This post will be featuring three glow keepers; my all-time favorite sunscreen so far (yep I’ve tried a couple), a vitamin-rich brightening moisturizer, and a super affordable exfoliant for oily and/or acne-prone skin types.
This should have gone up in the beginning of October but from one unfortunate event to another, it just didn’t feel right to put up a skincare review. Heck, I was too drained mentally to even put a blog post together.
Stridex Pads Acne Maximum Strength
If you’ve been following, then this red jar shouldn’t need an introduction but for the sake of the visitors (I hope you stick around), let’s go over it again.
Stridex pads are presoaked with 2% salicylic acid— an anti inflammatory, comedolytic, keratolytic ingredient which is great for acne-prone skin types. This was my first ever 2% BHA and it was love at first swipe (pun intended). Click here to read a detailed review of the Stridex pads including tips on how to use it. & incorporate it in your routine.
Texture & Application:
Flat and soft-textured pads; the feeling on the skin reminded me of cleansing with a cotton pad and liquid (toner, micellar water…).
As expected with salicylic acid, it’s a bit drying. If no hydrating/moisturizing product is applied soon after, it leaves the face dry (nothing unbearable though).
Content, Price & Packaging:
90 110 pads | 5000 NGN on Eve Beautique. Lasted me for about 5 months upon 2-3 times/week usage. 3rd May – end of September. Great value!
Pros & Cons: See the full, detailed review
Will I repurchase this? It’s worth every penny! If the next one (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA) I’m about to try doesn’t perform better, then I’m sticking to Stridex.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Vitamins in skincare like A (retinoids), B (
Niacinamide ), C (ascorbic acid) have made us almost shove Vitamin E to the side; but Klairs said nope, we have to revive Vitamin E in all its glory (not just in tiny amounts at the end of every product INCI).
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a major antioxidant which helps protect the skin against UV rays and free radicals. Vitamin E also helps to stabilize Vitamin C and maximize its antioxidant benefits for the skin. The form used in this moisturizer is Tocopheryl Acetate.
The Klairs Vitamin E mask also contains Niacinamide, which I believe is responsible for the additional glow/brightening effect that this moisturizer gives. Watch how it helped fade a dark spot here.
Tip: Pair this with a Vitamin C serum to get that glow in full effect. Plus sunscreen? Ahh the free radicals are shaking already.
Texture & Application:
Although titled a ‘mask’, the Klairs Vitamin E mask is so lightweight on the skin and can be used as a day/night-time moisturizer. It has an interesting jelly texture that gets back in shape and feels brand new all the time! See for yourself here.
Content, Price & Packaging
90ml |14,000 NGN on Eve Beautique. Lasted for almost 2 months upon twice daily usage. Mid August – end of September.
A little goes a long way but I got excited and used more than I needed. Don’t be like me, please. It’ll last you longer.
Pros: Lightweight, elegant formula and packaging, multipurpose, brightening, non-greasy (it sinks into the skin effortlessly), didn’t cause my skin to breakout.
Cons: Can’t think of any other than it not being moisturizing enough for dry/cold/harmattan/winter seasons. Especially if your skin is prone to dehydration, you’d need something more occlusive to seal in moisture.
Oh, yeah the scent. It has a pleasant scent; very similar to the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner. It contains essential oils, however, my skin tolerated this mask even when I was experiencing the most painful breakouts.
Will I repurchase this? Absolutely! It’s a little bit above my budget but it’s worth the splurge.
Kose Suncut UV Perfect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
A lightweight yet super moisturizing sunscreen that feels like an essence/serum when applied on the skin. Well, except for the ‘stretch-fit’ feature that lets the sunscreen hug tight to your skin. You can literally feel it adhering closely to your skin, in a good way though. Not just sitting there uncomfortably. You dig?
The brand claims that this ‘stretch-fit’ feature makes the sunscreen resistance to sweat, sebum, water, and friction. Uhmm can’t say much about this claim.
This feature also allows the UV protection effect last longer. This particular one I experienced. After 3+ hours of wearing this sunscreen, when rinsing my face while performing wudu’ (ablution), I could still feel the sunscreen there as though I applied it some minutes ago.
It’s like an envelope of UV protection that lingers on for hours… Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reapply when necessary. Even the brand recommends reapplication.
Which takes us to the next claim by the brand, can be rinsed off with soap? Uhmm… not after all that reapplication, sis. It might take two rounds of regular cleanser to properly wash it off the skin. So, stick with your double cleansing (oil/balm/micellar water), if you please.
UV Filters: Octinoxate, Parsol SLX, Uvinul A Plus, and Tinosorb S.
Texture & Application:
Quick Summary— Bioré UV Aqua Rich sunscreen without the shine. It goes on like a lightweight, creamy serum. It’s moisturizing but non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a dewy finish.
Content, Price & Packaging:
110g | 8,500 – 10,500 NGN on Eve Beautique. Facial Sunscreens more than 50g >>>>>>
Lasted for about ~2 months and a few days upon daily application and occasional reapplication.
Pros: Non-greasy, white-cast free, lightweight moisturizer, didn’t sting my eyes, affordable, available in high quantity (>50g).
Cons: Can’t think of any. It’s amazing!
Will I repurchase this? I have one on the way already! 💃🏽 Let Eve Beautique hook you up today.
Which of these products have you tried/willing to try? Let’s discuss in the comments. If you made it this far, i hope you subscribe to my newsletter so you’ll never miss an update.
Comments are closed.