Skincare & Beauty Product Reviews from a Student Esthetician 🧖‍♀️✨

As an esthetician student, beauty product junkie, and beauty writer, I’m always trying new products. Whether I’m trying out a new trend or an old favorite, I like do a little deep dive on the ingredients, what it does, possible interactions with other products, and of course doing a patch test before I put it all over my face or body.  

I’m sharing my review of a couple of products I’ve tried recently. Some have been at school, and others at home. 

Quick disclaimer, this is only my opinion and experiences trying these products. Everyone is different and deals with different skincare concerns. 

What I Look for in Skincare & Beauty Products🧴

As someone who deals with hyperpigmentation, I’m always paying close attention to what is in a beauty and skincare product. I like to look for products with licorice root, kojic acid, and vitamin C. For the occasional breakout, I prefer tea tree oil to not dry out my skin. I’m not the most sensitive when it comes to added fragrances, so that tends to be one of the last things I check. 

When I test a product, I do a patch test on my inner wrist. This lets me see if I’m allergic to a product or if it’s potentially irritating. This can sometimes happen if a product includes high concentration of certain active ingredients. You can also patch test behind your ear.

Products I’m Currently Loving 💗

All Time Favorites

Brow Pencil: Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Filling and Shaping Easy Eyebrow Pencil 

• I’ve tried so many brow pencils, but between the smoothness and color of this pencil, it’s become my go-to. The dual-action pencil and comb makes for easy application.

Essence: rhode Glazing Milk

• I’m sure you’ve heard many people already recommend this brand, but the hype is real. Not only does it leave my skin feeling soft, but it’s a perfect base for makeup application and helps get me skin get to that no-makeup perfection where I can just do mascara, brow pencil, gloss, and call it a day.  

Mascara: Kiss Me Heroine Make Micro Mascara Advanced Film 

• The moment I first tried Kiss Me Heroine mascara, I knew. this was going to be the only mascara I’d need. Smooth application, waterproof, and holds all day. What else do I need to say? 

Setting Spray: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Waterpoof Setting Spray 

• I didn’t want to fall for all the hype from countless influencers and TikTokers’ saying this was the best setting spray, but it is. I used to swear by Urban Decay’s setting sprays, but this one is just a step above the rest. 

Recent Favorites

This includes recent products I’ve gotten and love. 

Eye Cream: CHATELIER Eye Lift

• I received this eye cream as a gift from the founder of CHATELIER. This lightweight cream is perfect for helping my dark under eyes.

Cleanser: SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 

• I received this cleanser free in exchange for a review through YesStyle, and immediately fell in love. This light cleansing oil leaves my skin fresh, clean, and soft. 

Brow Gel: ETUDE Bare Brow Fixer 

• I’m usually weary of brow gel since so many can lead to hairs falling out, but this brow gel has been perfect so far. With a soft brown pigment, it blends with my hair color and holds them in place gently throughout the day. 

Lip Product: rhode Peptide Lip Tint (in Ribbon) & Peptide Lip Shape (in Press) 

• This combination has been my go-to since the moment I got it. I’ve always loved rhode’s peptide lip tints, but the shade ribbon is the best one I’ve tried yet. Paired with the lip shape, it creates a full look. 

Treatments: medicube Deep Vita C Pad & THE INKEY LIST Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum, Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration 

• These treatments have been so gentle and yet effective, which is great when you deal with skin conditions like hyperpigmentation. I’ve tried to many treatments that didn’t work, so it can be easy to just give up. Instead, this combination has saved my skin. 

• Medicube Deep Vita C Pad is good for brightening and exfoliating. 

• THE INKEY LIST Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum is soothing and gives a glow.

• Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration knocks out dark spots with the combination of kojic acid and licorice. 

Extra: Josie Marian Vanilla Vibezzz Body + Hair Fragrance Mist

• I couldn’t help but add one of my new favorite fragrance. I love everything vanilla and this is just one more mist I can combine with my current vanilla fragrance and mist combination. 

Product I Wanted to Love… But Didn’t 💔

When it comes to products I don’t like, it’s good. To remember that everyone’s skin is different. Just because these products don’t work for me, doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. 

Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Instant Face Bronzer: This was a sad one. I wanted to love this product since Isle of Paradise is one of my favorite brands, especially when it comes to tanning products. Sadly, this product just wasn’t for me. The shade looked great as a body bronzer, but I don’t really use pigmented body lotions unless I’m at the beach. 

Since my beauty school is partnered with Dermalogica, I’ve tried a lot of their products since starting. There have been good products, and then one’s that are a pass for me. Sadly the Daily Microfoliant broke my hands and arms out in an allergic reaction, and the Active Moist Moisturizer is a pass for me. With so many amazing moisturizers out there, I’d rather use so many other products than this moisturizer. 

What I Want to Try Next 🔍

There’s a couple of products on my wish list. With so many products coming out, I love to do a little extra research to narrow down my list. 

Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid for Daily Hydration 

• I love all things Sol de Janeiro and there hasn’t been a scent yet that I don’t love.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Treatment for Hydration + Nourishing Shine in Pink Guava 

• I have an ever growing collection of lip glosses, including a couple Summer Fridays, and I’m excited to try out the new guava flavor. 

Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunlighter Glow & Protect Stick SPF 45

• Supergoop! is my go-to when it comes to sunscreen. I set my makeup with their powder, use their pigmented sunscreen in place of foundation, and the sunscreens for reapplication throughout the day.  

SOFIE PAVITT FACE Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum 

• The moment I read about Sofie Pavitt in Vogue, I was interested in all her products. I received a sample of this product and I’m so excited to try it out. 

At the end of the day, it’s good to remember that everyone’s skin is different. Just because something works for me or doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it’ll be the same for you. This is the same for any products you see your favorite celebs and influencers sharing on their social media. When it comes to your skin, take a personalized approach. Always patch test (especially if you’ve never tried an ingredient before), ask for guidance if you're not sure what product to get for your issue, and don’t be afraid to try different brands! You never know, you might discover your new favorite product. 

Hey beauty! Just a quick note, some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you decide to shop through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I’m part of the Amazon Associates and YesStyle Influencer programs, so I earn up to 10% commission on some of the skincare and beauty faves I share. I only recommend products I truly love, use, or would use in the treatment room. Your support means the world and helps me keep sharing all things glow, glam, and gorgeous. 💖✨