As a baker, the cake analogy is very accurate. I only use one brand of flour because it has the most consistent and best results, even across their types of flours. I will switch the brand of butter I'm using depending on what I'm making, and I have an obsession with one brand of coconut for my macaroons because it's the only one that holds together just right. Skincare is very much the same. Just cause it's technically the same ingredients doesn't mean it's the same ratio, same source, or even the same harvest time for a source, all of which is a factor
Okay my take on "luxury" skincare is that if you can afford it and it targets or "fixes" a problem you have then i understand spending extra but i dont think your entire routine needs to be overly expensive. Like i get dark spots regularly and i would spend money on a dark spot corrector but not on a cleanser or moisturizer
Exactly 🥰👏🏻, that's it how Skin-Care and Treatment should Work....If you/WE get the Help we need then a little higher Price is' okay and accepted. But normally I doesn't Care of the beautiful Bottle or Pot 🥰😄🤪, bc this is' only to decorate my Bathroom...and this isn't worth so much Money for me! 😏🙄🤗
I love that you didn't just come out and say "it's all shit, don't waste your money blah, blah" like every other skin TH-camr would to keep their audience 'happy' and judge ppl for spending so much on products! That's why I trust your recommendations James! Look, I'm never going to buy any of these products😂😂 but loved your truthful reviews!
I've tried luxury skin care off and on over the years, totally waste of money. I think I probably tried almost everything to look younger + delay aging as much as possible, anything from face exercises, vitamin C serum, Fraxel, collagen supplements and of course Retin A (7 years straight), home devices and what not. However, nothing made any real difference compared to the high-quality derma pen I purchased for around 100 bucks. Within 3 months of use, my skin has improved DRAMATICALLY. I don't look like I'm 18 again, but definitely not 44 either. My fine lines have disappeared completely, and my nasolabial folds are way less are nonexist. People often underestimate the power of wounding and the revolutionary effects it can have on the skin and instead spending fortune on expensive creams\serums\producers.
Shhhh...don't tell everyone! (Joking) Ive been microneedling for almost 10 years - most guess I'm @ 15 YEARS younger than my birth certificate says. I DO it myself at home, quote aggressively in places, and lightly in others,,maybe 1x month. I am 63
+1 for kora. I've been doing microneedling since it started 12 or so years ago. Nobody believe I am 55. They all say I am in my 30's or early 40's. As you know, as we get old, our skin gets thinner therefore creating wrinkles. But the wounding kept my skin still thick and youthful. Your comment will help so many women to restore their skin..
Those last 5 minutes where a confirmation that I can trust you staying true to your principles! So cool to hear so much verticality even if it's only about skin care! Chapeau bas!
You are one of my favourite youtuber out here because of how real you are. About your honestly about living tight on budget as a student, and still being mindful about spending money. I appreciate it greatly that you pointed that out. ❤
I’ve used luxury skin care all my life until about 2 years ago. I’ve struggled with oily skin and breakout since age 15. I used high end products thinking the more I expensive a product the better for my skin. This is 100% untrue! It was actually causing my skin irritation because of fragrance , chemicals, etc. Long story short….. k beauty saved my skin!!! Cosrx snail mucin eye serum, exfoliating toner, essence, ampule, and snail mucin face moisturizer completely cleared my skin up! Honorable mentions go to Holika Holika snail mucin repair cream, Numbuzin #3 toner and serum, Toboco eye gel, Bioderma toner, and Beauty of Joseon products !!! I wash my face with Avene cleansing foam for oily skin, La Roche Possay cleansing oil, La Roche Possay foaming cleanser for oily skin, Cetaphil cleanser. Cosrx pimple patches if needed. Absolutely love K beauty products and love the glass skin look. ❤❤❤❤❤
@@EnvyBlu I absolutely love k beauty products! James is actually the one who is responsible for me trying those products and my face cleared up within a week ! The products are reasonably priced and they actually work! My skin is the best it’s ever been !!! 😄😄😄😄😄 Have a fantastic day!! 😊😊😊
I tried one of Cosrx snail mucin products and it made me break out in a horrible rash. It turns out that if you are allergic to dust mites, you can be allergic to snail mucin as well.
Thank you for sharing this!!! I’m allergic to dust. Although I did have pet snails as a kid and they never gave me an allergic reaction so maybe it’s worth trying a sample?
@@EmL-kg5gn …. Try the Cosrx essence after you wash and toner your face. It’s amazing. I have really sensitive skin and I have to really watch what I put on my face. Since my post , I started using ANUA cleansing oil to watch your face with first . Then I use the AVENE cleanser for oily skin. This 2 step cleansing is called a double cleanse. Then I use ROUND LAB toner and it’s super sensitive and amazing ! I then use the COSRX essence which is a game changer! From day 2 I started to see a difference in the texture and softness of my skin. It helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone. Then I use HOLIKA HOLIKA good cera face cream. It’s so amazing. I finish with COSRX face sunscreen. The only eye cream I can use is the COSRX snail mucin eye cream or the BYOMA eye gel because it seems everything makes my eyes red and flaky. I understand that you may have different reactions to certain products than me but this is just suggestions that I have found to be very mild and with results. I go out a lot without makeup because these products have completely healed my skin. k beauty products are amazing ! Good luck 😊
The squeamishness you describe is how I felt about skincare, period, until this year! I haven't been Broke or paycheck to paycheck in a while, but it's very difficult to break out of that scarcity mindset. Too, I wasn't on lockdown. I was an essential worker. None of the newsworthy jobs, but nonetheless, that was a period of sacrifice and stress. That mindset has also been difficult to break out of. K-beauty has been exactly what I needed: something Nice, just for me, but isn't so expensive as to make me too uncomfortable. I will never knock drugstore, but I do need to learn to do nice things for myself, just 'cuz. I loved watching you gush about the Prada serum!
I absolutely love the SK-II essence. Ill splurge occasionally but I like the biotherm life plankton essence. My skin just loves fermented and prebiotic products.
I do really like a luxury cleanser at night. In the morning, I am great with something super practical and no-nonsense. But the texture and scent of luxury at night? I do really like it as an experience.
I've wanted to use SK ll products for years but could never justify, especially now this year. Getting groceries is hard let alone skincare. I hope to try it someday though and I'm glad to hear you love it so much.
Great video! Really thoughtful intro and conclusion on what “luxury” means. This video felt more like a think-piece than a product review, and I really enjoyed that about it.
I like to include 1 or 2 luxury products in my routine for the same reason you mentioned - it makes me want to do my skincare and keeps me on top of it. the luxury product that has had the greatest impact on my skin has been the U Beauty resurfucing compound.
I love when you actually show the application of the products on your videos. It helps me understand the texture. For me texture is very important. For example, I hate all the snail mucin products because of the texture. 🤮 I swear by the SK-II essence. It's worth every penny. I'm nearly 50. I think I've used it for nearly a decade. I can always tell the difference in my skin when I stop using it because I've run out. It just seems more dull and less hydrated when I don't use it. Otherwise, I don't really use luxury skincare.
