Month: August 2020

By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum Review

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Another day, another vitamin C serum for review! Once I finished up a bottle of By Wishtrend’s Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid *, I cracked open their Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum * to compare!

I’ve had the latter serum in my fridge for a few months while using the former serum, and have now been using it for about a month or so. With that said, I’m ready to share my thoughts!

This product was sent as a gift.

Check out my review comparing the By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid and 21.5% Advanced Serum! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y2gIFPQy1M]

DESCRIPTION

This high concentration vitamin ampoule is made with 70% Vitamin Tree Water and 21.5% Pure Vitamin C to deliver the concentrated effects of vitamin C to the skin. The serum removes dead skin cells to even out the skin tone and brighten the complexion.

– Wishtrend

Amount: 30ml
Price: $30 USD
How to use:
1) After cleansing, prep the skin with the toner.
2) Dispense 1-2 drops of the vitamin serum on hands and apply over dull areas that lack elasticity.

INGREDIENTS

by-wishtrend-advanced-c-ingredients

Hippophae rhamnoides water, ascorbic acid, sodium lactate, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, cassia obtusifolia seed extract, allantoin, xanthan gum, ethyl hexanediol

Hippophae rhamnoides water: 70%
Ascorbic Acid: 21.5%
pH Level: 3.0 ± 0.5

INCIDecoder

I’m happy to see that the serum is minimal ingredients, low pH and with a good concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid! Usually the sweet spot for LAA serums are 5% – 20%, so that additional 1.5% may be too much for those who cannot tolerate LAA at high concentrations. The reason you want L-Ascorbic Acid serums is because it is the most scientifically backed ingredient when it comes to skincare benefits. It is an antioxidant shown to boost collagen synthesis, fade hyperpigmentation, boost UV protection under sunscreen, brighten complexion. Vitamin C serums are probably one of the few OTC products that skin professionals recommend to add in your skincare routine (if your skin can tolerate it) so I personally do for the antioxidant benefits.

Hippophae Rhamnoides (a.k.a. Seaberry, Seabuckthorn, Vitamin Tree) Water never really striked my fancy – I find high percentage of it just makes everything feels sticky (more on feel in the experience section of this post). I recall the Hippophae rhamnoides extract having a good source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, and B – but water, as you can guess, will have these potential benefits watered down. Expect the antioxidant benefits mainly from the actual vitamin C molecule in the formula, not the water. It is however a nice-to-have in this type of product.

I also like seeing Panthenol and Allantoin on the list to provide skin soothing and protecting properties. In a high LAA percentage product, soothing ingredients are welcome!

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Dark dropper bottle.

Texture: Liquid. It looks clear when you open a new bottle.

Fragrance: Faint smell of the Seabuckthorn water, but only if I hold up the bottle to my nose. Otherwise, I never really noticed it on application.

Application: The directions say 1-2 drops on specific areas, but this is LAA we’re talking about. I’m applying a full dropper of this all over my face and neck and getting good use before oxidization sets in!

Finish: Thin and adds some glow.

Feel: Somewhat sticky, there have been occasions where my hands are momentarily stuck to my face lol. Also, it tends to sting. I feel like this has been more frequent the more I used it.

Instant Results: Surprisingly smaller pores, face looks glowy, takes a while for an even complexion to come back because of how much this irritates my face.

Long-Term Results: Haven’t noticed much myself since I’ve been using Vitamin C serums for a while solely for the antioxidant benefits. I also have been using vitamin A for a couple of years so any anti-aging benefit mainly comes from that ingredient.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m happy that the By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum has a low pH, good concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid, and that it can last while refrigerated before it oxidizes. However the stinging is just way too much for me! I know the directions say to apply to specific areas, but the serum will turn orange before I get halfway through the bottle. It reminds me of the 2 unsuccessful bottles of the Timeless CE Ferulic serum I tried in the past. Ferulic Acid and vitamin E would’ve been welcomed in this formula. Instead they recommend purchasing the By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing cream for the vitamin E in the formula to boost this serum. I prefer this serum over their new C 15% with Ferulic Acid for the low pH, but the new one is more gentle and has a host of other nice ingredients in the mix.

I will be sticking with my PC Super C15 Booster for now, and I plan on purchasing the Geek & Gorgeous vitamin C serum in the future to see if it’s a good, gentle, and affordable option!

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend *
Use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
Yesstyle *
Use “YESMICH” * for 5% off first order, 2% off returning orders

* Affiliate codes/links. This means that if you click on the link or use the code to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M

My Summer 2020 Nighttime Skincare Routine

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Following my 2020 Morning Skincare Routine (Summer Edition), here is a breakdown of my nighttime skincare routine for the warmer months featuring Retin-A Micro and Dapsone.

