Mystic Her

Summer is now a nice memory, winter is already knocking at the door. As the weather changes, also skincare products and routines should change.

So, which products are staying, and which ones are leaving? Let’s find out!

• Lumene Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover – REPURCHASED

What can I say? This is maybe my 10th used bottle. This makeup remover has been for at least a couple of years in my must-have list. It’s delicate but at the same time very efficient. You don’t need half a bottle to get waterproof makeup out and trust me, I use the strongest primers and most pigmented eyeshadows around! 😀 For those who don’t know, Lumene is a Finnish brand, which is gaining recognition abroad as well. If you are new to it, you might want to check it out!

Back to the makeup remover! It costs 6 to 9 euros per 100 ml, but it lasts a minimum 2/3 months (I use it every night) and it is often on sale, so when it’s time I always repurchase it. You can find it almost everywhere: Tokmanni, Sokos, Stockmann, Citymarket, all major beauty online stores, and Lumene’s own website (lumene.fi).

INCI list:

AQUA (WATER), ISOHEXADECANE, COCO-CAPRYLATE, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) FRUIT JUICE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPANEDIOL, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

As you can see, most of the ingredients are solvents and emollients. It contains Nordic Bilberry Water and it’s fragrance-free! 100% vegan, made in Finland, and can be used up to 12 months after opening.

So, to conclude this part, if you wear heavy makeup, this product could be a good help in your evening routine.

• Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 – NOT REPURCHASED…YET!

The next product comes directly from the USA! From one of the queens of skincare, if not THE QUEEN of skincare! Paula’s Choice <3 *applause*

If you know, you know. Paula’s Choice, or PC for the skincare fanatics, has seriously such a long list of A M A Z I N G products. And we can start right now, right here, from one of them. I have used the whole summer this hydrating fluid, which I alternated with La Roche-Posay Anti-Shine for the hottest days, to keep my shine at bay.

This leaves seriously NO WHITE CAST and it absorbs immediately. It’s light on the skin and perfect under make-up as well! I know, it feels too good to be true. As with every amazing thing, perfection has its cost. It’s for sure not the cheapest product, however, I assure you, it’s worth every penny. The travel size is 13 euros (15ml) and the normal size (60ml) is 39 euros. I usually purchase the travel version, because it’s much easier to keep it in my make-up bag and reapply wherever and whenever. I buy Paula’s Choice from Skincity’s website.

INCI list:

Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.0% (sunscreen actives).
Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin-replenishing), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidant), Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Titanium Dioxide (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (hydration), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (hydration/antioxidant), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Xanthan Gum (texture enhancer), Sodium Carbomer (texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (stabilizer), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

Sunscreen agents and GOOD STUFF ON TOP really make the difference. If you are worried about silica and dimethicone, well, as explained by the website, they’re just ingredients that help with texture and product absorption. Unless you are allergic to them, or they irritate your skin, there is nothing to be scared about 😃

I haven’t repurchased it yet, just because I will wait for next summer. It’s perfect and lightweight for hotter months, but too light for Finnish winters. Now I’m trying out different SPFs for colder months and fingers crossed I find something as good as this, just thicker.

• Emma S. Moisturising Eye Gel – IMMEDIATELY REPURCHASED

This is the first product I tried from Emma S. The brand is Swedish, founded by Emma S. Wiklund and can be found in every Kicks, plus Emma S’ own website. I purchased this eye gel when it was on sale at Kicks. I noticed it had good ingredients, especially caffeine so I was curious to try it out. It costs 19 euros for 15ml.

Many people are against eye creams, aka “expensive moisturizers”, but to me, they are and must be different. I want that caffeine. In my body and in my eye cream. My eyes’ skin is completely dissimilar from the rest of my face, so I need extra care for it: it’s dry, I have fine lines, and oh my, the puffiness when I wake up in the mornings! And caffeine should help with that.

The INCI list is pretty short and I really love it. No need for unnecessary extra.

