Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit

Maybe it was a bad idea to try another cotton swab-type AHA product only a week after being blown away by something made by a different company. I unintentionally benchmarked my experience and had high hopes for Primary Raw's DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit, especially since Primary Raw is a higher end brand.

lavlilacs Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit

Sephora's description:

This two-step peeling kit includes an exfoliating swab and soothing sheet mask so you can explore the Korean dermatology trend of milk peeling—a gentle, lactic acid based exfoliating method to reveal brighter, more hydrated, and smoother skin. Use the oversized, AHA Milkpeel Swab pre-soaked with a blend of lactic acid and botanical extracts to gently peel away dead skin cells without irritation. Then apply the soothing soy-milk infused sheet mask, enriched with green tea and rosemary leaf, to help lock in moisture. After treatment, skin appears instantly brightened and rejuvenated.

Lactic and Glycolic Acids - gentle exfoliating acids to promote cellular turnover

Apple Fruit Water - Smooths the look of skin and regulates sebum production

Niacinamide - Brightens the skin and works to fade the appearance of dark spots over time

Fennel Seed Extract - Rich in antioxidants for skin healing

*This product is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, and mineral oils.
**This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
***Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.


Directions
Sweep cotton swab across cleansed face, focusing on forehead, cheeks, nose, and trouble prone areas. Gently pat in for 10 seconds.

Fit sheet mask to face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

After removing mask, pat excess essence into skin for maximum hydration.

Follow with a moisturizer.

Ingredients
AHA Milkpeel Swab
WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT WATER, CITRIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ILLICIUM VERUM (ANISE) FRUIT EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, FOENICULUM VULGARE (FENNEL) FRUIT EXTRACT, OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT OIL, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, HOUTTUYRIA CORDATA EXTRACT, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT, LAVANDULAR ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) EXTRACT.

Sheet Mask
WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SWIFTLET NEST EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL (200PPM), CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRIARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, ADENOSINCE, CARBOMER, TROMETHAMINE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, FRAGRANCE, DISODIUM EDTA.

Sephora: USD $6
Glow Recipe: USD $6

lavlilacs Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit front

Without even opening the packaging, I could already tell that the cotton swab of Primary Raw's treatment is much shorter than A'Pieu's Aqua Peeling. It is also very obvious through the clear plastic that there is a ton of extra essence. I couldn't really gauge how much smaller it would be until I took it out and was ready to use it. Boy did the swab feel tiny! It is larger than an average cotton swab, but not by much. Since the stick is smaller, so is the actual cotton bud part, which ultimately meant it could only hold much of the AHA Milk Peel serum. I think I was only able to swipe over a third of my face, at most, before I had to dip the stick back into the pouch for more of the exfoliating liquid. It was quite a hassle to have to re-dip, but there is enough essence to go over the entire face generously 3+ times if desired. I guess this is good for those who want to control how much AHA they use.

The sheet mask fit my face shape well. It wasn't overly large or small, just right and also drowning in essence.

lavlilacs Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit back

The essences of each step have different smells. The sheet mask's scent is barely noticeable, or at least nothing too offensive for my nose. The cotton swab's scent is almost...sour milk-like. It is strong for the first 15-20 seconds of application and then dissipates.

lavlilacs Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit swab size

Similar to the A'Pieu cotton swab, my face turned pink and tingly after using the cotton swab. This time, however, I also felt a very slight burn feel that went away quickly. After a little bit, my face felt like it had itchy spots and was still tacky to the touch.

Since there is a step 2 to the kit, I didn't pay much attention to the itchiness and slapped on the sheet mask. I removed it after 20 minutes and forgot to pat in the remaining liquid in as suggested. But the essence seemed to sink into my skin on its own pretty quickly, maybe around 10-15 minutes? It still felt tacky to the touch but wasn't wet. My skin wasn't pink or itchy anymore after applying the mask.

My face felt soft the next morning. Yet it is difficult to say for sure it was because of either the swab or the mask or both. After washing with a cleanser though, my skin was still soft and less flaky but definitely not as soft, smooth, and flake-less as it was after I used the A'Pieu version. There were still stubborn patches of dry skin and flakes around my chin and the corners of my mouth. Up until this point, I was a little disappointed by the results.

