I’m From Rice Toner Review

February 4, 2020November 2, 2022 admin4 Comments

The last time I reviewed an I’m From product, it was back in 2016 when I experienced some awesome voodoo magic that was their Honey Mask!

Wishtrend sent me their I’m From Rice Toner to try out, and I’m ready to share with you all my thoughts on this product.

I also have a Youtube video reviewing the Toner as well as I’m From’s new Rice Serum and Cream!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLLJpvF5kco&w=560&h=315]

Product is a PR sample and provided for review purposes.
All thoughts are my own, always *casts doe patronus*

CLAIMS

This toner is made with 77.78% Rice Extract effective in whitening and elasticity care. The product forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, eliminate dead skin cells and provide luster and moisturization to rebalance dry and tired skin.

– Wishtrend

Price: $38 USD
Amount: 150 ml
How to use:
1) Before use, shake well to mix the water and emulsion layers.
2) After cleansing, dispense on a cotton pad and wipe off or press onto dry areas.

Made in Korea
Made for all skin types
Cruelty-free
Free of ethanol, silicone, steroid, artificial colouring, artificial fragrance

INGREDIENTS

Rice extract, Methylpropanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated poly (C6-14 olefin), Niacinamide, Pentylene glycol, Common Purslane extract, Rice bran extract, Japanese elm bark extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Distilled water, Polyglyceryl-10-myristate, Butylene glycol, Adenosine, Cellulose gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol

Total number of ingredients: 18

From my -skinthusiast- perspective…
I’ve mostly heard of the benefits of Rice Extract from other people making anecdotal claims that the traditional -washing your face with Rice Water- helps to soften and brighten the skin, and keeps one looking young. I have also DIYed a Rice Water toner before and while it gets pungent pretty quickly, the first handful of uses I did instantly notice my skin felt soft, moisturized, and looked bright. INCIDecoder unfortunately doesn’t have any solid information to share on Rice Extract, but Paula’s Choice’s ingredient dictionary states the following:

“…rice bran is a rich source of over 100 antioxidant compounds, including vitamin E, ferulic acid, and oryzanol.

The bran also contains moisturizing polysaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients like calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.”

Aside from the abundant amount of Rice Extract, I always love me some good ol’ Niacinamide for an extra boost! I’ve said it multiple times and I’ll say it again, Niacinamide is a great multitasking ingredient for brightening, strengthening the skin barrier, and minimizing pores. This toner also is filled with a handful of humectant and emollient ingredients, making it a toner on that will have more of a light residue than a fresh, barely-there finish. In my experience, it would sit between the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner and The Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.

Moisturizing (mix of humectants and emollients): Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated poly (C6-14 olefin), Pentylene glycol, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Butylene glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
Antioxidant: Niacinamide, Common Purslane extract
Wound healing: Common Purslane extract, Adenosine

INCIDecoder Breakdown

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Glass bottle with a small spout.

Usage: Morning and/or evening, applied after cleansing with hands. Would sometimes layer the toner.

Texture: Thin milk.

Fragrance: None.

Finish: Light but moisturizing. Not as moisturizing as the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.

Instant Results: Skin feels smooth and has a light moisturized film. There have been the odd times my skin felt sensitive after using it.

Long-Term Results: Skin rarely feels rough or dehydrated.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The I’m From Rice Toner reminds me of a more well preserved, enjoyable version of the old school method of DIY Rice Water toner lol. If you’ve ever been interested in that old school way of softening and brightening your complexion, this toner is the easier way to go. I’m not 100% on how much “elasticity care” it can provide, but preventing water loss is always a #1 priority when it comes to preventative aging, and this toner definitely helps to add and maintain skin’s moisture. Overall the I’m From Rice Toner performs well and I’d imagine anyone else using it would enjoy it for what it offers.

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

Links provided are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and use it to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you do not feel comfortable, feel free to Google a new link.

Hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M

RELATED CONTENT: I’m From Rice Serum and Cream Review

TRIED & TRUE TIPS: How I Repaired My Dehydrated and Dry Skin!

