Beauty of Joseon is a popular cruelty-free Korean brand that combines Hanbang-infused skincare with clinically effective ingredients. Hanbang is a traditional Korean medicine based on natural ingredients with therapeutic properties, such as ginseng, green plum, propolis, and mugwort.

Today, the brand is known for creating glowy, gentle, and moisturising products that look and feel amazing on your skin. In this honest Beauty of Joseon review, I share my thoughts on the 11 products I’ve tried to let you know whether it’s worth checking out.

Get 20% off Beauty of Joseon at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop now!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Which Haruharu Wonder skincare products are in this review?

I’ve tried the following 11 Beauty of Joseon products:

1. Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+
2. Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner
3. Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
4. Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
5. Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
6. Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50
7. Ginseng Essence Water Toner
8. Dynasty Cream
9. Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide
10. Radiance Cleansing Balm
11. Green Plum Refreshing AHA + BHA Toner

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall brand review.

Beauty of Joseon products review

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ is one of my all-time fave SPFs. This sunscreen made it into my best of 2025 beauty products list, as it’s just so good.

The Aqua-Fresh SPF50 offers broad-spectrum protection from UV rays in a lightweight, non-greasy, and completely invisible formula. It’s hydrating, keeps my skin comfortable all day, and has a lovely cooling sensation when applied. The SPF layers on top of skincare without pilling and sits nicely underneath makeup. In winter, it pairs perfectly with a more moisturising skincare routine, while still giving a nice glow. In summer, it never feels oily or like it’s melting off your face; instead, it stays perfectly fresh and can be reapplied without any issues.

Rating: 5 stars

It’s one of the best sun cream formulas I’ve ever tried. It’s a sunscreen I’ll always keep in my collection.

2. Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner

The Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner is a refreshing and lightweight toner that lightly hydrates skin. Compared to other milky toners I’ve tried, this one is quite a watery formula, which makes it versatile, as it can be paired with a heavier skincare routine during the winter but also with thinner products in warmer weather for a more oily skin-friendly vibe.

This toner keeps my skin moisturised and gives it a soft glow. However, it doesn’t excite me as much as the Laneige, Rhode, or Haruharu Wonder milky toners, which are more luscious, nourishing, and dewy.

Rating: 4 stars

It’s a good toner, but I wouldn’t repurchase.

3. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal

The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal is OK. I tried this eye cream several years ago, and it didn’t make an impression on me. It was hydrating, applied easily, and lightly moisturised my under-eye area. However, after using it, I didn’t see any difference in fine lines or brightness around my eyes, which is what I wanted from a retinol formula.

Rating: 3 stars

This eye cream is fine but didn’t deliver any noticeable results.

4. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is a cooling and refreshing gel cleanser. Formulated AHA, this cleanser gently exfoliates the skin to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. Despite exfoliaiting, my skin never feels stripped, tight, or dry after using it. Instead, my combination skin feels hydrated, looks even, and fully clean after using it. A grape-sized amount of product lathers easily and is enough to cleanse my entire face.

Rating: 4 stars

While I think this is a good cleanser, I’ve used others that I prefer.

5. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

The Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask is one of the best face masks I’ve used in a long time. This mask gently buffs away dead skin cells, without feeling harsh or abrasive, to instantly reveal a brighter, smoother, and clarified complexion. After using this mask, my skin feels so soft and nourished, while appearing visibly more luminous.

My oily t-zone also had noticeably less shine than usual and felt more comfortable after use, making it perfect for a wide range of skin types.

Rating: 5 stars

I look forward to using this face mask again, as it makes a noticeable and immediate difference to my skin.

See some of these Beauty of Joseon products in action in my Instagram reel below:

Get 20% off Beauty of Joseon at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop now!

6. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50 is Aqua-Fresh’s more nourishing and richer older sister. This one provides more radiance and moisture, yet it’s still lightweight, doesn’t give any white cast, and doesn’t pill. It plays nicely with other skincare products and underneath makeup, and it absorbs quickly.

For my combination skin, I’d typically use this in the winter for added hydration or I’d skip moisturiser altogether in the summer, as it provides enough hydration for my skin.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I just love the cooling and refreshing feeling of the Aqua-Fresh SPF that bit more. But both are excellent K-beauty sunscreens.

7. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Toner

The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Toner is a lightweight, watery, and rejuvenating toner that hydrates the skin. This gives a soft dewy look that makes my skin look healthy and plump. In the warmer months, I loved splashing this toner on my skin to cool it down, giving it a much-needed refresh, and top up my moisture levels throughout the day. It’s like a quenching drink for your skin!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Although I’ve been loving rich and sumptuous milky toners recently, refreshing toners are always a fantastic addition to my skincare routine, and this one is fab.

8. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is a thick, luxurious, and nourishing moisturiser. Despite being rich and creamy, it’s actually surprisingly absorbent and never feels greasy, even on the oilier areas of my skin. This moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated all day without the need for top-ups and protects your skin’s barrier. The result? Glowy, soft, and healthy skin.

Rating: 5 stars

This is a great moisturiser for all skin types!

9. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide

The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide is a thick formula that makes your complexion look radiant and instantly awake. It absorbs quickly, helps even out your skin tone thanks to the niacinamide, and is a cheat code to instantly dewy skin. Although it does make your skin look radiant, it’s not the dewiest of serums out there. This provides more of a soft, skin-like glow than in your face juiciness.

Rating: 4 stars

Propolis works to make my skin look pump and feel nourished, which is a welcome bonus with this popular serum.

10. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is one of the brand’s most-loved and viral products. This creamy cleansing balm gently and effortlessly melts makeup, SPF, dirt, and oil from your skin while leaving it feeling fresh, clean, and nourished. You really don’t have to do much massaging at all for this formula to lift makeup from your skin, and it’s even gentle around your eyes, so it won’t sting!

Rating: 5 stars

This is one of the best K-beauty cleansing balms, as it performs really well and leaves skin in an excellent condition. I have 0 complaints!

11. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing AHA + BHA Toner

The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing AHA + BHA Toner is a gently exfoliating, watery toner. The consistency is lightweight and runny, so it absorbs quickly into your skin. It feels refreshing, non-sticky, and hydrating.

As for the exfoliating element of this toner, it takes continued use to see any results, as it’s a gentle formula. Since using it for the last couple of months, my skin seems less oily, smoother, and some of my blackheads have reduced. However, I don’t think my skin looks brighter, feels smoother, or like I have a more even complexion.

Rating: 4 stars

Overall, it’s a good exfoliating toner, especially for sensitive skin, but I’ve used others that are better.

Overall Beauty of Joseon brand review

I think Beauty of Joseon is a good Korean skincare brand, especially for refreshing, gentle, and hydrating formulas. It offers affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use formulas that never irritate my sensitive skin.

I particularly love the brand’s face mask, SPFs, and cleansing balm. They all work wonderfully to make my skin look radiant, feel soft and smooth, and fully protected. Beauty of Joseon is the brand to go for if you want reliable and effective formulas that work every single time.

Get 20% off Beauty of Joseon at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop now!

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Haruharu Wonder is an excellent Korean skincare brand known for its vegan, cruelty-free, and skin barrier-friendly products. Its products are designed to fit in seamlessly with everyday routines while being gentle, simple, effective, and affordable.

The outer packaging is eco-friendly, as it all comes in cardboard boxes. The outer packaging also features braille, so that visually impaired people can learn more about the products.

I’m a massive K-beauty fan and have tried tonnes of high-quality products over the years. How does Haruharu Wonder measure up to the many popular Korean skincare brands on the market? In this honest review, I share my thoughts on the 9 products I’ve tried to let you know whether it’s worth checking out.

Get money off Haruharu Wonder and loads of other Korean skincare brands at YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10. Shop here!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Which Haruharu Wonder skincare products are in this review?

I’ve tried the following 9 Haruharu Wonder products:

1. Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+
2. Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
3. Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
4. Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield SPF50+
5. Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
6. Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Fragrance Free
7. Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
8. Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+
9. Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall brand review.

1. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+

£11.62 for 50ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ is an excellent chemical sunscreen. It’s one of the best I’ve tried.

It’s lightweight, absorbent, non-sticky, leaves no white cast, and moisturises the skin. This SPF leaves a skin-like finish with a natural glow. I love that once this has been applied, it’s completely undetectable.

It doesn’t pill and layers over skincare products seamlessly. Whether I’m going for a lightweight summer skincare routine or a more nourishing and protective winter skincare routine, this sunscreen always fits in. It’s versatile and works with every skincare routine.

As it’s so lightweight, it’s perfect as the last step in your skincare routine before makeup application, as it doesn’t interfere with any base products, like primer, foundation, or setting powder.

Rating: 5 stars

This is a faultless SPF and works no matter the time of year. It’s also fragrance-free, which is great.

2. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

£10.85 for 100ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel is a brilliant, gentle cleanser.

This fragrance-free cleanser is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It works into a creamy, non-stripping lather that doesn’t leave your skin tight or dry.

It’s refreshing, cleanses skin effectively, and leaves skin soft and moisturised. I use this as my morning cleanser or as the second cleanser in my evening skincare routine, and it always makes my skin feel smooth and comfortable afterwards.

Rating: 5 stars

A little bit of product goes a long way, as it works into a very creamy lather with just a button-sized amount of cleanser.

3. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream

£14.49 for 50ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream is a rich and sumptuous ceramide moisturiser.

This thick cream is ultra-nourishing, feels expensive despite the affordable price point, and leaves skin feeling protected all day. A little bit of product is enough to cover your entire face. For my combination skin, a 5p-sized amount is plenty.

Despite being thick, the cream isn’t greasy, doesn’t lead to breakouts, and doesn’t clog pores. While this is the sort of moisturiser that you can feel on your skin, it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. Instead, it feels wonderfully hydrating.

It’s also free from fragrance, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.

Rating: 5 stars

I can see myself reaching for this moisturiser regularly in the colder months, where my skin needs more nourishment.

4. Haruharu Wonder Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield SPF50+

£11.01 for 20g

The Haruharu Wonder Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield SPF50+ is ideal for when you need to top up your SPF on the go.

This fragrance-free solid SPF stick leaves a satin skin-like finish, no white cast, and has a cooling effect on the skin. It smooths over skin effortlessly without feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky, unlike many other stick sunscreens on the market. It leaves skin soft, protected, hydrated, and with soft radiance.

I still prefer a traditional liquid sun cream formula. However, if I’m out and about, the last thing I want to do is apply more liquid SPF to my skin, especially if my skin feels warm or sweaty. It’s just icky. This solid SPF stick removes that gross sensation and allows you to simply swipe on more product to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This is one of the best SPF sticks I’ve tried and is very convenient.

Get money off Haruharu Wonder and loads of other Korean skincare brands at YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10. Shop here!

5. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

£8.93 for 20ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity around the eyes.

I’ve been using this eye cream for around 4 weeks, and, sadly, I’ve seen no difference in the fine lines or plumpness of my skin. Having said that, I’ve never tried a bakuchiol product that makes any difference to the youthfulness of my skin. Compared to retinol, bakuchiol just doesn’t seem to deliver the same results, in my experience.

The eye cream is fairly hydrating and isn’t sensitising. But if I wanted to use a moisturising eye cream, this wouldn’t be my top pick.

Rating: 3 stars

I don’t think this eye cream is bad, but I’ve not seen the same results as the other Haruharu Wonder products in this review. I often find that eye creams fall short of their claims and have tried very few that genuinely wow me.

6. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Fragrance Free

£12.55 for 150ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Fragrance Free is the perfect soothing and hydrating toner for all skin types, but particularly sensitive skin.

This toner is gentle, refreshing, and moisturising. It makes skin look dewy and plump. Despite being thicker than a traditional toner, the formula is surprisingly lightweight and absorbent—no stickiness or greasiness, just long-lasting hydration.

This toner feels like a quenching drink for your skin. After patting it into your skin, it gives that really fresh and youthful look. My sensitive skin adores this toner.

Rating: 5 stars

This is the type of toner that’ll work for anyone and in any skincare routine. It’s fantastic.

7. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

£14.79 for 150ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is another standout, fragrance-free product.

