I am proud of myself to say that my first set of skincare purchases of 2022 was back in March. All French Pharmacy skincare that replaced an empty product. You’ll notice many of the ones I will mention are French Pharmacy, and a couple of purchases was specifically for my post – CO2 Fraxel laser care.
Before you continue reading, please be sure to check out the following relevant blog posts that may provide further insight into this one:
Please note that products marked with an “*” indicates a PR item or gift. Links marked with “*” indicate an affiliate link – by clicking on this link and making a purchase, I earn a small commission. MICHXMASH Disclosure
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
The first time I tried micellar water, I wasn’t the hugest fan. Looking back, it was probably because I wore a full face of makeup on a daily basis, so a soaked cotton round just wasn’t enough to achieve a properly cleansed face. Now that I wear minimal makeup with no foundation, and was quite lazy near the end of 2021 – micellar water just seems to fit.
While recovering from CO2 Fraxel Laser (3 times), my skin was in dire need of something soft, light, cooling, and just overall gentle. The Avene Thermal Spring Water spray produces a fine, lovely, cloudy mist all over my face and neck and gave my skin immediate relief from irritation. I also like having this on hand for days my skin has become sensitized, or it just needs a bit more TLC.
Are we suprised here? Emptied so many tubes and bottles of the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume! It’s my holy grail moisturizer; It comfortably moisturizes my skin without exacerbating my acne and is a great value for the price.
The Bioderma Cicabio Pommade has replaced my previous go-to, La Roche Posay (LRP) Cicaplaste Baume. I find they both do the exact same thing in terms of lowering inflammation, only I prefer the texture and finish of the Bioderma Cicabio Pommade more. It has a tackier finish rather than greasy, and no white cast! I was limited to only nightly use or post-laster recovery days with LRP, but with this I can comfortably use any time of day. I love this pommade so much, I’m already on my second tube!
That’s all for my first skincare haul of 2022. Considering that we are already 4 months into the year, purchasing 5 products ain’t too bad. 2 of which I use daily in my skincare routine, and the others which I still like to keep on hand in case of a skin-mergency.
As always, I hope you find my content helpful and informative!
For those of you well in-tune with the skincare world, last year Purito (and others) pulled their sunscreens off market as they were not meeting the SPF claim as indicated on the label. Recently, Purito launched their new and (supposedly) improved sunscreen called Daily Go-To Sunscreen with an SPF50+ and PA++++. I decided to give them a chance as out of all the brands that experienced similiar issues with their sunscreens, Purito seemed to be the most upfront. In general, I also find Purito takes customer feedback well and have seen them reformulate their products throughout the years. Looking at the ingredients list alone, I felt like they did just that.
Video version of my review on Purito’s Daily Go-To SunscreenSPF 50+ PA++++
Information on Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen
“The new PURITO hybrid sunscreen is formulated with both chemical and physical filters to provide exceptionally high, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
The fragrance-free and moisturizing formula instantly melts on the skin during application, allowing an easy and even spread. The lightweight texture leaves a sheer finish with no white cast. This sunscreen has been designed specifically for easy re-application and effective performance when worn with makeup or alone.”
– puritoen.com
Price: $19.50 USD Amount: 60ml/2.02oz Packaging: Opaque white plastic tube with a twist-off cap. Water Resistant? On box package, it says to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, but on the tube and website I don’t see this number. I’m going to say no, this is not water resistant, because it shouldn’t be this confusing to figure out.
UV FILTERS: Ethylhexyl Triazone – Uvinul T 150 (UVB) Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine – Tinosorb S (UVB, UVA1 & UVA2) Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – Uvinul A Plus (UVA1 & UVA2) Titanium Dioxide (UVB & UVA2) Type: Hybrid
Just like their original Green Level Unscented Sun (reviewed), Purito’s Daily Go-To Sunscreen contains Centella Asiatica Extract and it’s constituents Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid. Their skin benefits range from wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Aside from that, there’s not much else going on other than having a base to provide the texture and moisture! For those of you sensitive to Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, and/or Niacinamide, those ingredients are not in this formula. It is also free of alcohol and additional fragrance.
My Experience with Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen
TEXTURE: Gel-cream.
APPLICATION: Applied all in one go all over my face and neck. I saw a little bit of white as I blended the sunscreen and there was no gross industrial type smell.
FINISH: It looks like there are particles in the formula that help diffuse the look from shiny to glowy.
FEEL: Light, has an oily finish for a while.
STINGS EYES? No.
