Category: Reviews

Hey, beauty!

Why do good skincare products have to finish? You don’t know the sadness in my heart as  I look at these skincare products I just exhausted with the current inflation. Anyhoo, let’s get into the skincare empties for July!

PS- Skincare empties is a series of short reviews of products that I exhaust during a particular month. I share my experience with a product and give a verdict based on that.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when you purchase from my links at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting the blog.*

Nivea nourishing  cocoa body lotion 48h deep moisture care

The Nivea cocoa body lotion is my first conscious lotion buy. I mentioned how I’m slowly transitioning to learning more about body care in the review for May’s empties, so this is an attempt to continue.

Description

The Nivea cocoa butter body lotion comes in a blue and brown 400ml bottle. It has a sealed blue lined cap with a hole that dispenses easily once you squeeze. This ensures the product is safe once the cap is sealed and that would be good for travel.

Experience

The cocoa smell is refreshing! It doesn’t overwhelm you, but it lingers on your skin. The lotion is white in color and I  like that it doesn’t have a heavy texture.  Despite the immediate moisturizing effect after a shower, it takes time to sink into my skin after a bath. Other than that, it has an easy application. 

Who can use

The bottle specifically says for dry skin. My body skin is not dry, but I enjoyed using this product nonetheless.

Verdict

Worth your buy if you’re on the look for a big body lotion that is moisturizing and can be layered with fragrances.

Shop

The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

Good molecules is one brand I love! They have a decent range of products that are gentle on the skin and target skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation. I wanted to try out their serum to see if it lives up to the hype.

Description

It’s a 30ml regular-sized serum bottle that comes with a dropper. I love the packaging!

It has a tropical fragrance that smells fruity. The texture is thicker than an average serum, white in color and has a sticky feeling. 

Experience

I used this day and night for the first week and decided that wasn’t wise for two reasons. First is that it’s just 30 mls. The next reason is because of the texture which I felt paired better with a PM routine.

I found this serum impressive as it evened out my skin tone after bout of acne left some dark spots. Going forward, if I repurchase I plan to be more conscious of the before and after so I can share better with you. One thing I also noticed is that, I had to use this product consistently.

@adashofiruoma

I’m targeting hyperpigmentation with this discolouration serum from @Good Molecules #goodmoleculesdiscoloration #skincarebyadi #unboxingskincare #adashofiruoma #skincareunboxing #aestheticunboxing #faceserum @adashofiruoma

♬ BORN FOR THIS – Foxxi

Who can use

If you are looking for a gentle product that helps with discoloration, then she’s your girl. You have to be consistent though to see results.

Verdict

It is worth your buy! Hopefully, I repurchase because I didn’t use this product well in terms of recording my progress.

Shop

Shop With Teeka

OR

CERAVE FOAMING CLEANSER

Someone has to give it up for Cerave’s range of good products! Cerave has about seven cleansers for various concerns and skin types. While that is inclusive and very thoughtful of a brand, it could get confusing. The foaming cleanser is the second cleanser I’m trying from them and it didn’t leave me disappointed.

Description

It comes in a practical 236ml pump bottle with a dispenser that makes it easy to use the product. It has no particular smell as it’s fragrant-free. The consistency is gel-like and it is transparent.

Experience

This foaming cleanser felt so gentle on my skin and there was no “squeaky clean” feel which shows that it doesn’t strip my facial oils. It’s also gentle enough to be used both in the morning and at night. 

Who can use

It does say for normal and oily skin, but don’t knock it off till you try.

RELATED- HOW TO KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE.

Verdict

Worth your buy! 

Shop

I got mine from JUMIA, but I’ve been wary of beauty vendors from them lately because of a fake product I got there. 

You can get it from BuyBetter or Amazon.

https://buybetter.ng/shop/specific-concern/acne/cerave-foaming-cleanser-daily-face-body-hand-wash-for-normal-to-oily-skin-cleanser-with-niacinamide-236-ml/

Hope these reviews were helpful. Have you tried any of these products? Share with me in the comments.