This cleansing oil is non-irritating. I use this as the first cleanse in my evening routine to get rid of any makeup, SPF, oil, or dirt on my skin. It dissolves any makeup or grease on my skin effortlessly. It starts as a lightweight and non-heavy oil, but once activated with water, it emulsifies, turns milky, and rinses away quickly and easily, with no greasy residue left behind.

After using this cleansing oil, my skin feels soft, nourished, clean, and smooth. It doesn’t strip my skin of its natural oils, but still does a brilliant job of actually cleaning my skin. This is another one that’s suitable for all skin types.

Rating: 5 stars

I can’t fault this cleansing oil. It’s excellent.

8. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+

£11.86 for 50ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ is one of the most lightweight mineral sun creams I’ve tried.

Mineral SPFs are notorious for leaving a white cast, often feeling heavy or greasy on the skin, and being quite difficult to formulate. Haruharu Wonder’s mineral sunscreen is almost perfect.

It’s hydrating, absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel sticky or heavy, and leaves skin with a healthy glow. Once applied, it feels undetectable, which I find quite rare with mineral sunscreen formulas. There’s nothing worse than a thick layer of sunscreen that just sits on your skin and feels heavy – thankfully, this one doesn’t do that.

However, this sunscreen does leave a bit of a white cast. It’s not massively visible and disappears after about 30 minutes. But if you topped this SPF up throughout the day or applied a lot of product, you would notice a white cast for a while. On my light complexion, you can barely tell, but it would show up on darker complexions.

Rating: 4 stars

I’m on the fence about whether to give this 4.5 stars (which I have done previously). It’s a lovely mineral SPF in so many ways, but the white cast is a letdown. On my skin, it’s not really that much of an issue, but it would be a barrier for deeper skin tones.

9. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

£17.64 for 120ml

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence is incredible.

I’d describe this as an ultra-nourishing and luxurious milky essence toner. This is a thick formula for a typical essence and is incredibly hydrating. Only a few drops are needed to cover your face and keep skin intensely hydrated all day. Despite the richness of this toner, it’s not greasy, absorbs easily, and doesn’t lead to breakouts.

This is the sort of product that you will feel on your skin, as it’s very nourishing. But it’s not a bad feeling – it just feels rich and creamy. It leaves skin soft, radiant, smooth, protected, and soothed. It’s packed with tonnes of amazing ingredients like ceramides, healthy fatty acids, and a healthy cholesterol complex to strengthen and maintain your skin’s barrier. This helps repair your skin, improve elasticity, and improve skin texture.

Since using this, my skin feels amazing. It’s another fragrance-free hero that’s amazing for all skin types.

Rating: 5 stars

I’m in love with this milky toner.

Get money off Haruharu Wonder and loads of other Korean skincare brands at YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10. Shop here!

Overall Haruharu Wonder brand review

Haruharu Wonder is a standout K-beauty brand.

Haruharu Wonder’s products are affordable, packed with high-quality ingredients, leave skin hydrated and radiant, help restore your skin’s barrier, are ethical and eco-conscious, and are designed with sensitive skin in mind. All of the products are essentially a cheat code to healthy and protected skin.

Except for the bakuchiol eye cream, which didn’t yield any noticeable results, all of the products I’ve tried have been excellent. This is a brand I’d turn to if I need a new skincare product, as I can be sure that whatever I purchase will be effective and kind to my sensitive combination skin.

I’d thoroughly recommend Haruharu Wonder to anyone, particularly people who prioritise a healthy skin barrier. If I had to pick, the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence is probably my fave product, as it truly feels transformative.

The post Haruharu Wonder brand review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I recently had the opportunity to try Coats, which is a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand that focuses on uncomplicated, breakout-preventing, and barrier-repairing formulas that are kind to the skin. All products are free from fragrance, and the packaging is made from recycled materials. It sounded like a skincare brand that I’d love, so I couldn’t wait to try the products.

Over the years, I’ve tried tonnes of different skincare products and discovered some incredible formulas. Is Coats a good skincare brand or does it fade into the background? I share everything you need to know about the brand in this honest review.

* This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page *

Which Coats skincare products are in this review?

I’ve tried the full Coats skincare line for several weeks, which is the following 7 products:

1. Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
2. Triple Moisture Water Cream
3. Gentle Dual Exfoliant Cream
4. Triple Protect SPF 30 Hydrating Cream
5. Glow Intensifying Cream Serum
6. Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk
7. Hydration Intensifying Gel Serum

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall Coats brand review.

1. Coats Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

£15 for 150ml

The Coats Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser that is designed to gently remove makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF without stripping the skin. It features hydrating glycerin, the emollient cetearyl alcohol, the powerhouse niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and more.

I like this cleanser. It’s thick, creamy, and nourishing. My skin feels fresh, clean, and soft after, without that horrible tight or dry feeling.

Although this is marketed towards combination and dry skin, this is perfect for my oily sensitive skin. It doesn’t make my skin feel greasy, it doesn’t leave an oily residue after usage, and it’s gentle enough for my rosacea.

Rating: 4 stars

I still prefer cleansers that work into a creamy lather, as this one doesn’t foam or lather up. But it does a great job of cleansing my skin.

2. Coats Triple Moisture Water Cream

£20 for 75ml

The Coats Triple Moisture Water Cream is designed to protect the skin barrier, deliver long-lasting hydration, and make skin look dewy. It’s enriched with the emollients dicaprylyl ether and caprylic/capric triglyceride, alongside dewy propanediol, hydrating squalane, and more.

I like this moisturiser. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and keeps my skin hydrated all day. The consistency is fairly thick, but it melts into the skin easily, without any pilling. This works well for my oily skin, as it doesn’t feel greasy but still delivers nourishment. It provides subtle and natural-looking radiance. My skin feels protected and healthy after using this moisturiser.

I’ve experienced some slight pilling with this moisturiser when I apply too much product. However, this has only happened once or twice, and when I apply a small amount – about the size of a 2p coin – there’s no issue.

Rating: 4 stars

It’s not my all-time fave moisturiser, but it meets all of its claims.

3. Coats Gentle Dual Exfoliant Cream

£15 for 75ml

The Coats Gentle Dual Exfoliant Cream is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that claims to dissolve dead skin cells, buff uneven texture, boost skin radiance, and help prevent future breakouts for glowing, smoother-looking skin. It’s formulated with dewy propanediol, the emollient dicaprylyl ether, the AHAs lactic acid and mandelic acid, alongside other ingredients.

I like this exfoliating cleanser. It doesn’t feature big particles, which means it’s not abrasive on the skin. Instead, the consistency is smooth and creamy.

I like using exfoliators in cleanser form, as the exfoliating ingredients don’t stay on your skin for as long because they get washed off. This means they’re more tolerable, so I can use them more frequently knowing they won’t aggravate my rosacea. After using this exfoliating cleanser, my skin looks radiant and feels soft, smooth, and hydrated. It also feels clean, non-irritated, and fresh.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This product is great.

4. Coats Triple Protect SPF 30 Hydrating Cream

£24 for 75ml

The Coats Triple Protect SPF 30 Hydrating Cream offers broad-spectrum protection against UV rays and is supposed to be hydrating, non-greasy, and glowy, with no white cast. It’s enriched with UVB filters octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, alongside UVA filter butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and other ingredients.

This sunscreen is a bit of a mixed bag for me.

I’ll start with what I like about this formula. The SPF30 isn’t greasy, doesn’t leave a white cast, and makes my skin hydrated and radiant. My skin feels very comfortable in this formula, and it doesn’t cause any breakouts for my oily skin.

Moving onto what I’m not a fan of… This sunscreen doesn’t smell nice at all. It has quite a potent chemical scent. I guess because it doesn’t contain fragrance, it’s simply the smell of the UV filters. However, I’ve used other SPFs in the past that are free from fragrance but don’t have a strong smell.

This SPF isn’t absorbent, which is my main gripe. It takes a while for it to work into the skin. Even then, if you want to top your skin up with more sunscreen, this doesn’t layer properly, because it pills. It pilled even when I applied the recommended amount of sunscreen. To avoid a lot of pilling, I had to apply this in thin layers for it to sink into my skin, which is pretty inconvenient compared to other sunscreens I’ve tried.

Maybe someone with drier skin would find this sunscreen works into their skin better than my oily skin? The texture is fairly thick and nourishing, so it could be a case of not being the best match for my skin type.

Rating: 3 stars

Once this SPF has worked into my skin, I like the look and feel of it. However, I find the formula to be quite fussy, as it’s not particularly absorbent and pills easily, so I’m not a huge fan.

5. Coats Glow Intensifying Cream Serum

£20 for 30ml

The Coats Glow Intensifying Cream Serum claims to be a lightweight radiance-boosting cream serum that protects the skin’s barrier and prevents free radical damage. It’s formulated with the emollient coco caprylate/caprate, vitamin C derivative 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, smoothing undecane, the emollient and cleansing agent sucrose distearate, and more ingredients.

I like this creamy serum. It’s lightweight, absorbent, moisturising, and non-irritating. The consistency is similar to a moisturiser, as it’s richer and less watery than a typical serum.

I wish it provided extra glow, as the radiance is quite subtle and not what I’d describe as “intensifying”, but it certainly makes my skin look healthy.

Rating: 4 stars

This is a solid serum.

6. Coats Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk

£20 for 125ml

The Coats Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk is a unique toner-meets-moisturiser that is supposed to hydrate and protect as it exfoliates to help prevent breakouts. It features the humectant butylene glycol, the AHAs mandelic acid and citric acid, moisturising glyceryl stearate, and other ingredients.

I love this toner! It’s so good.

This moisturising toner makes my skin look radiant, feel nourished and protected, and appear plump and healthy. A little bit of product goes a long way, and it feels lightweight once it’s had time to sink into my skin.

The toner doesn’t absorb immediately, as the consistency is quite thick and milky. It takes around 1 minute for the toner to fully absorb. However, it’s like a moisturising drink for the skin once it’s absorbed, as it delivers lasting hydration.

This features a few exfoliating ingredients, but the formula isn’t sensitising. I usually only exfoliate once a week, but this toner is gentle enough that I feel I could use this multiple times a week without irritation. My skin feels so smooth after using this.

Rating: 5 stars

I’m so happy I discovered this toner. It’s amazing.

7. Coats Hydration Intensifying Gel Serum

£20 for 30ml

The Coats Hydration Intensifying Gel Serum claims to be a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel serum that provides all-day hydration and protects the skin barrier for plump, dewy-looking skin that never feels sticky. It’s enriched with dewy propanediol, hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, vitamin E, and other ingredients.

I like this serum. It’s hydrating, lightweight, absorbent, and delivers a subtle glow. The serum feels non-sticky and refreshing on application.

As this is a gel formula, it’s very easy to work into the skin. My skin feels like it can breathe in this formula. As it’s so lightweight, I think this would be a great summer serum.

Rating: 4 stars

It’s a solid product.

Overall Coats brand review

I think Coats is a good skincare brand.

The prices sit at a mid-range price point, which I think is reasonable for these skin-friendly and barrier-repairing formulas. The products are uncomplicated, gentle, and overall easy to work with.

I’d highly recommend the toning milk and exfoliant cream, as they’re my 2 fave products from the line. But I overall believe this a great brand for people wanting to protect their skin barrier, have healthy skin, and those seeking a vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly brand.

Fave product?

Coats Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk.

The post Is Coats a good skincare brand? Honest review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

KraveBeauty is one of those skincare brands that everybody seems to love. The brand’s vision is that skincare doesn’t need to be complicated and is all about having a simple yet effective everyday routine. KraveBeauty products are designed to be gentle and support your skin’s natural ecosystem, particularly your skin barrier. It is PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free.

I’d been planning on doing this KraveBeauty brand review for a while, as I’ve been testing the products for several months. And what better time to share this review, as KraveBeauty has just landed at Cult Beauty, meaning it’s easily available to everyone in the UK.

In this honest KraveBeauty brand review, I share my thoughts on all of the products I’ve purchased and tested over the last few months. Does this brand live up to all of its esteemed reviews, or are there better skincare brands out there?

* This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page *

Which KraveBeauty products are in this review?