UNDER MAKEUP: If you plan on wearing foundation, I recommend either blotting or applying a grippy primer for the oily, slick finish stays for a while.
Final Thoughts on Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen
Pros
Highest protection offered in Asian sunscreens
No “industrial” smell – quite scentless
Removed some key ingredients that may not be so nice for those with irritated skin, making it as friendly as possible for sensitive, acne-prone skin types.
Cons
I want consistent labels, especially if one package says to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming but the other says immediately.
In-Between Feels
It is possible Purito told us foreign consumers one thing about their previous sunscreen manufacturer and another to the Korean Cosmetics Association. Watch this video to get more detail.
This sunscreen is nowhere to be found on their Korean website. Why? It’s being sold on their American and Russian website. Why is it not being sold in their home country? I buy sunscreens from South Korea because I want a sunscreen that’s regulated in the their market.
Overall Purito’s Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ has been okay to use – I like that it’s gentle, has no weird smell and is still at a decent pricepoint. However it’s quite disconcerting that the truth of last year’s low SPF value may be different to what us foreign, non-Korean speaking consumers heard. To add a cherry on top, they’re not even selling their new SPF in the Korean market, which to me makes the whole situation even more odd.
WHERE TO BUY: YesStyle + YESMICH for 10% off first order, 4% off returning orders (affiliate link and code)
As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!
Back in the summer, I had quite the splurge-fest. I purchased almost all of the products from Violette_FR’s beauty line – perfume, makeup, and skincare. As I mentioned in my Unboxing and First Impressions video, the brand just spoke to me. I appreciate Violette’s aesthetic and what she emits into the beautysphere.
In this post, I will be reviewing Violette_FR’s Boum-Boum Milk. Violette described it as a 3-in-1 cream spray (toner, serum, moisturizer). It is something that can be used on your face, hair and body. In addition, she wanted to create a reliable product when one has done too much to their skin. Something anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, all the while promoting a minimal skincare routine.
I finished my second bottle, so I have a pretty good idea of what the product is all about and how it works/doesn’t work for me in my skincare routine.
General Information on Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
“The French tradition of science-backed beauty innovation paired with the desire to streamline the skincare routine (for reasons of sustainability and minimalism), led to the formulation of Boum-Boum Milk. The key ingredients— Fermented Birch Sap, Glacier Water, Olive Leaf Extract— were selected for their results-driven composition by veteran chemists with over 20+ years of experience in the clean beauty world. The 3-in-1 “smart” product efficiently acts as a toner, serum and moisturizer. With one or two sprays (boum, boum!), it acts as a toner (balancing and moisturizing), a serum (highly concentrated, quick absorption) and as a hydrating moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types.” – violettefr.com
Price: $58 USD Amount: 100ml Packaging: Clear plastic spray bottle with a frosted gold cap
Glacier water and fermented birch sap make up the base of the Boum-Boum Milk’s formula. I believe the former is sourced from Iceland. so I’m under the assumption it has mineral content as well as the soothing properties similar to classic French Pharmacy spring thermal water mists. The latter makes up 38% of the formula. It was explained by Violette to be what the French drink the day after a lovely night out to “detoxify”. While that’s nice to hear, that’s ingestion, not topical application. Fortunately, Korean skincare has gone down this route of using birch sap in their products! It’s rich in probiotics (when fermented), soothing and contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s overall a nice, different kind of humectant to have in a skincare product. Fermentation in general can boost nutritional properties of an ingredient. I would say overall, glacier water and fermented birch sap are a nice vehicle alternatives to the classic distilled water.
As for olive leaf extract, it seems to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. But there are other extracts in the formula that also offer these benefits and are more well-known:
Horse chestnut extract – anti-inflammatory and wound healing
Calendula extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Camellia sinesis leaf extract – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Some lovely moisturizing ingredients can also be found in the formula:
glycerin – a star humectant,
emollients capriylic/capric triglyceride, sunflower seed oil, and squalane,
antioxidants Arthrosperia platensis extract and tocopherol.
My Experience Using Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
Up-close photo of the Violette_FR Boum-Boum MilkSwatch of the Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk
Upon first spritz, I noticed right away the moisturizing properties of Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk. The finish is very reminiscent of the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner (reviewed), it has an emollient feel. However I do find the Boum-Boum Milk sinks into the skin more and has a calming effect after application. After a few more uses, I’ve come to realize I’m not a huge fan of the spritzer. It’s a bit assertive, does not have even distribution of the liquid, and I noticed product leaking from the spout.
