What's up grils! I wanted to share a roundup of all the skincare I’ve been using the past couple of months. I picked these up at the end of March so it’s been just over two months of consistent testing. Since I love writing quick reviews, I'm gonna show one item every day. About Me Skin type : Combo leaning dry Skin concerns : Sensitivity, acne-prone, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and large pores Climate : Mildly humid spring weather, nothing too extreme Quick note : All of these products are fragrance and essential oil free. If I mention a scent, I’m referring to the natural scent that sometimes comes with unscented formulas. So, Today I'm gonna talk about HaruHaru Wonder Black Bamboo Daily Smoothing Sun Shield. Rating : 4/5 May Repurchase This chemical sunscreen stick really impressed me! It’s lightweight, glides effortlessly across the skin, and most importantly since it’s not greasy, sticky, or heavy. The texture and finish are super similar to the Isntree sunstick, which I also like, and it leaves a nice semi-matte finish that doesn’t make me look overly shiny or dull. The stick itself is a bit smaller and thicker compared to others like Tocobo or Mary & May, but I actually found the size and shape really easy to work with as it fits the contours of the face well, especially around the nose and under the eyes. It’s infused with black bamboo extract and other botanical ingredients, and according to HaruHaru Wonder, it’s suitable even for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. I didn’t experience any irritation or clogged pores while using it, which is always a plus in my book. Overall, this is a great daily sunscreen stick for all skin types. I knocked off one star only because the size might run out quicker than wider sticks, but otherwise, it’s a solid choice that I’d be happy to reach for again! Here is my last day-shelf! Don't miss out!

According to skincare expert Odile Monod, Dr. G Green Mild Up Sun is one of those sunscreens that may dry out over time, especially depending on how fresh your stock is. If you’re buying this directly from Korea, chances are you’ll get a fresher batch with a creamy, blendable texture, minimal white cast, and a non-drying finish. But if you're purchasing from third-party retailers, especially those with older stock, you might end up with a much drier, denser formula that’s harder to blend, with more noticeable white cast and a potentially drying feel. Unfortunately, I got the latter. At the time, I had oily yet dehydration-prone skin with some eczema, but my barrier was intact, and I wasn’t wearing any base makeup, just a daily lipstick. The texture I received was a thick, pasty cream, not impossible to use, but definitely a struggle to spread evenly. I’d rate it medium-high in difficulty to blend. Once blended, it left a moderate white cast that eventually faded after about 15 minutes. On the plus side, it gave my oily skin a matte, but not flat, finish and delivered impressive oil control. It also provided excellent sun protection as my skin didn’t tan at all during the time I used it. And despite being an older batch, the formula was very gentle, making it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Was it waterproof? No, but it was very water-resistant, so much so that some users say a regular cleanser alone doesn't fully remove it. I personally used micellar water first for proper removal. Alcohol content? None! Would I recommend it? A tentative yes, if you can get your hands on a fresher batch. I genuinely loved how it performed and wore on my skin, but the application process was frustrating enough that I wouldn't rush to repurchase unless I knew I was getting the creamier version.

This serum has a thick, milky texture, closer to a lightweight emulsion than what most people might expect from something labeled a serum. It feels nourishing but not heavy, which makes it a nice in-between step if your skin needs more than just hydration but not quite a full cream. Here’s where it gets a bit tricky as the consistency is so thick that getting it out with the dropper is surprisingly frustrating. You’ll likely find yourself tipping the bottle to coax the product out. That aside, it applies smoothly on damp skin and spreads easily, leaving a soft, emollient layer. It absorbs without any stickiness and layers well under other products. Completely fragrance-free, which is great for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to avoid unnecessary irritants. This performs much like a lightweight lotion or emulsion. It’s gently hydrating and helps to lightly seal in moisture, making it a solid choice for combo to oily skin types who want barrier support without weight. However, if you're expecting dramatic results or added actives, this is more of a straightforward, fuss-free hydrator. While it does its job, I personally prefer the Pyunkang Yul Moisture Ampoule over this because it delivers a bit more punch in terms of calming and hydration. This serum is a solid option if you’re after simplicity, but not a standout for me. So, I don't think I will repurchase it.