I’ve tried the following 6 KraveBeauty products:

1. Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
2. Great Barrier Relief
3. Oat So Simple Water Cream
4. Makeup Re-Wined
5. Kale-Lalu-Yaha
6. Beet The Sun SPF 40 PA+++

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall KraveBeauty brand review.

1. KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

£16 for 120ml

The KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser contains soothing green tea leaf water, nourishing hemp seed oil, hydrating glycerin, the gentle cleansing agent cocamidopropyl betaine, and other ingredients.

I like this gel cleanser. It’s gentle and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped, dry, or irritated after I’ve used it. After using it, my skin feels clean, hydrated, and soft.

The texture is fairly thick and jelly-like. This cleanser doesn’t work into much of lather. But, when activated with a little water, it spreads evenly over the skin. I wish it worked into a creamy lather, as this is my fave cleanser consistency.

The brand says this cleanser can be used to remove dirt, grease, SPF, and makeup. However, I think you’d need to rub this a fair bit to remove any trace of product, as it’s not oily, which breaks down product quicker and more easily. This cleanser works best as a morning or second cleanse, as it’s light, refreshing, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

I love the vibrant green shade. This cleanser is also free from fragrance and doesn’t have much of a natural scent.

Rating: 4 stars

This cleanser works. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight after I’ve used it and instead feels fresh, clean, and hydrated. It’s just not my fave.

2. KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief

£28 for 45ml

The KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief is a reparative, soothing serum that’s designed to nourish skin and ease sensitivity. It’s formulated with dewy propanediol, hydrating tamanu seed oil, the powerhouse niacinamide, emollient safflower seed oil, and other ingredients.

I want to love this serum, as it boasts a very strong INCI list, but I just don’t.

Firstly, the scent is off-putting. While it’s not fragranced, the ingredients make for a bitter smell, which I can’t get behind.

Secondly, I dislike the texture. It’s described as being creamy, so I was expecting it to feel silky and nourishing. However, the consistency feels weirdly dry on the skin. At least on my skin, this doesn’t feel hydrating. It almost reminds me of a steroid cream in that there’s no joy in the texture, and it feels somewhat difficult to work with.

This serum is good at relieving my skin from any sensitivity, as it’s soothing. I’d reach for it if my skin barrier was compromised, as I know it’d do a great job of restoring it. But for an everyday serum, I don’t enjoy this.

Rating: 3 stars

It’s a shame, as I see so many reviews from people raving about this serum. But it just doesn’t work for me.

3. KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream

£28 for 80ml

The KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream is enriched with the humectant butylene glycol, skin-replenishing caprylic/capric triglyceride, the emollient squalane, and soothing oat meal extract, among other ingredients.

I like this moisturiser. It reminds me a bit of Tatcha The Water Cream in that it’s got a lightweight, watery texture but delivers long-lasting hydration. This moisturiser has a short, simple INCI list that works. A short INCI list means less potential for sensitivity, which is great for people with rosacea like me.

I think this day cream would work very well for all skin types, as it’s not greasy but still manages to be nourishing. This is a moisturiser I’d use in summer because it won’t make my skin oily. Also, it’s fragrance-free, making it a solid option for sensitive skin.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I’d highly recommend this moisturiser.

4. KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined

£25 for 100ml

The KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined features the emollients helianthus annuus seed oil, grape seed oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride, as well as the mild cleansing agent PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and other ingredients.

This cleanser has grown on me. When I first used it, I liked it but wasn’t a huge fan. But as time went on, I came to appreciate how this gentle formula effortlessly removes makeup, SPF, dirt, and grease without any harsh rubbing or scrubbing. After using this cleanser, my skin feels nourished, soft, smooth, fresh, and hydrated while appearing radiant.

The jelly-to-oil transformation is satisfying to use too. I love watching the formula change from a clear gel to a creamy oil. And the best bit? It doesn’t leave a greasy residue, which makes the second cleanse afterwards hassle-free.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I still prefer a traditional cleansing balm or oil, but this formula is fab.

5. KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-Yaha

£25 for 200ml

The KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-Yaha is infused with calming aloe barbadensis leaf juice, the humectant butylene glycol, soothing kale extract, the exfoliant glycolic acid, and other ingredients.

I love this exfoliating toner. It features the AHA glycolic acid, which is brilliant at exfoliating the skin. As I’ve got rosacea, I don’t exfoliate more than once a week to avoid any potential sensitivity. And, I always opt for exfoliators that are gentle on the skin.

KraveBeauty’s formula is gentle enough to use on a more regular basis, as the strength of glycolic acid is buffered with nourishing and soothing ingredients that make it more tolerable. I’ve experienced no sensitivity or discomfort after using this toner.

Instead, it makes my skin feel smoother and more even and look rejuvenated, bright, and radiant. In fact, it even makes my skin feel hydrated.

Rating: 5 stars

This toner is brilliant.

6. KraveBeauty Beet The Sun SPF 40 PA+++

£16 for 50ml

The KraveBeauty Beet The Sun SPF 40 PA+++ is the only product in this brand review that’s not currently available at Cult Beauty. But it’s available to purchase directly from KraveBeauty, which ships to the UK.

When I did my KraveBeauty haul, this was the product I was most excited to try. This broad-spectrum sunscreen offers SPF40 against UV rays.

The UV filters in this sunscreen are:

• Homosalate 10% which absorbs short-wave UVB rays
• Octisalate 5% to help with the water resistance of the formula and also to provide protection from UVB rays
• Avobenzone 3% to keep skin safe from both UVB and UVA rays
• Octocrylene 3% to capture harmful UV rays before it’s absorbed into the skin and also has emollient properties

This SPF didn’t disappoint. It’s invisible once applied, doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, absorbs instantly, and provides ample hydration. My skin feels comfortable in this formula. It plays well with other skincare products and doesn’t pill either.

The consistency is quite runny. But this makes it easy to apply, as the texture is thin, so you can rub it in quickly and easily. My oily skin loves this SPF.

Rating: 5 stars

I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase this.

Overall KraveBeauty brand review

Overall, KraveBeauty has lived up to my expectations.

This brand offers wonderful INCI lists and tolerable formulas that are effective. I love that all products are fragrance-free, as this caters to a wider audience.

I think the prices are very reasonable considering the strength of the ingredients in each product. While this brand doesn’t have my all-time fave products, this is a brand I’d reach for if my skin barrier was ever compromised, as I know the formulas would restore and repair my skin without any problems.

The only product I’m not a fan of is this Great Barrier Relief serum. But I like all of the other formulas. I’d highly recommend this brand to people seeking uncomplicated, gentle, and effective skincare products.

Fave product?

Kale-Lalu-Yaha.

If you enjoyed this brand review, why not check out some of my other skincare brand reviews?

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In a world of constant new skincare releases, it can be hard to know which brands and products are worth your attention.

I’ve been testing The Perfect Cosmetics Company skincare products for a few months and wanted to share my honest brand review. This post will tell you everything you need to know about this skincare brand, which products are the best, and whether it stands out in the skincare world.

Get 10% off The Perfect Cosmetics Company with my exclusive code AWC10.

What is The Perfect Cosmetics Company?

The Perfect Cosmetics Company was founded in 2004 by Penny Lane. The brand strives to offer effective, science-backed skincare and makeup products that deliver visible results.

Bridging the gap between the salon and department store, we are committed to combating issues from the first signs of ageing to correcting imbalances, like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, to creating a flawless finish.

The Perfect Cosmetics Company

The brand’s bestsellers are My Perfect Eyes, a cosmetic concealer, and My Perfect Facial, an instant at-home facelift treatment. Each product is backed up with results from either clinical or consumer trials.

Which The Perfect Cosmetics Company products have I tried?

I’ve tried the following 6 products:

1. My Perfect Eyes
2. My Perfect Night Cream
3. My Perfect Wash
4. My Perfect Facial
5. My Perfect Day Cream
6. My Perfect Sheet Mask

Below, I share my honest thoughts on each product before providing an overall The Perfect Cosmetics Company brand review.

1. My Perfect Eyes

£29.99 for 10ml or £59.99 for 20ml

My Perfect Eyes is more of a makeup product than skincare, but it sits somewhere in between the 2.

This is essentially a concealer, but it’s super unique. It works by forming a very thin and undetectable film under your eyes to conceal dark circles and bags, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce puffiness.

You take a pea-sized amount (which is ample for both eyes) and apply it under your eyes. Start at the inside corner of your eye and sweep outwards in a long, firm, and smooth motion. Wait for 2 minutes for the product to dry, and that’s it!

This is one of the only products I’ve ever used that genuinely covers dark circles. It instantly revitalises my under-eye area and gives the illusion that I get enough sleep. Because of the film it forms, you can’t see any fine lines or wrinkles, and it helps to reduce puffiness.

It’s such an awesome product. The concealing effect will last for up to 8 hours before you wash it off! Of course, it’s only a temporary fix, but this baby performs! Check out my before and after photos here.

The only downside is that this product is a bit finicky to use. You can’t use any oil-based products on top of the concealer, as it will dissolve the film and render it useless. You can’t apply any eye creams beneath, as it prevents My Perfect Eyes from working. And if you apply too much product, the film will appear white rather than invisible.

Rating: 5 stars

This product is fantastic and truly innovative. It’s my go-to when my dark circles are particularly prevalent or I’m going out somewhere and want a bright effect.

2. My Perfect Night Cream

£49.99 for 50ml

My Perfect Night Cream is enriched with hydrating squalane, isopropyl myristate, glycerin, and propylene glycol, among other nourishing ingredients.

This night cream is supposed to have anti-ageing properties. But, honestly, at 28, I don’t really have many fine lines or wrinkles, and they’re definitely not prominent, so I can’t give a truly fair assessment of how well this cream works for reducing fine lines or wrinkles.

I’ve only ever found retinol serums or at-home skincare devices have improved the appearance of fine lines at my age. This is not necessarily a reflection of the efficacy of other anti-ageing products but rather an account of my own experiences.

But back to the night cream.

This is a lovely product. It’s rich and nourishing without making my skin feel oily or heavy. It absorbs easily. In the morning, my skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated.

I also love the push-down dispenser. It’s giving luxury Drunk Elephant vibes and is super hygienic. You get the perfect amount of product every time.

However, I think it’s on the pricey side. I’ve used more affordable night creams that offer the same benefits. I wouldn’t describe this as a “must-have”, but it’s effective.

Rating: 4 stars

At £49.99, this night cream didn’t blow me away, but it’s a nice product that provides lightweight nourishment.

3. My Perfect Wash

£29.99 for 125ml

My Perfect Wash features gentle and non-drying cleansing agents like sodium cocoyl glycinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, peg-150 distearate, and sodium lauroyl glutamate.

This cleanser is fab. It has a lightweight, creamy texture that works into a soft lather when activated with water. A little bit goes a long way too. After using the cleanser, my skin feels hydrated, clean, and smooth. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped, making it perfect for my rosacea.

This works best as a morning or second cleanse, as it doesn’t break down makeup, SPF, oil, dirt, or grease as well as a typical cleansing balm or oil but works beautifully to remove any lingering product.

Although, if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this cleanser contains perfume, so that’s something to be mindful of. But fragrance in cleansers is more acceptable than in other skincare products if that’s something you’re concerned about, as you wash the product off your face, meaning less chance of sensitivity in the long term.

I think the price is reasonable, sitting at a mid-range price point. It’s more affordable than other products from The Perfect Cosmetics Company, which are comparatively at higher price points.

Rating: 4.5 stars

A great cleanser that delivers on all of its claims.

4. My Perfect Facial

£49.99 for 5 treatments or £79.99 for 10 treatments

My Perfect Facial is a 3-stage system that’s designed to give a full facial contouring treatment that lifts, tones, and firms the skin; softens lines and wrinkles; and smooths the face, neck, and décolletage. It promises salon-grade results at home in 20-30 minutes.

The kit consists of an Activator Gel, Elevating Powder, Collagen Soak, 3 differently-sized spoons, and a fan brush. You essentially mix the Activator Gel and Elevating Powder together to form a milky paste, apply this to the skin using the brush, and it on for 20-30 minutes. Then, you rinse it off with a damp cloth and apply the Collagen Soak to finish.

This was one of the products I was most excited to try, but it’s the one that disappointed me the most.

