APRIL | SKINCARE FAVS

by dailykongfidence

This is something new that I am going to start doing monthly of all my skincare favorites. As you know, I receive tons of beauty and makeup products and it would be great to share with you which ones I end up really liking and using (and repurchasing).

Before I share my April Skincare Favorites, I just want to highlight my skin’s profile and concerns. I have combination skin which is oily on the T-Zone area and dry everywhere else and I don’t have sensitive skin. I get the occasional breakouts especially during that time of the month, but I wouldn’t say I have acne prone skin. My main area of concern is anti-aging and all that it encompasses including brightening, plumping, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines…you know, all the stuff that 30-year olds need to start worrying about.

Okay, so let’s get to it. This month I’ve tried several brands from smaller, Indie brands to department store brands and here are some of my favorites.

1. REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
I love masks. I mask 3 – 4x a week using anything from clay, peel, sheet, you name it I’ve done it. What I love about the REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is that it only takes 10 minutes to work and it really works. The consistency is quite thick but it doesn’t dry your face so you are still able to move it (unlike clay masks). You immediately feel some tingling going on as you apply it and it smells so delicious. After ten minutes I wipe it off using the cloth provided with the mask and my skin feels fresh, clean, and looks amazing. RIGHT AFTER. This mask is not for daily use though, so make sure you use it 1-2x a week and use sunscreen after.

2. Circcell ABO+|- Serum
If you remember my post from the Indie Beauty Expo, Circcell is a brand that I really fell in love with. From the passionate founder who also has a background in engineering, to the real science behind the products, I love so many items from this brand. But if I had to pick my favorites, the ABO +|- Serum is something I use right after I apply toner. The silky serum feels and goes on extremely smooth. It has an ingredient called Perfluorocarbons which mimics blood cells to increase circulation. This increased oxygen has improved my overall skin texture and smoothed fine lines in the past six weeks I’ve been using this. I can tell that my skin in general has a renewed luminosity since using this serum. It is quite pricey, but worth preventing and improving fine lines and firmness and elasticity.

3. La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream
As you know, I am a huge La Mer fan. I’ve been using their Creme de la Mer for numerous years and I decided to give the new Cool Gel Cream a try. This gel is much lighter than the Creme de la Mer which makes it perfect for spring and summer and also for those who don’t like the heaviness of the original creme. This is also great for those with oily skin. I like the “cool” feel of this moisturizer and it almost feels like a sleep mask to me. Coming from using the Cream de la Mer, I like the lightness of this new Cool Gel but once seasons change to cooler temps, I think I will go back to the Creme de la Mer for extra hydration.

4. Circcell 10% Vitamin C Ampoules
Right after the Circcell ABO +|- Serum, I follow it up with the Vitamin C Ampoules also by Circcell. If I had to pick a hero product for this brand, the Vitamin C Ampoules would be it. I love the single dose (I’ve been able to use one dose twice though) ampoules because it truly protects the potency and efficacy of the Vitamin C. What many people don’t know is that Vitamin C must be stored and packaged properly as it is an unstable molecule that oxidizes over time with exposure to light and air making it ineffective. The fact that this Vitamin C is stored in individual ampoules assures me that they will not be exposed to light and oxidize. The consistency of the serum is creamy and soft, and upon application I notice a slight sting (nothing uncomfortable) which makes me feel like it is working immediately. It goes on super matte and very velvety.

5. Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycol Night Serum
One thing that I’ve noticed when it comes to aging is that you want your dull, dead skin to shed off to improve overall texture and fine lines. This Glycol Night Serum is amazing! It has 12% AHA/BHA Blend which makes it quite effective in resurfacing skin to reveal a more even and radiant complexion. By effectively taking away dead skin, it also allows your skin to better absorb other products more efficiently. After using it for a few weeks I’ve already noticed that it has lightened old acne scars and some smaller spots. It is not drying at all and I like the thin consistency of the serum. I started using this every few days in the beginning and now use it nightly without any redness or noticeable peeling.

6. Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial
I’ve been wanting to try this product for a while now after a friend swore by it. Don’t let the baby pink fool you, it is potent. Only to be used once a week, this Babyfacial is exactly that – a facial to resurface skin as it exfoliates. It has a whopping 25% AHA and 2% BHA which will dramatically improve skin texture, minimize lines, and boost clarity leaving your skin glowing and baby soft. It definitely tingles upon application, but again, that means it’s working in my definition. You leave the mask on for 20 minutes and after you wash it off, trust me your skin immediately looks better and brighter. Lets just say that I cannot wait for the week to be over to use this Babyfacial again! Some people have said they get a little redness after using this product, but so far any minimal redness goes away by morning for me.

So there you have it, my April Skincare Favorites. I hope you enjoy this new addition to the blog and look forward to reading my new reviews each month. If there are any products you are curious about, please let me know in the comments as I would love to provide any input I have. Also, I do my skincare routine and highlight different products in my Instagram Stories as I am using them, so make sure you are following me and watching my Stories to see videos and live reviews!

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27 comments

Michelle Sun April 27, 2018 - 11:04 am

Aw, I love reading about your monthly skincare series! You inspire me to talk more about skincare 🙂 Can’t wait to read more!

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Briana April 27, 2018 - 11:10 am

I’ll seriously have to try! I am all about skincare recently!

Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

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Elizabeth T. April 27, 2018 - 5:37 pm

Loving all of these great picks! 🙂 Really want to try all of the serums! <3

XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/

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Aliya April 28, 2018 - 1:23 pm

I love reading about skincare. It’s one of the areas that I don’t focus on so I’m not sure what’s out there. These products sound great especially the mask. Will have to try it out! Keep these posts coming.

StylebyAliya
http://www.stylebyaliya.com

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Marie Tang April 28, 2018 - 7:42 pm

Love errand ing your reviews on new products! I bought the Ren mask after I saw your stories on it an I do love it! Want to try the rest on your list!

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Heather Rowland April 28, 2018 - 11:05 pm

This is such a good idea for a post and I love all of your mini reviews of each product!!

Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk

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Tina April 29, 2018 - 7:32 pm

Yes!! Love this new series since your skin is always flawless! I have a ton of masks laying around but rarely ever use them. That’s so impressive that you mask 3-4x a week. I really should be better at taking care of my skin! Thanks for sharing your April favorites!

Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com

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Sandy April 29, 2018 - 8:34 pm

I too have combination skin – oily in the tee zone and dry everywhere else so I know what’s like to need good skincare products. All the ones you’ve shared sound wonderful . I especially am intrigued by the Babyfacial product. Will definitely need to try it!

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Sarah April 29, 2018 - 11:58 pm

I am always looking for skincare recommendations, I have combination skin but living in humid climates has really changed my skin. I loved reading about the La Mer Cool Gel Cream, it sounds perfect for Summer months. I am also into using clay masks 2-3 times week, but I do feel that they tend to dehydrate my skin. So I really need to try the REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Thanks for sharing your recommendations :).

xx
Sarah
http://sarahatiq.com/

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Camille April 30, 2018 - 6:05 am

Great post, thanks for sharing! I need to try these products 🙂

Camille xo

http://www.cococami.blogspot.com

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Simone April 30, 2018 - 11:40 am

You have such amazing products for your skincare routine Christine! La Mer is definitely one of my favourite and it’s worth it to spend money on it. Have a fabulous week

xx Simone
Little Glittery Box

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Mercy April 30, 2018 - 7:41 pm

I love masks too but I only do once a week or now that it’s getting colder maybe once every 2 weeks. I would like to try La Mer because of the many positive reviews. Nice to see this post, it inspires me to not be lazy and take care of my face well.

http://www.busyandfab.com

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Jessie April 30, 2018 - 9:50 pm

To be honest, I haven’t heard more than half of the brands you have listed above. There are so many good new rising skincare brands nowadays and I feel like I totally should venture out a little from my daily skin routines. Thanks for sharing Christine. Drunk elephant and Circcell are definitey next on my list to try!

xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/desert-party-with-revolvefestival-during-coachella-weekend-2018/

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Open Kloset May 1, 2018 - 9:02 am

