lisalovesskincare

July Openeds Reviews

Ah July, nearly the height of summer here in Colorado. It’s been dry and smoky (seemingly the new normal in the Western US), and my skincare has been reflecting that — there’s a strong focus on antioxidants and sunscreen below. As always, products are listed in the order you would theoretically use them in aContinue reading “July Openeds Reviews”

July Empties Review

You know it’s summer when three of your empties are sunscreen. This review includes some hits, some misses and some holy grails. So let’s jump right into what I finished slathering on my dry skin this month. Sweet Chef Oat Milk Latte Cleanser This cleanser has lasted me ages, but it’s a good one —Continue reading “July Empties Review”

Face Off of the Starter Retinols: Versed vs Stratia vs Indeed Labs

So you’re ready to start a retinol. Maybe you’re dealing with acne, maybe you’re fighting off hyperpigmentation, maybe you’re concerned about the never-ending battle against entropy that is the natural aging process. Bigger isn’t always better with skincare and percentages of actives, so you’ll probably want to start out with a fairly gentle retinol —Continue reading “Face Off of the Starter Retinols: Versed vs Stratia vs Indeed Labs”

Face Off of the Propolis Serums: iUNIK vs COSRX vs Beauty of Joseon

So you want a propolis serum. Maybe you’ve heard about it’s glow-inducing power, or are trying to tackle some acne / aging concerns, or just want to catch one more ingredient in the game that is skincare Pokemon. It is my not so humble opinion that just about everyone can benefit from a propolis serum,Continue reading “Face Off of the Propolis Serums: iUNIK vs COSRX vs Beauty of Joseon”

June Openeds Review

It’s summer! And summer means sun, and heat, and trips. I’ve been mountain biking multiple times a week, hitting up the farmers’ market and melting in 90+ degree heat. I also went to Telluride for my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, which you’ll read many references to below. Through it all, my skincare had to keepContinue reading “June Openeds Review”

June Empties Review

Another month, another round of empties. As the weather warmed up the number of “skins” increased, so this round feels like it’s at least 50% hydrating products. Products are listed in the order you might use them in a routine, with single-use skincare at the very end. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm This isContinue reading “June Empties Review”

Face Off: Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner vs Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner

So you want a hydrating toner. Maybe you’ve been hearing that you need to tone but the astringent or exfoliating toners on the market don’t work with your skin. Or maybe you’ve fallen down the k-beauty rabbit hole and are interested in trying the seven skins method. Either way, if you’ve been on the skincareContinue reading “Face Off: Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner vs Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner”

May Openeds Reviews

It’s hard to get a good feel for a product within the first weeks, but I always try to anyway. After all, some products are nearly instant hits, and others not so much. This month? Definitely already some hits, definitely some “well it’s usable”. As always, products are listed in the order opened (though photographedContinue reading “May Openeds Reviews”

May Empties Review

It’s nearly summer! And I’m finishing up another batch of products just in time. Some of these will be familiar to frequent readers, as there are three recurring favorites in here, but there are also some new favorites to be found — I think this is the most 10/10 I’ve done in a batch ofContinue reading “May Empties Review”

Face Off: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner vs I’m From Rice Toner

So you want a milky toner. The Laneige Cream Skin Refiner (known as Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer in the US market) and the I’m From Rice Toner both get a lot of hype, and are basically the market leaders in this category, but how similar are they? Well, let’s get overly pedantic and discuss.Continue reading “Face Off: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner vs I’m From Rice Toner”