Thank you for the message at the end ❤️ I'm recently learning to love myself again coming on the other side of post partum. My melasma has been terrible and I gave up on loving myself. Skincare has quite literally forced me to take 30 minutes for myself every day, and the mix matching of products depending on the sort of day I've had feels like I'm healing from outside in. I've come to terms with my melasma and acne scarring, as perfection doesn't exist 🥰 Thank you for your candid content, and thank you for retaining integrity as your platform grows ❤️ Can you please look into doing a video about oily skin in humid environments? Or skincare in general in high humidity? 🙏🏽🙏🏽 It's the start of summer in Australia, and I'm struggling with breakouts when reapplting my sunscreen as necessary with the UV index at 13 🥵🌡🫠
love you! Finally someone with real honest review of luxury items, thank you for your real honesty, especially the Sk II, always wanted to try it but didnt know if the price was worth it. Thanks for this review.
One of the crazy things I’ve noticed about moving from budget to more mid-tier luxury is that every single product I have lasts longer. My most expensive products last so long that they end up saving me money- I think it reflects the way it’s true that it is more expensive to be less rich, because the upfront investment cost is higher than a lot of people can afford…
I work in a hospital, and one day, my patient had the SK essence on her table. Her skin was amazing. Needless to say, I bought it, and the rest is history ❤
I truly never thought there was. But I’ve switched my whole routine over to medical grade (the term isn’t regulated or have a true 100% agreed upon definition). They can also be referred to as ‘professional grade’ as most of them can only be purchased through a medical-spa or a clinic that is oversaw by a medical director who is a doctor. My go-to brand is skin-better! So many of their products have completely changed my skin, and I so so much before! A true skin care junkie, from drug store to high end. While I had a set routine of best sellers & great products, nothing was working for my skin concerns. People who say there isn’t a difference completely discount the innovation/technology/etc that go into these products. I do think it’s different than just a luxury brand doing skin care!
@@LilyaOzzy I feel like there is a big difference between branded, luxury products that may sound amazing but don't have the tech/delivery systems that the "medical grade" category products do.
For me, a luxury skincare experience is getting a facial or any other treatment at the spa and that's only if and when the budget allows for it. But thank you for sharing your experience.
The story behind La Mer: They play music to the sea kelp during fermentation. This is done in order to "baby" it, the thought process being that if the ingredient is babied, it will then baby users' skin. True story.
And even wilder: the guy who developed it died and with him the recipe and they hired a medium to talk to him about the formulation. Also a true story!
I’ve been consistent with skin care for over a decade now. And the best moisturizer I have found for my skin is the peptide moisturizer from Inkey list. I love it!
I'm a pastry chef and I absolutely agree with the cake analogy (as another commentor). In pastry school we were taught to use the best ingredients available, and it will give you better results. That said, I think this is one of my favorite videos from you, James. Washing my face from the time I was a teenager was all about controlling acne, and removing make-up. But as I got older I have enjoyed the process of taking care of my skin more. Trying to repair the sun damage, and smooth out those wrinkles that are bound to happen with age. It has become my time for myself especially at the end of the day, to wash off the day and rejuvenate my skin and soul. Sounds crazy, but I do look forward to it! And honestly I could not afford $300 for a serum (or justify purchasing it!), but I understand why people would indulge. Though now you said how wonderful the Prada serum smelled, I would just love to give it a whiff! And it is tempting since peptides are my go-to for products, my skin just loves them. Thanks, James for a fantastic video! Really enjoyed this one.
Okay so I love skincare but I have a combo of both high end and “mid tier” skincare. The main products I genuinely love and have repurchased time and time again that are expensive is the SK ll essence, AMOREPACIFIC essence, tatcha rice wash, tatcha dewy skin cream, Elemis pro collagen cleansing balm and the Dr denis gross peel pads. Everything else I think I have is under $60 which I wouldn’t consider luxury. But I do genuinely enjoy and love my expensive products and think they are worth it personally. But I also love my adorable k beauty just as much!! The only thing I don’t have a lot of is drugstore skincare
@@juliakrasinskisame it’s the only moisturizer I use now. I have bought like 6 of the value sizes already😂😂 my skin just loves it so I’m sticking with what works😂
I love how down to earth & honest you are with your product reviews. It helps me know I can trust you to recommend something worth the $ & knowing how it will perform. I have the best skin I've ever had & I'm 33 & it's all thanks to you.
Luxury to me is the Lisa Eldridge cleanser! I'm more of a Stratia, Ordinary, Cosrx person. But that cleanser is so good! I also use it as a mask!! Many blessings!!💖💖💖
Yes!!!! I don’t know what is going on with that cleanser but it is literally the number 2 product (behind retin A) that has affected my skin significantly. It’s smoother, stays less dry, just glows… I mean, it makes no sense - I have experimented with tons of face creams and washes and essences … so many nice products… but LE face wash… what magic is it? I’ve run out and I’m really missing it. I’m stuck with some hobo cle de peaue cleanser now 😅. I don’ think it’s significant long term like a vitamin C or retin A (though at this point, I don’t understand what voodoo is going on) … but it makes my daily skin feel and look wonderful
I really enjoy the Biossance omega repair cream which is helping my dry skin now it’s more winter weather. I use it with their 100% Squalane oil and it’s great. I have the jumbo size which lasts me a long time 😊 they are releasing a new thicker one soon which I’m excited about 😊
Can we get a new k-beauty favs video??? I would love to see your opinion on Isa Knox, sooryehan, etc and what you recommend! As well as eye creams! I have heavy baggage there and would love to see what you like
If you want the combination of peptides and collagen at a more affordable price, you should give skinfix barrier support cream a try! I absolutely love that moisturizer, it's helped calm down my eczema flare ups and always leaves my skin super soft and balanced. Plus it's certified by the national eczema foundation in the US
I have to sadly agree, due to the price, but I also completely love SK11 essence! I will say though the majority of high expensive products don’t actually do anything better than cheaper options. There’s a lot of rumours, even from people who claim to be esthetician’s , that Creme De La Mer is a ripoff but they don’t actually look into the fermentation and how it’s made to work. Would I buy it, yes if I was rich, because it’s what they do with the ingredients that make it work better.
As someone who has rosasea and dry skin (worse in the winter), the products that have worked for me are from iS Clinical (a luxury brand). I use their Cleansing Complex and Pro-Heal Serum. My SPF is Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. My moisturizer (Cerave moisturizing cream) is affordable though. My skin is the best it's been in years...
I used to work at a fancy department store in my 20s. I'd get luxury skin care for discount prices, also loads of samples. Most of them I couldn't use because I have a fragrance allergy. The ones I could use didn't do anything because I didn't know anything about skin care. I just didn't know what products might be useful for a specific skin concern. My skin is better now in my 40s with a budget skin care routine than it ever was back then. I'm grateful for having had that time dabbling with luxury skin care so I just don't have that yearning for it now. It's a been there done that kind of situation. I can still remember exactly one (1) product that felt and smelled so heavenly I would buy it today for the sensorial experience alone if it weren't so god darn expensive. But I have most definitely found budget options that are likely better for my skin even if the luxurious feel isn't there.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one , I remember trying out the famous k beauty version of Lancôme Génifique and as much as I tried to convince myself that it could be the same because of the ingredients list.. it just wasn’t . Two drops of the Lancôme and my skin felt amazing.
