Doctor Anne.

"Medik8 built their reputation around vitamin C, sunscreen, and retinoids, ingredients with solid evidence, which is why I was surprised when they launched this hundred euro serum built around topical exosomes and vegan PDRN, two ingredients whose reputation is running well ahead of the evidence. Pumped out of the bottle it looks and feels like a clear gel, very slippery but not in a siliconey way, and it spreads with ease without any tugging. There is some tackiness after application that disappears once you put something on top, and no scent, and despite the tackiness I never experienced any pilling with the sunscreen or moisturizer I put on top. After using it daily for more than six weeks I can't say it miraculously changed my skin. My skin looks calm and has radiance right now, but I can't really say if that is down to this serum or just the weather or my sleep, it's a very subtle effect, just enough that you look in the mirror and think you look well rested. The serum is really lovely to use, it feels good, and I do feel my skin looks nicer, but if your routine already has vitamin C, sunscreen, and a retinoid, I don't think this is something you need to add, it won't move the needle in a significant way, and at a hundred euros a bottle it is quite pricey even though it lasts more than three months. That doesn't mean it's a bad product. If you have the money to spare and want to try PDRN and exosomes, go for it, it's a nice serum to add to your routine, but if you want minimal skin care with the tried and tested basics that really move the needle, this is not something you need."

"EADEM is a brand that focuses on skin care that works on all skin tones, that refuses the narrative that lighter skin is what you want to approach, and their dark spot serum is marketed as effective yet non-irritating, and it really is very, very gentle. But the real question is, does this gentleness come at the cost of real visible results, especially on more mature skin where hyperpigmentation can be hard to fade? [...] EADEM claims that their product will reduce different forms of hyperpigmentation while being very gentle on the skin and without lightening the overall skin tone. The latter is very important if you have a deeper skin tone and just want your skin to look more even, not lighter. The product comes in a frosted glass bottle with a pipet which works well enough to distribute the three to four drops that you actually need for your face and neck. It has a lotiony texture like a milky lotion that spreads easily. It has some moderate tackiness especially directly after you applied it that subsides after one to two minutes but it is noticeable. There is no real scent, this is an unscented product. I sometimes get a whiff of something earthy but very very faint, you have to sniff it very closely to be able to detect that. Three to four drops is enough especially when you apply it on damp skin which helps with the spreading and the absorption, so I reckon the bottle will last you quite a while."

"I have a new one, the Medik8 Advanced Liquid Peptides MP that I have first tested in 2025 and that has become my absolute favorite with a great light lotiony texture. Peptides or copper peptides are not a must have in your routine. I want to incorporate them because I have everything else down to the perfect routine. At least for me, the perfect routine. So, I treat them as an add-on and I am willing to spend a little more on the texture that I'd like. For me, the texture in this one is absolutely worth spending the extra money because I don't only want my skincare to work. I want it to be a treat to myself. I want to feel good when I do it and I pay for that. But I am well aware that this is what I pay for and that I don't pay for extraordinary performance. The medik8 serum also features dual mini proteins which are a very interesting area of research. This is not something that has a whole body of science behind it."

"The Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening serum uses a vitamin C derivative, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is also great for people with more reactive skin who can't tolerate L-Ascorbic acid. The downside, other than it being quite expensive, is that it has quite a few essential oils, so if you're switching to a derivative because your skin is so reactive, this might not be the best choice. It's really a treat to yourself because it smells divine and has an amazing texture, but still I'll go back to Geek & Gorgeous."

"When I first applied The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, I thought where's the hydration, no instant plumping, no dewy glow. It has the texture of a light lotion with an opaque white color, and I could barely notice any scent, only sometimes a faint whiff of something a little plasticky, though that isn't noticeable after application. The product doesn't offer any instant hydration, it spreads with ease and leaves the skin feeling soft and velvety, but if my skin was particularly dehydrated that day I still felt tightness, no instant relief. The main ingredient is Ectoin at 2 percent, which isn't hydrating in itself but is a film former and stabilizer that prevents transepidermal water loss and soothes the skin, alongside several molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides, Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol. As this formula isn't occlusive in the slightest, I would without hesitation recommend it for people suffering from acne, especially as Ectoin seems to have a preventing effect on retained irritation in those using prescription retinoids. I have used it consistently over several weeks without it triggering any breakouts, but of course each skin reacts differently. I really wouldn't call it hydrating, at least not in terms of an immediate effect, but while it wasn't great at targeting dehydration immediately, it worked amazing over the course of a few days in making my skin less prone to dehydration. I took it on a one week trip to the mountains in the snow where being outdoors exposed to cold winds and dry air can lead to dryness and irritation when paired with my Tretinoin, and this formula really helped keep my skin happy throughout the whole trip. For me it is a great product to use during winter, and if your skin is prone to dehydration, you might feel the same way."

