My Favorite Skincare Ingredient: Niacinamide

Getting into skincare can be intimidating, and I've heard some people say they feel like they need a chemistry degree to understand all of the different ingredients. It's true that all of the formulations and what they do and don't do, can't be mixed with, or how to use them can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

*Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post.

I'm going to share one of my favorite skincare ingredients today that hits a lot of needs: it's called niacinamide. I love it because it is great for all skin types and combats a variety of needs.

Niacinamide is a topical version of Vitamin B3. You may have heard of "niacin," which is B3 in vitamin and food form. I have oily skin and use it to reduce the appearance of pores (keep in mind, nothing can actually shrink your pores) and balance sebum production. It also brightens hyperpigmentation I have from sun and acne spots.

Even if you don't have oily skin, I highly recommend adding niacinamide into your routine because of its hydrating properties. It works with the hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer to boost benefits to your skin.

Of course, as with any ingredient, there can be negative side effects. Always spot test a new ingredient in your routine before adding it in fully. Common negative side effects include redness, burning, and irritation. You should always check with your dermatologist before adding in a new ingredient if you have sensitive skin or past issues with switching up your routine.

I'm currently using the Vita B3 Source Niacinamide Serum from TIAM Skincare, a Korean brand. You can find inexpensive serums from other brands like The Ordinary and The INKEY List, too. I like using a serum because it's the most effective way to add a potent amount of niacinamide to your routine, but you may not even need one. Your moisturizer may already have niacinamide in it, as it's now commonly found in a lot of skincare. Some moisturizers with niacinamide include the Dewy Glow Moisturizer with Cherry Blossom from innisfree, Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream from First Aid Beauty, and the Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer from Drunk Elephant.

Bottom Line: Do you use niacinamide in your routine? My skin has been so much more balanced since I started using it and I definitely recommend it for all skin types!

Luma & Leaf Clean Beauty Skincare Review

Plant-based products are popping up more and more these days, and these types of ingredients are especially effective in skincare. Luma & Leaf is bringing plant-powered skincare to meet all skin types and needs!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Luma & Leaf uses a science-backed approach when it comes to formulating their products. Their Greenhouse Blend, one of their specialty concentrations, uses nutritive botanicals to soothe and hydrate. They use clinically studied and proven ingredients, like bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), to craft effective products.

Their products are vegan, sustainably-sourced, made in the USA, and cruelty-free certified by PETA. 

One of the products I got to try was the Relief & Repair Moisturizer, which is a soothing and gentle moisturizer that cools dry skin while improving rough texture and reducing inflammation. It's good for reactive skin types, eczema-prone skin, itchiness and dryness, and inflammation and redness due to wild oats (soothing, anti-inflammatory), niacinamide (retexturizing, protecting), Shea butter (softening, conditioning), and hemp seed oil (moisturizing, balancing). 

I like that the moisturizer comes in an airtight pump, making it easier to dispense the perfect amount and keep the product itself free from bacteria from hands and fingers. It can be used in the morning and at night. I liked that it had a creamy texture and absorbed quickly into my skin. I have redness and issues with oil, so niacinamide is a perfect ingredient for both issues.

The Clear Slate Serum is another great product for oily skin. It helps decrease blemishes while lessening hyperpigmentation with bakuchiol, aloe vera, Centenella Asiatica, and niacinamide.

The ingredients here are a dream for me! Centenella Asiatica (or tiger grass/cica) is one of my all-time favorite ingredients for soothing redness and sensitivity. Niacinamide, as mentioned with the moisturizer, helps to balance out oil production and also works to lighten dark spots. Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative that's great for anti-aging and smoothing, and of course, aloe vera is extremely soothing.

The serum can also be used in both your morning and nighttime skincare routines. It has a silky texture and two pumps were enough for my face. I keep it in my skincare fridge so it feels extra soothing during application!

• Visit Luma & Leaf to browse their full line and purchase
• Luma & Leaf is also available at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters

Bottom Line: Luma & Leaf has a great line of plant-based skincare! Their products are all affordably priced and I have thoroughly enjoyed using both the Relief & Repair Moisturizer and Clear Slate Serum. 

