Spring is usually the time of year when I try out new products and finally replace old ones that aren’t working. Some of these are gifted from the company, but most I bought on my own — and all I have been using for a little while now, so I can give you my honest opinion.
Earlier this year I went to get a facial (at Face Facial Bar) because my skin was feeling dull and a little congested. And $100+ later I didn’t feel there was any significant difference in my complexion. So I decided to buy a couple new products I could try at home, specifically targeting minor things I wanted to address: fine lines, under-eye bags, dullness, redness, and bumpy texture.
Ordinary’s Argireline — this, combined with their Matrixyl serum, is often described as “Botox in a Bottle” and since I’m not doing Botox right now (though I’m thiiiiiis close) I decided to give it a try. It’s nothing drastic but I feel like I see a subtler amount of expression lines when I use it, almost like it’s temporarily blurring out my forehead creases and crow feet.
Inkey List Azelaic Acid Serum — This squeezes out grey! Like, literally it is grey serum. Which at first freaked me out but now I kinda like that grey goop, which I guess is supposed to counteract redness. I used it when I had a little hyperpigmentation post zits that I wanted to get rid of, and it definitely worked in fading those scars. But I don’t have rosacea or anything too red on my face, so I can’t speak to that... apparently azelaic acid is very gentle (NOT A DOCTOR) so I didn’t have any concerns just throwing it into my regular skincare routine.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads — I definitely have noticed a huge brightening difference using this, similar to what I see when I use the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads. These are supposed to be a lot gentler (and they’re a ton cheaper) so I have been using them more often, almost every morning. But I just bought the Sephora brand Glow Peel Pads which are EVEN CHEAPER. Will see if they are just as good.
Dieux Forever Eye Masks — I have been wondering about these for years (espeically during the pandemic when they reached their hype height) and finally got them at Sephora. And I love! I get why people take a ton of selfies in them, which is exactly why I did so, too. I put these on top of eye cream (or just regular serums) and have been really impressed with how they just stay sticky and don’t move around. I also like that you can keep them on as a guide for an easy cat-eye eyeliner look. All you have to do is wash, dry, and you can reuse them. Feels so much better than constantly throwing those little under eye pads out!
Shielded Beauty Self Defense Eye Cream (gifted, use code “lynnc15” for 15% off) — I chose this to try when the brand reached out — with the Dieux masks above, because I don’t actually own any eye cream. I thought this one might have sunscreen, given the name. But SPF isn’t on the label — though it does say it “protects from blue light, airborne pathogens, pollution and UV damage.” The product DOES slightly brighten/wake up the eye area almost instantly — and says you can use it day/night so I do.
Speed Soak Skin Rehydrating Gel — I’ve been hearing a while about Soft Services, who have trademarked themselves the “body skin experts.” They only recently began selling at Sephora, and this was a sample I picked when I placed my last order. At first, I was like, “That’s it?” It’s so simple. Unscented. Plain. But upon more uses, I think it might be the perfect body moisturizer for hot weather. It’s lightweight and does, indeed soak right in. I could see how the slick texture could be divisive, though.
Some haircare — Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Cream is meant for heat styling, but I have been applying a dollop to my dry hair after brushing in the mornings and it’s kept my hair smooth without weighing it down. And I’ve also been
stealingusing Abe’s SACHAJUAN leave-in conditioner which he loves, so we have begun an Amazon subscription for it. It smells really good and does a good job of detangling/keeping the hair shiny and soft.
P.S. There’s a couple big Spring skincare sales going on right now. Thinking mainly about the Sephora one (currently going on through April 15th with the code YAYSAVE — here are my selects). But also Target Circle deals are happening through tomorrow — I have restocked on all my favorite Naturium products and also just bought the much-loved Timeless’ Vitamin C for $16). Now. If you want to spend A LOT more, the cult-favorite Skinceuticals Vitamin C is part of a “private sale” going on at Dermstore until Friday — use the code SKINC15 for 15% off. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to shell out close to $200 for serum, but I’ve heard it’s incredible.
P.P.S. Not skincare but I heard this Target dress looks good on everyone so I snagged one during the sale (for Circle members) — it’s just under $25 (comes in other colors/patterns). I wanted to share before it goes back to regular pricing ($35). It’s very light and comfy and it has pockets. I’m wearing my usual size.
That dress looks great on you, and I am very jealous. It does NOT look good on everyone, because on some people it looks like they should be milking a cow in the frumpiest dress they own. Some people are me.