"The Remedy Dark Spot Solution claims to target existing hyperpigmentation as well as prevent new discoloration, without lightening your natural skin tone. It contains 0.1% encapsulated Retinol, meaning the actual released concentration is lower over time, paired with Niacinamide at 5% to help combat retinol irritation, plus Tranexamic Acid at 3%, Mandelic Acid, Kojic Acid, Licorice Root Extract, Glutathione, Silymarine, Acetyl Glucosamine and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate to target discoloration, along with Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Squalane, Green Tea Extract and Ceramides for hydration. The texture is like a light lotion and the scent, faint but resembling cooked carrots, I don't hate but I'm not the biggest fan either. Because of the encapsulation I was able to use it every night from the start, even on my chest, which usually can't tolerate strong retinoids. For some specific concerns a dedicated higher strength product, like a Glycolic Acid, will have more noticeable effect than this, but if you prefer simplicity this serum is a solid all in one option. With patience and diligent sun protection, I think this product has good potential to help with hyperpigmentation. Despite anecdotes of people using it alongside Tretinoin without issues, I would caution against that, since pairing retinoids increases the risk of irritation rather than maximizing results."

"The Remedy for Healthy Aging has encapsulated retinol, retinaldehyde, glycolic acid, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, a whole bunch of things you'd want on your skin. With the combination of glycolic acid, encapsulated retinol and the retinaldehyde, I'm not sure about the concentration, I am not sure if everyone will be able to tolerate that each night on their face. But if you do and just want one thing, it's really quite a lot of good stuff in there, so excited to give it a go."

"I have something new from Medik8, the Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream. You might know Medik8 from their Crystal Retinal line. They were the first ones to bring this retinal to the market. This is their newest release, the Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream with mini proteins and NAD+. I have already used quite a bit of that. I used that one for the first half of the colder months and that one for the second half. And I do enjoy it. If you want something that is rich, but not greasy and very elegant in texture, for me it's more of a nighttime thing, then this one is really a good option."

"For the in between days when I want something more than a gel moisturizer but nothing that is that rich I go with the Real Barrier Intense Moisture Hyaluronic Acid Cream, the one in the tube, not the one in the pot. They are very, very different. The brand has this they call it MLE technology, which basically means that they have the skin lipids in a different ratio. And this ratio should allow them to arrange perfectly fine just like they would do in the skin if you look at the structures under a microscope. I can just say that it is exactly the right point between nourishing and lightweight. And the one I currently have has been stolen by my daughter whose skin type is acne prone but more on the dry side. So apparently it is a win for different generations. And it also again has ceramides. It has alantoine penthenol and micaso seeds."

"I have the Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 plus, which is the one that I use year round for touchups. It is so lightweight that I don't feel the need to immediately run off and wash my face and do everything again because I know reapplication is incredibly important, but having skin care plus sunscreen plus sweat plus another layer of sunscreen on your face is just not my favorite feeling. And with that, that works perfectly fine."

"The IT Cosmetics CC Cream just didn't work for me. It does deliver the full coverage it promises, but the texture felt heavy, almost like a thick moisturizer mixed with concealer, and it has a citrussy scent that reminded her of air fresheners. Within the first two hours it started breaking down around her nose and mouth, and by hour four it looked like she'd been wearing the foundation for three days straight, patchy and crusty. Applying it was tricky: fingers didn't work at all and kept lifting the product off, a sponge was better but still lifted product in previously applied areas, and a dense foundation brush gave the most even coverage. She wears the shade Light, a good match but on the lighter side, out of 30 available shades, though her store only stocked about a third and the rest had to be ordered online, calling it a 47 euro gamble. On the SPF 50+ claim, she said the amount needed to actually reach that protection level, four to five pumps, would be completely unwearable, since she normally uses one to one and a half pumps. The formula's SPF ingredients differ by shade, with lighter shades using Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and deeper shades using Homosalate, Octisalate and Octocrylene instead, which she thinks could explain why some people love it and others hate it. It also contains Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, snail secretion filtrate, Green Tea Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, and two peptides from the Matrixyl 3000 complex, plus citrus essential oils that might irritate sensitive skin. The result was the same whether her skin was oilier in summer or drier in winter from her Tretinoin use."

"This is a hybrid sunscreen, pairing organic and inorganic filters, so there is some white cast, but it applies very smoothly, feels soft and even to the touch, and gives a matte finish rather than the dewy finish I expected. I was able to take it close up to my eyes without stinging. While applying it I noticed a lightening or tone up effect on my already pale skin, which I'm personally not a fan of, though I know some people actively look for that effect; if you have a deeper skin tone you might find it a deal breaker. Another issue I had was pilling, which happened even with my regular routine, though patting it in rather than rubbing helped avoid it and also slightly reduced the tone up effect. The filters used, in combination, offer broad protection against UVA and UVB, though I personally prefer formulas without zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I was impressed by the initial smooth application and especially the finish, but I found it way too drying on my combination skin in winter, and it had a tendency to pill on me when layered. As it offers a good selection of filters and claims to be sweat and water resistant, it might be a great option for the warmer months, but you have to be aware of its tone up effect, which made my already pale skin look even lighter and might be problematic for those with a deeper skin tone."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Sunscreen SPF 43, and it is by far my favorite inorganic sunscreen. The tint is a light peach that works well with my neutral to warm undertones without turning orange over time, there is no noticeable scent, and I like the pump bottle because it gives control over how much product comes out. It doesn't oxidize the way other tinted sunscreens have for me, though while it evens out skin tone, it isn't enough to cover redness from a blemish or hyperpigmentation, so you'd need to pair it with foundation for fully flawless coverage. The finish is very glowy, and even though it tones down a bit over time I needed to powder it down after it set, and even then it was more dewy than I actually like. It feels hydrating during the day, but when I wore it during a colder period and for a whole week straight my skin got drier, which might be due to the Zinc Oxide, the only filter used, giving broad spectrum UVB, UVA I and UVA II protection. It also has antioxidants like Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Resveratrol and Niacinamide, hydrators like glycerin and squalane, and three peptides including the Matrixyl 3000 complex and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, plus Iron Oxides for blue light protection, which surprised me for a sunscreen at this level. Overall it will most likely not replace my sunscreen favorites since I prefer the newer sunscreen filters and a finish that's less dewy, but if I lived somewhere I couldn't easily access modern filters, this is the one I'd go for."