As seen in my Summer 2021 Nighttime Skincare Routine, I used the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk in my hydrator step. I applied a few spritz to the palm of my hands and lightly massaged it on my face and neck. I have also used the Boum-Boum Milk over makeup and a refresher throughout the day if my skin felt dry. I’ve decanted a bit in a mini spray bottle; I took it with me to the beach to remoisturize my skin after swimming in the salt water. I found I most enjoyed the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk when I used it in the last two ways.
My Final Thoughts on Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
PROS
Gentle.
Calming and soothing.
Can use it in a number of ways to add moisture to my skin – in my skincare routine, throughout the day, at the beach 😀
I recall Violette saying in one of her Instagram lives that she wants clinical trials conducted on the Boum-Boum Milk – it would be a biased study mind you, but at least she wants data to show how it helps certain skin conditions.
CONS
The packaging – the spritzer does not dispense the product evenly, the mist itself is quite direct and not a gentle veil, and the fluid leaks.
Shipping – this is just a general con when ordering from violettefr.com, but it was a bit pricey. After speaking to my friend, the shipping is becoming more expensive :\ If you plan on investing in the Boum-Boum milk, be sure to keep the costly shipping in mind.
Two bottles later, I definitely like what the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk offered. It is gentle and adds light moisturization, but I am ready to move on. Firstly, I can’t actually repurchase it where I am. Secondly, the cost in CAD plus the increasing shipping prices is just becoming too expensive. I also have the NIOD SDSM waiting to be opened! It seems to also offer a gentle, light hydrating effect plus effective antioxidant protection. If Violette_FR finally ships to the country I’m residing in, I may consider repurchasing.
Where to Buy:Violette_FR Official Website (affiliate link – if you use this link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you so much if you decide to use it!)
As always, I hope you find posts like this helpful and informative!
Spring is finally here, that means it’s time for a check-in to see how well I’m progressing with my Low Buy 2022 Challenge after 3 months – and skincare empties, of course!
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my blog post Let’s Low Buy 2022 – here I write about why I am doing this challenge, what I hope to achieve, my rules, and how I am going to hold myself accountable. As a random person on the internet who is sharing this Low Buy challenge, the main way I am publicly holding myself accountable is by doing seasonal (3-month) check-ins; I talk about my successes and challenges with the challenge, as well as sharing all my skincare empties!
3 Months of Low Buying – How It’s Going So Far
2022 is flying by – I can’t believe it’s already April as I sit down and write this post! Although it’s been a speedy 3 months, I feel that the Low Buy challenge for the most part has been rather successful.
No More Freebies
I have been contacted by various PR companies and brands for campaigns, to which I respectfully declined. I was interested in a few of them, but right now I really want to focus on the goal at hand!
Remove Temptations
This rule has been the most successful thus far. For example, I did not even know the Sephora VIB Sale was taking place until a few youtubers I watch talked about it! I unsubscribed from Sephora’s newsletter a while ago, as well as unfollowed various brand social media accounts and uninstalled shopping apps. The only purchases I have made this year (stay tuned) have been skincare products that are directly replacing an empty in my skincare routine and/or a skincare product I keep on rotation for emergency breakout/impaired skin barrier days.
Let it Marinate
I have not impulse shopped since Deciem’s Black Friday sale of 2021 *pat on back*. Instead, I have created a wishlist of skincare products I am very interested in! If I ever feel the urge to buy something, I first take a look at my skincare routine as well as collection to make sure the item I want to purchase is unique and not similar to something I already have.
Empty Before Newbie
This has been the more challenging rule out of the 5 I have created for this Low Buy! I am a lover of skincare, and as someone who does reviews every so often, I like drawing comparisons. I like saving the skincare item I like when opening a new product because in the off-chance I don’t like the newer one, I have the original to fall back on if I decide to use up the new one or give it away. There are also items I have opened up that are quite similar, but to me their primary function is different. Further tangent on this in the video!
No Makeup
The easiest rule so far! I have not felt the need to purchase any makeup because I have been happy and content with my current collection. I think I’ll be downsizing it further soon!
Skincare Empties
The visual of how my Low Buy challenge is progressing – skincare empties! Below is a list of the empties names and links. Please note that products marked with an “*” indicates a PR item or gift. Links marked with “*” indicate an affiliate link – by clicking on this link and making a purchase, I earn a small commission. MICHXMASH Disclosure
And that’s all for my first Low Buy update! How has yours been going so far? Any rules working for you, or what do you find challenging? Let me know in the comments down below!