Hey Sweetie 🙂
How are you?
Love your Skincare Reviews, First Because it is super Detailed and I love to try new products out:)
My Skin super sensitive so I am always super careful with Skincare products:)
Some brands I never heard before but La Mer I know well and I tried already:) Love the brand sooo much:)
Wish you Happy New Week
Kisses Love
Open Kloset By Karina

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Eva May 1, 2018 - 1:26 pm

Great and very good products. I’m interested to try the skinC vitamin serum for rejuvenate my skin;) and the night glycol serum would be good for my damn spots.
Thank to sharing interesting brands and products
Xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com

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Jessi Malay May 1, 2018 - 9:23 pm

The La Mer cool gel cream is my new favorite moisturizer!! I love how lightweight and refreshing it is, especially in the morning 🙂 Great roundup babe!

XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/im-losing-baby-weight-quick-easy-meal-fitness-routine/

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Erica Luczakowsky May 2, 2018 - 4:53 am

It sounds like we have the same skin type, and I cannot wait to look into these products! The mixture of dry here, and oily there is exhausting and frustrating, and then trying to look for particular products, such as anti-aging brings ever more complications to the mix. Thank you thank youuuuuu for doing the leg work for this! I cannot wait to try them!

xoxo,
E

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Nina Nguyen May 2, 2018 - 6:41 am

Ohh sounds like so many great products! I’ll have to look into them, thanks for sharing babe!
xx- Nina

http://www.ninalnguyen.com/2018/05/ootd-spring-florals.html

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Jessica May 2, 2018 - 8:41 am

Great picks dear, I love La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream too. It just feels sooo good to use.

Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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Aurela lacaj May 2, 2018 - 9:42 am

I have a similar skin type as yours. I use clay masks as well but I am not as disciplined as you to do it often. La Mer is my favourite moistures that I been using for a while now. Is pricey but worth it, feels so good on my skin. I need to check few of this products and try a few different skin routines. You inspire me to not be lazy and take care of my skin even more 🙂
Aurela x
http://www.aurelafashionista.com

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Gina Diaz May 2, 2018 - 11:22 am

Thank you for sharing an amazing review of your April skincare favorites. They all sound truly incredible and I would like to incorporate into my skincare routine the Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I love to apply masks, especially when you don’t need to waist to much time since and see great results. Will be looking into purchasing this mask.

xx. Gina

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Sheree May 2, 2018 - 1:22 pm

Thank you for the post, these sound like great skincare products, I will have to start trying them and incorporating them into my regime, love when you find a great product with great results!

~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com

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Jacqueline May 2, 2018 - 1:25 pm

Such a good round up! I’m actually in desperate need of a new moisturizer. I keep hearing drunk elephant is An amazing brand! I’ve tried CircCell before but it didn’t agree with my skin thanks for sharing

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Vanessa May 2, 2018 - 5:56 pm

Hey love,
How are you? I love this! I think this is such an important post because skin care is an essential. I love trying out new products and some of these sound really amazing. I would totally love to check some of them out and even try them to get the chance to discover new brands, thanks for sharing!

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Tandya Stewart May 2, 2018 - 10:35 pm

I loved reading your April skincare roundup! I have oily skin, that is also very sensitive. It’s very hard for me to do trial and error periods because more than likely I will break out. I love when I can read a blogger’s thoughts on a product before trying! I love a good mask and the REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask sounds amazing! I like that its clay base, but isn’t drying. I love La Mer products, and I am currently using the Cool Gel Cream. It really is great for oily skin!

XO
Tandya
http://www.simplytandya.com

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Darya May 3, 2018 - 12:36 am

Hi dear,

Now I’m searching for the best skincare products for the spring-summer season.
Your blog post is so helpful! I’ll probably buy REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask and Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial.
Sounds like perfect products for my skin!

xoxo
Darya

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Candace May 9, 2018 - 7:22 pm

Yeahhhh…I’m inching closer and closer to 30, so I could definitely always use some new tips for skincare. I too, love masking and always enjoy how it makes my skin feel afterwards. Though you skin type is a bit different than mine, I feel I could definitely benefit from some of these products, the Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycol Night Serum especially. I need to see if it’ll make some of my dry skin disappear, haha!

http://www.thebeautybeau.com

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