"The filters used are the more modern organic filters like Uvinul T150, Mexoryl SX, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S and Parsol SLX, which is less widely known. On top of that there is Niacinamide, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration, Allantoin for soothing and a bunch of different plant extracts. It is one of the sunscreens that tick all of my boxes - finish not too dewy, modern filters, comfortable to wear, so I can see myself reaching for it a lot once it gets colder again. Due to the choice of sunscreen filters I can see it working on skins that are usually sensitive to organic sunscreens."

"The Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream is lightweight according to the description, but when I swatched it on the back of my hand, it's definitely too much for me for the summertime because it's a cream cream, not a lotion or gel type cream. But I think I will enjoy it when fall comes around and it gets a little cooler. It uses prebiotics, a prebiotic peptide, inulin, urea, and ceramides, and is supposed to be barrier boosting."

"La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is absolutely not what I look for in a moisturizer in terms of texture and cosmetical elegance. It is very, very heavy, very borderline greasy. But when my skin starts acting up because of cold winds and indoor heating and all that stuff and you get this flaking here around the triangle around nose and mouth that you just know your skin is getting upset with you. A thick layer of that overnight will almost always sort it out for me. So absolutely a staple even though it's not something that I use daily."

"The Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream is from the probio-cica line aimed at more mature skin, which they do [...] very well. [...] It has the right amount of nourishment and richness without being greasy or breaking me out or giving me millia. It has probiotic ingredients and centella asiatica; I don't actively seek those out, [...] I just want my moisturizer to [...] keep my skin happy, calm and moisturized, and that one is great for that."

"The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer was a surprise favorite. I'd assumed the Glow Recipe minis were for a much younger audience with their packaging and artificial scents, but I surprisingly loved quite a few, [...] and this was one. It's called a moisturizer but it's so lightweight it feels like water on the skin and is very hydrating, so I could even forgive the horrible fake watermelon scent. [...] It's not for when it's really cold, but for the summer months I really enjoyed it and I'm tempted to get it again."

"The Biossance Squalane Omega Repair Cream is a very nourishing cream without being greasy, from a category I'd have shunned a couple of years ago. Now I need something more nourishing, and this is great because it's not oily, doesn't break me out and works a charm. It has squalane, ceramides and omega fatty acids, everything you want, and it really melts into the skin like a dream. Great product if you don't know it already."

"OneSkin's OS-01 claims to reverse the signs of aging by disabling damaged skin cells, which is borderline a drug claim because it structurally changes the skin, which cosmetics isn't supposed to do. I am skeptical when it comes to high price skincare, and I think your best bet to age healthier or preserve the health of your skin while aging is to wear sunscreen, moisturize regularly, and make healthy lifestyle choices. But I am willing to give it a go, because I've lost quite a bit of weight over the last year and a half, so if anything could make the skin on my body reverse age, that would be much appreciated."

"The Extreme Cream claims to be an ultra rich cream delivering long lasting moisture. Given my skin is more normal to oily, I assumed the texture wouldn't be to my liking, and my first impression dipping my fingers into the pot seemed to confirm that: it is very firm to the touch, has a slightly herbal scent and looks like a medicinal ointment. After giving it a go I was pleasantly surprised: yes, it is much richer than what I usually reach for, but once put onto the skin it melts into a moisturizing layer that isn't tacky and leaves the skin feeling protected. For my skin it is a night time only product, I wouldn't want it on my face during the day, especially not now that it is summer, but it was great in the winter when my skin was upset from cold and Tretinoin. Depending on skin type it might still work in the warmer months, but unless your face is very dry or very irritated I don't think it's perfect for mornings. It contains glycerin, allantoin, panthenol, madecassoside, acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, emollient plant oils including olive oil and sunflower seed oil, dimethicone, phospholipids and the MLE complex. It isn't a regular product for me, but one I reach for when my skin needs extra protection, most often during winter. It's one I would only reach for when my skin was dry and upset, as it is on the heavy side, but again without being greasy, and it's probably best suited for more dry skin types."

"The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser looks interesting in color with some brown bits floating inside. It promises to be mildly exfoliating, which I don't get because you don't feel the bits on the skin [...] and fulvic acid is not an exfoliating acid. It also claims to be brightening, but I don't really use it for that because it's a wash off product and doesn't have much inside except licorice root extract that I'd look for in a brightening routine. But it's a really nice cleanser that I enjoyed using up."