The surprise came after I applied my makeup. I used the same finicky foundation I mentioned in the A'Pieu post. While the foundation did cling to the dry patches, the pores on my cheeks were looking less apparent. The foundation usually tends to not hide pores either, it just sits around it. I think the DoYou Milk Peeling Kit helped with it since I hadn't done anything else different in my routine. My pores weren't 100% smoothened/filled, but it looked considerably less severe.

Glow Recipe and Sephora also says the treatment should help with fine lines, brightening, and whitening. I didn't really see any of those on myself nor would I have my hopes up for those to be immediate results anyway. If that was possible after one use then this would have been some kind of miracle product.

Of all the things this product is suppose to help, I only had spectacular results for one: pores. Even that was only a 1-day only kind of result. The Milk Peeling Kit was nice while it lasted. I think I will look into getting things with the specific special ingredients this has rather than repurchase this particular item again. I am interested in seeing long-term results with full-sized products now that I have tried a couple single-use ones.

A'Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab (Intensive)

There were many "Firsts" that came with buying and trying the A'Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab (Intensive). First time using a chemical exfoliator for the face. First time using an A’PIEU product. First time trying an AHA & BHA swab. And might I dare say, first time I experienced such drastic overnight results.

lavlilacs A'Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab Intensive

A'Pieu's description (translated from those pretty Korean product infographics):

The AHA 8% + BHA combo works as a peeling essence to remove rough and thick dead skin for smoother, cleaner, and brighter skin. The sterilized cotton swab is made with 100% pure cotton and has a long handle for easier application and grip. The cotton bud is 5x larger than typical cotton swabs, which makes it quicker to apply the essence to the entire face with just a few swipes.

AHA 8% - Effectively removes dead skin

BHA - Removes dirt and sebum from pores

Aloe Vera Extract 10% - Soothes sensitive and irritated skin

Purslane Extract - Helps skin irritation

Directions:
Depending on the skin’s condition, use 2-3 times a week as the first step in your nightly routine after cleansing.
*Must use sunscreen if used in the morning.

Use the cotton swab and swipe across the entire face, moving from the center of the face outwards. Avoid the eye and mouth areas.

Do not wash off. Allow the essence to soak into the skin. Then follow with normal skincare routine.

Slight tingling/stinging sensation is normal since this has a strong concentration of AHA. If persistent, wash off immediately.

A’PIEU’s Korean site: ₩1,000
RoseRoseShop: ₩1,000
MASKSHEETS: USD$ 1.50
oo35mm: USD $2.99
Cosmetic-Love: USD $3.12
Yesstyle: USD $3.90

lavlilacs A'Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab Intensive packaging

Right out of the package, I was shocked by the size of the swab. I bought this item purely on a whim and didn’t read up on it until after I had it in my hands. The cotton swab is huge and hefty! The whole stick is about the length of my palm and the actual cotton portion is almost as big as my thumb. The cotton swab is one-sided and is more of an ovular shape than a typical spherical one, hence the bud itself is flat on two sides. (Think a paddle shape.) All those characteristics seem help make it easier to apply an even layer of product. I also like how using a cotton swab as the distribution vehicle allows for less contamination, i.e. don’t have to use my hands for applying.

There isn’t much extra essence in the package like with other one-time-use skincare goods. Somehow, the comically large cotton swab effectively holds a ton of serum. There is more than enough in it to swipe the entire face twice without the cotton feeling like it has dried out. The essence has a slight fruity acidic smell, kind of like a weak apple cider vinegar scent.

lavlilacs A'Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab Intensive size comparison & after use closeup

My face got slightly pinkish and a little tingling after swiping. But it didn’t linger. It was really satisfying to see the dirt and change of color on the cotton bud after I swiped it across my face. When the essence isn’t completely dry, there is a slight tackiness. Immediately after it dries though, my face had an instant smoother feel. It even felt slicker as I applied my moisturizer on afterward. I couldn’t tell for sure then if it was because a layer of dead skin was truly removed or if there is some kind of silicone in the serum (I haven’t found any English ingredients list online nor does the packaging have any.)

