I know it can get quite overwhelming (especially with so many new launches every month), so this post is meant to summarise some of my favourites (just in time for the 1212 sale)! It includes new launches from this year, as well as old favourites that still deserve all the attention!
Todayโs post just lists my top picks from every category! I will be posting detailed breakdowns + more picks from each category. But it should come as no surprise for these to products to be featured here HAHAH
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Kose Speedy Cleansing Oil
- UNDEFEATED queen!
- Effectively removes dirt, makeup etc., doesnโt dry out/ irritate my skin and is affordable
- Top for the second year in a row
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐งผ๐๐๐๐ผ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐งผ Many of you have been asking for a Mega cleansing oil review so here it is! ๐๐ปโโ๏ธI personally judge cleansing oils based on the following: 1. Removes waterproof makeup, SPF and dirt effectively 2. Doesnโt strip or dry my skin out 3. Suitable for both double or single cleanse 4. Doesnโt irritate my skin 5. Doesnโt make my eyes foggy or irritated 6. Doesnโt tug on my skin (impt since you donโt wanna tug on your delicate skin) 7. Washes off with no oily residue (emulsifies well) 8. Best if it has no fragrance or essential oils as I can get allergic reactions occasionally 9. Reasonably priced (since its just a wash cleanser) 10. BONUS: Has the right texture for removing blackheads (google โgritting methodโ for more info) ๐ธKose Speedy Cleansing Oil - Ticks all the boxes!! - Gets the bonus for blackhead cleansing ability too - PLS TRY THIS I PROMISE - My holy grail that hasnโt failed me ๐The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser - Great balm texture which is good for travel - Thick texture makes it tug on my skin (not great for the eyes since itโs a delicate area) ๐Krave Beauty Makeup Re-Wined* - Interesting jelly texture that is good for travel too - Waterproof mascara needs effort to fully dissolve (according to my sis) - Better alternative to The Ordinary imo ๐Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil - Ticks all my boxes! - Good but honestly a bit overhyped ๐๏ธRound Lab Dokdo 1025 Cleansing Oil - Underrated AF cos it ticks almost all the boxes - Only grip is the inclusion of essential oils (no irritation for me thankfully) ๐ผiUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil* - Great cleansing ability - Has a weird fishy smell that I personally hate ๐ปHada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing - Great for dryer skin types as it leaves a moisturising finish (some may feel its a oily residue) ๐Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil - Very similar to the Kose BUT way too pricy for the size ๐ผB.LAB PHA Perfect Pore Cleansing Oil - Do not recommend tbh - Leaves a oily residue, doesnโt cleanse well, too watery so it leaked - Its affordable tho * Indicates received as PR"
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P.Calm Under Pore Foam Cleanser
- Underrated cleanser for oily to combination skin!
- Tbh, even dry skin can use this in summer
- Thick luscious foam texture makes for a sensorial delight
- Doesnโt dry out my skin but leaves it smooth and silky
- Links
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Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence
- HOLY GRAIL
- Great for hydration, skin health and glow
- Makes my skin super plump, juicy & keeps my skin barrier strong
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "Better than the COSRX? I think so! This is the Jumiso Snail Mucin 95% + Peptide Essence which I am OBSESSED with recently!! (PR, not an AD) Btw, lmk if you want a comparison between the COSRX and this! TLDR Very hydrating & plumping ๐ฆ Helps to repair broken skin ๐๐ป Not sticky or greasyโจ Generous size & great price ๐ธ Texture isnโt for everyone ๐ ๐Texture: this has that typical goopy snail mucin texture that is stringy. BUT it absorbs super quickly and doesnโt leave a sticky finish ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy opinion: If you have followed me for a while, youโll know that Iโm a HUGE fan of snail mucin. Specially the COSRX one! This had big shoes to fill if it was gonna beat the OG I found that that this was such an upgrade over the cosrx OG as it was even more hydrating & plumping. It left my skin with a very bouncy finish and slight glow. I also realized it helped my zit heal faster and rejuvenate. ๐คThis is not for you if you canโt stand the goopy texture. I know itโs a big ick for some. Additionally, avoid this if you only use vegan products. ๐ธWill I repurchase? YES. I may have just found a new holy grail. The addition of peptides just makes this a supercharged product. Itโs a STEAL at only $20 for 140ml too!! ๐๐ปRecommended for: All skin types, especially dehydrated, sensitive and acne prone skin. This has no alcohol, fragrance or essential oils. โญ๏ธIngredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine,Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Adenosine, Arginine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7"
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Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
- A dupe for the Dr Dennis Gross pads tbh
- Super effective for gentle exfoliation to remove rough/ flaky skin.
