Before and After Two Months of Using Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum and Moisturiser

Hey, everyone! This is a blog I've been so excited to share. I actually waited and let my skin indulge in Niacinamide and AHA for two months before posting this review about the not-so-new Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser.

When I first saw it in an ad, there's just a part of me that said to just give it a go. I'd say it was a perfect timing at that moment, considering I just ran out of my previous moisturizer. I'm not sure which one to review first but will just do based on order of usage.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum 30ml (₱1,499)

Claims: OLAY Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum, reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep^, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Fast absorbing and non-greasy. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without^^: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils.

Directions to Use: Use twice a day after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. Apply evenly on face until the serum is absorbed. Use with a UV product in the daytime.

How to use the auto-dropper: (1) Twist and turn the cap to automatically draw out the serum and; (2) Press and hold the pump to dispense on palm or fingers.

I actually wanted to tell you that I appreciate the packaging. It may look minimalist overall, but it actually has that high-end/luxury feel when you actually touch it. The bottle has a weight to it, the plastic silver cap has a great contribution in the overall aesthetic as well. The picture doesn't do much justice but the bottle has some iridescent shimmers which I think is just plain chic.

It may seem complicated to use - but all you have to do is simply twist it open and use the pump to dispense the product on clean hands.

All the information you need or want to know about the product is found on the box. They also have virtual displays which is a breath of fresh air from wordy descriptions. :D

CLAIMS

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS TO USE

I am sure you've heard about how special Niacinamide is in skincare. It can do a lot of things when used regularly and in high concentration. Some of its benefits include pore-refining and treating stubborn spots and discolorations caused by acne and pimple breakouts and sun damage. It can also helps renew the surface of the skin for that clearer, more glowing complexion.

When combined with actives like AHA, it can be more powerful in exfoliating and treating several skin conditions. Olay Luminous has AHA in the form of Lactic Acid. I remember way back in grade school when I had skin rashes all over my body. My mother had me used a product enriched with Lactic Acid and they were completely healed in no time. From then on, I know it's an active that I could trust.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum is also packed with Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) which enhances skin healing process and does more, and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which is another powerful ingredient that targets dark spots and brightens dull complexion.

The serum has a citrus scent and actually reminds me of grapefruit. Both the serum and moisturizer have similar scents, but that of the serum's a bit stronger. It smells nice, at least for me. It has a thin, runny consistency and spreads effortlessly and evenly on the skin. It gets absorbed easily too without any tackiness. On its own, it dries to a semi-matte finish, while leaving the skin feeling and looking hydrated.

I like to use a drop of this after applying my Collagen by Watsons Collume + Peptides Booster Essence or mixing them both in 1:1 ratio. Since the serum has Vitamin C, I think they work great together as it boosts Collagen synthesis.

I'd like to do essence-serum-moisturizer combination but I just find them overly moisturizing and heavy so what I do is skip the moisturizer part during night time. So here's how my daytime routine goes: cleanser, moisturizer (Olay Luminous Niacinamide Moisturiser), and sunblock (only when necessary). And then for night time: cleanser, exfoliator or scrub (once or twice a week), essence and serum (Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum).

I know I am skipping a lot of steps and this may not be for the best, but it works for me. Using less products works better in controlling breakouts and it's a lot more comfortable too. It makes me think and feel like my skin is breathing better. I rarely go out and see the light anyway (LOL!). Later on, I'll show you pictures of the result.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Moisturiser 50g (₱1,499)

Claims: Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Face Cream Moisturiser reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils. 96% Noticed.

Directions to Use: Smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and night. Use with a UV product in the daytime.

Product comes in typical Olay moisturizer tubs and doesn't come with any spatula or applicator. As always, you have to make your hands are clean and well-sanitized to avoid product contamination.

The actives are similar in both products. The main difference would be the consistency. Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Moisturiser has a very smooth and light consistency. For someone like me who has oily skin, this doesn't dry out completely matte. It leaves a sheen on the skin but still feels a lot lightweight compared to other moisturizers. This is definitely suitable for all skin types.

CLAIMS

DIRECTIONS, CAUTION

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

For me, a small amount is enough to moisturize my skin for the entire day. You can still layer on sunblock and foundation without feeling heaviness or clogging. I'm using it for two months now, and still about half-full. Both products seem to be kind of steep at ₱1,499 each, but I think they're worth it.

