Skinfix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser Review

I double cleanse. I’m almost fanatical about double-cleansing. Years ago, and it pains me to admit this, but I used to only wash my face with a cleanser, and that was it. It wasn’t until I started reading more about skincare and Korean skincare routines that I stumbled upon double-cleansing. 

I once tried a cleansing oil that broke me out, and I gave up on double-cleansing. I thought, “why am I putting oil on my already oily face?” But now I know. It takes oil to wash away oil, grime, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen. And instead of blaming double-cleansing, I know now it was that specific oil cleanser. So I tried other brands. I mistakenly bought one from Miniso, and it was awful. It left the dreaded ‘oily residue’ behind on my face, smelled like plastic, and didn’t remove my makeup or sunscreen. 

I found my favourite oil cleanser from The Face Shop (shoutout to Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil). However, I can only purchase it from eBay, and with the pandemic raging and our mail carrier overwhelmed, I gave up on it (for now). 

I needed something accessible, easy to find, and something that wouldn’t leave an oily residue behind. Enter Skinfix’s Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser!

The Specifics:

Brand: Skinfix

Claims: “This 98-percent naturally-derived formula is clinically proven to support natural hydration, smooth the look of uneven texture, reduce the appearance of blotchiness, and visibly reduce redness. This velvety cleanser effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping skin.” (x) 

Ingredients: Water/Eau/Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycol Distearate, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Gluconolactone, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Squalene, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Coconut Acid, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate.

Affordability: I paid $38 CDN for 177ml/6oz. I thought it was a little expensive for what I would normally pay for a cleansing oil, but it’s been seven months and I still have almost half a bottle left. I think for the amount needed for your face versus the price tag, it’s worth it. 

Condition of my skin: I’ve used this cleanser on broken skin, blemished skin, dehydrated skin, and skin in good condition. I’ve also used this cleanser after slathering my face in heavy oils and creams the night before and sunscreen. 

Skin prep: I dampen my face. 

How do I use this product?: I only need 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of this cleanser. I rub my hands together to create a lathering foam and gently massage it into my damp face for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, I wash it off. I use it on my face, eye area, and neck. 

Smell: Fragrance-free!

Texture: Unlike regular cleansing oils, this one looks like a milky gel cleanser. It’s thicker than oil but thinner than a gel cleanser. It’s an oil/gel hybrid. 

How does it leave my face?: Clean and refreshed. 

How does my face feel afterward?: It leaves my face smooth, soft, and clean without stripping my face and making it feel painfully dry. I was hesitant to use this product on my eyes because they’re sensitive, but this cleanser didn’t aggravate them or make them sting. 

Does it meet its claims/results?: Yes! I can honestly say that this oil cleanser is fantastic and effective. It doesn’t aggravate my (sometimes) sensitized skin, and it effectively removes dirt and grime without leaving a greasy residue behind. 

Love or hate?: I absolutely love this product. I love the fact that it’s free from “fragrance, parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, silicones, lanolin, petrolatum, propylene glycol, PEGs, gluten”(x), and it’s great for all skin types. The bottle will last me almost a year (or longer), helps clear out my pores (preventing blackheads), and is effective. It has become my favourite cleansing oil.  

Repurchase: Yes. I’d like to try other cleansing oils, but I will be keeping this in my skincare repertoire. 

Recommend: I cannot recommend this product enough! If you’re looking for a cleansing oil, new to cleansing oils, are afraid of washing your face with oils, don’t want to break out from using oils, have very dry or sensitive skin, etc., I recommend this product. Overall, I recommend you give this product a try. 

Final thoughts: I’m glad I stumbled upon this oil cleanser. I’m new to Skinfix, but I enjoy the efficacies, the streamlined and neat packaging, the free from fragrance and parabens, etc. of their products. Though the formula and feel of this oil cleanser are different than regular oil cleansers, this product is just as good as my absolute favourite Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil. 

• free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde
• cruelty-free
• leaves skin soft and supple without drying the skin
• is gentle but effectively removes sunscreen 
• a lot of product in the bottle
• good for all skin types
• non-irritating
• doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind

On the trail…

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream Review

I’m always on the hunt for good and reliable eye creams. I’m convinced there is an eye cream out there that will have me singing its praises and feel as though it were sent down from the heavens. 