I don’t even like skincare or no anything about it I mean my skincare consist of using a face wipe that’s it 🤣🤣 but I still subscribe and watch every video posted just because I support and love everything about James as a person - plus it always cheers me up, same with Roberts channel and the Welsh twin Channel so I’d happily watch anything posted 🖤
I am fortunate in that I have naturally good skin. My grandmother and mother both have amazing skin, and I was lucky enough to inherit that from them. The only issue I have is sensitivity to fragrances. I use mostly The Ordinary and drugstore products. At 49 I barely have any wrinkles or sagging, so I don’t waste money on anything I don’t need. I have been vigilant about wearing sun screen and keeping out of the sun as much as possible, which has helped a lot. I feel that if you have generally good skin, you don’t need to spend much money on your skin.
Preaching to the choir here on the whole 'Clean Beauty' nonsense. Majority of the time it's just marketing BS to sell products at a higher price, or guilt trip consumers into buying a product which may or may not be any better for the environment than buying something at your local supermarket. I do love what you said at the end though, about taking time for yourself and enjoying the process of a skincare routine. I do a fair bit of facial massage when I'm doing my nighttime routine, and it's not because I think it's going to make any actual difference, I just love the sensation of massaging different creams into my face and how relaxing it can feel. It's like my own little mini pamper session, and I don't think that's something you need to spend a lot of money for. It's okay to take time for yourself, and more of us should probably be doing that. Excellent video as always.
Regarding the Nivea cream as a La Mer dupe: what irked me the most about that is that they AREN'T dupes! They're totally different products. Someone noticed that the "base" was the same/similar and concluded that they're dupes, but two things having a similar base doesn't make them dupes or even alternatives for each other. If you went to a restaurant and ordered a creme brulee, and the server said "Sorry, we're actually out. We can make you an omelette instead, though. They have the same base of eggs!" you'd probably tell them to fuck off, because you don't want an egg-based food, you want creme brulee! Same thing with skincare.
The dupe is to add fermented sea kelp to the Nivea cream. I tried it and it didn’t mix very well because the Nivea is so thick and the sea kelp is watery serum. Personally I’m loving Amlactin. I mix it with the Cerave hydrating lotion with a coconut body oil.
You can really tell how much work goes into these videos, thank you for always bringing us top notch information, footage, commentary, all of it! :) btw "it foams because of nature, not because of synthetics" nearly made me spit my tea out lol
I am with you on the definition of luxury. What I find funny is that the majority of skincare I’ve given a negative review of, have also been in the luxury category, I don’t think it’s a coincidence. 😂
Could you please do a dupe/alternative video for higher priced products that you enjoy? Really want to buy some new skincare that's under £40/50 each so would love some recommendations!
Would love to see you review Allies of skin, something about that brand makes me willing to spend on their products lol , I feel like your opinion is the only one I would trust
I think your point of luxury experience is often underrestimated. I love a (mild) good pleasurable fragrance in my toners and moisturizers! Enjoying my evening skincare routine after a day of work to relax. And yes, how the product feels, smells, slides over the skin to create an experience, I started to really value that. in the moment, my favorite is the Whamisa deep rich toner. It is just so nice, I don't use it everday, but I always look forward to using it again. It smells like a wildflower meadow and the texture! so so nice. It instantly brings my stress level down. Does it hydrate more than other toners? not really, does it have magical skin improving results? of course not, but I value the great time for myself I have using these luxury products.
Love ❤️❤️😘 what tour said in the end! I'm tempted now to buy the Kate Sommerville peptide moisturizer. Would love to try the Prada serum- but hacking this kind of money to spend, I would rather by the serum- of Augustinus Bader. But I do love Prada ❤😅 xxx
I also love the lore of La Mer! The founder used to bring it to parties and eat it with a spoon and jam it in his eye to demonstrate its purity. Now that’s passion! 😂 🌊
Japan is my favorite country also! I also bought sk-ll essence duty free during my time there. The price in Japan is cheaper than here in the states so I bought the biggest bottle 😅 I like the experience of using it and I think it helps with keeping my face hydrated. I have sensitive acne skin and it didn't cause any reactions. I will purchase again!...but in Japan 😂
I bought a load of Dior skincare a few months ago partly because I liked unwrapping the parcelsand the freebies😂..... Tbh it did nothing wonderful and the fragrance is SO overpowering now it's sat half used on the shelf. Im now sticking to using Korean skincare again and my skin looks wonderful!.... I do spend A LOT on yesstyle but Its my guilty pleasure 😊
I fell for the clean beauty puff. Bought Blue Cocoon and Vintner’s Daughter. Both broke me out and I am not prone to acne. Very highly scented and also oil based. No improvement in anything. I buy SKII and Sunday Riley Good Genes and their vit C. I feel moisturisers don’t need to be fancy. Aveno is brilliant.
I love hearing you talk about your experience in Japan!! It’s such a special place. A skincare and nail focused travel video from you in Japan would be so fun to watch. Have you tried anything in the Muji skincare line? I like their purple bottomless toning water, as well as their moisturizing milk.
I Love agent nateur ageless face serum.🖤. love the way james so honest,even if gifted or not. Restores our faith in the influencers who blatantly lie . Thank you james 👏🖤
I appreciate this video. I’m 37 & I have oily skin & use a blend of pricier medical grade night cream w/glycolic acid & cleanser from my dermatologist clinic that keep my acne away & skin smooth. But I also use Nivea moisturizer in the blue tin & calming toner for daytime use which also work great. I definitely believe my skin is worth investing in but I also don’t feel a whole line of expensive products is necessary.
Great subject to cover! When I was doing beauty at college, I always remember how much dermalogica broke my skin out during training, which to me is a somewhat luxury brand, expensive anyway 😂 since then I’ve just tried different brands in different price ranges and never seem to like a ‘whole line’ from any brand. It’s always good to mix and match to me 😊 also if I’ve learned anything from watching ‘lifestyles of the rich’ type programmes..the stuff they buy is just expensive, not necessarily good quality or value. People just make the price really high and they’ll buy it 😅 ooh just got to the Japan part! I would LOVE to go there ❤
I was taken to the Dermalogica counter at Westfield when they opened (I was like 11) and it absolutely RUINED my skin -- in hindsight their cleanser was way, way too harsh (and very powerfully fragranced, which my very red skin haaaaaaates)
James, I need a video where you use your current routine 🙏all kinds of product throughout the week like, your exfoliator, your essence, your peptide etc. when to use them and with which other product. please. Because I feel like I have a pretty good routine but I truly don't know how to pair my products and how many times per week I need to use them. thank you love you
I just started using The Ordinary Barrier Serum and I'm quite enjoying it! I can only use it at night as I use Vitamin C in the morning, but it feels amazing and I actually love the color! LOL It feels really nice too. I do agree with you about the dropper though. I wish it came with a pump. I do not have the budget for luxury/expensive skincare, but I also do not enjoy overly fragranced skincare as my face is sensitive. I will say that I'm very intrigued by the Kate Sommerville moisturizer...it sounds perfect! I might have to save up and wait for a discount... My skin loves peptides too!
