I’ve been so gun-shy about putting new skin care on my face since my breakout in January. I haven’t wanted to upset the apple cart, but you know how it is… You’re going along, doop-da-doo, and your skin is happy ? for a while, but then it starts acting up in a certain way, and you think, Maybe there’s something new out there that I have to try.
This is a pattern I repeat over and over, LOL! My big things at the moment are 1) that my skin’s been super dry, and 2) that I’ve been looking for a new sunscreen.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner ($44)
Yup, I’ve been on a rose-scented kick (thank you, Trader Joe)… Can I call this $44 hydrating rose toner life-changing? I’ve only been using it for a couple weeks, so probably not quite yet, but I really dig the scent, which is deliciously rosy but not headache-inducing, and I love seeing the rose petals flit about inside the bottle.
“Tone down pores. Tone up hydration. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is a cleansing toner that removes impurities and refines the appearance of pores for a deeply hydrated, healthy-looking, velvety soft complexion. Infused with real rose petals, the gentle formula clears the skin of surface debris, pollution particles, and residual impurities, while leaving it feeling refreshed and prepped for the skincare ritual that follows. It also contains rosewater and rose flower oil to help soothe and nourish the skin, while angelica leaf extract and hyaluronic acid help to retain moisture.”
Also, I swear that I can hear my cheeks and the corners of my mouth (which have been Sahara-caliber dry as of late) sigh with relief after I use it… Too bad it’s quite expensive.
❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+ ($40)
I’ve been all about this face and body sunscreen from Shiseido lately, particularly because it disappears without a trace into my skin, also known as “NO WHITE CAST!”
Ingredients
“-Avobenzone 2.5%, Octinoxate 4.9%, Octocrylene 5%, and Oxybenzone 3%: Provide sunscreen protection.
Water, Dimethicone, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Talc, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Triethylhexanoin, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dextrin Palmitate, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Polybutylene Glycol/Ppg-9/1 Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Xylitol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Peg/Ppg-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isostearic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Trisodium Edta, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Alcohol, Bht, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Polysilicone-2, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Iron Oxides.”
It also layers fantastically well under makeup. Plus, all of the notoriously sticky parts — my neck, the backs of my knees, the crooks of my arms — feel like velvet afterwards. There’s none of that greasy, slick business.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 out of 5 hearts.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil ($32)
What is it about old-timey blue bottles? If something looks vintage, I want to try it.
This oil-based cleanser/makeup remover is made for all skin types (including dry skin = ME!), and it smells like rosemary, thyme and lavender (so relaxing). It feels thicker than usual (but a lot like my go-to DHC Deep Cleansing Oil).
“This lightweight essential oil cleanser emulsifies with water to a cleansing milk, gently yet effectively dissolving even the hardest to remove makeup and impurities without over-drying. Enriched with an aromatic blend of pure botanical oils—squalene, a planted-derived lipid with a natural affinity for skin, evening primrose oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids, and lavender essential oil, this all-in one cleansing formula leaves skin balanced, soothed, and prepared for optimal night-time replenishment. ”
It takes care of almost everything — foundation, blush, eyeshadow, the works — but it doesn’t work miracles. I still need to use a separate cleanser for waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
On the plus side, my face hasn’t freaked out yet! And I also love the smell.
❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.
How about you? Have you tried any new skin care lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. T-G-I-F. ?
Lush has a rose toner that I love! It’s called the Eau Roma Water. It’s very gentle and lightly scented.
Oh, that sounds lovely! I’ve used their body products in the past but have never tried any skin care for the face. They have some great scents so I bet it smells amazing.
TGIF, by the way. What are you doing this weekend?
Happy Friday to you too! We’re going to a local festival tomorrow and then a parade and family picnic on Memorial Day. Hoping to just be able to relax the rest of the weekend!
Sounds fun and relaxing. Will you be making anything for the picnic?