Product Info • Volume : 5.07 oz • Vegan : Yes • Cruelty-Free : Yes • Fragrance & EO-Free : Yes • Malassezia-Safe : No What Is It & What Does It Do? The AXIS-Y Aqua Boosting Essence Toner is a viscous, hydrating toner infused with 10 types of hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and support the skin’s barrier. It also features calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica (Cica) and Green Tea Extract to soothe irritation while helping the skin retain hydration. How to Use Apply a generous amount onto a cotton pad and swipe across the face and neck, following the skin’s natural texture. Packaging Housed in a plastic bottle with a screw-on cap. It includes a plastic tab insert to help control dispensing, although product can collect around the opening and get a little messy over time. Key Ingredients • Hydration & Barrier Support : 10 types of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Squalane, Arginine • Soothing & Calming : Cica, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Madecassoside, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Allantoin • Gentle Exfoliation : Lactobionic Acid (PHA) • Antioxidants : Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis), Bifida Ferment Lysate Texture Lightweight and slightly more viscous than water. It spreads easily and feels immediately hydrating, but once it dries down, it leaves a slight tack • Does this sting or irritate sensitised skin? Yes. • Suitable for which skin types? Normal, Combination, and Oily. What I Liked • Hydrating • Fragrance & Essential Oil-Free • Cruelty-Free • Thicker than water, which adds more hydration • Didn’t sting, irritate, or disrupt my skin barrier What I Didn't Like • Slightly sticky/tacky once dried down • Can ball up, especially if you rub the skin or apply oil-based products on top Overall & My Experience This has been a nicely hydrating essence toner. I have no complaints about its effectiveness as it didn’t irritate my skin and even helped soothe it. However, the texture is a little too sticky for my taste. Once it sets, layering anything even mildly oily on top can cause pilling, and my face sometimes sticks slightly to my pillow, which isn’t the most comfortable experience. • Dupe? The Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Toner has a similarly thick texture and feel. That said, it can also ball up depending on what you layer with it.

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. Rhode Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence – 9/10 Pros : This essence is beautifully hydrating and imparts that dewy, lit-from-within glow that really makes skin look healthy. The packaging is modern and minimal, very Rhode aesthetic, and feels sturdy in hand. The ingredients list is impressive too, especially if you love barrier-repairing ceramides and hydrating humectants. Cons : It’s definitely on the pricier side for a toner-essence hybrid, and there’s a slight chemical scent that might put off sensitive noses. Over time, I noticed it may have triggered a few tiny bumps, so it might not be the best for acne-prone or very reactive skin. Bottom line : If you miss the old Laneige Cream Skin or love a good layering essence with a glow-boosting finish, this one’s a treat, just patch test if you're breakout-prone. 2. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 (U.S. Version) – 8/10 Pros : This hybrid sunscreen-moisturizer-primer is a great multitasker. The texture is silky and elegant and it glides on smoothly, dries down with a semi-dewy finish, and sits beautifully under makeup. The pump packaging is hygienic and easy to use, and there’s no white cast whatsoever, even on deeper skin tones. Cons : Unfortunately, it’s not the best choice for hot, humid days or if you’ll be sweating as it tends to sting the eyes, which can be a dealbreaker for many. If you’re planning on being active outdoors, you may need something more water-resistant. Bottom line : Great for daily city wear or makeup days, but if you can get your hands on the original Australian version, go for that instead as it's a bit more sweat-proof and forgiving for sensitive eyes. 3. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in 'Toast' – 3/10 Pros : The shade is stunning, a warm, flattering neutral that enhances the lips without being overpowering. The slanted applicator makes it easy to swipe on without a mirror, and it does leave lips feeling soft and hydrated at first. Cons : Sadly, the formula doesn’t hold up well over time. After just a couple of months, the texture turned unpleasantly grainy and developed a rancid smell that made it unusable. For a premium price tag, that’s a big letdown. Bottom line : It’s a beautiful product at first, but the shelf life is just too short. Unless there’s a formula update, it’s hard to justify a repurchase, even with that perfect color. 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:)

