August Hauls

lavlilacs August 2019 haul Glow Recipe, Peach & Lily sample sales

Even though I have only attended 3 of the 5 Peach & Lily sample sales, August is now a month I look forward to every year purely because of their mega-discounts. I was surprised by the products and pricing last year (as opposed to the year prior) but everything felt very familiar this time around. The location was the same. The layout was identical. Most brands and products offered last year were available this year and at the same prices. The biggest difference was probably in the manpower (in terms of check-out speed and frequent restocking).

I typically go to the sale hoping to get some new products to try. Since I have tried so many of the things they stocked at the sale this year, I found myself repurchased items that I enjoyed using. The biggest unexpected splurge was in the amount of makeup I picked up; Peach & Lily tagged them at $5 each in commemoration of their sample sale's 5th year anniversary. This included liners of many styles, palettes, lipsticks, and more. Plus, 90% of it was JUNGSAEMMOOL which on average retails ~$30+ each.

lavlilacs June 2019 haul Glow Recipe, Peach & Lily sample sales skincare makeup

Peach & Lily's 5th Annual Sample Sale (*Repurchases)
$1 Goodies:
Abib Gummy sheet mask Madeca sticker x3 Orig. $4

$2 Goodies:
Abib facial soap ivory brick Orig. $19
Abib facial soap grey brick Orig. $19

$5 Goodies:
aromatica Orange Blossom Toner Orig. $34
CREMORLAB O2 Couture Hydra Balancing Toner Orig. $29

$10 Goodies:
CREMORLAB O2 Couture Hydra Intensive Cream Orig. $40
*Abib Hydration gel Orig. $42
*Abib Hydration creme Orig. $42

$15 Goodies:
*Olivarrier Emollient Extra Comfort Cream Orig. $36
Eco Your Skin No. 15 Cream Orig. $55
*aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet Orig. $35

$20 Goodies:
Abib Hypoderma SP1-2GF SErum Orig. $92

$30 Goodies:
*Femmue Lumiere Vital C Orig. $88

$5 Makeup Grabs:
JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Multi Eye Drawing - All Black x2 Orig. $23
JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Multi Eye Drawing - Maple Brown x2 Orig. $23
*JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Concealer Palette - Blend Orig. $45
JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star Zone Brightener - Rose Orig. $29
JUNGSAEMMOOL High Color Lipstick High Matt - Ginger Brown Orig. $29
JUNGSAEMMOOL High Tinted Lip Laquer - Extreme Red Orig. $23
JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Glow Base - Pink Glow Orig. $32
W.Lab Real Fit Brush Eyeliner - Real Black Orig. ??

lavlilacs June 2019 haul Glow Recipe, Peach & Lily sample sales skincare makeup

Glow Recipe also surprised with their own sample sale earlier in August but for very different reasons than Peach & Lily. The brand was trying to rid their non-brand items to focus on their new business endeavors. Discounts weren't nearly as steep and surprisingly there was a limit per item. As the sale came closer to an end though they tacked on extra discounts for buying quantity (i.e. Buy 4 items 20% off, Buy 6 get 25% off, Buy 8 get 30% off).

To be honest, I wouldn't have gotten most of the things I got had it not been the bonus discount. I was only very interested in the YURIPIBU and leegeehaam ampoules. It was surprising to see the Glow Recipe Avocado mask but later found out they were releasing their newly reformulated Retinol Avocado mask the same day/week so it made sense for them to try to rid old stock.

Glow Recipe's Sample Sale:
YURIPIBU Asiatica Calming Ampoule $25
leegeehaam Glow Vita Propolis Ampoule $18
make p:rem Peel me. Radiance peeling sleeping pack $18
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask $23
common labs Ggultamin B, C, and E Real Ampoule Mask $3 each

This summer in general seemed to be the time forpop-ups from the various Korean e-businesses based in NYC. June and July were Krave Beauty and Then I Met You. August was Soko Glam, Glow Recipe, and Peach & Lily. With Soko Glam's residency in Soho being a full month long with abundannt IG story mentions, I couldn't not stop by even once.

