My skincare shopping list: Summer 2015 edition

Note: I couldn't get the formatting to play well in this post, so I apologize for the slightly less noticeable headers and whatnot :(

I've been on a no-skincare buy since early June in preparation for my move halfway across the world. It was a bit hard at first, because I love browsing for skincare in store and online, but at least 1) I didn't impose a no-makeup buy as well (though I may have to soon...), and 2) I had some new COSRX items and sheet masks from a mini-haul in late May to play and test to tide me over.

One of the strategies I used (which I will go into more detail later in another post) was using a spreadsheet where I list items I would want to buy after my no-buy ended.

I tend to list all the things that I come across that seem marginally interesting, which has ballooned to nearly 60 items, as you can see below:

I have a lot of wants okay

However, when I have time, I actually end up curating my Lust Have It! list pretty heavily by doing research on the brand, prices, ingredients, available sellers, and etc. I also take a good hard look at what I actually need, and what items will best serve that purpose.

As you may or may not have noticed from a previous post, I am a compulsive planner. Spreadsheets tend to facilitate that itch while controlling my spending habits. 

From a sizeable list of 60+ items, I have whittled it down to nine items that I plan on buying once I settle in to my new home (three of which are repurchases, two of which are unsurprisingly sunscreen, while one is the face oil). So really, I'm most likely going to buy six new items (seven if I can find a sleeping pack fit for fall/winter! My Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack may not be moisturizing enough for my dehydrated skin...)

Without further ado, here are the items that I am most likely going to buy by late August/early September (in order of use in a skincare routine)!

Cleansing

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Source

Product description

From Ulta:

Make CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser a vital part of your daily skin care regimen. Ideal for normal to dry skin types. Use daily morning and night to gently remove dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. Never drying, ceramides help moisturize, restore and maintain the skin's natural protective function. Its unique, patented MVE formulation releases ceramides and other essential ingredients throughout the day, so they penetrate deep into skin to hydrate and nourish. While hyaluronic acid (a humectant) attracts moisture to the top layer of the skin, ensuring skin remains hydrated after washing.

• Ideal for use on the face and body
• Ceramides help repair the skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid attracts needed moisture
• Emollients moisturize and soften very dry skin

Ingredients
From the CeraVe product site:

Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Sodium Chloride, Phytosphingosine, Citric Acid, Edetate Disodium, Dihydrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
I know, I am positively boring for wanting to try CeraVe's cleanser. This mostly stems from the fact that I am generally indifferent to the cleanser I use. I just want it to tick the following criteria:

• pH-balanced
• Does not give my skin that overly dry and tight feeling post-use
• Does not break me out

Anything else is just an added bonus. However, problem is that I also am unwilling to shell out too much money for just a cleanser (I'm looking at you, su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick). Since I'm looking for just the bare bones basic, this seems to fit the bill. It'll be a exceptionally unexciting product to try, but I'm okay with that :)

Toner

A.True Violet Petal Black Tea Hydrating Toner

Source

Product description

From Cupidrop:

With ‘Mallows and Violets’, it helps to restore the natural skin balance by preventing excess oil from the T-zone and dehydration from the U-zone. This therapeutic tea will help cleanse your skin and make you feel much more comfortable. 

The hypoallergenic toner with organic acids from black tea helps control the pH balance maintaining even skin tone.

Ingredients
From Cupidrop:

*Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water(158,760mg), Diglycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, **Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(555mg), **Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract(24mg), PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trehalose, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide 3, TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance
Compagnie Coloniale® Black Tea Water
** Compagnie Coloniale Black Tea Blending™ Formula

COSDNA analysis here

Why this?
I've been meaning to try out A.True products since I first heard of them, mostly because it's tea-based, and I am in love with tea. This product seems perfect for me, because I'm all about giving my dehydrated skin some hydrating love, especially since I'll be in a new, drier climate. This toner seems like it'll be a good first step in my routine! I'm also hoping it smells fabulous, like tea :P

Ampoule/serums/essences

Ampoules are my favorite skincare product to research into, because they're the most targeted/specific with the most interesting ingredients! However, they are my least favorite to purchase because they tend to be the most expensive D: I'm most curious to see how effective they actually are. It is always difficult to narrow down to just one ampoule, because it's hard to find that catch-all amazing ampoule that brightens, moisturizes, treats blemsihes, helps with PIH, makes me look like Pony... life is hard when you want it all within a budget.

Leejiham (LJH) Tea Tree 90 Essence

Source

Product description
From Glow Recipe:

The Gist:Super lightweight serum with 90% Tea Tree extract to soothe and hydrate sensitive, irritated and troubled skin. For all skin types.
How it works:Formulated mostly of Tea Tree extract, 90% of the entire formula, this formula works to treat skin that is sensitive, irritated, or troubled. This water-free treatment also contains Trehalose, which helps to bind moisture to skin, as well as Sea Buckthorn extract and Centella Asiatica, which help to even skin tone and visibly improve skin texture. 
Free of:Parabens, Silicones, Colorants, Alcohol, Mineral Oils, Water.

