Dear diary, It happened again. I saw “brightening” and “capsule” in one sentence and thought, this is it. The glow, the even tone, the glass skin… it’s all coming. Right? Wrong. So wrong. Let’s start with the texture. The little white beads are cute—until you actually try to get them to melt evenly on your face. It’s like rubbing in tiny ghosts that refuse to disappear. And then it just kinda sits there. Not sticky, not dewy, just… awkward. Like a guest who doesn’t know when to leave. Did I brighten? Maybe 0.01 shades if I squint in direct sunlight. Did my skin feel healthier? Sure. Like, hydrated. But that’s the bare minimum, babe. I really wanted to love this. I mean, SKIN1004’s branding? Gorgeous. And the Centella lineup usually treats my moody skin pretty well. But this one? It’s giving me “meh.” And I don’t do “meh.” Sincerely, Disgust who still hasn’t found her tone-up soulmate. Oh by the way this was the review of Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule.

Overview By now, I think it’s safe to say we've all heard of Tatcha and especially their cult-favorite Tatcha Water Cream. But is it actually worth the hype? I’ll be honest : I hate spending more than $30 on skincare. But this? I truly believe it’s worth every single penny. Let’s dive in. PROS - Feels incredible on the skin - lightweight, refreshing, and instantly hydrating. - Anti-aging benefits thanks to Tatcha’s signature blend of Japanese botanicals. - Visibly refines pores for a smoother-looking complexion. - Delivers the perfect glow radiant without looking greasy. - A dream under makeup keeps makeup looking fresh and lasting all day. - Non-greasy, a major win for someone like me who usually feels oily after moisturizing. - Versatile for different skin types while it’s recommended for oily/combination skin, it also works beautifully on drier skin types. - Ideal year-round hydrating enough for winter, lightweight enough for summer. - Formulated with high-quality ingredients you can feel good about. - Suitable for both day and night use, a true multi-tasker. - Balances oil and hydration minimizes excess oil without drying the skin. CONS - Contains fragrance though surprisingly, even my sensitive skin tolerated it well. - $72 price tag but honestly, I get it for the quality. - Expires after 6 months something to keep in mind if you’re a slow finisher. Final Thoughts This is hands down the best moisturizer I’ve ever tried. I've gone through three full-sized jars, one value size, and one mini and I keep coming back. It’s my holy grail. I give it a solid A+ or a 10/10, absolutely amazing. If you're curious but hesitant to commit to the $72 price, I recommend waiting for a Sephora or Tatcha sale, or picking up the travel size first. You won't regret it!

Price : $38 / €34.95 for 30ml Best For : All skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers Key Ingredients : 3% Ceramides, 1% Ectoine, 1% Centella Asiatica (CICA) Texture : Silky emulsion; lightweight yet nourishing Fragrance : Fragrance-free, with a subtle, natural scent 🧪 Product Overview The Theramid Ceramide Treatment is a high-dose ceramide serum designed to restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Formulated with a blend of five types of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, it mimics the skin's natural lipid composition, promoting hydration and resilience. Additional ingredients like ectoine and Centella Asiatica provide antioxidant and soothing benefits, making it ideal for stressed or sensitized skin. ✨ Key Benefits - Barrier Repair : The combination of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids helps to replenish the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and enhancing moisture retention. - Hydration : Glycerin and ectoine work synergistically to provide long-lasting hydration without a greasy feel. - Soothing Properties : Centella Asiatica (CICA) calms inflammation and aids in skin recovery, making it suitable for use alongside retinoids or after exposure to environmental stressors. - Texture : The emulsion has a silky, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and nourished. 🧴 Packaging & Application Housed in a sleek, dark blue glass bottle with a pump dispenser, the packaging is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, some users have noted that the pump may struggle with the product's viscosity, requiring the bottle to be tilted to dispense the serum effectively. Usage : Apply 1-2 pumps to cleansed skin, morning and/or evening. It can be used alone or layered under a moisturizer, depending on individual hydration needs. 🧪 Ingredient Highlights - Ceramides (3%) : Essential lipids that fortify the skin barrier and retain moisture. - Ectoine (1%) : A natural amino acid derivative that protects against environmental stress and promotes hydration. - Centella Asiatica (1%) : Known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. - Cholesterol & Fatty Acids : Work in tandem with ceramides to restore the skin's lipid balance. - Glycerin : A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. ✅ Pros & ❌ Cons Pros - Effective in repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. - Provides hydration without a heavy or greasy feel. - Soothes irritated or sensitized skin. - Fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation. - Suitable for use with active ingredients like retinoids. Cons - Pump dispenser may not efficiently handle the serum's thickness. - Limited availability; primarily sold through the brand's official website. 💬 User Feedback Users have praised the Theramid Ceramide Treatment for its ability to soothe and hydrate the skin, particularly when dealing with dryness or irritation from active treatments like retinoids. Some have noted improvements in skin texture and reduced redness. However, a few users mentioned challenges with the pump dispenser due to the serum's consistency. 🛍️ Where to Buy The Theramid Ceramide Treatment is available for purchase directly from [Niche Beauty Lab's official website](https://nichebeautylab.com/products/ceramide-treatment), which offers international shipping. Overall Rating : A+ The Theramid Ceramide Treatment stands out as a high-quality, effective serum for those seeking to repair and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Its thoughtful formulation and reasonable price point make it a valuable addition to any skincare routine, especially for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin.

