Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

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Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

A few weeks ago I shared a blog post about my Winter Moisturizers for Combination/Dehydrated Skin, and it was a hit! Today I wanted to tell you about the most extensive category of products that I own in my skincare wardrobe: ampoules, essences, and serums, that I use during the winter months. Normally it takes just one moisturizer to seal the deal, so to speak, but when it comes to hydrating essences and serums, I use a combination of them all layered one over another.

When it comes to a multi-step Korean skincare routine, the order in which products are used can be pretty confusing. Just remember that most products should be applied from the thinnest consistency to the thickest, with the exception of certain active treatments that increase cell turnover, but we’ll talk about those in another post.

Skincare is very YMMV, so what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa, but I feel like it’s important to talk about my skin type. In case you missed the previous blog posts, I determined that I have combination/dehydrated skin type. How did I know it’s dehydrated and not dry? Dry skin type lacks the necessary oils needed to seal in the water, and dehydrated skin may or may not have the necessary oil, but it certainly doesn’t produce or retain enough water to keep the skin supple and plump. Adding oils targeted for dry skin to my routine only made me break out horribly, but adding products with water greatly improved the appearance of my complexion.

Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

I grabbed seven hydrating serums straight from my vanity table to show you today. Just like the products from the previous skincare wardrobe post, all of these are actively in use, so you get a glimpse of my actual routine. Sometimes when bloggers review individual products it’s hard to tell how those fit in with their lineup. I rarely review individual products anymore, because think this bundle-style format gives you the full picture, and a few alternatives, too 🙂

Note: I will assign numbers to each product for reference, so you can easily tell where it fits in the skincare sandwich on my face. The numbers in brackets indicate how I use the products, when I do.

MUST-HAVES:

Products in my must-haves category are the ones I use daily, regardless of my skin condition. They are basically my staples at this point, and will either be repurchased, or I already have backups of.

1 // Blithe Vital Treatment 8 Nourishing Beans [1 -> …] – After reading so many rave reviews about Blithe first essences [basically, Korean term for what we think of as hydrating toners], I caved and bought one to try during the VIB sale at Sephora. Guys, forget all you know about toners, because this is next level of awesome. I thought dropping $48 on a toner was probably not the brightest idea, but after I started using it, I changed my mind. I read an interview with a famous Korean actress who is revered for her amazing skin, and one of her beauty secrets was a so-called “3-second rule”, where you have to apply the first essence within 3 seconds of cleansing to prevent dehydration. I’ve been following that rule for about 2 months now using Blithe Vital Treatment 8 Nourishing Beans and I think it’s helping. I love it so much, I haven’t skipped a day yet, and my skin definitely feels happier now! I plan to either repurchase this essence when I run out or try a couple similar Korean toners from Whamisa and dear Klairs.

Blithe Vital Treatment 8 Nourishing Beans looks kind of like a runny jelly and has a light herbal fragrance. The formula contains 8 different peptide and vitamin-rich beans [including lentils, black beans, red beans] and nourishing Vitamin E beads that help soften and protect the skin. Blithe has strict product quality standards, and the products are always free of parabens, synthetic dyes & fragrances, and mineral oils.

2 // LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence [1 -> 2] – I don’t know if I can rave about this watery essence any more than I already have, so I’ll just remind you that I’ve got at least 4 more bottles sitting in the drawer, because I won’t be caught dead without it. This essence is a godsend for those of us with breakout-prone sensitive skin. Usually products targeted for acne contain alcohol, which makes my whole face sting so bad, but this essence is alcohol-free and yet it’s been incredibly effective for minimizing redness, irritations, and reducing the size [and the occurrence!] of pimples practically overnight. If you take a look at one of my older posts where I share the before and after pictures, you’ll notice a bottle of LJH Tea tree 90 Essence in the photos. Rightfully so, as it was an important product that helped improve my skin. It’s quite a stunning difference, really!

While it looks like plain water, the actual composition is anything but. The essence is made with 90% anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory Tea Tree Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, soothing Centella Asiatica, brightening mushroom extract, and other skin-loving goodies. It’s highly concentrated, so half a dropper [or about 4-5 drops] is all you need for a full-face application.

3 // Elemental Herbology Cell Nourish [1 -> 2 -> 4 -> 3] – I am such a fan of this serum! It’s one of the newest products in my routine, but I am already obsessed with the way it makes my skin look and feel. I would say, this is the skincare equivalent of taking a multivitamin. It’s something that supplements your regular daily routine with things you could always use more of, like a powerful dose of free radical-fighting antioxidants and skin-loving botanical oils. I’m normally very pale throughout, but since I started using Cell Nourish, my skin looks way more awake, and the cheeks actually have some color on them for once. No, it’s not one of those irritating products that makes your face red, instead I think it somehow helped the micro-circulation, so the capillaries are finally working as they should. Don’t quote me on that, I’m not an esthetician, but I am a pretty good guesser, and that’s why no one wants to play cards with me hehe 😉

I wrote a long and detailed review about Elemental Herbology Cell Nourish serum, if you want to read about it in more detail. In short, this is a brightening and revitalizing treatment with Vitamin A, C and E, Co-Enzyme Q10, and Green Tea to fight against free-radical damage and oxidation, Squalane for softness, Pomegranate for minimizing the harmful effects of sun’s rays, Kombucha to boost radiance and improve skin texture, Damask Rose Water and Aloe Vera to soothe and protect. Lots of great extracts and vitamins and just one little chubby bottle.

Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

SITUATIONAL:

The products in my situational category are the ones that I use on and off, kind of when I remember or when I think my skin is not in its best shape. Usually I pile on the goodies when my face starts feeling extra dry all of a sudden, or if I notice a line forming.

4 // Farmacy Invincible Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum [1 -> 2 -> 4] – Kind of like Cell Nourish above, this serum was made to address dull, uneven complexion, but the texture is closer to LJH essence, perhaps even runnier. I will say, it’s a nice serum and it does seem to gradually make my skin more even over time, but I am slightly put off my the earthy fragrance. I have nothing against naturally-scented skincare, it’s always way better than lab-made chemical scents, but something about this one just doesn’t give me any skintertainment. At this time I use it as a situational treatment to erase acne scars faster, but I can’t bring myself to wear it daily because of the fragrance.

The formula boasts over a dozen different botanicals, including Farmacy’s patented Echinacea Purpurea Greenenvy™ Root Extract, that’s the most potent Echinacea plant variety currently known.

5 // Secret Key Multi Cell Night Repair Ampoule […. -> 5] – This nighttime ampoule is supposed to be a good dupe for best-selling Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, at a fraction of the cost. To be honest, that’s why I got it in the first place. A couple years ago I received a travel-sized sample of ANR in a beauty box and couldn’t decide if I liked it or not, so I got a few more samples. I didn’t like it after all. Then I read about the Secret Key ampoule on some beauty blog, and supposedly this inexpensive dupe was even better than the original, so I bought a bottle to try. I actually liked it at first; it made my skin look well-rested and glowy in the morning. Lately, however, I don’t seem to see the same results as I did in the past. It’s possible that the ingredients have oxidized or somehow became less potent over time, since I had this bottle open for about 8 months now, so now I use it when I remember just to finish it up.

P.S.: In case you are confused about the brackets, this ampoule is always the last one I apply, and goes under the moisturizer.

Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

TESTING:

Here are the products I am currently testing to see how they perform long-term, and so far these are only my first impressions. I usually test products for at least one month before making the final verdict, but if my experience so far is any indication, I think at least one of these will make its way into my daily routine.

6 // Yuripibu Cellum Amaid Essence [1 -> 2 -> 7 -> 6] – This essence is so thick, it actually looks like a serum or even a runny moisturizer! I bought this baby during the Black Friday sale at Glow Recipe, because I heard so many good things about the brand and this particular product. This is meant to be a brightening treatment that will also improve the texture of the skin and give it nice youthful glow. I already used up a third of the bottle, and still don’t see any improvements, even though the ingredients for success are all there: niacinamide, centella asiatica, and galactomyces filtrate. The good news is the ingredient list is full of clean, non-toxic, non-irritating botanicals and CosDNA gives it a green light for safety, which is more than I can say about a lot of the skincare out there.

7 // Jan Marini Hyla3D HA Activating Complex [1 -> 2 -> 7] – I received this serum just a couple weeks ago and already can’t stop using it. I pretty much look for any excuse to squeeze a pump or two into my AM and PM routine. The formula combines several types of Hyaluronic Acid, peptides, and Coenzyme Q10 to offer relief for dry and dehydrated skin. I am very impressed so far! The skin on my face [especially my cheeks] has been very dry and tight this winter, and Hyla3D serum turned out to be the best single product to address those concerns. Usually I am only able to achieve the same level of comfort by layering several serums and essences, but Hyla3D does it all in one-two pumps. This is easily one of my favorite skincare discoveries lately!

Skincare Wardrobe: Winter Ampoules, Essences, Serums for Combination/Dehydrated Skin

As you know, I am a big proponent of layering skincare, but I almost never use all of these at once. Layering hydrating serums is very easy, as long as you keep in mind the consistency of each product. Here is how the products I mentioned in this blog post stack up against each other from the thinnest consistency to the thickest:

There is this big misconception that layering skincare will clog the pores and cause breakouts. It’s certainly possible if you apply a very generous helping of each product, but when done correctly, it’s the best way to customize your skincare routine to get the results you want. I dose each of my serums according to the way my skin is feeling that day. Sometimes it needs a little extra antioxidants to freshen up, and other times it demands more moisture. A pump here, a drop there, and we’ve got the perfect cocktail 🙂

What serums are you loving right now? Do you have a skincare wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!


Disclosure: This post features PR samples and products purchased by Glamorable, and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.

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40 Comments

  1. BeautyJudy
    February 13, 2017 / 9:12 pm

    Your skincare posts are amazing. Thank you for he work you out into it!!!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:11 am

      You’re welcome! I’m always happy to share my routines.