Chemist Confessions Skincare Review

Anyone who is interested in skincare knows that a huge part of it is chemistry: knowing what formulations work best for your skin and with each other. Chemist Confessions is an Asian-American and woman-owned and founded company that makes breaking down the science of skincare easy and accessible!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Chemist Confessions was founded by Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, two friends who met while they were working as skincare formulation chemists for an international beauty conglomerate. After leaving their corporate roles, they created the skincare science blog, Chemist Confessions, where they posted their chemist perspectives about the beauty industry.

They have since expanded the blog to a brand of skincare solutions, with the mission to empower consumers with approachable science education by making skin science fun and approachable to all, and providing user-friendly skincare solutions to help everyone with their daily routines.

Chemist Confessions uses the most effective and safe ingredients in fine-tuned, optimized percentages to create meaningful formulas. They have products that are appropriate for all skin types and needs.

I tried the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel and Gold Standard Exfoliation Treatment. Pictured above is the Gold Standard treatment, which is the most potent chemical exfoliator in the Chemist Confessions line. It is made with 30 percent glycolic acid and five percent tranexamic acid and sloughs off dead skin for a smoother, brighter complexion.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and tranexamic acid in skincare can be used to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation. Both are strong ingredients, especially at a 30 percent formulation for the AHA, so this product is for people who have already worked AHAs/BHAs into their routines. I prefer chemical exfoliation (it's so much more effective than physical), and I use this gel twice a week on my T-zone, where my skin is the oiliest. I haven't had any negative effects after to weeks of use.

The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel has madecassoside and panthenol for soothing stressed skin. Madecassoside is derviced from centella asiatica/cica, which many will likely recognize, as it's become a popular skincare ingredient as of late. It's wonderful for soothing redness and sensitive skin but is also great for all skin types. The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel contains .5 percent madecassoside and two percent panthenol. Panthenol is a moisturizer and also works to soothe irritated skin.

The gel, as the name suggests, is a 100 percent oil-free water gel moisturizer. I love these types of moisturizers, especially during the hot, humid summer months. I expected the formula to feel light and airy, and although it was very soothing, it did feel a bit heavier on my skin than I expected. It wasn't so heavy that I would discontinue use, though.

The packaging is so cute! This little design was inside the top of the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel box.

Here's a listing of the active ingredients in the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel. It's also Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free.

• Visit Chemist Confessions to browse their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: Both of the products I tried from Chemist Confessions worked great for my oily skin. I appreciate that their formulas contain effective ingredients in optimized percentages from actual chemists. I'm eager to try more from their skincare line!

June 2022 Bomibox Review - "Summer Kiss"

I am a huge skincare addict and my favorite products are Korean skincare, mostly because I'm Korean, but also because they work the best for my skin. Bomibox is the perfect subscription for K-beauty lovers like me!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Bomibox sends full- and deluxe-sized Korean beauty and skincare valued at $80+. Bom (봄) in Korean means "spring," and "Bom-mi" translates to Spring Beauty, I believe (you can see the Hangul [Korean alphabet] in the pink circle on the label in the photo above).

Each box is filled with curated skincare and beauty imported straight from Korea. The products are 100 percent authentic and are not tested on animals.

Bomibox costs $44.99 per month with free U.S. shipping. They also ship worldwide from $12 to $25, depending on where you live.

Bomibox also has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee -- if you don't like your box, you can return it for a full refund (you must email them and this is only available if all of the products are unopened). You can also skip a month or cancel easily from your account page on their website.

The June Bomibox contained seven full-sized products and one deluxe sample. I've noticed that this is a skincare-heavy box, but they did include a few cosmetics products. I prefer receiving skincare so this box is perfect for me, but may not be for everyone based on that.

• Syn-Ake Anti Wrinkle and Whitening Emulsion: An emulsion is basically a serum/essence, as all three names are often used interchangeably with Korean products. It's an extra boost to your skincare routine, and this one contains the brand's SYN-AKE compound that works to tighten skin. It also has "whitening" in the name, so it will target hyperpigmentation on skin.

• TIA'M Vita B3 Source Niacinamide Serum: I'm glad I can read Hangul because I absolutely could not figure out the name of this brand based on their logo 😆. This is made with 10 percent niacinamide and two percent arbutin to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients, because it's also great for balancing sebum production on oily skin.
• ISNTREE Aloe Soothing Emulsion: ISNTREE is a great brand and one of my favorites. This serum/emulsion has aloe vera leaf extract from Jeju Island for instant soothing and cooling effects. It also has centenella asiatica extract and chamomile extract, which are also great ingredients for soothing skin.

