Two Months of Empties, Fails, and Faves: A Skincare and Haircare Odyssey!

I'm a firm believer in the double cleansing method, especially in the evenings. I typically start with either a balm or an oil cleanser, and this ginseng cleansing oil from Beauty of Joseon is a beautiful option. While oil cleansers aren't universally loved, I adore how effectively they melt away even stubborn eye makeup, emulsify sunscreen, and lift away dirt and grime. This leaves my skin perfectly prepped for a second cleanse. The ginseng adds a subtle, earthy scent that I find quite pleasant.

Prequel is a brand that's been making waves recently, offering affordable prices and generously sized products. Their glycerin cleanser, boasting a high concentration of glycerin for hydration, sounded promising. However, for my extremely dry skin, it proved a bit too stripping. Keep in mind, my skin is exceptionally dry – I'm practically devoid of oil glands! So, my experience might not be typical. Many people rave about this cleanser, and it works beautifully for them. I ended up repurposing it as a body wash, which worked wonderfully. This highlights another advantage of Prequel – their products are often designed for both face and body. Their Urea Lotion, for instance, has become a family favorite, especially as the weather turns cooler and drier.

This oil-based cleanser intrigued me with its promise of hydration and gentle cleansing. While it delivered on the hydration front, it fell short when it came to removing my eye makeup. It wasn't a one-and-done product, requiring a separate makeup remover. While effective for cleansing and hydrating, the extra step makes it unlikely I'll repurchase.

This cleanser is a holy grail for me. It's incredibly soothing, effectively removes my eye makeup (even with a single cleanse), and is incredibly affordable. The oat-based formula is gentle on my sensitive skin, making it a constant repurchase.

This cleansing balm came highly recommended, but the strong fragrance was a deal-breaker for me. I prefer unscented products, and this one was simply too perfumey. While it effectively removed makeup, the fragrance was overwhelming, especially since my skin tends to be more sensitive during the colder months. It's a matter of personal preference, but this one wasn't for me.

If you're a fan of ZIIP microcurrent devices, their conducting gels are essential. I've been using their basic gel, and it lasts forever! I dampen my skin before application, and a little goes a long way. Even their pricier gels, packed with skincare ingredients, are worth the investment.

This evening serum is a powerhouse for combating pigmentation. It's packed with pigment-fighting ingredients and retinol. Due to recent retinoid sensitivity, I've scaled back on my prescription strength and have been using this instead. I plan to transition to a retinaldehyde soon and will create an updated retinoid video in the future. This serum is a winner and a definite repurchase.

This 20% vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid didn't quite win me over. The texture wasn't my favorite. I prefer the Timeless or Dermatology C-Tetra serums, which offer better absorption for my skin.

This is my go-to vitamin C serum. The thin, easily absorbed formula is perfect for my skin. I've finished another bottle and have already repurchased!

This peptide serum is a hydration hero, especially after dermaplaning. The combination of vitamin B5, peptides, and hyaluronic acid delivers intense moisture. It's a bit pricey, but worth it for its hydrating prowess.

This serum was a pleasant surprise. I loved the antioxidant benefits of CoQ10 and the added boost of Matrixyl 3000 peptides. My only complaint is that it separates and requires shaking before use. It's a definite repurchase.

I finished another cartridge of this serum and received a bunch of refills along with a super cute bling refill container!

This sample-sized serum didn't impress me. I prefer the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask for glycolic exfoliation, which I find more effective.

This eye serum was a disappointment. It irritated my eyes and didn't deliver noticeable results, despite its high price tag. I prefer the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream with hydropenicolone retinoate.

This lip filler was a fail. The waxy formula sat on my lips without hydrating. I prefer the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or the Fenty Skin Plush Puddin' Intensive Recovery Lip Mask.

This serum didn't live up to its promises of hydration and plumpness. It won't be a repurchase.

This hydrating toner is a summer staple for me. Its lighter texture is perfect for warmer months.

This cream skin toner has become a new favorite, especially for the cooler months. It provides excellent hydration before applying other products.

This cream, a favorite of my mom's, wasn't hydrating enough for my extremely dry skin. It might be suitable for those in more humid climates.

This affordable cream wasn't quite enough for my dryness. It might be a good option for normal to slightly oily skin.

This thick cream was a letdown. It sat on my skin without absorbing, despite being from the higher-end Nyad brand (part of the Deciem family).

I went through several cans of this sunscreen over the summer.

This chemical sunscreen with advanced filters is a favorite of mine.

I finished a jar of my prescription hydroquinone pads and am switching to Agency for my prescription skincare needs.

I finished several retinol body lotions after conducting a review. My top pick was Necessaire, which discloses the retinol percentage and includes AHA.

This oil-based body wash was hydrating, but I prefer the Eucerin version.

This luxurious body butter didn't provide the level of hydration I expected for the price.

This dry shampoo is a constant repurchase. It doesn't leave my hair flaky and helps extend the time between washes.

These are my go-to styling products, always on hand in both travel and full sizes.

This purple conditioner helps tone down yellowing in my gray hair. It's a light formula that doesn't deposit too much color.

I finished this hair system and am happy with the results.

This system irritated my scalp, so I passed it on to my husband to try.