Quick Hit: Recent Skincare Empties
After keeping up a nothing-but-the-basics skincare routine for years, it seems I’ve become a skincare person. Blame it on quarantine (actually, I can’t because this has been going on for… a while), blame it on aging (more likely this), blame it on a bout of cystic acne that stretched from 2019 into the first half of 2020 (and also this), whatever the cause (again, see the last two points), I’ve been searching for some new products and have saved my empties from the last several months to review for you. Below, I’m rounding up the winners and not-so-winners from this last batch - and watch my full review here!:
The Winners:
Ogee Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil: The * ahem * gold standard for me when it comes to removing makeup. This luxurious oil takes off eyeliner, mascara, and other makeup like a breeze and has become the first step of my nightly double cleansing routine (I follow with this cleanser). Yes, it’s a little pricy but it lasts a long time and you can save 15% by shopping through this link with the code ‘Julie5’
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Serum: I LOVE this serum – I’m actually on my third bottle! I use it at night after cleansing and using this toner, sometimes alone, sometimes followed by patting on this oil afterward. I’ve noticed my skin is smoother, fewer clogged pores, and better overall clarity since using it. One tip: Simple seems best when using this. I don’t use any other serums in conjunction with it and only pat on oil after sun exposure or when I feel I need a little extra moisture. Always use an SPF when using an AHA/BHA, too.
Skin Owl Eye: If you watched the video, you’d see the old packaging. This product now comes in a handy pump bottle, making the jelly-like consistency a little more user-friendly. I loved this eye gel – it was super cooling and hydrating.
The Organic Skin Co. Daily Rituals Moisturizer: I’m on my second pot of this moisturizer. It’s thick without clogging pores and great for dry winter months – plus, the ingredients are 80% organic and 99% natural. It also has a light orange blossom scent and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy, great on its own or under makeup.
Tammy Fender Epi Peel: I love this mask. It’s sort of like a clay mask when you put it on, then once you wet it, it turns into a gentle scrub. It is more pricy (I think I purchased mine during Black Friday, but when you use it infrequently, it lasts quite a while. I’d definitely purchase again but will be waiting for another sale.
Ogee Organics Gentle Glow Cleansing Cloths: Another Ogee winner (hint: they’re all winners). I began using these when I ran out of the Liquid Gold oil and they work great for removing makeup before cleansing (although not quite as great as the oil). I’m not usually a huge fan of cleansing cloths, but these took off my eye makeup really well. Once makeup was removed, I’d add a little water to my face to get the rest off. Handy and worth keeping around as a backup to your usual cleanser. Save 15% with code ‘Julie5’
Ogee Organics Clear Sculpted Lip Oil: OK, so I’m obsessed with these lip oils, which contain Ogee’s hero ingredient, organic jojoba oil. I love the tinted oils, but the clear and the CBD Lip Oil are my hands-down favorites. They moisturize without making your lips flake and make your lips look super hydrated – If you want to know how much I love them, I have them all over my house, in my car, hidden in different bags. They’re everywhere. The clear has a slight minty tingle, but not overwhelming. 10/10 recommend! Save 15% with code ‘Julie5’
The Sorta-Kinda:
Naturally Serious Cold-Pressed Peel Pads: I was sent these peel pads and the Sleeping Cream from Naturally Serious to try, and they were ok. I didn’t notice a huge difference in clarity or hyperpigmentation with the peel pads. They did feel nice to use after cleansing, but no different than a toner-soaked reusable bamboo round, so aren’t something I’d re-purchase.
The “That’s Gonna Be a No from Me, Dawg”s:
Naturally Serious Sleeping Cream: Ok, so this cream could be great for someone with super dry skin. It’s ultra-thick and hydrating but was too heavy for my combination skin. However, I’ve been using it at night on my neck and decollete and really like it for those less breakout-prone areas.
Primera Miracle Seed Essense: I had high hopes for this essence, which is supposed to be a dupe for the pricier SKII essence, but it just didn’t seem to do much for me.
Sunday Riley C.E.O Serum: This serum was much closer to a lotion in my opinion, and just didn’t agree with my skin (more breakouts!). Like some reviews stated, it didn’t seem to absorb and just sat on my skin making it feel greasy.
Sunday Riley Martian Toner: OK, so the first thing you need to know about this product is that it smells like a wet dog. Ha! I’m not averse to products that don’t smell great, but I’m not sure this did much for my skin. I purchased it as part of an acne-clearing set and wouldn’t re-purchase. I think a toner that contains glycolic or BHA is more effective for me. I do like the UFO Oil, which is included in that set, for occasional use to keep acne under control.
That’s a wrap! I’m going to try to do these a little more often to keep the number of products under control (this was at least 6 months of empties saved up). Let me know if you’ve ever tried any of these products – I’d love to know your thoughts!