Love love LOVE this video!!!! You did such a great job reviewing and describing the products, but you stayed realistic and offered good alternatives! Love you!
What about one where you test a single more high-tech product, like the Plated Intense Serum, or the Neogenesis Recovery Serum, or the Calecim Multi-Action Cream? If you took befores and afters and used the product for 2-3 months, I think that would be great. :)
James.....wow! I just noticed you not only have over 1 million subscribers, you are on your way to 2 million??!!!!! HOW AMAZING! How did you do it? I have been a subscriber since you were way below 1 million.....
If I can say so, your skin is looking AMAZING in this video. I’ve got MCAS, with rosacea and I react to some specific ingredients, perfumes, preservatives and I have to avoid SLES and tend to keep clear of parabens. Any alcohol has to be WAAAAAY down the ingredients list. Plus I have to have different products to handle different issues. I am LOVING the thisworkscbd boosters, even the bakuchiol and retinoid ones, though that last one can be a bit much for my skin. About to dig into my new Inkey List products with everything crossed! But I’m super interested in that The Ordinary one to combat reactions though. If only there was a DECENT anti ageing range that’s affordable for reactive and allergic skins! I really miss the Absolute ultimate night cream with CBD form Formula, though I can use their regular one and serums. Some Q&A is OK. Still seeking a sunscreen for my face I can use regularly tho
I agree so much with you at the end, I buy expensive ones and gives me the feeling of a good spa treatment and also makes me look forward to do it every day ❤ Whats your opinion on Sisley products? Have you used the Sisleyum for Men?
I tried a sample of a cleanser recently that was just over the outside edge of my price-range. Absolutely wonderful product, made my skin feel and look incredible but it didn't have a fragrance (which is good! lots of people are sensitive to essential oils and fragrances!) and without that extra feeling of luxury I just couldn't make myself stretch.
The way I was using my Augustinus Bader cream and thought of this being a great idea for a video. Like I love that cream , and like you I didn’t want to. But it got me thinking about whether if you only used luxury skincare if you would notice a big difference in your skin.
I used to agree with your opinion whole heartedly several years ago. But I’m now a women we’ll into my 30s with a few kids and I have less and less time for myself. Now, the act of getting ready for work in the morning, my shower and nighttime routine are MY ONLY SOLITARY MOMENTS! I find that, even though I realize it’s unnecessary, I really crave the luxury experience stupidly expensive luxury products give me because these are the only moments I get to feel like a real person. 😂 It’s like a guilty pleasure that hurts absolute no one. Could I spend the money elsewhere, sure. Do I care to? No. At the end of the day, for me, the money feels well spent because I as a person feel better.
I used La Met for 6 months and yes same as you It felt good smelled good but my skin looked no better or worse. I love Glow Recipes Peptides and aha toner won’t give them up! I do agree with SK II toner love it! I’m 64 started using as stated above plus THE ORDINARY at 62 my skin looks better now then 2 years ago. I take your advise James! But luxury DOES NOT MEAN BETTER PRODUCTS !
I will say out of all the products if I found a moisturizer that I loved I would spend a little more for it as well. I have to have a moisturizer that kinda takes my breath when put on. So don’t blame you with repurchasing it if you like it.
I would be into a video of a month with more affordable routine with some actives, l-ascorbic A, glycolic, retinol, peptides and growth factors (not necessarily all those active in one month but some) and later the expensive version of that routine using the same type of active to see if a difference. Probably expensive first and then affordable to see if in comparison they are worth it.
The La Mer sunscreen used to be mineral and it was so great and almost worth the $$ before Tatcha had theirs. No white cast or crumbly bits. But once they went to chemical it was no different than a $15 Japanese or Korean one.
Seeing these jaw dropping prices has me gathering and clutching my invisible coins like a niffler. I knew La Mer's BS would be on here. 😂 As much as I hate the miracle broth sound/light wave magic crap - the La Mer cream feels amazing on my skin. I love/hate it so much. I was lucky enough to be given a sample size of it that I scraped every bit out of but I refuse to buy it myself.
For me personally I can't ever imagine being parted from my SKII FTE and my Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum. Everything else though, I prefer budget options and sales for sure!!! My current favorite moisturizer is from Hado Labo
We all benefit from the little luxuries in our lives, mine is body wash. I love Molton Brown and enjoy using the different scents I’ve collected every day.
I hope clean beauty becomes regulated one day, I hate how brands bring fear to their buyers....
And the damage to the environment made by so many “natural” ingredients…
It really needs to be.
@@JamesWelsh BTW, you are aging in reverse!! What is your secret?
@@jnewmark41Luxury skincare 🙃
It can't be. There's no such thing as "clean" other than a sterile, airless vacuum...
As a baker, the cake analogy is very accurate. I only use one brand of flour because it has the most consistent and best results, even across their types of flours. I will switch the brand of butter I'm using depending on what I'm making, and I have an obsession with one brand of coconut for my macaroons because it's the only one that holds together just right.
Skincare is very much the same. Just cause it's technically the same ingredients doesn't mean it's the same ratio, same source, or even the same harvest time for a source, all of which is a factor
As a fellow baker I agree fully. Even just different types of vanilla extract makes a large difference.
@@apollolewis yes! I'm trying to make my own so I can have more control over my vanilla profile
Now i need to know which brand of coconut???
King Arthur?
@@candicecrawford2996 Baker's in the blue bag
Maybe it’s because I’m from a super dry climate but the best skincare product above $100 I ever bought was a humidifier for my bedroom.
lol so trueee
God I live in the rainy uk. Have enough damp In my house for all of us 😅
@@charlotteburt3113 every time I visit London I am so happy to leave my piles of hand cream and chapstick at home.
Okay my take on "luxury" skincare is that if you can afford it and it targets or "fixes" a problem you have then i understand spending extra but i dont think your entire routine needs to be overly expensive. Like i get dark spots regularly and i would spend money on a dark spot corrector but not on a cleanser or moisturizer
Absolutely agree!
Exactly 🥰👏🏻, that's it how Skin-Care and Treatment should Work....If you/WE get the Help we need then a little higher Price is' okay and accepted.
But normally I doesn't Care of the beautiful Bottle or Pot 🥰😄🤪, bc this is' only to decorate my Bathroom...and this isn't worth so much Money for me! 😏🙄🤗
Totally agree! My skin loves the f*cking bader though 😭😭😭 I'll never try SKII, too afraid my skin might like it 😑
Agreed! Although my holy grail is Tatchas og moisturizer. Everything else I use is drugstore or inky list & ordinary
Agree!!
I love that you didn't just come out and say "it's all shit, don't waste your money blah, blah" like every other skin TH-camr would to keep their audience 'happy' and judge ppl for spending so much on products!
That's why I trust your recommendations James! Look, I'm never going to buy any of these products😂😂 but loved your truthful reviews!
He didn't say it for reason! PR lists!