November 16, 2019 admin5 Comments

Press Samples in this post will be indicated with (PR)
Links marked with a * are affiliate links/codes. This means if you use this link/code to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thanks for your support if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

I thought I’d start off a new blog / video series called “Tried and True Tips” – basically I share tips that like many of us, go Googling for all over the internet for that I have tried, and have worked!

Since it’s now snowing here in jolly Ontario, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my Tried and True Tips on how I repaired my dry/dehydrated skin! Before I do, quick recap:

I was oily-skinned for ~24 years
Past 4-5 years, after working in a stupidly dry environment and aging in general, my skin became so dry, it not only felt uncomfortably tight, there was no moisturizer, or oil in general to be found on my skin when I touched my face!

After many a months to a couple of years of trial and error, I finally found what has been working for me in maintaining my skin’s moisture! If what I’ve gone through sounds similar to your current circumstance, then keep on reading!

1. GET A HUMIDIFIER

The most common tip, and for good reason! To start improving your skin’s hydration levels, this is an easy way to set it up for success. Like I mentioned, my skin gets easily sensitized in dry environments, so having a large humidifider that lasts hours was much needed for my place.

The one I purchased: Homedics Humidifier
Costco
Amazon.ca

2. PLAN YOUR MORNING CLEANSE ACCORDINGLY

All these cleansers have a pH around 5-5.5

As demo-ed in my Morning Skincare Routine, I do not wash my face in the morning, and go straight into my Vitamin C serum. Most of the time, my skin doesn’t feel like there’s a heavy layer of product, feels oily, or crusty, so skipping morning cleanse in these instances work for me. It’s particularly beneficial for dry skinned folks because as we know, every time we cleanse our skin, we are promoting Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL); So limiting the amount of times you wash your face in a day helps. However, on the off days where I do feel like my skin has a greasy buildup or feels so crusty my skin texture is uneven, I use a low pH cleanser for 30 seconds in the morning. While cleansing, I already feel my skin becoming softer and smoother than before. Since the cleanser is pH balanced, it doesn’t dry out my skin and I can comfortably follow with my skincare routine; Sometimes my skin actually feels more moisturized! By planning my morning cleanse accordingly, I haven’t had the urge to jump into a chemical exfoliant right away, which overdoing could make your dehydrated skin worse!
Products:
Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel *
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Cleanser (reviewed)
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser * (PR)
Dermalogica Active Clearing Skin Wash * (Previously Medibac)

3. KEEP YOUR SKIN DAMP

In relation to the previous tip, when washing your face, try not completely drying with a towel. When we completely dry out all the water on our faces, we’re helping speed up the process of TEWL; This leaves our faces tight and uncomfortable, and now we’re using more skincare products than necessary to replenish what we helped lose. My face never feels tight anymore and I don’t feel like I need to use as many replenishing items or layers to feel comfortable again.

4. ADD IN EXTRA HUMECTANTS, EMOLLIENTS, AND/OR OCCLUSIVES

Rule of thumb for finding a moisturizer is that it should contain a good balance with all 3 types of ingredients mentioned above to help retain and prevent water loss from your skin – humectants to attract water, emollients to soften and smooth skin, and occlusives to seal in the deal (See Chemist Confessions post explaining further!). Depending on our individual skin concerns and our preferred products, you can incorporate an extra step into your routine to further help your moisture level.

Using a hydrating toner, essence, lotion, and/or gel moisturizer is my favourite way of adding in extra moisture! They’re typically humectant rich, some may have emollients as well. I use these all year round, but come winter, I either layer a light one, or swap for a hydrator with a thicker consistency, and one that may leave a film.
Products:
I’m From Rice Toner (PR Sample) *
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner *
Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion *
Hada Labo Premium Lotion *
Hada Labo Perfect Gel *

Plant oils are another easy way of incorporating something more emollient into your routine. Oils I have tried and liked are Marula and Rosehip Seed Oil. Another popular oil is Squalane; I have never tried this one before but I constantly see it appear in people’s skincare routines!
Products:
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil *
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil *
Not shown cause I forgot: Jordan Samuel Soothing Facial Oil

If my skin is in dire need, I will go in with the big guns and either mix or add a pea-sized amount of the best, cheap occlusive of its kind – petrolatum! Applying Vaseline or Cerave’s Baby Healing Ointment were some serious game changers in providing my dry skin with relief, especially when I started using 0.3% Adapalene around this time of year!
Products:
Cerave Baby Healing Ointment *
Vaseline *

And there you have it, the tried and true tips that have helped me fix my dehydration / dryness!

