2017 skincare favorites: SK-II, Instytutum, and more
Written By Jenny Wu on
Not to sound cliche, but omg it’s 2018! And what better way to start off the new year than to reflect on my favorite skincare products from the past year, right? Or more like I couldn’t manage to fit this post in before 2017 was over so I’m squeezing it in now while it’s still somewhat relevant ????
So there were a lot of products I discovered and really enjoyed in 2017, but to not bombard y’all with a long-ass list, I’ve split the products into two tiers: the ride-or-die favorites and the friend-zoned almost-there-not-quite favorites. Let’s start with the first:
Ride or Die Favorites
Literally cannot be without these because they work so well. You will have to pry them out of my cold dead hands.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Never say never! I thought I hated this but now I can’t be without it. This is the Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence on steroids – it brightens and refines my skin, giving me noticeable results in just a few days! I use a generous amount twice a day after cleansing, and I still have about 1/3 of the bottle left after 7 month. I’ve also noticed that by using this in my routine, I no longer need to use exfoliants as much, since this provides super gentle exfoliation on a daily basis.
← 11oz for $153 at MyHuo; 7.8oz for $122 at PLMM; 5oz for $76 at Alaso
(all 3 are reputable Taiwanese retailers that ship free worldwide for orders $100+, with prices for Asian brands usually 30%-40% cheaper than the US)
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner*
Hands down my favorite Klairs product. The more I use it the more I love it. It’s gentle, hydrating, plumping, and all those wonderful things you expect from toners. While other toners come and go, this one will always be a staple in my routine. Read my full review here.
$21.99 on Wishtrend; $16.40 on Amazon →
(Wishtrend ships free globally for orders $69+, make sure to check my deals page for coupons!)
Naruko Supreme Rejuvenating Elixir Oil*
I’ve tried a lot of facial oils this year, and this one from Naruko stood out for 4 reasons: its combination of oil + essence, its delightfully subtle scent, its super light texture, and its pretty bottle. Yes 2/4 reasons are ridiculously superficial, but overall the usage experience of this oil is just divine. That and it makes my skin oh-so-soft, and who doesn’t want that? Read full review here.
← $40.99 on eBay
(I can’t believe Naruko stopped carrying it, WTF)
Instytutum Eye Cream
Who knew I’d one day get so excited about an eye cream? But then again, who knew we’d have an orange ???? as president? The world is full of surprising things, some good, some not so good, and this eye cream is definitely one of the good things. For me it checks off everything an eye creams should do (except fix my dark circles which are more likely due to poor blood circulation), so I have no complaints. Except for the packaging, I’d prefer tube, but at the same time I love the minimal luxe look of this jar. Why I’m so difficult, I’ll never know. Read full review here.
$89 at Instytutum →
(There’s a 30% off sale going on, details here)
Curology Prescription (4% niacinamide + 0.025% tretinoin + 5% vitamin c)
For a while I was using a 4% azelaic acid + 0.05% tretinoin + 4% niacinamide prescription but honestly the combo was just too strong for my skin, so I downgraded back to this gentler formula. I love that all the ingredients used in Curology are well-researched and in high enough concentrations to actually make a difference for your skin. I also love that I have a licensed healthcare practitioner I can reach out to anytime I have questions about my prescription or my skin!
← $39.90 for a 2 month supply at Curology
(Use my referral link to get your first bottle free! FYI mine lasts 3 months since I don’t use it everyday)
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
This is such a skin-saving & versatile product. Sun burnt? Lather this on. Eczema? Lather this on. Rash? Lather this on. General irritation or inflammation? Lather this on. Need I say more? While it doesn’t have the most elegant of textures or finishes, it’s efficacy and results make whatever flaws this may have totally worth it. It’s the one moisturizer I bring whenever I travel, and it has yet to fail me.
$11.24 on Amazon; $14.99 on DermStore →
(Dermstore has frequent 20% sales!)
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Ampoule
A rather late addition in my routine, but goodness it’s amazing. It’s nothing like your traditional ampoule and instead has a thick almost super glue like consistency, but it works wonders for locking in moisture. If you’re not a fan of oils as occlusives, this is an excellent alternative. I also like mixing this into my creams to make them more moisturizing without making them heavier. Thank you Frances and Cupcakemugshot for persuading me that I needed this!
← $25.90 on YesStyle
(Check my deals page for coupons for both retailers!)