I love being able to see some of the stuff they curate in person. There isn't anything like being able to touch and smell the product before deciding to purchase. They even had a sink available for visitors to get the full experience of the makeup removers and cleansers which I think all beauty/skincare shops should offer.

I visited a week too early and missed out on the end-of-pop-up discounts. But perhaps it was for the better because I controlled myself better and only allowed for a small purchase of a cleansing balm to replace my current, almost empty, tub.

Soko Glam's NYC Pop Up Shop:
E NATURE Moringa cleansing balm $23

Squalane - Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary

lavlilacs Squalane Oil Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary

Squalane has been enjoying a bit of attention lately. I think most of it is due to its similarity to the oils naturally produced by our skin, or so all the brands say. Pair that with the new push for wanting to help oily skin by not stripping but hydrating and just to help the general lack of sebum for dry skin, the market for squalane only seems to grow larger from here on out.

When the only ingredient in a beauty vial are both supposedly the same in name, I start to get curious as what the differences are in the cheaper and expensive options. Olivarrier and Deciem's The Ordinary both claim their versions are plant-based and vegan. Each bottle also come in 30ml sized bottles. Yet one is 4-5x pricier than the other. Would it be 4-5x times better in anyway?

(I do not go into the benefits of Squalane. Please do your own research to determine if it is right for you. This is purely a comparison of what is more worth. For a review on how I like other squalane-incorporated products, click here.)


lavlilacs Olivarrier Fluid Oil packaging

Olivarrier's Oil description:

Fluid Oil uses 100% plant squalane oils that can only be extracted from the best, healthy olives.

The final product is similar to human sebum, keeping the skin fresh without oily sticky residue. It is a fragrance-free, colorless, non-preservative ingredient that is safe for babies and pregnant women. Can be used for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and trouble-prone skin.

Air pollution, stress, unhealthy foods, and heat all contribute to lipid oxidation that leads to skin aging and dryness.

Healthy skin maintains 20-30% moisture and 70-80% oil, but many times dry skin is only given moisture. Fluid oil maintains the lipid barrier and prevents dryness due to lack of oil your skin needs.

Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and peroxide that cause aging and dryness, and prevents roughness and dryness due to moisture loss. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning your skin can retain moisture without clogging pores. It prevents the accumulation of thick keratin by keeping the keratin moisturized and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

This clear, small bottle contains effective moisturizers for healthy skin, with safe ingredients that can be used by every member of your family.

We have completely eliminated chemical ingredients, and have credibility through clinical and demanding certifications. Responsible thinking about people and the environment creates clean, green products that are also good for your skin.

Directions
Use one or two drops and apply to the face by gently patting into the skin. Apply after Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream.

Ingredients
100% OLIVE SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩36,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $38.00
OHLOLLY: USD $38.00
Peach & Lily: USD $42.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90


lavlilacs Deciem The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane packaging

Deciem's description:

Water-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, & cruelty-free

Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.

Note: This product uses 100% pure plant-derived Squalane that is ECOCERT approved and is a USDA Certified Bio-based Product.

Directions
Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised.

Ingredients
SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml

Deciem: USD $7.90

lavlilacs Squalane Oil Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary bottle

lavlilacs Squalane Oil Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary pipettes

Packaging

Olivarrier
A transparent plastic bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle but it does get impressively close. Travel friendly as the lid screws on very tightly and doesn't stand the chance to shatter.

The Ordinary
A tinted glass bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach anywhere near the bottom of the bottle. Not as travel friendly in terms of bottle material and screw-top quality.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

There is virtually no difference between the actual squalane (oil) product of Olivarrier and The Ordinary.

