Spring skincare discoveries (that I’ve been loving)
Written By Jenny Wu on
Asides from the dumb snowstorm that hit a last week, the temperature in general has been rising, which means my skin has been changing, and as a result, so has my skincare routine. Today’s post features some of my recent discoveries that I’ve been enjoying for this slightly warmer weather!
Due to winter’s low humidity levels and need for heaters, skin will generally feels drier during this season, and mine is no exception. So now that it’s warming up, my skin is going back to its usual combination state, and I’ve switched up some of my richer products for lightweight alternatives. As always, great ingredients and a focus on hydration is the foundation of my routine, and these products that I’ve been loving are no exception!
Klairs Supple Preparation Toner (fragrance free)*
While I liked the scent of the original version, I love this fragrance-free one 100x more! It feels lighter and even more hydrating on the skin – I could easily layer this on 5 times and it’d absorb instantly leaving my skin bright and plump. It’s got the same great ingredients as the original, minus the essential oils, and it is the bomb dot com. The light oil-free texture makes this suitable for all skin types looking to add hydration to their routine!
← $21.99 at Wishtrend (free global shipping; see my deals page for coupons!)
Alba1913 Metropolitan Skin Guard Mist*
This has been a staple on my desk, and I use it throughout the day to refresh my skin. It’s got a great blend of antioxidants and due to its anti-pollution film, it can help lock the hydration in your skin. Plus it smells like cucumber and melons! Full review here.
$32 in my shop →
(free shipping + 30 day returns!)
Oskia Super 16 Serum
A beautiful serum full of antioxidants like vitamin c + e and anti-aging retinol. It’s very similar in function and texture to the another favorite of mine, the Activist Skincare Hyaluronic Serum, and I’ve been alternating between the 2: Oskia in the evening and Activist Skincare in the morning. This one has a light floral scent which I really enjoy, but the bespoke Activist Skincare serum would be an excellent fragrance-free alternative!
← $100 at Cult Beauty; $120 at Net-a-Porter
Shiseido Essential Energy Gel Cream Moisturizer*
The more I use this the more I love it. Personally I’ve found Japanese skincare to work the best at refining the texture of my skin, and this one is no exception. Since using this my skin has been brighter and smoother, but because it pills under sunscreen, I use it at night only. The non-gel version has the same beautifully light texture, so I’ll be getting that one next time!
My spring time mask picks
While I adore the I’m From Honey Mask, it’s definitely a winter product (or a help-I’ve-overexfoliated-my-face-again mask), and I prefer something lighter for the warmer weather. These are the ones I’ve been reaching for lately:
June Jacobs Mandarin Moisture Mask*
Ugh this smells sooo good, and I love how refreshing it feels on the skin! My favorite way to use this is as the gel for my NuFace – my skin always feels so soft and plump afterwards. I’ve also tried the Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Mask which a lot of people rave about, but I get better results with the June Jacobs one. That and the Kiehl’s mask starts clumping when used with a NuFace, which was no bueno.
← $52 on Amazon, Skincare RX
The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask
I have a weakness for all things green tea, and after trying this on in store, I was sold. This has a cooling effect when applied on the skin, and apricot seed powder for gentle exfoliation. What I love about this mask is that it deep cleans without stripping my skin dry. For me it’s a slightly stronger alternative to the PTR Irish Moor Mud Mask (a 2017 favorite), plus it’s got a lovely matcha scent!
$28 at Ulta, The Body Shop, Amazon →
Orgaid Sheet Masks*
Usually Western sheet masks are hella expensive and/or total duds, but these feel and deliver the same great results as Asian sheet masks. Plus they have one of the best ingredient lists I’ve ever seen – a ton of soothing/hydrating extracts and no fillers or preservatives. Skin feels hydrated, bright, and non-sticky afterwards. Just fabulous. I highly recommend getting the multipack to try out the 3 different versions, which btw, are all excellent.
← $33 for a multipack of 6 at Beauty Heroes; $22/box of 4 on Amazon and Dermstore
(see my deals page for coupons!)
I do have more products that I’m still trying out, so it’s too early to give a verdict on those, but these? These I’m definitely loving, and will probably love until it’s cold again and I need my heavier products back. What have you been loving recently, and what are your spring skincare essentials?
Thanks for reading guys, and a big thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! I’m still a tiny bit in denial that I’m no longer in my 20’s, but my 30th birthday weekend has been nothing short of fantastic, so that it’s make the transition a lot more bearable ???? Hope you all have a wonderful week!
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
Frankly Flawless
I have the Oskia Restoration Oil and absolutely love it. The Super 16 Serum is also something I would love to try too and generally this is a brand that never disappoints me x
franklyflawless.com
Jenny
I didn't know they had an oil! I agree, all the Oskia products I've tried so far have been lovely, it's definitely a brand I'd love to explore more!
Shireen
Why oh why do you have to feature that Oskia serum? It has been in my wish list since last year or maybe even the year before but I couldn't bring myself to hit 'purchase'. LOL! It's so pricey! Is there anything remotely similar to it but for a smaller (make that very much smaller) fraction of the price?
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Jenny
Ugh I know, especially since the exchange rate against GBP is shit, now it's gotten even pricier even on Cult Beauty ???? The only product I've tried so far that is similar is the bespoke Activist Skincare serum which is only a tiny bit cheaper. I've been racking my brain but I don't remember using anything else that matches the texture, ingredients, and results of this serum at a lower price. There is the Missha Ampoule in the purple bottle....it's relatively cheaper and has a lovely texture, but personally I didn't get any results from it. Some people seem to love it though, so there's a chance you could too? ????
