Not Worth the Hype 😒 | Olivetalk | K-Beauty reviews by influencers | Korean skincare & makeup
Not Worth the Hype 😒
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Not Worth the Hype 😒

Ugh…

Okay, I’ll be real. I got this because I kept seeing people rave about it, especially my Korean friends. It was like “Oh, this is the toner you need for calm, hydrated skin!” and I thought, maybe it’s worth a try. Spoiler alert: I don’t get it. It’s just… fine. It’s not awful, but it’s not great either. It’s like… the background character in a skincare routine, you know? Just kinda there doing its job, but not really contributing much. Honestly, if it disappeared tomorrow, I wouldn’t even notice.

First of all, let’s talk about the texture. It’s super watery, which I mean, fine. But it’s like water with no substance. It doesn’t feel luxurious or even hydrating. Like, why am I wasting my time with this when I could be using something that actually gives me a little more oomph? I guess it absorbs fast, but sometimes I feel like I’m just slapping water on my face, hoping for magic. Spoiler: no magic. It’s just… wet. That’s it. I mean, what am I supposed to get excited about here?

Then there’s the whole “no fragrance” thing. I get it, some people like it because they’re sensitive or whatever, but for me, it just feels… bland. It’s like the product doesn’t have a personality. You know, when you meet someone and they’re just… boring? Like, I get it, no scent is fine, but it’s not doing anything to make me feel like I’ve treated myself. Maybe if there was a little bit of something, some light floral or refreshing scent, it would’ve at least made it feel like an actual experience. But nope, it’s just like… air.

Hydration? Sure, I guess it’s hydrating. My skin’s not left feeling dry, but that’s the bare minimum for a toner, right? It didn’t make me glow or look more dewy or any of that stuff I see in the reviews. I was just… hydrated in a very “meh” kind of way. I honestly think I could’ve skipped it in my routine and my skin would’ve been just as fine. It’s one of those products that you use because it’s there, but you’re not sure why you even bothered. Like, yeah, it didn’t cause breakouts or anything, so that’s nice, but is that really a huge win? It’s not bad, but it’s not good either. It’s just there, taking up space.

Let’s be real here: if you’re looking for a toner that’s going to change your skin game, don’t bother with this one. It’s definitely not a miracle worker, and honestly, it’s just boring. Maybe if you’re just starting out with skincare and want something super basic, this would do the job. But if you have other toners that actually do something for your skin — something that leaves you feeling fresh and glowy — then this one’s not going to make the cut. It’s just one of those products that people claim to love because it’s hyped up, but once you try it, you’re like, “Oh… okay. That’s it?”

I’ve been using this for a few weeks, and I honestly don’t think it’s done much for me. My skin’s not worse off, but I wouldn’t say it’s better either. It’s just meh — which is probably the worst thing a skincare product can be. At least if it were bad, I could just toss it and move on. But this is like… fine. So, I’ll finish the bottle, but I won’t be repurchasing. I’d rather spend my time and money on something that actually gives me a reason to keep using it. If you’re into products that just kinda exist without doing much, then maybe you’ll like this. But for me, I’ll pass next time.

Not terrible, but not great. Just kinda... meh.
 

 

 

 10Comments
  1. influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    1 mo. ago
    I’ve used this for years precisely because it’s boring. It’s not meant to be a star. It’s a pH-balancing, no-frills prep step. if you’re using it alone expecting transformation, you’re doing it wrong. Layer it under a serum or essence, and you’ll see why Koreans love it.
    influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    24 days ago
    THANK YOU. People forget how to use toners in context, not in isolation.
  2. influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    1 mo. ago
    Not on the same page as you...love this a lot
    influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    24 days ago
    That’s fair, everyone’s skin is different. Glad it works for you!
  3. influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    1 mo. ago
    Wait, but is it supposed to be hydrating? I thought it was just for pH adjustment before actives. Maybe you’re using it wrong? Also, what’s the pH level? If it’s not acidic enough for exfoliation or basic enough for cleansing, then, what is its purpose?
    influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    24 days ago
    That’s a fair question. It’s not a hydrator per se. Think of it as a pH restorer so serums don’t sting. pH ~5.5.
  4. influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    1 mo. ago
    I’m lost.
    - If this is so ‘basic,’ why do people swear by it?

    - Is there a specific skin type it works best for? (Oily? Dry? Combo?)

    - Does it actually help with product absorption, or is that a myth?

    - What’s the right way to use it? Patting? Cotton pad? Spray bottle??

    - Any dupes that do have a little more oomph?

    Help a confused soul out!
    influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    24 days ago
    Okay here’s the full lowdown: 1. Yes, it helps serum absorption. 2. Best for combo or sensitive skin. 3. Use by hand or cotton pad, both work. 4. Look at Isntree’s hyaluronic toner for a stronger dupe.
  5. influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    1 mo. ago
    Pretty debatable 🤔
    influencer thumbnail
    Influencer
    24 days ago
    That’s skincare for you—mild chaos and constant debate. 😅
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