I've tried luxury skin care off and on over the years, totally waste of money. I think I probably tried almost everything to look younger + delay aging as much as possible, anything from face exercises, vitamin C serum, Fraxel, collagen supplements and of course Retin A (7 years straight), home devices and what not. However, nothing made any real difference compared to the high-quality derma pen I purchased for around 100 bucks. Within 3 months of use, my skin has improved DRAMATICALLY. I don't look like I'm 18 again, but definitely not 44 either. My fine lines have disappeared completely, and my nasolabial folds are way less are nonexist. People often underestimate the power of wounding and the revolutionary effects it can have on the skin and instead spending fortune on expensive creams\serums\producers.
Could you tell us which derma pen brand please ? Thanks for the comment by the way!
Shhhh...don't tell everyone! (Joking)
Ive been microneedling for almost 10 years - most guess I'm @ 15 YEARS younger than my birth certificate says.
I DO it myself at home, quote aggressively in places, and lightly in others,,maybe 1x month. I am 63
+1 for kora. I've been doing microneedling since it started 12 or so years ago. Nobody believe I am 55. They all say I am in my 30's or early 40's. As you know, as we get old, our skin gets thinner therefore creating wrinkles. But the wounding kept my skin still thick and youthful. Your comment will help so many women to restore their skin..
How often do you do it?
every 14-20 days, a single session, 1.5mm depth all over the face (0.5mm under eyes and forehead).
As someone with sensitive skin, nothing has made my skin want to kill me more than Tata Harper 😂 “natural” can be brutal.
Not gonna lie, your skin looks BEAUTIFUL in this vid.
Those last 5 minutes where a confirmation that I can trust you staying true to your principles! So cool to hear so much verticality even if it's only about skin care! Chapeau bas!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You are one of my favourite youtuber out here because of how real you are. About your honestly about living tight on budget as a student, and still being mindful about spending money. I appreciate it greatly that you pointed that out. ❤
I’ve used luxury skin care all my life until about 2 years ago. I’ve struggled with oily skin and breakout since age 15. I used high end products thinking the more I expensive a product the better for my skin. This is 100% untrue! It was actually causing my skin irritation because of fragrance , chemicals, etc. Long story short….. k beauty saved my skin!!! Cosrx snail mucin eye serum, exfoliating toner, essence, ampule, and snail mucin face moisturizer completely cleared my skin up! Honorable mentions go to Holika Holika snail mucin repair cream, Numbuzin #3 toner and serum, Toboco eye gel, Bioderma toner, and Beauty of Joseon products !!! I wash my face with Avene cleansing foam for oily skin, La Roche Possay cleansing oil, La Roche Possay foaming cleanser for oily skin, Cetaphil cleanser. Cosrx pimple patches if needed. Absolutely love K beauty products and love the glass skin look. ❤❤❤❤❤
I use a lot of the same products you use. 😊 I love Numbuzin No 3 toner, and CosRx products
@@EnvyBlu I absolutely love k beauty products! James is actually the one who is responsible for me trying those products and my face cleared up within a week ! The products are reasonably priced and they actually work! My skin is the best it’s ever been !!! 😄😄😄😄😄 Have a fantastic day!! 😊😊😊
I tried one of Cosrx snail mucin products and it made me break out in a horrible rash. It turns out that if you are allergic to dust mites, you can be allergic to snail mucin as well.
Thank you for sharing this!!! I’m allergic to dust. Although I did have pet snails as a kid and they never gave me an allergic reaction so maybe it’s worth trying a sample?
@@EmL-kg5gn …. Try the Cosrx essence after you wash and toner your face. It’s amazing. I have really sensitive skin and I have to really watch what I put on my face. Since my post , I started using ANUA cleansing oil to watch your face with first . Then I use the AVENE cleanser for oily skin. This 2 step cleansing is called a double cleanse. Then I use ROUND LAB toner and it’s super sensitive and amazing ! I then use the COSRX essence which is a game changer! From day 2 I started to see a difference in the texture and softness of my skin. It helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone. Then I use HOLIKA HOLIKA good cera face cream. It’s so amazing. I finish with COSRX face sunscreen. The only eye cream I can use is the COSRX snail mucin eye cream or the BYOMA eye gel because it seems everything makes my eyes red and flaky. I understand that you may have different reactions to certain products than me but this is just suggestions that I have found to be very mild and with results. I go out a lot without makeup because these products have completely healed my skin. k beauty products are amazing ! Good luck 😊
The squeamishness you describe is how I felt about skincare, period, until this year! I haven't been Broke or paycheck to paycheck in a while, but it's very difficult to break out of that scarcity mindset. Too, I wasn't on lockdown. I was an essential worker. None of the newsworthy jobs, but nonetheless, that was a period of sacrifice and stress. That mindset has also been difficult to break out of. K-beauty has been exactly what I needed: something Nice, just for me, but isn't so expensive as to make me too uncomfortable. I will never knock drugstore, but I do need to learn to do nice things for myself, just 'cuz. I loved watching you gush about the Prada serum!
I absolutely love the SK-II essence. Ill splurge occasionally but I like the biotherm life plankton essence. My skin just loves fermented and prebiotic products.
I do really like a luxury cleanser at night. In the morning, I am great with something super practical and no-nonsense. But the texture and scent of luxury at night? I do really like it as an experience.
I've wanted to use SK ll products for years but could never justify, especially now this year. Getting groceries is hard let alone skincare. I hope to try it someday though and I'm glad to hear you love it so much.
Great video! Really thoughtful intro and conclusion on what “luxury” means. This video felt more like a think-piece than a product review, and I really enjoyed that about it.
I like to include 1 or 2 luxury products in my routine for the same reason you mentioned - it makes me want to do my skincare and keeps me on top of it. the luxury product that has had the greatest impact on my skin has been the U Beauty resurfucing compound.
I love when you actually show the application of the products on your videos. It helps me understand the texture. For me texture is very important. For example, I hate all the snail mucin products because of the texture. 🤮
I swear by the SK-II essence. It's worth every penny. I'm nearly 50. I think I've used it for nearly a decade. I can always tell the difference in my skin when I stop using it because I've run out. It just seems more dull and less hydrated when I don't use it. Otherwise, I don't really use luxury skincare.
Thank you for the message at the end ❤️
I'm recently learning to love myself again coming on the other side of post partum.
My melasma has been terrible and I gave up on loving myself.
Skincare has quite literally forced me to take 30 minutes for myself every day, and the mix matching of products depending on the sort of day I've had feels like I'm healing from outside in. I've come to terms with my melasma and acne scarring, as perfection doesn't exist 🥰
Thank you for your candid content, and thank you for retaining integrity as your platform grows ❤️
Can you please look into doing a video about oily skin in humid environments?
Or skincare in general in high humidity? 🙏🏽🙏🏽
It's the start of summer in Australia, and I'm struggling with breakouts when reapplting my sunscreen as necessary with the UV index at 13 🥵🌡🫠
love you! Finally someone with real honest review of luxury items, thank you for your real honesty, especially the Sk II, always wanted to try it but didnt know if the price was worth it. Thanks for this review.
