Image via Glow Recipe
Skincare is a complicated subject, especially when you walk into the Sephora doors and are met with tons of different packages and items, all claiming to be essential for your skincare routine. I know myself, and walking into Sephora is like a kid in a candy store–I just can’t get enough stuff. Last time I went, I was recommended the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner. So, I naturally tried it out and decided to write a review.
First Impressions
The packaging is probably what first caught my attention the most. With a curvy glass exterior and a pink hue, it’s definitely eye-catching and pretty to look at. If there is something that I have noted about Glow Recipe, it’s that they definitely know how to make their products look great.
When you first open the bottle, you can definitely smell the watermelon. Since there is a scent to it, some people might be a bit more sensitive to that. For people like me who enjoy intense scents, it was certainly a selling point.
Components of the Toner
The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner is made using cactus water and watermelon extract. It includes two active ingredients that get the job done: BHAs and PHAs.
The BHAs include betaine salicylate, which is a softer, lighter form of salicylic acid. For people who frequently shop for anti-acne products, salicylic acid is a very common ingredient. It helps fight against those annoying breakouts and tough acne.
Willow bark extract is another BHA and contains salicin, which is the precursor to salicylic acid. The toner itself exfoliates and cleanses the skin, which helps to get rid of excess oils, dirt, and whatever else is clogging your pores.
In terms of the PHAs, it contains gluconolactone, which is used to exfoliate the skin. With the addition of hyaluronic acid, you get a major boost of hydration. Alongside these things, the toner contains extracts from things like cucumber and licorice. These help fight inflammation and keeps the skin feeling fresh and glowy.
Also check out: The best moisturizer for oily skin: Tatcha – The Water Cream
Thoughts and Reactions
Using the toner for a bit over a week now, I’ve noticed that it’s certainly got a very nice feel to it on my skin. I have relatively oily and sensitive skin and I used to use a hefty amount of antibiotics and intense acids on my face to get rid of acne. Since then, my skin has gotten pretty sensitive to some products.
It doesn’t feel like a layer of something on my skin; it feels really nice and makes my skin feel a lot smoother after using it.
In terms of pores, I have noticed that it does help quite a bit with lessening the appearance of larger pores, for instance. If you cleanse before using it (which you should), you’ll notice that it does help elevate whatever work you cleanser did as well.
The hydration factor is certainly present when I used it as well. I didn’t feel like I was putting anything crazy on my face and it didn’t burn. Instead, it felt like it gave my skin some life to it, which is really nice. I use this toner morning and night as a part of my skincare routine and would not go a day without it.
You can use a cotton ball or cotton pad to apply it, but I found after some trial that it works really nicely with just using your hands to spread it across your face. It has the same effect, but I think it’s even better when you’re applying with your hands. It feels a lot less dry. Plus, you can apply less and get more than when there’s a cotton ball in the way.
Overall, I think the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner is a great purchase. It was certainly worth the $34 USD.
Where Can You Buy The Watermelon Glow Toner?
Glow Recipe products are exclusively available at Sephora. You can purchase the toner and other skincare products at the link below:
Plus, a bit of a bonus for you DZSH readers out there! Use code GETDIOR at checkout with purchases of $35+ to get a free trial size of Dior foundation!
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
