, but the one you should get is based on your skin concerns or skin type as well as the ingredients. This reel by one of my favorite skin influencers explains the different cleansers for skin types.
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective moisturizer, chances are that you’ve seen the Simple hydrating light moisturizer or the Simple replenishing moisturizer. Simple is that “simple”, clean, and effective brand that goes straight to the point. Their kind to skin cleanser was the first product I used from their brand and it’s usually one of the first cleansers I recommend to my friends if they are just starting their skincare journey.
For a long time, the simple hydrating light moisturizer was my staple moisturizer until I decided to try another brand. Recently I saw the replenishing moisturizer and decided to try it out and take note of the differences. If you’re wondering which simple moisturizer to try, then this review of both moisturizers is the post for you!
PS: Simple has 3 variants of their moisturisers. Light which is preferred for normal to oily skin. Rich for dry skin and the protecting light moisturiser which has SPF.
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser Review
Description
The moisturizer comes in a white opaque plastic bottle with a screw-on flip-flop cap. Like most simple products, the packaging is simple. The moisturizer has a cream-like consistency and is white in color. There’s also no fragrance. It is 125ml and lasts for a while.
claims/ ingredients
This brand has some tried and tested claims:
Hypoallergenic (not likely to trigger an allergy)
No parabens ( no synthetic chemicals/preservatives)
No ingredients derived from animals
No alcohol
No artificial color
Also dermatologically tested.
It contains humectants like glycerin, emollients like panthenol, and occlusives like dimethicone.
NB- A good moisturiser should basically contain *HOE which I coined to remember the following:
Humectants: draws water from the environment to the skin.
Occlusive: forms a thin layer to seal in moisture.
Emollients: binds the skin cells together to give a smoother texture.
My experience With The Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
I used this product after my toner and I loved the hydrating feeling upon application. I don’t like my moisturizers feeling heavy on my skin. As I mentioned earlier, this is the moisturizer I keep coming back to, as I experiment more with my cleansers and SPF.
I’ve been using it mostly during the day and using the Face Facts hyaluronic face cream at night.
The cap made it easy to dispense and apply to my face and I typically only need a dime-sized amount to cover both my face and neck on a sunny day. It’s also light enough to add an extra layer when the weather is dry.
Texture shot of the Simple hydrating light moisturizer
It didn’t irritate my skin or cause me to break out which is a plus. This moisturizer always feels soothing and cool on my skin upon application. I also noticed that my skin would feel supple till evening, especially during a humid day and that covers one of its claims to keep the skin moisturized. I can’t vouch for the 12 hours claim anyways.
Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
Description
If you’re not conscious of their names, you may think that the replenishing moisturizer is the same as the light moisturizer because they look exactly alike. It also comes in a white opaque plastic bottle with the same screw-on flip-flop cap that makes for easy application.
The bottle has a quantity of 125ml as well so it lasts for a while too. Texture wise it has the same creamy consistency as the hydrating moisturizer, but is a bit thicker and has no fragrance.
claims/ ingredients
This moisturizer also has the same claims as the hydrating moisturizer. The replenishing moisturizer has a slightly different composition as it contains pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.
My Experience With The Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
I tried this for just a month and I have mixed feelings about it. I’m trying to be conscious about the effect weather has on my skin and its response to certain products so I want to give this one some grace.
It was thicker in consistency than the light moisturizer and doesn’t feel as soothing as the hydrating moisturizer on my skin. It felt like I was applying a thick lotion to my face. To be fair, I like lightweight moisturizers so that played a huge role in how I felt about the simple replenishing rich moisturizer.
Texture shot of the Simple replenishing rich moisturizers
One way I enjoyed using it was at night before I switched to my current nighttime moisturizer after doing some experimenting during night and day to gauge how my skin felt. This moisturizer is also non-greasy like the hydrating moisturizer and didn’t cause me to break out as well.
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Hydrating vs Replenishing verdict: Which Is Best For You?
From my experience, I will say that the hydrating light moisturizer is best suited for normal and oily skin types while the replenishing rich moisturizer is best suited for dry skin especially with its ingredients, although this blogger disagrees based on her experience.
Thankfully, both of these moisturizers are suited for sensitive skin and if you’re new to skincare, you can try them once you know your skin type.
If you’re looking for something with actives, then these moisturizers won’t cut it for you because they’re really simple! The ingredient list shows lactic acid but the products don’t exfoliate or do much after moisturizing the skin.
I personally prefer the hydrating and always repurchase, especially for the months when I’m broke as it’s super affordable.
Where to buy
I wasn’t angry here, just super focused on the camera and forgot to smile, lol!
I got both from @beautybydaz on Instagram for about #2500 ($5-$7), but prices vary slightly depending on the store.
The opaque bottle doesn’t let you see the quantity of product left
Bonus tips-FAQs
How do you use a moisturizer?