I also have sensitive eyes, a line/wrinkle under each eye, under-eye dryness, wear contacts/glasses, and am prone to milia under my eyes. I need an eye cream that will moisturize my under-eye area without migrating into my eyes and making them burn. 

Over the years, I’ve learned there is a balance between moisturizing, milia-inducing, and seeping into my eyes. I’ve tried brands such as Clinique, La Roche-Posay, Shiseido, Skinfix, and now Biossance. 

Biossance is a clean brand, and I find them alluring. They use good ingredients, their products seem effective, and I know what I’m getting when I try their products. 

I’ve tried Biossance’s Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel and was not happy with it. Though it felt amazing around my eye area, it caused the dreaded milia, and I had to give it away. It had a cooling and refreshing feel as I dabbed it into my eyes but damn, the milia were not worth it. 

So I dived back in and tried this eye cream, hoping that it would be my holy grail eye cream. 

The Specifics:

Brand: Biossance

Claims: “Our latest innovation in eye cream pairs the power of marine algae and paracress extract for maximum performance. The result? A lifted look that also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This marine algae eye cream’s melt-in texture delivers deep hydration and a perfect canvas for makeup. Instantly lifts, firms, and smooths the look of skin.” (x) 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sorbitan Palmitate, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Astaxanthin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid.

Affordability: $71 CDN for 15ml/.05oz. I find this expensive and on the high-end of the affordability scale. Considering there is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride listed as the second ingredient, I am not impressed. I find brands use Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as a filler (though it is emollient), and my skin hates it. I’m disappointed to find that ingredient in such an expensive eye cream. 

Condition of my skin: The skin beneath my eyes is dry, and when dehydrated, the line beneath each eye becomes more pronounced. 

Skin prep: Double cleansed. 

How do I use this product?: I dab the cream around my eye area in the morning and evening. 

Smell: No scent. 

Texture: A light pink thick and rich cream. Though it’s thick, it sinks into my skin and is easily spreadable. 

How does it leave my face?: It is very moisturizing and sinks into my skin. 

How does my face feel afterward?: My under-eye area stays well hydrated, but I would like it to be a tad more hydrating as the hours go by. It’s not streaky and wears well under other skincare products, sunscreen, and makeup. 

Does it meet its claims/results?: I wish I could say yes but it doesn’t. I found it doesn’t meet its claims and the results are disappointing. It doesn’t “instantly lift”, firm or smooth my eye area. 

Love or hate?:  I like this eye cream, but there are too many cons for me to love it. I love that it doesn’t migrate into my eyes or causes milia! I like the packaging; you can tell that this is from a mid-range luxury brand. The feel of the lid and tub of the cream is weighted, and the box is simple but beautiful. I love the packaging, and there is no excessive plastic or wastage. It’s fantastic that the squalane is plant-derived and not animal derived too. But I hate that there is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride listed as the second ingredient and I hate the price tag. 

Repurchase: I’m on the fence about repurchasing this eye cream. I would repurchase this cream during a sale because it’s a steady, good cream, but I’m hesitant to buy it at full price. 

Recommend: If you love Biossance, want a clean eye cream, and want something great for sensitive and milia-prone eyes, sure. But be warned, it’s not a miraculous eye cream that will save you from fine lines. Also, don’t break your wallet over this eye cream. 

Final thoughts: Despite my disappointment that the results were less than stellar, I do like this eye cream. It doesn’t sting my eyes, layers well beneath makeup and sunscreen, and doesn’t cause milia. I like that it’s from a clean brand but c’mon, Biossance, take out the Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride! Overall, it’s a moisturizing eye cream, but that’s all that it is. 

• non-irritating
• doesn’t cause milia
• wears well under sunscreen and makeup
• fragrance-free
• doesn’t migrate into the eyes
• good for those that wear contact lenses
• moisturizing
• plant-derived squalane
• contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• expensive

The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment Review

I have a few hyperpigmented spots and dark spots. It’s a tad embarrassing to admit, but I have to be honest. I currently use niacinamide, alpha arbutin, vitamin c, retinol, glycolic acid, and other actives in my skincare routine. 

While I have noticed an overall brightening effect and smooth texture of my skin, the stubborn spots on my face are still there. Sure, they fade a tad and don’t get worse, but they’re still there, mocking me. 

