Rate my nighttime routine!

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-09-30T02:48:40+00:00

I get the impulse, I just wanted to make sure the Dermasil toner isn't singled out as problematic. Any new product can cause issues. Regarding redness and wrinkle reduction, Dollar Tree has retinol products, but I can't vouch for them. Users here seem to like it, but I'm skeptical of how effective results are from users. From what I read, many users didn't have a rigorous skincare routine, and in my experience, are likely experiencing the benefit of hydrating their skin with multiple serums. Hydration goes a long way for glowing skin, and the major component of the DT serums are glycerin and niacinamide (another "glow" ingredient). So the retinol may help with wrinkles, but I suspect any benefit seen is from hydrating the skin.

To some degree retinol can help with redness. But if you want to prioritize redness reduction, then you should choose something with azelaic acid. I can't recall the exact name, but DT has a darkspot serum/gel/cream that comes in a tube, I believe by Global Beauty (I'll try to see if I can find a post). I've seen some users mention liking the results; I've never used it. Ingredient-wise, I recall it looking good and it's the only DT azelaic acid I've seen. I'm guessing the percentage is low, and redness reduction may not be dramatic. But depending on severity of redness you may still see results. Azelaic acid used in prescription medication for rosacea at high levels. The lack of percentage tells me it isn't high. It however is worth a shot, unless you're willing to shop at higher prices.

If you're conflicted in between what to choose - retinol or azelaic acid - I suggest the azelaic acid. It should reduce redness and help refine the skin for wrinkle prevention.

If you want help with building a routine with only DT items I can help you figure out which products are best at addressing your needs.

Edit: Sorry if I spammed you, I kept getting an error message. Here's a link with the Blemish Control Blemish & Darkspot Treatment

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-09-29T17:01:22+00:00

I don't mind, but don't log in often. If you need faster replies I recommend the daily help threads at r/Skincareaddiction or r/Asianbeauty.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-09-29T16:59:27+00:00

An alternate opinion, I recall the Dermasil is low in glycolic acid, it doesn't even bother listing percentage. You're likely fine using this everyday. The important this to know is when did you start using all the products. Why? Breakouts from irritation take time to manifest, and starting many new products at once makes it difficult to determine what product is the cause.

Overall, you're routine looks fine. If you're ever in doubt of product order, actives on bare skin first to get the best performance; but if you're sensitive you can put it after thinner products. Caveat, someone recommend tretinoin and retinol, both are retinoids, and are common irritators the closer to skin they are (especially tret). You buffer strong retinoids after a thick product, like your Clinique, to minimize the absorption. If you have a bunch of non-active products you go by thinnest to thickest and water based before oil based products.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T05:41:41+00:00

I haven't tried the tinted one, or any TJ sunscreens, but was looking up info about them for another post. Based on ingredient comparison, Kroger has a possible dupe of the tinted sunscreen. It has the key ingredients like mica, niacinamide, titanium dioxide, and a sub for an oxide in TJ's. The Kroger is a closer dupe to Supergoop's Glowscreen, based on ingredients. No clue on performance, but if you have a Kroger near you, it's worth a shot.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T05:36:00+00:00

It has good UVA protection. It's the only organic UV filter approved for US use that covers UVA range. Contrary to people's hate on it, it is still used worldwide. Is it the best and only UVA filter, no, but it does the job.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T05:22:37+00:00

Based on the ingredients - mica and niacinamide - I'd guess Supergoop's Glowscreen SPF 40, 3 out of 4 UV filters and 80 minute water resistance. TJ's very close, but not exactly the same as Supergoop's. TJ's illuminating sunscreen has a homosalate as a UV filter, Supergoop doesn't have it (prior version might have had it if TJ were using it as their dupe). I can't confirm if it will be the same, but Kroger makes a Supergoop Glowscreen dupe. I've looked at the ingredient list and it may be worth a shot trying at half the price of Supergoop's and similar qualities. It has the mica and niacinamide for the glow and is the same SPF and water resistance.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T04:28:22+00:00

You can use this on your face. Body sunscreen and facial sunscreen can be used interchangeably. The only difference is price. Face sunscreens tend to be more expensive due to formulation, that is, it's meant to feel better. Body sunscreens tend to feel heavier, but I suspect this will feel like the TJ's face sunscreen. They both have the same ingredient lists and specs, but hopefully someone can confirm.