Skin type: Acne prone, normal to dry. Becomes easily sensitized from drying products or environment.
Skincare Focus: Acne control, hydration, barrier protection.
What my skincare addresses: Acne prevention and healing, hydration, barrier protection, graceful aging,  fading pigmentation, minimizing pore size, reduce redness, reduce inflammation, improve texture, promote collagen synthesis, skin thickening.

Products marked with * are PR Samples/gifts. This does not change my opinion of the product. My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

All links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

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The products below are my tried and trues out of the rotation of items I receive from PR, gifts, and my own purchases. Each are purposeful and contribute to my skin’s overall health.

1. Eye Makeup Removal

Product: Marcelle Gentle Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes
How I use it: Apply on a cotton round and rest on eyes to break down waterproof mascara. After a few seconds, I lightly move the cotton round through my lashes to remove as much as possible.
Why I use it: My eyes are quite sensitive – any oil-based cleanser I have used around my eyes for a few seconds burn them. I need to go in with something gentle, especially when I wear eye makeup. The Marcelle one has been repurchased multiple times for the simplicity, price, and how effective it is while still being gentle.
Where to Buy:
Well.ca

2. 1st Cleanse

Product: Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing
How I use it: Dispense a full pump and gently massage all over my face and neck. After 30 seconds or so, I wet my hands and massage my face and neck again to emulsify the oil. I do this for another 30 seconds and then rinse.
Why I use it: It’s important for me to remove a day’s face, especially in the summer time. I’m sweating a bit, my sebum production is higher, I tend to reapply sunscreen more, I still like to wear makeup, and I’m outside exposing myself to environmental pollutants more frequently. It all must go! The Hada Labo oil cleanser is cost effective for the amount you get and I enjoy using it to massage my face longer to remove grit as well.
Where to Buy:
Yesstyle
DokoDemo

3. 2nd Cleanse

Product: Bioderma Sebium Purifying Foaming Gel
How I use it: Dispense half a pump and lightly massage all over my face and neck, with a focus on my T-zone.
Why I use it: It is also a cost effective cleanser for the size and amount you get. It is pH balanced around 5.5 (last time I checked), low foaming and surprisingly it softens my skin despite its marketing for oily/combination skin. I also use it on my body as a shower gel and a shaving gel!
Where to Buy:
Dermstore
Well.ca

4. Hydrator

Product: By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence *
How I use it: After patting away excess water with a face towel but skin still damp, I immediately pour a nickel-size amount onto the palm of my hand and massage all over my face and neck. Depending on how skin is feeling, I may apply another layer or 2.
Why I use it: Due to my problematic skin, I do not like completely drying out my face so I only remove the excess water. Layering something as light as a hydrating toner/essence/lotion really helps reduce my skin’s chance of becoming dehydrated without feeling congested. I also find hydrators make my skin just a bit plumper, brighter, more even, softer. I don’t find implementing this step prior to my prescriptions irritate my skin at all.
Blog Post: REVIEW: By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
Yesstyle

5. Retin-A Micro

Product: Valeant Retin-A Micro 0.04% Tretinoin
How I use it: Dispense one pump and apply it all over my face and underneath my jaw. Because my skin is acclimated to it, I also bring it underneath my eyes.
Why I use it: It is the star ingredient that controls my acne. It works by normalizing my skin cell turnover so there is no buildup of dead skin, and reduces my skin’s sebum production. Tretinoin in particular is also the only FDA-approved ingredient effective at diminishing the signs of photoaged skin (pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines). Since I’m turning 30 this year, I’m really happy I got an upgrade to my vitamin A prescription! I have also noticed it help refine my skin’s texture and minimize my pores, making my skin look overall clear and healthy.
Blog Post: SKIN UPDATE #4: Switching From Adapalene (Differin) to Tretinoin (Retin-A), Taking Spironolactone, Acne Scar Revision?

6. Aczone

Product: Valeant Aczone Gel 5% Dapsone – (prescription only)
How I use it: Once the Retin-A has settled a bit, I apply a thin layer all over face and under jaw.
Why I use it: It’s very effective at reducing inflammation around any active acne lesions, it also helps to control non-inflamed lesions. It also pairs well with my Retin-A Micro, Vitamin C serum, and chemical exfoliants. After my skin acclimated to it, it always feels mild – never sensitizing my skin, doesn’t add or subtract moisture from my skin.