• Jumiso Super Soothing Cica and Aloe Sunscreen SPF 50+: This is a gentle mineral sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. It's also reef-safe with no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
• Etude Dear Darling Water Gel Tint in Watermelon Red: Gel tints are huge in Korean beauty, as they give a sheer tint with just enough color. This one melts nicely into lips to provide hydration.
• TONYMOLY Mini Peach Lip Balm: TONYMOLY is always a favorite. This balm smells like sweet peach and is made with shea butter for moisture and has SPF 15 sun protection. I'm a little confused by the inclusion of witch hazel, which usually dries out skin, but the Bomibox description states it prevents water evaporation.

• Farm Stay Charcoal and Collagen Sheet Masks: I love sheet masks and I use one (almost) every night. My skin has drastically improved since I switched to using sheet masks over western-style drying masks (clay, etc). The Korean approach to skincare is all about moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier and this has cleared up my adult acne and oily skin better than any other approach has. That being said, sheet masks can still have things like charcoal to fight excess oil and acne. The collagen mask is great for anti-aging and hydration.

Bottom Line: I'm obsessed with Bomibox! I love Korean skincare and finding new products, so this box is perfect for me. I think it's a great deal, considering you get a majority of full-sized products that ship directly from Korea. If I was to purchase these here in the states through K-beauty sites based in Korea, it would be much more expensive due to shipping.

• Visit Bomibox to subscribe

b.glen Skincare QuSome Power Bright Review

I've been looking for products to help balance out the hyperpigmentation in my skin, and b.glen is a Japanese skincare new to the U.S. market with products to fit that need.

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

b.glen offers personalized skincare products free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances that are available as a subscription. Their quick and comprehensive Skincare Analyzer will recommend the best products for your routine, and each product is backed by a 365 day money back guarantee.

I tried the QuSome Power Bright Intense Brightener. It's for brightening dark spots, blemishes, and freckles. It reduces visible hyperpigmentation and brightens your overall complexion with their trademark QuSome technology, which encapsulates and delivers Arbutin deep into the epidermal layer. Arbutin is a glycoside that works against melanin, which is what produces dark spots.

I used to stay away from these types of products because I didn't want to brighten my whole skin tone too much, but I've learned that they work more to reduce dark spots that have already formed. Along with Arbutin, the QuSome Power Bright has nicotinamide to support elasticity, fermented rose honey to retain moisture and prevent oxidative damage, and Vitamin C to even skin tone and brighten skin over time.

I've been using the QuSome Power Bright serum for about two months. The packaging is an airtight bottle, which is essential for these types of products to keep them fresh and potent. Just one pump is enough to cover my entire skin. It's a creamy serum that absorbs pretty quickly into my skin. Two months really isn't too much time in the grand scheme of brightening dark spots, but I have noticed some changes in my skin since using this. I won't lie, the results aren't mind-blowing, but these types of products need to be used in the long-term to really see results. I am 33 now and want to stay ahead of too much acne scarring or sun spots, so I'm happy to keep using this serum.

• Visit b.glen to learn more and purchase

Bottom Line: I've enjoyed using the QuSome Power Bright so far. I'm curious to see how it affects my skin as I continue to use it, but so far I think that the products are high quality and worth the time and investment.

Tiege Hanley Clay Mask Review

I was first introduced to Tiege Hanley skincare through the 2021 Black Box from Bespoke Post. They're a skincare company that creates "Uncomplicated Skin Care for Men."

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Sample size pictured

The Detoxifying Clay Mask is one of Tiege Hanley's newest products. It's great for oily and combination skin and has kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Charcoal powder acts as a magnet to draw out impurities. 

I've used masks like this before since I have oily skin. I'm always looking for something to help balance excess sebum production, and masks like this with charcoal are so satisfying to use because you can see the excess oil brought to the surface (really! see photo at the end of this post). It's then whisked away when you rinse off the mask.

The full-sized mask comes in a 2 oz jar and costs $19.99 (currently on sale for $15.99). You can get a further 20 percent off by signing up for an auto-ship subscription. 

I really like this mask for anyone with oily skin, though it the marketing is especially great for men who are new to skincare because it provides a simple but effective product that's easy to use. After cleansing, apply a layer of the mask and let it dry. It took about five minutes total for it to completely dry for me. Once it's dry you'll see the the oil and impurities that have been pulled out, as you can see in my photo below (it's halfway dried). After that, wash away with warm water and add moisturizer.