- Use 2 times a week
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐งข๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐งข Todayโs post is on the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0. Thank you to @shopee_sg #ShopeeBeautyholics #FriendsofBeautyholic for sending this over! (PR) TLDR: Strong exfoliating effects ๐คฉ Soft pad material โบ๏ธ Best for occasional use ๐ Toner pads feel quite dry ๐ต DO NOT use daily (as suggested) ๐ Not the best for sensitive skin๐ ๐ตTexture: These pads are quite small but it is really soft. It comes with 2 textures (an embossed side and a smooth side) and they can be used on areas that require more/ less physical exfoliation. I found the pads a little dry tho. They smell like citrus essential oils too. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy experience: I wanted to test out their poreless claims. Iโm pleased to report that it does deliver in its exfoliating claims! I found that my pores looked significantly less congested and my face felt smoother and more glowy. Not poreless tho cos thereโs no such thing as โporelessโ. I like to use this the night before i need to impress with good skin. ๐คI wonโt consider this โmoisturisingโ (as claimed) at all. In fact, it was kinda drying and the pads barely had any liquid in it. Medicube claims that this can be used twice a day if youโre not sensitive. In my experience, I think even using it once a day is WAY TOO MUCH. I followed their instructions and by the 3rd day, my skin was incredibly smooth BUT also RED, HOT AND STINGING. A clear sign of overexfoliation. ๐ธWill I repurchase? Nope. My skin is just too sensitive for such a strong product. Itโs not that itโs bad, itโs just not the best for ppl with weak skin barriers like myself. Itโs about S$37 for 70 pads which is kinda steep (Iโve seems it go on sale often tho) ๐๐ปRecommended for: Oily skin types that have strong skin barriers. Iโd suggest using this only when you feel the need to (2-3 times a week) as your exfoliating step and NOT everyday even if youโre not sensitive. This contains alcohol and essential oils. โญ๏ธIngredients: Lactic acid, Denatured alcohol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Glycerin, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine Salicylate, Orange Peel Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Willow Bark Extract, โฆ. (Lot of different essential oils)"
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Beplain Mung Bean Pore Clay Mask
- Helps to detox & clarify your pores in just 10 minutes!!
- Super gentle and non-drying too
- Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are less prominent after
- Doesn't leave your skin feeling like a dried-out sponge, like some clay masks
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ Todayโs review is on the newly launched Be Plain Mung Bean Pore Clay Mask (PR) TLDR Makes my skin smoother in just 5 mins ๐๐ป Makes pores clearer & less congested๐ Gentle and soothing ๐ Contains essential oils ๐ ๐ฆTexture: This has a whipped and creamy texture. It has little mung bean bits in it that are NOT too rough. I really like that this instantaneously gives a cooling sensation which is really nice and soothing. It washes off well too (no residue) After experimenting with this, I found that the best way to use it it is: 1. Apply on dry skin after cleansing 2. Spread and leave on for 5 mins (10 mins max) 3. Wash off slowly with water & gently massage it at the same time ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy opinion: I really liked that this doesnโt overly dehydrate your skin (like traditional clay masks) as it only needs 5 mins to work! Due to the inclusion of enzymes & finely milled mung beans, I found this to be really effective for making your skin feel rejuvenated and detoxed. My pores looked less congested and sebaceous filaments were significantly less obvious. The short time also meant that itโs perfect for weeknight where you may be too tired to apply a traditional clay mask for 20 mins. ๐คThe downside is that it can be irritating for some ppl. It contains some essential oils (Rosemary, Clary, Matricara) which can be an irritant for some (personally no issues). ๐ธWill I purchase? YES!! Iโm obsessed with this and I find it to be a way better alternative to the popular AXIS-Y clay mask. It sucks out the gunk in my pores way better and makes my skin feel smoother. It is about SGD24 for 120ml which is pretty decently priced! ๐๐ปRecommended for: All skin types that want something to makes your pores less congested & skin feel smoother! Even dry skin can use this as it doesnโt really dehydrate (due to the short contact time). โญ๏ธIngredients: Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Vigna Radiata seed Extract (8800ppm), Allantoin, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Grape Seed Extract, Broccoli Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Wild Cherry Fruit Extract"
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Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
- HOLY GRAIL for achieving glowy skin.