I know this isn’t a super long list, but I wanted to share the very effective ones that worked so well for me! Hope you found this post helpful and informative.

xo,

My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

August 9, 2018 admin10 Comments

Please refer to my “announcement” post if you haven’t already – it explains my skincare in a nutshell.
I’m Finally Sharing my Current Skincare Routines 2018

Breakdown:
1. Cleanse
2. Acne Treatment / Main Active
3. Hydrators
4. Moisturize
5. SPF

1. CLEANSE

I have tried going without washing my face in the morning, but I always get a lovely amount of zits on my face later in the day. I need at least a few splashes with water to start my morning skincare routine. If I feel like my skin has a bit of a residue from the night before, I’ll go in with a gentle cleanser.

I’ve been really enjoying Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for this step! This is such a lovely, gentle, simple cleanser. One full pump really softens the skin as I massage my face and I don’t feel ANY sensation at all.

Just like its moisturizing partners, this cleanser also contains Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, great ingredients to help replenish moisture in its skin and support a good barrier function. The texture of the product is like a lotion and with the way it feels, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is definitely doing some good for my skin!

Because it is so gentle and slightly moisturizing, I always debate whether or not it would be good as a second step in my Double Cleanse. For now, I’m enjoying it as a go-to gentle cleanser in my skincare arsenal, especially the morning after using Differin the night before.

Every other day I go in with the Dermalogica Medibac Clearing Skin Wash * to incorporate Salicylic Acid in my skincare. It contain’s 0.5% Salicylic Acid, the minimal amount required to effectively exfoliate your pore lining. This is a much welcomed product, especially since I’m getting slightly oilier and actually maintaining a proper workout schedule. My lovely sebaceous filaments on my nose have been getting darker, so this wash is effective, yet gentle and nourishing enough to even use it daily! I’m highly considering getting the full size of this product.

After rinsing my face I will lightly pat my skin dry, but not completely dry. I find if I do this, my skin is more susceptible to dehydration and dryness, so I always make sure it is “almost dry”.

2. Acne Treatment / Main Active

After cleansing while my face still has a tad amount of water, I first apply Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum on my forehead and each cheek. The idea of using my serum first is to get Vitamin C to make direct contact with my skin, so I can reap its benefits right away. It’s a light water-based serum so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of my skincare at all by using it first. It doesn’t sting my skin at all and feels rather refreshing both from the light sweet scent it has and how it makes my skin feel fresh.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a Vitamin C derivative said to be more stable and bioavailable than L-Ascorbic Acid, while still providing the same benefits. Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E are also in the formulation to amp up the benefits as well.

I haven’t really noticed a huge difference in my skin while using this serum, other than my skin feeling more hydrated. The only marker I have that this has helped with hyperpigmentation is on my neck – the only place I don’t apply Differin. The mark I had from a breakout is very faded now and doesn’t feel raised on my skin. Either way, I think this is a good starter Vitamin C serum, but I may opt for the popular Timeless Vitamin C serum after I’m done with the Mad Hippie one.

I pat it into my skin and once it gets tacky I move onto my other products.

3. Hydrators

I’ve been really enjoying the following products in my skincare routine because they have done an excellent job in adding back hydration to my skin. I don’t necessarily have to use both products, but I find my skin stays very comfortable throughout the day and I rarely ever get a tight feeling in my skin.

I’ve raved enough about the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner * and I’m currently using the Unscented version in my routine. So far, it performs the same! Hard to tell the difference anymore (aside from the scent) since it is summertime and my skin is slightly oilier. After 3 dime-size applications, it makes my skin feel just as comfortable as the original, and ready for more layers of skincare.
REVIEW & COMPARE: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – Scented and Unscented!