You can see from the photo (click to enlarge) that there are darker "spots" on my nose where the mask has dried and pulled out oil. You'll likely see the most oil from your T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin, but of course everyone's skin is different. 

The mask feels great and didn't leave my skin feeling overly dry or irritated, though using a moisturizer after rinsing it off is necessary for any skincare routine. It's really satisfying to see the oil being washed away and my skin feeling tighter and cleaner after use!

• Visit Tiege Hanley to purchase

Bottom Line: The Tiege Hanley Detoxifying Clay Mask is an affordable and effective mask for any gender! I highly recommend it to anyone with oily/combo skin.

FaceTory 7 Lux September Review and Coupon

I'm Korean-American and obsessed with Korean sheet masks! I do one almost every night and I decided to subscribe to FaceTory 7 Lux to save money, since I buy tons of masks individually anyway.

*Disclaimer: This box was purchased by See, Shop, Love! Post contains affiliate links.

Facetory has two subscription options, both of which send Korean sheet masks each month. I'm obsessed with skincare and I purchase sheet masks regularly, so this subscription appealed to me because it was easier to get Korean masks all from one place instead of having to shop around at various websites for them.

This is a review for the 7 Lux subscription, which costs $19.90 per month for seven masks and 1-2 bonus items. The other option is the Lux Plus, which is $49.95 per season for 5-6 skincare products and 5-6 masks. Both options have free shipping to U.S. addresses.

 

 

Facetory sends a good assortment of masks for all skincare types. At $19.95 per month, that's about $2.85 per mask, which is an excellent deal. Most sheet masks will cost at least $3-$5 individually, some even upwards of $10.

The masks ship in a padded mailer and come with an insert explaining all of the masks.

 

I love being able to try masks from Korean brands I've never tried before! I live in a smaller city, and while I can get masks from some of the more popular brands, it's harder to find other ones from Korea unless I order them online. Getting them all in this package is exciting!

The JM Solution Active Bird's Nest Moisture Mask Prime is a hydrating mask with bird's nest extract. This ingredient is prized in traditional medicine and helps improve skin clarity by boosting moisture retention.

The Meditime Jeju Deumppook Turmeric Mask is great for healing breakouts. It's vegan and eco-friendly due to eucalyptus mask fibers. Turmeric is great for the skin, as it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. I used this one the other day and it felt so refreshing, but there was a ton of serum in it so it dripped a little.

The MedB 1 Day Honey Mask Pack is a moisturizing mask with honey extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties to keep skin nourished and glowing. It can help soothe acne and brighten skin.

The extra item for this month was the FaceTory Spot Fighter AM Patch. I love patches like these for when I break out and other ones I've tried have worked pretty well. They have tea tree oil, tea tree extract, and centella asiatica to fight acne and prevent further scarring and irritation.

The Glowiest Youthful Glow Mangosteen and Peachy Glow Hydrating Masks are a duo with brightening and nourishing properties. The Mangosteen mask has antibacterial properties and soothes inflammation. The Peachy Glow mask has antioxidants and provides the "glassy skin" look so popular in Korea right now.

The Petitfee Agave Cooling Hydrogel Face Mask is a cooling hydrogel infused with agave and blueberry to nourish and calm skin. It comes in two pieces (one that goes on your forehead/nose and one on the chin) like most hydrogel masks and is great for hydration.

I was most excited to receive the Dr. Jart Dermask Ultra Jet Porecting Solution Mask! Dr. Jart masks are great quality and retail for $9-$12 individually. This one is a bubble mask with activated charcoal to deep clean and purify pores. They're really fun to use, too, since the bubbles come up after you apply the mask and the serum oxygenates.

• Visit FaceTory to shop their store and subscribe 
• Use coupon code SEESHOPLOVE15 for 15 percent off your first pack
  

Bottom Line: I'm so happy with my first FaceTory 7 Lux pack! I love sheet masks and this subscription really delivers. If you're a fan of skincare and Korean sheet masks, it's a great deal.

Everydaze Korean Skincare Review

I'm a skincare fanatic and I love finding new Korean beauty products to try, not only because I'm Korean, but because they work! Everydaze is a new skincare brand that has products to help you glow from the inside out.