Camilla
Love your picks Jenny! The Shiseido gel cream at first spoke to me, but not so much if it pills :/. Love your posts as always!
Sam Hodgett
I've only recently started testing out the regular Klairs Toner (i'm so late and really wish I've tested it out sooner 😅) and am absolutely in love with it so will for sure have to test out the unscented one as well! I've never tested anything from Oskia, but that price though 😂 😭 It's been a hot minute since I last bought anything from Shiseido, but this post put them on the radar again. I'll have a look into both the gel and non gel version of this, I also remember liking their urban environment sunscreen and eye masks. You got me sold at anything anti-pollution so the Body Shop mask is also on my to buy list. Hope you had a great birthday Jenny and will have an even better 30s ♥
Sam Hodgett || Beauty & Lifestyle Bits
Bernadette
That Japanese match tea face mask from the body shop sounds incredible. I definitely need to check that one out!
www.themakeupaficionado.com
The Bandwagon Chic
I definitely love klairs.
Such great discoveries dear!
Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
New Vlog Entry!
Naya // partyparrotblog.com
Happy birthday my dear and what a wonderful selection of skincare! I must say that I am going to get that Klairs toner for sure, especially now that you've mentioned that it is even better than the original. Moisture mask sounds fab too! Thanks for the inspo xx
Linda Libra Loca
Oh, happy belated Birthday! Trust me, being in your 30s is a fabulous time. The weather here has changed only very recently, so I haven´t transitioned my routine quite yet. Soon though.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Bambi | www.kherblog.com
Happy birthday! I still wait for Klairs toner (thanks DHL), Alba1913 is still on my wishlist and Matcha mask smells so good but for my skin it's too strong, it has nice scent but I literally can use it only on acne spots :D
Rowena @ rolala loves
Happy belated birthday Jenny!!! I'm familiar with some of these but some are new to me. I was gifted the Oskia Super 16 Serum but I haven't tried it yet. I'm really excited about it now since you like it so much. I also have a weakness for all things green tea so that Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask sounds really good to me. I'm all for anything that will deep clean without stripping.
A Very Sweet Blog
The 30's are your BEST years Jenny! Enjoy them! I've been eyeing The Body Shops Matcha Tea products. Really happy to read your thoughts regarding the mask. I will definitely pick it up when I go to their store. Isn't it something how you have to adjust skincare based on the weather. I find myself doing the same.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Olga Olis
So many new interesting skincare products! I really want to try the Klairs toner and the The Body Shop green tea mask! Thanks for reccomending these products they all sound pretty amazing!
Love,
Olga from Myme
Lindsey @ sustainablysavvy
That Body Shop Matcha tea mask sounds wonderful! I love cooling and refreshing masks - plus it sounds like it can really help to deep clean your pores. :)
www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Yara Mel Rozaay
I'm a body shop junkie and that mask seems worth the try!
http://www.desiringsme.com/desiring-monochrome-01/
Gabrielle
You've certainly caught my attention with the Orgaid sheet masks! I've never heard of them before, but I'm curious about their impressive ingredient list now, for sure! Have a lovely weekend babe :)
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Sam
I go back and forth on that matcha mask! On the one hand it sounds amazing and I love matcha, but the other masks from The Body Shop also look really good, especially the Ethiopian Honey one. I hate getting so many masks all at once too, so I'm just hemming and hawing at this point, haha. Happy belated birthday!!
Megan
A happy belated birthday!
Kay (shoesandglitter)
I always love your skincare recommendations, and the way you set out your posts makes it that much more enjoyable to read. :) I too am a sucker for anything with green tea (green tea products usually smell amazing, too), so I would love to try that mask out! Hope you had a super awesome birthday, lovely. :) <3 I too am looking forward to warmer temps!! Thanks for sharing xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Mica
Happy belated birthday! I have heard so many good things about the Body shop masks so I will need to give them a try, the green tea one sounds really nice :) I've heard good things about Oskia too, but the Body Shop is more my budget, haha!
Hope you had a happy Easter! We have really enjoyed the long weekend, with beach time and family time and some long naps from the boys letting me catch up with blogging!
Away From The Blue Blog
Alyssa
I do love the unscented version of the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner. It's great for 7 skin method and prepping the skin before makeup. Also, I will really look for that matcha from The Body Shop, it sounds really good :)
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
glowyshoes1
They seem like really strong products.... Hope they work wonders
Glowyshoes's blog
Ankita Bardhan
So many great products! I need to try the Oskia's serum 16 and the Shiseido's moisturizing cream, they sound like something my skin will absolutely love! Klairs fragrance free toner too seems like a great product and I have been hearing so many good things about TBS Matcha Tea masks, need to get these too! Thanks for sharing your honest iews!
Hope you're having an amazing week!
xx
Real Girl Talks | Ankita Bardhan
http://realgirltalks.com/
Ankita Bardhan
Oh happy belated birthday btw! :)
The Bandwagon Chic
Such amazing products.
I love Klairs and something I would try
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Elise
Amazing! Can't wait to try!
Elise | www.elisebythepiece.com
TC
Ooooh! That fragrance-free Klairs toner is new! I'll have to consider trying that in the future :3
The Body Shop green tea mask also entices me. I've not heard of a pollution mask, so it seems like it's what I need in smoggy Seoul!
And happy belated birthday! Welcome to the the 30s. I've been there before, but it's not that different from your 20s, I feel :3
https://aigoo.me
Hungry Caramella
I'd like to try all of them!! :)
http://hungrycaramella.blogspot.it