Yeah, that is somewhat late... Please don't judge me, I still have a lot of articles that I should have wrote earlier this year... These are just mini-reviews of some products I finished last year and still haven't talked about.

Bioré - UV Face Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, 5/5

I have already finished 2 or 3 bottles of this, I believe this is the first sunscreen I ever bought that was solely for my face and it was recommended to me by my sister. This is an all time favorite for oily skin. Unfortunately, my skin has been getting dryer lately, but I still used it during the hot Japanese summer. It has a nice matte finish and it never broke me out. It might have a slight white cast but it disappears quickly. It also doubles as a primer and gives a powdery finish to the skin. Would recommend for normal to oily skin.

Hadalabo - Gokujyun Essence, 3/5

I was desperately searching a cheap serum when I was in Japan and stumbled accross this. I really love the Gokujyun lotion from Hadalabo, so I thought it was a pretty safe bet. Alas, I was pretty deceived by this product. It just doesn't feel right, it was too goey and sticky for my liking, even more so if you live in a humid climate. When I was dabbing my skin I could see strings between my face and my hand. It has the same smell as the Hadalabo lotion, which is a very light fresh scent. I think the formulation is not the best, even the performance is not terrible, it was really a chore to finish.

LuLuLun - Cream Mask, 4/5

I have already complained about this product on my instagram but long story short I was just extremely deceived this was not a mask, but rather a cream specially formulated to use after you did a sheet mask. Otherwise this was a really nice, lightweight fresh cream that would be perfect for normal to oily skin. It hydrates but that's about it.

DHC - Lip Cream, 4.5/5

How CUTE is the packaging? I use lip balm all day long, I go through them pretty easily. This one is on the thicker side. I really liked using it, the packaging was also a huge plus since I've had some people asking me where I bought it. The only thing I did not like is the taste (who has never gotten lip balm in their mouth seriously?).

Etude House - Proof 10 Eye Primer, 2/5

I was not a huge fan of this eye primer, it was quite patchy even when I patted it on my eyelids. It did not provide coverage unfortunately so I probably won't repurchase. This is why I put it in my Panproject. Right now it is far from being empty but I just can't access the sides of the bottle, although it is pretty, it is not the most practical packaging.

Innisfree - The Minimum Moist Cream, 4.5/5

This was a good facial cream, made to avoid any kind of irritation. It held its promise, but as a consequence it was a bit boring, some soothing ingredients would have made it a little more fun. I would say it is best for normal to dry skin. Sensitive skin approved.

Daiso - Eyebrow Gel Clear, 5/5

I really liked this one. It lasted almost a year surprisingly, despite the small size. It made my eyebrow a little stiff, but at least they would not move even if I rubbed them, for a dollar, you can't do much better.

The Face Shop - Air Cotton Make Up Base, ?/5 just not for me.

It took me so long to finish this. I had to put it in my Panproject before it went bad because it has probably been over 2 years since I've had this. This was my first try at color correcting, it was nice, but most days I would just forget to use it. It did fade the redness but when I put too much it could make my face look sick. That was not a bad product, I just don't think it's for me. My redness aren't equally dispersed on my face, but rather look like two stripes on my cheeks so I would rather put something more pigmented but on a smaller portion of my face.

Crazy Rumors - Red Velvet 100% Natural Lip Balm, 5/5

Loved this one till the end. It really does smell like cake, I prefer it over the one I am using now which is the Cinnamon Bun one, which smell more like plain cinnamon to me.

... I can finally throw them out now... Though I still have more recent empties.

Packaging

- The Juicy Shaker is a glass bottle with a shaker shape. If you shake it you can hear a ball inside. When you open it the applicator is a big cone-shaped sponge. It does not directly dip in the product, there are just three tiny holes so that each time you get the perfect amount according to the brand. Personally I don't need to shake each time. The oil and pigment separates when you don't use it for a few days, that is normal! It contains 6.5 milliliters of product, generous for a luxury brand.