Now, I would like to share with you my before and after photos. The left photos were taken March 17 (2nd day of using both) and then the right ones were taken May 09. Barely 2 months, but look at the difference.

Please do note that since April 24, I incorporated retinol in my skin care. It takes time getting used to retinols so I only apply a very small amount at least twice a week. I don't think my skin would drastically change in 15 days, so I'd still give the most credit to Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser.

Taken March 17 vs. Taken May 09

Above photos are me in my bare skin, zero makeup, just moisturizer. You can definitely see how some of the spots, redness and discolorations were reduced, especially on the cheeks, jaw and side nose area. The texture of the skin is comparably smoother and pores seem to be a bit more refined. Above all that, my skin looks a lot healthier and plumper.

Olay claims that using these is 78% more effective in reducing spots than using niacinamide alone. I would definitely agree on this. My skin isn't completely spotless, nowhere near perfect, but I'm hoping that sometime in the next few months, the appearance of my skin will continue to improve. Patience and consistency is the key. Yes, I definitely recommend this duo and will surely repurchase.

What do you think of Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser? Have you given them a try already? How did it go? I'm excited to know! If you want me to post an update by the next few months, just let me know in the comment section down below! Until next time!

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Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum Review (In Old Packaging)

Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Serum

Bought for: P550/50 ml

Bought from: an online shop

***Okay, I did not know this has been drafted last year (can you tell with the old packaging?) but never had the chance to publish it until today because I have like almost a hundred unpublished and disregarded posts. Almost 10% are done already, and about 30% are still ongoing. If only I'm more inspired to write, I could've posted an additional 20 entries to date. Still, life is life. I'd been facing constant challenges the last few months and I'm pretty sure I shared bits of them in some of my previous post. Anyhow, I know this is a product that has been making rounds long before I know of it but I still would want to give my honest thoughts and share the experience I had with this product.

CLAIMS

Make vitamin C your skin's new best friend with the Fresh Herb Origin Serum! This best selling concentrate is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that work to diminish wrinkles, minimize pores, brighten dullness and treat troubles. Made with a bi-phase oil-essence formula, this product tingles ever-so-slightly on the skin, but this lessens as your skin's condition improves. Best of all, it's made without synthetic preservatives so it won't irritate the skin.

HOW TO USE

After cleansing and toning the skin, shake to mix before dispensing a couple of drops onto your hand. Apply evenly onto the skin and gently pat in for better absorption.

INGREDIENTS

PACKAGING

I would just like to give you a heads-up that there was a major change with both the packaging and the name of the brand. Natural Pacific is now known as Nacific and we all probably had the same assumption as to how they came up with the name. I appreciate them re-branding because well, obviously the latter is easier to pronounce and is simpler. Also, the overall packaging has changed to a transparent cylinder bottle but still with a hygienic dropper. Despite the major revamp on the packaging, I still think that the older bottle looks much more appealing. Nevertheless, the ingredients used are still almost the same.

Almost because they added a few more ingredients like added Aloe Vera leaves (1.5 times more), Pore Complex 3 to help soothe skin and tighten pores and Sepicalmtm which is an anti-oxidation patented ingredient that helps fight aging.

I have nothing against the packaging except for the rubber part that attracts dirt and dust very easily. This is like a very minor issue though. It's made of thick frosted glass but still not very suitable for travelling. The dropper makes application very sanitized as well.

SCENT, TEXTURE AND EASE OF APPLICATION

It has something like an acidic, nutty herbal scent which is okay for me, nothing pleasant but not intolerably awful either. I think others may find this off-putting especially those who have very sensitive noses. Texture-wise, it's very unique as it's a bi-phase serum that has both moisture and vegetable oil layer. Please be advised that you should shake the bottle well prior to use to combine the layers together.

The product feels very light and it doesn't warm up the skin but I'm kind of annoyed with the oily-greasy texture it gives. I don't mind having oily-looking skin during night time but definitely unforgivable during the morning. It's especially not suitable for the weather we have in the Philippines unless you have the drier skin type. Please know that not everyone is particular with this and additionally, not all oily products meant harm. Blame it on my personal preference--I just don't like oily skincare for not much reason. Well, I think there's a reason and that's because I have super oily skin that's becoming even more severe when I put on oil-based products. I also think this product is not very ideal to be applied under makeup as it makes them cake and move around.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

This product boasts of Vitamin C and A LOT of extracts and oils which is kind of overwhelming. Some of the key ingredients present are Pasqueflower Extract (helps soothe irritations and purify the skin), Fruit-based Acid (made with a combination of grape, orange, lemon, apple and lime extracts to gently but effectively rid the skin of dead skin cells) and Korean Pepper Extract (rich in  Vitamin C and Tocopherol for protection and antioxidant properties). It's also loaded with Aloe Vera that helps soothe the skin. This is probably why it feels soothing despite the slight stingy effect as it heals the damages on the skin. It's true that this product stings but it goes away after few more uses.

