December Openeds Review

I’ve never done this before, but I wanted to share my initial review of the products OPENED in December. I’m trying to coin the hashtag #skincareopeneds but I doubt it will stick. (But heyyyy if you want to roll with it, please do.) Anyways, this looks like a lot but I had tried two before, and am still in patch-testing with two. So really I stuck with my rule of one new product per week.

Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Omegas + Ceramides Barrier Defense Serum

This serum is “cheap” right now because it’s being rebranded into the new DeliKate Recovery Serum (which will run you $85 USD for the same amount). I initially tried this and enjoyed it in Sephora’s annual sunscreen kit, but of course clutched my pearls at the price. Luckily, Santa brought it! I’ve been mixing three drops (it’s not super spreadable on its own) into my iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum.
Cost: $59USD per 30mL

Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

This beautiful toner came in the Cosrx holiday toner testing kit. I’d used it before and loved it, so busted it out again immediately when I received it. I’ve gotten Quite A Few folks onto it. I think it’s spectacular for dry skinned folks who might be dealing with acne or other redness and irritation. Obviously not vegan, but it IS cruelty-free. Somehow I still haven’t purchased the full size (I had the mini before this) but someday I definitely will.
Cost: $22USD per 150mL, shown here in its trial size — not the mini

Chiasm Skin Horizon Facial Oil

This cute little oil came in my recent haul from the new brand. So far I’ve only patch tested it, so I can’t speak to its effects, but I CAN give some first impressions. First, that color isn’t the container, it’s the oil — it features blue tansy, which is also in the super popular Herbivore mask. Second, it’s got a bit of a fragrance but it’s *sniffs fingers* kinda like a green tea? Third, it’s got a nice light texture so I can see this being great for combination and oily skin types who are afraid to use an oil.
Cost: $56USD per 30mL for the full size, $16USD per 5mL for the mini

Good (Skin) Days C’s The Day Serum

This Vitamin C is AMAZING. I’ve been using it for about three weeks and maybe it’s the 10% ascorbic acid or maybe it’s the licorice root and niacinamide I’m already noticing that my skin tone is more even and less red. On a sensorial front, I really love the texture & finish of this. I don’t love how basically every serum leaves you a bit sticky and this one just … doesn’t. It comes out of the dropper in a very watery way, and leaves no tacky finish on your hands. It expires after being opened for 4 months but I love it so far so I’ve been diligent about using it and don’t think that will be an issue.
Cost: $26USD per 30mL

Stratia Night Shift

I’ve only really patch-tested so far but WOW. I can see why influencers are obsessed with it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Versed retinol a lot, which is also in a cream format. But one pump of this seems much lighter and to go much further. I used it for the first time last night and was like “there’s so much! retinol for my hands time?”
Cost: $28USD per 50mL

Cosrx Cica Toner

I won this in their recent giveaway (along with the rest of the line, see below), and I introduced as soon as I ran out of the Klairs toner. It’s a nice watery texture (unlike the Klairs) and layers really well. I swear it’s making my skin feel softer.
Cost: $22USD per 150mL

Cosrx Cica Powder

I also won this powder, and introduced immediately because “what on earth is a cica powder” and it seemed the easiest addition. I’ve been cocktailing it with the iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum and the KS ceramides. It might be doing something? It might not? It’s fun to cocktail, though.
Cost: $18USD per 7g

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

This moisturizer is definitely a sensorial experience. I somehow didn’t expect it to be light purple, but it is. I _did_ expect it to be fragranced, and it is, but not overly so. I’ve been using it in the AM because my husband loves the Stratia Liquid Gold so much that I wanted to leave it for him. So far I wouldn’t say it’s a “wow” product, but maybe I’ve just got too much going on my routine for it to really do anything that my other products aren’t. Alternately, maybe I just need to give it longer.
Cost: $68USD per 50mL, shown here in the small size that came bundled with their cleanser

Also while writing these but after taking the picture I realized I forgot to include masks that I opened this month. Oooops. Well. Whatever. That photography ship has sailed. I’ve been playing around with my PTR mini mask set and opened the full-size I’m From Honey mask that Santa brought.

Wondering how I can have so many newly opened products? I do approximately 6 step in the AM and uhhhhh sometimes up to 20 in the PM, if you count all the layers of toners and mists. Yay dry skin in a dry climate!

What did you open this month? Any love-at-first-uses? Any busts?