INCI list:

Aqua, Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Carbomer, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Caffeine, Siloxanetriol Alginate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

We can find good old Glycerin, Caffeine for my puffiness, Siloxanetriol Alginate (moisturizing agent coming from water algae!), and some hyaluronic acid derivate as well. YAY! It’s alcohol-free and free from parabens, mineral oils and silicones. It’s also Vegan.

I have tried at least 15 eye creams in my life (and counting…), however, I feel that this has been the best one so far. Some gave me milia, some didn’t do anything AKA expensive moisturizers. Finally, this one seems to work! I keep it in my fridge so it wakes me up and depuffs my eyes in the morning! 😃

• Elivo Moisturizing Toner – NOT REPURCHASED

To be honest, I had big expectations from this toner. Elivo is a Finnish brand that can be found easily at Sokos and pharmacies. I found this moisturizing toner and a “normal” toner (UHM?) when shopping in Sokos Helsinki. I picked this moisturizing one because that’s what I wanted and still want to add to my thirsty skin. When I saw this on the shelf I got really excited: finally a vegan, Finnish moisturizing toner for 9 euros…and with such a good INCI! SHOOK!

INCI list:

Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, CI 47005, CI 61570

See? Everything looks really good and even some sunscreen agent at the bottom. Regarding the parfum, I haven’t noticed anything aggressive at all, barely scented I may say! Of course, if your skin gets easily ANGRY, stay away from this.

So, the ingredients are great, glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide etc…so why haven’t I repurchased it? To be frank, I used this for almost a month and I didn’t see ANY difference. Like…not at all. Considering it’s a moisturizing toner it should have at least slightly helped with moisture. But because I felt just like putting tap water on my skin, I didn’t even continue using it. I will probably find another purpose for this, maybe on the body or will give it to a friend 🙁 Such a disappointment!

💜 That’s all for today! Take care! 💜

Hey y’all!!!

I hope you had a great Midsummer! I spent a lot of time in nature and *tried* to relax and recharge for the upcoming adventures of July! 😄

Today I will talk about the super-hyped Korean product we all heard about! Be it on YouTube, Instagram, or your favorite shop online…What is it? A BB cream with high SPF? Whoooo…YES, I’m talking about the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream! (*angels chanting*)

For those who don’t know it yet, it has SPF42 PA+++. It is described as a 2-in-1: skincare and makeup in the same package. Not only it gives good coverage, but the cream also lightens the skin tone, heals visible wrinkles and blemishes, while protecting from the bad bad sun! Sounds too good to be true? Read more!

• Introduction & Ingredients

As you might know, I’m starting to get more familiar with Korean skincare. I slowly educated myself with the knowledge of brands, their formulas, and as funny as it sounds, I was intrigued by the use of snail mucin. More than intrigued, I was a bit worried that something bad would happen to them. Fortunately, it all comes out naturally, so snails are not harmed, and everyone can enjoy the benefits of their mucin.

Moreover, in general, Asian formulas are more gentle than European or American brands, and usually very hydrating. So, let’s have a closer look at the formula of this BB cream:

M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++ (No. 21)
Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Arbutin, Mineral Oil, Polyethylene, Talc, Phenyl Trimethicone, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Sodium Chloride, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Methylparaben, Dimethicone, Propylparaben, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Squalane, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Algae Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Hydrolyzed collagen, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tropolone, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene

As you can see from the top of the list, sunscreen ingredients are all in a higher amount! YAY!!! After that, we can find the superstar Glycerin, super moisturizing, followed by Arbutin (!) quite rare in the products I use. It brightens the skin and is a powerful antioxidant.

Towards the middle, there are many natural ingredients from plants, like Rosa Canina, Rosemary, Jojoba oil, and to contrast a bit, also silica (Dimethicone) to get the smooth texture!

In the end, you can still find some very good ingredients, like Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyaluronic Acid, and a small trace of fragrance. So if you have sensitive skin, beware of the perfume and few alcohols present in the formula ❤️

• Packaging

The packaging catches the eye (red and gold bottle) and it’s easy to use. It’s a tube and the product comes out effortlessly, it doesn’t get stuck anywhere and it takes few seconds to open and close. The version I have is small (20ml) and it costs €6,99 at K-Citymarket. It is possible to find the normal version (50ml) for €21,90 at Stockmann (at least in Helsinki Center).