"It didn't feel right around the eyes. The website will advise you to stay clear of the eyes. I don't think it's dangerous for use around the eyes, but I don't think it is meant to remove eye makeup, just the regular face makeup, which is why I don't usually use it as a first step. And when you look at The Inkey Way to double cleanse, it is actually listed as second cleanser after using The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm as first cleanse to really remove every trace of makeup and then go in with a second cleanse afterwards. And I think for that it works really fine. So either for that or as a morning cleanse is how I prefer to use it. Looking at the ingredients, you have glycerin as humectant which is a very good humectant but probably not the most effective in a wash-off product, and you also have betaine made from sugar beet which pulls in water as well. Same here, it gets washed off, so I'm not sure how much hydrating effect it will have on the skin. Then there's shea butter which has emollient properties, some rice bran oil which is also good for this protective layer, and inulin. Inulin is said to be food for the good skin bacteria, so promoting a healthy skin microbiome. If you've seen my videos on the skin microbiome, you know that there is no definition of what a good skin microbiome is, so I can't say for sure if inulin is helpful, but it is a so-called probiotic. All in all, not a very exciting ingredient list."

"The SKIN1004 Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam looks harmless with its blush pink color and pearly white texture, and doesn't even feel intense when used, but it surprised me. It's infused with Himalayan Pink Salt, described as a sticky and textured creamy paste, which is creamy and sticky to the touch but turns into a rich, stable foam when mixed with water. It has a faint but noticeable herbal minty scent. Because it's so sticky, it's best foamed up in the hands before applying, since applying it directly doesn't work too well. It adheres well to the face, so it takes some time to rinse off, and I preferred using a flannel for removal. The ingredient list has several acid-named ingredients like Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid and Arachidic Acid, but none are actually exfoliating acids, they're cleansing agents and emollients, with Lauric Acid noted for a positive effect on the bacterium contributing to breakouts. It also contains Centella Asiatica Extract at 21% for soothing, Glycerin for hydration, Papain for enzymatic exfoliation, and Kaolin clay to control sebum, which explains its tendency to adhere to the face. My skin felt soft, but definitely not hydrated, and if I had irritation going on, it would make it slightly worse rather than calm the skin. This is a classic second cleanse if you follow the Double Cleanse method, and not something I would use to remove makeup or around the eyes, even though the brand markets it as a single cleanser. It certainly has an interesting texture, but is very specifically aimed at those with oily skin, as even combination skin will find it too drying for regular use. On my skin it could maybe be used occasionally after a sweaty workout in summer, but certainly not as a staple, and I would recommend it for teens more than for people in their 40s."

"I replaced the Series 1 with the CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Series 2, which has the same specs but a few improvements that make me prefer it. I've been using it consistently for years—probably the one I've used the most—at around five nights a week for about 10 minutes. It's so easy, nothing beats the feeling of putting it on and just dropping down on the couch, and if I had to buy just one skincare device, the first one I'd get is another LED mask."

"I was hesitant to introduce the Cure microneedling into my routine because I don't think you can really keep rollers hygienic, but Cure convinced me with their individually packed heads that you use for each treatment. I tried it and at first I wasn't sure, but I got a ton of compliments on my skin from strangers saying I looked radiant and fresh. I got a follow-up kit and kept using it until January this year, then fell off the bandwagon. While I had really nice results, I'm hesitant to reintroduce it because I don't like poking myself with needles—it's not pleasant—and that's just not what I want from my skincare, so I would probably not purchase them again."

"The ZIIP Golden Gel is incredibly expensive, and you don't have to use these if you have a microcurrent device since you can use other conductive gels, but I love them. They have extra beneficial ingredients said to be transported deeper into the skin through the microcurrent; I'm not sure that's what moves the needle, but I really enjoy using them. The golden gel is my favorite, which is why I finished two, but it's also the most expensive. I'm not sure I'd buy it with my own money, but I get them as PR, so I'm happy to keep using them."

"I've been testing the CurrentBody LED Neck & Décolletage Mask Series 2 for eight weeks on my décolletage and neck, on mature skin that's been through decades of UV damage. It has 229 LED lamps in total, including 9 deep near-infrared lamps exclusive to Series 2, using red light at 633 nm, near-infrared at 830 nm, and deep near-infrared at 1072 nm, which is what most studies recommend for red and near-infrared, though I can't really give a recommendation for deep near-infrared based on the data available. The irradiance is 30 mW/cm2, lower than the 40 to 150 mW/cm2 desired range, but I think the ten minutes of wear time is reasonable. Compared to Series 1, Series 2 covers a 24% larger area and has a lot more lamps, 229 compared to 50, making even coverage more likely. A downside is that it seems to need charging more frequently, though so far I can still go two to three weeks between charges with the neck mask. It's easy and convenient to use, and using it four to five times a week fits well into my routine. My results after eight weeks were subtle, as I expected, with not really a noticeable difference in wrinkle depth or sun spots, but I feel my skin looks plumper and more radiant overall. Did the results blow me away? Do I consider it a necessity for everyone? Absolutely not. It's an extra for those who do everything else already and have the money to spare, but I will keep using it. Even if the effects are subtle, I still feel my skin looks more radiant than it did before, and at my age I take all the help I can get. But if you haven't mastered SPF and a solid skincare routine, start there before investing in LED."

