Recent empties #2 feat. Missha & Herbal Essence

Written By Jenny Wu on

It’s incredible, but I’ve managed to accumulate enough empties again for another “recent empties” post! And I as I’m writing this I have a couple more products that are close to being done, so I think this might turn into a regular series! What do you guys think? 

  • Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule  
    This was highly raved by Kerry from Skin & Tonics, and she rated it superior to the Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. I’ve never tried the latter, but I thought the Missha ampoule wasn’t bad. It has a nice consistency that’s not too rich and did a good job of hydrating my skin. It didn’t do much for my dark spots, but I do like its anti-aging properties and may repurchase this in the future.
  • Hanaka Pore Reduce Charcoal Mask 
    This was my first experience with jelly masks, and I was quite pleased. It’s much gentler than my Borghese Fango Active Mud Mask and leaves my skin really bright and hydrated. This didn’t give me that squeaky clean feeling, but it did a great job opening up my pores and pulling all the sebum to the surface. I think I still prefer my clay mask for deep cleaning, but this is a great alternative for those with sensitive skin.
  • C20 Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum  
    Another highly raved product, but for me it was a huge disappointment. Used this for 6 weeks straight and it did nothing for my dark spots :( It was also pain to wait 20 minutes every night for the l-ascorbic acid to do its job, and the non-airtight packaging means faster oxidization. Lots of trouble, little results. Boo.
  • Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner  
    This cleansing shampoo was pretty amazing at first, and it did make my hair really soft. However, it soon began building up, leaving my roots flat and almost greasy :( I ended up using this as a conditioner for the ends of my hair, and that worked really well. I won’t repurchase this, but I may purchase the color-safe version (in the red bottle) as it’s not as rich as this one.

So yes, the hunt for something that can get rid of my dark spots continues. If you have any product recommendations, please let me know! Have a wonderful week!

Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

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

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Tara

I've been wondering about that Missha ampoule, so thanks for the mini-review on it! I just recently started using Missha's sunblock with essence, and I'm liking that a lot! I may look into more of Missha products in the future :3

Jenny Wu

Ooo, which Missha sunblock is that one? I know they have several versions, but I've heard generally good reviews for all of them. Missha ususally has a great sale during Black Friday, so I plan on stocking up then as well!

Tara

http://www.misshaus.com/all/skin-care/sun-protection/all-around-safe-block-essence-sun-spf45-pa-r.html I'm using that one! ^^

caroline

I love your mini reviews of each product! I think the trouble with any Vitamin C based product is that it has to be really concentrated, otherwise it just doesn't have the potency to really work.
xo
styleontheside.com

Jenny Wu

Thanks Caroline! The thing is that vitamin C serum had a concentration of 21.5%, which is pretty high, so I had high expectations! oh well :(

caroline

Oh that is high... you're right. That's too bad. I always get so disappointed when I'm expecting a product to be fantastic and then it's not....
xo

shellie

I was on the 2nd bottle of the Missha ampoule but have stop using it for a while. I do like it but like you, I don't think it does anything for me.

I am using ponds b3 clarant for spots and am surprised that it actually help fade my spots more than others. They're not gone but much lighter so I'm pleased. I bought the small trial container and then went for the big jars. ^_^

Jenny Wu

Thanks for the recommendation Shellie! I need to look into this product!

Liv

I used a charcoal cleansing product but I felt it made my skin worse! Maybe I was using it too much? I really need to find a good daily cleanser since most of my products should only be used three times a week and I end up alternating. :(

As for dark spots I once tried a serum too and it did nothing, but water itself did wonders! I just try to live with mine, cover them up a bit with color control cream! :)

Jenny Wu

Eep, maybe it's something else in the product? The charcoal jelly mask had only a few simple ingredients, so maybe that's why? I really like the CeraVe cleansers - they're really gentle, cleans well, and are really cheap!