The liquid is a scent-less and super-duper lightweight, dry-type facial oil. It spreads easily and sinks into the skin well. There is no slippery and slick feel that is typically associated with things "oily" in nature. Unlike the toner, essence, and cream, there is definitely a longer tacky and sheen finish period after application but it isn't that long either. Neither brand broke me out or caused any sensitivities.

How I Apply

Place one drop of oil on my forehead, one drop on each cheek, and maybe one for neck/chest. Gently rub and pat until the oil is evenly distributed.

Place 3-5 drops of oil onto the palm of my hands. Rub both palms together to create a thin layer between my hands. Gently press my palms and fingers across my face, neck, and chest.

lavlilacs Squalane Oil Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary swatch

Thoughts & Recommendations

People say a lot of what we pay for in beauty is in the packaging, especially if research and development are taken out of the equation. I think it can't be more true than in this situation with the Olivarrier Fluid Oil and Deciem The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

The Ordinary is definitely the no frills option. You get what you "should" pay for and it will not break the bank. The brand get a standard bottle and fills it with high-quality ingredients/basic-yet-effective formulas.

Olivarrier probably spent a good deal of time deciding what the best delivery method would be, even for something as simple as a bottle of facial oil. You then pay for all the trial and error but in the end get the most user friendly experience.

Something to point out that isn't a deal-breaker: Olivarrier's dropper is shorter and thinner than The Ordinary's so it dispenses out a slightly smaller-sized drop of oil.

Something that is worth pointing out: After having used more than half the bottle of both, Olivarrier's dropper also has better control in the sense that nothing drips out until I squeeze the silicone bulb. It isn't the worst attribute because I have learned to work around the issue but still an "issue" nonetheless.

Something that is a deal-breaker (to me): The pipette of The Ordinary doesn't reach bottom of the bottle. This makes picking up the last 0.5" worth of product a pain. I have to tilt the bottle and pipette every which way to get it just right. The ultimately option would be to pour it straight out of the bottle onto my hands which throws quantity control out the window.

Some things that are a bit iffy: The Ordinary markets their product not as an oil. Their page clearly says the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is "Oil-Free". There is also a lack of where exactly their squalane is derived from, whereas Olivarrier says theirs come from olives (sugarcane seems to be another plant of origin for some other brands that carry squalane).

With all that said, I can't say I regret purchasing either The Ordinary Squalane or Olivarrier Fluid Oil. The former is way more affordable just with meh packaging and the latter is far more expensive with great packaging. If I were to repurchase something squalane again, I will probably go for cheaper option BUT refill it into the better bottle. I would recommend those looking to try squalane for the first time to test with the less expensive option first to see how the skin reacts before dropping more dollars for the better bottle in the future.

Olivarrier

lavlilacs Olivarrier Brand Review Toner Essence Cream Oil

Nothing gets me more excited than skincare sales. Nothing is more disappointing than when products others rave about are just alright or, even worse, not compatible with my skin. It seemed like the more skincare I tried from my Peach & Lily sample sale stash, the fewer gems I was discovering. I knew nothing about the brand when bought this set of Olivarrier productst; now I cannot rave about and love it enough.

lavlilacs Olivarrier Hello

lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Toning Lotion packaging

Olivarrier's Toner description:

Say no to controversial chemical ingredients, and yes to natural, healthy skin. Using only plant-derived ingredients provides a fresh, moisturizing feeling. Begin and end your day with this moisturizer for a refreshing start and relaxing finish.

Irritation or excessive use of alkaline cleansers can result in a loss of balance between oil and moisture after cleansing. Skin that experiences this broken balance has a change in pH levels, causing dryness and other skin troubles.

Skin with a pH of 4.4-5.5 claims a mildly acidic, healthy state. This protects from harmful external factors and normalizes skin turn-over. Dual Moist Toning Lotion is a mild acid similar to the pH of healthy skin, reducing irritation to the skin and allowing sensitive skin customers to use it safely.

