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Ellie Furuya

[Hong Kong] My top 5 daily (cruelty-free!) skincare essentials

Updated: Oct 30, 2019

This looks like a sponsored post, but I assure you this was written purely out of boredom at work. One thing I will mention is that while the reviews are authentic, two of the products were gifted to me by PR agencies (Sunday Riley and John Masters Organics). Also, I’ve triple checked that all of the products don’t test on animals and are 100% cruelty-free!

1. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres (30ml)

This skin-tightening and brightening formula has been KEY in eliminating the sun spots all over my face. I apply it every night after my shower (+after toner) when my pores are still open, and I can really feel the pure vit C and hyaluronic acid seeping into my skin. It’s actually almost painful, so it’s up to you if you’re OK with a little discomfort. The cream is scent-free, silicone-free and water-free – great for me as I really hate using perfumed soaps and skincare products on my face. My friend recommended this to me over dinner one night, and I haven’t stopped using it since! Also it’s mad cheap, only HK$52 for 30ml (which has lasted me quite a while as I only use a dab once a day).


Price: HK$52 for 30ml on www.LookFantastic.com.hk, OR at Harvey Nichols in Pacific Place


2. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment (30ml / 50 ml)

If I’m not using the above Vit C blend, I use this lactic acid formula before I go to bed. Recently, I’ve been travelling a lot so I either take The Ordinary or Sunday Riley along with me. I’d advise not to use any other acidic formula along with this. Good Genes All-in-One promises immediate results, including reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles and plumping up the skin. Can vouch for this, as my skin becomes silky smooth, radiant and becomes much easier to apply concealers and foundations.


Price: HK$850 for 30ml on www.sephora.hk


3. John Masters Organics Rose & Aloe Hydrating Toning Mist

So even before applying any of my face serums and creams, I spritz on this intensely hydrating John Masters toning mist. The formula contains Damascan rose water, pure aloe and antioxidant-rich white tea, which are altogether soothing and hydrating. If you look at the ingredients list, you’ll see that there are zero chemicals used and of the natural products used, over 70% are organic. The toner works to neutralize free radicals to fight signs of aging, and feels really refreshing on the skin. I always spray this on after washing my face and before applying sunscreen, day cream and makeup!


Price: HK$295 at www.johnmasters.com.hk or 3/F IFC mall


4. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense (SPF 50 PA++++)

I’m realizing at the ripe old age of 27 that sunscreen is so, so necessary to incorporate into the daily regimen for lasting beautiful skin. This is my favourite daily sunscreen by far – I’ve tried a lot of other expensive AF boutique brands but always end up coming back to Kiehl’s. It’s extremely lightweight, so no pore clogging nor the cakey layer feeling. With four “+”, this sunscreen has the highest level of protection against UVA with a PPD protection of 16 or more – which is rare to find in a sunscreen product. The four frees include paraben-free, fragrance-free, oil-free and colour-free.


Price: HK$325 at www.kiehls.com.hk or most major shopping malls in HK



5. REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk

I discovered this plant-based skincare brand during one of my random shopping sprees on lookfantastic.com, and really loved the results of using this cleansing milk. It’s great because it gently washes off any makeup residue while also functioning as a face wash, and helps to soothe and soften the skin with blackcurrant seed oil, sea buckthorn oil and fennel seed extract. If you have sensitive skin, are just lazy about washing off makeup properly, or don’t like the instant dry tightness caused by a lot of chemical-infused washes, I’d recommend this!


Price: HK$203 on www.lookfantastic.com.hk


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