Depending on the texture and even weather, you can apply once or layer it (apply twice) during your routine.
When should you use a moisturizer?
Use after toning or cleansing if you don’t have a toner. Also, a moisturizer comes before sunscreen in the morning and is the last step in your night routine.
How often should you use a moisturizer?
Twice- in your morning and evening routine.
Can oily skin skip a moisturizer?
No! Please don’t skip a moisturizer if you’re oily skin. Oily skin needs moisture just like every other type of skin and not applying moisturizer causes your skin to produce more sebum and prone to more breakouts.
If you got to the end of this post, I am proud of you! Have you tried any of these products before? Would you like to try them? Let me know in the comments.
I’m usually dramatic when I notice my favorite products are about to finish. August is over and there were some skincare products I exhausted. I’ve been itching to tell you my thoughts about the August skincare empties.
PS- Skincare empties is a series of short honest reviews of products that I exhaust during a particular month. I share my experience with a product and give a verdict.This post also contains an affiliate link to support the blog at no cost to you.
Face facts hyaluronic hydrating facial serum
Description
Skincare can get expensive but you don’t have to break the bank always to get an effective product. That’s my stance on the Face facts brand. My close friends and siblings hear me talk about this brand often because I think it’s highly underrated. I’ve also recommended their products to my sister and her friend and they have positive reviews about them!
Their hydrating day cream was a good purchase and I shared the review here. After that, I decided to check out their hyaluronic acid range by getting the moisturizer and serum to see how my skin reacts to them. The face facts hyaluronic serum comes in a 30ml glass bottle with a wide dropper. It has a watery consistency that is applied easily.
Ingredients and Claims
The hyaluronic hydrating facial serum claims to “temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles” while delivering a healthy glow.
The star ingredients are Sodium hyaluronate and Glycerin which hydrates and increase moisture.
Other ingredients are; Aqua, DMDM Hydantoin, Polyacrylic Acid, Triethanolamine, Betaine, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
Ingredients list
Experience
I believe it lived up to its claims of being moisturizing. One thing I loved about using this product was the easy application and absorption. I used my first bottle morning and night before switching ut tonight only.
It’s also easy to layer other products like my moisturizer and SPF without it feeling sticky. I also didn’t have any experience with irritation. It also leaves my skin feeling plump. My only criticism is that the 30 ml feels so small.
How to use-
Use this serum after cleansing and toning. I would usually follow after my toner, but there were days when I used the Beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water before applying and then finishing up my routine.
You can use both day and night or anytime you prefer.
Pro tip- For clean girl makeup, apply this serum and SPF before your makeup routine. It gives the “glow”!
Who can use
It’s gentle enough to be used by all skin types. Also, if you have dry skin and looking for something affordable to add to your routine then it’s worth a shot.
Verdict
I’m currently on my second bottle because not only is it affordable, it’s been good for my skin so I give it an 8.5/10.
Shop
I got the serum from the official retailer Paxo for #2000 (roughly $4).
If you’re not in Nigeria, try the Facefacts website here
The Beauty of JoseonGinseng Essence Water
Description & Experience
This essence water and the k-beauty product are now under one of the holy grail products I have fallen in love with. Imagine an elixir of good ingredients! That’s the BOJ essence water. My skin would go from dull to glowy after application.
I’m sad that it’s exhausted and I won’t be able to get it for now. If I eventually get it again I would update you.
Meeting the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
The first time I came across the Beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water was on Titktok. A Nigerian skincare influencer was using it in her morning routine while her husband did the voiceover. Asides from the fact that it was cute, the way he described it as looking like iced tea caught my attention and it was hilarious.
I made a mental note to try the essence water someday and being a k-beauty product was another plus. Fast forward to June. I saw this product while restocking my skincare products and decided to try it.
The Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) is an astounding k-beauty brand and they’re well known for their Dynasty cream and infusion of hanbang (traditional and herbal) beauty methods. Was their essence water a hit or miss? Let’s find out!
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link, at no cost to you.This supports me and keeps my blog running.
Texture & Appearance
The beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water comes in a transparent slender plastic bottle which is very simple. It has a consistency that is between a serum and toner- lighter than a serum, but a little thicker than a toner.
It is fragrance-free and the ginseng smell s very subtle. According to Soko glam, it is acidic with a pH of 5.84.
One thing about this essence is that it was formulated without artificial colors, alcohol, and artificial fragrances so sensitive skin can enjoy it as well. It also comes in 2 sizes- 40 ml and 150 ml. I got the 40 ml and now I’m pained it’s exhausted already.
The bottle has a pinhole applicator which makes pouring the content easy to do.
PS- An essence is the “love child” of a toner and serum like beautywithin put it. It usually has a watery consistency and is lightweight. It’s best for extra hydration.
Ingredients and claims
This essence water contains mostly cultivated ginseng root water (80%) and niacinamide (2%).