Unfortunately, this triggered a rosacea flare-up for me. It dries down to quite a hard consistency, which is difficult to remove and requires a lot of scrubbing. A gentle approach simply won’t remove the mask after 30 minutes. This harsh scrubbing made my skin red, irritated, and warm. Luckily, the redness and irritation subsided after a few hours, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

While I think this facial treatment does have some toning and firming effects, these were totally overshadowed by how uncomfortable my skin felt. However, the Collagen Soak after provided some relief and felt very nourishing.

If you’ve got rosacea or sensitive skin, I’d avoid this treatment, as you may find it aggravating.

Rating: 2 stars

My skin really didn’t get on with My Perfect Facial, which is a shame.

5. My Perfect Day Cream

£49.99 for 50ml

My Perfect Day Cream is formulated with the emollients cetyl ethylhexanoate, isopropyl myristate, squalane, and isononyl isononanoate, alongside hydrating propylene glycol and glycerin.

It has the same packaging and push-down pump dispenser as My Perfect Night Cream. I’d describe the day cream as the night cream’s younger, less rich, and more absorbent sister.

This moisturiser is lightweight, absorbent, hydrating, and nourishing. It layers beautifully on top of other skincare products, like toners, essences, and serums, without any pilling. The texture is non-greasy and glides effortlessly over the skin.

Like the night cream, the day cream promises anti-ageing benefits. I’ve not noticed any specific improvements in this regard for the same reasons I mentioned for the night cream.

I slightly prefer the night cream, as it’s a bit richer yet still super absorbent, which offers that extra bit of nourishment. But I really enjoy both moisturisers.

I also think the daytime moisturiser is on the pricey side. Again, I’ve used cheaper moisturisers that deliver the same benefits, so it’s not a holy grail product.

Rating: 4 stars

A nice moisturiser that keeps my skin hydrated all day but is quite expensive.

6. My Perfect Sheet Mask

£39.99 for 3 sheets

My Perfect Sheet Mask incorporates hydrating glycerin, dewy propanediol, the humectant biosaccharide gum-1, and soothing propolis extract.

You apply a sheet mask for 20 minutes and are left with hydrated, smooth, and glowing skin. I personally found the sheet masks a little flimsy, and they’d be easy to accidentally rip, so be gentle when getting them out of the packet and applying them.

In all honesty, I think these sheet masks are very overpriced. I’m not the biggest sheet mask fan anyway, as the results are temporary and never deliver any standout results in my experience. I never buy them and much prefer clay masks.

These ones from The Perfect Cosmetics Company cost around £13 per sheet. Considering you can pick up sheet masks for a few pounds from Boots or Superdrug, these are very expensive.

Don’t get me wrong, the sheet mask felt nice on my skin and definitely delivered a plump, dewy effect. But I could achieve the same results from a hydrating serum or oil, which I’d get more uses from and would deliver longer-term results. The results weren’t spectacular either; I’ve used sheet masks for a quarter of the price that deliver the same benefits.

Rating: 3 stars

There’s nothing wrong with the sheet mask. I just think they’re too expensive for the results you get.

Overall The Perfect Cosmetics Company brand review

Get 10% off The Perfect Cosmetics Company with my exclusive code AWC10.

I think The Perfect Cosmetics Company is a decent skincare brand. The products offer solid INCI lists, provide evidence to their claims with either consumer or clinical trials, and integrate well into my skincare routine.

The best products are the cleanser and My Perfect Eyes.

My Perfect Wash is gentle and effective. It makes my skin feel hydrated and clean after use. It’s reasonably priced at £29.99 for 125ml and worked perfectly for my rosacea. My Perfect Eyes is a genuinely innovative product that is a cheat code to smooth under-eyes with no dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, or wrinkles. The powerful results make the concealer addictive.

The day and night creams are effective with good INCI lists. However, they’re on the more expensive side, and you could definitely get the same results for less money. They’re nice but not transformative. Having said that, I really enjoy both moisturisers, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed if you purchased either. If you’ve got more mature skin, you’d likely get more benefits from the moisturisers.

I wouldn’t recommend the sheet masks or the facial treatment. My Perfect Facial aggravated my rosacea and made my skin feel uncomfortable. The sheet masks are too expensive for the results they deliver IMO.

Overall, I recommend The Perfect Cosmetics Company.

Is this a standout brand? Probably not. But it performs. I love that the brand carries out consumer and clinical trials for its products, and My Perfect Eyes is now a non-negotiable product in my life. I’d purchase this with my own money without hesitation.

Fave product

My Perfect Eyes.

If you enjoyed this post, why not check out some of my other skincare brand reviews or skincare product reviews?

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Byoma is a colourful and affordable skincare brand that’s cropping up everywhere on social media. I see a vibrant Byoma bottle on every other Insta reel! I’ve also seen a tonne of amazing reviews, so I had to try the brand for myself.

If you’re thinking about trying Byoma but want to know whether this popular skincare brand is truly worth it, this brand review is for you. This post goes through more about Byoma, the products I’ve tried, my honest thoughts on each product, and whether this brand is worth checking out.

Byoma offers an amazing deal where if you buy 4 or more products, you automatically get 25% off at checkout. Check it out. Looking for just 1 or 2 products? You can grab 15% off Byoma at Sephora with my exclusive code SARAHSSPH. Shop now.

* This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page *

What is Byoma?

Byoma is an affordable skincare brand that focuses on barrier repair. It’s famous for its ceramide complex and for making the skin hydrated, strong, and balanced. Each product contains active ingredients that are backed by science to deliver effective results.

All of the packaging is made from fully recyclable 100% monomaterial plastic. There are some refills available too to further minimise unnecessary waste and packaging. Every product costs under £15.

Byoma is PETA-approved vegan and cruelty-free.

Which Byoma skincare products have I tried?

I picked up a full routine of 6 Byoma products, which came up to a very modest £56.96 with the 25% off bundle discount.

Here are the products I got:

1. Milky Oil Cleanser
2. Creamy Jelly Cleanser
3. Balancing Face Mist
4. Hydrating Serum
5. Moisturizing Gel-Cream
6. Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall Byoma brand review.

1. Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser

£13.99 for 100ml

The Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser is a joy to use. It’s enriched with moringa seed oil, olive fruit oil, and squalane to moisturise and soothe skin.

This cleansing oil effortlessly breaks down SPF, makeup, dirt, and grease from the day. It feels lightweight and has a milky consistency. Despite being an oil, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue or clog pores. I’ve used cleansing oils that have made my oily skin break out – this Byoma cleanser never feels too rich for my skin and doesn’t give me acne.

The fragrance-free cleanser makes removing makeup as the first step in my double cleansing routine effortless. I don’t have to scrub hard to melt away makeup. The cleansing oil rinses away as effortlessly as applied.

After using this cleansing oil, my skin never feels stripped or irritated. Instead, it feels super nourished, soft, and smooth. The cleanser makes my skin feel healthy and clean while giving my skin a subtle glow.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This cleansing oil is fantastic.

2. Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser

£9.99 for 175ml

The Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser is another great cleanser. I use this for my morning cleanse or as the second step in my double-cleansing routine.

It’s formulated with ceramides, soothing green tea leaf extract, and the emollient oleic acid to keep skin soft, hydrated, and soothed. The jelly cleanser has a very light gel texture that lathers into a fairly creamy consistency. It feels soft and smoothing, as it glides over the skin like a cloud.

It leaves my skin refreshed, clean, and nourished, without ever feeling stripped or dried. This gentle formula works perfectly for my oily and rosacea-prone skin, as it effectively cleans my skin without it ever feeling tight.

Again, it gives my skin a nice glow after use. While it’s not my fave gel cleanser of all time, it’s an excellent product that’s well worth checking out.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I’m really enjoying this cleanser.

3. Byoma Balancing Face Mist

£11.99 for 100ml

The Byoma Balancing Face Mist is one of the brand’s more popular products. This mist features ceramides, hydrating glycerin, and skin-conditioning allantoin for a soothing and instantly moisturising solution.

Firstly, let’s appreciate that this actually has a fantastic mister. I’ve used so many mists where the product either gets distributed in a concentrated area or where the mister doesn’t distribute enough product and requires multiple sprays. And don’t get me started on ones where the dispenser barely works!

This one distributes the product evenly. Enough product is picked up and spread out evenly and finely so that just one spray covers my entire face.

It feels hydrating and soothing on application. If my skin feels a bit dehydrated or is in need of a pick-me-up, I opt for this mist. It quenches any dehydration and even adds some glow to my skin. And, of course, it’s really refreshing! It’s been quite hot here in the UK recently, so I’ve been loving using this mist.

Rating: 4 stars

While it’s not my ride-or-die, it’s definitely a good product.

Byoma offers an amazing deal where if you buy 4 or more products, you automatically get 25% off at checkout. Check it out. Looking for just 1 or 2 products? You can grab 15% off Byoma at Sephora with my exclusive code SARAHSSPH. Shop now.

4. Byoma Hydrating Serum

£12.99 for 30ml

I fell in love with this on my first application. The Byoma Hydrating Serum is enriched with nourishing squalane, ceramides, and glycerin to truly hydrate the skin and boost the skin’s barrier.

This has a thicker consistency than a typical serum, sitting somewhere in between a serum and an oil. Despite the thickness, it’s incredibly lightweight and absorbent. It didn’t feel too rich for my oily skin and didn’t cause any breakouts.

I love how this makes my skin feel. It instantly hydrates and soothes. I don’t know how else to describe this, but it’s like a quenching drink for your skin in the best way possible. It makes my skin feel immediately soft and smooth while visibly boosting luminosity.

This hydrating serum doesn’t pill, plays nicely with other skincare products, and delivers lasting moisture. It’s ideal for makeup prep, because it makes your complexion even, so makeup glides over the top without sinking into pores or clinging to any skin texture.

Rating: 5 stars

This is healthy, hydrated skin in a bottle. I can’t fault it! This is easily one of the nicest moisturising serums I’ve tried.

5. Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream

£11.99 for 50ml

The Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream is formulated with powerhouse niacinamide, antioxidant green tea leaf extract, and ceramides to deliver a multi-functional product. It’s free from oil, making it a perfect everyday moisturiser for people with oilier skin.

This is a beautiful formula. It has the weightless, cooling sensation of a gel and the nourishing feeling of a cream, which blend together for an incredibly lightweight moisturiser that delivers lasting hydration.

I’m obsessed with how this feels. It makes my skin feel protected and nourished and look glowy. It absorbs into the skin instantly and doesn’t pill whatsoever. This means I can happily apply moisturiser if my skin becomes dehydrated without the worry of it gathering or not melting into my skin properly.

My oily and rosacea-prone skin really gets on with this moisturiser. It’s super gentle and actively feels calming. If I have a rosacea flare-up, I’d 100% reach for this, as it’d help soothe any redness or irritation.

Rating: 5 stars

I adore this formula. I use this as a day cream because of how weightless it is, which means I can layer other serums easily, without the worry of my skin becoming greasy.

6. Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30

£14.99 for 50ml

The Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30 is another great product. It combines a moisturiser and SPF 30 in one, offering broad-spectrum protection against UV rays.

The SPF moisturiser features the UV filters homosalate, ethyhexyl salicylate, and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. It’s a chemical sunscreen.

On the moisturising side of things, it’s got a similar feeling to the Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream. It’s a bit thicker but is still overall lightweight, hydrating, and absorbent. Again, it doesn’t pill and blends into the skin effortlessly. This also delivers a visibly dewy finish, which I love.

On the SPF side of things, this doesn’t feel sticky or greasy at all. It’s never made my oily skin break out and feels very comfortable. There’s no white cast. As it absorbs so well, you can easily layer and reapply this product throughout the day with the reassurance that it won’t feel heavy.

I’d prefer a higher sun protection factor, as I normally use SPF 50. However, because this product is very moisturising, sometimes I use this product as a moisturiser, knowing it offers UV protection, and then apply a dedicated SPF 50 on top to thoroughly ensure sun protection.

Rating: 4 stars

Another gorgeous product. I’ve got other sunscreens in my skincare collection that deliver a bit more wow factor and higher UV protection, but this is still great.