Follow the blog and let’s stay connected:

TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN’ // PINTEREST // NEWSLETTER

Hey beauty,

Can you believe it’s another time for monthly empties? I literally just shared May’s skincare empties so you can imagine how I feel. For June, I had just one skincare empty and that is the face facts hydrating day cream. The reason I do so is to take stock of the products that are exhausted and make sure you know if it’s worth it or not. 

I may not exhaust products every month, but I would share the months I do so. 

How do I feel about it? Keep reading for all the details.

DESCRIPTION

Face Facts is a beauty brand that prides itself in affordable and effective skincare. I was attracted to that slogan because the myth about beauty products having to be expensive to be effective needs to be debunked! 

This hydrating day cream with soothing aloe vera comes in a 50 ml portable white jar which would be travel-friendly.

It comes in a cute paper package with an image of a dew drop and aloe vera that screams moisture. 

I like the “please recycle me” note on the flaps of the package. It means the jar is eco-friendly and can be reused. I also love that the pack comes with directions because that means they don’t assume that everyone knows what to do and that is thoughtful. My only criticism would be I wish that it came with a product spoon so you don’t have to put your finger in to scoop.

Now to the product itself. It’s white in color and has a heavy cream texture. It also has a light soapy fragrance that I found nice.

Some notable ingredients are glycerin and aloe vera which are known to be moisturizing agents, but it also contains liquid paraffin which may not be beneficial for oily skin types.

EXPERIENCE

I used this cream for almost 4 weeks because only a little went a long way. I found it thick, although it was deeply moisturizing. The texture on my face felt heavy as my facial skin likes lightweight products so that took some days of application to get used to. 

READ ALSO: MONTHLY EMPTIES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY FT THE ORDINARY AND MORE. 

Let me confess, it says day cream, but there were nights I used it and I don’t think it paired well with my night routine because I had to wait for that heavy feeling to fade off. I’ll probably try their night cream just to compare the experiences. 

The face facts hydrating day cream has no actives so it does not clear hyperpigmentation or exfoliation, rather it simply moisturizes the skin.

Get your free skincare guide and monthly wallpapers when you join the newsletter.

[mc4wp_form id=”265″]

WHO CAN USE

I believe dry skin would enjoy this product more because of its texture and ingredients. I put my sister on it because she has dry skin and her skin has been enjoying it so far. 

If you’re also on a budget, then this product is a good option.

VERDICT

Worth your buy if you have dry skin, are on a budget, or on the lookout for vegan products.

WHERE TO SHOP

I got it on Paxo beauty, for 1100 naira, which is barely $3. 

What beauty product did you just exhaust? Please share with me in the comments.

See you soon with another monthly review.

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.

The beauty world classifies lactic acid as part of the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which work topically to exfoliate old dead skin cells. 

The Benefits of Lactic Acid

Lactic acid can significantly improve the appearance of skin when used over time.

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. 

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.

It lasted me about 4-5 weeks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iruoma • Beauty & Lifestyle blogger (@adashofiruoma)

RATING

A 5 out of 5 for me and definitely something I would repurchase.

Have you tried any products from The Ordinary? What was your experience like?

READ ALSO- A REVIEW OF THE KLAIRS SUPPLE FACIAL TONER.

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.

Meeting Dr Sun Sun Protective Face and Body Cream

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.

Pros

1. Very affordable- I got it at a Supermarkt (GLOBUS) for #1650 but the price could vary depending on the location.
2. Creamy texture and doesn’t feel heavy on oily skin.
3. Portable packaging to carry around.
4. Broad-spectrum and SPF 50.
5. 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

1. White cast that takes long to blend in.
2. 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!

READ ALSO- Why You Need To Try The GAVIA Sunblock SPF 60

• 

Hey there!

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.

are toners Necessary?

According to Dr. Zalka, the answer is two-fold.

“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.

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.

The key ingredients are:

• Beta Glucan.
• Hyaluronic Acid.
• Centella Asiatica Extract.
• Licorice root.

Others are; Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1.

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.

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.

Let’s stay connected on Instagram or Pinterest and get the latest updates via my newsletters.

Have you used this product before? Is there any product you would like me to review? Let me know in the comments.

Till next time, take care!