One of the crazy things I’ve noticed about moving from budget to more mid-tier luxury is that every single product I have lasts longer. My most expensive products last so long that they end up saving me money- I think it reflects the way it’s true that it is more expensive to be less rich, because the upfront investment cost is higher than a lot of people can afford…
I work in a hospital, and one day, my patient had the SK essence on her table. Her skin was amazing. Needless to say, I bought it, and the rest is history ❤
Please do a medical grade test next! I’d love to know if there really is an actual difference
There isn't.
I truly never thought there was. But I’ve switched my whole routine over to medical grade (the term isn’t regulated or have a true 100% agreed upon definition). They can also be referred to as ‘professional grade’ as most of them can only be purchased through a medical-spa or a clinic that is oversaw by a medical director who is a doctor. My go-to brand is skin-better! So many of their products have completely changed my skin, and I so so much before! A true skin care junkie, from drug store to high end. While I had a set routine of best sellers & great products, nothing was working for my skin concerns. People who say there isn’t a difference completely discount the innovation/technology/etc that go into these products. I do think it’s different than just a luxury brand doing skin care!
@@LilyaOzzy I feel like there is a big difference between branded, luxury products that may sound amazing but don't have the tech/delivery systems that the "medical grade" category products do.
Doctorly and Dr. Idriss both have videos debunking them. There is no difference. It's just marketing.
@@WendeCrow exactly 💯
For me, a luxury skincare experience is getting a facial or any other treatment at the spa and that's only if and when the budget allows for it. But thank you for sharing your experience.
James please do a video on a full routine of affordable skincare that preforms as well as luxury!
The story behind La Mer: They play music to the sea kelp during fermentation. This is done in order to "baby" it, the thought process being that if the ingredient is babied, it will then baby users' skin. True story.
It's crazy lol
That is wild
And even wilder: the guy who developed it died and with him the recipe and they hired a medium to talk to him about the formulation. Also a true story!
@@roden70😂😂😂
@@roden70 That's even better than the origin story!! 🤣🤣
What a super genuine guy you are James with lovely skin too ❤
I’ve been consistent with skin care for over a decade now. And the best moisturizer I have found for my skin is the peptide moisturizer from Inkey list. I love it!
I'm a pastry chef and I absolutely agree with the cake analogy (as another commentor). In pastry school we were taught to use the best ingredients available, and it will give you better results. That said, I think this is one of my favorite videos from you, James. Washing my face from the time I was a teenager was all about controlling acne, and removing make-up. But as I got older I have enjoyed the process of taking care of my skin more. Trying to repair the sun damage, and smooth out those wrinkles that are bound to happen with age. It has become my time for myself especially at the end of the day, to wash off the day and rejuvenate my skin and soul. Sounds crazy, but I do look forward to it! And honestly I could not afford $300 for a serum (or justify purchasing it!), but I understand why people would indulge. Though now you said how wonderful the Prada serum smelled, I would just love to give it a whiff! And it is tempting since peptides are my go-to for products, my skin just loves them. Thanks, James for a fantastic video! Really enjoyed this one.
Okay so I love skincare but I have a combo of both high end and “mid tier” skincare. The main products I genuinely love and have repurchased time and time again that are expensive is the SK ll essence, AMOREPACIFIC essence, tatcha rice wash, tatcha dewy skin cream, Elemis pro collagen cleansing balm and the Dr denis gross peel pads. Everything else I think I have is under $60 which I wouldn’t consider luxury. But I do genuinely enjoy and love my expensive products and think they are worth it personally. But I also love my adorable k beauty just as much!! The only thing I don’t have a lot of is drugstore skincare
I LOVEEEEE my tatcha dewy skin cream. It does wonders for my skin!
@@juliakrasinskisame it’s the only moisturizer I use now. I have bought like 6 of the value sizes already😂😂 my skin just loves it so I’m sticking with what works😂
@@elenagomez4548 exactly!!!
Yall ever feel like you cant afford to even watch a video? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lol 😂😂
£79 for a cleanser??????????? At that price it has to cleanse, exfoliate, moisture and fix your credit score
@@adafihj6439This!😂xx
Lmao, I really felt this 🤣
💜
: 100 % agree - 💯 plus 10 % hahaha ..🤗🥰😄👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I love SKII as well. I put it into a spray bottle before using because the idea of wasting it on my palms makes me ill.
I'll put it in my continuous mist bottle
I love how down to earth & honest you are with your product reviews. It helps me know I can trust you to recommend something worth the $ & knowing how it will perform. I have the best skin I've ever had & I'm 33 & it's all thanks to you.
I really appreciate your honest review here. I am on a budget, so all my skin care, even though from the drugstore, feels like luxury to me.
Luxury to me is the Lisa Eldridge cleanser! I'm more of a Stratia, Ordinary, Cosrx person. But that cleanser is so good! I also use it as a mask!!
Many blessings!!💖💖💖
Yes!!!! I don’t know what is going on with that cleanser but it is literally the number 2 product (behind retin A) that has affected my skin significantly. It’s smoother, stays less dry, just glows… I mean, it makes no sense - I have experimented with tons of face creams and washes and essences … so many nice products… but LE face wash… what magic is it? I’ve run out and I’m really missing it. I’m stuck with some hobo cle de peaue cleanser now 😅. I don’ think it’s significant long term like a vitamin C or retin A (though at this point, I don’t understand what voodoo is going on) … but it makes my daily skin feel and look wonderful
I really enjoy the Biossance omega repair cream which is helping my dry skin now it’s more winter weather. I use it with their 100% Squalane oil and it’s great. I have the jumbo size which lasts me a long time 😊 they are releasing a new thicker one soon which I’m excited about 😊
Can we get a new k-beauty favs video??? I would love to see your opinion on Isa Knox, sooryehan, etc and what you recommend! As well as eye creams! I have heavy baggage there and would love to see what you like
If you want the combination of peptides and collagen at a more affordable price, you should give skinfix barrier support cream a try! I absolutely love that moisturizer, it's helped calm down my eczema flare ups and always leaves my skin super soft and balanced. Plus it's certified by the national eczema foundation in the US
I have to sadly agree, due to the price, but I also completely love SK11 essence! I will say though the majority of high expensive products don’t actually do anything better than cheaper options. There’s a lot of rumours, even from people who claim to be esthetician’s , that Creme De La Mer is a ripoff but they don’t actually look into the fermentation and how it’s made to work. Would I buy it, yes if I was rich, because it’s what they do with the ingredients that make it work better.
As someone who has rosasea and dry skin (worse in the winter), the products that have worked for me are from iS Clinical (a luxury brand). I use their Cleansing Complex and Pro-Heal Serum. My SPF is Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. My moisturizer (Cerave moisturizing cream) is affordable though. My skin is the best it's been in years...
I used to work at a fancy department store in my 20s. I'd get luxury skin care for discount prices, also loads of samples. Most of them I couldn't use because I have a fragrance allergy. The ones I could use didn't do anything because I didn't know anything about skin care. I just didn't know what products might be useful for a specific skin concern. My skin is better now in my 40s with a budget skin care routine than it ever was back then. I'm grateful for having had that time dabbling with luxury skin care so I just don't have that yearning for it now. It's a been there done that kind of situation. I can still remember exactly one (1) product that felt and smelled so heavenly I would buy it today for the sensorial experience alone if it weren't so god darn expensive. But I have most definitely found budget options that are likely better for my skin even if the luxurious feel isn't there.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one , I remember trying out the famous k beauty version of Lancôme Génifique and as much as I tried to convince myself that it could be the same because of the ingredients list.. it just wasn’t . Two drops of the Lancôme and my skin felt amazing.