- You can really see a difference in skin luminosity (gives that almost translucent glow)
- Very expensive but worth it imo (emptied/ repurchased 5 bottles this year)
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "The secret to glass skin? If you have been following me for a while, youโll know that the @sulwhasoo.singapore Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum is my secret to glowing skin โจ๐ซก In fact, I actually emptied over 6 bottles just last year alone. Safe to say, itโs a holy grail of mine๐คญ Sulwhasoo recently upgraded the formula so I was a little worried initially. Thankfully, Iโm very happy to report that this new version definitely didnโt disappoint at all!! This new version features Sulwhasooโs new proprietary MASTER COMPLEX , which contains 500hr ripened Ginseng for skin barrier and anti-aging benefits. They sent me a bottle to try out about a month ago. Here are some of my observations: - The new version absorbed faster even though it was slightly more viscous - Way more hydrating than the old version - Gave a much stronger, lit-from-within glow due to the texture improvements - It helped to improve skin texture just like the previous version - My skin barrier felt stronger and more resilient - I didnโt get any irritation despite changing to stronger actives recently - I used this on my smile lines (Iโm starting to see some sign of aging ๐ญ) and I did see some fine lines start to fade! A very promising sign ๐ - I saw these results within 4 weeks of daily use! - Mix a pump into your foundation to get an effortless glow that keeps your skin hydrated and slaying - I recommend using it as your first step after cleansing for the best results Overall, it still remains my holy grail and my secret to glowy, healthy skin! This serum will be included in their limited edition Basic Skincare Ritual First Care Set! It includes: 1x First Care Activating Serum VI 60ml 1x Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum EX 8ml 1x Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX 5ml 1x White Ginseng Radiance Refining mask 35ml 1x TWB Towel โจHOT DEAL ALERT (28 April 2023)โจ This set will be going for $106 (worth $283) which is a whopping 63% in savings!! There will be a 15% off storewide from 12-2am on Sulwhasooโs official store on @lazada_sg , thereafter it will be 10% off. So donโt forget to check out early :) #SulwhasooSG #LazadaSBD2023 #LazadaSG"
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Beplain Cicaterol Ampoule
- Hydrates, plumps and soothes inflamed pimples!
- Repurchased over 4 bottles this year
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐๐พ๐๐พ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐ Todayโs post is a review on the newly launched Be Plain Cicaterol line which they sent to me (PR). All of them are fragrance, essential oil and alcohol free. ๐Ampoule - Hands down my favorite of the bunch - One of the few centella products that REALLY calms down my skin and reduces stinging and redness - I found it helps to heal breakout faster and also bring a sense of relief to it - If thereโs one to get itโs this one - It can be a bit sticky tho (it goes away after you layer something over ๐ฟMoisturizer - Typical gel cream texture that melts into your skin upon application - Not the most special (in terms of hydration or calming effect) but it complements the ampoule well - Great for oily to combination folks that are dehydrated - Did not clog my acne prone skin - Suitable for the hot, humid climates here in SG as it hold in moisture without being greasy or sticky - Not moisturizing enough for dry skin I feel ๐Spot Treatment - I was not expecting to like this but it really complements the whole line very well - Contains A LOT of centella extract, powder and oil which really helped to heal and calm my inflammed pimples - You can even use it on itchy patches that need calming (not just breakouts) - Doesnโt have the usual salicylic acid etc. so it could work for a lot of ppl - You needa use it for 2-3 days to see some results. No overnight wonder here - Has a slight white cast initially but it blends out after a while Overall, I really LOVED the ampoule and would most definitely recommend that to ppl with a similar skin type as me. I would totally repurchase it myself too. Best calming serum/ ampoule HANDS DOWN. And NO Iโm not paid to promote it at all I promise"
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VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100/300
- Not for the faint-hearted
- Made my skin texture so smooth, glowy, bouncy
- Pores look so much less obvious
- I've only used this for a short while but I'm so impressed I had to add this in
- Links
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Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