  2. Allison @neversaydiebeauty
    February 13, 2017 / 9:33 pm

    I love reading about your essences and serums. I just started the Jan Marini serum too and I love it as well.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:11 am

      I can’t get enough of that one, it quenches my skin with moisture and makes it feel so good 🙂

  3. February 13, 2017 / 10:42 pm

    I love the sound of the Farmacy anti-aging serum!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:11 am

      I love the sound of it too, but the smell is not that great to be honest. Way too earthy for my liking.

  4. Ehmkay Nails
    February 13, 2017 / 10:48 pm

    I have quite a few serum samples to try out. I really should get on that because my skin is dying in this weather!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:12 am

      My skin was in terrible shape this winter as well, so I’m trying to revive it any way I can.

  5. marciaf
    February 13, 2017 / 11:02 pm

    I am always amazed at how much you know about skincare. I’ve been told my skin is dehydrated and I just thought it was dry. I’ll have to try out some of these for dehydrated skin.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:12 am

      The more I read about skincare, the more I realize how in fact very little I know 🙂 It’s so humbling to know I have a LOT of room to grow.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:13 am

      Essences are a great way to add some lightweight moisture and nutrients to your routine! They are worth a try for sure.

  6. February 14, 2017 / 1:18 am

    I’m having a serious moment with essences, right now. I just used one up and I need to move on to another. The Jan Marini Hyla is in testing, Call me crazy but I think I can FEEL it doing something.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:13 am

      Not crazy at all, I can feel it quenching my skin with water and plumping those lines out 🙂

  7. February 14, 2017 / 1:58 am

    I’m not a big fan of having an additional serum in my daily routine but that tea tree essence sounds quite promising

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:14 am

      I think it’s all a matter of how much you use. I have a lot of steps in my routine, but I don’t layer tons of product in my skin, so it’s all relatively lightweight and highly customized for my current needs.

  8. February 14, 2017 / 9:27 am

    I do love a good serum, especially in winter!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:20 am

      Likewise! It feels so comforting to apply some of these products on the skin that just experienced weather shock.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:20 am

      You’re very welcome! It took me years to build up my skincare wardrobe, but having all these options is really great for targeting specific concerns.

  9. Becca Faceache Catlett
    February 14, 2017 / 10:05 am

    I seriously need to get some of these, certain areas of my face can get so dry! x

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:21 am

      Winters here in Michigan are seriously brutal. I don’t know if my face could survive without some of these, haha!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:21 am

      I think it’s worth a try for sure! It’s such a staple product for me that I don’t know what I’d do without it 🙂

  10. February 14, 2017 / 1:00 pm

    Ooh these sound amazing, some I have never heard of that I need to try for sure!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:22 am

      Variety is the spice of life! 😀

  11. February 15, 2017 / 3:08 am

    I want to try the Blithe essence – I’ve been seeing it on Cult Beauty. Will buy when they next have a GWP event. I’m going to follow the three-second rule from now on.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:23 am

      The three second rule sounds a little nutty, and honestly I just can’t make it unless I have the next bottle already open and ready to go, but I feel like it’s actually working.

  12. February 15, 2017 / 8:47 am

    I think I totally need to try the Tea Tree Essence.. my skin is totally combination/dehydrated too and I think it might help with the random breakouts. This is an awesome post- thanks for sharing!

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:24 am

      You’re welcome! Tea Tree Essence was one of the first Korean beauty products that became my daily staples, and I’ve been loyal to it for several years now.

  13. LittleNuclearReactor
    February 15, 2017 / 11:29 am

    I adore essence, serums, and ampoules! I haven’t tried any of the ones you mentioned but may have to try the tea tree essence when I run out of my current one.

    • Jackie Hines
      February 25, 2017 / 6:55 am

      I’ve heard tons of praise about the LJH Tea Tree essence 😁

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:25 am

      Skincare is obviously YMMV, but that Tea Tree Essence is one of my all-time favorite products.

  14. February 15, 2017 / 9:29 pm

    I’ve used tea tree on my face! It works wonders.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:26 am

      I agree, tea tree works so well, especially on blemished skin. My first tea tree product was the famous tea tree water toner from LUSH, and I’ve been hooked on the ingredient ever since.

  15. FairyTales Nails
    February 16, 2017 / 6:56 am

    I love being tea tree on my skin it works so well x

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:26 am

      Likewise! It works really well for blemishes, and also acts as an astringent. I love that this essence doesn’t actually smell like tea tree.

  16. Jackie Hines
    February 25, 2017 / 6:54 am

    Try the Missha Time Evolution Night Ampoule, I’ve heard a ton about that being a dupe for EL’s Advanced Night Repair. I’m so happy I’m not the only nutcase that layers serums and ampoules like my husband thinks lol.

    • March 14, 2017 / 11:27 am

      Haha, no you are not the only one, trust me! Thank you for the suggestion, I will look into it.

  17. Beautometry
    March 16, 2017 / 1:32 pm

    One of the best parts of this post? That you can see in the pictures that you actually use the products you are discussing!
    I use Lancome Renergie right now but I think I’m going to bump it up to another one of their products once what I have is gone. I also have some Argan Oil ampules from Signature Club A but I bought the kit with all the Argan Oil stuff in it and actually hated it. It ended up going bad and so I threw it away but the ampules are still fine because they are individually sealed.

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