Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)
During the month of April, I finished up 8 products: 6 were full size and 2 were deluxe travel sizes. I can say, without hesitation, that I would happily use all of these products again, and I was delighted by each one of them. Here is what I finished in April 2026:
The A Method Reti-Xo Retinol Exosome Serum is a highly effective gel-based retinol serum that is worthy of note. The lightweight gel serum, which is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free and vegan, is effective, easy to use and it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it flaky. It stimulates cell turn-over and collagen production and skin fresh and glowing.
It is extraordinarily important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products because they can cause photosensitivity, and in the absence of a high SPF sunscreen the use of a retinol-based product can lead to hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation. It is also very important to consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist before adding a retinol-based product into your skincare routine. You may have suspicious moles, spots or lesions that could be cancerous or pre-cancerous, and they need to be treated medically before adding cosmetic treatments that could exfoliate those skin conditions. Your doctor may say that retinol-based products simply aren't a good core for your skin. Additionally, some medications that you may be taking may create photosensitivity, and your doctor should evaluate the products that you are thinking of adding to your skincare routine before you decide to try them. Purchase Again? If I can find it on sale!
Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen is made by a wonderful K-Beauty skincare brand, and this SPF50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen is lightweight and it leaves behind no white cast, whatsoever. Formulated with green tea leaf water, and seven different types of centella extract to, "reduce redness and leave skin feeling refreshed. Sodium DNA in the mix enhances skin barrier repair. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and oily skin." It has no scent, and it feels very comfortable on the skin. I have also noted that it serves as a very nice base for my foundation or tinted moisturizer, functioning much like a primer. Purchase Again? Definitely!
Dr. Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen is the second sunscreen (the first is reviewed HERE) that I have used from Dr. Althea, a notable K-Beauty brand, and I really like it a lot. It is a very lightweight and non-sticky chemical sunscreen, with an SPF 50+, that is hydrating and sinks into the skin without leaving behind any sort of white filmy residue. It actually feels more like a serum than a sunscreen, and it offers excellent protection from the sun. Of course, one has to reapply it frequently to benefit from it, but it is so pleasant to use that it isn't an issue having to reapply it. Additionally, this sunscreen is formulated with "bamboo water, sea grape extract and vegan seaweed-derived PDRN to hydrate skin and accelerate skin barrier repair. Also enriched with panthenol to soothe irritated skin." Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.
Purchase Again? YES!
Twelve Beauty Rewarding Body Balm is a gorgeous body balm is aptly described as a "lush body pudding"– and it really must be experienced to be believed. The velvety texture of this thick and rich cream melts into the skin leaving it indescribably soft, smooth, deeply moisturized and luminous. The antioxidant-rich formula adds a layer of protection against free-radical damage, and the soothing and nourishing ingredients pamper the skin. The light aroma is luscious and exhilarating, but is neither imposing, nor long lasting. It is the perfect pick for dry skin that really needs deep moisture. Purchase Again? In a heartbeat!
($75.00-$90.00 for 6.8 oz. from Twelve Beauty and Boxwalla)
Siam Seas Kwam Rak Radiance Body Serum is an absolutely delectable hybrid body serum that deeply hydrates and moisturizes the body with the efficacy of a rich body lotion and an emollient body oil combined. It has a remarkably lightweight texture that is creamy and it melts into the skin in the most satisfying way. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple, radiant and silky to the touch. The complex aroma transforms from a spicy earthy scent to a more complex floral punctuated by Jasmine Sambac.
This beautiful serum made in a base of aloe and this allows it to absorb into dry skin with great efficacy, but I still prefer applying it to slightly damp skin since it spreads and absorbs quicker and more efficiently. Purchase Again? OH YES!
Trader Joe's Pink Pomelo Grapefruit Hand Soap is a wonderful hand soap that produces a satisfying lather, and yet they neither strip, nor dry out the hands. The aroma isn't an overly powerful citrus, but instead, it is uplifting, pleasant and delightful. Hands are left soft, nourished and lightly hydrated. Purchase Again? I already have!
($3.99 for 17 oz. from Trader Joe's)
Herbatint Royal Conditioner is the conditioner that comes in each box of Herbatint Permanent Hair Color. This hair color is healthier than most permanent hair dyes and is far more forgiving on my scalp than most of the drugstore brands of hair color. Herbatint Royal Conditioner, that they include in their box of hair dye, is utterly covet-worthy. This lightweight conditioner, that you use immediately after coloring your hair, makes freshly colored hair soft, moisturized, smooth and shiny! I managed to finish up two tubes of it this month! Purchase Again? Without question!
($17.99 for their Permanent Haircolor Gel from iHerb, Amazon and Walmart)
Overall Assessment: I am such a huge fan of these brands, and specifically these particular products. As noted above, I would happily use all of them again, and again! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in April? Did you make any amazing product discoveries, or did you try any over-hyped duds?
Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.
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