Many online shops also carry it, so I am sure it can be found quite easily. (Cocopanda.fi, LookFantastic.fi, YourBeautyStore.fi)

The product is made in Korea. It can be open for a maximum of 12 months: keep it away from the sun, heat, and humidity. I use the color 21 (Light Beige) and in Finland, you can find one shade lighter (n. 13) and many darker.

• My Experience

Pros: As you can see from the picture, this BB cream really smooooooths the hell out of your skin. It has such a blendable and light texture! It’s not heavy on the skin AT ALL, and it gives a glowy finish, even if you have a mattifying product under it. I use La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine under this, it didn’t pill even if used immediately after the application, however, the finish is never matte. Plus, considering the product and ingredients, it has an accessible price!

Cons: The light texture doesn’t last that long. Especially during summer, if you are planning to stay away the whole day, bring SPF and the BB cream with you because it will need quite a retouch, especially if you sweat a lot (and under the mask). Also, if you have something you really want to hide, this won’t be enough. Of course, a bit of redness will go away, but it doesn’t make miracles 😀 It does its job and even my pores are pretty happy with it and quite hidden!

Special Note – Undertone: The product is very neutral – going towards cool…meaning very grey. When it comes out of the tube, and when it’s on the skin, it appears super grey. I have a warm skin undertone, and that’s why I waited so long to buy it! I was afraid that it would be too cold for me, so I tested it at Stockmann and I was immediately convinced. I use the color 21 and after leaving the product on my skin for some time, it absorbs perfectly and the grey can’t be seen.

These pictures are not edited (the sun is my filter lol) and even zooming them, you can see that my pores and blemishes are barely visible. ❤️‍🔥

• Vote

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My vote is 4/5 moons!

I really like it, it’s super light, it has a strong SPF factor, hides blemishes, and helps your skin while making it beautiful!

However, after a sweaty day at work, the product was gone pretty fast. Of course, keeping the mask doesn’t help, but it would be nice if it lasted a bit longer ❤️

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments!

Valentina

Hello beautiful people!

Today I will talk about the most important step in a morning routine: sunscreen! I can’t stress enough how important it is!

Sun protection saves you from skin cancer and skin damages in general. Damage can lead to hyperpigmentation and other skin issues. Moreover, I am sun intolerant, which means that I get rash/erythema if I stay under direct sunlight.

• Introduction & Ingredients

I am always on the lookout for GOOD sunscreens. They usually feel too thick or too greasy. Especially during summer, my skin gets SO OILY, so the base must be close to perfection before applying makeup.

Let’s have a look at the INCI list of this sunscreen:

Aqua / water, homosalate, silica, octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, glycerin, pentylene glycol, styrene/acrylates copolymer, potassium cetyl phosphate, dimethicone, perlite, propylene glycol, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, aluminum hydroxide, p-anisic acid, caprylyl glycol, disodium EDTA, inulin lauryl carbamate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, PEG-8 laurate, phenoxyethanol, Scutellaria baicalensis extract / scutellaria baicalensis root extract, silica silylate, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide [nano] / titanium dioxide, tocopherol, triethanolam, xanthan gum, zinc gluconate.

As you can see it’s a good chemical sunscreen formula, it’s non-perfumed, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and sun intolerant skin (like mine), and it contains no alcohol, yay! There are 24 clinical studies behind this cream. The best part is…it’s NON COMEDOGENIC! So your pores (and mine) are not clogged by this product!

It also includes Airlicium Technology: it consists of mattifying micro-particles made to absorb sebum, sweat, and humidity (everything causing that “extra glow”). It contains anti-oxidants as well (Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract /​ Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tocopherol) as no one wants those early wrinkles.

As always with Silica, let the product absorb completely to avoid the pilling of the makeup. So far, it hasn’t happened so, to be honest, I’m pretty amazed!

• Packaging

The packaging is very basic, especially for pharmacy products, and at the same time, it’s eye-catchy and clear.