I nearly choked when I saw the price of the cleanser 😂
Me, too 😮...😂😂🤗😄🥰👏🏻!
I don’t even like skincare or no anything about it I mean my skincare consist of using a face wipe that’s it 🤣🤣 but I still subscribe and watch every video posted just because I support and love everything about James as a person - plus it always cheers me up, same with Roberts channel and the Welsh twin Channel so I’d happily watch anything posted 🖤
Would love to hear your thoughts on Sulwhasoo 👀
I am fortunate in that I have naturally good skin. My grandmother and mother both have amazing skin, and I was lucky enough to inherit that from them. The only issue I have is sensitivity to fragrances. I use mostly The Ordinary and drugstore products. At 49 I barely have any wrinkles or sagging, so I don’t waste money on anything I don’t need. I have been vigilant about wearing sun screen and keeping out of the sun as much as possible, which has helped a lot. I feel that if you have generally good skin, you don’t need to spend much money on your skin.
As soon as you said "let's get into the routine" I clutched my invisible purse 👛 😂xx
Preaching to the choir here on the whole 'Clean Beauty' nonsense. Majority of the time it's just marketing BS to sell products at a higher price, or guilt trip consumers into buying a product which may or may not be any better for the environment than buying something at your local supermarket. I do love what you said at the end though, about taking time for yourself and enjoying the process of a skincare routine. I do a fair bit of facial massage when I'm doing my nighttime routine, and it's not because I think it's going to make any actual difference, I just love the sensation of massaging different creams into my face and how relaxing it can feel. It's like my own little mini pamper session, and I don't think that's something you need to spend a lot of money for. It's okay to take time for yourself, and more of us should probably be doing that. Excellent video as always.
Regarding the Nivea cream as a La Mer dupe: what irked me the most about that is that they AREN'T dupes! They're totally different products. Someone noticed that the "base" was the same/similar and concluded that they're dupes, but two things having a similar base doesn't make them dupes or even alternatives for each other.
If you went to a restaurant and ordered a creme brulee, and the server said "Sorry, we're actually out. We can make you an omelette instead, though. They have the same base of eggs!" you'd probably tell them to fuck off, because you don't want an egg-based food, you want creme brulee! Same thing with skincare.
La Mer lovers seem like a cult! The products are way overrated!
The dupe is to add fermented sea kelp to the Nivea cream. I tried it and it didn’t mix very well because the Nivea is so thick and the sea kelp is watery serum.
Personally I’m loving Amlactin. I mix it with the Cerave hydrating lotion with a coconut body oil.
You can really tell how much work goes into these videos, thank you for always bringing us top notch information, footage, commentary, all of it! :)
btw "it foams because of nature, not because of synthetics" nearly made me spit my tea out lol
Always wanted to hear a take about the luxury side of skin care. Great video!
I am with you on the definition of luxury. What I find funny is that the majority of skincare I’ve given a negative review of, have also been in the luxury category, I don’t think it’s a coincidence. 😂
Could you please do a dupe/alternative video for higher priced products that you enjoy? Really want to buy some new skincare that's under £40/50 each so would love some recommendations!
I love the entry "because perfection doesn't exist" ❤
Loved the end.
Thank you!
SKII was £100-200 for 12 months use doesn’t sound expensive if you stretch it out and it works.
Expensive up front cost but tbh actually affordable if used for a 12 month period.
Love you James. Your skin is amazing and always helps me to get all the advice on your videos. Just want to say thanks so much xxxx
Would love to see you review Allies of skin, something about that brand makes me willing to spend on their products lol , I feel like your opinion is the only one I would trust
it's so lush!
I think your point of luxury experience is often underrestimated.
I love a (mild) good pleasurable fragrance in my toners and moisturizers! Enjoying my evening skincare routine after a day of work to relax. And yes, how the product feels, smells, slides over the skin to create an experience, I started to really value that.
in the moment, my favorite is the Whamisa deep rich toner. It is just so nice, I don't use it everday, but I always look forward to using it again. It smells like a wildflower meadow and the texture! so so nice. It instantly brings my stress level down. Does it hydrate more than other toners? not really, does it have magical skin improving results? of course not, but I value the great time for myself I have using these luxury products.
Love ❤️❤️😘 what tour said in the end!
I'm tempted now to buy the Kate Sommerville peptide moisturizer.
Would love to try the Prada serum- but hacking this kind of money to spend, I would rather by the serum- of Augustinus Bader.
But I do love Prada ❤😅 xxx
I also love the lore of La Mer! The founder used to bring it to parties and eat it with a spoon and jam it in his eye to demonstrate its purity. Now that’s passion! 😂 🌊
Japan is my favorite country also! I also bought sk-ll essence duty free during my time there. The price in Japan is cheaper than here in the states so I bought the biggest bottle 😅 I like the experience of using it and I think it helps with keeping my face hydrated. I have sensitive acne skin and it didn't cause any reactions. I will purchase again!...but in Japan 😂
I bought a load of Dior skincare a few months ago partly because I liked unwrapping the parcelsand the freebies😂..... Tbh it did nothing wonderful and the fragrance is SO overpowering now it's sat half used on the shelf. Im now sticking to using Korean skincare again and my skin looks wonderful!.... I do spend A LOT on yesstyle but Its my guilty pleasure 😊
I fell for the clean beauty puff. Bought Blue Cocoon and Vintner’s Daughter. Both broke me out and I am not prone to acne. Very highly scented and also oil based. No improvement in anything. I buy SKII and Sunday Riley Good Genes and their vit C. I feel moisturisers don’t need to be fancy. Aveno is brilliant.
Thank you for this magnificent video!❤
i used to use SKII skincare religiously bc my mom loved it, we stopped using it after discovering korean skincare!
I love hearing you talk about your experience in Japan!! It’s such a special place. A skincare and nail focused travel video from you in Japan would be so fun to watch. Have you tried anything in the Muji skincare line? I like their purple bottomless toning water, as well as their moisturizing milk.
Wonderful video! Really really thoughtful and multifaceted ❤️
“I’m into it … NOT THE CULT… but I’m into it” 😂❤
Cool video! Would you do a review on Facetheory skincare pleasee?? 🥹
I Love agent nateur ageless face serum.🖤. love the way james so honest,even if gifted or not. Restores our faith in the influencers who blatantly lie . Thank you james 👏🖤
I spent the most on sunscreen and serums😌 love from Belgium❤️❤️
I appreciate this video. I’m 37 & I have oily skin & use a blend of pricier medical grade night cream w/glycolic acid & cleanser from my dermatologist clinic that keep my acne away & skin smooth. But I also use Nivea moisturizer in the blue tin & calming toner for daytime use which also work great. I definitely believe my skin is worth investing in but I also don’t feel a whole line of expensive products is necessary.