What's up grils! I wanted to share a roundup of all the skincare I’ve been using the past couple of months. I picked these up at the end of March so it’s been just over two months of consistent testing. Since I love writing quick reviews, I'm gonna show one item every day. About Me Skin type : Combo leaning dry Skin concerns : Sensitivity, acne-prone, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and large pores Climate : Mildly humid spring weather, nothing too extreme Quick note : All of these products are fragrance and essential oil free. If I mention a scent, I’m referring to the natural scent that sometimes comes with unscented formulas. So, Today I'm gonna talk about Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel. Rating : 5/5 Would Repurchase This has been a staple in my routine for years as I’ve gone through at least 3 or 4 bottles, even back when it had the older packaging! It’s much less greasy than Biore and leaves my skin with a healthy, natural glow instead of looking dull or overly shiny. What I love most is how versatile it is, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and it’s never broken me out. It also feels super lightweight and comfortable, even on my combo skin. Bonus, my mom loves it too, so that’s saying something! The bigger bottle size makes it super cost-effective, especially if you’re reapplying throughout the day. All in all, it’s one of those rare sunscreens that checks all the boxes for daily wear. Here is my last day-shelf! Don't miss out!

Skin type : Combination with oily T-zone and dry cheeksKey ingredient : 100% Centella Asiatica Extract After finishing the entire bottle, I can confidently say the SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule lives up to the hype. It’s incredibly lightweight and hydrating, an effortless fit in both my morning and evening routines. Thanks to its watery texture, it layers beautifully with other serums and doesn’t interfere with actives or thicker products. On my skin, it behaved similarly to a hyaluronic acid serum, though it’s a bit less hydrating. Where it really shines is in its calming effect, perfect for anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Within a few weeks of use, my skin looked more radiant and felt noticeably plumper and smoother. There’s a subtle, natural glow it gives that’s hard to describe, just that healthy, juicy look, iykyk. SKIN1004 has honestly become one of my holy grail brands, and this ampoule is a standout. It’s simple, no-fuss, and effective.

This lightweight, watery cleansing oil makes a strong first impression with its minimal, no-frills formulation. It glides onto dry skin effortlessly and emulsifies beautifully with water, making it easy to rinse away makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara and long-wear sunscreen don’t stand a chance. Fragrance-free and gentle, it’s a solid choice for those sensitive to added scents. I appreciated how little effort was needed to break everything down; a quick massage was enough to dissolve the day’s layers. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Despite the smooth rinse, this oil does leave behind a slight residue that lingers on the skin. It’s not greasy per se, but enough to make a good second cleanse absolutely necessary. For those who prefer a clean-rinsing first cleanser, this might be a dealbreaker. Therefore, while effective and pleasant to use, the residual film combined with the price point makes it a non-repurchase for me. I’ll be returning to trusted staples like Muji or Beauty of Joseon’s oil cleansers, which offer similar performance with a cleaner finish. That said, I will not repurchase it again.