Fortunately, it’s easy to understand which product it is, as La Roche-Posay has so many products and SPFs, for EVERY need and skin type. I bought this sunscreen for €16,80 on sale, usually it costs €21 at Yliopiston Apteekki.

The offer is valid throughout May, and if you buy an Anthelios product, you will get La Roche-Posay 15ml Toleriane Sensitive Cream, a protective soothing moisturiser FOR FREE! The bottle contains 50ml of product and it has 12 months of life after opening.

• My experience

From the collage, we can see the consistency. It comes out pretty creamy and effortlessly out of the tube. I actually took a lot of product to demonstrate 😁 As you can see, when you let it absorb, it gives NO shine and NO white cast! I’m in heaven 💜

I have tried many other sunscreens throughout the years. Lately, I have been testing the new Skincity Skincare SPF50 Light Emulsion and the Paula’s Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50. I also used for two years in a row ACO Sun Face Fluid Mattifying SPF50+. However, I have to admit, I like this La Roche-Posay Anti-Shine better.

The other sunscreens claim to be for combination / oily skin, or that they will give that “matte finish”…well, it’s just not true. I don’t even mind the white cast, as I am as white as the creams. 😅 They just don’t control the shine and feel greasy or thick.

I have worked hard with my bestie Niacinamide to get the oil, shine, and redness under control, and I feel that this exact product doesn’t fail me. Also under make-up, it stays flawless! Never pilled, even when I was in a hurry!

As you can see from the picture, taken with natural light, it almost looks like there is no product at all! No extra shine, no greasiness, nor anything unwanted.

• Vote

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My vote is 5 / 5 moons!

I really have nothing bad to say about this, nor I can find any flaws or advice for improvements! I will surely buy some more before the end of the month, so I can get it discounted and with an extra La Roche-Posay cream. ME HAPPY!

Have you tried it? Is it your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Valentina

Hello beautiful people!

Today I will talk about the new brow product from Nyx Professional Makeup! I am already a huge fan of Nyx, I use the brand’s foundations and lipsticks, so I had already high hopes because I know the products are amazing!

• Introduction & Ingredients

As you might know, I’m a huge fan of pen products, as they are so easy to use. Plus, you just need the pen and not the product + a brush, and it’s not messy at all!

Especially in the latest years, eyebrows trends have changed a lot and I feel like the focus will only increase! I still remember when everyone HAD TO have those “one-line” eyebrows, so did I, haha!

I have to admit it, I’ve always had important and full eyebrows, but because of that era of plucking them endlessly, now I have some “bald spots” I need to fill, plus of course I like make-up and enjoy making them pleasing to see.

Let’s have a closer look at the Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen by Nyx. Here is the INCI list:

AQUA / WATER / EAU, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL, PEG/PPG-14/4 DIMETHICONE, PVP, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, TRIISOPROPANOLAMINE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, LAURETH-21, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): CI 77266 [NANO] / BLACK 2, CI 16035 / RED 40, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5, CI 42090 / BLUE 1.

The box and the website also insist on the flammability of the product, so…don’t put it on fire I guess?

The INCI is very common considering the make-up industry. If you are worried about Alcohol and Dimethicone (especially after reading my last post), I would suggest avoiding it only if you have bad irritations when using alcohol in products. If not, you are good to go! Dimethicone won’t cause pilling in this case, as you rarely put anything else on top of the eyebrows – or under – except a bit of powder, or SPF and creams! 😉

• Packaging

The packaging is eye-catching and you can clearly see the shade you are buying, what kind of product it is, and all the main information. I bought the Brow Tint for €13,50 on sale, usually it costs €16,90 at Sokos Helsinki. It contains 1ml of product and it has 6 months of life after opening. Also, the pen itself has a nice finish, meaning it doesn’t feel cheap and it has a good grip.

Fun fact, it’s made in South Korea. I think I’ve never seen or noticed products being made there (except for the Asian ones).

How to use it: Copy-pasted from Nyx website

“Shake pen at a downward angle. Fill in sparse areas with precise hair-like strokes and add definition to other brow areas.