When researching for this post, I found out that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea (MFDS) fined BOJ over the claims of their ginseng quality. They use cultivated ginseng which is less expensive and subsequently has fewer benefits.
Does that mean it has no benefits? Nope! This info is to make you see all the aspects of the product so you know what you’re getting.
Other than that controversy, the BOJ essence water packs up a lot of great ingredients that make it worth anyone’s shot!
Here are some of them and their functions:
Ginseng– is anti-inflammatory, and stimulates collagen production which improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Niacinamide- this is one of my favorite ingredients. It helps the skin barrier, improves skin texture, and is great for oil control.
Glycerin- helps in moisturizing.
Hyaluronic acid– for hydrating
Adenosine- anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties. It also makes the skin look plump.
Licorice– this helps reduce redness and soothes the skin.
That’s how packed this product is! The rest of the ingredients as seen on Soko glam are:
A video showing how I use the BOJ essence water*I do not own the rights to the audio used here*
This product was a game changer in my routine and it was love at first touch! I applied it immediately after my cleanser and before applying serum in my morning routine.
I love that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel tacky or heavy. Anytime I would apply it, it would give instant plumpness and hydration to my skin. I loved the smell because it felt like I was having a mini spa session. It also helped with an instant glow and was soothing to use. The instant glow of skin after use was something I always looked forward to!
Like I always say, consistency is another skincare ingredient. While this product gives an instant hydration and plumpness due to its ingredients, the best benefits are gotten with a consistent use.
How to use
After cleansing your face,
Apply a few drops to your palms and gently pat them on your face.
I usually would use my serum after this, but feel free to continue the rest of your routine after.
I got mine from Beautybydaz for #3500 but it’s currently out of stock. You can check any of these beauty stores I’ve reviewed if you live in Nigeria or shop on amazon.
One thing I love about this essence water is that it is suitable for all skin types. It’s particularly good if you want to target inflammation, help with your skin barrier, and have deeper hydration.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to apply
Travel friendly
Can make your routine minimal
Can be used all year round due to its texture
Cons
Not suitable for those sensitive to ginseng extract
Verdict
The Beauty of Joseon essence water is definitely worth your buy despite the controversies about the quality of their ginseng root. I would give it a 10 /10 because it was that good for my skin and is suitable for all skin types. I would repurchase.
Have you tried this product before? Would you like to try it?
As someone with oily acne-prone skin, getting a gentle yet effective cleanser is always on the top of my list. The Cerave foaming cleanser was the second cleanser I tried from Cerave after their smoothing cleanser and it was part of my July skincare empties. Considering the reviews I read about it, it didn’t leave me disappointed one bit!
I wanted a separate post to really break it all down for you so here goes:
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link, at no cost to you.This supports me and keeps my blog running.
Meeting The Cerave Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser, just like most of Cerave’s products comes in a simple and practical bottle. It has 2 variants- the 236ml and 473ml sizes. Mine was 236 ml. The bottle has a dispenser which makes it easy to use. It doesn’t have the most aesthetic appearance but it’s the classic representation of don’t judge a book by its cover.
Ps- A cleanser is usually the first step in your skincare routine
Texture
It has a gel-like consistency and texture that lathers well but doesn’t dry your skin. The gel texture has a balanced feel as it is neither too thick nor too watery.
Ingredients & Claims
In order to get the most updated ingredients Cerave recommends you refer to the ingredient list on the product itself, but I got a list from their site for an overview.
Like most of their products, this cleanser is alcohol, fragrance, and essential oil free. In other words, it’s great for sensitive skin.
According toCerave; the cerave foaming facial cleanser contains hyaluronic acid (a great humectant), niacinamide(anti-inflammatory, soothing), and ceramides which help maintain the skin’s barrier and seal in moisture. It also removes excess sebum and deeply cleanses the skin without compromising your skin barrier.
It also contains surfactants which are the ingredients that enable water and oil to mix so dirt on the skin can be washed off easily.
I also found out that sodium cocoyl glycinate and coco-betaine cause the lather of this product and in effect don’t dry out the skin. These highlighted ingredients, according to a dermatologist, distinguishes it from most cleansers.
My experience
I couldn’t get used to the gentle feel of the cleanser on my face. It was my sole cleanser for over 5 weeks and I liked how it didn’t have a squeaky feeling after use.
I used both day and night as well and I loved how refreshed my face always felt after cleaning.
If you have normal to oily skin then this cleanser is a good choice. It also works well for sensitive skin. Dry-skinned beauties can give it a shot as Ebun a lifestyle blogger did and you just might love it too!
Pros
You only need a dime-sized amount
Lasts for a long time and is affordable
Easily available as most beauty stores stock it
Protects the skin barrier due to its ingredients
Doesn’t strip the skin as it is hydrating
Can be used both in the morning and at night as it is gentle enough