Overall Byoma brand review

I think Byoma is a fantastic brand. The products work together to strengthen your skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration. When you wear these products, people will be asking you for your skincare routine #SkincareOnFleek.

I love that ceramides feature heavily throughout Byoma’s skincare line. They help to strengthen the skin barrier and overall support healthy skin. And that’s how my skin feels when I use Byoma: healthy. My skin also feels super moisturised and looks extra glowy when I use these products.

And, of course, the price point is excellent. All of the products are very affordable, with none of them costing more than £15. With the 25% off bundle, you can get even more incredible savings! This is brilliant, as it means you can get powerful skincare products that meet their claims on a budget. You don’t need to spend £££ for effective ingredients and great skin. Byoma proves this.

I’d absolutely recommend Byoma to anyone. This brand has thoroughly impressed me. I look forward to trying more products in the future.

Byoma offers an amazing deal where if you buy 4 or more products, you automatically get 25% off at checkout. Check it out. Looking for just 1 or 2 products? You can grab 15% off Byoma at Sephora with my exclusive code SARAHSSPH. Shop now.

Fave product

The Hydrating Serum.

On my wishlist

• Hydrating Recovery Oil
• Melting Balm Cleanser
• Brightening Toner

Have you tried Byoma yet?

The post Byoma brand review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

COSRX is a popular and well-loved Korean skincare brand. This K-beauty brand focuses on quality, effective, and science-backed skincare that targets skin concerns. It’s pretty affordable too with most products costing under £30.

I’ve tried 8 varied COSRX products and wanted to share my honest thoughts on the brand. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about this global skincare brand, and whether the products are worth checking out.

Get 20% off COSRX at LookFantastic with my code LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here.

** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **

What is COSRX?

COSRX is a global K-beauty brand. It prioritises simple yet effective skincare that offers solutions to a wide range of skin concerns. The brand strives to help people feel confident in their own skin, and its products are designed to be skin-friendly.

Which COSRX skincare products have I tried?

I’ve tried the following 8 COSRX products. They’re from different ranges and target numerous skin concerns, which have helped inform my COSRX brand review.

1. Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
2. Master Patch Intensive
3. Low pH Good Morning Cleanser
4. Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
5. Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50
6. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
7. AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner
8. Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask

Below, I’m going to share my thoughts on each product before moving on to my overall brand review.

Don’t forget that you can get 20% off COSRX at LookFantastic with my code LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here.

1. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

£27 for 100ml

I really like the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream.

This moisturiser has a unique, gloopy texture because of the snail mucin. I’m not 100% sure that I dig the stringiness, as it can get a bit messy, but it’s very lightweight and absorbent.

But the moisturiser is very hydrating and non-greasy. It also feels slightly soothing.

I love that snail mucin is the first ingredient on the INCI list, showing just how high-quality it is. COSRX markets this as a snail mucin moisturiser, so it’s nice to see that the active ingredient is actually at the top of the INCI list.

All brands should follow suit! Loads of brands will market a product with a key ingredient, only for it to feature right at the bottom of the INCI list. Not cool.

Rating: 4 stars

Although this isn’t my fave moisturiser ever, I still enjoy it. And it definitely delivers a lot of hydration. My oily skin appreciates how lightweight this product is.

2. COSRX Master Patch Intensive

£13.99 for 36 patches

COSRX Master Patch Intensive is such a brilliant product. I was sceptical as to how effective they would be, but they truly work.

These transparent hydrocolloid spot patches are applied overnight to angry pimples. By morning, the spot will have dramatically reduced in size, and the redness will have improved significantly. Don’t get me wrong, the patches won’t get rid of big spots overnight, but with a couple of uses, the spot will end up completely cleared, with no irritation.

Plus, applying the sticker stops you from scratching or picking at spots.

Rating: 5 stars

I know that if I have a random pimple appear, applying one of these patches will get rid of it way faster than usual.

3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser

£14 for 150ml

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser is a simple yet effective cleanser. This gentle cleanser isn’t going to blow your mind, but it’s really affordable, refreshing, and non-stripping.

What I like about this cleanser is that my skin feels clean, comfortable, and mildly hydrated after using it. It’s a gel formula, which is typically my fave, and lathers easily.

I’ve used other cleansers that deliver more benefits to the skin. This COSRX one doesn’t make my skin super soft, ultra-nourished, or radiant. But it’s a good, basic cleanser that will get the job done with no irritation.

Rating: 4 stars

If you’re looking for a sensitive skin-friendly cleanser that won’t break the bank, this is a wonderful option.

4. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

£26 for 150ml

The COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is one of the most gentle, hydrating, and soothing products I’ve used.

The thick silky texture is so satisfying to apply to the skin. Yet, it’s still lightweight and absorbent. I love how it instantly refreshes and nourishes my skin. If my rosacea ever plays up and my skin feels aggravated and warm, this toner would do wonders at calming it down.

This toner embodies everything that’s good about Korean skincare: hydrating, soothing, and gentle, with great INCI lists. I love this.

Rating: 5 stars

This is one of my fave COSRX products.

5. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50

£22 for 50ml

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 deserves way more hype. It’s easily one of my fave SPFs.

What I love about this SPF is that it strikes the perfect balance between being invisible and hydrating. It applies like a dream with no white cast or pilling. And it absorbs quickly too. It feels lightweight and non-greasy on the skin. But it doesn’t make your skin look flat or too matte. The SPF also delivers additional hydration and calms my skin.

If you have particularly oily skin, you could skip a moisturiser altogether and just use this SPF, because it’s nourishing. Drier skins will also love this sunscreen, as it won’t dry your skin out or cling to dry patches.

Rating: 5 stars

Honestly, this SPF is an all-around winner. I love it.

6. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

£23.99 for 100ml

The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of my fave COSRX products. This effective essence gives my skin everything it needs.

Firstly, this product is a must if you love the glass skin look. It makes my skin feel incredibly hydrated and look juicy and dewy. Plus, it makes my skin feel plump and elastic, which means other skincare and makeup products apply like a dream.

One of my favourite things about this powerful essence is that the hydration and dewiness last all day. It’s seriously helped contribute to healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin, and I’m here for it.

Rating: 5 stars

This essence is worth the hype it’s received on TikTok and Instagram!

7. COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner

£26 for 150ml

The COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner is another good product. What I like most about this exfoliating toner is that it’s very gentle, but it still works to make skin smoother and more radiant, especially as it’s enriched with vitamin C.

The exfoliator is very refreshing to apply. When I use it, my skin feels invigorated. It doesn’t irritate my rosacea either.

It’s not as effective as other exfoliators I’ve tried, but this is easy to incorporate into my weekly skincare routine for a more even complexion over time. I think this is reasonably priced too, especially when you look at the quality INCI list.

Rating: 4 stars

Although it’s not my fave exfoliator, it’s definitely worth checking out.

8. COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask

£23 for 60ml

The COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask is quite new to my skincare collection, but I absolutely love it.

Although it’s described as an overnight mask, this is essentially a night cream. You leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. The texture is quite slimy, so I thought this might end up being messy or sticky. However, it’s surprisingly lightweight, absorbent, and doesn’t feel tacky once applied.

This product is very nourishing, and I can visibly notice my skin is more radiant since using this product. In fact, I’ve had compliments recently about how glowy and healthy my skin looks. And this is the only new product in my skincare routine. Plus, honey is known to help skin look more luminous. So this overnight mask seems to be the answer!

Rating: 5 stars

I love this product so far.

Overall COSRX brand review

COSRX is a brilliant brand. Its products are well priced considering that all of the INCI lists are high quality, science-backed, and feature active ingredients right at the top.

All of the products I’ve tried have been very gentle, hydrating, lightweight, and soothing. There are no super fussy or lengthy INCI lists either, making it more likely that your skin will tolerate the formulas.

What I love most about this brand is how each product meets and exceeds its claims. If COSRX says its toner will provide non-irritating exfoliation, I 100% believe it.

This is definitely one of the best skincare brands I’ve tried. I’ve got on well with every single product I’ve tried. And some products have made it into my all-time faves.

I can’t recommend COSRX enough.

Don’t forget that you can get 20% off COSRX at LookFantastic with my code LFTFBLOGSARAH. Shop here.

Fave product?

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner.

On my wishlist

• Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
• Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream

The post COSRX brand review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

As Korean skincare continues to take the world by storm, I can’t wait to share my honest review of K-beauty brand SKIN1004.

Korean skincare has a special place in my heart. The products are affordable with high-quality and innovative ingredients. All the products I’ve tried from K-beauty brands have been fantastic and super effective. And, importantly, they’re gentle and make skin hydrated and glowy.

After trying SKIN1004’s soothing and hydrating Centella line and one of its hero sunscreen serums, I’m reviewing the entire brand. Keep reading to find out more about SKIN1004, which products you need to add to your cart right now, and why this Korean skincare brand needs to be on your radar.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What is SKIN1004?

SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its main ingredient is centella asiatica, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to heal wounds and protect the skin.

SKIN1004’s best-selling products include the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++, Centella Ampoule, and Centella Soothing Cream.

Which SKIN1004 products have I tried?

I’ve tried the following 8 products from SKIN1004:

1. Centella Light Cleansing Oil
2. Centella Ampoule Foam
3. Centella Quick Calming Pad
4. Centella Toning Toner
5. Centella Ampoule
6. Centella Soothing Cream
7. Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++
8. Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++

For a closer look at each SKIN004 product, and my honest thoughts on the products individually, keep reading.

1. SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil

$22/£18.60 for 200ml

I’m really enjoying using the SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil to remove makeup, dirt, and grease quickly, gently, and easily from my skin. This lightweight oil quickly melts into my skin and doesn’t sting my eyes. After applying this lovely hydrating cleansing oil and gently massing it into my skin, any product, SPF, or excess oil melts away.

It’s easy to rinse off too. Some cleansing oils and balms can be quite tricky to remove as they leave a greasy residue, but this cleanser rinses away effortlessly.

I love that my skin feels calmer, softer, and more hydrated after using this oil. Plus, £18.60 for such a big bottle is a great price, especially with centella asiatica featuring high up the INCI list as the fourth ingredient.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I love using the SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil every evening.

2. SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule Foam

$14/£11.80 for 125ml

The SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule Foam is amazing. I love everything about this cleanser.

Firstly, the tiniest amount of product foams up so much. You only need a pea-sized amount to work into a creamy lather. This is the type of foamy cleanser that’s nourishing and not stripping. I adore cleansers that work into a hydrating foam, so this one is perfect for me.

Secondly, the actual product itself is so soft. I love that the foam is light and airy.

Finally, this cleanser makes my skin feel hydrated, clean, and refreshed. Again, the centella asiatica makes this cleanser very gentle, so it doesn’t aggravate my rosacea-prone skin. After using the cleanser, my skin is softer and more moisturised.

Rating: 5 stars

I can genuinely say this is one of my favourite cleansers of all time. I look forward to using this every day.

3. SKIN1004 Centella Quick Calming Pad

$22/£18.60 for 70 pads

The pre-soaked SKIN1004 Centella Quick Calming Pads are a great idea!

Whenever my rosacea flares up or if my skin feels sensitive, I know these soothing toner pads will quickly help to calm my skin. After leaving these pads on my skin for 3-5 minutes, my skin feels soothed, refreshed, hydrated, and conditioned. In fact, just the other day my skin looked redder than usual, and these calming pads instantly helped reduce redness and that uncomfortable hot feeling when your skin is irritated.

If I were travelling on a plane or going away somewhere, I’d definitely take these pads with me. That way, if my skin feels aggravated or dehydrated, I know I’ve got a quick fix in my bag.

Also, unlike many sheet masks I’ve tried that are flimsy and tear easily, these pads are soft and comfortable on my skin but thick enough that they won’t rip immediately. The pads even come with a cool pair of grippers to easily get one pad out at a time.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I love using the SKIN1004 Centella Quick Calming Pads.

4. SKIN1004 Centella Toning Toner

$18.50/£15.60 for 210ml

The SKIN1004 Centella Toning Toner is a beautiful and gentle exfoliating toner.

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are a great option for more sensitive skin as they are less harsh on the skin and work slowly over time. They cause less aggravation among people who may be sensitive to BHAs and AHAs.