"I used the €700 CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device on only one side of my body for six months, keeping the other untouched, to see if the results hold up outside the marketing claims. It uses an 810 nm laser, but at-home devices are dialled down for safety so the energy output is quite low compared to professional lasers, which means less dramatic results. It is essentially painless, never warming up to the point of discomfort, and treating one armpit took around two minutes, though larger areas like the bikini line took longer and were trickier to get full contact on. After six months of consistent use, three sessions a week for the first eight weeks then reduced to about once a week, there are a few patches where hair growth is substantially reduced and other areas where it remains unchanged. Overall hair growth is slower on the treated side but not drastically so, only about two days longer before needing to shave, not weeks. My own results were limited partly because my hair isn't fully dark, some of it is grey or brownish, and because a birthmark in [...] that armpit meant I had to treat more carefully around it. If you have very pale skin and very dark hair this could be a good investment, but for most people, especially with lighter or greying hair, the results will likely be modest. [...] Seeing the results after six months, I am not sure if I would have spent the money, [...] it isn't the breathtaking transformation I had hoped for, but since it's painless and no more effort than shaving [...] and plugging in the device, I will keep using it."

"I introduced radiofrequency through the Currentbody Skin RF Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Device in 2023 and while I have tried others over time, it is still the one I keep coming back to. It is quite time consuming in the beginning, as one session takes me a little over an hour, but once you reach maintenance phase it gets easier to keep up with, needing it every 3-4 weeks. Looking at effects, the Currentbody RF Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Device is my favourite. I attribute the majority of the changes I experienced to this one."

"The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet claims to increase hair thickness, density and fullness with ten minutes of daily use. It uses 120 LEDs with a wavelength CurrentBody describes inconsistently as 640 nm on the website and 660 nm in the handbook, and its irradiance of about 5 mw/cm2 on the head is on the lower end of the spectrum, with one outside test measuring it even lower at 3 mw/cm2. After six months of daily use she saw no real difference in her frontal hairline, a mixed result on her middle parting (less broadening in the back but more scalp showing in the front), and the biggest improvement on a thinning patch at her right temple, where there was more hair and it felt less fine. Overall she called it a mixed bag, seeing positive changes but only subtle ones and less than she had hoped for, possibly because of missed days, the device's low irradiance, and a surgery and bout of Covid during the test period that could have caused extra shedding. She found the helmet convenient and easy to stick to, but flagged that it is quite expensive at 786 euros, the plastic cracked when dropped since it only weighs about 1.5 kg, the bluetooth speakers felt like more of a gimmick than necessary and caught her hair, the side panel showing treatment duration can't be seen while wearing it, and there is no charge indicator so it can shut off mid session. She said whether it's worth the money depends: it's an option if you have age related thinning without significant hair loss and other treatments haven't worked for you, but topical Minoxidil is better value for money, and since she personally could not tolerate Minoxidil she ended up happy enough to keep using the helmet given the subtle results it gave her."

"I am really happy with the NEWA+ Cordless RF Wrinkle Reduction Device. It is convenient to use due to the fact that it doesn't need to be plugged in and never got uncomfortably hot. A downside is that it is only recommended to be used on three different parts of the face, meaning the forehead and neck aren't areas you can use it on, and doing the session regularly, which is needed to see any results, is quite time consuming. As it is with all at home devices, results will be subtle, so you really need to commit to using it regularly and should make sure you have all the other pillars of a good skin routine including sleep in place before buying, as the evidence on such devices is sparse. It is an addition for the person that loves gimmicks and has the money to spare, and not the foundation of a good routine. I had been using a different radiofrequency device for around nine months before switching to the NEWA+, and to be honest I don't really see a difference in my before and after, but that in turn means I didn't lose the effects I had from using radiofrequency beforehand. No further improvement, but upkeep was what I expected."

"After using the Maysama Prana LED Light Therapy Mask for three months almost daily, [...] and then three times a week for upkeep, I can't say I noticed changes in my skin. But as I have been using some form of LED mask faithfully for more than two years now, I didn't expect that. If the Maysama Prana LED Light Therapy Mask is better than other masks on the market depends on your individual preferences. The pros are surely the fact that it has a great irradiance and covers the mouth area, cons are that it doesn't exactly use the recommended wavelengths. Both the blue light option and the option for using the pulsed light mode wouldn't be a selling point for me, as I stick to red/near infrared and am not convinced by the data on pulsed light quite yet, but you might feel different about those topics. It is the only mask on the market I have seen at least giving you the pulsed light option."

"To find the balance for me, I opt for something with a low percentage, which is the Geek and Gorgeous Calm Down, a PHA with a low percentage of salicylic acid that I use four times a week. The low percentage of salicylic acid means it still keeps the congestion under control, and the PHA, polyhydroxy acids, I don't really look at them as exfoliating in the surface exfoliant sense like a glycolic acid or something like that would. It's more of a mild, very mild exfoliation with a hydration boost, and that is exactly what I'm looking for now."

"I started using the Medicube Age-R Ussera Deep Shot in fall 2022. It is a combined ultrasound, radiofrequency and high frequency device, and I was very happy with it. The biggest change in density and firmness came after introducing the Medicube one. My face felt tighter, more firm, and two people commented on how my face looked slimmer and how small my pores were. That was after around three months of using it, and since then I feel like I reached a plateau where no further changes occurred, but as I am a year older now and gravity has been pulling at my features, no changes might still be a win. If I had to go by results only, I would pick the Medicube one as I see the most difference. The best in terms of noticeable results is the Medicube Age-R, it made my face look firmer and my pores look smaller over the course of the first few months, an effect that stayed with the passing months."