- Best release from Innisfree IMO
- Makes my skin glow and my skin feels softer
- Super hydrating too
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "The BEST Vitamin C for sensitive skin! (imo of course) This is the Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum! I raved about it on my IGS and these are my full thoughts on it after a month of use! (@thegoodfolks ) TLDR Makes my skin feel SUPER SOFT ๐ Gives an insane glow โจ Not greasy or sticky๐๐ป Great for dull, rough, lifeless skin ๐ฅฐ Needs patience to fade older hyperpigmentation ๐ ๐Texture: this serum has an almost gel texture which contains little yellow vitamin c capsules. It isnโt sticky, greasy or overly shiny but it does leave a slight healthy glow ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy opinion: This is probably one of the best releases Innisfree has made in a while! Their products are finally fragrance free, and really suited for sensitive skin. It doesnโt tingle (some vitamin c serums will) but still works to give me soft and supple skin. The vitamin c + enzyme combo really helps my skin rejuvenate and look brighter. It can be used daily too! ๐คThe downside is that it wonโt fade older/ stubborn hyperpigmentation. I am still being patient with this one spot after 1 whole month of use. Itโs better suited for overall skin tone brightening. A better alternative to the Goodal (especially if youโre sensitive to citrus oils in the Goodal) ๐ธWill I repurchase? Yes but only on sale. At full price, itโs quite pricy! But on sale, itโs definitely worth a try as the discounts are quite good. ๐๐ปRecommended for: All skin types, especially dull, rough and lifeless looking skin. Great for very sensitive skin too as it has no Ascorbic Acid. This is fragrance, alcohol and essential oil free. โญ๏ธIngredients: Glycerin, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid (20,000 Ppm), Betaine, Lactobacillus Fermentation Lysate, Squalane, Sunflower Seed Oil , Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Carnosine, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (100 Ppm), White Bud Bark Extract, Protease (100 Ppm), Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-carotene, Ferulic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate"
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Mian Skin Retinal Neon Serum
- HOLY GRAIL
- Helps to improve skin texture especially
- My pores are smaller and I get fewer breakouts
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "โจ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐๐โจ [AD] Todayโs review is on a product from a new Singaporean brand - Mian Skin @mian.skin . They recently launched their Retinal Neon Serum which I had the privilege of testing out since last year! โญ๏ธFirst off, a quick look at its key ingredients: 0.05% Retinaldehyde 3% Niacinamide 3% Urea 2% Arbutin 1% Oatmeal TLDR Well rounded formula ๐๐ป Surprisingly moisturising ๐ฆ Gentle, no irritation experienced ๐คฉ Can be used on both face & neck โบ๏ธ Dramatic improvement to skin texture ๐ Best to start slow if you are new to retinoids ๐๐ป ๐ฆTexture: this yellow serum has a really rich and silky texture that sinks into your skin effortlessly. It feels emollient but not suffocating. It leaves a non- greasy but slightly dewy finish. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy opinion: Yโall know Iโm a huge fan of retinoids - specifically retinaldehyde. Which is why I was really thrilled to try out this product from a homegrown local brand! This is a REALLY well formulated product! Itโs hydrating, very moisturising and feels luxurious to apply. It is really gentle and didnโt irritate my skin even with daily use (PM only). After about 4 weeks of use, I noticed a significant reduction in clogged pores and breakouts. More impressively, those pesky under the skin bumps/ texture on my forehead were evened out WITHOUT experiencing purging. Freshly formed hyperpigmentation also seemed to fade faster than normal. ๐คIf you are a beginner to retinal or retinoids in general, I would suggest starting slow. I passed this to my sister (a retinoid beginner) and she found that using it 3 times a week (one pump per use) was ideal to not experience any of the associated dryness or irritation from retinoids but still reap benefits. ๐๐ปRecommended for: All skin types especially those that want an all-in-one anti-aging and skin texture improving product. Oily skin folks can use this alone in the PM or even replace a moisturiser, and dryer skin types can layer this under a thicker moisturiser. If you would like to purchase this, you can do so at their website (Link in my bio) and use โmianken10โ for 10% off! Currently, local shipping is free too! ๐"