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Everydaze currently has three products available: the Diamond Drop Hydrogel Eye Patch, Gold Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Patch, and Essential C's Konjac Jelly Peach supplement. They also sell accessories, including headbands, eye masks, and mirrors.

The eye patches are mini masks for the undereye area. They retail for $34 (currently listed at $28 on the Everydaze website) for 60 patches.

The Diamond Drop Hydrogel Eye Patches are made with brightening diamond powder, caffeine, and galactomyces to de-puff and regenerate the sensitive skin under your eyes and restore a youthful glow. The gel patches feel so soothing, especially if you leave them in the fridge when not in use.

The Gold Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Patches are an anti-aging blend of gold, charcoal powder, and adenosine to detoxify, stimulate collagen production, and increase elasticity. They tighten and lift skin while drawing out impurities.

The Essential C's Konjac Jelly were new to me, but I found they're a popular weight-loss supplement in Korea. They're a low calorie substitute for sugary snacks and are peach flavored. They're made from naturally-derived konjac in jelly form, which aids in weight management and satiety. It is fat free and has 10 calories per pouch. You can get an individual pack for $3 or a box of 10 for $30.

There's also an added infusion of collagen and Vitamin C to enhance your skin from the inside out. Collagen provides joint and muscle support and improves skin's elasticity and Vitamin C boosts the immune system.

I was a little wary of trying these because my only other experience with konjac is using a konjac sponge, and I couldn't really get behind the idea of eating the fibrous plant. I squeezed the contents into a cup and found that it didn't resemble the sponge at all and was instead a clear jelly. I wouldn't recommend drinking/eating these straight from the pouch, since the jelly comes out in clumps and could be a choking hazard. They tasted fine and had a strong peach flavor, but I have to admit it wasn't my favorite snack.

• Visit Everydaze to purchase
• Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram

Bottom Line: Everydaze has a fun line of skincare products and I really enjoyed using the gel eye patches. The Essential C's supplements are a unique product to add to your beauty routine, too!

Kamedis Calm and Control Skincare Line Review

I've had issues with dry skin and eczema ever since childhood, and the dry winter air definitely doesn't help. Kamedis has a great line of hair and skincare products to help battle extra skin and dandruff any time of year!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Kamedis creates affordable products that help balance and restore troubled skin. They have products to combat acne, eczema, dandruff, itching, irritation, and redness. They're formulated with botanicals used in traditional Chinese medicine that are renowned for their ability to support good health. All of their products are dermatologist-recommended and cruelty-free.

The Hydrating Foot Gel-Cream is part of the Calm line and it instantly nourishes dry, cracked feet and heels. It has Chinese Rhubarb, which is one of the most popular botanicals in Chinese medicine. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, and antioxidive properties. I absolutely love this gel! It's definitely more of a gel than a cream and it glides smoothly over skin. It also doesn't take long to be absorbed into skin and leaves my feet feeling soothed. After using for just two weeks I've already noticed a difference in my dry, rough heels (as in, no more rough patches!).

The Eczema Therapy Cream is clinically proven to reduce eczema flare ups by 50 percent. It's a great treatment for extreme dryness, irritation, redness, itchiness, and rashes, even if you don't have clinical eczema. I love this thick, nourishing cream for my hands and all over after showering. Even though the formula is rich, it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.

The Eczema Therapy Wash is a companion product to the Cream, and it calms and soothes dry skin that's prone to eczema. It's a rich, foaming gel that helps reduce extremely dry skin and itchiness without drying skin out further. Use in the shower and pair with the Eczema Therapy Cream for thoroughly soothed and moisturized skin.

The Calming Lotion is a cooling lotion-gel that immediately soothes, calms, and moisturizes targeted areas of dry skin. It's best for use on extremely dry patches, like ones that can form on your knees, elbows, or other eczema patches (mine were always on the top of my hands). It feels so nice and a little goes a long way.

Kamedis also has anti-dandruff products to treat your scalp. The Dandruff Therapy Shampoo is part of the Control line and it is clinically proven to reduce dandruff by 50 percent in just two weeks. I have had dandruff for as long as I can remember, and it's really annoying to deal with. I have to wash my hair every day, and using this shampoo makes me feel much better because it's so soothing and gentle, but still effective. It's free from steroids, tar, SLS, parabens, and dyes.

