April Empties 24/24
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This is the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm.
I did NOT finish this! I used it one time, and my entire face broke out in a horrible rash! I got a mini in a Sephora Favorites Gift Set, so there was no box of instructions or ingredient list. It smells very citrus-y, and I can't handle vitamin C, so I'm not sure if that's in here and caused a reaction. This is the only product I've tried from this brand, and the brand's response was not that great. I commented on someone's video in reply to the CEO of Then I Met You telling her what happened, and he word for word response was ""oh wow! im sorry to hear it! Never heard about that kind of reaction in 7 years! I wonder what ingredient you could be allergic to? Hope you were able to process a full refund for it!!" I responded and said how I couldn't get a refund as it was apart of a set, and explained how damaging this was to my barrier. This was about 2 weeks ago (from when I am posting this review), and I am still working on repairing my skin barrier. The rash turned into the worst breakout I've had in a long time. I am super disappointed with how the founder responded to me, essentially blaming MY skin for this reaction, and not offering any kind of solution or recommendation. I understand that my skin may not have liked something in it, but to place the blame on me, and assume I was compensated for the product is extremely presumptuous. I doubt I'm the only person in the world that's had a reaction like this before, but I did not expect this kind of response to such a bad reaction, especially from a brand founder. It didn't even do that good of a job removing my makeup, so before my reaction I didn't even totally get the hype.
Sharing my personal experience with cleansing balms, I understand how unpredictable skincare reactions can be, especially with products containing potent ingredients like vitamin C. It's important to patch-test new products, even if they come from reputable brands or are part of popular gift sets. Unfortunately, not all brands display comprehensive ingredient lists, especially minis or sets, which makes it harder to identify potential allergens. In cases like this, where a rash or breakout occurs quickly after first use, discontinuing the product immediately is crucial. Following that, focusing on repairing the skin barrier becomes key — using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and avoiding harsh exfoliants or active ingredients can help restore skin health. The brand response can also impact your experience. When communication feels dismissive or lacks support, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially if no refund or exchange options are offered. Documenting your reaction and attempting to get clarity from the brand is important, but sometimes seeking advice from dermatologists or skincare communities can provide more valuable guidance. For those sensitive to vitamin C or citrus-scented skincare, checking product ingredients beforehand is essential to avoid adverse reactions. When ingredient lists are missing or obscured, consider researching brand formulations online or opting for products from brands known for transparency. This experience serves as a reminder that good marketing hype does not guarantee product compatibility with your skin. Taking time to research before purchasing and listening to your skin’s signals helps minimize damage and disappointment. Ultimately, skincare is highly individualized, and sometimes trial and error, paired with expert advice, is necessary to find products that truly benefit your skin type.
It also could have been that it didn’t respond well to the other ingredients in your current skin care routine. It happens. That’s why a lot of products say to patch test because adding in new products to your routine when your skin isn’t used to it or maybe a certain product has ingredients that don’t go well with, it can cause irritation.