Tranexamic acid is new to me but not new to skincare. It’s known for combating dark spots, brightening, and evening out skin tone and texture. I am a huge fan of The Ordinary; most of the skincare products I currently use are from them. I find their products effective, low on filler, direct, and affordable. However, they do not offer Tranexamic acid in their lineup (I wish they would!). 

I’m new to The Inkey, and I heard great things about their products. So when I found out they sell Tranexamic acid, I knew I had to try it out. 

The Specifics:

Brand: The Inkey List

Claims: “This overnight treatment targets hyperpigmentation, uneven patches, and dark spots. It brightens your skin’s complexion, as well as aids the reduction of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Formulated with 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Acai Berry extract to promote even skin tone, as well as 2% skin brightening hero Vitamin C, it also boosts overall skin brightness and evens skin tone.” (x) 

Ingredients: Aqua (Water/ Eau), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tranexamic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, 1-Methylhydanto- in-2-Imide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Polysorbate 60, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbitan Isostearate.

Affordability: $18.99 CDN for 1oz/30ml. 

Condition of my skin: I have a few spots of hyperpigmentation and from sun damage. I also have a few healing blemishes on my cheeks. 

Skin prep: Double cleanse, homemade green tea and witch hazel toner, sheet mask, eye cream, The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 serum, snail mucin, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid on my nose. 

How do I use this product?:  I use this product as the last step in my evening routine, omitting facial oils and moisturizers. The Inkey instructs consumers to use this product as the last step and not use any other product atop it. I use two full pumps to cover my face and neck area.

Smell: I am not a fan of the scent of this product. It smells of burnt rubber, the interior of a new car, and plastic. The scent fades as it absorbs into the skin, but I find it overwhelming. 

Texture: A thick clear gel. 

How does it leave my face?: Once absorbed into the skin, it leaves the face matte and dry. I found it to be a tad drying the first few times I used this product, but I learned to really hydrate my skin before using this. If you have dry skin, I would recommend using a sheet mask, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrators beneath this treatment. 

How does my face feel afterward?: The next morning, my face feels soft. 

Does it meet its claims/results?: This treatment did brighten and even out my skin tone. It didn’t erase my dark spots but it did lighten them. I ran out of product and was waiting for my second bottle to arrive in the mail and noticed that the lightening effect stopped immediately after stopping this treatment. To see great results, I have a feeling you’d have to continually use this product every night forever. I did with my first bottle but now I alternate with other actives at night. 

Love or hate?:  I like this product but I don’t love it. I like the feel of the gel and the fact that this is marketed as ‘Tranexamic Acid’ with no fillers. What I hate is the plastic packaging. I’m used to glass bottles and minimal plastic packaging with my skincare products but I find this product to have excessive plastic tubing. I also don’t like the fact that I can’t see how much product I have remaining in the bottle/tube like I can with The Ordinary products. I know, I know. I’m not comparing the companies but I have my preferences. 

Repurchase: Yes. This is the only Tranexamic product on the market (that I’m aware of) that is affordable and easily accessible with no hidden fillers or weird ingredients. I’m already on my second bottle and will continue to repurchase this treatment when I run out. 

Recommend: Yes, I recommend this product but don’t expect instant or miraculous results. It takes time and patience to see small results. If you have dry skin, I recommend you hydrate your skin before using this treatment. I do think this product would be good for all skin types and I have even used this treatment on blemished and broken skin and found it to be non-irritating. 

Final thoughts: I’m on my second bottle, and I’m still on the fence about this treatment. I like it but I’m not in love with it. I know many people on Reddit and in Sephora reviews have raved great things about this treatment but I haven’t had miraculous or fantastic results yet. After regular use, I found my skin tone was more even and brighter. This doesn’t reduce or completely fade dark spots but it does prevent them from becoming darker. For that reason, I will continue to use this treatment. 

• mattifying gel texture 
• brightens and evens out skin tone
• doesn’t reduce the look of dark spots but minimally fades them with continued use
• doesn’t pill and layers well on top of other skincare products
• is non-irritating
• smells of burnt rubber and plastic
• plastic packaging

Mask of the Week: Holika Holika Pure Essence Rice Mask Sheet Review

Rice in skincare isn’t new and an ingredient I love (both to eat and use on my face). Skin softening, collagen-boosting, texture-smoothing, and brightening, rice does it all! 