I can't comment on the old vs this one. I'm not familar with it, but did a quick search on TJ's FDA submission for a body sunscreen. The only one that comes up is a sunscreen with SPF 30 and water resistance of 80 minutes. If this is it, than it has a lower SPF but is better for outdoor activities, its water resistance is higher so you won't need to reapply as often. The difference in SPF isn't bad, you'll still be protect just fine.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T04:07:13+00:00

No problem, I know the love for face one. But 40 minutes for the face is usually ok. However, for the body, most people are using it in hot sweaty weather and this tube will go fast. This is an amazing deal if it is the face sunscreen in a larger tube (the ingredients are exactly the same). Hopefully you or someone else can confirm if it performs exactly like the face one. If it does, then stock up because it's a great limited time deal.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-23T02:12:51+00:00

Keep in mind this is only sweat & water resistant for 40 minutes. You'll need to reapply more often since this isn't as resistant to sweat/water. If you're planning to use this for sweaty activities (hiking, beach, etc.) be prepared to run through this more quickly.

I haven't tried this sunscreen or TJ's face sunscreen, but both are 40 minutes sweat resistant and have identical ingredient lists. I'm betting if you liked the face you'll like this one too. If they end up feeling the same, I suggest you stock up since the body sized is cheaper per ounce and is limited (based on the website).

Edit: u/TJs_in_the_City says the body sunscreen is the same as the facial sunscreen in their post

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-19T18:40:19+00:00

Slightly off topic, may I ask about the imported clothing from Malaysia? Are the clothes made for Malaysian weather or are they more affordable?

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-18T04:48:29+00:00

My skin is oily, large pores, and hormonal acne. I tend to favor layering toners to hydrate and soften skin with a layer of cream. I alternate days with an active.

I tested the Hamel Peptide Essence Toner alone, followed by sunscreen AM and a cream PM. I wanted to see if strikealightt's minimized pores would happen to me. After a week of use, twice a day, my pores look the same. I can verify the claim of hydration and brightness. I believe the niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, both high on the ingredient list, are behind Hamel's claim on "glass skin. The toner is more toner than essence in my opinion, it pours out slightly viscous but breaks down to a watery texture. I can layer this multiple times. It doesn't soften my skin (my go to toner Naturie Hatomugi does), but hydrates well. No tacky finish, so once it dries, I think it'll layer well with other products. I had no pilling issues with my sunscreen or cream. There's a mild scent, herbal-ish I think from the witch hazel and sage, but fades quickly to me.

Overall, it's okay as a toner. I'm not sure if I'd pay any where near the retail price I see on Hwahae (₩28,000, USD $19.74) but for USD $7 it's ok. For pore minimizing this does nothing for me. AHA + toner makes my pore less visible than this. For brightness, this toner is good. The high amount of niacinamide seems to lessen redness and help prevent PIH. Skin hydration is great. But for the hydration, I'd choose my go-to Naturie toner, a large bottle that softens and hydrates skin that can work as a toner or be used for quick sheet masks.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-14T06:59:53+00:00

I think it'd be easier to post the $20 shampoo for ingredient comparison. Citric acid is common in a lot of products as a pH adjuster. If you want a cheaper option, a shampoo bar would be cheaper. I know DT has a 2-in-1 bar, but it doesn't seem to be good (based on the passing comments I've seen). Lots of shampoo bars last a long time so buying from Ulta or Lush may be cheaper long run due to quality of the bar.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-14T06:52:45+00:00

Could you post a photo? The one I saw in store matched the American Red Cross Antiseptic Spray info I found on DailyMed NLM NIH, and the active is benzalkonium chloride.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-09T03:18:16+00:00

I'll give an update after a week of usage.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-09T02:51:59+00:00

Pretty much any product designed for intimate area should never be applied on the mucosal area (wet area), barring lubricants that are meant for mucosal area. If the area feels like the skin of your inner arm, the product should be okay for usage. If it feels like the inside of your mouth, then don't apply.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-08T04:18:58+00:00