Great subject to cover! When I was doing beauty at college, I always remember how much dermalogica broke my skin out during training, which to me is a somewhat luxury brand, expensive anyway 😂 since then I’ve just tried different brands in different price ranges and never seem to like a ‘whole line’ from any brand. It’s always good to mix and match to me 😊 also if I’ve learned anything from watching ‘lifestyles of the rich’ type programmes..the stuff they buy is just expensive, not necessarily good quality or value. People just make the price really high and they’ll buy it 😅 ooh just got to the Japan part! I would LOVE to go there ❤
I was taken to the Dermalogica counter at Westfield when they opened (I was like 11) and it absolutely RUINED my skin -- in hindsight their cleanser was way, way too harsh (and very powerfully fragranced, which my very red skin haaaaaaates)
James, I need a video where you use your current routine 🙏all kinds of product throughout the week like, your exfoliator, your essence, your peptide etc. when to use them and with which other product. please. Because I feel like I have a pretty good routine but I truly don't know how to pair my products and how many times per week I need to use them. thank you love you
Thank you! I really enjoyed watching this experiment.
I just started using The Ordinary Barrier Serum and I'm quite enjoying it! I can only use it at night as I use Vitamin C in the morning, but it feels amazing and I actually love the color! LOL It feels really nice too. I do agree with you about the dropper though. I wish it came with a pump.
I do not have the budget for luxury/expensive skincare, but I also do not enjoy overly fragranced skincare as my face is sensitive.
I will say that I'm very intrigued by the Kate Sommerville moisturizer...it sounds perfect! I might have to save up and wait for a discount...
My skin loves peptides too!
Love love LOVE this video!!!! You did such a great job reviewing and describing the products, but you stayed realistic and offered good alternatives! Love you!
What about one where you test a single more high-tech product, like the Plated Intense Serum, or the Neogenesis Recovery Serum, or the Calecim Multi-Action Cream? If you took befores and afters and used the product for 2-3 months, I think that would be great. :)
Ohhhh, yes!! Would be super interested in his take on the Plated!!
James.....wow! I just noticed you not only have over 1 million subscribers, you are on your way to 2 million??!!!!! HOW AMAZING! How did you do it? I have been a subscriber since you were way below 1 million.....
But only 200 comments and 1000 likes?? The ratio is waaay off in my opinion
14:10 aww, I'm so glad you like Japan :)
If I can say so, your skin is looking AMAZING in this video. I’ve got MCAS, with rosacea and I react to some specific ingredients, perfumes, preservatives and I have to avoid SLES and tend to keep clear of parabens. Any alcohol has to be WAAAAAY down the ingredients list. Plus I have to have different products to handle different issues. I am LOVING the thisworkscbd boosters, even the bakuchiol and retinoid ones, though that last one can be a bit much for my skin. About to dig into my new Inkey List products with everything crossed! But I’m super interested in that The Ordinary one to combat reactions though. If only there was a DECENT anti ageing range that’s affordable for reactive and allergic skins! I really miss the Absolute ultimate night cream with CBD form Formula, though I can use their regular one and serums. Some Q&A is OK. Still seeking a sunscreen for my face I can use regularly tho
I agree so much with you at the end, I buy expensive ones and gives me the feeling of a good spa treatment and also makes me look forward to do it every day ❤ Whats your opinion on Sisley products? Have you used the Sisleyum for Men?
I tried a sample of a cleanser recently that was just over the outside edge of my price-range. Absolutely wonderful product, made my skin feel and look incredible but it didn't have a fragrance (which is good! lots of people are sensitive to essential oils and fragrances!) and without that extra feeling of luxury I just couldn't make myself stretch.
The way I was using my Augustinus Bader cream and thought of this being a great idea for a video. Like I love that cream , and like you I didn’t want to. But it got me thinking about whether if you only used luxury skincare if you would notice a big difference in your skin.
I wish he included the rich cream! I feel like it's a combination of a serum and moisturizer for me, and I love minimizing the steps in my routine
@@asunbeam5479 Maybe he didn't cause he's previously reviewed it in a video of hit and misses. Better to diversify by trying new products.
Love you, James.
I used to agree with your opinion whole heartedly several years ago. But I’m now a women we’ll into my 30s with a few kids and I have less and less time for myself. Now, the act of getting ready for work in the morning, my shower and nighttime routine are MY ONLY SOLITARY MOMENTS! I find that, even though I realize it’s unnecessary, I really crave the luxury experience stupidly expensive luxury products give me because these are the only moments I get to feel like a real person. 😂
It’s like a guilty pleasure that hurts absolute no one. Could I spend the money elsewhere, sure. Do I care to? No. At the end of the day, for me, the money feels well spent because I as a person feel better.
I used La Met for 6 months and yes same as you It felt good smelled good but my skin looked no better or worse. I love Glow Recipes Peptides and aha toner won’t give them up! I do agree with SK II toner love it! I’m 64 started using as stated above plus THE ORDINARY at 62 my skin looks better now then 2 years ago. I take your advise James! But luxury DOES NOT MEAN BETTER PRODUCTS !
…btw, I watch all your videos. You skin does for some reason look exceptionally great in this video 🤷🏼♀️
I will say out of all the products if I found a moisturizer that I loved I would spend a little more for it as well. I have to have a moisturizer that kinda takes my breath when put on. So don’t blame you with repurchasing it if you like it.
I spend less on cleanser because its only on a short time. Spend a little more for things that stay on my face.
Hi James, did you Try valmont skincare? Its a luxury skincare brand
Dear James❤ Could you please review May Lindstrom?
Oh, that’s a good suggestion! I’ve only seen reviews on that line from Glossier years ago. Everything I’ve tried has been underwhelming.
@@Ajae78Have you tried the Blue Cocoon? I'm tempted to buy it out of curiosity...but my skin doesn't like essential oils very much😅
Yes; yes; yes--it's more the experience the luxury ones are selling. Thanks for the experiment.
I put mine in a spray bottle 😊
I would be into a video of a month with more affordable routine with some actives, l-ascorbic A, glycolic, retinol, peptides and growth factors (not necessarily all those active in one month but some) and later the expensive version of that routine using the same type of active to see if a difference. Probably expensive first and then affordable to see if in comparison they are worth it.
The La Mer sunscreen used to be mineral and it was so great and almost worth the $$ before Tatcha had theirs. No white cast or crumbly bits. But once they went to chemical it was no different than a $15 Japanese or Korean one.
this is such a fun video! loved how much you love the prada serum lol
Seeing these jaw dropping prices has me gathering and clutching my invisible coins like a niffler. I knew La Mer's BS would be on here. 😂 As much as I hate the miracle broth sound/light wave magic crap - the La Mer cream feels amazing on my skin. I love/hate it so much. I was lucky enough to be given a sample size of it that I scraped every bit out of but I refuse to buy it myself.
I still got my sample and using it very very sparingly 😂
For me personally I can't ever imagine being parted from my SKII FTE and my Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum. Everything else though, I prefer budget options and sales for sure!!! My current favorite moisturizer is from Hado Labo
We all benefit from the little luxuries in our lives, mine is body wash. I love Molton Brown and enjoy using the different scents I’ve collected every day.