I’m going dancing tomorrow night (the first time in ages) and to a family lunch on Sunday. I’ve been tasked with making a salad. 🙂
I’ve been really into the Origins Night-a-mins cream, the Mizon Snail Repair eye cream (one of the only ones I’ve found to not give me milia), and good old Thayers Witch Hazel in the lavender scent. I’ve been searching for a new sunscreen as well, so I’ll give the Shiseido one a shot. xoxo
Hi Kara,
I really like it! So far no breakouts. I just started testing the Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen on my neck (will patch test it on my face if it doesn’t break me out) because I really want to find a great mineral sunscreen, too. Oh, and guess what? I found a mineral mousse sunscreen from this brand called Bare Republic! It looks really cool… I like anything that absorbs fast.
Karen – if you like the Fresh toner you should really try Neogen Real Flower Cleansing Water in Rose. I get mine from SokoGlam, and it is the BOMB. It’s also only $22 for 9.9 oz and has a lovely list of good skin ingredients. If you try it let me know what you think! (Also note to self – order more, you are out!)
Hi Nicole,
Oh, thanks for the heads up!
I have to make a note to myself too… Order more Biologique Recherche ASAP.
What are you doing for the long weekend?
The Shiseido sunscreen sounds fantastic! I love that it has no white cast.
I remember as a kid layering on that white sunscreen. It had such a specific smell to it. If I smell something similar it takes me right back to childhood.
I recently bought the Pixi Glow Tonic Toner. It’s gotten good reviews, so I’m excited to try it.
TGIF! So glad it’s a long weekend. 🙂
I used Pixi Glow for a while and it was OK. It didn’t irritate my skin or break me out, but I don’t think it really did much in terms of dramatic improvement. I know a lot of people swear by it though!
Have you tried Trader Joe’s version of the rose toner? I haven’t tried the Fresh toner, but I really like the Trader Joe’s one (and it’s $3.99!). It definitely makes my skin feel more hydrated, fresher, and less sensitive.
You would think that I would’ve already seeing how I’m crazy about all things Rose at TJ’s lately, LOL! Not rose-related, but you know what I heard is also good? The TJ’s lotion for dry skin!
Hi Karen, For skincare, I’ve been using Anti-Bac from Kate Somerville, recommended by you! It’s wonderful, really clears up my skin! I’m 66. & still breaking out, and the Anti-Bac is really doing the trick, thanks!
Hi Linda,
I’m so glad you like it! For me that product was a game changer. Kate is famous for discontinuing things so I hope she keeps this in her line, always!
Thanks for the info, on that note, I’m buying another one right away!
Gurrrl, you need to get you some OUAI Rose Hair and Body Oil. It absorbs so wonderfully into all your dry spots. I love using it on my hair. It makes a huge difference.
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
I tried it a while back and liked it enough to finish a bottle. I’m probably not going to replenish it though… Too many lotions I wanna try!
Have a great long weekend. 🙂
I just got some Clindamycin 1% lotion from my doctor, which isn’t very sexy but seems to be effective! I also picked up La Roche-Posay’s Double Repair face cream a week or two ago and it’s really nice. I’m using a serum by Timeless that has hyaluronic acid (which my skin loves), vitamin C, and a peptide. I really like it and it’s gentle and inexpensive.
Hi Karen! Speaking of rose, I have been using The Ordinary.’s Rose Hip Seed Oil. It’s around $9 and for me it has been life-changing. I don’t know if you are familiar with the brand but they use only active ingredients causing the products to be cheaper but they’re really good! Also, I heard By Terry has come out with a sunscreen primer with a SPF 50 that I might have to give a try. That Fresh Rose Hydration Toner looks like something I might have to try too!
Happy Friday! My favorite toner, despite having combination skin is BELIEF Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner for Dry Skin. It feels so light and hydrating on my skin, and the scent is faint and lovely and honestly, if I could use it multiple times a day I would. Other toners I’ve used have been waaayy too harsh.
I have a Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist that you might like, too. ‘Tis the season for me to rely more on mists and toners for facial moisturizing (so humid here that I generally don’t need a lot of daytime moisture). My fave is from Caudalie but the scent is overpowering for me. I also have a Vitamin C and a Hydrating from Murad. They’re OK but the mist is not as fine as I’d like.