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Beauty Of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
- Brightened my under eyes like no other
- Retinal provides anti-aging effects
- Not drying or irritating
- Affordable too
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ Todayโs review is on the viral Beauty of Joseon Retinal Eye Serum! TLDR Helps to improve skin texture + fine lines ๐๐ป Very affordable ๐ธ Gentle; good for beginners ๐๐ป Can be used on the whole face ๐ Too gentle for experienced retinoid users๐
๐ฆTexture: this has a lightweight lotion/cream texture that absorbs very easily upon application. It isnโt as liquidy as the Somebymi retinol eye cream but definitely not as heavy as a regular moisturiser. I only used this at night so idk how it fares under SPF or makeup. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธMy opinion: Despite this being labelled as โeye serumโ I actually used this on my whole face as a serum. As you may know, retinaldehyde is one of my favorite skincare ingredient so I was very excited to test this out on my whole face as it is way cheaper than other retinal serums Iโve tried ($12+). ๐คI didnโt see much wrinkle improvement as I am only 25. But I did notice that my eyes looked rejuvenated and brighter! Idk how but it definitely did something here! Look at the picture I took! For breakouts, this helped to kinda maintain the great results Iโve been having from my favorite 0.05% retinal serum from @mian.skin . But I eventually went back to my higher % retinal products as results were stagnating in terms of skin texture improvement. Its very gentle and I didnโt get any flaking or irritation from this. I reckon beginners will really enjoy this :) Advanced retinoid users should just stick to your higher % products. ๐ธWill I repurchase? YES. It is an amazing eye cream for maintenance and also a really good retinoid for days my skin cannot handle the higher % products. At S$12.50 (when I bought it), its SUPER affordable and I will highly recommend it :) ๐๐ปRecommended for: All skin types that are beginners to retinoids in general. It is an affordable option so itโs also great for those on a budget. This is fragrance, essential oil and alcohol free โญ๏ธIngredients: Panax Ginseng Root Extract (10%), Glycerin, Niacinamide, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Adenosine, Cocoa Extract, Cholesterol, Retinal, Rapeseed Sterols, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyltripeptide-5"
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Beplain Cicaterol Spot Treatment
- HOLY GRAIL for flattening my pimples
- Literally no other spot treatment works as well
- Not drying or irritating
Ken | ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ on Instagram: "๐๐พ๐๐พ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐ Todayโs post is a review on the newly launched Be Plain Cicaterol line which they sent to me (PR). All of them are fragrance, essential oil and alcohol free. ๐Ampoule - Hands down my favorite of the bunch - One of the few centella products that REALLY calms down my skin and reduces stinging and redness - I found it helps to heal breakout faster and also bring a sense of relief to it - If thereโs one to get itโs this one - It can be a bit sticky tho (it goes away after you layer something over ๐ฟMoisturizer - Typical gel cream texture that melts into your skin upon application - Not the most special (in terms of hydration or calming effect) but it complements the ampoule well - Great for oily to combination folks that are dehydrated - Did not clog my acne prone skin - Suitable for the hot, humid climates here in SG as it hold in moisture without being greasy or sticky - Not moisturizing enough for dry skin I feel ๐Spot Treatment - I was not expecting to like this but it really complements the whole line very well - Contains A LOT of centella extract, powder and oil which really helped to heal and calm my inflammed pimples - You can even use it on itchy patches that need calming (not just breakouts) - Doesnโt have the usual salicylic acid etc. so it could work for a lot of ppl - You needa use it for 2-3 days to see some results. No overnight wonder here - Has a slight white cast initially but it blends out after a while Overall, I really LOVED the ampoule and would most definitely recommend that to ppl with a similar skin type as me. I would totally repurchase it myself too. Best calming serum/ ampoule HANDS DOWN. And NO Iโm not paid to promote it at all I promise"
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Uriage Bariederm-Cica Daily Gel Creme
- Soothes irritation and inflamed pimples
- Links
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Aestura Atobarrier Cream 365
