Peter Thomas Roth - Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash

Description: “This gentle yet effective oil-free acne wash deep cleans without over drying. Helps eliminate the breakout cycle while it removes excess oil, makeup, and bacteria. Soothes and conditions the skin, leaving it “squeaky” clean, oil, and residue-free.” 

Review: I’m not exactly sure how much my mom bought it for (since she’s an esthetician, she bought it for retail price) but on sephora.com, it is priced at $35 CAN. 

It comes in a clear, liquidy gel form and foams up. It worked really well for me when I used it the first time, and I’m almost finished my second bottle (one bottle lasts for months). It really did keep my acne down and the gel is great for those with oily skin. However, it does dry up your skin because of the salicylic acid (2%) so always remember your moisturizer!

You only need to use about a dime sized amount and it will lather up nicely.

I’m not sure why though, but after a long time of using it, it doesn’t seem as effective as before. I do switch cleansers/exfoliators after a number of months though so my skin won’t be “too used to it”. It is recommended to change/rotate your cleansers once in a while. 

Quality of product: Peter Thomas Roth products are usually very high quality and very effective. Salicylic acid is proven to reduce and prevent acne, and this cleanser is formulated with the highest concentration of salicylic acid. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, alcohol-free, and is animal cruelty free. 

Quality of packaging: This cleanser comes in a clear plastic bottle with one of those pop-up caps. Very durable bottle, though not recommended for travelling because of the size. 

{ Overall }

Pros:

• contains 2% salicylic acid
• great for oily skin
• lathers easily
• exfoliates
• oil/fragrance/dye/alcohol-free
• one bottle lasts for long period

Cons: 

• may be too drying
• expensive

Rating:4/5

Laneige - Professional Makeup Remover - Multi Cleanser

Description: “Makeup removing, foam cleansing, and micro-scrubbing 3-in-1 effect providing soft and clean feeling after wash.” For all skin types.

Review: A product from Korea. I purchased this at a local Asian mall (Pacific Mall, more specifically, Market Village). It was about $29 CAN.

This product claims to remove makeup, cleanse the skin, and to have an exfoliating effect with its Micro cellulose bead particles, which also breaks apart makeup. This cleanser really did leave my skin “squeaky clean” literally (which would be bad, except this product contained many natural ingredients to deliver nutrients to the skin) and left my skin exfoliated and makeup free.

This product also contains AHA mixtures (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which penetrates the skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, increases skin cell renewal/turnover and increase collagen production. Great for any skin type. The AHA mixture comes from 5 plants, orange, lemon, bilberry, sugar cane, and sugar maple. It also contains Vitamin E Acetate and Ivy extracts.

What I loved is that it foamed up really easily, and you don’t need more than a dime size amount to use it, which makes it last much longer. The micro beads are my favourite property of this product. Its a daily exfoliator that removes makeup. When I’m too lazy to use makeup remover, I can just lather this cleanser onto my face, and there will be no traces of makeup left on my face afterwards, which save time and prevents pulling on the face when removing makeup. 

Quality of product: As with all Laneige products, this cleanser contains a light, but pleasant fragrance. The consistency of the cleanser is not drippy at all, which I like. It foams up very easily and completely removes makeup and residue on the skin. I’m quite fond of this cleanser because of its natural ingredients, and its ability to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. It also gives a brightening effect because of the citric acid from the orange and lemon it contains.

Since it does sort of dry out the skin after you rise, it is imperative that you apply moisturizer, though you should do that anyways, even if you have very oily skin. 

Quality of packaging:  This cleanser comes in a squeeze bottle form, which is hygienic and portable and the little snowflake design is really cute :P (part of the Laneige - The Secret of Snow Crystal line).

Pros:

• cleanses and exfoliates skin very well
• completely removes makeup (though be really careful around the eye area, it will sting you!) 
• brightens the skin
• leaves skin feeling fresh and supple
• high quality product
• very little needs to be used

Cons:

• may dry out the skin
• pretty expensive, though you don’t need to use much every time you cleanse

Rating:  4/5