NuFace Mini
I thought this was gimmicky until a sales associate demoed it on my face and holy crap what a difference. My face was instantly lifted (I didn’t even know it was sagging to begin with ???? ) and I had that V shaped jawline without having to actually shave off my bones. Asides from the fabulous lift, the micro-currents from the NuFace can stimulate collagen production and help subsequent products absorb better into the skin, so really what’s not to love? Well the price, but it beats getting botox or plastic surgery!
$199 at Ulta, Dermstore; $159 at Gilt →
(wait for the 20% off codes from Ulta and Dermstore!)
I’m From Honey Mask
Smells just like real honey, which isn’t surprising since it contains 38.7% organic honey, and a buttload of other great nourishing ingredients. It sort of feels like honey, but it’s not as sticky or stringy – more like the love child of honey and butter…yum. Anyways, this nourishes my skin like none other, always leaving it super soft, plump, and just happy. A must-have if you use prescription retinol or just have dry skin. Heck just get it because it’s exceptional and smells delicious, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
← $37.90 from Wishtrend
(Wishtrend ships free globally for orders $69+, make sure to check my deals page for coupons!)
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask
I tried a sample of this years ago, fell in love with it immediately, pined after it like Juliet after Romeo, and finally finished enough masks this year to justify buying it in full size. It has all the wonderful deep-cleaning + detoxing qualities of a mud mask, but omg how is it hydrating at the same time? What is this magic? While I don’t mind a traditional clay mask in the summer, my skin will pretty much crack if I use anything that drying in the winter, so this PTR mask is a must have.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist
You can’t get anymore basic than a can of water, but goodness I love this stuff. It’s the perfect mist for adding extra hydration between each layers of my routine, and I never have to worry about it conflicting with another product or sensitizing my skin, because it’s just plain ol’ water! Actually I take that back, it’s thermal water which supposedly has good-for-your-skin prebiotics and minerals. I’m trying out some other mists now, and all they do is make me miss this even more.
As for sheet masks, I realized a lot of my 2017 favorites have already been featured in past roundups!
Some of my 2017 sheet mask favorites: Recent sheet mask discoveries: 6 picks for dry winter skin and $2 indulgences – my top 5 affordable sheet masks
Almost-There Favorites
Just because a product is here does not mean it’s not awesome or that I don’t love it. A few are here because I’ve only used a sample size, and I don’t think that’s enough to really gauge how I feel about it. Others I feel are just missing something – usually something insignificant and embarrassingly frivolous – that would put them in the ride-or-die level.
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water* – After reading Mili’s 2017 Favorites, I realized I totally forgot to include this in my post! It’s super gentle and easy to use, especially after a long day and I don’t have all the time in the world to massage and emulsify oils and balms. So why not a ride-or-die? Because when I do feel like pampering my skin (aka being extra), this feels too basic and boring.
- Activist Skincare Precious Oils Serum* (full review here) – I love this face oil, I really do. Ingredient wise it’s better than the Naruko one for sure, and it’s customized to meet my skin’s needs. But every time I use it I can’t help but think “This would be 1000x better if it was scented!” It has a natural nutty scent, but I’d much prefer something like the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate with its aromatherapeutic effects. Then this would be absolute perfection.
- Klairs Vitamin E Mask* (full review here) – I struggled with this one because I think it’s an incredible brightening mask. However, now that it’s winter and my skin has gotten significantly drier, I need to mix this with an oil to help keep my skin hydrated at night. I think in the summer time this would be a ride-or-die favorite, no doubt, but in the winter it’s sadly not enough.
- Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser – So I only tried a sample of this, and I totally loved it. However I feel like a sample isn’t enough to warrant a product as a ride-or-die, though I gotta say, from what my experience so far, it’s pretty fantastic.
- Odacite Blueberry + Jasmine Serum Concentrate – Odacite has some fabulously potent oils, and while I did really like the Chamomile + Camelina serum, I actually found myself missing the B+J more, even though I only tried a sample. It just made my skin so nice when I used it!
- Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – 100x better than the Paula’s Choice BHA liquid in every single way, but ugh I just find Cosrx’ products so…boring to use! Plus I only use this occasionally so the bottle is going to last me a lifetime, and I honestly can only stare at a basic ass bottle for so long before I get bored with it. Still, fabulous BHA and very gentle on the skin.
- Skin Activist Every Lipid Serum – A fantastic skin repairing serum contain ceramides, fatty acids, and all that good stuff to strengthen your moisture barrier. But usage experience wise it’s just not great, and it lacks the versatility of the LRP Cicaplast, so here we are.