Product Info • Where to purchase : YesStyle • Price : $9.80 • Volume : 4.05 oz • Made in : South Korea Ethics & Safety Info • Vegan : No • Cruelty-free : Yes • Malassezia-safe : No • EU Allergen-Free : Yes • Shelf Life After Opening : 12 Months What is it? The brand describes this as a creamy cleanser that foams into a rich lather. It’s designed to remove impurities with a coconut-derived surfactant, sebum pulling out dirt from the pores, makeup, and sweat without drying out the skin, thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin. * Personally, I’d describe it a little differently, more on that below. • Claims : - Deep pore cleansing - Makeup and sunscreen removal - Gentle enough for daily use • Supposedly good for : Sensitive + Irritated skin • What I think : I wouldn’t recommend this to sensitive or irritated skin types. I also think it could feel drying for those prone to dehydration. Packaging & How to Use • Plastic squeeze tube with a flip-top cap. Worth noting as the product tends to collect in stringy bits around the nozzle. • Directions : Dispense a good amount onto wet hands, rub together to form a lather, then rinse off with lukewarm water. • How I Use It : I used this primarily to wash off sunscreen. A small amount went a long way as I could easily cleanse my face, neck, and the back of my neck with one application. It lathers nicely once water is added. However, rinsing it off took a little longer than expected. And no matter how carefully I avoided the eye area, this stung every single time. Key Ingredients • Lauric Acid : Anti-blemish • Glycerin : Moisturising • Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract : Cleansing and moisturising • Surfactants : Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Arachidic Acid, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract Texture & Sensory Experience • Texture : More like a sticky, opaque gel than a cream. Not easy to spread unless your skin is damp. • Sticky? : Yes, especially without water. • Greasy? : No. • Fragrance? : Yes, lightly floral and soapy. Not overpowering, but not fragrance-free either. Duration of Use • 2–3 weeks • Will I Finish It? : No. The Effect • Provides a very thorough cleanse. You can feel it pulling impurities out. • Leaves my skin feeling tight right after rinsing and that tightness increases the longer I go without applying follow-up skincare. • Stings my eyes every time, despite careful rinsing. What I Liked • Lathers well and spreads easily once wet • A little goes a long way, very economical • Effective at cleansing and removing sunscreen What I Didn’t Like • Stings the eyes no matter how carefully I rinse • Too drying for my dehydration-prone skin • Contains fragrance Overall Rating & Conclusion 3/5. Not the worst cleanser I’ve used, but not a repurchase for me. It’s the kind of foaming cleanser I actively avoid, tightening, slightly stripping, and just unpleasant around the eyes. If you have very oily skin and live in a hot, humid climate, you might get along with this better than I did. Otherwise, I’d suggest gentler, non-stripping options. • Would I Repurchase? : No. • Dupe? : If you’re looking for a foaming cleanser, the Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser has a similar texture though it also wasn’t ideal for my skin type. Surprisingly, I found the Numbuzin No.1 Cleanser to be less drying than this one.

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. Biafine Emulsion – 7/10 Pros : This is a classic for a reason. Biafine is incredibly soothing and really comes through in a pinch, especially when you’ve overdone it with exfoliants or ended up sunburnt after a long day outside. It actually relieves stinging and discomfort, and helps speed up recovery for compromised skin. It’s also super affordable and comes in a generous tube. Cons : While effective, it does contain sodium alginate and fragrance, which could be potential irritants for some users. It's also not really intended for daily use or as a regular moisturizer as it’s more of a treatment product. Bottom Line : Think of this as your emergency skin salve, not a daily staple. It’s a solid option to keep on hand when your barrier’s been through it, like after a retinol mishap or accidental sun exposure. 2. Typology Purifying Cleansing Gel with 2% Zinc PCA + Bamboo Extract – 3/10 Pros : I really admire Typology’s clean, minimalist approach to skincare. The brand’s aesthetic is lovely, and this cleanser smells refreshing without being overpowering. It also contains zinc PCA, which is a nice ingredient for oil control and breakouts. Cons : Unfortunately, this cleanser just didn’t work for my skin. Despite the gentle promise of its formula, it felt drying and slightly stripping, especially with regular use. It also includes eucalyptus oil and limonene, both of which can be irritating for sensitive or dry skin types. Bottom Line : It’s one of those products that sounds great on paper but doesn’t quite translate on the skin, especially if your barrier is easily disrupted. If you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity, I’d skip this one. 3. Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Sunscreen Mousse – 5/10 Pros : Okay, this one is definitely a conversation starter. The whipped cream-style packaging is super fun and playful, and the mousse texture makes it really easy to spread on the body. It leaves a lovely glow and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Cons : While cute, it’s not the most practical sunscreen. The canister can be a bit messy to use, especially if you’re in a rush or applying outdoors. SPF 30 is also a bit low for prolonged sun exposure, and it stung my eyes when I used it on my face, definitely better reserved for body use. Bottom Line : It’s more of a novelty than a high-performance sunscreen. Great for beach days and Instagram, but if you're looking for serious protection or something face-safe, their cream formula is a better bet. 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:)