"For the evenings I have one that is quite on the other end of the price spectrum, the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, that I adore. I mentioned that I use Tretinoin all over my face, but I wouldn't dream of taking it up to my eyes. I really often get the question, can I take my Tretinoin up around my eyes? And you do you, you can do whatever you want, but I personally wouldn't. My skin reacts quite strongly to Tretinoin, so I imagine if I would apply it around my eyes, they would just flake off and I'm not willing to irritate them. And Tretinoin too close to the eyes can increase dry eyes, and I already have dry eyes from wearing contacts and staring at the screen. So not something I personally would do, which is why I look for dedicated eye products that have a retinoid in them. And this one is amazing in texture. It doesn't irritate my eyes. I really enjoy it despite, yes, it is very very pricey."

"The Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask is deeply nourishing and hydrating and doesn't weigh the hair down. You only need to leave it on the hair for a short amount of time so you can use it like conditioner. I have used it a few times and it makes my hair manageable. It has silicone, which improves getting rid of tangles, and I really like that. I like the very subtle floral scent this one has. My hair is very much due a cut so nothing will save these strands, and in the heat it's very frizz-prone, but I will keep using it and then report back eventually."

"Because I like the Wonder Oil so much, I picked up the Gisou Wonder Oil Hair Care Milk and Serum Leave-in. I bought it at the beginning of the month and have already used it quite a bit, and I like the way it makes my hair look. But if I use it on dry hair, which it says you can and which is what I purchased it for because I wanted something to take care of my hair in between washes, I feel like it leaves a certain stickiness to my hair, and that makes my hair more knotty as the day goes by, so in the evening I need more oil to brush through without really tearing at my hair. If I use it on damp hair, that's not a problem."

"I was sent the Tria 4X Advanced Laser Hair Removal Second Generation. This is a relaunch of the laser they had, which I haven't tried, but you might remember I've tried two of these devices already, the one from Derma Wand Rays and the one from CurrentBody, and I kept using the one from CurrentBody, but it's still not at the point where I don't need to shave anymore. They slow down my hair growth, but I still need to shave like once a week for different reasons. I am not the ideal candidate in all areas that matter, and they have safety first, so they're not as effective as an in-office laser hair removal, but it means I still have enough body hair to give this one a go, but this review will take quite some time because I have given the others 6 months of trial, and I will give that one 6 months trial again, so you can expect that in the second half of the year."

"The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution is a 1% Retinol serum. The first thing you'll notice is the yellowish color of the product, and despite being called a serum, it looks and feels like a lotion, with a faint scent similar to many retinol products. It should be used in the evening. I found it to be much stronger than the original Retinol Serum, because it uses true retinol at the highest concentration available over the counter, rather than an encapsulated slow release form. Other than the retinol you'll find glycerin as a humectant, oils like avocado, apricot and squalane as emollients, and phospholipids to help repair the skin barrier. I like the lotion-like texture as it means I don't need to wear something on top. It's a strong over the counter retinol product that should be introduced slowly by those not yet used to retinoids. Regarding effectiveness I can see it giving good results on post inflammatory or other forms of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Regarding the acne scars claims I would limit that to a certain type of scars, there are some that need invasive treatment to really improve. If your skin is dry or sensitive, introduce it slowly as it has some irritation potential for sure."

"The SWEED Cloud Mascara promises maximum volume and limitless length with a dramatic fan like effect. I [...] usually prefer my mascara wands to be thick and with bristles, and the wand on this one [...] is made from rubber and dome shaped, but wow do I love how it looks on my lashes. It gives mainly length and just a little bit of volume, but separates the lashes beautifully and stays all day without smudging. It's water resistant, not water proof, though I haven't worn it for swimming yet, but it does survive a good downpour. That would explain why it isn't the easiest to remove at night, you definitely need a good, preferably oil-based cleanser for that. I barely have reached for another mascara since getting this one in the mail, which says a lot for me since I tend to have at least two different ones on rotation all the time, so it is safe to say that I am a fan."

"5% is like a regular concentration. 1% is on the lower side. You can get up to 2% over the counter. And I usually use 2% salicylic acid. So comparing these two and keeping in mind that mandelic acid is usually a more gentle exfoliant than glycolic, I would say this is quite a gentle product. You have a combination of sugars that work as humectants and the three sugars used here, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol, are known in combination as a substance called Aquaxyl that is a humectant but also claims to increase the natural moisturizing factors in the skin so increase hydration over time. The last addition I found noteworthy is the addition of Sarcosine which aims to improve sebum production and regulate the skin sebum production over time. The pH of the product is around 3.4. I took the Geek & Gorgeous Cheer Up liquid exfoliant with me on holiday for the summer and I wanted a combination that would help keep my congestion at bay and also help prevent the buildup of hyperpigmentation. I am out in the sun quite a lot and the hyperpigmentation tends to show up. I use the surface exfoliation to slough off the skin cells that already have the melanin present."

"For the winter when I need something a little more and something a little richer, I would go for the Skin1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner. The Probio-Cica line is the line they have for more mature skin. It features fermented ingredients. In theory, fermentation breaks down the lead ingredient into smaller bits that can easier penetrate the skin, which can be beneficial, but depends on which ingredients you break down. In this case, it is centella asiatica that they are fermenting. This toner is a little thicker. I like it for the winter months when it's colder and I want my skin to feel a little more nourished. It's still non-tacky, still lightweight enough so I can layer it easily. It also features some panthenol and some ceramides that are a recurring theme in my skincare routine because I use Tretinoin for my adult acne that makes my skin prone to irritation and a disrupted barrier."