- Dr. Wu Intensive Renewal Serum Mandelic Acid 18% – Before I started using Curology this was hands-down my favorite exfoliant. It’s surprisingly gentle but still manages to give me smoother skin. But in an effort to prevent overexfoliating, I’ve had to really cut down my usage of this.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF50+ – I loved this sunscreen; it’s the best I’ve used in terms of UVA protection. However it’s nearly impossible to buy in the US (stupid FDA) and I recently discovered sunscreens with even better UVA/UVB protection that I want to try out. I know, the heart is a fickle thing.
So here you go, my 2017 skincare favorites! I tried not to list products from past years, but in case you’re interested, here are the favorites from 2016, 2015, and 2014! Hope you enjoyed this post, and kudos to you for reading the whole thing, which still ended being a long-ass list anyways ????! Also, a very happy new year to you all, I hope everyone’s 2018 is off to a great start!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Ms Tantrum
I love Irish Moor mud mask and really want to try their pumpkin enzyme one next. You are making me want SK II essence so much.
Ash | www.mstantrum.com
Jenny
I can't recommend the SK-II essence enough, but definitely try a sample if you can, as I know people either love it or hate it.
Linda Libra Loca
The Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser is among my favorites, as well as the Instytutum eye cream. And the NuFace mini... I always thought they were more gimmicky than anything else, but now you tempt me...
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Jenny
I thought the nuface was gimmicky at first too, it's definitely one of those products that you have to try it in order to believe it!
Linda Libra Loca
I have it on my birthday wish list. As only item, to increase the chances of actually getting it *cough*
Cynical Duchess
I'm sorry "who knew we'd have an orange poop for prez" -- I almost died laughing. I'm really loving the sound of that honey mask, It sounds amazing. As for Asian retailers? I've given up. They take too long. From now on, I've started letting my friends order for me when they are in Shanghai or wherever, and they can ship it back to me when they come back to the US. Much faster :D.
http://cynicalduchess.com
Jenny
Haha, and somehow he continues to surprise me everyday, and not in a good way ???? That is the one downside of Asian retailers, the slower shipping time. I know the Taiwanese ones ship via EMS so they actually arrive in about a week, but a few of the Korean ones ship using registered mail and that can take anywhere from 1-5 weeks. It definitely helps if you have friends or family abroad who can buy stuff for you, you get the best prices AND great shipping time!
Shireen
I still haven't try the Klairs toner because for once in my life I'm trying to finish at least one of my toners before opening a new one. LOL! The LRP Thermal Spring water is hands down my favourite too, I've gone through a lot. You are tempting me with the NuFace Mini......so pricey though!
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Jenny
I totally get that. I have so many products that have been sitting in my wishlist for years that I'm still waiting to try because I need to finish up my current stuff first ???? Try to get the NuFace Mini on sale! If you use it often the cost per use isn't bad at all, especially since you don't need to buy refills or anything like that (don't buy their gel, just use generic aloe vera or conductive gel)!
Laura @laurantaina
Gorgeous list dear! You *almost* sold me again the SK-II essence. I've had it once or twice, but I couldn't tell a difference in my skin. Estee Lauder's version is a bit heavier and works better on my skin. This year I'm wanting to try more from Naruko and finally some Pyunkang Yul! I'm not sure if my routine needs another step like an ampoule, but I could give it a try anyway..
xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog
Jenny
Thank you Laura! I didn't even know Estee Lauder made a first essence, I know they have their famous serum in the brown bottle and that's on my list to try one day! The Pyunkang Yul Ampoule is interesting as it's nothing like an ampoule and more of an oil-free occlusive. Definitely a unique product worth checking out if you need something of that nature in your routine!
A Very Sweet Blog
Jenny, this is a skincare treasure chest! I'm so glad you posted these, because I haven't tried any of them! They all sound so good! Saving this post and you've given me a great list to work with :D
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Jenny
Thank you Kim! Always happy to introduce new products to you guys, as I know I personally love discovering products on your blogs! Hope you'll get a chance to try some this year!
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
I appreciate that you share a great mix of products here! You sold me on the Cicaplast (even though I already have one, I clearly *need* another one) I am tempted by that SKII but I don't think I can shell out that much especially when I had an awful reaction to a Shiseido one recently! I wonder if these are available in smaller sizes/samples? SK-II only came into Canada very recently so here's to hoping we'll see more affordable versions/sizes coming out!