My face also looked softer and smoother the next morning. When I washed my face with cleanser, the smooth feeling lasted! That was what felt different from anything I have ever tried before. Many a times I would apply products at night and wake up to my skin looking nice because skin just naturally repairs itself overnight. The same effects usually do not last past a morning cleanse; it might still look good, but not as nice as it did pre-wash.

The real deal breaker came when I put on a foundation I have that is prone to catch onto any skin textural issues and is very matte. I was shocked by how smooth my base makeup looked. I had literally never experienced that finish with that particular foundation before because, let’s face it, my exfoliation game is very weak. I was just about to give up on the foundation altogether because the skincare I had didn’t give me the right skin condition for it. Lo and behold, there wasn’t a prominent layer of dry skin or flakiness to be found amidst the layer of base product. Call me impressed!

I would say the effects lasted only a 2-3 days max, which seems to align with A’Pieu’s suggestion of using the product 2-3 times a week. With that considering, it would get pretty expensive to use this as my sole exfoliator. 2-3 times a week * 52 weeks is 104-156 cotton swabs a year. Even if I could get it at the lowest price point, that would be $100+ for exfoliating alone! Although I would repurchase this again, it would only be for special occasions or if I really can't find a better chemical exfoliator that is more cost effective per use.

tria Hair Removal Laser 4X & SmoothStart Calming Gel - 4 Months

It is now the 4th month into the tria Hair Removal Laser 4X journey. Nothing unexpected has happened in the last 31 days in terms of hair loss results. At this point, I don't think I am hoping for anything surprising to happen anymore. I have almost come to terms with the fact that the tria laser isn't working for certain areas of my body.

tria Hair Removal Laser Facial Hair 16 Weeks

tria Hair Removal Laser Facial Hair 18 Weeks, 4 months

The initial excitement I had for the device seems to be dwindling. The regions which showed success continue to be a little more hair-free as the weeks go by. The places that didn't seem to be responding to the treatment are still not showing much improvement. I want to continue zapping and give the tria Hair Removal Laser a good chance. But with stagnant results, it is slowly becoming a tedious extra step I have to keep in my routine. I am not as meticulous with the treatment as I was 4 months ago.

Maybe I need to start targeting brand new areas of my body to keep my interest in the device? Peach fuzz on my cheeks? Leg hair? Both would be the most time consuming out of all the areas of my body to treat; the spaces are large and the hairs follicles are numerous. We'll see...

tria Hair Removal Laser Facial Hair 16 Weeks Closeup

tria Hair Removal Laser Facial Hair 18 Weeks, 4 months Closeup

Upper lips.

Sighing is all I can do now when I look at the 'stache situation. Nothing seems to be happening at all here for the hairs. At least the acne is keeping me distracted from the lack of progress, but that is a whole new set of worries.

tria Hair Removal Laser Armpits Hair 16 Weeks

tria Hair Removal Laser Armpits Hair 18 Weeks, 4 months

Armpits.

The pit hairs are slowly, but surely, dwindling in numbers. The number of hair follicles left is also diminishing. There are more spots that only feel warm when I laser it instead of the quick-burn sensation that was more prominent in previous month's sessions.

I am not sure if the red bumps that are forming in the most recent photo are because of ingrown hairs, irritation, or random armpit acne. Hopefully, it isn't the first because then my skin might be becoming less responsive to the laser.

tria Hair Removal Laser Knuckle Hair 16 Weeks

tria Hair Removal Laser Knuckle Hair 18 Weeks, 4 months

Knuckle hairs.

Again, not much as changed for the little knuckle hairs. The little buggers are still creepy through the surface of the skin no matter how much I zap at them.


Is it obvious that I have less and less to say in this month's update? I am thinking that I will continue treating these areas for another 2 months to make it an even half year's time. Then I will either continue my bi-weekly shaving routine or not shave at all for a while to see how much hair lingers or grows back.