Done. I'll post my thoughts soon

Love the packaging.

Do you have some recommendations in terms of affordable essences?

GROWN ALCHEMIST’s Mandarin & Rosemary Leaf

The deeply hydrating cream is formulated with potent bioactive ingredients that noticeably nourish, moisturise and soothe dry skin while visibly restoring skin elasticity and suppleness. Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil, both rich in nourishing Triglycerides, noticeably improve skin hydration. Almond, Grape Seed and Rosehip Oils contain free radical-fighting Polyphenol Antioxidants helping condition and soothe the appearance of dry skin. Vitamin C from Cold-Pressed Mandarin Orange Oil noticeably improves elasticity and suppleness. Wheatgerm Extract, rich in Vitamins A, E, D, Essential Fatty Acids and Tocopherols, visibly firms and smooths the skin.

Yes, depends what you what your essence to do. In short, it’s basically one major ingredient with increased potency - a moisturizer won’t have 10% niacinamide but a serum/essence will, you know?

If you’re looking for hydration and glow then checkout the one in OP (Hada Labo) it’s very adorable and will last you months.

I need to learn the difference between essence and actives

What ive been doing is:

cleanse
niacinamide
hyaluronic acid or caffeine solution 5% + EGCG (its for eyes but ive also been using it as hydration lately)
moisturizer
SPF (if AM)

Think of actives as any product that needs SPF. For example, retinol, tretinoin, and chemical exfoliants are all products and ingredients that fight acne and aging but in turn make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. That’s why it’s better to use them in the PM to allow the night for full and uninterrupted repair.

Essences are products that provide vital ingredients in a more concentrated form.

i think imma f*** around and get this

Its the notes for Chanel Égoïste btw

appreciate u fam

went to an esthetician today for the first time it was nice

Been using tretinoin for 3 weeks

Plan to use long term

@op so for my first exfoliant, i got paula's choice 8% AHA. i like how it feels on my face, but think it's causing me to break out a little.

should i just return the remaining bottles i got or wait this out and see what happens? (been using it for a week and noticed my breakout yesterday - it's not bad, but i notice some tiny bumps forming)

random, but any thoughts on bar soap?

i use dove's basic bar soap, but not sure if i should switch it up. just have a few acne scars on my shoulder

does anyone have a good way to test your skin type? ive tried a few different ways but dont feel confident trying to determine what type and i dont want to buy the wrong products that will do the opposite of what i need

Yes, since this is your first chemical exfoliant you are actually experiencing purging. This is your skin reacting to years oil and gunk being cleared out. Think of it like entering a dirty room to clean, you’ll have to get rid of the junk before you can keep it maintained, right?

Here’s a chart to further explain, keep using it (don’t overdo it) and it will go away! It’s totally normal & shows it’s working.

I’ve used some of the AESOP ones but normally just regular soap & follow up with:

Grown Alchemists’ Vanilla & Orange Peel HAND CREAM

MAJOR INGREDIENTS:

Grape Seed, Wheat Germ and Rosehip Oil, rich in free radical-fighting Antioxidants, leave skin looking supple and radiant. Cold Pressed Orange Peel oil contains powerful antioxidants that leave skin looking supple and toned. Rosehip and Camellia Seed Oil work to improve skin hydration, while also helping repair the appearance of skin damaged by oxidative stress, noticeably increasing smoothness. Polysaccharides from Aloe Vera help the skin appear de-stressed and soothed. Vanillin from Vanilla provides uplifting and calming aromatic properties, while Flavonoids and Omega 3 and 6, from Sea Buckthorn Berry, visibly improve skin elasticity and softness.

i been putting cosrx snail mucin under my moisturizer night & day since tretinoin is drying my skin the f*** out, and my coworker asked what my secret to glowy skin was, she said i look like i have a filter on irl WE COOKING

also picked up this and excited to incorporate it into my routine 1x a week
, was using the ordinary one before

IYKYK

I need to see a therapist after that audiobook snippet.

Thanks for this info, greatly appreciate it!

would also like to know this too!

hate to keep tagging you @op, but any thoughts?

You shouldn't be buying products to test out your skin type.

Just wash your face, wait about 3 hours then take a tissue paper and apply to your T-Zone and cheeks. Does the paper have any oil? is it completely dry? did your skin get tight? did it get flakey in that duration?

Can ur type change. I used to be hella oily at some point in the past and now I'm normal

What can I add to 2x Neutrogena Mositurizer w SPF?

it has been done