Hi guys, I shared this in details on my Instagram (@hoarderbeauty) but I wanted to share with you guys as well. 

I received a product from Ladykind (@myladykind) via @octoly in exchange for a review. I had some problems with the products so I wrote to Ladykind. They took offense to what I said and didn’t fix any of the problems. 

Ladykind asked me to remove my IG Story where I said this about them “slight mishap to my package so waiting for feedback from the brand”. They said this “doesn’t look good for our brand”.

I did not want to be silenced so I posted all the problems about the product on my IG Story. I wrote a 1 star review stating only my honest opinion, as I am required to do for getting the product via Octoly, on Ladykind’s website.

The next day, I find out that my Octoly account, which I had for 2 years, has been deleted. No explanation but the only thing I did was post that one star review. It is obvious that Ladykind asked Octoly to remove my account. Octoly understandably sided with their client even though Octoly rules state you must share your honest opinion.

The 1 star review I wrote never made it on Ladykind’s website. They are purposely suppressing negative reviews and only allowing 4 and 5 star reviews on their website. They also do not request reviewers disclose they received their products for free. They violated 2 FTC guidelines right there. Their social manager wrote 5 star reviews for products on their website (using their real name so it’s easy to verify)

I am thankful that in my 3+ year of being a content creator and product reviewer, this is the first time I’ve had a problem with stating an honest opinion. But I am disheartened to find out that a brand can destroy your 2 years of relationship and hundred of product reviews without problems with Octoly with just a word. The big guys will always win over the small flies.

Despite this, I am going to continue telling the truth, it has cost me opportunities already but I believe in integrity in the long run, even if I am not seeing the rewards.

Please help to share this so more people will know what a shady company Ladykind is!! Ladykind has deleted all negative comments and blocked people from mentioning them on IG.

My Punishment for Sharing an honest review

I’ve seen some confusions around these 2, especially for the newer users who might not have read the original blog post, which I can’t find right now. This is how I see the 2. Let me know if I got anything wrong 

Picky Giveaway
- anyone can enter
- the points used are not returned to you in the event you don’t win
- it is a random draw, although your chance of winning increases with your activity on the app and on IG
- a review is required

Picky Reward
- only Super Picky Squad and in some cases also Picky Squad can enter
- points are deducted when you enter, but if you do not receive the reward, your points are returned
- not a random draw, but depends on how many products are available. ie you should get the reward unless too many people applied for it
- a review is required

Picky Giveaway vs Picky Reward

I came to search up information on the Commonlabs giveaway since I am still waiting for mine to arrive but the discussion section is littered with reviews.

Why are the reviews getting posted here instead of in the review section? It makes the discussion section extremely cluttered.

Why is everyone posting their review in discussions?

Community Member since 08/2020! Picky was a very different game back in the days. If anyone want to reminisce hit me up!

Who’s been here longer than me?

I’ve been reviewing for PR for almost a year now on my IG, and there is one thing that I really don’t understand. Interested to hear your thoughts.

Some brands I’ve worked with give very tight deadlines for review. Between receiving the products, shipping delays, and other deadlines, I find I am often left with 1-2 weeks to use the product, take photos and write a review.

I really don’t like judging a product after using for such a short time, and a lot of times I end up liking a product more when I use it more often and with other products, so my reviews are always better for products I get to test for longer. 

What I don’t understand is, why do some brands feel like they need your review in such a rush? Why can’t they give 1 month deadline at least ? It’s not like I am not going to review your item. I will actually do a worse job with 1 week deadline than a 1 month deadline.

Not all brands do this and I really appreciate the ones that give a longer deadline. With Picky reviews, it also depends on the brand. If brands send their products quickly after you’ve been chosen for review, then it’s not a problem, but some brands don’t ship until 2 weeks before the deadline so I end up having to rush again.

As a reviewer, I would love a minimum of 1 month to test, but my ideal is 3 months window. What about you? If there are any brands here reading this, I want to know why you require a 2 week turnaround for reviews?

Product testing deadlines for gifted items (PR), what are your thoughts?

As for moisturizing, I don’t need my sunscreen for that, as I have so many products to help with that. I have been reapplying this every couple of hours without adding any more moisturizing ingredients to help it along and it’s been fine for my combination skin. It will be interesting to see how it works out in winter. 

I didn’t test how it wears under makeup, because as you know, I’ve been makeup free for months.

The Claim: - EWG Green grade safe ingredients
- 100% Physical sunscreen with no white cast
- Perfect hydration

My take: I am so surprised that all their claims held true for me, especially the no white cast for a physical sunscreen. My number one reason for going for chemical sunscreen over physical has been because of the thick texture and the white cast often found in physical sunscreen.