I bought Holika Holika’s Pure Rice Essence Sheet Mask because 1) I like rice and 2) I liked the packaging. I’ve said it so many times before, but I’m a sucker for good packaging. I’ve previously tried a Holika Holika sheet mask and wasn’t that impressed by it. Sure, it was hydrating, but that was it. I was hoping this mask was different, and it was! 

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: Textured and dry from using retinol the night before. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with a tea tree toner. 

Brand: Holika Holika

Claims: “A brightening sheet mask. Lightening dark spots, Pure Essence Mask Sheet Rice brightens the complexion and fights pigmentation. Suitable for sensitive skin, the nourishing sheet mask soaks the skin with gentle, moisturizing ingredients for increased elasticity and smoothness with reduced irritation.” (x) 

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arginine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Viola Tricolor Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA

Affordability: I paid under $2.00 CDN for this mask on eBay, and I think it’s worth the price. For what it did for my skin, under two dollars was a steal. 

Smell: This is where the mask betrayed me. The essence smelled very strongly of medicinal herbs. I found it overwhelming, and the scent didn’t dissipate. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence was clear and slightly viscous. The essence was non-tacky and absorbed into the skin. The mask held a lot of essence but wasn’t dripping with it, and there was essence leftover in the pouch. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: The material of the mask was thin and almost translucent fabric. It contoured my face better than other sheet masks I’ve used and didn’t need to be readjusted. It held the essence well. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: Once I took off the sheet mask and looked in the mirror, I was in awe. Sure, the results weren’t miraculous, but they were still impressive. The texture of my skin was smoother, plump, and well hydrated, and my face was radiant. Regarding dark spots, I’ve never met a mask or skincare product that immediately lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation so I wasn’t expecting it to address those issues. 

What I like: I like how effective the sheet mask was. My face was so smooth, soft, radiant, and supple. My other skincare products glided on effortlessly, and the essence wasn’t tacky. 

What I don’t like: The scent threw me off. I didn’t like it. It was too strong and overpowering; I’m not a fan of medicinal herby smells. Though the scent was strong, it wasn’t irritating on my skin. 

Repurchase: Yes, I would gladly repurchase this mask and would love to try out the other varieties in the lineup. I’m curious to see if they’re as effective as this sheet mask. 

Recommend: I highly recommend this sheet mask. Regardless of your skin type, I think this mask will suit everyone. It was hydrating without being heavy, and it smoothed and softened the skin and left it radiant. It was a wonderful sheet mask to use. 

Final thoughts: I went into using this sheet mask with no preconceived notions. I was tired and looking forward to relaxing for twenty minutes before getting on with my day. At first, I was going to rate this mask a 4.5 because the scent was so overpowering. But after seeing the effects it had on my skin, the rating got bumped up to a 5. 

Rating: 5/5

• softened the skin
• left the skin more radiant
• very hydrating
• mask contoured well to the face
• layered well under other skincare products 
• didn’t leave the face tacky
• strong medicinal herbaceous scent 

Tonight’s Skincare Routine

From left to right:

• MEDIHEAL Acai Berry Vita Sheet Mask
• Homemade Green Tea and Witch Hazel toner
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
• The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5
• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
• Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
• La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes

How I use these products: double cleanse, BHA Blackhead liquid on my nose, toner, sheet mask, Redermic R eye cream, mix Amino Acids + Retinol in Squalane + Rose Hip Seed Oil + Snail Mucin in an emulsion, Lala Retro cream.

Have a goodnight!

Mask of the Week: A’PIEU Real Big Yogurt One Bottle Strawberry Sheet Mask

I haven’t felt like using a sheet mask in a few days. Shocking and not a great idea, considering I have two large boxes filled to the brim with sheet masks to use up before they expire. But this morning, I woke up and decided to treat myself and have a slow morning. With an iced latte in hand, I laid back and let the sheet mask do its magic. 

I love A’PIEU. They make sheet masks with super gimmicky and cute packaging. But are they effective? Yes! Every single sheet mask I’ve tried has worked wonders for my skin, and it’s why A’PIEU is one of my trusted brands for sheet masks. 

