I started using the Timeless Coenzyme Q10 Serum because I used to use (and love) Timeless’ 20% Vitamin C+ E serum. I no longer use their Vitamin C serum (now I spend $$$$ to use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic) but I am still using their CoQ10 serum.
Mia’s review:
Similar to their 20% Vitamin C+E serum, I have not experience any irritation or break outs but was concerned about
Continue readingI used to be a devoted user of Cosmetic Skin Solutions CE serum that was a near dupe of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. They stopped making it awhile ago and launched their Supreme Serum CE that they market as having a super low pH level. I didn’t want to try it because to me, super low means way way below a 3.0 and maybe even below 2.0 pH level. So I tested a sample of it and found the pH level to be pretty good. Here is the reading from my pH meter:
Continue readingI wrote an update awhile ago that said I no longer use Paula’s Choice Vitamin C serum because it made my skin red and blotchy. It took two trips to the dermatologist to realize that is what caused my skin issues so I’ve been using the Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum for the past 9-10 months. At the time, I was convinced that moving forward I was going to use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic because it is the gold standard. But, I just couldn’t bring myself to pay that much for a serum.
Mia’s review: I have no plans to stop using the Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum. I haven’t experienced any irritation or skin issues during my time using it. At one point, I was concerned about the small amount of
Continue readingUpdate – I no longer use Paula’s Choice C15 super booster. I don’t know if they changed their ingredients or if something changed with my skin but it irritates my skin and makes it red/blotchy. I also feel a burning sensation immediately after applying it to my skin. This all began about two months ago and prior to that, I had no problems. So YMMV.
This is a stand-alone review for the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster. I also updated my my post comparing several brands of Vitamin CE serum with photos of what happens when you refrigerate them.
I bought the C15 serum because my favorite Vitamin C serum was discontinued. I have a like/hate relationship with Paul’s Choice** and would prefer to use any other brand…except well, Skinceuticals is just too expensive and their patent doesn’t expire until 2025.
Mia’s review:
First, I have to admit that Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster is the reason why Continue reading
This winter has been particularly dry and after trying the Pyunyung Yul Essence Toner (click for my review), I decided to try the Etude Soonjung Relief Toner because it doesn’t have any silicones and has a nice low, acidic pH level. I was looking for something to replace my P50W at night because of the low humidity. And also because I’m a little tired of waiting for 15 minutes between P50W and tretinoin.
Mia’s review:
I don’t have anything bad to say. But I’m not raving about it either. The toner isn’t drying but I also Continue reading
Because this winter has been so dry, I wanted to stop using Biologique Recherche P50W during the day and replace it with something more hydrating. And also because I was a little tired of waiting for 15 minutes between P50W and my Curology serum.
I decided to try the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner because I really like their Nutrition Cream. And, if you google it, you will find that the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner has a lot of good reviews from bloggers and YouTubers.
Mia’s review: I have mixed feelings. I think this is a good essence toner but it just isn’t for me. I like the ingredients and I like the texture. I also didn’t find this to be drying at all and my face felt soft immediately after using it. I put it on a cotton pad and used it as a toner rather than putting some in my palm and patting it on like an essence.
The Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner includes a silicone ingredient that is water dispersible which I think is better than ordinary silicones…but I’m not sure. A few years ago, I didn’t use any products with silicones at all (except shampoos/conditioners). Now, I use some moisturizers and creams with them but try to keep my serums silicone-free. I don’t think this toner caused any problems with my skin. I didn’t have any breakouts or redness. And even though I think my silicone aversion is unfounded, I just couldn’t continue to use it.
If this would’ve done something amazing like make my skin glow, I would’ve kept using it, but I didn’t notice that. I think this is a great choice for someone looking for a lightly hydrating toner/essence to help with the pH of their skin after cleansing.
pH Level: 5.5
Ingredients*: Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine
Just a quick post to announce that I purchased an Apera SX620 pH meter (3pt calibration). I’ll probably on occasion still use Macherey-Nagel pH strips to test some products such as ones that aren’t for the face to avoid contamination.
I purchased a meter because my favorite Vitamin C serum from Cosmetic Skin Solutions was discontinued. I decided to try Paula’s Choice C15 serum (so far so good!) because of the price, but the pH strips made the serum look Continue reading
I’ve used Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence for over a year now. I really really really like it a lot. I struggle with thinking my skin looks dehydrated but I don’t know if it is or not. So I try to use lots of different hyaluronic acid products.
Mia’s review:
I am so dedicated to the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence that I used to use Continue reading
I’ve used Replenix Pure Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum quite regularly over the past couple of years. It is the hyaluronic acid serum that I keep going back to after trying something else. So I thought I should finally write a review.
Mia’s review: In my last post, I wrote about wanting a low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid to replace a prescription product from my dermatologist. Well, I’m not sure this is it. It is not marketed Continue reading
A few years ago, my dermatologist prescribed a low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid for facial redness (but didn’t diagnose me with rosacea). The derm said LMW hyaluronic acid might reduce redness.
The LMW has smaller molecules which means Continue reading
Testing the pH of Skincare Products 