Without adequate oil content, moisturizers can weaken the skin barrier and cause excessive sebum and dryness. Dual Moist helps to fill your skin with an adequate amount of moisture, resulting in a stronger skin barrier.

Directions
Apply after cleansing to soothe and condition during your skincare routine. Can be layered on multiple times. Follow with Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence.

Ingredients
WATER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, SQUALANE, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, POLYGLYCERIN-3, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, SODIUM CITRATE, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, ARGININE

Toner 200 ml / 6.76 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩22,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $26.00
OHLOLLY: USD $26.00
Peach & Lily: USD $28.00
YESSTYLE: USD $40.90


lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence packaging

Olivarrier's Essence description:

With micro-hyaluronic acid, this product provides a deeper level of moisture for your skin. Squalane and tocopherol help prevent oxidation and loss of moisture, helping to maintain healthy and resilient skin.

It is a daily essential essence for all skin including dryness, complexity, and sensitivity. All ingredients are EWG green grade, pH5.5 and 95% natural plant materials.

Supply and balance of oil and moisture are the most important goals of basic skincare. Moisture retention in the stratum corneum produces regular keratin production and elimination, healthy skin protection, and smooth skin texture.

Using micro-hyaluronic acid provides a lightweight moisturizer to help maintain the elasticity of the skin.

Micro-hyaluronic acid is a very small size with a molecular weight of less than 5,000 daltons. It attracts moisture from the stratum corneum of the skin, which can not reach normal hyaluronic acid, to help maintain moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Protect skin from harmful external factors with Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence. With a mild acid similar to the pH naturally occurring in healthy skin, this product reduces irritation and works safely for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Directions
Apply after Dual Moist Toning Lotion. Use a dime-sized amount for your full face, gently patting until completely absorbed. Follow with Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream and 100% Fluid Oil.

Ingredients
WATER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SQUALANE, POLYGLYCERIN-3, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, GARDENIA TAHITENSIS FLOWER, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSISLEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSISLEAF EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, XANTHAN GUM, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, ARGININE, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN) LEAF EXTRACT

Essence 100 ml / 3.38 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩32,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $36.00
OHLOLLY: USD $36.00
Peach & Lily: USD $40.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90


lavlilacs Olivarrier Emollient Extra Comfort Cream packaging

Olivarrier's Cream description:

Pro-vitamin B5 panthenol, squalane, and organic shea butter are highly concentrated to soothe sensitive skin and provide moisture to rough skin. For sensitive and dry skin, this helps create a barrier that is soothing protection to the external environment.

Your skin barrier consists of a combination of lipids on the surface of the skin. It protects the skin from moisture loss and external environmental factors. When the skin barrier breaks down, the moisture evaporates and the skin becomes more sensitive and dry.

Emollient Extra Comfort Cream is made for even the most sensitive skin. The natural formula means it can be comforting to babies, sensitive pregnant women, and all others who suffer from rough or dry skin due to moisture loss. It is a relaxing moisturizing cream that comforts sensitive skin and makes you feel at ease.

Vitamin B5 Panthenol strengthens the skin barrier, helps prevent moisture loss from stratum corneum, and helps calm irritated skin. It is also the main ingredient in baby ointments to treat sensitive skin and dryness. Emollient Extra Comfort Cream contains 5% of highly concentrated panthenol to prevent moisture loss and quickly calm irritated skin.

This cream contains 20% shea butter, which is rich in natural vitamins such as A, D, E, and F. These work to calm skin that has been upset by external stimuli and UV rays. Our shea butter has been extracted from organic grown fruits in cultivated land that has not used chemical fertilizer for more than three years.

Squalene, present in 12% of phospholipids, protects skin against drying and UV rays and helps prevent against harmful environmental factors.

The superior antioxidant effect prevents moisture loss, strengthens the skin barrier, and quickly penetrates without blocking pores to make skin soft.

Directions
Use a dime-sized amount and massage into skin in light, circular motions all over your face. Follow with 100% Fluid Oil to lock in the moisture.

