Holy Grail Foundation Primer - Monistat Chafing Gel

Holy grail face primer because it works exactly like the expensive primers and you don't find it in the makeup aisle. You'll have to travel over a couple of rows to find the Monistat Chafing Gel!

You put the Monistat Chafing Gel on your face as if it were a face primer! That's right. You heard it right. The Monistat goes on the face. It primes the skin and preps your face for a smooth foundation application.

But whyyyyyyyyyy??

It is literally the same thing as other silicone based face primers. The. Same. Thing. It smooths out your big pores and also stops your thighs from chafing... aka chub rub. We've all got it, girls! I mean, unless you don't. 

Here's what the box looks like...

Thanks, Target!

Here's what it looks like out of the tube thanks to a Makeupalley user...

Find it near the other Monistat products... vag creams, yeast infection stuff, etc. etc. 

Maxi-Peel Skin Exfoliant

I stopped in my local Asian grocery (88 Ranch Marketplace) to stock up on yummy Asian fruits, veggies and general stuff you can't find at regular grocery stores. They didn't have a dedicated cosmetic/skincare aisle, but at the checkout, I spotted some papaya whitening soap and bottles of Maxi Peel Exfoliant 1 & 2.

Upon further investigation, I saw that the ingredients included tretinoin and hydroquinone. It was only $5.99 so I picked up a bottle of #2 strength to try out.

I got home and Googled the product and saw that it is highly touted in the Philippines and saw some great b&a shots from people who used it. It is thin like an astringent and to apply it, you swipe it with a cotton pad or spot treat with a qtip. I was concerned because mine was a dark brown color which probably means it had been exposed to the air and is oxidized. Would that affect its effectiveness? We shall see. It also comes in 4 strengths. The grocery only had 1 & 2.

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Day 1: Swiped it all over my face in lieu of Stridex at night. Avoided my lips, eyes and nose creases.

It didn't sting or burn or anything like that and when I woke up the next morning, there was no peeling. Being that it has tretinoin, I fully expected it to peel overnight.

Day 2: Swiped in the AM and PM. Felt a slight sensation at night... It must be working. It wasn't a burning sensation... Kinda hard to say. Tingly maybe?

Woke up the next morning with light peeling on my chin. It's working!

I'm indoors at home all day, so I slathered on a layer of thick moisturizer over my sunscreen. By the end of the day, the peelies were coming back. Time for more thick moisturizer and also some almond oil.

Day 3: This is where the trial ends for now because I didn't want to have an awkward peeling mess for my trip this weekend. The peeling subsided and I moisturized and oil cleansed all day to get rid of the last bit of flakies.

I know hydroquinone is known as a no-no product, but my mom has used it for ages with no ill effects and for me, it also doesn't provide any negative effects. Your mileage may vary.

This is DEFINITELY a product you should spot test before normal use.