These buds got me like whoooa. I didn't expect much because they're just cotton buds, hello, and even the knowledge that it contains special anti-acne serum in its stem still seems a bit gimmicky to me.
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| Too Cool For School Spot Solution Sticks, Php 299 / 20 sticks |
WARNING: Graphic descriptions of the blitzkrieg annihilation of my recent zit, may she RIP. In the Lord's embrace, amen, hallelujah.
You know how when something is too gimmicky you almost expect it not to work? Just knowing that it relies on its cuteness automatically makes you think that's where budget was spent on so it couldn't possibly be actually effective.
Well, I've had zits twice since buying TCFS SSS about a month ago (read about it here) and honestly I'm floored with how fast this "processes" my zits. Even PanOxyl (over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne cream) takes me ten days. TCFS SSS took me three days, five, at the absolute maximum.
The first time I used it, it took one day for a zit near my scalp to 'ripen up' and be poppable. I held off judgment then. For all I know, it could have been beginner's luck or the process could have been sped along by my daily sheet masking which I started a couple of days before getting the TCFS SSS.
Luckily, the stars aligned to give me a cystic spot on my chin three days ago. Cystic acne takes 2-3 weeks on my skin to rise up and ripen out to that perfect poppable stage- that includes rubbing the spot to make the genie come out (lolwut.)
It's day 1 and I dab some solution on the spot. I don't think it can do much, it feels like mere water and doesn't even leave a film. I have zero expectations.
I wake up the next morning and holy shit the cystic acne has come up! From a burgeoning sore spot near my chin, it is now a plain and visible, simple pimple. I'm more excited for stick # 2 and the next morning, my zit has shrunk and formed a semi-hard core of pus. By day 3, the pus core has become sturdy and poppable but still sore. I could have tried popping it then and I admit ending this journey at 3 days looks better on paper (online?) but I took an extra day just until the soreness would leave.
From 14-21 days of nurturing cystic acne to 4 days... like I said in the title: WHOA.
Price:
Php 399 for 20 sticks.
Too Cool For School is available in SM MOA, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM BF Paranaque, SM Southmall and Glorietta 3.
Product Description:
Too Cool for School Spot Solution Sticks contain Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Aloe Vera extracts. Each stick has two parts, initially assembled into one regular-looking cotton bud. The solution remains in the center, away from the bud via vacuum seal, I think. Notice the "protective" air bubble on the side I'm holding. The other side doesn't need a bubble seal- that's a sealed, dry bud that doesn't need solution.
The buds are nice, thick and rounded out. It has a slightly flattened tip so you can easily cover the zit area with solution.
How to Use:
Separate the two parts by holding vertically and twisting the shorter end away from the stem. The shorter end is the end with the thick secondary handle.
With the bud facing down, let the released solution flow along the stem down to the cotton bud. Apply to acne spots.
You may use the shorter end to wipe off excess solution.
PRO TIP: I used the shorter ends only once. I've kept the rest in the case and used those as sanitary pimple poppers.
Performance:
See rave above.
The only two things I didn't like about it are:
1) It's not economical for people like me who get one spot every blue moon. After dabbing it on one spot, the bud is still soaked with solution and I kinda wish I had a full-on breakout instead just to see how many spots a single stick can cover.
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| How I keep my makeshift grip |
2) The main and secondary stems are both extremely smooth and at times, I've had to wrap two rubber bands around the secondary stem just to create grip and pull it off.
Edge:
Actually effective, even for cystic spots.
Rebuy:
Sadly, no. Now that I'm taking better care of my skin, I get acne spots even less and the active ingredients might weaken before I finish up a case.
Maybe before a really special occasion?
Beauty by Tellie score: 4.75 / 5 - truly effective, but slightly user un-friendly
This solution is ace! On one hand, I wish they just bottled the solution so that I wouldn't struggle with a pair of rubber bands every time I have to use it, but on the other hand, I did purchase this simply because of the cute buds.
I'm surprised. I'm so happy when I'm proven wrong- in a good way!
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