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
Jenny
Thanks Stephanie! Sorry to hear about your experience with the Shiseido FTE, I would definitely recommend trying a sample of the SK-II before splurging on the full size. I know Sephora gives samples in stores when you request it, or you might be able to find people selling sample sizes on eBay. Good luck!
Sal UmmBaby
Hahaha orange for president was a shock for most of humanity ;) As you know I share your love for the Klairs toner but the SKII is on my luxury wish list. I just got my hands on some Pyunkang Yul and I can't wait to try them but I didn't get the serum or ampoule but I have a feeling I will at some point this year. I was actually looking to get the Paula's Choice BHA toner but upon your recommendation, I'll get the more boring CosRX instead because I also love whopping huge bottles too ;) xxx
UmmBabyBeauty
Jenny
I'm still in shock over it! ???? After trying Pyunkang Yul's ampoule I definitely want to try out more of their products, can't wait to hear your thoughts on them! And yes, definitely go with the Cosrx BHA instead, much cheaper too! :D
Frankly Flawless
Happy new year! And thanks for the extensive and very useful guide. I definitely want to try the Instytutum Eye Cream this year
franklyflawless.com
franklyphotos.com
Jenny
Thank you, I hope 2018 has been great for you so far! And definitely try the eye cream this year if you get a chance, it's fantastic!
Rowena @ rolala loves
Happy New Year to you and your family Jenny! Wishing you much happiness, good health and all things wonderful! Maybe if we're lucky the orange ???? will be flushed out.
Loving the mix of AB and Western products! I recently had to break out my LRP Cicaplast because of a little masking incident. That product will always be an HG for me for how it comes to the rescue. Interesting to read your experience on the NuFace Mini. I had debated between that device and the Ziip and ultimately ended up with the Ziip which I'm very happy with. I hope to review it soon. The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a product I revisit every now and then. I'm always amazed by how much better my skin is when I'm using it. Thanks for the reminder
Jenny
Aww thanks Rowena, I hope things have been going well for you so far! Haha, and yes, one can hope the ???? will get flushed out soon! ???? From reading about the Ziip it sounds like the technology is the same, but the design and shape of the tool is different. I'm excited to read your review on it!
Becky
aaaaAAAAAAaaah that sk-ii facial essence has been on my radar for YEARS but i've never gotten it since it's quite expensive for what it is. but soooo many people love it! i can't wait to try that klairs facial toner *o* i'm currently using the fresh rose toner and i've realized a lot of brands don't make hydrating toners! also i just love the way you post your posts? it's so informative without being bulky!
becky @ star violet
Jenny
Aww yay, so glad to hear that, thanks Becky! And yes, I don't think enough Western brands make hydrating toners, but I think it's slowly changing, so hopefully we'll see more options this year! As for the SK-II, maybe see if you can find people selling sample sizes on eBay, that's how I'd try out expensive brands before committing to the full-sized product :)
Alyssa
Once again you mentioned products I've been wanting to try. That Klairs toner, Pyunkang Yul and especially SK-II! The reason I haven't tried the first 2 products is because I always end up buying another product but with SK-II, it's just way over my budget! But I always hear great things about them. Even my favorite Filipino and Korean celebrities are using them, and they're not even paid to endorse them at all. I just see it from their vanity tables!
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Jenny
That totally happens to me Alyssa, which is why I've had products in my wishlist for years and still haven't gotten around to them ???? SK-II is definitely a classic that's worth trying at least once, you might want to check if they sell sample sizes on eBay, that's how I first tried out Sulwhasoo!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Mica
I really need to try that SK-II essence, I have a sample I got a while back but I've never gotten around to trying it, but everyone talks about how good it is! :) I've heard good things about Instytutum too.
Happy new year! Hope that this first week of 2018 is going well for you! We've been enjoying the warmer weather with some pool time, as it has been a particularly humid summer so far the pool has been a good idea.
Away From The Blue Blog
Jenny
Can't recommend SK-II and Instytutum enough, both are products I will keep repurchasing despite their prices!
Thank you Mica, I hope 2018 has been going well for you so far as well! I can't wait for the weather to warm up, I will not miss the cold weather and short days!