Ingredients
WATER, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, PANTHENOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SQUALANE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 STEARATE,CETEARYL OLIVATE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, CANOLA OIL, XANTHAN GUM, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN) LEAF EXTRACT

Cream (Extra) 75 ml / 2.53 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩28,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $29.00
OHLOLLY: USD $29.00
Peach & Lily: USD $36.00
YESSTYLE: USD $19.90


lavlilacs Olivarrier Fluid Oil packaging

Olivarrier's Oil description:

Fluid Oil uses 100% plant squalane oils that can only be extracted from the best, healthy olives.

The final product is similar to human sebum, keeping the skin fresh without oily sticky residue. It is a fragrance-free, colorless, non-preservative ingredient that is safe for babies and pregnant women. Can be used for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and trouble-prone skin.

Air pollution, stress, unhealthy foods, and heat all contribute to lipid oxidation that leads to skin aging and dryness.

Healthy skin maintains 20-30% moisture and 70-80% oil, but many times dry skin is only given moisture. Fluid oil maintains the lipid barrier and prevents dryness due to lack of oil your skin needs.

Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and peroxide that cause aging and dryness, and prevents roughness and dryness due to moisture loss. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning your skin can retain moisture without clogging pores. It prevents the accumulation of thick keratin by keeping the keratin moisturized and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

This clear, small bottle contains effective moisturizers for healthy skin, with safe ingredients that can be used by every member of your family.

We have completely eliminated chemical ingredients, and have credibility through clinical and demanding certifications. Responsible thinking about people and the environment creates clean, green products that are also good for your skin.

Directions
Use one or two drops and apply to the face by gently patting into the skin. Apply after Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream.

Ingredients
100% OLIVE SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩36,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $38.00
OHLOLLY: USD $38.00
Peach & Lily: USD $42.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90


Packaging, Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Each product comes in their own unique package which ultimately fits with their respective consistencies while avoiding too much contamination. What all of them have in common is their clean labeling design. Even though the boxes bombard with information, the actual bottles themselves are simple and concise: name, extremely short description, size, application directions, and expiration.

lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Toning Lotion bottle details

lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Toning Lotion swatch

Toner
An opaque plastic bottle with a screw-on cap. New bottles come with a security seal covering the opening where the product comes out of. Since the product is liquid I did not mind the fact that the bottle isn't see-through (as I could easily shake and feel for it). However, for ease of use, I would have preferred if it had a flip-top cap instead.

The toner is color-less and scent-less. The liquid itself is very fluid and water-like; with no viscosity or stickiness to it. Once wiped or smoothed onto the skin it feels as if nothing is applied yet the skin becomes immediately softer.


lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence bottle details

lavlilacs Olivarrier Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence swatch

Essence
An opaque plastic bottle with a pump dispenser and detachable cap. There is no extra security seal with new bottles. Fret not, it is easy to tell if unused or not since there will be endless pumping of nothing before the product appears. I love using pump dispensers but not so much in non-see through things. It is hard to see if the product is running low. Judging by feel is not accurate either as the thicker viscosity of the essence can cling to the insides of the bottle.

The essence is scent-less and color-less but does have a cloudy, milky look to it straight out of the bottle (which is unnoticeable once blended in). There is some viscosity to it but overall a lightweight, runny fluid. The product spreads into a water-like consistency and sinks in well. The essence does leave a tad tacky feeling unless it is well absorbed into the skin. After my skin drinks it up, it feels as if nothing has been applied yet retains a well hydrating effect.


lavlilacs Olivarrier Emollient Extra Comfort Cream bottle details

lavlilacs Olivarrier Emollient Extra Comfort Cream swatch

Cream (Extra)
An opaque plastic squeeze tube with a screw-on cap. A new tube will have a security seal covering the dispensing opening. Again, I really don't prefer this kind of non-see through packaging. The saving grace with this particular choice is that the tube remains very pillowy and airy inside even after using it a lot so the cream doesn't ever get stuck in corners as how something like a toothpaste tube does.