- The Lip Tint Syrup comes in a plastic container. It feels a lot lighter. The shapes and curves are very feminine in my opinion and I like the gold metallic parts. The doe foot applicator is thin, flat and straight. Just like the Lancôme, it is supposed to give you the optimum amount of product for one application and to follow the natural curves of your lips... ? A straight applicator to follow the CURVES of your lips? Um ok canmake...



Claims

- From Sephora's website: "Juicy Shaker’s bi-phase technology delivers the first pigmented lip oil with two distinct phases. The first phase features a transparent oil for a comfortable, non-sticky shine. Formulated with a blend of five nourishing oils, it treats your lips like a lip balm. Peach kernel oil, a well-known emollient, softens lips while sweet almond oil conditions, apricot oil hydrates, and cranberry oil provides rich antioxidant properties. Muscat rose oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, helps to soothe your lips. The second phase provides pigment for a touch of color. Shake the bottle like a cocktail shaker to emulsify them together. The cushion applicator enhances application by delivering the perfect amount of non-sticky shine and a sheer tint of color to lips."

-From Canmake's website: "A completely new syrup-like texture, which moisturizes without stickiness. We've taken pains to create a comfortable, dry-touch texture, while minimizing the uncomfortable stickiness and sliminess that tends to increase in proportion to moisturizing ability. This syrup spreads lusciously over your lips, ensuring that you can enjoy lip make-up without worrying about hair or clothing sticking to your lips. Color stays on even after eating. The color actually gets brighter over time, so it stays firmly on your lips. The precise color will vary between individuals. Provides a naturally rosy look. Gives lips a natural sheen that looks like you're not wearing any make-up at all. The color develops as though your lips are gradually becoming rosier from within, creating a gentle look."

Swatches & Longetivity

Top shade is Canmake in #02 Strawberry Suryp Bottom shade is Lancôme in #151 Cherry Symphony

First impressions

The textures are very similar, they are an oil based product. In fact I could use this in lieu of a lip balm, they are extremely comfortable. I don't really understand why Canmake called its product a syrup, it's not really the texture you want for a lip product, it sounds sticky and gooey while it is not. I am not sure whether you can see it or not on the photo on the right, but the Canmake lip syrup (on the right) is slightly thicker.

For both products I took a darker red shade because there would be more pigmentation and a longer tint effect. But the shades I chose are not matching, therefore I won't be discussing them in terms of color, even though you could probably find each of Canmake shades in Lancôme.

I think Lancôme's claim are on point, it really feels lightweight yet moisturizing, gives a sheer color to the lips and a little shine. Neither of them are sticky. I don't agree with Canmake's claim that it will survive eating, it won't. I don't even understand how the color could intensify but that may be poor translation ... ?


Did I like them?  &  Are they good dupes?

The advantage of the Lancôme Juicy Shaker is the wider range of colors. Canmake unfortunately offers only four shades. The Lancôme is lighter and a little bit more gritty whereas the Lip syrup is a little more gel-like and more glossy. I have a slight preference of texture for the canmake but the Lancôme packaging is sturdier and holds more product (although I could not find the exact amount for Canmake, It's pretty obvious there is less product when you compare the sizes).

I also prefer the Lancôme applicator which allows a better gradient effect and since it is bigger it makes the application faster and easier. Though for some the packaging could be bulky and not as cute as the Canmake. But the straight and thin doe foot applicator is just not as fun and not nearly as practical as a regular one unfortunately.

The color payoff gives a super cute feminine and natural look which I personally love. I also don't mind reapplying often so for me, it's a win. Both have a light fruity smell which I find pleasurable.

I can't say they are exact perfect dupes BUT they are close enough that I use them interchangeably. So if you don't want to spend US $25 for a lip oil, I would suggest you to try the Canmake one, which is roughly US $12. (I bought mine on Ichibankao)

Would I buy them again? Yes, I like them both. I took the Lancôme Cherry Symphony but I was torn between another shade: Mangoes Wild. I would also like to get two other shades from Canmake.