By now, everyone and their mother has either heard of or tried the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. It’s one of those viral products that took over social media, praised for its supposed ability to grip makeup and create a flawless base. Naturally, I had high hopes but after thoroughly testing it, I can say it wasn’t the dream primer I was promised. Here’s my full, unfiltered experience. First Impressions Right out of the gate, I was excited. The packaging is simple, sleek, and easy to use a squeezable tube that dispenses just the right amount of product. I appreciated that the primer had a slightly tacky texture, something I expected since "gripping" is in the name. It gave me hope that my makeup would stick around all day, even on my oil-prone skin. But sadly, the results told a very different story. Performance : Did It Grip? Staying Power : ⭐️☆☆☆☆ I made sure to pair the primer with water-based foundations and concealers, as recommended. Still, instead of creating a smooth, long-lasting base, it left my makeup looking patchy, uneven, and frustratingly fragile. Even after letting the primer "set" for a minute before applying foundation, a tip many users swear by my makeup started separating within just a few hours. By mid-day, I was blotting and reapplying way more than I normally would. My skin looked textured, oily, and frankly, messy. For something called "Power Grip," I expected a lot more staying power, especially considering how much hype surrounded it. Skin Reaction : Sensitive Skin, Beware Breakouts : ⭐️☆☆☆☆ Unfortunately, my problems didn’t stop at patchy makeup. Within a few hours of wearing the Power Grip Primer, my skin started itching and feeling irritated. By the end of the day, I had developed hives and angry breakouts and to be clear, I am not typically allergic to any of the ingredients listed. This wasn't just a couple of clogged pores either it was a full-blown reaction. My skin was so inflamed, I had to avoid wearing makeup for several days to recover. Needless to say, it was incredibly disappointing, especially from a brand known for offering affordable, sensitive-skin-friendly products. Packaging & Usability Packaging : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ On a positive note, the packaging itself is very user-friendly. The tube is lightweight and travel-friendly, with a clean, functional pump that works well at least until the product runs low. Toward the end, you do have to shake it a little to get the remaining product out, but it’s nothing major. If only the product inside worked as well for me as the packaging did. Final Verdict : Would I Repurchase? Short answer : No. While I completely understand why people with dry or normal skin may love this primer as it does provide hydration and that signature tacky base that can help makeup stick better as it was a total miss for my oily, sensitive skin. Between the makeup breakdown and the severe breakout, my skin was practically begging me to stop using it. I really wanted to love the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. I love affordable beauty. I love a good viral moment. But at the end of the day, skincare and makeup are incredibly personal what works wonders for one person can wreak havoc for another. If it works for you, I’m genuinely happy! But if you’re oily, sensitive, or acne-prone like me, I’d recommend proceeding with caution or maybe skipping this one altogether. In Short Texture : Thick and tacky, as expected for a "grip" primer. Performance : Patchy application, poor longevity on oily skin. Skin Reaction : Severe breakout and irritation. Packaging : Practical and easy to use. Would I Repurchase? : Absolutely not.

