If there’s any time especially that I keep track of skincare, it has to be at the end of the month. Our skin cells take approximately 28 days to renew themselves; I didn’t say so, science did. The quantity of most skincare products come in 30ml, 120ml, 150ml (depending on the product type); this could mean that for something you’ll be using every day, let’s say you’re using 1ml a day, it’ll last you 1 month, 2 months or 3. Okay, that was just a rough estimate, cause most of us slap on wayyy more than 1 ml and use some products twice daily. Finally, month-end is a great time for budgeting; and if you’re anything like me, skincare is always in the budget.
Okay! Let’s get down to the products already. For each skincare product I mention, I’ll be giving a mini-review (pros and cons), how long it lasted me, and whether or not I will be repurchasing it.
Farm Stay Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid All-in-one Ampoule
Described as an all-in-one solution to dry, dehydrated, dull, wrinkled, saggy skin. This ampoule contains marine collagen (2500mg) and hyaluronic acid (10,750mg) as the main ingredients. In case you didn’t know, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally present in the human body. Hyaluronic acid is an amazing humectant (attracts moisture to the skin) and it can hold as much as 1000 times its weight in moisture. Just as hydration is essential for our internal organs, so is it for the external (skin) as well.
Collagen is a protein present in the dermis layer of the skin, and it plays a beneficial role in tissue repair. Every beauty-savvy must have heard that it’s the fountain of youth. However, topical collagen is not bioavailable and will not reach the dermis to yield any sustainable results. The main purpose of marine collagen in this formulation is the moisturizing effect.
Other ingredients it contains are niacinamide (the jack of all trades) and adenosine (an ingredient commonly used in Korean beauty for its anti-wrinkle properties). Seeing these state-of-the-art ingredients plus a huge 250ml jar for N8000|$17.8, was what drew me to try out the Farm Stay ampoule. The consistency is thick and water-based. It goes on the skin smoothly like a rich, hydrating serum and is slightly tacky upon drying (but it’s not like those sticky essences). I find that it absorbs into the skin better when applied after a hydrating toner.
Cons: The packaging could be better! It doesn’t promote the most hygienic and stable environment for the product to thrive. Although it comes with a spatula; for a 250ml jar, how many times do I have to dip the spatula/my clean hands in and out successfully without contaminating the entire product? Or maintain the stability of the ingredients?
One way I managed to get away with this was to transfer some of it into an empty ‘The Ordinary’ bottle to use the pipette for product delivery. This was quite challenging too, as the formula was thicker than that which the pipette was initially made for. I guess a bigger pipette or a pump would work, but I didn’t have that.
How long did it last? 18th December 2019 – 30th April 2020. 135 days (~4.5 months) I used this morning, afternoon, evening, literally all the time.
Will I repurchase? No/Yes. No, because I’m interested in trying out the ‘honey’ version of this ampoule next. I’ll keep you guys posted on that. Also, no, if I find another rich, hydrating ampoule/essence/serum that’s just as good (or better) with a decent price point. Hanskin Hyaluron Essence and Hada labo Gokujyun, I’m eyeing you two.
Yes, if the above isn’t successful.
Where to purchase in Nigeria: Eve Beautique
JMsolution Marine Luminous Pearl Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++
A sunscreen with marine energy glides smoothly and protects from UV rays.
This one did live up to its description. It is available in two versions; glow luminous rose for dry/balanced skin and the marine luminous pearl for oilier skin types. Of course, I went for the oily version. Before getting this, I was keen on trying out a sun stick; and when I tried this, I had zero regrets. It’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
The application is so satisfying that you won’t want to stop rolling-on. The curved edges make application easier. It has a waxy texture (feels like you’re applying oil) and acts as an occlusive when applied. What this means is that it seals in whatever is beneath it. The best way to use this is to layer it on top of your hydrating (water-based) serum/moisturizer, that way it will lock in moisture throughout the day.
I also like that it’s portable, you just throw it in the bag and sunscreen reapplication is taken care of. No, it didn’t cause my ‘oily/acne-prone/combination’ skin to breakout; but if your skin is at the end of the oily spectrum, I’d say, proceed with caution! It’s quite shiny! It has a scent, something like marine pearls, I guess (as if I know what marine smells like lol), if that’s not your thing, you won’t like it. Finally, for people with ‘fungal acne’, the wax ingredient, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax could trigger it; so, proceed with caution! If you have dry/balanced skin and you’re looking to try this, you may want to try the rose version instead.
Cons: You don’t get to use all of the content. Some of the product gets stuck to the stick when it’s almost finished.
Will I repurchase? I love this sun stick so much, and YES, I will be repurchasing
How Long Did It Last? 1st February to 9th March. 38 days
Quantity: 21g
Where to Purchase in Nigeria: Eve Beautique. N7,000|$15.6 (please note that the prices are subject to change; may be affected by exchange rate)
Tony Moly Green The Chok Chok Green Tea Gel Cream
Notice that I specified gel cream because this particular moisturizer is available in 3 different formulations (watery cream, gel cream, and intense cream). I’m not a fan of water-based moisturizers as they usually evaporate and leave my ‘oily/combination’ skin dehydrated. Yes, oily skin too can be dehydrated. Neither do I enjoy gel-based formulations as they tend to have this silicone-y, matte-feel on the skin which is not my favorite. I like dewy. This one, however, caught my fancy because gel + cream? Ahh, the odds will cancel out each other and bring me the balance I’m looking for (my exact thoughts while browsing this product).
I was right about that. The Tony Moly green tea gel cream has a gel formulation that dries down to a light, cream feeling when applied. It is probably the most lightweight moisturizer I have ever used. Oh no, The Ordinary Hemi-squalane was lighter. Except you have the oiliest skin on the planet, I’m not sure you’ll get much out of this moisturizer. One way I got it to work for me was layering it with hydrating toners and ampoules, on top damp skin (the farm stay ampoule). Oh, and that chock full of naturally fermented green tea (antioxidant)? it might have done something cause this stuff didn’t make my skin breakout (acne-prone skin’s greatest fear).
Watch my skincare video to see how I layer hydrating products
Cons: Packaging. I prefer my products in the tube as opposed to a jar.
How long did it last? Approximately ~55 days. I started using this on the 10th of March and by 1st of May, I was left with what could last another 3 days. I mostly used it at night as my sunscreen is moisturizing enough for daytime, but sometimes I used it twice daily.
Quantity: 60ml
Will I be repurchasing? Nope! It’s a good moisturizer but I’ll pass it to my oily skin friends.
Where to Purchase in Nigeria: Eve Beautique. N10,000|$22.2 (please note that the prices are subject to change; may be affected by exchange rate)
Have you tried any of these? What was your experience like? I’ll also love to know what skincare products you are enjoying at the moment. Share it in the comments. Subscribe to see more reviews like this.
3 Comments
I’ve been eyeing that chok chok gel cream for a while cos I love that kind of texture.
Me too… I love the texture of gel creams but this one didn’t just cut it for me
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