Ingredients
From Glow Recipe:

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Bambusa Textilis Stem Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol.

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
The real question is why not this? I feel like this cult product has been lauded by just about everyone, and now I just want to know what all the fuss is about. I know my skin takes pretty well to tea tree, so I'm hoping it'll take well to this too, if/when I get it!

Shara Shara All-In-One Water Bomb

Source

Product description
Sorry, I couldn't find a proper product description for this product :(

Ingredients
From Veronica's Life and Beauty Diary:

Purified water, Butylene Glycol, niacinamide, betaine, glycereth -26, Phellinus Linteus mushroom extract, burdock root extract, kava leaf / root / stem extract, Portulaca Oleracea extract, kudzu root extract, licorice extract, peony extract, Cnidium Extract, Tea tree leaf extract, Coccinia Indica,India Melia azedarach flower extract, Eclipta Postrata extract, European lime tree blossom extract, sugar cane extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, edelweiss extract, jasmine extract, cypress leaf extract , eggplant extract, aloe vera extract, flowers, holly basil leaf extract, turmeric extract, true coralline extract, bamboo leaf extract, extract, Limonia acidissima extract, Oldenlandia Diffusa extract, honeysuckle extract, polyoxy ethylene Hydro jeneyi castor oil, water soluble Collagen, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera Extract, hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium hyaluronidase, birch sap, lemon oil, basil oil, geranium oil, clove leaf oil, damask rose flower oil, rosemary leaf oil, ylang-ylang flower oil, 1,2-hexane diol, PEG/PPG -17/6 copolymer, carbomer, tromethamine, Glacier water, echil hexyl glycerin, Carbonated water, Sea water, xanthan gum, adenosine, ethanol, methyl di-isopropyl propionamide, trehalose, D-panthenol, polrik Acid, Ceramide 3, cholesterol, raffinose, caprylic rilgeul glycol, glycerin, caprylic samik hydroxyl acid, penta-peptide palmitoyl-4, polron Tropez, phenoxyethanol

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
I decided on the Water/Aqua Bomb instead of the Honey Bomb, mostly because if I'm going to be trying out Tosowoong's Propolis Sparkle Ampoule (more below) anyway, I don't want to overload with more honey/propolis products. Why not branch out and diversify, you know? Also, my dehydrated skin could probably use some hydrating love.

Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule

Source

Product description
From Wishtrend:

Best propolis ampoule 
to get glossy and shinny skin

Propolis sparkle ampoule creates glossy skin with high moisturizing power.
It adds elasticity, vitamins and nutrition to dry and dull skin.
Honey extract balances the moisture on your skin.
It adds shine to your skin.
It provides abundant moisture with quickly absorbing the oil.
It spreads evenly on the skin and creates vibrant skin.
It is free from paraben and harmful ingredients
which makes it suitable for all types of skin.

If you want the super long picture description (as is common for Korean cosmetics, I've seen), you can check out it out at the Tosowoong Propolis eBay page here.

Ingredients
From Wishtrend:

Propolis Extract (80%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Honey Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PVM/MA Copolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer,Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-2M, Sucrose Distearate, Polyglutamic Acid, Xanthan Gum,Dimethicone, Betaine, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

COSDNA analysis here

Why this?
I've been very keen on trying out something from Tosowoong after hearing it universally raved and loved by so many in the Asian Beauty community, so I figured this might be a great chance to try out something from them! Also, I've had good luck with using straight up raw honey on my face before, so I'm interested in using a propolis product on my face that isn't as messy and sticky to use.

Moisturizers

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

Source

Product description

From Ulta:

Facial Moisturizing Lotion by CeraVe provides patented controlled release of ingredients to help repair and restore your skin's natural protective barrier. Non-comedogenic, non-irritating. With ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

Ingredients
From the CeraVe product site:

Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

Why this?
This want stems more from my want to have a ceramide-rich product in my line up. Asian Beauty is woefully deficient in ceramide products at a good price range, so I'm turning to CeraVe once more. This lotion has the added benefit of having niancinamide pretty high up on the ingredients list, so we'll see how good this product actually is!

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-one Cream

Source

Product description
From Cupidrop:

Advanced Snail 92 All-in-one cream contains pure snail slime extract and 92% snail secretion filtrate that regenerates and repairs the skin. Safe ingredients of the cream provide soothing & anti-aging benefits to skin.

Ingredients
From Cupidrop:

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic acid, Arginine, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine, Phenoxyethanol

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
I didn't have an exceptional, life-changing experience with the last few snail products I've tried (looking at you, Benton and Snail White). However, I want to give it one more shot to see if this ingredient will actually make a difference on my skin, so I'm trying out this COSRX cream. If anything, it'll be an extra way to get some moisture on my skin, and maybe it'll even help calm and heal my skin as I fight my way through the dry, cold weather!

Sleeping pack

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

Source

Product description

From Target USA:

Recharge dehydrated skin overnight. Highly concentrated, ionized mineral water and ceramides deliver intensive doses of moisture to stressed, parched skin. Aromatic Sleepscent -- orange flower, rose and sandalwood -- relaxes and rejuvenates while apricot and chestnut extracts brighten and purify fatigued skin. The result: skin looks and feels radiant, refreshed. Wake up to soft, glowing skin with Water Sleeping Mask.