7. Moisturizer

Product: Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
How I use it: Apply once Aczone has settled. Massage half a pump or more all over face, neck and chest.
Why I use it: Another cost-effective skincare item! Skin always feels comfortably moisturized without feeling congested. Calms my skin, softens it, and leave a non-greasy residue. It is pretty much my HG moisturizer at this point!
Where to Buy:
Dermstore
Well.ca

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MBuuOdP7MI&w=560&h=315]

And that’s it for my nighttime skincare routine during the warmer months! As always, I hope you find this type of content helpful and informative!

xo, M

My Summer 2020 Morning Skincare Routine

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If you live in Ontario, we really have 2 seasons – Summer and Winter lol. I decided this year I will share my skincare routines by season – I usually mention here or there the slight changes I do in my routine based on the warmer or colder months, but I thought it would be more helpful to not only demonstrate it, but to talk through my thought process as well when it comes to how I approach my skincare. In this morning summer skincare routine, I use my prescription Dapsone, 5% Aczone.

Skin type: Acne prone, normal to dry. Becomes easily sensitized from drying products or environment.
Skincare Focus: Acne control, hydration, barrier protection.
What my skincare addresses: Acne prevention and healing, hydration, barrier protection, promoting graceful aging, fade pigmentation, minimizing pore size, reducing redness and inflammation, improves texture, promotes collagen synthesis, skin thickening.

Products marked with * are PR Samples/gifts. This does not change my opinion of the product. My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

All links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

michxmash-morning-skincare-routine-summer-2020

The products below are my tried and trues out of the rotation of items I receive from PR, gifts, and my own purchases. Each are purposeful and contribute to my skin’s overall health.

1. Hydrator

Product: By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence *
How I use it: Apply on a cotton round and wipe face to remove a night’s buildup or fluff. Depending on how skin is feeling, apply another layer or 2.
Why I use it: Due to my problematic skin, layering something as light as a hydrating toner/essence/lotion really helps reduce my skin’s chance of becoming dehydrated without feeling congested. I also find hydrators make my skin just a bit plumper, brighter, more even, softer.
Blog Post: REVIEW: By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
Yesstyle

2. Vitamin C

Product: Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
How I use it: Apply immediately while skin is still slightly tacky from hydrator step. Massage a full dropper all over face and neck and pat once evenly spread.
Why I use it: Mainly for photoprotection, and it’s nice that it maintains my bright and even complexion. Vitamin C is the most expensive and finnicky product in my routine – L-Ascorbic Acid oxidizes in 3 months and I can’t visibly tell if it’s working. I spoke with my derm about it, and she’s pro-Vitamin C. I decided to keep it in my routine as an extra boost to the graceful aging aspect.
Blog Post: My 3 Must-Have Actives After 3-6 Months of Differin
Where to Buy:
Paula’s Choice
Nordstrom

3. Aczone

Product: Valeant Aczone Gel 5% Dapsone – (prescription only)
How I use it: Apply a thin layer all over face and under jaw
Why I use it: Helps reduce inflammation around any active acne lesions, also helps to control non-inflamed lesions. It also pairs well with my Retin-A Micro, Vitamin C serum, and chemical exfoliants.

4. Moisturizer

Product: Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
How I use it: Apply once Aczone has settled. Massage half a pump or less all over face and neck
Why I use it: Skin always feels comfortably moisturized without feeling congested. Calms my skin, softens it, and leave a non-greasy residue on my skin.
Where to Buy:
Well.ca

5. Sunscreen

Product: La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
How I use it: Apply once moisturizer has settled. Shake up bottle and pour a generous amount in the palm of hand. Lightly massage in 2 separate layers all over face, ears, and neck
Why I use it: Due to my nightly use of Retin-A Micro and other actives, sun protection is a must. I also have found that the generous amount I apply and the high UVA protecting susncreens I use have made a big difference. It’s helped to further prevent pigmentation from lasting on my skin, I rarely have irritated skin or an uneven skin tone, and in pair with my prescription topicals my skin texture seems softer.
Where to Buy:
Well.ca

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbdL24q6-H4]

And that’s it for my morning skincare routine during the warmer months! As always, I hope you find this type of content helpful and informative!

xo, M

REVIEW: Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule

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Rovectin peaked my interest when I first saw Eunice from Wishtrend talk about their products on her personal Youtube channel. This Korean beauty brand was originally created for cancer patients. Those who experience irritating, skin-drying and barrier deteriorating side-effects from the treatments. Knowing this, Rovectin primarily focuses on providing skincare products to those with the most sensitive skin types. Effective, gentle formulations to promote skin health.

I was sent their Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule to try out, and I’m ready to share my experience!

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This product was sent for review purposes. My thoughts are my own, always *casts does patronus*

DESCRIPTION

This ampoule is a day and night serum from Rovectin’s Clean Line, that hydrates and enhances the skin with only the essentials. LHA (Caproloyl Salicylic Acid) works effectively on clogged pores with sebum and blackheads which helps brighten dark spots caused by blemishes. And as it contains 85% Neroli flower water extract, it helps to soothe and calm the skin with anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended as a gentle and effective serum.