Let’s talk texture. This is not as thin and elegant as some chemical sunscreens, but it’s by no means thick at all! It is easily spreadable, takes only slightly longer than a chemical sunscreen to absorb into the skin, is not sticky at all, and amazingly, leaves NO white cast, and that’s without having any tints in the formula!

My skin is a little sensitive atm due to my holiday mishap, and I can confidently say, this sunscreen does not cause me any irritation or problems.

I love the concept of using wild yam extract in place of snail mucin, but I guess I like the effect of snail mucin more.

Both the toner and serum are very similar actually, with the serum being slightly thicker in consistency. Both feature wild yam, panthenol and centella in the ingredients. They contain no fragrance and no problematic ingredients. With that list of ingredients, I had no issues with irritation of course. 

I have nothing bad to say about the products, they just did not excite me, but the brand has done a lot of things right that I can’t say for a lot of others. When you see so many similar products fighting for our attention these days, these other things become differentiating factors.

The packaging is very simple, but more importantly, they are eco friendly, made from sugar residue leftover from the manufacturing process. They are also cruelty free and vegan.

I also commend the brand on their customer service. They allowed plenty of time for a no obligation review of their products, which I really appreciate.

Maybe I’ve been spoiled with my very hydrating toners and FTEs lately, but I needed 3 layers before I felt my skin was sufficiently hydrated. (Aside - I’ve read&#47;learned lately that for FTEs, more is more, so maybe 3 layers is the norm?). I experience no irritation on my non sensitive skin.

It did not meet my high expectation. If I tested it a year ago before trying my current toners and essences, I would have said it’s the best I’ve ever used. Alas, the bar has been raised and I have found better.

The claim: Hydrating and brightening “First Treatment Essence” (FTE) made with over 93% skin-compatible naturally fermented ingredients. Also formulated with 17% birch juice to add hydration and 9% rice extracts to illuminate skin from within.

This can be hydrating when layered on and is a very good product due to its ingredients list

The price is on the more $$$ side but i feel it is justified as you get 75ml of product and the ingredients are high quality.

I received this product for free from Picky and PURE&#39;AM in exchange for my honest review

The Claim:
- Encapsulated Vegan Ceramide™ and Organic Glycerin protect your skin from environmental pollution, dryness, and irritants by creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture for firmer and smoother skin
- Organic Shea Butter high in vitamins and fatty acids helps to create a smooth and moisture barrier with calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Organic Yuzu Water high in Vitamin C promotes anti-aging for a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
- Vegan Squalane: Naturally exfoliates to restore rough skin textures and strengthen its barrier
- High in Vitamin ingredients, such as Alpha Bisabolol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract effectively nourishes and strengthens the skin for a bright and dewy complexion.

My Take:
I decided to apply for this based on the ingredients as I had a feeling it would suit my skin, and I’m not wrong 🙂 Shea butter is high on the ingredients list. It doesn’t suit everyone but my skin loves it.

The texture is quite thick as a balm should be (great for 🌀). It melts down beautifully though and is pretty easy to rub in. This doesn’t feel greasy or sticky at all. You would love this if you like that heavier substantial feeling. I like to use it on my hands and feet as well as my face.

I have to highlight their simple and understated packaging, which is also very functional. It is fragrance free and I can’t smell anything.

Conclusion:
Great moisturizing balm with ingredients that my skin loves.

May be too heavy or moisturizing for some

▪️Claims▪️
- Face Serum & Moisturizer 2-in-1: hybrid multipurpose face cream that combines hydrating serum and face moisturizer in one product.
- Boost Skin Radiance & Brightening: provides a healing effect on damaged skin and redness. It helps to erase blemishes, remove dark spots, and hydrate the skin.

▪️Packaging▪️
- Frosted jar with scoop that fits in the lid.

▪️Ingredients Highlight▪️
- 31.27% Apricot seed extract
- Niacinamide 
- Beta Carotene

▪️Scent▪️
- Apricot jam 🥰 No added fragrance

▪️Texture▪️
- Like a balm, reminds me of apricot jam, especially the smell. Melts straight into the skin.
- 
▪️Price▪️
$39 on @blithecosmetic.us or Amazon US

▪️My Take▪️
I don’t do well with 2 in 1 products, I’m a maximalist, but I can definitely see this working as a 1 step product, if your serum is for brightening and hydrating purposes, you don’t need to double up.

I was worried this would be too hydrating but it’s been fine in this warm weather. I make sure I don’t use a hydrating serum or oil in my routine, and my skin has been happy. This doesn’t feel heavy at all considering the balm texture.