What’s the first thing you do with a new skincare purchase?
I used to set everything aside to photograph first, but since I tend to review and either adjust year-end favorites or have nothing of note to say, I’ve taken to organizing and using–I’ll worry about photographing later (either an empty bottle/tube, repurchase if it was that good anyway, or… if the stars don’t align, use a promotional image). I organize everything by type, so that when I run out of a cleanser, I know where to find a new one.
— Christine
Well, try it out, of course!!! I’m fortunate in that I’ve rarely had reactions to skin care products so I just jump in with both feet, so to speak, and start using it and seeing how it work in with my other skin care items and also the makeup I wear, if it’s something I’ll be using in the daytime.
I write the date I started using it on the bottom in a black sharpie. This helps me learn how long my products last approximately and decide whether the value is worth it when I run out.
Wow, that is a really good idea!
Patch-test!!
I put it where it belongs. If it’s a new-new, then it goes where I keep all my currently being used skincare. Either on top of my makeshift vanity or if a cleanser, my bathroom cabinet. Backups of HG skincare go in a drawer in that same “vanity”.
WOW Julia, that is a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t been doing this for years. I have a pretty good memory and I try to purchase most of my skin care during the Sephora sale so I have a rough idea but this is so much better. This is why I love this community so much. Everyone is super helpful. Thank you.
I use new skin care right away. I don’t buy any without having done a lot of research into how a product works and fits into my routine, so I can get started right away. I have seen posts in skincare forums where someone says they have bought a new product and how are they supposed to use it. That makes no sense to me.
The same thing I do with make-up. I track the purchase date, manufacturing date (via the batch code) and best by date. Afterwards I put it to storage until I finish the current item in use.
Smell it. If it has a heavy or perfumey fragrance I can’t use it. Then I patch test it to make sure I don’t have any allergic or sensitivity reactions to it.
The first thing I do with a new skincare purchase, given that I have run out of a similar product, is to test it and see if I like it. I tend to purchase skincare from brands that I already know and love, particularly when on sale. I just have to steer clear of retinol products as I am very sensitive to them.
Major reactivity in the past 5 years, so I research all ingredients on cosdna and ewg before purchase. Generally, I can eliminate by simply reading the list. Then, occlusive tape patch test on inner forearm. Then try it at night, by itself. Then introduce every three days, where it would go in the routine, day or night. Then increase it gradually. Give it a month, then it’s a keeper or a giveaway.