Using it overtime, I did not see much difference at all. I notice that my skin is having clogged pores and this usually happen when I use oil-based products. Also, my skin did not stop breaking out during the entire trial period despite the minimal usage (1-2 drops every night). I guess my skin did not like the oil and extract mixture and it's too much for me to take in.

With that saying, I don't think I'll ever repurchase this product. If you have a more normal skin type, you can probably give this a try especially our skin reacts differently on a certain product. I have problematic skin so I need to be extra careful with what products I choose to incorporate in my skincare. I'm just sad that it did not meet my expectations. Others are raving about this product and I'm happy that it works for them. I'm still looking for my own and new holy grail and I will share what's it going to be soon!

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Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule Review

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule

Bought for: P1,600/50ml

Bought from: Althea Korea

I couldn't stop watching YAMD (You Are My Destiny) episode by episode but then again, I remember I've been slacking off the past few months and so I have to make up by writing and posting all drafted blogs and un-uploaded pictures. Here's another product review that's over due. I've accidentally deleted the initial pictures I took for this product so I had to retake and upload just by now. This is one of the items I got during my Althea Haul last December together with the Laneige Clear C Advance Effector Ex if you saw my Instagram story. This is another cult-fave in the Korean Beauty scene and I got it for 30% off in the website since I bought it together with an essence also from the same brand.

CLAIMS

Get that dewy,supple and clear complexion with Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule. Its key ingredient Bifida Ferment Lysate is a fermented yeast that visibly reduces signs of aging and improves skin elasticity. This anti-aging serum is often compared to Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair as its less expensive dupe. It is gentle enough for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.

INGREDIENTS

PACKAGING

I know anyone would agree if I say that the packaging is really pretty. I mean look at that purple packaging! It comes in a cardboard box and a manual inside. It has a dropper that dispenses product easily and allows you to control the amount to use every application. The rubber attracts dust and dirt but you can just simply wipe it clean with some wet wipes. The overall packaging is really beautiful and you can place it on the front line of your vanity without any problem. The only downside is that it's not very travel-friendly as it's made of glass so it would break any moment.

Unlike other Korean products, I'm surprised that it has English translation so I'm getting an idea what I'm putting on my skin without having to utilize Google.

SCENT, TEXTURE AND EASE OF APPLICATION

It has a mild scent and the ampule is light brown in color. I don't know if it's just me but it seems to oxidize gradually, turning to a deeper brown in shade. Despite that, it still performs well. Texture is soft like what you would expect with ampules and consistency is quite thin and runny but not to the point that it's dripping.

Since this is an anti-aging product, I kind of expect that it will be a little heavy on the skin. It feels a little sticky once applied but fades eventually after a few minutes. It warms up the skin so it's a bit annoying to apply during summer but I think if your skin is leaning more towards dry, this will provide just enough hydration. Because I have oily skin, I only limit application during night time, probably about every other day because it makes my pores produce so much oil.

PERFORMANCE

This is a highly concentrated ampule and is said to be a great dupe for the ever-popular Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum with about half the price I haven't tried the latter so I couldn't compare but it must be good for everyone's raving about it. Missha's ingredient list took me forever to read and I'm not very good at distinguishing what's unique about each and every ingredients but combined together works to make skin sleek, firm, even and healthy. The key ingredients though are the four (4) types of Ferment Lactobacillus Complex that contains Purple Energy Lactobacillus Ferment ingredients.

I won't pretend I know and understand what they are but doing a quick search enlightens me. They work to repair, prevent wrinkles and lighten skin. I am still in my early 20s so I don't have that much fine lines to worry about. Nonetheless, prevention is better than cure. It's best to combat early signs of aging. Using it religiously, I noticed my skin plumping up and skin's softer and smoother. Also, it really is hydrating, makes skin more elastic and boost skin's radiance overtime. Whenever I use it at night, my skin has that morning glow.