Finding the perfect sunscreen when you have dry skin, especially in a climate that's dry and windy, can feel like searching for a unicorn. I wanted something that would hydrate and protect without leaving me looking like a glazed donut (and not in the trendy, Hailey Bieber way). After a lot of trial and error, I picked up the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, and it’s been a surprisingly good fit for my needs with a few caveats. First Impressions : A Featherlight Feel Right out of the bottle, the texture was promising. It has a soft, lightweight lotion consistency that spreads easily and sinks into the skin without much effort. Compared to thicker, more traditional sunscreens, or even cult favorites like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, I immediately noticed that the Water-Fit Sun Serum felt less greasy and more refreshing. It layered beautifully over my toner and serum without pilling something I’m incredibly picky about. Because of the dry, windy weather where I live, anything too rich ends up collecting dust (literally I live in a dusty, windy area) and causing breakouts or that uncomfortable sticky feeling. Thankfully, this sunscreen dodged that issue entirely. No stickiness, no heavy film, just a soft, satin finish that feels like your natural skin. Ingredient Highlights : Gentle and Functional SKIN1004 formulated this sunscreen with sensitive skin in mind, and the ingredients list is full of comforting, skin-loving favorites : * Niacinamide : A multitasker that helps brighten skin tone and strengthen the moisture barrier. * Centella Asiatica Extract : Known for its calming, soothing properties, a big win for stressed or sensitized skin. * Hyaluronic Acid : Provides lightweight hydration, helping to keep skin plump without feeling heavy or oily. There’s zero fragrance and I mean none. One of my biggest sunscreen pet peeves is that sharp, synthetic smell you often get with chemical filters. Even when wearing a mask, I noticed absolutely no scent lingering, which made it so much easier to reapply throughout the day without feeling overwhelmed. Performance : Dry-Skin Friendly, But with Some Limits While my dry skin thrived with this serum during cooler, windier days, it didn’t perform quite as well once the weather started heating up. I noticed that during more active or sweat-prone days, the sunscreen didn’t hold up as strongly as I would like. After sweating, I could feel it wearing off faster than heavier-duty sunscreens, so I wouldn’t recommend it for hot, humid, or beach days. However, for day-to-day wear, especially in mild or dry climates, it’s incredibly comfortable. It adds enough hydration that I've been able to skip my usual daytime moisturizer altogether on warmer days. After toner and serum, I just apply this sunscreen and I’m good to go. My skin stays soft, comfortable, and protected without feeling bogged down by too many layers. For my slightly oilier T-zone (thanks to the warming weather), this sunscreen didn’t contribute to any extra shine, which is a huge plus. It strikes a rare balance: hydrating enough for dry cheeks, but light enough not to turn the forehead into an oil slick. A Few Considerations * Not Sweatproof : Needs careful reapplication if you’re sweating a lot. * Better for Dry to Combination Skin : Might not be hydrating enough alone if your skin is extremely dry or flaky. * Lightweight Lovers Only : If you love that "moisture surge" or rich, creamy sunscreen feel, this might be too subtle for you. Final Thoughts : Worth It? If you're someone with dry to combo skin living in a dry, windy, or mild climate, the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum could be a great match for you. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and hydrating enough to stand alone with minimal layering, perfect for those lazy (or busy) mornings. Would I repurchase it? Maybe for spring and fall, definitely. For summer, I’ll be switching to something more sweat-resistant like Anessa’s Sun Milk, which offers stronger durability in high heat. Overall, SKIN1004’s Water-Fit Sun Serum feels like a thoughtfully made sunscreen for everyday, non-extreme conditions, perfect if you want hydration, zero stickiness, and an invisible, easy-going finish. Rating : 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