Packaging

I like the Ordinary packaging, looks very professional, and even the name of the product gives you that impression. When your friends look at that and they think it's a prescription, I think that's pretty cool. I love matte glass and the dropper is good for this type of runny gel. It doesn't look cheap, but it is, love that. When I first saw their product, I actually thought they were going to be super expansive, like Deciem, glossier, etc.

I am guessing the names can be intimidating to persons who don't have much skincare knowledge, but don't be afraid, The Ordinary has a description for each product. I like that their products are targeted to one problem, and not trying to do a bunch of things (except for Buffet) because it is aimed for skincare junkies who know what they want.



Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Potassium Citrate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. (Taken from the Ordinary website)

As the website states: it is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan and cruelty-free!

Lactic Acid is an AHA. The most common AHA is Glycolic Acid, but it is said to be stronger and potentially more irritant than Lactic Acid. That's because Lactic Acid molecular size is bigger than Glycolic Acid, it doesn't penetrate as much into the skin.


Claims & How to use it

According to The Ordinary's website, this products offers very mild exfoliation. It targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and fine lines.

The formulation aims at reducing the inflamation with the Tasmanian Pepperberry and with the right PH. The 3.60-3.80 PH is supposed to be low enough for the acid to work but not too low as it could cause irritation.

Directions: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. This product contains AHA that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

First impressions

I did not had an adaptation period as I was previously using the Pixi Glow tonic (which has 5% Glycolic Acid) and my skin was reacting well to it, so with a milder acid, I didn't think I needed any adaption. I use it only on my undereye area (Paula's Choice has an article on using AHA on the undereye area), forehead, nose, chin and jaw line. I have avoided my cheeks where I have rosacea.

The liquid is slightly tacky at first. Because of the texture it spreads easily. The smells is not bad compared to other AHA products I have tried (The best smell would be the Pixi Glow Tonic). For some reasons, AHAs & BHAs tend to not smell good, but this is not the worst at all and the smell disappears quickly. Once I am done with the application, it feels a bit shiny.

Given that my last experience with AHA was with the Pixi Glow Tonic I was surprised that it was more like a gooey serum rather than a watery toner. However that does not change its place in a skincare routine, it should still be applied on a clean face before anything else so that nothing interfere with the PH of the product.
Moreover AHAs and BHAs work better if you wait at least 15 minutes before resuming your skincare routine.

I also should note that I wear sun protection every time I go out, and even when I'm inside all day if it is shiny. If you do use AHAs, ideally you should wear protection for a week after.

Did I like it?

I use it on my undereye area to avoid milia but I still have some and I would not say it helps either with the one I have. On my forehead though, it helps tremendously with closed comedones, those pesky little bumps that you can't pop but stay longer than regular pimples. I use to have lots of closed comedones on my forehead but with regular use, I have never more than 2 or 3 at the same time. I manage to have nothing at times! Each time I see some appearing I do 3/4 days of LA 5% + HA 2% and they usually disappear.

It also work as a prevention for blackhead and whitehead since what clogs pores is usually a mixture of dead skin cells, sebum and other things like pollutants, makeup, creams that are too heavy... Would you believe me if I told you I have 0 blackheads? And very few whiteheads? I have had some for years but with consistent use of AHA I have been able to get rid of every single blackhead. I mean there's also genetics that are in my favor, but still.

5% is a very low percentage for most people but it is advised for people who have never used acids to start low. However given my sensitive skin I cannot go for higher percentages. You also have to consider that Lactic acid is not as powerful as glycolic acid, but it is also less irritating. As a result it never gave me redness / flush, but again I only use it on my T-zone which is less prone to redness than my cheeks. If you wanted something stronger, there is a 10% Lactic Acid + 2% HA available form the same brand.

Note: 4.5. It is that close to be a holy grail. But I prefer thinner texture. So I think I will go back to my beloved Pixi Glow Tonic, which I have being comparing a lot as you may have noticed, because I love it so much.

Would I repurchase? I will probably go back to the Pixi Glow Tonic, but if I ever find myself short on money, I would go back to this without a doubt.

What it claims to do