Hey everyone! Today we’re going to dive into another skincare brand call Banila Co. Banila is a Korean skincare brand that specializes in skincare and makeup products. Of course, Korean skincare is a huge segment in the beauty industry and any Korean makeup or skincare is worth trying. What I like about K-Beauty is that none of the products are ever overly-drying or harsh on the skin (in my experience). When buying skincare products, I have always leaned towards the mild and gentle products because I donʻt know how much my skin can handle. It is important to do your research on a product, or test the product on a small patch of skin not on your face. It’s hard to tell how your skin will react to a new product. One time, I used a Sally Hansen (cheap American brand) product that was so harsh, it burned the skin on my face! I had to deal with the scarring for a month or two. I have definitely learned my lesson since then.
I was gifted a Banila Co. “Dear Hydration Skin Starter Kit” and a tube of their Soothing Barrier Cream back during the holiday season and I was waiting for some months of trial before I wrote a review about it. The sample set included their Dear Hydration Boosting cream, the Dear Hydration toner. The Clean It Zero sample set came with the foam cleanser and the original cleansing balm. I suggest trying these products if you have sensitive skin. I am unable to comment on how well these products would do on very oily skin or very dry skin.
First, the “Bye Stress Soothing Barrier Cream”. This product is AWESOME! I took it traveling with me to Las Vegas and it was so good for my skin in the dry weather. I applied it for the plane ride and also before I’d sleep. My skin soaked up the moisturizing cream through the night and I woke up with refreshed and smooth skin. Here in Hawaii it does take a little while longer for it to soak in to my skin because of the humidity. I don’t use very much – just one finger’s length under my makeup or SPF. I feel like this product was great to create a barrier between my skin and the masks that I’ve been using too. My face broke out (and is still breaking out) because of mask-ne. Sadly, I was not able to find this product on the Ulta or Sephora website. But if you are able to find one, grab it while you can!
Next, the sample set from their Clean It Zero line and Dear line. The order in which I’d use these products starts with the cleansing balm to take off my makeup, then the foam cleanser, then the toner, and finish it off with the hydration cream after the toner has set.
In my opinion, the Banila Co. Clean It Zero balm is a dupe to the Clinique “Take the Day Off” cleansing balm – at a fraction of the price. A little goes a long way, and you’d be surprised at how well a cleansing balm will do. It’s also a great eco-friendly alternative to using cotton rounds or makeup wipes! I scoop a little bit on my fingertips and swirl it around my face like I would when using a face wash. It also takes off waterproof makeup very easily, which is a plus.
The Clean It Zero foam cleanser was probably my favorite of the products I received. It starts off as a gel then quickly foams as you wash your face. It is a mild formula, and the fragrance is gentle and pleasant. I really like how my skin feels afterwards too. It doesn’t feel dry, and it definitely feels fresh and clean.
I am a fan of The Ordinary’s toner, but this Dear Hydration Toner is great for bringing on the go. Like the other products, this one was also very gentle on the skin. Some toners that I’ve tried instantly made my skin feel dried out, but this one didn’t. The only thing I didn’t like about this was that the bottle didn’t allow the product to come out easily, so I had to shake the product out (it came out in droplets).
Finally, we finish off with the Hydration Boosting Cream. This is another product that I wouldn’t mind buying it full-sized. This hydration cream soaks into your skin quickly, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed, moisturized, and only the slightest bit dewy. With all the humidity in Hawaii it’s easy for my skin to go from dewy to an oily looking mess. However, this product balances out my skin for everyday wear.
Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a skincare line that is mild and works well with sensitive skin, Banila Co. is worth looking in to. You can find their products directly on their website, or at Ulta Stores. Until next time!
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