After discovering and trying Japanese cosmetics for the first time, I went back to buying and using more products I was eager to try, along with other low-cost European brands that left me with a bittersweet taste, as I wrote on my Instagram. Rediscovering and discovering new skincare brands, I've had more joy than sorrow in this final round of March.
Hydra Therapy micellar water, by REVUELE.
It has become an indispensable skincare product, a necessary toiletry staple, managing to position itself as one of my favorite micellar waters, after Pretty Skin's micellar water and Garnier's micellar water for sensitive skin (the blue one). What I like most about this micellar water is how it cleanses and leaves the skin.Among its ingredients are hyaluronic acid and Hydromanil, whose main function is to provide long-lasting hydration and conditioning, making it the ideal product for sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin in particular, although it can be used on any skin type.
When you soak the product in the cotton pad and begin cleansing your skin, you can notice how it immediately the product starts to lift makeup and skin impurities. Once the skin starts to feel clean, the cotton pad begins to glide like butter over the skin, removing the latest traces of impurities and makeup, leaving the skin clean, decongested, luminous, hydrated, and full of life.
Houile Démaq’ a rinser (cleansing oil), by EVOLUDERM.
I absolutely miss the previous version, why? Because the current version is somewhat disappointing for my personal taste. As I said on my Instagram account, sometimes, innovation is welcomed with open arms, and other times, it's only accepted by a portion of the target audience, and that's my case with this cleansing oil.
The first version use to melt any type of makeup, emulsifying beautifully, but the new version seems like a failed attempt to combine a cleansing oil with a facial cleansing gel (when emulsifying with water), ruining the original formula without any reason. From a powerful light formula that can dissolve even depilatory wax without any effort, to a thicker formula that have nothing to do with the original formula. So, what used to be one of my favorites low-cost skincare products, has ended up being another product that works, and does its job, nothing revolutionary or innovative to discover or try.
Gokujyun Hatomugi pore cleansing face wash, by HADA LABO.
Very good water-based facial cleanser, with a slightly dense and rich foam that deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out or irritating the eye area. Despite being created to help regulate the skin's sebum production, it doesn't dry out the skin, gently removing impurities from the skin, penetrating directly into the pores, cleansing them deeply.
It's a good second step daily cleansing routine that leaves skin soft and smooth, and ready for the next step in your daily routine: facial toner.
Dokudami natural skin lotion, by CHINOSIO.
I always end up loving most of Japanese and Korean facial toners, but this one is completely different, why? Because it goes beyond conditioning and rebalancing the skin, becoming an effective treatment itself that helps to eliminate dark spots, improving skin tone, and increasing skin luminosity. So after its continued use, the skin begins to look renewed and more even-toned.
Although its formula is light and easily absorbed by the skin, it has an interesting list of ingredients, with Dokudami, Licorice extract, and Rose Water as its main ingredients.
Although its formula is light and easily absorbed by the skin, it has an interesting list of ingredients, with Dokudami, Licorice extract, and Rose Water as its main ingredients.
Something to keep in mind is that this face toner contains two different types of parabens: Ethylparaben and Methylparaben, as preservatives. I'm aware that these skincare ingredients may be controversial, however, it is also true that they have been used safely for years in the skincare industry. In my particular case, I have sensitive combination-oily skin, and I haven't had any problems with the daily use of this face toner. In fact, it has helped me to condition and unify my skin tone, combating effectively my skin blemishes.
As I always say, the secret lies in the product's formulation. Not everyone knows how to find the perfect recipe, even if you give them all the ingredients and explain step by step how to prepare the secret potion.