Caitlin
Very helpful post! Thanks for sharing!
||Caitlin|| http://caitlinpaigexox.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
sonia de macedo // daring coco
I've been looking for an eye cream and I might just give that one a go. Not sure about the dark circles though, I don't have a huge issue with them but then some days I wake up looking like my mascara has run hahaha. Happy New Year!
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Jenny
Thank you, I hope 2018 has been going well for you! I've yet to come across an eye cream that's been effective against dark circles, but the Instytutum one has pretty much made any fine lines around my eyes disappear!
Gabrielle
A lovely way indeed to start a fresh new year! I adore your product photography here by the way with the blossom, so delicate and beautiful. La Roche-Posay is a brand I've been meaning to try more products from and so I'll be sure to give this mist a go sometime this year. Happy 2018!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Jenny
Aw thanks so much Gabrielle, I hope 2018 has been going well for you so far! La Roche-Posay has some lovely products that are especially nice when your skin is irritated or on the sensitive side!
Courtney Hardy
These all sound like good products. These sound so refreshing, and good.
https://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Élise
i'm most interested in the klairs toner! a lot of people rave about klairs and their midnight youth serum or whatever it's called looks really interesting because it's bluuuuue *o* perhaps someday when i'm ready to commit to higher price skincare. right now, i'm someone who prefers cosrx - their low pH cleanser is my 2017 fave ♥ anyway, i love reading your blog and figuring out brands i never heard before, especially asian brands!
Jenny
Thank you so much Elise, glad to hear that! Klairs has 2 products that are blue and I agree, the color really adds to the appeal of the product :P I really like how affordable and no-nonsense Cosrx' products are, I can see why they're staples in so many people's routines!
Lindsey @ sustainablysavvy
There's so many products here that I've heard countless wonderful things about - in some ways I regret only being into Green Beauty LOL. The Honey mask sounds freaking amazing! I love just using honey on my face when it starts to break out, so I can definitely see how this would do wonders for your skin!
Happy New Year!
www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Jenny
Haha, I almost wish I was only into green beauty, it'd certainly save me from wanting to buy so much stuff! ???? Honey is really a fantastic ingredient, I love how it's anti-bacterial and nourishing at the same time!
Nora Gouma
Love this amazing post, all sound great products, I love to try one of them pretty soon, thank you for sharing!!!
xxx
www.instagram.com/modelonamission
Jenny
Thank you so much, hope you'll love these as much as I do if you try them!
Naya // partyparrotblog.com
So beautifully written (love photography too!), I must say these posts are my fave. We get to try so much skincare during the year, but it's always nice to see those products that actually "make it". I must admit, I am so curious to try that Klairs toner you mentioned - plumping? Yes, please! And of course LRP - it is such a wonderful brand, I need to try more from them this year! Happy 2018 xx
Jenny
Thanks so much Naya, so glad you like these types of posts, especially since it's one of my favorites to write! Can't recommend the Klairs toner enough, it's such a staple for adding hydration to the skin. Hope your 2018 is off to a great start!
Georgiana Teglas
Your photos are gorgeous. Sadly, I haven`t tried any of these products, but they all sound so great! For the most part of 2017 I have been loyal to a few products, but this year I want to experiment more with my skincare.
www.beautynerd.co.uk
Jenny
Thanks so much Georgiana! I hope you get a chance to try some of these this year, they really are fantastic!
Jessica C
OMG Jenny has it been THAT long since I last visited your blog?? You've gotten SOME upgrades! I LOVE the way it looks now!! And this post got me reading so carefully and spending too.. you got me on that Klairs toner LOL ... I've never heard of the brand but you made it sounds so amazing!!
Jessica || Cubicle Chic
www.mycubiclechic.com
Jenny
Aww thanks Jessica! I highly recommend the Klairs toner, it's such an affordable + effective + versatile product that will work for almost any skin type!
Jessica C
AND OMG orange shit head as a president ...THAT Comment got me chuckling out loud hahaha
Jenny
hahaha, I think it's a rather accurate description, don't you? ????
SofiaaDot
I really want to try more SK-II products!
xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
AB
Super keen to try SK II! Hoping to incorporate it into my 2018 routine!
http://talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com.au
XX
Amy
So many products I am dying to try! I need to research into these a bit and see if I can get them over here, without incurring massive shipping / customs charges. I hope you're having a brilliant 2018 so far!
Amy - http://AMbeautyedit.com
Jenny
Ooo yikes, custom charges are definitely no fun :( Hopefully you'll be able to find local retailers that carry these products! I hope you're having a great 2018 as well!