Shortlist Serum-Retail $94
In this fairly recent skincare craze started from the introduction of K-beauty, more and more Americans are adopting the 7-12 step Korean skincare regimen. In the craziness of new product launches not only in Sephora, but even in Walmart, Target, and even CVS, now K-beauty is everywhere. Known for multiple-step routines for healthy-glowy skin, for some it can seem too excessive (or "extra). The brand Shortlist focuses on going back to the basics. As the name indicates, all 2 of their products have a short list of effective ingredients-no fillers, fragrances, chemicals. Since I've been loving K-beauty for years now, this surprised and intrigued me. This serum has only 11 ingredients. Let's take a look.
Note: Unlike a lot of youtubers who tried out this product, this was not sent to me. This was purchased with my own money like all my other posts unless otherwise specified.
Specs:
- Size: 30mL
- Applicator: pump
- Fragrance: None
Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Tapioca Starch, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
*And yet again, water as the first ingredient (sigh). But hey, I love the Niacinamide and glycerine!
Claims:
Short term: Moisturizes to repair existing dry and damaged skin.
Long term: Skin cells are energized with moisture to act and feel younger.
(In other words: Moisture and more moisture.)
Performance:
Since I was testing out the recommended Shortlist beauty regimen, I only used two products. Cleanse, serum, facial cream. The 2 Shortlist products are meant to be used together, so I didn't include the rest of my usual routine. Cleanse, serum, facial cream (not from Shortlist).
Using this product was very straightforward. The directions for use are simply to use facial serum before cream/other facial products 2x/day. Once you pump the product out, you'll notice that it's a gel-like consistency. The gel is easily spreadable and sinks into the skin quickly, but to be honest, I didn't feel like the serum was particularly hydrating. For a few days, I tried this 4-step routine but didn't like it at all since my skin felt dry. Then, for the next week, went back to my K-beauty routine but simply swapped my usual Innisfree one for this serum. Even then, there wasn't any difference that I noticed in hydration. If anything, this one was less hydrating than the Innisfree one.
Verdict:
Sorry, not worth the high price tag. Initially I didn't know what to expect because usually I stick to a K-beauty routine that involves around 7-10 steps. Korean beauty routines, no matter how much it varies from person to person, always has hydration as a priority. Now with a 4-step (double cleanse, serum, cream), there just was no comparison. And if you're paying $94 for claims on hydration, it had better plump and give a glow to my skin like no other. With this serum, I did not notice much difference in skin hydration.
Even if you're a minimalistic girl, still, skip it. As much as I would recommend a Korean skincare routine, I understand it can be annoying to have so many products. At the very least, cleanse well, use an essence/serum, moisturize.
Save Some $:
If you still want to try out this product, right now it's half off ($34). Their return policy is generous, so there is no risk in trying it out! If you don't like it, simply return it and get a refund. That's what I ended up doing. (Gotta get back my money man! I could get a ton of K-beauty stuff for $94!)
Along the same lines as simplistic yet effective, I love the Ordinary Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin+hylouronic acid, and Innnisfree green tea seed serum. Won't break the bank and will work!