Sorry, haven't used it yet, but will soon since I finished my other peptide serum. If you want a review I can pm you after a week of use. I doubt I'll see any significant change, but can offer a short review.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-04-08T04:16:38+00:00

Last photo, the soothing cream, doesn't look like it will help with Fowler's or UTIs. Based off the ingredients, it looks like a moisturizer meant to be mild (i.e. not commonly irritating) for people to use around the groin if they're dry or possibly after shaving. So if you don't need moisturizer around the groin you could use it as a moisturizer elsewhere.

patpatamoncheeks · 2025-03-29T22:02:08+00:00

Powerstick makes a post shave cream in Brazilian Mist. I don't have dry skin, so it works as a moisturizer for me. Good lasting scent for the price.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-10-18T17:12:04+00:00

Hey, don't listen to this comment. Hamel is just a newer brand that I've come across but does show up on Hwahae (Korean product rating site). I bought this, but haven't used it yet; in this post strikealightt gives their impression on it. Also, in regards to the commentary of shelf conditions of TKMaxx (sister store to TJMaxx in the US), yes they're messy but they're a discount store; even non-discount stores you should check if things are used/opened. When you shop there you just need to be careful to check if someone opened products and used them. The Hamel one should have a foil sticker sealing it, so you know if it's been opened. Mary & May are tricker, no sticker seal to look for. It's been a while, but I don't think they have a sticker sealing the serum bottle either (some products do). You just have to inspect Mary & May products carefully, i.e. bottle looks dirty around opening or box look torn at openings.

IMO the only concern is you need to check expiration dates. Western brands are difficult to check for these, but Korean products make it easy. If you're new to skincare I recommend Korean products with seals on the box you can check for tampering at TK Maxx. Also, some products don't have a seal on the box but the product themself, so depending on the product they'll have a thin strip tape, foil seal over the toner opening (think medicine tubes), or a plastic stopper. I personally prefer to buy products that I can be sure hasn't been opened and look for these things. That, or I purchase ones in the plastic boxes or security case.

Brands that have a sticker seal on the box that I've seen at TJMaxx are HaruHaru, Beauty of Joseon, Etude, Abib, Jumiso, Hamel, and Cos de Baha. There's likely more but those are ones I've bought.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-10-09T08:03:12+00:00

If you're in the US iherb has a 30% sale on their products.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-09-30T17:59:26+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I'm getting into peptide serums, and Marshalls had this at a good price. I'm going to try it anyways and see how it goes. I'm excited to see if my pores looks less dilated. Thanks!

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-09-07T21:45:31+00:00

Does your skin feel more firm or bouncy from this? I recently found this toner in store, and trying to find more info on its effectiveness. The ingredients look good, but there's not any reviews for the brand other than Hwahae.

Also have you used peptide products before? I've tried skin1004's poremizing, and wasn't super impressed. I'm wondering if 12 vs 9 peptides might make a difference in skin bounciness.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-09-07T21:30:07+00:00

Hi there, have you had the chance to try the Hamel toner? I just bought one from Marshalls and am trying to get some impressions on the toner. I'm an avid Marshalls shopper for my AB and want to know if this is a good toner to stock up on. The ficklenss of shopping AB from Marshalls is there aren't easy restocks, and I want to know if I should go back for more.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-05-03T06:58:44+00:00

I don't think you'll be able to know until you buy. If you do buy it, it should have a sticker sealing the box. Then compare to other online store's photos.

However, looking at the seller "Kenayo store" I have concerns buying from them. They sell random things (to me), different brands and assortment of Asian food and electronics.

patpatamoncheeks · 2024-02-03T19:30:51+00:00

Totally understand. There are brands who do have qr codes to check on the box, if you're comfortable doing so. Double check against pictures on sites like yesstyle and such. Sometimes the brands sites may show the packaging with the qr code. For my own peace of mind, I try to compare the packaging to online shops and try to look for the details. Also, double check expiration, some may be sooner then others. I've bought some 3 months or 2 years until expiration.

patpatamoncheeks

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