AUGUST 2020 SKINCARE FAVORITES

It goes to show that something we all agree on this year, is having nice skin despite being stuck in a global pandemic! This is why I took some time this month trying a variety of prominent brands on the market. These are my honest thoughts on the different products I tried for you to enjoy.

How credible is this information? I am not a certified specialist, but I am a female skincare user who has actively used different forms of skincare and skincare routines since I was 16. I am also quite familiar with korean skincare, having used it in korea before the k-beauty trend waved over to the US. From going into DIY skincare, to trying Korean skincare, to switching over to higher end products, It's safe to say that I am a normal girl who just wants to share her experience so that you save that money!

1. DRUNK ELEPHANT - I have so many mixed thoughts about this brand. It's amazing that they pledge to give ingredients that are only good for the skin and promote "clean" skincare, in order to rejuvenate skin in a healthier way. You may have heard about their infamous decision to get rid of 6 ingredients that potentially carry risks to your skin. However, after watching and reading reviews about their customer service, this brand carries uncertainty with me in terms of their genuine intentions to their consumers.

Packaging: Love it. It's clean and easy to remember their brand voice. If you see something on the shelf, it's easily found because they have found a way to distinctly distinguish themselves in their clever shaped skincare. The colors are fun, and I know what to expect when buying one product versus another. However, it is not recyclable, so big qualms on that part!

Product: I have no qualms about their product at the moment. The skincare formula is actually devine, and leaves my skin feeling extra smooth and moisturized without leaving a bad residue. I have been using their F-Balm Electrolyte Mask, as well as their T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. I didn't feel any regrets buying their product or using it for a few days. There is also no harsh fragrance in these products!

Branding: As a marketer, I believe this brand has marketed themselves quite well. Great packaging, great unique voice, great quality product, as well as a "high-quality" feeling that leaves skincare fanatics itching for more! The overall message is great! However, what they have failed in their branding is their engagement and interactions with their customers. There have been several cases where they have deleted negative comments from consumers. It leaves a bad taste as the brand does not seem to respect honesty or the well wishes of their consumers. This could deter a lot of hopeful skincare users and I'm a bit uncertain as to how they will keep or switch this process.

Ultimately, it is your decision as a consumer of what brand you choose to purchase from! If your priority is great skincare without worrying about the brand's voice and how they sell their products, your decision will be quite different from someone wanting to only buy from brands that have recyclable products as well as care about their consumers regardless of where they are coming from. For me, this brand is on my shelf as a "maybe" for now!

2. FRESH - I love mostly everything Fresh produces, and I am so happy with what I put on my skin when using their products! That being said, their products can be a little drying, and you may not notice "immediate" effects. Overall, I would recommend this brand to a lot of my skincare friends, with a word of caution to use it wisely!

Packaging: I love that this brand has a unique way of using fonts and aesthetic play to capture the essence of their products in a great way. Fresh can be recognized easily against their competitors in terms of their use of fonts, colors, and clean packaging. The packaging is very stable, and as someone who visually loves packaging, it makes me happy to carry their products around! I also love that they offer a travel size option for many of their cleansers and toners, and this helps for me to try their product out before making a decision. Lastly, their packaging is made from recyclable materials and they are working to reduce carbon emissions by locally sourcing, so that is a big plus!

Product: I have tried Fresh's Soy Cleanser as well as their Kombucha Antioxidant Essence. I loved the clean feeling of their product as they remove impurities quite well. However, I found their products are gentle so I noticed the effect of their products after consistent use, rather than using it just once. Overall, their products feel more of a long-term use solution and are friendly to sensitive skin types.

Branding: Overall, Fresh has earned my respect for the way they handle their brand image, customer service, as well as influencer marketing. I have seen several people love their brand not for a "hype" but for their genuine love of their product. I believe they are working to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the consumer and for their company. This is a brand I will probably recommend and continue to use for many years!

3. LANEIGE - Overall, I have been using Laneige products for years and have not felt disappointed with them! I definitely think it's not a one time use brand, but a brand that provides consistent quality products for everyday use. They've suited me in terms of makeup and skincare, and I continue to purchase from them each year.