I follow up immediately with 2 pumps of Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence (formally called Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence – the one I have). There’s not much information about Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate other than that it can help tighten and brighten skin, as well as improving skin’s barrier function. For me, I’ve noticed the tightness I used to get from dehydration is non-existent, my skin feels a lot smoother, and my face stays even-toned. I’ve noticed nothing but benefits from using a Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate product and will continue using it!

After all of this is absorbed into my skin and while my face is still tacky, I immediately go into moisturizing.

4. Moisturize

Inspired by Dr. Dray, I use 2 types of moisturizers – one as a humectant type to hold onto all that water I applied to my skin in my hydrating step, and sealing it further with a more occlusive one.

I apply a minimal amounts of Mentholatum Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel to my face and neck, making sure to concentrate a little more around my eyes, middle of my forehead, and smile lines.

I was fascinated by this product originally because it had Urea high on the ingredients list. It is a moisturizing agent that helps increase the thickness of your skin barrier as well as help with the skin’s natural desquamation process. I had to get my hands on this product. Hada Labo is known to have 3 different types of hyaluronic acid to help further add to it’s skin-conditioning functions.

This gel always leaves my skin feeling very soft and smoother than before. I also find it has helped minimize my pores from keeping all the water in my skin cells, giving a plump look to my skin!

I use a tiny amount of the Mad Hippie Eye Cream under my eyes to my orbital bone. Whether or not eye cream is necessary – shush! I need something more moisturizing for my eye area, as it dries out easily, so for me, eye cream is a necessity.

What is really fascinating about this eye cream is the amount of actives! The eye area is very sensitive and I don’t have problems with this eye cream at all. It contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that helps collagen and elastin production. It also vitamins C, B3 and E, as well as Ceramide, Niacinamide, and other ingredients that aid in improving the look and strengthening skin.

I really like how this eye cream feels light yet it provides enough moisture for my eye area. Even on application while patting it in, I notice my eye area is brighter! The one big wrinkle I get around my eye area when I smile seems less deep, and the area in general looks a lot smoother. I don’t have a problem with darkness under my eyes, but I do notice after application it looks a tad brighter.

To seal all the good stuff in, I go in with 4 pumps of Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to cover my face and neck. It’s also a gel moisturizer, but contains a high amount of Niacinamide. I love this ingredient because it helps with minimizing pores and increasing the strength of my skin barrier. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Cerave product without Ceramides in the list! Because it’s summer, and I follow up with a moisturizing SPF, I find I don’t need to mix this in with another moisturizer to make sure I’m well moisturized.

5. SPF

The topper to my skincare! Nothing ensures a protected skin barrier like using a sunscreen. I have a variety in my collection, but the following product is what I’ve been using constantly.

Elta Md UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen really is a cosmetically elegant sunscreen. It is also so moisturizing, I could skip using the Cerave PM Moisturizer if I really wanted to (but I won’t – can’t give up that Niacinamide).

It contains 7.0% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate as its UV filters. Because it’s a physical-chemical hybrid SPF, the cast you would get from zinc-oxide disappears as you massage it into your skin. I do notice my skin looks paler if I do not wear makeup, especially since my body is darker, but I’ve only noticed it while at the gym. It also has Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E and Petrolatum, and a variety of moisturizing ingredients to help retain skin moisture. It spreads so smoothly on my face and makes my skin feel more moisturized. The finish is quite glowy but I don’t mind. I usually use this sunscreen when I plan on applying makeup because I can easily glide on my base and sheer it out without worrying about unevenness.

There you have it! My morning skincare routine. Even when I was experimenting with this routine in colder weather, my skin rarely felt dehydrated throughout the day. My skin has been feeling and looking good, and am overall really happy with how much my skin has improved. I could probably rid my routine of a few of the products to minimize it, but I enjoy my routine a lot right now and that’s what matters most to me. We’ll see once I finish them up.

Hope you enjoyed the read!

Be sure to check out my PM Routine: My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018

xo, M

If you want to see the texture of the products and in action:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK7zkzpU7uE]

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

[REVIEW] Belif | Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner, Hungarian Water Essence, the True Cream – Moisturizing Bomb

April 27, 2017 admin2 Comments

While experimenting with the Ordinary serums a couple of months ago (check out [REVIEW] One Month (and more) of the Ordialnary: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinimide + Zinc, Lactic/Azelaic Acids (plus last minute buys)), alongside the products I used consistently were and still are from Belif. I spotted Belif in the Face Shop at the Eaton Centre and my eyes protruded pretty fiercely!