This SKIN1004 toner contains the PHA gluconolactone to ensure non-irritating exfoliation. This toner has never once made my skin feel like it’s been stripped. Instead, it makes my skin look glowy and feel hydrated, smooth, and even. Without knowing the ingredients, I would’ve thought this is a moisturising toner rather than an exfoliating toner.

As well as subtle exfoliation, this toner is calming and soothing on my skin. It’s very refreshing.

Rating: 4 stars

Another great SKIN1004 product!

5. SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule

$23/£19.40 for 100ml

The SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule is another excellent gentle product.

This runny ampoule quickly hydrates and replenishes my skin. It’s super lightweight and absorbent. After patting this product gently into my skin, I can’t feel it at all. The only things I can feel are the added moisture and a refreshing sensation.

I can personally vouch for this centella asiatica ampoule for rosacea-prone skin. It helps calm my skin down if it’s having a flare-up.

One of my favourite things about the watery consistency is that it works well with other products. It’s not going to overload your skin or make it break out if you layer this alongside a toner, serums, and a facial oil. It also means no pilling, thankfully!

Rating: 4 stars

I enjoy using this ampoule and use it as a hydration boost when my skin is feeling dehydrated.

6. SKIN1004 Centella Soothing Cream

$17.50/£14.80 for 75ml

I adore the SKIN1004 Centella Soothing Cream to relax, hydrate, and moisturise my skin.

Like all of the other SKIN1004 products in the Centella line, this lightweight moisturiser is super gentle and absorbent. It gives my skin a subtle glow and instantly soothes it. Plus, it rubs in entirely, leaving no stickiness and no pilling. This plays well with other skincare products.

The moisturiser contains three actual lipid components of the epidermis layer to help repair the skin barrier. If my skin barrier is ever compromised, I’d reach for this moisturiser as a reliable product to help restore my skin.

I’ve seen a few comments online saying that this moisturiser leaves their skin feeling a bit damp after applying it. I’ve not experienced this. The formula melts away on my skin leaving no residue!

My only criticism would be that this is technically a gel formula and not a “cream”, which is a bit misleading. But I love the gel consistency. As someone with oily skin, I find the light gel texture ideal.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I love this moisturiser!

7. SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++

$17/£14.40 for 50ml

The SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++ is the lightest and most easily absorbent physical sunscreen I’ve tried.

By their very nature, physical SPFs are thicker and heavier than chemical SPFs, as they work by sitting on top of the skin to block UV rays. This contrasts with chemical SPFs, which work by absorbing and reflecting UV rays. As physical sunscreens must form a sort of film on the skin to block UV rays, they are thicker than chemical SPFs.

Props to SKIN1004, as the centella physical sunscreen is very lightweight. In fact, it’s just as lightweight as many other chemical sunscreens I’ve tried. The formula easily rubs into my skin, doesn’t feel like a paste (unlike many other physical SPFs), and doesn’t have that horrible SPF smell. It’s also non-greasy, and my oily skin tolerates this well.

However, this physical sunscreen does leave a bit of a white cast. It, unfortunately, often comes with the territory of physical SPFs due to their thicker consistency. On my light skin, this poses no issues. It makes my skin look a little paler than usual, but nothing too bad. The white cast also dulls down on my skin after an hour or so.

But I tried the SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++ on my boyfriend, who is black, and this did leave a bit of a white cast. It wasn’t awful, but it was noticeable. If you have deeper skin, you’re going to prefer SKIN1004’s other sunscreen (more details on that below!).

Rating: 4 stars

I like this SPF, and it’s the best physical sunscreen that I’ve experienced.

8. SKIN1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++

$19/£16 for 50ml

Okay, so now onto my favourite of the 2 SPFs in this SKIN1004 brand review: the Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++.

This chemical sunscreen is simply amazing. It’s genuinely one of the best SPFs I’ve ever tried.

The SPF is incredibly lightweight, with the consistency of a serum. Once I’ve applied this to my skin, it’s undetectable. As well as being invisible, I also can’t feel it on my skin once I’ve rubbed it in. There’s nothing worse than the feeling of SPF lingering on your skin, and this one just melts into nothingness.

Because of how light this sunscreen serum is, it’s super absorbent and buildable. This means you can easily apply the correct amount of SPF on your skin (1 line each on your index and middle finger) – and top it up throughout the day – without it feeling sticky, heavy, or greasy. It also doesn’t have a horrible sunscreen smell either.

I tried this chemical SPF on my boyfriend, and I can confirm it left no white cast. It blended into his skin effortlessly! So if you have melanin-rich skin, this SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++ is a fantastic option.

Also, beyond the lovely feeling and transparency of this formula, the SPF also makes my skin feel very hydrated and look dewy. Sunscreens can often make your skin look flat, dull, and lifeless, but this one makes my skin look radiant and healthy. I’m obsessed.

Rating: 5 stars

This is now my go-to SPF and perhaps my favourite-ever sunscreen!

Overall SKIN1004 brand review

I’m thoroughly impressed with SKIN1004. This is a skincare brand that needs to be on your radar!

I love the minimal and chic packaging across the line. It’s simple, modern, and effective. The products photographed beautifully and will look great on Instagram.

The fact that such a high-quality ingredient like centella asiatica is the star of SKIN1004’s entire skincare portfolio screams volumes. It’s an excellent ingredient for so many reasons and is super skin-friendly, including for those with sensitive skin. My rosacea-prone skin tolerates the gentle SKIN1004 formulae well.

All of the products I tried were very hydrating, soothing, moisturising, and gentle. None of the products made my skin feel stripped or look flat. In fact, the entire SKIN1004 line made my skin feel soft and smooth and look dewy and healthy.

Although I reach for these products every day, this is definitely a line I’ll use when my skin barrier is compromised due to the non-irritating INCI lists. If your skin barrier needs repairing or you’re looking for gentle products that won’t aggravate your skin, you need to check out SKIN1004 right now.

Quite frankly, anyone who appreciates great, nourishing, calming, and inexpensive skincare should be checking out SKIN1004. This is a beautiful Korean skincare brand that I’m going to reach for time and time again.

Favourite product?

The Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++ is exceptional.

SKIN1004 products on my wishlist

These SKIN1004 are currently on my skincare wishlist as they sound amazing:

• Zombie Beauty Bloody Peel
• Brightening Capsule Ampoule
• Tea-Trica BHA Foam
• Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
• Poremizing Clear Toner

Which SKIN1004 products in this review appeal to you the most? I’d love to hear from you in the comments

The post Honest SKIN1004 brand review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

It’s only fair that I share an honest ARK Skincare brand review after I’ve had the opportunity to try 8 of its skincare heroes.

I love trying new skincare products. While I will repurchase holy grail items, I’m always interested in seeing how different formulae work on my skin. ARK Skincare has gifted me multiple items over the years and after gathering my thoughts, I wanted to share an overall review of this more high-end skincare brand.

The brand’s different ranges are based on age and skin concerns. Whether you’re in your teens-20s, 30s-40s, or over-50s, there is a product to suit your skin’s needs. But does this targeted approach work or are drugstore skincare brands a better investment? Keep on reading for my honest review.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What is ARK Skincare?

ARK Skincare is a reasonably priced and cruelty-free British skincare brand that prides itself on providing highly effective and targeted results. Its products promise to tackle a variety of skincare concerns, such as dryness, dullness, breakouts and sensitivity.

ARK Skincare is an award-winning British skincare brand, which treats skin by age and skin concern using bioactive natural ingredients, combining antioxidants, lipids and vitamins.

ARK Skincare

There is a broad range of products available from ARK Skincare, depending on your age, skin concern and lifestyle. It’s a well-thought-out skincare brand with minimal but sophisticated packaging.

Which products have I tried from ARK Skincare?

I’ve tried the following 8 skincare products from ARK Skincare:

1. Hydrating Beauty Mist
2. Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser 
3. Radiance Serum 
4. Hydration Injection Masque
5. Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer 
6. Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser
7. Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream 
8. Triple Action Exfoliator 

Below, I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on each individual product for a more in-depth look at this cruelty-free skincare line.

1. Hydrating Beauty Mist

£25

Product claims

The Hydrating Beauty Mist promises to revitalise, hydrate, soothe and protect the skin. It can be used after cleansing or spritzed throughout the day to calm, cool and refresh the skin. Claiming to be suitable for sensitive skin, the spray is suitable for everyone but especially those wishing to add an extra layer of hydration to their skin, or those prone to feeling overheated or experiencing flushing. 

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: known for its hydrating properties
• Polysorbate 20: cleansing agent
• Phenoxyethanol: widely used synthetic preservative
• Xylitylglucoside: works to improve skin’s moisture by preventing water loss
• Anhydroxylitol: humectant that helps skin absorb and retain moisture

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Xylitol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Arvensis (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Arginine, Mentha Aquatica Extract, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Aspartic Acid, Phytic Acid, PCA, Lycium Barbarum (Gojiberry) Fruit Extract, Glycine, Alanine, Potassium Sorbate, Serine, Limonene, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Sorbic Acid, Histidine, Phenylalanine

My thoughts

This hydrating mist is gorgeous. I mostly use it after my first cleanse in the morning and it instantly invigorates, hydrates and refreshes the skin. As it’s been pretty warm in the UK recently, I’ve not been wearing heavy moisturisers, so this cooling spray has been a lifesaver.

I like that 3 of the top 5 ingredients in the spritz focus on hydration and retaining moisture. This is helpful if your skin is dehydrated or if you want to soothe the skin.

Compared to the La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra 8 Spray, the ARK Skincare Hydrating Beauty Mist isn’t as fine or as hydrating but feels more cooling and calming on the skin. I slightly prefer La Roche-Posay’s spritz and it’s also a bit cheaper. However, for adding extra hydration to the skin and refreshing it in an instant, the ARK Skincare spritz is a great choice.

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Hydrating Beauty Mist is energising and hydrating that’s perfect for use throughout the day. It’s not my favourite one, though.

2. Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser 

£25

Product claims

The Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser claims to be an anti-spot solution that clears blemishes, smooths the complexion and helps to maintain moisture in the skin. It promises to balance oily and dry areas of the skin to leave it comfortable and clear.

The best skin clearing cleanser for use in your teens and 20s.

ARK Skincare

This cleanser also says that it will eradicate excess sebum and shine from the skin.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Sodium lauroyl oat aminoacids: a gentle skin-softening and soothing ingredient that has cleansing properties
• Cocamidopropyl betaine: cleansing agent and lather booster
• Sodium chloride: binding agent
• Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate: thickening agent
• Sodium cocoyl alaninate: I couldn’t find much research on this ingredient

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Oat Aminoacids, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Polysorbate 20, Peach Kernel Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Avocado Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Vitamin E Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Oil, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Vanilla Planifolia, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Myrocarpus Frondosus (Cabreuva) Wood Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera (Amyris) Wood Oil, Acacia Dealbata, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate,  Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

My thoughts

The Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser is one of my favourite gel cleansers. It’s refreshing, lathers easily, never feels stripping and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. A little bit of product goes a long way, so despite this being pricier, it lasts for ages.

After using this gel cleanser, my skin feels softer and smoother too. I feel like it does a great job at balancing skin – it banishes excess oil and dirt but your skin still feels nourished after using it.

The product plays well with water too, so you can work the cleanser into a soap-free lather easily. This is always a joyous experience for me, so this cleanser ticks all the boxes.

Full review here

Rating: 5 stars

I’m so happy I got to try this cleanser as it’s one of my favourites. Gentle, cleansing and nourishing, what more could you want?

3. Radiance Serum 

£45

Product claims

Promising to combat hyperpigmentation and dullness, the ARK Skincare Radiance Serum claims to instantly make your skin radiant, glowy and dewy. ARK Skincare says this serum is aimed at anyone who wants to even out their skin tone, have more luminous skin or reduce hyperpigmentation.

Skin is immediately illuminated and left with an energised, youthful appearance.