I’m always hesitant to put anything dairy near my face. I once used a strawberry yoghurt cream mask (store-bought) that broke me out instantly and burned my face. So I was a little apprehensive to use this one because of the lactobacillus present. But once again, A’PIEU changed my mind. 

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: One healing blemish. Otherwise, dehydrated skin. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with Belif’s Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner. 

Brand: A’PIEU

Claims: “The A’pieu Real Big Yogurt One Bottle masks contain star ingredients yogurt and lactobacillus to nourish and hydrate the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier by increasing cell regeneration. It’s formulated with an L-cell sheet, which offers a soft Tencel to provide full adherence to the skin. This ensures your skin is absorbing all the benefits of the mask! The Strawberry fruit extract is full of antioxidants and Vitamin C to brighten the skin.” (x) 

Ingredients:  Aqua, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Yogurt Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Oligopeptide-29, Nonapeptide-1, Parfum

Affordability: I paid $2.00 CDN for this sheet mask. I think it’s affordable since A’PIEU makes great sheet masks. 

Smell: The essence smells so delicious! A creamy strawberry milk scent that is very light and not overwhelming at all. It’s faint and non-irritating on my face. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence is watery and clear. The mask is drenched in essence and there was a lot of essence leftover in the pouch. The essence is instantly absorbed into the face and doesn’t leave the skin tacky or sticky. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: A thin fabric mask that holds the essence well. It contoured my face and didn’t slip or need re-adjusting. Like Dr. Jart+ sheet masks, there is a plastic film folded along with the sheet mask that prevents the mask from sticking together and makes it easier to peel apart. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: While it didn’t brighten my face as it claimed, it was very hydrating and it plumped my skin. It didn’t leave my face tacky and the essence left my skin hydrated and supple. 

What I like:  I liked how refreshing it was to use and how quickly the essence sunk into my skin. It didn’t leave my skin tacky and left it supple and hydrated, making it easy to layer the rest of my skincare on top. I love the smell. It reminds me of the strawberry Pocky snacks I buy. 

What I don’t like: I liked everything about this mask. 

Repurchase: Yes, I will definitely repurchase this mask. I never hesitate to purchase A’PIEU masks and will spend more than I usually spend on sheet masks because I know they’re going to be great. 

Recommend: If you haven’t tried out the rest of the Big Yogurt One Bottle varieties, I recommend you do. If you have dry skin or are just looking for more hydration in your routine, you have to try this sheet mask! I recommend keeping it in the fridge before using it so it’s extra refreshing. 

Final thoughts: A’PIEU sheet masks always smell amazing, their packaging is always A+, and the masks are effective. It’s been a few hours since using this mask and my skin is still hydrated and soft. I don’t know why I’m always shocked and impressed every time I use one of A’PIEU’s sheet masks but consider me happily impressed using this one. 

Rating: 5/5

• smells faintly of strawberry milk
• very hydrating
• fragrance is non-irritating
• mask drenched in essence
• lots of leftover essence in the pouch
• leaves skin smooth, soft, and supple
• doesn’t leave skin tacky

My Heart…

Empties! COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Here is my all-time absolute favourite skincare product ever. I mean it. I love this product, and for the past two years, it has been a staple in my routine. 

I use this every day, twice a day. I use it after The Ordinary products and before my moisturizer/facial oils. A year ago, I ran out for two weeks while I waited for a new bottle to arrive in the mail, and wow! I didn’t realize how much my skin loved this product until I stopped using it. 

My skin appeared dehydrated, my pores seemed more enhanced, my skin’s texture was uneven, and I had a few blemishes. Once I incorporated the snail mucin essence back into my routine, everything went away. 

When using this product, I do notice my skin’s texture is more even, my pores aren’t as pronounced, my skin is well hydrated, and if I do have any scratches or blemishes on my face, they heal quicker (than without the snail mucin). 

At one point, it bothered me that I was using snail secretion on my face, and I thought it was gimmicky. But after trying out the product and seeing the results for myself, I’m a convert. The texture is viscous and almost goopy, but it’s not sticky or tacky, and it absorbs instantly into the skin. 

I pay around $21 CDN for a bottle, and it lasts me (on average) around six months. This essence is the reason I started trying out more COSRX products and started to branch out into Korean skincare (aside from sheet masks). 

I cannot get enough of this essence, and I will never give it up.