Belif is a Korean brand that combines traditional herbal processing methods based on British herbalist Duncan Napier (from the 1860s), with their own innovative extracting method. They value their brand to be the most truthful and inimitable in the cosmetic industry because of their safe and effective formulation process.

I’ve been wanting to try one of their hydrating toners ever since I dabbled it on my hand at a Sephora in the US and followed up with major ragrets after not buying it. It was still winter, my moisturizer ran out, so I thought I’d try the Moisturizing Bomb to help with my dry skin. Bonus, I got a sample size of the Hungarian Water Essence as well to complete the set!
Read More »

[The Ordinary Haul] Focus: Dry & Dehydrated, Acne-Prone, Texture, Prevent & Prolong

February 5, 2017 admin5 Comments

I am somewhat late on the bandwagon.

I cannot, and I repeat, CANNOT believe I wasn’t paying attention to this brand until now!

If you still don’t know, the Ordinary is a skincare brand under the umbrella company Deciem. It is a Canadian brand that’s pretty much no nonsense: you get what you need with minimal, effective ingredients and a true price point. And by true price point I mean… Extremely affordable. Like, more affordable than drugstore products affordable. SO affordable, I had such a dumb look on my face going home, because I could not believe.

Description: The Ordinary is an evolving collection of treatments offering familiar, effective clinical technologies positioned to raise pricing and communication integrity in skincare.

As the title of the post suggests, my current skin concerns to tackle for my shining age of 26 are:

Dry & Dehydrated
Acne-Prone
Texture
Prevent & Prolong

Below I’ve listed the items I have purchased, and a blurb of why I thought it would be good to help with my current skin situation.

REVIEW | Skin Inc My Daily Dose Custom-Blended Serum Set

January 22, 2017 adminLeave a comment

If you know Bubzbeauty, then you know that she’s been loving her Skin Inc. My Daily Dose Custom-Blended Serum. From following her for a few years, I know she has been using their products for a while and found them effective. I decided to splurge and purchase my own set during the Sephora VIB sale.

About Skin Inc.

“Skin Inc is the world’s first Skin Supplement Bar offering customizable beauty solutions to help you create an effective and fuss-free regimen, designed for your skin. Our products feature highly concentrated, pure and active serums and innovative skincare from Japan that combine proven ingredients with the most advanced delivery systems for maximum results. Skin Inc products contain 0% added scents and parabens…”

The Best of Beauty 2016

January 2, 2017 admin7 Comments

I am sure you have heard it time and time again, but damn this year flew by fast! The time has come to reflect on the year 2016 of the best beauty products I have come across and coveted. Everything I list is in consideration to my skin type: Acne-prone, dry and dehydrated.

Skincare Series 1.1: My Daily Skincare Routine

October 16, 2015 admin4 Comments

Hello, It’s Me…..

Here’s my updated skincare routine on products that I have used exclusively and consistently from July 2015 to almost a year. I needed to find products that would tackle the superficial breakouts I was experiencing on my chin, as well as the utter dehydration and tightness I constantly felt. I could not bare the thought of having cystic acne again, so this routine also had to be something that was preventative as well. My original go to routine (One Routine to Rule Them All) for intense breakouts was not hydrating enough for my skin, so I had to revamp my approach to a new skincare routine. The key to this was to find gentle, yet highly effective products, with a good ingredient list. I didn’t want to just turn to my local Shoppers Drug Mart and get over-the-counter products filled with benzoyl peroxide. I find products like those clear my face, but also make my skin thinner and weaker. Plus, my skin would become “addicted” to the medical ingredient, meaning if I wanted to keep up a clear face, I could never sway from it. I wanted to rebuild the strength of my skin, and slowly ween my way off of any intense treatments that I’d have to rely on.

MICHXMASH

Documenting my Trials and Tribulations with Beauty Products

Tag: dehydrated skin