Pro-Tip: To create a lifted look, flick applicator in an upward, vertical motion. Press harder for thicker hair-like strokes and lighter for thinner more natural looking hair-like strokes.”

• My experience

I have tried many other Eyebrow Pens, and most of the time they have an orange finish. Also, the colors available are 3 so you can be pretty sure you won’t find your color 🤣

This time, I was really satisfied. Of course, the product doesn’t cost €4, but you are paying for a quality product. The brow tint comes in 10 colors and I chose Espresso. The next one would have been black, which is too dark for me.

As you can see from the before and after picture, the product is AMAZING! It’s really easy to use and it gives a natural finish! I LOVE the precision of the pen and it’s long-lasting: a must, since summer is coming!

Moreover, the shade is perfect for my brows, I’ve used natural light for these pictures so the result is exactly what I wished for! Super impressed! 💜

• Vote

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My vote is 5 / 5 moons!

I really have nothing bad to say about this, nor I can find any flaws or advice for improvements! Well done once again, Nyx Professional Makeup!

Have you tried it already? Let me know in the comments!

Valentina

Hello people!

Today we will cover an important topic (and problem) in the skincare world.

First of all…What is pilling? According to dictionaries, it means “To come off, as in flakes or scales”.

It’s usually used for clothes, but it perfectly describes the same happening, so the flaking of product, be it cream, serum, or cotton!

And it’s exactly what happens, at times, during the skincare routine, especially towards the end of the process.

Does your make-up flake? Or the moisturizer / SPF creates small balls when you apply it?

Then this article is for YOU!

• Why does this happen?

The most common cause is the waiting time between products. The absorption takes its moments, especially for thicker creams like moisturizers and SPFs. It’s the same for foundation and concealer: they could be too heavy for your skin, or you’re not applying them correctly. It could also be that you applied too much product!

• What to do?

Take your time to do your routine. Let every product absorb fully, even a few minutes can make a huge difference. If you feel that there is an excess, put it on your neck, decollete, and hands! Regarding the make-up, always try to pat the product in, for example with a damp sponge, instead of rubbing aggressively. And of course, if you have dry skin opt for a hydrating foundation instead of a matte one.

I take these moments to practice self-care and be aware of how I look, consciously, and that’s my pampering time.

• Other Causes

Among other causes, we can find the wrong order of products. The correct order is from the lightest to the thickest product. Of course, the lightest the formula, the fastest it absorbs, so it can’t go much wrong if the layering is done in the right order.

Here is an example of my AM routine:

It rarely happens to me that at the make-up stage something is pilling, and I found out that (the few times it happened) I rushed my skincare, especially with the Niacinamide + Zinc by The Ordinary.

• What else?

The ingredients inside your skincare and make-up products could also affect the final result. Silicones, like Dimethicone and other names ending in “cone”, are part of a troubled family. Silicone surely helps with a smooth and long-lasting finish. However, the problem is that the products with silicone stay on the surface of the skin. If there are many products (i.e. silicone primer and silicone foundation) staying on the surface, they might pill as none of them is absorbed by the skin. Also Carbomer is an agent used in gels, and it can also cause pilling if the product is not well formulated.

The solution for this problem is checking the products in your routine and opt for silicone-free make-up and skincare. Or having a maximum of 1 product with silicone, so it doesn’t mix with other ingredients staying on the surface.

• Last but not least!

Exfoliation! How so? It could be that you are exfoliating too much – or too little!

You read it correctly. By exfoliating too much, the skin could become sensitive and dry. And of course, dry skin tends to flake if it doesn’t have enough moisture. “Listen” to your skin and if you see your face looking too dull, tight, and full of dry patches, it’s time to take a step back and take care of the moisture and hydration, just with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF! For extra moisture, apply Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin, so it locks the moisture inside.

On the other hand, if you never exfoliate, you are just applying your products to dead skin cells (EWWW). I advise chemical exfoliants over physical, as no mini-balls rubbing against your skin. As mentioned many times, anything with Salicylic Acid should do the job.

I wish you an amazing weekend and a pilling-free life!

Valentina