I'm a skincare enthusiast who's on a journey to learn more about how key active ingredients affect our skin and I've been really enjoying the discussions and learnings I've had through this platform! I've used Instagram for several years and I feel like it's becoming more and more sales focused. I feel like the skinfluencers I follow are all a part of some sort of affiliate program to make money off my back so all the product reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Meanwhile on Picky there's a mandatory section to describe what you didn't like for each product which is more realistic. Because for me even if I love the formulation, texture, smell and effect of a product, I might not like the price point or the bottle / applicator. Here are my two cents. What do you prefer to exchange skincare knowledge? Picky or Instagram?

Anyone else enjoy this community more than Instagram?

It's mosquito season where I am and I recently bought a new repellent lotion that I'm supposed to rub into my skin. I don't think I need to apply it onto bare skin but when I applied over moisturizer I still got mosquito bites. 

My question for picky friends is: if you use mosquito repellent, what do you apply with it and how do you incorporate it into your existing routine?

When do you apply mosquito repellent in your skincare routine?

I'm currently using the lowest dose of tretinoin at 0.025% and I started about 10 months ago. Now that my skin is used to it should I switch to a stronger percentage?

how long before increasing tretinoin strength?

Yesstyle: HEYMARIA10

Stylevana: INF10MARIAW

Smells like ham but it fades quickly. Contains alcohol denat which can be drying or irritating for some. Stains light colored fabrics, same as any other vitamin C product. Oxidizes in 2 months so you have to use it fast.

Doesn't tingle at all! Spreads easily, doesn't leave a layer of film even if it contains oils. Makes my skin feel soft upon application. I'll need to use it for a longer time (4 weeks) to see how it fades my acne scars. The bottle is really cool too. It makes a soda can opening noise when first opened. The bottle automatically removes air to keep the actives working longer.

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Stylevana: INF10MARIAW 
Yesstyle: HEYMARIA10 
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I received this product for free from Picky and Coxir in exchange for my honest review

Unscented and alcohol free. This serum spreads super well on my skin. It gives my dry winter skin the first layer of hydration it desperately needs. I also appreciate the pump bottle that helps easily dispense the product. It's my preferred packaging over droppers. 

As much as the dropper feels super luxe, I'd prefer a pump bottle instead.

I was lucky to have won both the @skin1004official Madagascar Cantella items: the toning toner the ampoule from the @go.picky app! Thank you @pickyrewards! See my IG @hey_mariaw for more photos and videos.
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Key ingredient:
Centella is a common K beauty ingredient known for calming inflammation, speeding up wound healing, building collagen, and more! Talk about a super ingredient!
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The ampoule has an ever so slightly thicker texture than the toner but is still extremely lightweight. It's comparable to my other K beauty ampoules. It has just 1 ingredient: Centella Asiatica extract from Madagascar. This made my skin feel hydrated and calm immediately upon application. 
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Verdict:
Overall if you like simple yet effective ingredients in skincare with no artificial fragrances or filler ingredients, I'd recommend it!

Sticky when used alone. Moisturizer layered on top makes it a lot better

I like how it spreads easily and 1 drop covers my entire face so a little goes a long way. The large screw cap makes it easy to open which is great for people with limited hand strength. My skin felt hydrated immediately upon application.  I like that it has a short ingredient list of natual and functional ingredients.

I didn't see any noticable brightening after about a dozen uses. The format is small for the price and the pump is stiff (might be just my bottle) 

I recieved this product from Picky and Dear, Klairs for free in exchange for my honest review. I like the lightweight gel texture and that it's scent free. It spreads well and hydrates well. I like that since it's a vitamin C derivative, it doesn't oxidize super fast and I don't have to worry about keeping it in the fridge.

MissMaria