I should’ve had this post live back in March when it was the first day of “Spring”, but here we are! I completed my Roundup 2018 Series, and I thought for the year of 2019 I’ll section off my Empties and Current Favourites posts by season. Here are my first set of empties from January 1, 2019 – March 20, 2019!
DISCLOSURE
Some products are PR samples, and are indicated down below. This post contains affiliate links. If you use this link to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use it! If you don’t feel comfortable, feel free to google a new link.
This is an unsponsored post.
Products marked with an asterisk (*) are PR / Gifted Items.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you use this link 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.
For the past few years, Klairs products have at some point, and still is, part of my skincare routine. When my skin was going through a very confusing time, their skincare managed to provide some type of relief and help with my skin concerns. I have tried old and new formulations of their products, been exposed to their marketing long enough, and follow them on Instagram to see their updates. I figured it was about time I did a big review on the products I have tried, as well as the brand as a whole!
QUICK FACTS
Here’s some information on Dear, Klairs based on what’s available online and what I have noticed when shopping their products:
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
They actually created “Stay Beagly” Badges for Wishtrend’s Cruelty Free Week Sale and proceeds went to saving Beagles and making sure they get a loving home! Check out their Instagram posts in May, and be sure to click left to see more! May 20th, 2018
High quality at reasonable prices
Only use necessary ingredients in the formula that contribute to skin’s overall health
No artificial fragrances used (although one of their products just has “Fragrance” on the list – I’ll point it out)
Effective, yet mild formulas
They keep sensitive skin types in mind
Suitable for all skin types
Have a variety of products
Beauty tools
Makeup
Skincare
Different skincare lines focused on specific concerns
Price range is $$
Least expensive product – Mochi BB Cushion Air Puff $1.50 USD
Most expensive product – Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop $30 USD
Always offer great deals with their skincare bundles. I always get them if I plan on repurchasing a product, as well as if my family and friends want to repurchase something in my order.
Their samples have expiry dates so you can save them for short trips! I did that when I went to Puerto Vallarta with friends.
Something they don’t list themselves, but deserves a quick mention: They take constructive criticism well and use the feedback they get from customers to improve their formulas and create new products!
I have tried old/new formulations of the following:
Supple Preparation Facial Toner – added Unscented version
Rich Moist Soothing Serum – less sticky, more elegant formulation
Rich Moist Soothing Cream – jar to tube with more product and added ingredients
Sheet masks – cotton to tencel and bamboo sheet material
Even with reformulations, I still find some Klairs products a hit and miss for me. Not a miss in a way where I think the product is awful, but moreso that it doesn’t tickle my fancy and it doesn’t have a purpose in my routine. Overall I do think they offer a variety of products for everyone, even the ones I personally don’t care for.
I will only be reviewing the products I own / have tried, which is about 14/23 products. It’s not all, but they seem to be the more popular products out of the bunch! For any product I did a full review on, I’ll be sure to leave the corresponding blog posts for you to look at if you’re interested in finding out more.
Also since there are quite a number of products, I’ll be linking each one with the COSDNA Ingredient List, that way it’s easier to check out what the primary functions of each one is.
This line focuses on calming the skin and lowering inflammation using Guaiazulene as the star ingredient. It is an extract from the chamomile plant that turns from violet to light blue after the blending process. It is used to treat a variety of skin ailments, especially when it’s inflamed or has damaged skin tissue (eg. sunburns, eczema)
Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask* COSDNA IL Amount: 25ml Price: $3 USD
First off – they do not have Guaiazulene in this, and I don’t know why it would not be included in the essence; It’s pretty much the whole reason for the Blue Line! However, it has a handful of soothing ingredients such as Erythritol, Willow Bark Extract, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica, making this mask particularly beneficial for those with inflamed skin; Since it functions as a calming sheet mask, it does give it merit to be part of the Blue Line. I like that they went the route with using bamboo instead of cotton. It comes in a top and bottom piece, fits my face better and it definitely holds the essence longer. After use, this mask made my face look and feel very smooth, look even tone, and helped lower inflammation around breakouts.
Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop COSDNA IL Amount: 20ml Price: $30 USD
This is a peptide serum that is one of Klairs’ products catered to anti-aging. Despite it only being 20ml, it is not in a base of water and contains only 10 ingredients, EGF and bFGF being the first two on the list. On initial application my skin always feels surprisingly soft, considering that this is a watery formula. I particularly like applying this after using a product that was sensitizing, making sure my skin doesn’t take a bad route from the reaction. I do have a love/hate with this serum however because of the size and if it’s really “keeping me young”. This is my second bottle, and with retinol or retinoids being in my skincare from here on out, I have been applying the Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop afterwards to ensure I don’t get any irritation. A subscriber also commented that they use this serum after dermarolling, instead of a Vitamin C serum like I used, and noticed its benefits. I would definitely like to give that a try, since no matter the % Vitamin C definitely stings, especially if you create multiple small wounds on your face!
