Product Review
Skin By BYS

A FULL-FACE makeup look has taken a back seat for the last year since we have all been wearing face masks — and face shields — while out in public. Since the pandemic lockdowns started, many of local and international cosmetics companies have started skincare lines or have expanded existing ones. Skin by BYS is a promising new entry.

Prior to the online launch, this writer was sent seven products to try out: the Extra Gentle Micellar Water, Extra Gentle Milk Jelly Cleanser, Extra Hydrating Balancing Toner, Extra Brightening Eye Cream, Extra Glow Face Cream, Extra Firming Youth Serum, and the Extra Effortless Pore Perfecting Sunblock.

So, I set aside my predominantly Filipino branded and made skincare products (among  my New Year’s resolutions since 2019) to make way for the seven products. I applied the products at my morning and nighttime skincare routine for a week.

Among the products that I liked was the Extra Gentle Micellar Water since it quickly removed my eye makeup with a single swipe of a not-so-damp cotton ball. The push pump mechanism of the bottle (similar to the nail polish remover bottles in salons) made it easy to release the product. The Extra Hydrating Balancing Toner felt mild on the skin. Unlike the usual toners which have a water-like feel, this product is a little dense. Meanwhile, the Extra Glow Face Cream is lightweight and non-sticky even when my face began to oil up during the day.

The Extra Firming Youth Serum was also lightweight once applied, although the serum was difficult to express from its glass dropper due to it’s thick consistency —  I had to pour the serum from the bottle onto my hand instead. Meanwhile, the Extra Effortless Pore Perfecting Sunblock (with broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++) felt like a sunblock for the beach on my first application rather than lotion-like on my first application. But the sunblock performed well when it came to brightening my face.

The Extra Gentle Milk Jelly Cleanser as well as the sunblock, face cream, and serum have a light fresh and floral scent which tends to build up when layering the products. However, the scent subsides once the products have settled upon application.

After a week, I noticed that my face brightened. Since I have oily skin and the weather has been very warm, I have to set my face with loose powder after applying moisturizer in the morning to prevent it from oiling up quickly. After washing my face in the evening, I have to keep my room cool for the same reason. 

After a week of using the products, I’m glad that I did not develop any skin irritation or breakouts. I think it would be safe to say that the products are suitable for my skin.

The price range —  P300 to P800 —  is consistent with the brand’s makeup products. Those who have been using the brand’s cosmetics will most likely enjoy the skincare line. As a brand, BYS did well with its initial launch of a full skin care line.

I will probably purchase the three products I enjoyed most — the micellar water, toner, and face cream — and occasionally use them with my predominantly Filipino branded and made skincare products.   

Skin by BYS is exclusively available at Watsons, The SM Store, and online on Watsons and ShopSM. For more information, visit the BYS Cosmetics Philippines Facebook page. —  Michelle Anne P. Soliman

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