ARK Skincare

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Almond oil PEG-8 esters: an emollient (softens and smoothes the skin)
• Ascorbyl glucoside: a stable form of vitamin C combined with glucose. It functions as an antioxidant to make skin look smoother, brighter, and younger
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Benzyl alcohol: preservative

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Almond Oil PEG-8 Esters, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Propylene Glycol, Palmaria Palmata (Red Algae) Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Amaranthus Caudatus (Velvet Flower) Seed Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool

My thoughts

The ARK Skincare Radiance Serum is probably the most lightweight and absorbent vitamin C serum that I’ve tried. It sinks into skin immediately and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Because of this, this serum plays very well with the rest of my skincare routine as it doesn’t pill.

On application, this serum will make your skin look glowier, dewier and healthier. Due to its lightweight consistency, I think this would be a great vitamin C serum for most skin types but particularly people with oilier skin.

The OSKIA Super-C Capsules are still my favourite vitamin C product, though. Those capsules give you a spell-binding glow and smell like delicious oranges. Sunday Riley CEO Glow is also one of my vitamin C staples but this is an oil instead of a serum. Despite having vitamin C products that I prefer, I’d still happily purchase the Radiance Serum in the future.

Full review here

Rating: 4.5 stars

A lovely, lightweight and glowy vitamin C serum.

4. Hydration Injection Masque

£35

Product claims

Claiming to be an ideal weekly pick-me-up for anyone with dry skin, the Hydration Injection Masque promises to be great for those with stressed or tired skin. The mask also says it will prevent future moisture loss, quench dry skin and restore vibrancy.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer: has stabilising and thickening properties
• Betaine: a gentle hydrating ingredient
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Crambe abyssinica seed oil: an emollient with a silky and cushioning feel

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water ), Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP Copolymer, Betaine, Glycerin, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Tapioca Starch, Panthenol, Laureth-4, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclodextrin, Anhydroxylitol, Parfum (Fragrance), Xylitol, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Geraniol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Linalool, Citral

My thoughts

I want to love this product but it just doesn’t do anything for me. After using the Hydration Injection Masque, my skin feels a bit more hydrated and softer but this feeling only lasts for about 20 minutes. Honestly, I don’t understand why this face mask is so expensive. I’ve used cheaper hydrating masks for a fraction of the price that impart more hydration and moisture than this one.

I also don’t like the texture of this product. It’s pretty thin and doesn’t actually feel that nourishing on the skin. When it’s a wash-off product, I prefer thicker and more nourishing textures as then the product seems to provide more long-lasting benefits.

Don’t get me wrong, this mask isn’t awful. It’s not broken me out or made my skin feel inflamed but I just don’t think it’s good.

Rating: 2.5 stars

This product is just meh.

5. Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer

 £36

Product claims

Enriched with SPF30, the Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer is designed to be a 3-in-1 sunscreen, primer and moisturiser. It promises to hydrate and protect the skin, while ensuring a smooth and luminous base for makeup application.

Make-up glides on effortlessly with an airbrush finish and lasts all day long. 

ARK Skincare

This primer is offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. ARK Skincare says this product is suitable for everyone, including those with sensitive skin.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Octocrylene: globally approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays
• Benzophenone-3: a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays and some UVA rays
• Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane: synthetic sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum sun protection by absorbing UVA rays
• Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed cera/polyglyceryl-3 esters: has moisturising properties

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xylitylglucoside, Tapioca Starch, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phenoxyethanol, Anhydroxylitol, Polysilicone-11, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylamide, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Sodium Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Geraniol, Linalool, Laureth-7, Citral

My thoughts

The ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer is great. Although it’s not incredibly moisturising, it provides great sun protection and feels silky and smooth on the skin. Due to this, makeup sits well on top of this 3-in-1 primer for a smooth and even canvas.

In my opinion, using a dedicated moisturiser, a dedicated sunscreen and a dedicated primer are ultimately going to give you the best results. However, this multi-tasking hero would be great for when you’re on the go as it’s faster than applying 3 separate skincare products.

I think ARK Skincare has done a great job with this product as it feels almost undetectable on the skin once applied. And nobody likes their SPF or primer to feel heavy or sticky. I see myself using this product mostly as a dedicated primer as it makes for a really luminous and healthy-looking canvas to apply makeup on top of.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This product is awesome. I’m only not giving it 5 stars as I still like to use a dedicated moisturiser, SPF and primer individually more than using it as a 3-in-1 item. But it is a great product.

6. Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser

£35

Product claims

The ARK Skincare Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser claims to offer the perfect balance of hydration for younger skin. Rich in antioxidants, the moisturiser promises to protect against pollution and environmental damage. ARK Skincare also says it will leave your skin, clear, radiant and vibrant.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Cetyl alcohol: an emollient and thickener
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient
• Peach kernel oil: an emollient

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Olivate, Creatine, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsesquioxane, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Carbomer, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-25, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Bht, Disodium Edta, Cetearyl Methicone, Steareth-2, Peg-40 Stearate, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Steareth-21, Vanilla Planifolia, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Parfum (Pure Essential Oils), Acacia Dealbata, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

My thoughts

This moisturiser is pretty thick and rich but is wonderfully nourishing. A little bit of product goes a long way – seriously, you only need a tiny amount – for your skin to feel protected and moisturised. Think about the size of a 5p coin.

Although not the most lightweight and absorbent moisturiser I’ve tried, it does sink into the skin after a couple of minutes. It’s not greasy but it’s a bit heavier than some moisturisers out there, so I do think this would be more suitable for winter use when your skin needs extra nourishment.

I find it interesting that this moisturiser is marketed to teens and people in their 20s. Typically, teenagers have oily skin. Obviously, plenty still might have combination, normal or dry skin, but younger people tend to have oilier skin overall. I feel this moisturiser would be too rich for oily skin as it’s got a pretty rich formula. I got on really well with it but I don’t feel like it would’ve been suitable for me when I was 16.

Overall, it’s a lovely moisturiser but it’s not my favourite.

Rating: 4 stars

A good moisturiser, just nothing ground-breaking.

7. Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream 

£32

Product claims

The Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream claims to hydrate and repair dry and cracked lips as well as plump and smooth the surrounding skin area. It can be used as an intensive overnight lip treatment or as a moisturising lip cream throughout the day.

This plumping lip cream smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

ARK Skincare

This lip cream also promises to protect against moisture loss and be an “everyday essential” that protects lips in extreme weather conditions.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: has hydrating properties
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient
• Polybutene: works as a binding, glossing, and thickening agent 
• Ethylhexyl palmitate: an emollient and texture enhancer
• Glyceryl stearate SE: an emollient and thickening agent

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polybutene, Ethylhexyl, Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil, Allantoin, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

My thoughts

The Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream is the only ARK Skincare product that I genuinely dislike. Despite its bold claims, I find that this lip cream does absolutely nothing for me. It’s not absorbent at all and rather leaves a sticky and slippery residue all over your lips. The product just sits on top of my lips, rather than sinking in and deeply hydrating them.

It’s annoying because as it isn’t absorbent as soon as you have a drink, that lip product is going to come right off. Then you’re left with nothing. No comfort, no hydration and no protection.

I’ve used this lip cream both at night and in the daytime and there are no results. I dislike the texture immensely and find it pretty pointless. It’s also incredibly expensive for a lip cream. However, I believe I’m the only person who feels this way as it seems to get loads of rave reviews!

Rating: 1 star

I think this product is bad.

8. Triple Action Exfoliator 

£35

Product claims

Combining three types of exfoliant action – physical, fruit acid and enzymatic – the Triple Action Exfoliator promises to gently remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more luminous complexion. It also claims to give your skin a flawless, polished texture and fade pigmentation.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Ethylhexyl palmitate: an emollient and texture enhancer
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Bambusa arundinacea stem powder: helps absorb excess sebum
• Glyceryl behenate: an emollient
• Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed cera/polyglyceryl-3 esters: has moisturising properties

See the full INCI list below:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Glyceryl Behenate, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Olive Oil Peg-7 Esters, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Stearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Geraniol, Aqua (Water), Linalool, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Glucose, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Subtilisin, Citral, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

My thoughts

Unlike ARK Skincare’s lip cream that I mentioned before, I feel the Triple Action Exfoliator does a lot for my skin. After using this exfoliant, my skin feels immediately softer and smoother.

I definitely feel like this is a gentle exfoliator overall, however, I do think it leans more towards being like a physical exfoliant than a chemical one. For this reason, I wouldn’t use this product more than once or twice a week to ensure it’s not too abrasive on your skin.

Since using this exfoliant, the overall look and texture of my skin have improved. It appears and feels more even and radiant. It’s also very satisfying to use as it’s almost paste-like, so massaging it into the skin is fun.

See my full review here

Rating: 5 stars

I love this exfoliator and feel it meets its claims.

Overall ARK Skincare brand review

I think ARK Skincare is a good brand overall. While I don’t love all of the products, the ones I like are great.

The pricing of some products doesn’t make sense to me, though. For example, I don’t know why the lip cream is almost the same price as the exfoliator when the latter does a far better job on the skin and contains more actives. Nonetheless, I do feel like ARK Skincare is still reasonably priced and accessible overall.

I love that ARK Skincare offers a lot of vegan products and is a cruelty-free brand. Its approach to formulating lines based on your age and skin concerns is also great. If you’re just starting out with skincare and feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the products and ingredients out there, I feel like ARK Skincare breaks down its products in an easy-to-understand format.

The brand also does a great job of using people of different ages and skin tones on its websites for photography shots and I truly appreciate this diverse and inclusive approach.

I’m grateful to have tried ARK Skincare products and would happily purchase quite a few of the products with my own money.

Overall brand rating: 4 stars

Favourite product?

It would have to be the Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser as it’s refreshing and very enjoyable to use. The Triple Action Exfoliator is a very close second. I thoroughly recommend that you try both of these products!

Where to buy ARK Skincare

ARK Skincare is available from the brand’s own website.

Have you ever tried ARK Skincare before?

The post Honest ARK Skincare brand review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

In this blog post, I’m going to be reviewing the Procoal Skincare brand and which products you need to check out.

Firstly, I’d like to say a big thanks to Procoal Skincare for sending me some products to try. I’m a skincare junkie, so any time I get new products I can’t wait to try them out. Procoal Skincare is also affordable, which is great news for people who don’t want to drop lots of money on a product.

But just how good is the Procoal Skincare range? I share my unbiased and sincere thoughts in this blog post, so please keep on reading.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What is Procoal Skincare?

Procoal Skincare is a UK-based indie skincare brand that is inexpensive and aims to be eco-friendly. The company sells a range of products that come in fully recyclable packaging, including the innovative cleansing eggs, which seriously reduce waste.

Launched in 2016 as an independent skincare brand, we intend to remain uncompromising in our mission of creating skincare products that maximise the benefits for people and minimise the impact on the environment.

Procoal Skincare

What products did I receive from Procoal Skincare?

Procoal Skincare kindly sent me 6 skincare and body care products to try:

1. Pink Clay Face Mask
2. Salicylic Egg Cleanser
3. Exfoliating Soap Bar
4. Overnight Face Mask
5. Glycolic Egg Cleanser
6. Charcoal Face Scrub

Below, I’m going to go into more detail on the ingredients, prices and my thoughts on each individual product. There’s a lot to get through, so stay tuned!

1. Procoal Skincare Pink Clay Face Mask

£14.99

Product claims

The Pink Clay Face Mask promises to invigorate the skin, minimise the appearance of pores and give you a gorgeous glow.

Experience an infinitely beautiful texture, a delicate and addictive scent and its immediate and long-term results.

Procoal Skincare

Providing gentle exfoliation, this pink clay face mask also claims to brighten and soothe the skin, while helping to get rid of stubborn blackheads.

Key ingredients

• Bentonite: a type of clay that is used as an absorbent in cosmetics. It’s particularly helpful for oilier skin types
• Kaolin: naturally occurring clay mineral used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties. Again, it’s good for oilier skins
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: derived from coconut oil and glycerin, this ingredient is considered an excellent emollient (softening and smoothing the skin) and skin-replenishing ingredient
• Glycerine: known for its hydrating properties
• Zinc oxide: inert earth mineral used as a thickening, lubricating, and sunscreen active ingredient in cosmetics

My thoughts

The Pink Clay Face Mask is great because although it has some absorbent ingredients, which is great for helping draw excess oil, the mask is well balanced with hydrating and softening ingredients. The result is gently exfoliated skin that feels smoother after use, without feeling stripped or dry.