Midnight Blue Calming Cream COSDNA IL
Amount: 30ml – 60ml
Price: $24.50 USD – $31 USD This is like the cream version of the Youth Activating Drop, for it also contains peptides and Guaiazulene. The reason I like it better is because it contains other ingredients I really like such as Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, and Ceramide 3. I repurchased the jar twice and invested in the 60ml limited size. This is a must in my routine, and serves the same purpose as the Youth Drop only heavier. Despite the thickness, I don’t get additional breakouts from the cream, but rather soothed skin, especially when my chin area is inflamed with pimples! The jar is good for travelling, for I almost always breakout after getting off the plane! Even if there is a climate change, I find myself reaching for this constantly to soothe my skin (or if I reeeeeaaaaalllllly react with a skincare product).
Recommended for: Constantly irritated and/or inflamed skin that needs some calming.
Freshly Juiced Line – The Ultimate Brightening Solution
The more “active” line out of the bunch, each product carries a star ingredient(s) that have skin benefits, including maintaining a healthy glow and youthful look!
Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ * COSDNA IL Amount: 80ml Price: $23 USD
Klairs’ newest sunscreen, and hallellujah it’s so good! It’s an all chemical sunscreen with the more photostable filters Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150. It come in a large size at a decent price; despite it being a chemical sunscreen it does not sensitize my skin or irritate my eyes. If you have normal to oily skin, you can even get away with this being your moisturizer! I found it adds a slight bit of moisture to my skin, giving it the supple look, not a greasy sunscreen look. It It’s a new addition that is one of the best they have to offer.
Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask * COSDNA IL Amount: 90ml Price: $27 USD
Probably the best sleeping mask I have tried to date. I’ve never been a fan over moisturizing, overnight masks because they tend to enlarge my pores, make me feel congested, and never tackle the dehydrated feeling. The Vitamin E Mask actually performs! My skin instantly looks bright and plump on application, stays moisturized the next day despite sleeping in a dry environment, and my pores look smaller. I definitely see the 2% Niacinamide working well.
Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop COSDNA IL Amount: 35ml Price: $23 USD
This is a likeable serum, but not my favourite. I like that this brightened and plumped my skin, felt hydrating, and evened out my skin tone. However long-term it did nothing for my hyperpigmentation. I am suspecting a few things:
1) The 5% L-Ascorbic Acid wasn’t enough for me
2) The lack of Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid in the formula is not bringing it to its full potential
3) Only suitable for the most sensitive of skin types
Your skin also feels heated on application. It didn’t bother me much or make my skin look splotchy, but I can see this being a concern for very sensitive skin. (Truthfully, I’m questioning if vitamin C really does anything for me atm, even the Timeless serum that has 20% LAA).
Recommended for: Those who need an instant brightening and hydrating boost! I think oily skin types would enjoy this line, but be wary of the Vitamin E Mask for it might be too heavy for you, even with the lightest amount. Sensitive skinned peeps beware of both the Mask and Vitamin Drop – you will feel some type of sensation!
Rich Moist Soothing Line
Deeply moisturize and soothe the skin
These were the first items from Klairs I ever tried. They served as good, gentle products when my skin was transitioning from oily to dry, and when I stopped birth control and started having crazy hormonal breakouts.
Rich Moist Soothing Serum COSDNA IL
Amount: 80ml
Price: $22.99 USD Both old and new formula, I find this did nothing for my skin. It adds a moment of a soothing feeling and disappears into my skin, barely making the surface feel soft. I think this is TOO gentle for me. What’s weird is that it has similar ingredients in the Supple Preparation Toner (which I love), but I don’t find I get the same effect. Maybe I prefer the toner as the “vehicle” for those ingredients rather than the serum? Skincarisma actually did an ingredient comparison of the Rich Moist Soothing Serum and Supple Preparation Facial Toner, what they both have and what one has over the other. Definitely give it a look!
Rich Moist Soothing Cream COSDNA IL
Amount: 60ml
Price: $24.50 USD My OG moisturizer when my skin started transitioning from oily to dry. It is a Glycerin-based moisturizer with Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Ceramide 3, as well as a variety of plant extracts. It comforted my skin while using it and I never felt congested. Now that I have branched off to my Cerave PM, I appreciate the minimal and effective ingredient list, and that it’s more accessible for me to get. I have not gone back to the Rich Moist Soothing Cream and don’t think I need to hang on to it anymore. It’s still a good moisturizer, and I have got my friend hooked on it for her dry, psoriasis skin.
