It’s been quite a while since I tried new skincare products. I think I finally reached that skincare junkie stage where I don’t get so tantalized by new products left and right and actually just stick to my tried-and-trues. I, however, was not spared by the ubiquitous 12.12 marketing. The aftermath? Aside from having restocked on my holy grails, I was actually able to try out some new beauty finds – all of which I’m glad to share my thoughts on. Read on!

Sunnies Face Dream Cream

My curiosity (and the 50% off) got the better of me and I finally succumbed to trying this product out. Its marketing just made it seem so promising! Scent-free, no-frills, ceramides-packed – all of my love language rolled into a jar.

The verdict? It just was not as good as I thought it was going to be. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent moisturizer, and I definitely would go for this over the fragranced-laced, whip-cloggingly-thick creams that litter the market, but for PHP 795? It’s nothing special. My skin actually doesn’t find this nourishing enough, and I often use two big dollops of this for my face just to feel nourished. It’s not a total waste of money, but will I repurchase? Eh.

(Also are you kidding me? This is mostly glycerin, with ceramides at the bottom of the ingredient list – i.e., in miniscule amounts. Shame on me though for not checking the ingredient list more closely. The jar is cute, though.)

Want something similar for a fifth of the price? Try this instead.

Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream

Aside from the ultra pretty color scheme in its packaging (as with any Good Molecules product), this gel packs a punch! It’s a fuss-free BHA cream that I find gentle enough for my skin to tolerate and quickly acclimate to, but strong enough to give noticeable results at the first few tries. My pores just feel so sucked out the morning after I use this, and my skin feels so clean and fresh. For acid neophytes, this might be too strong, so use sparingly. All-in-all, at only PHP 625 (!!!!!!), this is a good substitute for higher-costing BHA exfoliants.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream

She is a beautiful sunscreen – next to the best I have ever tried (which was Krave Beauty’s Beet The Sun, by the way).

Lightweight, non-clogging, with minimal to no white casts. She feels supple to the touch and sinks beautifully to the skin. She gives a beautiful glow that makes your skin look more hydrated than ever. Is the SPF level on this correct, in light of the K-sunscreen debacle? I could not care less, as someone who is 99% of the time at home. I love her with my whole heart and she is my current favorite step in my morning skincare routine.

Dupes? HA! This immaculate at only PHP 1,250? Nothing comes close.