This face mask feels so soft too. Some clay-based face masks can feel quite gritty and I’ve often found these masks to be quite difficult to remove from the skin. However, Procoal Skincare’s pink clay mask is just as easy to remove as it is to apply, meaning you don’t have to scrub hard at the skin, which can be aggravating.

After using the face mask, your skin feels softer and appears more radiant. My skin isn’t as oily as it used to be, but the pink clay mask helps get rid of excess grease.

For those with more sensitive and oily skin, this mask is gentle enough so as to not be irritating but still helps keep oil at bay. If you dislike fragrance, this face mask does contain some perfume.

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Pink Clay Face Mask is awesome. Easy to use with great results. It’s not my favourite face mask ever but I’d certainly purchase it with my own money.

2. Procoal Skincare Salicylic Egg Cleanser

£9.99

Product claims

The Procoal Skincare Salicylic Egg Cleanser is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from SLS and SLES (ingredients that can be stripping in skincare).

Made with 2% Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil, this salicylic face cleanser targets breakouts, acne and enlarged pores for a fresh and clarified complexion.

Procoal Skincare

Procoal Skincare says that this salicylic acid cleanser will also deeply exfoliate the skin, target breakouts and blemishes, and deliver visible benefits for trouble-prone skin types.

Key ingredients

• Sodium palmate: a soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. Paula’s Choice says this ingredient can be drying
• Sodium palm kernelate: cleansing agent
• Fragrance: you already know what fragrance is lol. Some people find perfume in skincare irritating but I personally like it
• Palm kernel acid: a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add opacity to cosmetic products
• Salicylic acid: the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which exfoliates the skin. It’s particularly good for oilier skin types as the BHA exfoliates inside the pores as well as the skin’s surface

My thoughts

I really like the salicylic acid cleanser. It smells lovely and works into a lather easily, which makes cleansing in the morning quick and easy.

My favourite thing about this salicylic acid cleanser is the fact that it’s a solid egg. This reduces waste and packaging, which I’m all here for, as the beauty industry is notorious for not using recyclable packaging and being very wasteful. However, this eco-friendly cleanser only comes in a cardboard outer box, which can be recycled.

Since using this cleanser, my skin feels a bit smoother. It’s definitely not as drastic as using a dedicated exfoliant as you wash the product off your face. However, getting in a bit of extra exfoliation is nice.

As I mentioned in the key ingredients section, fragrance appears very high up the INCI list. I’m fine with this as I like fragrance skincare. I don’t mind if fragrance doesn’t have skincare too, so I’m cool with either. But, people who dislike fragrance in their skincare products or find it irritating will definitely want to avoid this cleanser.

Also, whilst I wouldn’t describe this cleanser as “harsh”, I wouldn’t describe it as particularly nourishing or gentle either, so I think people with particularly dry skin might want to avoid it. On the other hand, I think people with normal/combination/oilier skin will love this cleanser.

Rating: 4 stars

I like this cleanser. The fact it’s vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly is a massive tick for me. It’s not my favourite cleanser ever but I love that it’s affordable.

3. Procoal Skincare Exfoliating Soap Bar

£6.99

Product claims

The Exfoliating Soap Bar promises not to be too harsh or gentle on the body, helping to exfoliate and refine the skin.

Use this body soap once and you will get hooked on it.

Procoal Skincare

Featuring a “divine” scent of roses, this soap bar claims to deeply clean the body, help retain the body’s moisture balance, and leave skin feeling soft and supple to the touch.

Key ingredients

• Sodium palmate: a soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. Paula’s Choice says this ingredient can be drying
• Sodium palm kernelate: cleansing agent
• Glycerin: known for its hydrating properties
• Palm kernel acid: a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add opacity to cosmetic products
• Shea butter: known for its smoothing and nourishing properties

My thoughts

Although the full ingredients list is different, I was interested to see that the ingredients featuring the highest up the INCI list were virtually the same as the Salicylic Egg Cleanser. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I just found it intriguing.

Actually, though, the Exfoliating Soap Bar is my favourite product that Procoal Skincare sent to me.

I definitely agree with Procoal Skincare that this body bar isn’t too harsh on the skin or too gentle but the level of exfoliation is spot on. As the skin on the body isn’t as delicate as our face and neck, you can get away with harsher exfoliation. This exfoliating body bar scrubs away dead skin cells with ease but doesn’t feel unfriendly on the skin whatsoever.

And the scent is just divine. It smells strongly of roses, which I love in body care products, and this makes for a more luxurious experience. After using the exfoliating bar, my skin feels super soft and smooth.

If you love the smell of roses and enjoy body exfoliants, you’ve just go to try this product. It’s amazing.

Rating: 5 stars

This is easily the best body exfoliant I’ve tried. Gorgeous.

4. Procoal Skincare Overnight Face Mask

£13.99

Product claims

The Overnight Face Mask claims to minimise the damaging effects of pollution and give your skin a boost of hydration.

Put indoor and outdoor pollution to bed with this overnight anti-pollution face mask. 

Procoal Skincare

Boasting a luxurious and creamy formula, this overnight face mask promises to be deeply hydrating, relaxing, and suitable for dull, dry and ageing complexions.

Key ingredients

• Shea butter: known for its smoothing and nourishing properties
• Cetearyl alcohol: used as an emollient, texture enhancer, foam stabiliser, and carrying agent for other ingredients
• Propanediol: enhances the absorption of ingredients into the skin
• Glyceryl stearate: used as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier
• Ethyl macadamiate: softens and conditions the skin

My thoughts

Based on the description and the top 5 ingredients listed on the INCI list (besides water), I thought I’d love this product. However, out of the products gifted me, the Overnight Face Mask is my least favourite.

Firstly, I’m not a fan of the scent. I’m not entirely sure what it is but it has quite an earthy scent? Whatever it is, I’m not digging it.

Secondly, I dislike the application method. You apply a generous layer of the mask, after cleansing, and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes. Then, you wipe off the excess and let that stay on the skin overnight.

I wasn’t sure whether to apply it directly after cleansing or after applying other products in my night-time routine. It sounds like it should be the last step in your night-time routine in place of a night cream but because you wipe away excess product, I didn’t want it to take off any serums or facial oils I’d applied?

On the flip side, applying the mask directly after cleansing confused me because the texture is quite heavy/sticky, so applying serums over the top of the product doesn’t seem right either. I go with this option but generally just apply a night cream on top of the overnight mask with no other steps.

The texture is pretty odd too. It’s quite heavy but doesn’t melt into the skin at all. It’s certainly not greasy but I didn’t find it very absorbent.

However, the Overnight Face Mask does provide some nourishment. My skin does feel a bit softer after using this product. But personally, I’d much rather use a luxurious facial oil or night cream to get some extra moisture into my skin.

Also, I’m not sure how I’d measure how well this face mask works at minimising the effects of pollution.

Rating: 2 stars

It’s not awful, I just don’t personally get on with this product. You might feel very differently, though!

5. Procoal Skincare Glycolic Egg Cleanser

£9.99

Product claims

A 100% vegan formula, the Glycolic Egg Cleanser is free from SLS and SLES while promoting gentle exfoliation to reveal fresher skin. Procoal Skincare says this cleanser will deeply clean the skin, without drying or stripping it.

Made with 2% Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera and Rosa Gallica, this glycolic face cleanser targets congested pores, dead skin cells and uneven texture. 

Procoal Skincare

Procoal Skincare claims that this cleansing egg is suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients

• Sodium palmate: a soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. Paula’s Choice says this ingredient can be drying
• Sodium palm kernelate: cleansing agent
• Glycolic acid: a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin. It can help shed dead skin to renew skin’s surface, visibly softening the signs of ageing. This is one of the most popular and effective AHAs
• Fragrance: can potentially be irritating to those with sensitive skin
• Palm kernel acid: a mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add opacity to cosmetic products

My thoughts

Out of the two solid cleansers from Procoal Skincare, the Glycolic Egg Cleanser is my favourite. This has a nice, fresh and slightly sweet scent and lathers like a dream. The result is smooth and clean skin that feels soft to the touch.

As with the soap bar and salicylic egg, the glycolic cleanser is also heavily fragranced. Again, I like this with my skincare products and I find it gives a more luxurious experience. However, I know many people dislike fragrance in skincare or find it irritating, so this cleanser wouldn’t be a good option.

For the record, perfume in cleansers isn’t as “bad” as it is in other skincare products, as you wash the cleanser off your face, so it doesn’t linger on the skin. But it’s still worth pointing out.

Other than this, I think the cleanser is great. I find this one a bit grippier than the salicylic egg, so lathering it in between my hands is a bit easier. I also love the colour of the Glycolic Egg Cleanser – it’s such a pretty pink!

Again, I really appreciate that this cleanser is vegan and cruelty-free, with very minimal packaging. The cardboard box it comes in is 100% recyclable and the fact it’s a solid cleanser means there’s no wasteful packaging. This is a fantastic step in the right direction and I hope more companies take this eco-friendly approach to their skincare products going forwards.

This cleanser might a little stripping for particularly sensitive or dry skin types but if you’re good with fragranced skincare, this would be a great product to try.

Rating: 4 stars

I’ve still used cleansers I prefer but I’d definitely recommend the Glycolic Egg Cleanser. It’s a fantastic option for people not wanting to spend much on their cleansers too as it lasts ages.

6. Procoal Skincare Charcoal Face Scrub

£7.99

Product claims

The Charcoal Face Scrub promises to leave your skin feeling super smooth, cleansed and fresh. Providing exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells, this scrub also claims to restore the skin’s water balance.

From day one, we knew this would be a cult product and we weren’t wrong.

Procoal Skincare

Key ingredients

• Stearic acid: helps to protect the skin’s surface against water loss and helps shore up skin’s protective barrier
• Coco caprylate/caprate: an emollient
• Glycerin: known for its hydrating properties
• Pumice: a type of volcanic rock that can potentially be abrasive on the skin
• Cetyl alcohol: an emollient and thickener used in skincare products

My thoughts

In my opinion, the Charcoal Face Scrub is decent but nothing special. After using the face scrub, my skin feels a bit softer and smoother but I think it’s more instant gratification than long-term benefits.

Personally, I get on better with, and prefer, chemical exfoliators (products you leave on the skin to do their work) over mechanical exfoliators (products where you scrub your skin to get exfoliation). Generally, I find mechanical exfoliators more abrasive and not as effective.

Whilst the Charcoal Face Scrub does exfoliate the skin, I think this formula would be too harsh for sensitive skin types. The pumice is fairly rough, so some people could find this irritating.

It’s interesting, though, because this product seems very popular with Procoal Skincare and has plenty of stellar reviews. If you’re into mechanical exfoliators, this is still one of the better ones I’ve used, so it’s worth checking out.

However, if, like me, you prefer chemical exfoliators, I don’t think this product will be for you.

Rating: 3 stars

Okay but not great.

Overall review of Procoal Skincare

I think that Procoal Skincare has some great, affordable skincare products available. I love the fact that this brand takes an ethical and eco-friendly approach to its products. Plus, they work!

Interestingly, the solid bar products were my favourites. I didn’t think this would be the case but I love the fragrance and experience of using these products. They’re all aesthetically pleasing and look amazing in photos.

The Pink Clay Face Mask is also excellent. It’s one of the few clay face masks I’ve used that feels soft and non-abrasive on application, making it a better choice for those with drier and more sensitive skin.

I’m not wild about the overnight mask or face scrub but for people on a budget, they’re certainly options to explore.

Favourite product?

The Exfoliating Soap Bar. This product is so luxurious because it makes my body feel so soft and smooth. It also smells unreal. It would be a brilliant gift for Mother’s Day, which is just around the corner.

Where to buy

You can buy all of these products from Procoal Skincare. The items shipped super quickly and there is free UK delivery for orders over £30, which is awesome.

Procoal Skincare also ships internationally but be aware that there might be customs charges.

Conclusion

I think Procoal Skincare is a great, affordable and eco-friendly indie skincare brand. A lot of the products are vegan and cruelty-free too, which I appreciate. I’d certainly try more products from the brand in the future!

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