"The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner is a gentle exfoliating toner with [...] a lot of fermented ingredients, which will make or break it for you. It smells like baking yeast, which reminds me of baking bread, but some people find it off-putting. [...] Fermented ingredients can be broken into smaller pieces that absorb better, though not everyone sees a benefit. [...] I found my skin looked hydrated, fresh, calm, and maybe a tad brighter, [...] and I really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't expect it to make a huge difference on dark spots. [...] It's a great one depending on your expectations."

"I have been using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner for years now, both on my face for gentle exfoliation and on my body. It isn't completely see through, has the color of white tea or diluted apple juice, a very watery texture, and a faint musky scent straight out of the bottle that dissipates quickly. The twist cap is great for controlling how much product comes out. Despite being called a daily exfoliant, I personally used it only two to three times a week, especially in winter when my skin is more sensitive, though depending on the rest of your routine using it daily or multiple times a week might work. I apply it with my palms rather than cotton pads since pads absorb too much product. The main ingredient is Glycolic Acid, with a pH of 3.6 according to the brand, which is good, plus humectants like glycerin and natural moisturizing factors such as urea and sodium PCA and sugars, some plant extracts for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and amino acids that help with hydration and healing. It's a straightforward formula without much extra fluff. It won't give the same drastic results as a stronger peeling product, but it is much harder to overdo and works great against texture with regular use. Some people recommend it against acne, but while it helps with leftover texture and medication, it wouldn't be my first choice for that. For me this is a great one against texture and a good supporting act against stubborn hyperpigmentation, and due to its versatility a valuable addition to your skincare stash."

"The inn beauty Project Acne Serum comes as a lightweight lotion in a light brownish color, with a distinct medicinal scent that's noticeable but not overpowering. I had difficulties with the pump, which often didn't bring up product and required repeated pressing and sometimes banging the bottle on the counter. It contains 1.5% Salicylic Acid, an ingredient approved for treating acne through unclogging pores, along with Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Niacinamide at 5% for regulating sebum and brightening pigmentation, Bakuchiol, and Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, a derivative of Azelaic Acid, plus Panthenol, Ceramides, Allantoin, fermented ingredients and Tranexamic Acid to help with irritation and leftover hyperpigmentation. I really enjoyed it for its gentleness, but seeing it promoted as an effective at home acne treatment is in my opinion too much. It's approved and helpful in treating acne, but in more than light cases only part of the regime you need, and the supporting ingredients will be helpful but not move the needle much. This product will not substitute treatment. If your main concern is congestion and your skin is easily irritated by higher concentrations, it is a lovely and gentle product to try, though there are more affordable options out there if you are on a budget."

"The Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum contains a blend of three acids at a combined concentration of 8.5% to even out skin tone and address texture issues after breakouts. It is completely clear, has a watery texture, and no scent. The brand advises using it at night, but it can just as well be used in the mornings. Of the 8.5% total acid concentration only the Salicylic Acid has irritation potential, since Tranexamic Acid and Lactobionic Acid don't usually have an exfoliating effect, so pairing it with retinoids could be fine depending on individual skin threshold. The watery texture makes it easy to combine with other products. e.l.f. doesn't disclose the individual acid percentages, only that the total is 8.5%, and working through the ingredient order suggests Niacinamide is around 10% while the acids are present in varying, uncertain amounts. This is a good choice for targeting congestion and hyperpigmentation at the same time and is suitable for daily use, but that gentleness also means drastic results shouldn't be expected, it needs patience. It ultimately contains less exfoliating acid than expected given the three acids are Salicylic, Tranexamic, and a Polyhydroxy Acid."

"The Blemish Calming Water Cream claims to both prevent and treat blemishes, calm the skin, and help control oil production while being lightweight. The cream is actually green, presumably to counteract redness, but it is barely noticeable once spread out. It has a very lightweight texture that immediately sinks into the skin like water, with no scent, and a surprisingly matte finish. It can be used morning and night, but once a day is recommended since it contains Salicylic Acid and overuse could lead to irritation. Even on skin that gets very oily in summer it is lightweight enough to use in the mornings underneath sunscreen, though those on the dry or dehydrated side would need something heavier to pair with it and could use this as a serum step instead. Ingredients include 1% Salicylic Acid to calm inflammation and target congestion, Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid for hyperpigmentation, Glycerin for hydration, Acetyl Glucosamine which helps against hyperpigmentation alongside the Niacinamide, and Silica to absorb excess oil. This is the surprise favorite of the three products, as it is really lightweight, doesn't add any shine, and is particularly enjoyed around the time of the month when congestion and breakouts show up on the cheeks. It feels like nothing, keeps the skin matte, and works well underneath sunscreen in the mornings."

"For the summer, I would get the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, which is [...] very lightweight hydration at a very reasonable price. It also has Centella Asiatica, which is said to be soothing and have other skin beneficial [...] benefits. I know some people say it doesn't do much, but for me it does what it's supposed to do. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and calm and it feels like absolutely nothing when applied. So no matter how hot it is outside, I really enjoy putting it on before I follow up with my serum step."