Packaging: I've always loved the fun colors that Laneige brings to the table when it comes to their packaging. I always found their packaging to be vibrant and fresh so it would make me happy to simply even use their product! Their packaging is quite sturdy, and I love their minimal font in their use of packaging.

Product: Laneige formulas tend to be quite packed with moisture whether it be their Sleeping Mask or their Moistful Cleansers. I've personally loved their product's consistencies, and while some people may prefer matte finishes, I love the overall clear shine they offer to my skin. Their product is not packed with harsh fragrances, and leaves a natural scent after use. If you like gel consistencies, and lots of moisture, Laneige is definitely for you!

Branding: Overall, Laneige boasts a colorful and youthful look to a wide range of ages. They have been complimented by both Koreans and Americans all around, and it's really exciting to see them expand to the US markets such as being located at places like Sephora and Ulta! I'm really excited to continue to get their products whenever that container runs out!

4. INNISFREE - Another Korean skincare/makeup brand that is making it big in the US! I've used Innisfree ever since I was in middle school, and the fact that they still serve me in my early 20s with the same consistent product is pretty amazing. I have mixed opinions about this brand, but overall, I have always admired their use of fresh ingredients from Jeju, Island, as well as their consistent branding.

Packaging: Their packaging is always minimal and cute, and are light to carry. They definitely do not give burden in recycling, and often use more eco-friendly packaging for their products that are smaller in size. Their packaging is however, not the sturdiest, and you may find yourself noticing wear and tear after a couple of uses. However, it's never been an issue long term for me.

Product: The pro about Innisfree products is that you will probably get what you are looking for. If you want moisture, their green tea serum provides instantaneous moisture to your skin. If you are looking for sunscreen properties, their UV sunscreen provides great SPF protection 50+. However, I have found that their product (although greatly affordable) tends to adapt quickly to the skin, leaving that same first time feeling to be reminisced rather than lingering on. I definitely think it's worth your money for that first couple of weeks, but afterwards, you may need to switch which product to use to get the same effect. The great thing is that a lot of their products are interchangeable, and you may find yourself being attracted to their seasonal ingredients.

Branding: Overall, I love that their brand focuses on Jeju Island's natural ingredients. As someone who has lived in Jeju for a year, I have definitely felt the healing effects of living on an island so rich with minerals and green tea. They consistently highlight the natural effects of ingredients found in Korea's island and highlights great aspects of the Island.

5. KIEHL'S - The last product I am reviewing for August! This brand has always remained consistent with me, and although their packaging is not as minimal with a lot of information on ingredients and properties, I have found that the consistency of their formulas and delivering of their skincare has been much appreciated!

Packaging: Like I mentioned, Kiehl's may not be the first thing that stands out when you look at. variety of skincare at Sephora, however, it goes to show in their mission that they provide you with the utmost amount of information so that you as a consumer can make an informed choice about your buying. In the end, you probably will choose them for their high quality formulas, which will benefit you in the long run.

Product: I greatly appreciated the fact that Kiehl's not only provides skincare for women, but have a line for men as well! If anything, they were the only brand I could find that created moisturizers and cleansers specifically for men. The formulas themselves were great, and I have also personally enjoyed their moisturizers. Although I prefer a more dewy texture when it comes to skincare products, I appreciate the consistency of Kiehl's quality in ensuring quality skincare. Kiehl's to me is like a home that although you don't find excitement in going to, you feel safe, comfortable, and know it's there for you.

Branding: Overall, like I said, Kiehl's isn't my first choice when I look for minimal aesthetics, however, I greatly appreciate that they list more ingredients up front and are more honest about their product to their consumers. I also love their formulas, and feel that consistency has allowed more benefits than random products that may not work. Overall, it's a high performing quality brand.

AND THAT IS A WRAP!

I know this has been a lot of words for you to read, but please consume and read at your disposal what will best benefit you! I hope my reviews have helped you to make your own decisions on what products you buy, and in turn make you happier with your skincare purchases. Please leave a comment on what you think about these brands, and I will be sure to read more about your thoughts! I hope you had a great August, and let's cheer up for September! Cheers!

We then took it a step furtheents we suspect carry a potential risk to the health and function of the

skin organ itself, which are called the S