– Wishtrend.com

ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • For all skin types
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan friendly
  • Free of: silicone, steroids, artificial coloring, artifical fragrance, parabens
  • Made in Korea
  • Comes with cute stickers

Amount: 15ml
Price: $15 USD
pH: 5.5-6
How to use: After toning and prepping the skin, apply 1-2 drops as a spot treatment on troubled areas or all over the face. Apply moisturizer for extra hydration.

INGREDIENTS

wp-1595965754845.jpg

Citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) Flower water, Propanediol, 1, 2-hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Purified water, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Glutathione, Hyaluronic acid, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Hyrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Panthenol, Carbomer, Glycerin, Raspberry ketone, Hydroxyethyl urea, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tromethamine, Ethylhexyglycerin, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Butylene glycol, Benzyl glycol, Beta-glucan, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Disodium edta, Ethanol (*Rovectin uses plant-based ethanol)

Bitter Orange Flower Water – 84.8%
Glutathione + Niacinamide – 2% (Is it 1% of each, or each ingredient is at a 2% concentration?)
Caprylol Salicylic Acid – 0.01%

Skinthusiast Perspective..

85% of the formula consists of Bitter Orange Flower Water (also called Neroli Flower Water), a diluted form of the Essential Oil. Since it is diluted, and it is also in a treatment, I am not too worried about any irritation from this citrus-based ingredient. INCIDecoder states it has some toning properties, which is a nice-to-have benefit considering we want to use this product when tackling spots and prevent any post-inflammatory red marks.

Caprylol Salicylic Acid is a derivative of Salicylic Acid and the star ingredient of the formula – it is oil-soluble, is a larger molecule, also has skin-soothing and exfoliating properties. Being a larger molecule means it will penetrate the top layer of the skin more slowly and not as deeply as classic BHA would. The Rovectin LHA Blemish Ampoule however has such a low percentage of LHA – 0.01%. I believe Korean skincare can’t formulate BHA above a certain percentage, so maybe that’s what’s being applied here as well? I don’t rely on Korean skincare in general to get the exfoliation I need anyways, and Rovectin is like many other K-Beauty lines where its aim is to create gentle yet effective products.

Niacinamide, Aloe Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin and Beta-glucan are also in the formula to help reduce inflammation. In addition, it contains a handful of Hyaluronic Acid molecules as well as Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea and Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans to make the formula more moisturizing. Glutathione is listed on Paula’s Choice ingredient dictionary as a tripeptide with powerful antioxidant and skin-restoring properties, as well as brightening benefits.

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by the nice amount of ingredients in this tiny bottle and how it truly is formulated to be a gentle treatment!

INCIDecoder

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Dark green dropper bottle.

Texture: Clear gel.

Fragrance: None.

Application: I use one very small drop as a spot treatment.

Feel: Spreads easily on skin, isn’t sticky.

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Instant Results: Overnight it calmed an inflamed area where I popped a pimple. It also lessened the pain from an inflamed cyst, a bit but not completely.

Long-Term Results: The spot still came back after consistently applying the ampoule to the area.

FINAL THOUGHTS

PROS:

  • Gentle
  • Little goes a long way
  • Best used to calm inflammation around broken skin
  • Stays clear on skin, no white or pink spot like other spot treatments
  • Non-drying

CONS:

  • I haven’t noticed anything significant since incorporating it into my routine
  • % of LHA is very low

The Rovectin LHA Blemish Ampoule is not a bad product by any means considering the price point, INCI list, and how little you need for a spot. I just feel like for the amount of LHA in this ampoule, it may as well just be in there as a nice-to-have additional soothing ingredient. There are other ingredients in the formula that also soothe and calm skin, so LHA really isn’t the star ingredient in this Ampoule. Overall, I like the concoction of ingredients and how gentle the Rovectin LHA Blemish Ampoule is, but it is too gentle for the type of acne I have. It may be more suitable for those of you with very reactive skin that gets light acne.

UPDATE 11/27/2020: I found out that Rovectin came out with a larger size of this ampoule. I think it’s worth it because you can use the LHA Blemish Ampoule as an all-over soothing serum! For me personally, I don’t think the low percentage of LHA would negatively impact my skin if I use it daily, but that’s your discretion.

WHERE TO BUY:

Rovectin
Wishtrend *
Use “MICHXMASH15” to get 15% off your order
Yesstyle *
Use “YESMICH” * for 5% of your first order, 2% on your returning order.

* Links are affiliate links/codes. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase through it, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M