I was going to do a recent hauls post (always fun to write) but decided to change up the format slightly so it’d be more interesting. Here’s a look at ten products that are new to me and some first impressions.

TOSOWOONG Tea Tree Natural Pure Essence

I’ve only tried their Enzyme Powder Wash (which was my favourite during my powder cleanser phase) but having heard good things about the brand, both affordable and suitable for sensitive skin, I thought I’d try something different. I got some masks but as my LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence just so happens to be finished, I thought I’d use this as replacement to see how things go. Only been using it for three days so far and no problems so far - though I’m in the later stages of a huge hormonal breakout from last week. It’s a thicker, more gel-like texture that comes in a pump, transparent, very neutral fragrance and nothing else to really report yet.

VDL SKIN P+R=O Treatment Essence

I’ve been increasingly curious about VDL skincare products and I couldn’t help myself when I saw this on offer. Retail price is ₩40000, so around $40, or up to $50 on most English sites, but I got it for $15 (or $17.5 if you count shipping). It’s advertised as a water essence so I’m actually still trying to figure out what step in my routine it would fit… Not my first essence because this has no fermented stuff, maybe a hydrating toner step instead? I’ll figure it out eventually after I finish admiring the glass bottle.

DR. JART+ Ceramidin Cream and Liquid

These two had been on my to-buy list for ages. There are many positive reviews out there but I was always a little hesitant because of the price, so when I saw it on offer, I couldn’t control myself (this is a recurring, long-term problem). I have mild rosacea so I will take all the ceramides I can get and cannot wait to start trying the cream first. Plus I still need to figure out where in my routine would be the best fit for the Liquid.

SHARA SHARA Berry Bomb All-in-One Ampoule

I got sucked in by the packaging. Jam, anyone? Then stayed for the ingredients. Looking forward to adding more antioxidant properties as that seems to be slightly lacking in my current routine. There’s a distinctive lack of any berry smells, or any fragrance really, which I’m conflicted about. One on hand, I was secretly hoping it might smell like Skinfood’s Strawberry Wash Off Mask but at the same time I prefer my products fragrantless. Because my Honey AIO took me months to get through, I thought I’d start this as a sleeping pack for the first three nights and I think my skin is a little glowy-ier (is that a word?). I’m not sure, it just looks good overall. Just like the Honey AIO, when you try to use it generously (aka trying to slather it on) it gets a little sticky and doesn’t absorb quickly enough before I go to sleep, might be because the texture seems to be a little thicker and more jelly.

MIZON Skin Power Original First Essence

With people saying that Nature Republic’s First Essence may be getting discontinued soon, I thought I’d start looking at some alternatives. I really hope it’s just being reformulated or rebranded again because it’s pretty much my HG first essence. I was browsing through the Mizon section (which one does at RRS) and saw this first essence - just $14 and free shipping! While this one has niacinamide, it doesn’t have licorice root extract as compared to the Nature Republic (and old Missha formulation) but it seems like a good place to start.

INNISFREE Soybean Essence (Light)

Another first essence alternative to try just in case Nature Republic does discontinue their First Essence. I tried a sample of the normal Soybean Essence months ago (I think it came with one of my bigger Innisfree hauls) and while I didn’t see any immediate improvements - not that I expect it - it didn’t break me out either. I’m a fan of Innisfree so the only thing that stopped me from purchasing the full size was price (not that expensive but Nature Republic was still cheaper) and also the consistency (it was slightly thicker than I prefer). This Light formulation basically negates the problem while increasing the ferment to 94%. Looking at the ingredients list, it doesn’t have niacinamide or licorice root extract but it’s short and simple (always good), with (probably a miniscule dose of) lactic acid.

HERA Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion

This is actually my first Hera skincare product. I love both the BB cushions that I’ve tried, UV Mist and Ultra Moisture (still debating if I should try the Age Reverse) but never really felt the need to try their skincare. I guess first was the price, I don’t mind expensive products but don’t want to end up spending money on products that I don’t know enough about, which is the second problem, because accessibility to the actual products, information and reviews as well as explanations to all the ranges was limited. This caught my eye as I was mainly aiming to switch up my summer routine and wanted to find a moisturising enough emulsion that could be used in the evenings.

MIZON Snail Repair EX Cream

A new and improved snail repair cream? Sort of? The All-in-One Snail Repair Cream (which is really more of a whipped essence) is still available so this product is not there to replace it. I think it’s more of a moisturiser this time but can’t confirm because the jar is sealed and I can’t see anything inside. The snail percentage I believe is the same as the AIO but it’s fermented snail instead! Fermented snail secretion should absorb better, so hopefully we’ll see even more snail improvements?

MOONSHOT Energy Restore Double Mask

When Peach and Lily had a flash sale (where they sold one of each item) I was intrigued by this Moonshot mask. Moonshot is a fairly new brand that seems to be more focused on makeup but do have a basic skincare range as well. I liked the idea of a 2-in-1 mask which seems travel friendly plus it was half clay mask so those always intrigue me.

I’ve only tried it once so far (need to do a few different trials because the second step is instructed to be used as sleeping pack) and haven’t been impressed. Not to write off early, but it’s probably going to be another AB cleansing mask failure (and I’m never going to find an AB Glamglow dupe/alternative).

MUJI SKINCARE Toning Water (Light), Cleansing Gel Cream & All-in-One Essence High Moisture

Muji recently relaunched their skincare range in the UK (it’s currently a Selfridges exclusive, found at their counter on the lower ground floor) and I immediately made a trip on my way to Uni. I’ve actually tried a few of the products - two toners, one was a mist and their moisturiser in a jar - when I was in Hong Kong and found them simple but effective. I’ve purchased the toner which makes a great base for DIY masks along with the Cleansing Gel Cream and All-in-One Essence (instructions say to use a cherry size amount, not pea or walnut, cherry sized) from the High Moisture range.

I have no idea what the pH of the gel cream cleanser is (after reading the info/instructions I’m conflicted on how it should be used) but I decided to try it out as a second cleanse. It’s a thick, clear gel but I really like the feeling of it on the skin. Normally I like to get the second cleanse over with as soon as possible but with this I kept wanting to rub and massage it in as it feels nice, and just soft. After rinsing it away, my skin feels cleansed and refreshed but no dried out or squeaky clean.