Skin type: Combination dehydrated, oily T-zone, blackheads, large pores, lack of elasticity
I have combination dehydrated skin, which comes with many concerns. My T-zone is extremely oily, while my cheeks and eye area are very dry, lacking elasticity and prone to flaking. Although I don't have acne, my blackheads are severe, making my pores look like craters.
Based on my experience using this product for about two weeks, here are the pros:
1. Rich in nutrients
The balance of hydration and nourishment is just right, not feeling heavy. My dry cheeks and eye area stay moisturized all day, and I can feel the elasticity improving. The texture of my skin has noticeably changed! I even use the leftover cream on my dry arms and legs, making them incredibly soft.
However, it can be heavy for oily skin types. I'll elaborate on this in the cons section.
2. Smooth application
The texture is between a gel and a cream, making it easy to apply. It spreads thinly and smoothly without feeling burdensome or clogging pores.
3. Absorbs well
Despite its thin application, it absorbs well without sitting on top of the skin. It doesn't dry out too quickly either, giving a feeling of deep hydration. So far, I haven't experienced any pilling!
While it might be a bit heavy for summer use, it's perfect for this dry season.
4. Strengthens skin barrier
I can't scientifically prove if it's actually strengthening my skin barrier, but I can definitely feel the difference! I've always had good experiences with skincare containing black tea, so that might be why I like this so much. Even after being out in the cold wind all day, my skin stays moisturized!
My cheeks and eye area used to be so dry that I had to reapply moisturizer frequently, but with this, I only need to apply it after washing my face in the morning and evening. I've significantly reduced the number of times I need to reapply throughout the day.
1. Too heavy for oily skin
My T-zone is extremely oily, and this cream feels very heavy there. Even if I apply it thinly all over my face, my T-zone becomes an oil slick, and my blackheads seem ready to burst.
It's unfortunate for those of us with combination skin. If you have extremely dry and oily combination skin like me, I recommend applying it only to the dry areas.
2. Sticky feeling
It's not a problem for dry skin areas, but on oily parts, it feels incredibly sticky. It's like my face oil combined with this cream could trap a fly if one landed on it. I don't think I could use this in summer.
Conclusion:
Excellent for dry skin, but difficult to use on oily skin areas. That's why I only apply it to my dry U-zone. For my T-zone, I finish with a different, lighter moisturizer.
I love blending skincare products based on their characteristics! Here are some effective ways I've found to use this product:
1. Mix with matte foundation or BB cream
This might slightly reduce coverage, but mixing a small amount with your base makeup and applying it to dry areas creates a smooth, skin-like finish without emphasizing flakes or dryness. Start with a tiny amount and find the right ratio for your skin!
2. Blend with lightweight summer moisturizers
We're far from summer, but you might have opened summer moisturizers that you couldn't finish. It's a shame to let them sit until next summer, risking expiration. But using them now might leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
My solution: mix them! On days when you need to layer makeup carefully and this nourishing cream feels too heavy on its own, try blending it with a lighter moisturizer. You'll get a primer-like skin-perfecting effect!
If you mix too much and don't want to waste it, apply the excess to your arms and legs that tend to get dry easily.