Despite the slightly thick texture, it did not clog my skin and cause breakouts. A drop is sufficient to moisturize the face and neck area so I think it's worth the price tag after all. I'll keep using it to keep my skin hydrated but I'm still thinking of whether or not I'd repurchase since it's going to be making a dent on my pocket. If you have the budget, go and splurge! It works well in restoring skin's vitality and gives it a youthful glow.

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9 Wishes Hydra Skin Ampule Serum Review

9Wishes Hydra Skin Ampule Serum

Bought for: Free | SRP: P1172

From: Style Korean

I promise to post reviews on the items I won from Style Korean's Try Me Event so here's a third one! I recently wrote down my thoughts on RICE WATER SHEET MASKS and ROSE CAPSULE TREATMENT ESSENCE so you can just click the links to get to the full feature. If you already did, you'll know I was attached to both that I can't even wait to tell you more about this 9Wishes Hydra Skin Ampule Serum which gains our spotlight today. Let's dive right into it, shall we?

 

CLAIMS

Infused with 25,000mg hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration to skin. Formulated with patented “Hydra Skin” (hyaluronic acid, baobab tree seed extract, and botanical squalene) to keep your skin hydrated.

This product is especially for those with dry skin from lack of sleep. I have oily skin so at first, I was really skeptical with this product. When I finally tried it, it's not as bad and unsuitable as I imagined. I am someone who likes to do stuff and keeps myself busy and most of the time, I'm not getting the sleep my body needs. All those lack of sleep and poor eating habit took its toll on my skin. Even though I am the oily skin type, I try to use products that have the tendency to dry out the skin in moderation and make sure to keep something hydrating in my skin care routine all the time to make up. I truly believe I have this Hydra Skin Ampule Serum for a reason.

 

 

PACKAGING

It comes in a white cardboard box and has all the information you'll ever need about the product. Inside is a little frosted glass bottle with a silver cap and a dropper. I've come across with so many ampule/serums in the similar packaging but this one feels so special. Probably because it looks so simple but very neat and classy. Upon purchase, you'll see that it has a tiny sticker that seals the product and it tears to two when opened (or you can just simply peel it off in whole).

I like the overall packaging and the dropper just dispenses the right amount of product I need and I can easily control it. The only thing I probably don't like is the white rubber part wherein dirt and dust easily adhere to.

SCENT

Product does not have any distinguishable scent. It smells like nothing. LITERALLY. So if you are a fan of unscented skincare products, you'll definitely give it a go. I, personally, prefer to use stuff like this because fragrance can sometimes clog the skin or make it dry.

TEXTURE, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

This is a highly concentrated ampule and has a clear, silky texture. It's a little bit runny and is easily blended. Two drops is enough for my whole face and neck and too much isn't necessary. It feels a little bit tacky once freshly applied but it goes away after a minute or two. Patting it with your palms instead of applying in circular motions is better. If you have drier skin, I think you'll need more than two drops.

PERFORMANCE

9 Wishes Hydra Skin Ampule Serum is said to be made of 3 main active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid (skin hydration, mineral supply, and nourishment), Baobab Seed Extract (hydration, nourishment and skin tone improvement), and Phytosqualene (skin vitalization and skin tone improvement). Instead of using purified water, 9Wishes opted for Coconut Water which is known for a lot of skin benefits too. These ingredients works together to make sure that skin won't loss moisture and it would have that soft and glossy look to it.

I have to be honest, this product lives up to my expectations. I appreciate that 9Wishes isn't being to exaggerated with the product's claim and it keeps its promises simple. It does what it's supposed to--moisturizes the skin without being too much that it makes skin greasy by the end of the day. As mentioned in my previous blog, I like to use it together with the ROSE CAPSULE TREATMENT ESSENCE and with religious use, I noticed a big difference on the appearance of my blemishes/pimple scars. They aren't completely gone but with further use, I believe they will be much more lighter than they are.

This ampule is also able to balance and soften my skin and makes it plump and hydrated all throughout the day. This product just complement my skincare and I'm glad it paid off because my skin tone is more even and radiant now.

If you are looking for a gentle ampule/serum that will increase skin's moisture and at the same time, restores your skin's natural glow, you should never miss this. Another underrated K-beauty product that deserves to be on your vanity.

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