The Scalp Lotion is a companion product for the Dandruff Therapy Shampoo. It is also clinically proven to reduce dandruff by 50 percent in two weeks. The primary botanical ingredient is Soapberry, which is a natural detergent with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

This basically a scalp treatment that you apply to the scalp prior to shampooing. I left it on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed out before using the shampoo. My scalp felt soothed but not overly-dry after using, and I have noticed a significant decrease in itch and dandruff production!

One thing to note about all of the Kamedis products is that, since they're made with natural botanicals, they have natural coloring and scents. I found that the Hydrating Gel-Cream had the strongest botanical scent. It wasn't at all offensive or a bad smell, but it's not something you may expect from a skincare product.

• Visit Kamedis to browse their full line and purchase
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram

Bottom Line: The Kamedis products I tried here have been life savers! The eczema products have helped keep my dry skin feeling soft and moisturized during these dry winter months, and the dandruff shampoo and treatment have helped balance my scalp significantly. I think they are a great deal and definitely worth a try for anyone looking to soothe dry skin!

Birchbox Skincare Fundamentals Kit Review

I travel a few times a year and I was getting low on my samples, so I purchased the Skincare Fundamentals Kit from Birchbox. I think it's an amazing deal and has everything I need for on-the-go skincare.

*Disclaimer: This box was purchased by See, Shop, Love!

This kit contains favorites for each step of your routine to cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect. It costs only $22, which I think is a great price for a Birchbox kit (they're usually priced around $30 or higher). I even got this during a sale so it cost me round $15.

The Skincare Fundamentals Kit comes with 12 samples packaged in a travel-friendly clear plastic pouch (with a zippered top). You could honestly throw this whole thing in your carry-on and be all set for travel!

This kit caught my eye because there were a few specific products I wanted to try, plus some from brands I already knew I loved.

• HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow Gummies: This is a bonus item. The supplements boost skin's moisture levels with hyaluronic acid and Vitamins C and E. The packet had two gummies that were heart shaped. They're also vegan.
• Sweet Chef Kale +Vitamin B Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask: Do I like kale? Hard no. Do I like sheet masks? Very much, yes. This one hydrates and protects skin and has no parabens or mineral oils.

• Marcelle Micellar Water - Normal Skin: This micellar water removes makeup, tones, and cleanses with a calming, all-in-one formula. This is an especially handy item for travel since it accomplishes so much in one product.
• Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliator: I've used this before and I really like it. It helps reduce dullness and wrinkles with papaya, microcrystals, and aloe.

•  Kieh's Ultra Facial Cream: I love Kiehl's products! Their creams are always so decadent and are decently priced. This hydrates for a full 24 hours without feeling greasy or heavy.
• Air Repair Super Hydrating Eye Cream: This potent cream reduces undereye puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.
• GLAMGLOW SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner: I honestly bought this kit specifically for this product. I've seen it around Sephora but at $42, it's quite pricey to buy before trying. It has alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate, charcoal to detoxify, and witch hazel to refresh. It has a licorice scent like the Supercleanse, which isn't my favorite. Overall I think this is nice, but since toners are on your skin for such a short amount of time, I don't think I'd buy a full-sized bottle.

•  Coola Dawn Patrol Classic Primer SPF 30: COOLA makes sunscreen products and this one has SPF to prep skin for makeup and protect against UV rays.
• Malin+Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I've used this cleanser before too and it's very nice. It's made with grapefruit to prevent future blemishes.
• Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips: This balm is for hydrating anywhere and soothes sunburns, tames brows, and nourishes cuticles. It's a nice, thick balm that provides deep hydration.

• Real Chemistry Environmental Rescue Daily Serum: This is not a full-sized bottle, but it's a pretty decent size at .5 fl oz (the size of some full-sized serums on the market). It has antioxidants that help diminish fine lines and improve elasticity. The formula feels a bit sticky to me and takes a minute or two to really absorb into skin, but I've had good results with other Real Chemistry products so I think this will work well, too.

•  Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil: This face oil has Vitamin C to brighten and golden turmeric to boost radiance. I've never used Sunday Riley before, but I know they make excellent skincare so I'm excited to try this.

Bottom Line: I think the Skincare Fundamentals Kit from Birchbox is a great way to try out new brands and skincare products. I think you'll definitely find some new favorites and you can't beat the price of only $22.

• Visit Birchbox to purchase