Ingredients
From Target USA:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trehalose, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycogen, Glutamic Acid, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Lysine HCl, Magnesium Sulfate, Mannitol, Manganese Sulfate, Serine, Sucrose, Stearyl Behenate, Citrulline, Alanine, Arginine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Zinc Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Threonine, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, PCA, Histidine HCl, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Blue 1 (CI 42090).

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?

Three reasons:

1. This product has such a cult status
2. It's easily accessible from Target
3. Look at that ingredients list!

I think it'll be a good option for me to use as soon as I get to my uni, since I will definitely be out the Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack I decanted for my trip by then!

The SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Firming Sleeping Pack

Source

Product description

Source

Ingredients
Okay, so I legitimately could not find ingredients for this product anywhere on the internet. I managed to find this picture (below) of the side of the box with the English ingredients, which you can read if you get really close to the computer screen and squint a lot. There's one extract pretty high up after glycerin, and then lots of dimethicones (great for sealing moisture in!), plus some oils and natural looking extracts. I can't completely see all the ingredients, so I'm not going to list it all, but you can squint here!

Source

Why this?

I stumbled on this item while browsing the AB seller Cosmetic Love to compare prices for other items on my shopping list. I've used a couple The Saem products before and actually quite liked them. When I saw this item, the product description, and the ingredients (sorta), my curiosity was piqued. I remember reading Moi Sanom's review on the harakeke seed oil from this line, and figured this might be a good option for my dehydrated skin, especially in the colder months! 

Facial oils

Rosehip seed oil

What an exciting product picture! | Source

Product description

From Mountain Rose Herb:

Rosehip seed oil is truly an amazing product, light amber in color, it is considered a “dry” oil, meaning that it soaks into the skin easily, and does not leave a greasy residue. This unique oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids and has carried much respect amongst professional journals and organizations as being a great agent in the fight against dry, weathered, and dehydrated skin. It works wonders on scars and is the predominant oil used for treating wrinkles and premature aging. Can be used in all fine skin care recipes. Because of its delicate nature and the cold pressed method of extraction, it should be kept refrigerated, and it should also be noted that rosehip seed oil is often more susceptible than other vegetable oils, especially in regards to fluctuations in temperature, oxygen, and light. It is a wonderful hydrator, and penetrates dry or damaged skin immediately. This oil may be used straight from the bottle as a moisturizer, or can be incorporated into a cream, lotion, facial oil, or massage oil. Because it is so gentle, rosehip seed oil may be used undiluted on the skin. Rosehip seed oil is a safe, inexpensive, effective, and non-invasive product for preventing and healing damaged skin.

Ingredients

Well, hopefully it's 100% rosehip oil.

Why this?

Rosehip oil has been a mainstay in my routine for the past few months, so if I were to pick it up again, it'd just be a repurchase. 

Sunscreen

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Source

Product description

From Ratzilla Cosme:

Kao's Biore UV Aqua Rich is a Japanese drugstore sunscreen line for daily use that features protein-enriched Water Capsule that enables the sunscreen to turn into water when applied on skin. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and "Mix Citrus Essence" to help skin retain its moisture and softness.

Ingredients
You can find the full list ingredients from the wonderful RatzillaCosme site here.

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
I mean, does this cult favorite and HG product for so many need a ton of introduction? This product is a repurchase, because for serious, this sunscreen is the bomb. I loved using it in Thailand, and until the weather gets colder, I'll probably use this as a daily sunscreen. This will actually be my first time using the 2015 formula with PA++++ (I've only ever used the older version PA+++ before). I remember reading that some people found that the texture was slightly different, so I'm hoping it doesn't feel too different...

Shiseido Senka Mineral Water UV SPF50+ PA++++

Source

Product description
From Amazon:

SENKA Mineral Water UV Essence is an anti-ageing Japanese sunscreen gel made with mineral water from Mount Fuji. The sunscreen features a newly developed, mineral water based "agar gel" formula that applies and feels like a beauty serum on the skin. It contains PA++++ UVA protection to protect against dark spots, loss of firmness, and other sun damage. It also uses a blend of Coenzyme Q10 and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated. The moisturising gel leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Double as a makeup base. Removable with face wash. (Not waterproof)

Ingredients
You can find the full ingredients list from the wonderful RatzillaCosme here!

COSDNA analysis here.

Why this?
This is a rebuy. I've bought this several times, and I love how hydrating it is compared to the Biore. Sinks in beautifully, great for my flakier days! Also, that SPF50 and PA++++ <3


-----

Phew! So all these items should amuse me enough for the next few months! Once I get them and test them, you can bet you'll get reviews on each of these items! I'm still working out a game plan on how to integrate all of these into my routine so that I'll be able to discern the effects of each product on my face (that was a long-winded way of saying "patch test"), but we'll see!

Of all the items mentioned, is there any one that you're particularly interested in and would try? Which one should I review first? Let me know! :)