Recommended for: Those new in skincare and need a gentle and simple start. The Rich Moist Soothing Line is basic, and sometimes that’s what you need. You can layer this as you like, making it suitable for oily to dry skin. As for the Rich Moist Soothing Tencil Sheet Mask, I only tried the old formulation and didn’t like it. The new one claims to have ceramides, so it’s possible it’s more nourishing, but I still can’t bring myself to want to try it.
Supple Preparation Line – Cleanse and Hydrate the Skin
It’s exactly what the name of the line suggests, it makes your skin supple! To better describe it in my own terms, they are products that help add a little extra to your skin, without a heavy finish.
Supple Preparation Facial Toner Original & Unscented * COSDNA List Amount: 180ml Price: $21.99 USD
I’ve spoken about this too much, so I’ll be brief! Love this toner, have gone through multiple bottles of it. It is a no fuss type of product that gives your skin that little extra *oomph*. The Unscented one is definitely your go to if you’re looking for a light, simple, hydrating toner to add to your routine without the essential oils.
Toner Mate 2-in-1 Cotton Pad Amount: 60-60 pads Price: $6.50 USD Compressed Pad: 100% Cotton Sponge Pad: Pulp-Rayon blend
Probably the best damn cotton pads ever. I never knew how important cotton pads are until I tried these ones. I still have a pack of Delon cotton pads I got for $15 at Costco. They’re good, but these….. Not a drop of product goes to waste, even with the thicker, more compressed pad. The compressed pad is best used say if you feel like you need to wipe extra stuff off your skin while adding hydration. The softer, sponge pad to help saturate your skin more, and you can even use them for toner masks.
This is a fast absorbing body-lotion that can be used for both face and body, depending the type of finish you prefer in a moisturizer. This one caters to those that don’t like a heavy finish. This also has Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP and a ton of plant extracts as well. Comparing it to the Rich Moist Soothing Cream, these ingredients are all near the top of the list, but the difference is in the finish.
Recommended for: Those who literally want a “simple, but enough” type of feel to their skin. And high quality cotton pads. It pretty much compliments the Rich Moist Soothing Line (or any skincare routine for that matter) well.
Gentle Black Cleansing Line – Deep cleanse the skin without irritation
Similar to the theme in the Blue Line, Klairs has a few cleansers that have black ingredients as their highlighted ingredients. The ones I see listed are black sugar, charcoal, and black currant.
Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil (multiple samples) COSDNA IL Amount: 150ml Price: $22.90 USD
A gentle makeup remover with Black Currant Seed Oil. It’s a soothing and moisturizing ingredient high in linoleic acid,making it suitable for problematic skin; It found in the middle of the list along with other plant oils such as Jojoba Seed, Soybean, and Sesame Seed. It is an emulsifying cleansing oil so there is no need for a towel, although I do find it takes a bit to wash off without it. From the handful of times I have used this, my skin is left feeling moisturized and smooth, but it also feels like product is lingering on my face. This is also the one I found in their line that has just “Fragrance” on the list, instead of their typical EO blend found in their other skincare products.
Recommended for: 1st cleanse steps but still want that slight moisturized finish.
Makeup
Klairs doesn’t really have a big makeup line, but I have purchased and still use their BB Cream!
Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream COSDNA IL Amount: 40ml Price: $24.99 USD
I remember this being the first Asian BB cream I tried without making my skin grey and I could actually wear on its own. My skin definitely had a natural glow to it, and it helped blur my enlarged pores and make my skin look smoother and literally supple. I’m a bit tanner than I was when I first tried this product, and even at my paler times this really makes my skin tone look lighter. At the beginning of this year, I mixed it in with my It Cosmetics CC Cream (Medium) to match my lighter skin tone better. I may just keep using it for that purpose only.
Recommended for: Those who want a “My Skin But Better” type of look.
Dear, Klairs is a great brand to consider if you want to venture into K-Beauty that’s cruelty-free with vegan formulas. They reformulate and formulate products based on customer input, any skin-type can use their products, they are fairly affordable, and a little goes a long way when using their products in your skincare routine.
Based on my skin concerns and needs, here are Klairs products I highly recommend:
Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50 PA++++
Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Toner Mate 2-in-1 Cotton Pads
Wishtrend is having their annual Black Friday sale soon, and that’s usually when I shop on their website! Amazon would be preferred for those that have Prime, but I’m not sure if the sale prices will reflect there. If you’ve been eyeing Klairs products, I hope my post helps you navigate their selection to choose and try the ones right for you.
xo, M
P.S. The video version shows me demo-ing the products!
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 Serumon 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 theKlairs 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 ofCerave 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.
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.
It’s exactly what the name of the line suggests, it makes your skin supple! To better describe it in my own terms, they are products that help add a little extra to your skin, without a heavy finish.
