Face Republic Vita Glow Niacin Toner

Trying to go through my pile of empties from 2024, one product at a time since I'm ashamed to have prioritized a cleanser I've used once over things I have owned and emptied.

To start with: something I've gone through like water was Face Republic's Vita Glow Niacin Toner (bought after emptying an Inisfree toner I've yet to review). It was a clear liquid in a yellow bottle with an easy open flip top cap.

It feelt like water on the skin on first contact: very lightweight, slightly hydrating with no tackiness despite the glycerin base. Also with no stinging on application close to the eye. Initially, I thought there was no effect but I did see a visible brightness after a week of consistent twice daily use of one layer and a decrease in tendency to acne. I tried to increase application to two laters but noted my skin became more sensitive after so stuck at that single layer applied twice daily. YMMV but I've found it a brightening toner that I can use under a moisturizer/more hydrating serum and sunscreen so it really works as advertised.

Sadly, I not so accidentally exposed this to the sun so I saw some crystal formation by the final third of its lifespan... and thus relegated it to neck hydration - for which I could only tolerate once daily application.

I think I bought this near retail at Php 450 -500 but it often goes on sale. It's currently less than Php 400 or USD ~7 for a whopping 160 ml of niacinamide plus ascorbic acid.

Would recommend this who want brightness on a budget. Just don't leave it out in the sun. 

Ellana Take It Easy Make Up Remover

Just had a quick try of this make-up remover from Ellana.

TLDR: Happy to try but glad I didn't buy. Then again, seems like it's no longer available.

Old Spice: High Endurance Anti-perspirant/Deodorant

 Emptied out this emergency purchase of a deodorant/antiperspirant: Old Spice: High Endurance Anti-perspirant/Deodorant.

At 246 php (~4.5 USD), this was not cheap but lasted a good while (around 6 months) used 2x a week. I bought this since I need a heavy work anti-perspirant regularly and boy, was this heavy duty. On me, its antiperspirant effects lasted around 36-40 hours (granted I layer this over another antiperspirant). Its scent lasted around 24 hours - which may not be to your taste since the it leans masculine. Not a problem if using sleeves though.

However, even with sparing use, I've found it does leave marks on clothes, which are a big chore to remove. It's not yellow, leaning white. But it IS there and needs a good scrub or two.

I would not repurchase this but those who really do need a reliable anti-perspirant and don't mind the extra work may see the value in this.