1.5 years of consistent use | Dry/Combination Skin | Focus : Well-Aging, Hydration, Acne-Prevention, Redness Reduction I started using Geek & Gorgeous about 1.5 years ago, and the products reviewed here were used throughout that time. I've completely finished all of them and in some cases, gone through multiple bottles. 101 A-Game 5 0.05% retinal serum with allantoin, panthenol, and cloudberry seed oil (one of my favorite oils and rarely found in skincare!). Shelf life : 6 months | Size : 28ml Packaging : Airless plastic pump, absolutely excellent! It's compact and minimalistic compared to many bulky airless designs (looking at you, Drunk Elephant and Paula’s Choice). I even sanitized and reused it to decant my tretinoin cream because I can't stand the aluminum tube it comes in. Experience : Applies like a light lotion, very spreadable and comfortable, sinks in fast but still feels hydrating. This was my first retinal, and I might have had too-high expectations. After switching from adapalene, I realized I needed something stronger and eventually got a tretinoin prescription. I then used A-Game 5 for my neck and eye area with great success, no irritation. If I repurchase, it’ll be for that purpose, and I’ll opt for the 0.1% version. Cheer Up 5% mandelic + 1% BHA liquid with sarcosine and sugar molecules. Fungal acne-safe. Shelf life : 8 months | Size : 100ml Packaging : Plastic bottle with flip cap and screw-on lid. Lightweight, sturdy, no leaks even during travel. I wish the Liquid Hydration came in this packaging too. Experience : I liked this toner as the mandelic/salicylic combo worked well for my dry/combination skin. However, it became a bit too much while I was using tret. After 5–6 months, the formula started crystallizing; I found tiny shards in each application. Because of that, I haven't and won't repurchase. I’ve gone back to my trusty Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid. 101 Liquid Hydration 5% panthenol toner with allantoin, urea, amino acids, and other natural moisturizing factors (no hyaluronic acid!). Fungal acne-safe. Shelf life : 6 months | Size : 110ml Packaging : Basic plastic flip-cap bottle. Lightweight, functional, no leaks. Experience : Very lightweight, feels like water but leaves a soft, hydrated film. Likely ideal for oily skin types, but for me, it took 2–3 layers to get enough hydration. Ultimately, I went back to my Hada Labo lotions and won't repurchase. Stay tuned for part 2 :)

There are two versions of me: • Before using ATOBARRIER365: walking sandpaper. • After one week: Real talk — this cream is the MVP if your skin feels like it’s actively fighting you. I was battling winter flakes, tightness after cleansing, and random sensitivity. ATO came in like a tiny dermatologist with a prescription pad. Rich but not suffocating, hydrating but not greasy. Layers perfectly under sunscreen, and doesn’t clog my pores or make me feel like I’m wearing a mask. I didn’t realize how much chronic tightness I had until I stopped feeling it. This isn’t some trendy serum with fairy dust and miracles. It’s a boring, beige tube of FUNCTION. And when your face is falling apart, that’s exactly what you need. No frills. No fake fragrance. No nonsense. Just. Pure. Skin. Healing. Thank you for your service, ATOBARRIER365. My flaky winter face is now officially on vacation.

I first picked up the ATOBARRIER365 Cream after seeing it recommended over and over again on Korean skincare forums. I have combination skin that tends to get really dry and flaky in winter, especially around my cheeks and mouth. No matter how much moisturizer I layered on, it just wasn’t enough — until this cream. The texture is initially thick and rich, but once you start spreading it, it melts into the skin beautifully. It doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Instead, it leaves a soft, almost velvety finish that seals in everything underneath. After about three nights of consistent use, I noticed the dry patches on my face were significantly reduced, and my skin felt much more resilient. One thing I appreciate is that it’s truly fragrance-free. No fake “fresh” scent trying to cover the ingredients — just clean, straightforward skincare. I layered it under sunscreen during the day a few times too, and surprisingly, it didn’t pill or make my face greasy, although I do prefer using it mainly at night because it’s quite rich. If you’re looking for something glamorous and instantly transformative, this probably won’t wow you right away. But if you need a reliable workhorse that gradually rebuilds your skin barrier and keeps irritation away, this is exactly it. Steady, invisible healing. The kind that makes you forget you even had a problem in the first place. Sometimes that’s the best kind of magic.

Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel quickly became one of the buzzworthy sunscreens on the market, thanks to its refreshing gel texture and promises of intense hydration😶‍🌫️ But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down 😇😙 ● Packaging & Texture 🖊 First off, the packaging is clean and practical. It comes in a slim, easy-to-squeeze tube that makes dispensing the right amount of product a breeze 🙏 The texture is a smooth gel that spreads effortlessly on the skin, offering a refreshing feel, especially on warm days. It doesn’t leave behind any sticky or greasy residue, which is a huge win for those with oily or combination skin 🗒✨️ ● Hydration & Skin Feel 💙 This is where Isntree really ✨️shines✨️ The hyaluronic acid in the formula is a game-changer for hydration. The sunscreen feels like it’s plumping the skin and offering moisture💧 while still providing broad-spectrum protection. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like you’re layering multiple products on your face. For those with dry or dehydrated skin, this sunscreen could become your go-to for a 💫dewy, healthy glow💫 without the uncomfortable weight of thicker sunscreens. ● Finish 💅 The finish is one of the strongest points of this sunscreen. It leaves a slightly dewy but non-greasy finish, making it great for people who want that healthy, hydrated look without the oily shine. It’s the kind of product that works well for layering with makeup, especially if you prefer a natural, glowy base👏👏 ● Sunscreen Protection 🤔💭 The protection is a downside for me cuz it only offers SPF 30, which is not enough for those who spend most of their time outside rather than inside. Personally, I spend a lot of tume inside (I work in the office) so I will just use it until the summer comes, but I will have to switch it to different sunscreen cuz there's literally no way my skin would survive with spf 30. ● Compromises to Consider 🙈😶 Here’s the catch – while it works wonderfully in many ways, there are a few compromises. For one, the scent can be a bit overpowering for those sensitive to fragrances.🥲 Though it’s not unbearable, it’s something to consider. Additionally, some may find the finish a little too dewy for their liking, especially those with oily skin. The hydration is great, but if you’re looking for something more matte, this might not be the best choice 🙂 ● Conclusion 😋 Overall, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel is a stellar choice for those who crave hydration and want a sunscreen that feels light on the skin. While it may not work for everyone, especially those who dislike a dewy finish or sensitive to fragrance, it delivers protectio with an added boost of moisture 💦 It’s a great pick for dry to combination skin types, and it might become your new favorite sunscreen if you’re into that healthy, fresh look 🍃💙

I picked up the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum after seeing so many people recommend it for sensitive skin. I have combination skin that leans dry in the winter and oily in the summer, and I’m always on the lookout for a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or leave a white cast. Spoiler: this one is decent, but it didn’t blow my mind. First impression — the texture is on the thicker side, but not in a suffocating way. It spreads pretty easily if I warm it up between my fingers first, and it leaves a slightly dewy finish. On my drier days, I really appreciated that extra hydration. On humid days, though, it sometimes felt a little too much, especially around my T-zone. As for the white cast, it’s minimal, but it’s definitely there if you have a medium or deeper skin tone. I’m light to light-medium, and it still took some effort to fully blend it in, especially around the hairline and eyebrows. The good news: zero irritation. My skin can be really reactive to mineral sunscreens (looking at you, zinc oxide), but this one stayed calm. No stinging, no redness, no breakouts. It also sits fine under makeup if you let it set for a minute or two before layering anything on top. The bad news: longevity. After about 4-5 hours, especially outdoors, I definitely needed to reapply. It doesn’t have the hardcore staying power I wish it did for long days outside. Overall, it’s a solid mineral sunscreen for daily casual wear, especially if you’re mostly indoors or not sweating much. But if you’re expecting something completely invisible and super lightweight, you might find it a bit lacking. I’m glad I tried it, but I’m not sure it’s a repurchase for me.