Hi girls! I have posted a bunch of lists so far and was really heartened by how helpful others found it, so I thought I’d share it here too. However this time I’ll keep the reviews short and sweet, but feel free to ask if you want me to elaborate on anything!

* Check out the last part!

About My Skin

I’m with combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. My skin does not get along with fragrance, citrus oils, or floral essential oils, so I’ve become a bit of an ingredients nerd by necessity. I still have plenty to learn, but hopefully this list helps others with similarly reactive skin or anyone looking to simplify their routine based on honest experiences.

1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum – 8/10

Pros : This is hands down one of the most effective vitamin C serums I’ve tried. It noticeably brightened and evened out my skin tone within a few weeks, and gave me that healthy, post-facial kind of glow. The combination of L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid is gold-standard for antioxidant protection, and I genuinely saw an improvement in dullness and texture.

Cons : The price tag is painful and it’s a major splurge. I also noticed that the serum began to oxidize around the four-month mark, even though I stored it away from sunlight and heat. It also has that signature hot dog smell that SkinCeuticals is known for, which can be off-putting at first.

Bottom Line : If you can afford it, this is one of the most reliable vitamin C formulas out there. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed and out of direct light to prolong its shelf life. Would repurchase for its results, but only during a good sale!

2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist – 1/10

Pros : The packaging is undeniably adorable, and the mist itself is very fine and even, so if aesthetics matter to you, this delivers on that front.

Cons : Unfortunately, this mist didn’t agree with my skin at all. It has an overpowering, synthetic watermelon candy scent that lingered far too long for something that’s meant to be refreshing. It also caused me to break out, and didn’t provide any noticeable hydration or glow. For a product that promises hydration and dewiness, it felt more like a scented water spray with potential irritants.

Bottom Line : This one was a letdown. If you're sensitive to fragrance or prone to breakouts, I’d steer clear. There are gentler and more effective facial mists on the market.

3. Pillow Talk Derm Major Fade Flash Mask – 0/10

Pros : Honestly, I can’t comment much on its long-term effectiveness, because my skin couldn’t tolerate it long enough to find out.

Cons : This was an instant “nope” for me. The mask contains 15% glycolic acid, and within minutes of application, my face started burning and turned bright red. I had to wash it off immediately. It left my skin feeling raw and sensitized for days afterward.

Bottom Line : This mask might work for someone with a high tolerance for strong chemical exfoliants, but it was far too harsh for my skin. Definitely a lesson in the importance of patch testing before applying anything potent all over your face.

Hope this helps my fellow sensitive skin friends navigate the skincare jungle and I'm always happy to share more if it's helpful! Stay tuned for the next chapter:)