"If I want something richer and more nourishing because it's cold outside or because it's the evenings, I go for the Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule. It's called an ampoule, but the texture is almost like a light lotion, so it works well as a serum step. When I first tried it, I was a little more oily. I've even used it in very hot summer nights as the last step instead of a moisturizer. It has a lot of soothing ingredients, including panthenol as well as fermented ingredients. I really feel like it hydrates my skin well and helps calm it down. It features niacinamide. I actively look to have at least one niacinamide product in my routine because niacinamide helps tolerate Tretinoin and helps reduce the retinoid uglies."

"The Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule claims to be fast absorbing and provide bright and clear skin. It contains tiny capsules of encapsulated Madecassoside swimming in a clear liquid that becomes a thinner gel texture once out of the bottle, with no noticeable scent. Despite the gel texture, it spreads easily with minimal tackiness, and while you can feel the capsules on application they disappear immediately afterwards. It has no tackiness and can be used morning and night. She used it in the mornings because some of the ingredients have irritating potential and she uses tretinoin at night, but personally did not experience any problems. Ingredients include Centella Asiatica Extract at 77% as the first ingredient, Niacinamide at around 4%, Tranexamic Acid at 2%, and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, plus Glycerin, Panthenol and Lactobacillus Ferment. Overall she was really impressed with the product as it contains way more active ingredients than expected and it fits great in her morning routine."

"I repurchased the Maybelline The Eraser Multi-use Concealer in color 115. I use this for no or little makeup days to conceal around my nose and chin where I have redness. It is easy to blend. This is my fifth tube and I really enjoy it. I looked back at my old review where I said I would never repurchase, but that was because it was marketed as an under eye concealer and it didn't work for me there, it was too dark, the colors were off, it would settle into fine lines, and it's just light coverage."

"The L'Oreal Infallible 32 Hours Fresh Wear foundation in Rose Ivory [...] wasn't the best for me. It started to break down around hour four and settle into my lines and show some redness, and I need my foundation to look good for most of my workday. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it, which is why it took me two and a half years to finish. The Rose Ivory shade is a good color match, but [...] I have others I prefer and won't repurchase."

"The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is my perfect foundation in every aspect. It feels like nothing on the skin, is easily buildable to full coverage, but never makes the face look flat or lifeless and stays put the whole day even without relying on a primer or setting spray. One thin layer evens out the skin and looks as if I am barely wearing anything. Two thin layers are enough to cover redness and pigmentation, and I can get it to full coverage with a third layer, which still layers well and stays comfortable to wear throughout the day. Ten hours later it still hadn't settled into my lines or pores and my face still looked more even than before, so I am more than happy with the results. Could it take the shine down a little more? Yes, but I forgive that minor flaw as it never settles into my lines and pores, something most mattifying foundations do, and it is hydrating enough to not cling to dry patches, but not that hydrating that it would slide off in the heat of summer. If your skin is very oily, you might want to try something more mattifying, but for everyone else it should work very well."

"The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask claims to gently slough away dead skin cells for smooth and supple lips in the mornings. The one I have, Grapefruit, doesn't smell like a real grapefruit but much sweeter, [...] not as citrussy as I had imagined. It's peachy pink in color, just like the packaging, but doesn't add any color to the lips. The texture feels a little waxy but is easy to distribute with the warmth of your finger, and adds quite a bit of shine. Although it's called a Lip Sleeping Mask, it's perfectly fine to use throughout the day as well, even if you don't nap. The texture means it stays on the lips, forming a protective layer that keeps moisture from evaporating, but also leaves a film that transfers to your glass. I don't mind that and often wear it during the day when I'm at my desk typing away, but it's not great if you want to put it on right before you apply lipstick, as the thick texture means that would slide off. [...] The formula is made up mainly of waxes and emollients, mainly synthetic, but with Squalane and Coconut Oil added to the mix. As humectant you'll find Glycerin and then there's Vitamin C, but probably very low in concentration, plus a variety of plant extracts and [...] colorants and fragrance including Limonene, Citral and Linalool which are known irritants. I'm not sure what is supposed to slough off dead skin cells, I would have expected something with exfoliating properties for that and I can't find anything that fits that description on the ingredient list. Overall it is a great product that keeps the lips soft and hydrated during the night, so it will earn a permanent place on my bedside table."

"I picked up their new Real Techniques miracle two-in-one powder puff, which has an orange side for liquid or cream products and a velvety plush pink side for powder. I especially like this orange side because I like using dry sponges and beauty blenders don't really work that well for that, and this one is perfect for applying foundation and dabbing it in for a little more matte effect. I'm just not sure I'll be able to keep it looking as good, because even with washing, the stain doesn't really seem to get off. The powder side is nice but just like a regular powder puff."

"The second perfume I bought is Paradox from Prada, which I bought in duty free. I'm no expert on perfumes, but it has notes like pear, mandarin, jasmine, orange flower, musk and amber. It's slightly floral, slightly sweet, with a little freshness from the tangerine, and there's vanilla in there too. It doesn't change much throughout the day, it just gets a little sweeter when I apply it and dries down to more of the jasmine, so it's not overpoweringly sweet, but it stays with me all day without coming into the forefront of my mind. It doesn't transfer through the whole office, [...] it stays close to me, which is something I enjoy because I hate getting suffocated by other people's perfume. [...] So I like it. But if you are a perfume connoisseur and not just some random girl spritzing herself with things she likes, like I am, this is probably a disappointment for you, since apparently in the fragrance community it's seen as smelling like a hundred other perfumes mixed into one, nothing new or exciting."