The cream is scent-less and comes out of the tube white. Don't worry because once blended it leaves no cast. For an "extra" comfort cream, it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to spread. The skin doesn't feel suffocated yet retains its moisture while leaving a velvety matte finish. There aren't any silicones on the ingredients list but that is the most similar texture I could think of (sans the pore-filling aspect).


lavlilacs Olivarrier Fluid Oil bottle details

lavlilacs Olivarrier Fluid Oil swatch

Oil
A transparent (hallelujah) plastic bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. Unlike the 3 products mentioned above, I don't have see-through qualms with this packaging. Even though the dropper itself doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle it gets impressively close. I honestly didn't know that the quality of droppers was a thing until I tried 2 different bottles of squalane oil at once. For those interested, Olivarrier's dropper is far superior; oil does not drip out of the dropper until I am ready to squeeze the dropper bulb.

The oil is a scent-less and super-duper lightweight, dry-type facial oil. It spreads very easily and sinks into the skin well. There is no slippery and slick feel that is typically associated with things "oily" in nature. Unlike the toner, essence, and cream, there is definitely a longer tacky and sheen finish period after applying the oil but it isn't that long either.

How I Apply

After cleansing, pour some Toning Lotion onto cotton and wipe my face and neck.

Then pump the Hyaluron Essence once on each cheek and gently smooth that all over my face and neck. Pat to help the product sink in quicker.

Then squeeze between 1-3 finger lengths worth of cream onto my hand (depending on dry or humid weather and if I  apply to face and neck). Gently dot and spread the moisturizer evenly.

Then squeeze 2-3 drops of oil either directly onto my face (one on the forehead, one on each cheek) and smooth with fingertips light strokes or into my palms first, rub to distribute, and pat into my skin.

*I have used all 4 products altogether and separately (toner + essence, toner + cream, toner + oil). Methods of application are still the same.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I think the last time I tried a full brand or line's worth of products was way back when with Hada Labo. Both are similar in the sense that they hace items that focus on a star ingredient (HL = hyaluronic acid, Olivarrier = squalane) which targets supercharged and moisturized skin.

Unlike Hada Labo, Olivarrier also tries to be as "simple" and "clean" as possible by formulating without color, fragrance, and parabens/preservatives. While all their products are marketed for sensitive skin, there are a few ingredients in certain products that may not work well for certain sensitive skin types (i.e. lavender extract, coconut oil) nor fungal acne (refer to SkinCharisma's ingredients breakdown).

As for myself, I did not react badly to the products at all and find that my skin loves all the moisturizing ability each one has to offer. The set is very versatile in that it works great when using alone, pairing a few or all of them together. Despite the varying weather condition in New York, I could easily customize my routine within the range depending on how dry my skin is. Everything is lightweight enough to use in the most humid of days while keeping the moisture in during the driest of times as well without being too thick and heavy.

I am a little partial because I love these a lot for the price I paid (which is about 1/3 of the retail since I got a while back 2 Peach & Lily sample sale's ago). However, given the actual price point of each item I honestly would only repurchase 2 items at full retail (Toning Lotion and Extra Comfort Cream) and the other 2 only if it were on sale (Hyaluron Essence and Squalane Oil). This is not to say the latter two are bad but it is very pricey compared to the quantity given, especially when compared to the former two. Plus, I believe that for a majority of people the Toner + Cream combo would be more than sufficient to use all year round. The Essence and Oil are just extras for those who truly need them.

Those with dry skin will probably adore this line. I think even those with oily skin would like it simply because of the barely-there finish all the products have. This means that everyone in between, from combination to normal skin, could find something fitting as well. Anyone looking for something gentle and, generally, non-irritating to use along with strong actives may enjoy the Olivarrier line a lot too.