Review: CUUP THE WIRELESS PLUNGE - MESH

This is the first thing I've tried from the brand CUUP. I've always found their styles appealing and sleek, but not their prices. Let's see how it went for me.

Beauty

All styles, of which there are only around four, are minimalist and sleek. Zero frou-frou, lace, embroidery, etc. Normally, I'm more of a maximalist and enjoy all those things, but there is a place for understated, smooth styling. 

This colorway is Aura, a pale ballet pink, and a shade I will always opt for over a yellowy-beige nude. Heads up: the mesh is sheer. It will provide quite a bit of nip coverage by way of the 2nd skin fit, i.e., compression, but if your nips are darker than mine - which are quite pale - it will look like you're wearing nothing. 

Comfort 

I have never been a fan of mesh; it's almost always rough and abrasive (I'm looking at you, Elomi Betty, Curvy Kate Dreamcatcher, and Cleo everything) but I remember fondly the soft fine mesh of Lunaire Barbados c.2000 and how it felt like air in heat and humidity. So I gave it a try.

And....meh. The mesh is in between that soft fine version and the sandpaper versions. The wider straps are welcome and have no ring connectors, so that's a plus.  

Fit

Cups.  Very underwhelming capacity. I can't fault brands for not catering to my full-on-top shape; I realize I'm in the minority there. But these run at least one cup size small.

You can clearly see they're digging into the top of my boobs. There just isn't sufficient depth for anything more than a medium level of projection, and the mesh isn't stretchy enough to accommodate my shape. 

Gore. Now this, I like. It provides actual separation, which is a rare feature in a wireless bra/lette. 

Shape. Surprisingly decent. Rounded and slightly flattened (on me; if you're full-on-bottom you won't have that issue).

When Do I Wear It?

You can totally wear this out of the house. There's enough lift and shaping - and bounce control - you'll feel supported. And if you're in a hot, humid climate the all-mesh style - that includes the band - ensure you will feel the air flow through to your skin. If you have skin less sensitive than mine, this could be your summertime BFF.

Sizing 

42G US.  Which is the highest band/cup this comes in, and my actual size. If you're balanced or full-on-top, you'll want to go up one cup. Full-on-bottoms should be fine. Band is accurate, perhaps slightly snug, so sister-sizing is an option here.

Pricepoint

$65.  I bought it for $40 during Black Friday sales. I think that's still too high, frankly. I certainly would not pay full price. 

Review: Parade bralettes

Nutshell: not enough cup capacity if you're above an E or mayyyyybe an F. Certainly not if you're full-on-top.

I tried 3 styles, though I'm only including pics for two, because the 3rd literally did not cover enough of my boobs to make a pic I could comfortable post. 

The first is a V-neck pullover style; no hooks. A fun dity floral print

                               Wow, is it ever snug and flattening 

In this angle you can see the girls are ready to make a break for freedom.

Fabric is soft and stretchy, but there just isn't enough of it - certainly not enough depth - to accommodate any real projection. 

This square neckline style, with adjustable straps and hook closure, was the only bralette that really worked for me. But it's not ideal and has the same issue of really underwhelming cup capacity.

Buttery soft fabric and a wide, satin covered underband make this very comfy. Straps are wide, but sadly, way too stretchy. Which , together with the underwhelming cup capacity, allows the boob weight to slowly drag the front down until the double-bubble situation is ridiculous and visible under shirts. 

I only wear this in the house as I'd be required to constantly readjust it out in public. 

Sizing: They have 1x-3x, which only goes up to a D cup. And then 1-3+ which stops at 40-band but is supposed to fit up to an F-cup.

I am topping out at the 3+. Band runs loose, so sister-sizing won't be useful here.

If you are DD/E or under,  and full-on-bottom, this might be a great option for you as the fabrics are higher quality and the price point is a reasonable $25-30.. 

Review: Warner's No Side Effects Lightly Lined T-shirt Bra

This offering from a brand I haven't worn since high school is going to be a love it or hate it style. Spoiler: I kinda love it.

Beauty

No Side Effects bra comes in the usual neutrals plus a couple of soft shades. This is Daybreak, a muted violet that I really like. There are also leopard-print accents along the sides and the back. Not something I normally would go for, but I don't hate it here.

Comfort & Fit

CUPS.  I wasn't sure I'd like these, as I'm not a huge fan of foam and these are not those removable frisbee discs that are so annoying and useless for big boobs. Nope. The medium thickness foam is molded and provides most of the support and shaping. Plenty of capacity and the shape is not rigid so can accommodate my full-on-top boobs.

SHAPE. What I'd consider a good one. Lifted & rounded, but not bubble-mound T-shirt round. There's a definite apex.

BAND.  This is another love or hate it feature. The sides are a unique graceful crossover design. And very low. This is so that you can wear sleeveless tops. If you are into tall bands and side containment, you will hate this. I, however, love it.

Best Feature:  there is no biting, scratchy elastic edging anywhere on this bra! That leopard-print bit is a narrow satiny panel that sits smoothly all along the edge of the cups and band where elastic edging would usually be. This increases comfort dramatically. 

Compromise:  Straps. They're a bit narrower than I'd prefer and also non-adjustable. They're juuuust long enough for me and I'm 5'8". If you're medium-ish height, say, between 5'4"-5'7", I don't think this will cause any issues for you. 

When Do I Wear It?

When I want to be comfy for a long time, but look like I'm wearing underwire. I.e. more lift & definition than a bralette would give. So under a form-fitting shirt, or a light-colored blouse that highlights the bust. 

Under a T

And with a medium-weight sweater

SIZING.  2XL. Per the Warner size chart, this fits a 42DD. My actual size is a UK 40G or US 40H. 

Since US cup sizes often run generous, I'm getting a good fit here, basically like a US 42DDD or UK 42F. If you are very full-on-bottom in shape, consider sizing down one. 

Unlike most of my US bralettes, like Bali, the band on this does not run snug. I can wear this on the middle hooks. So I wouldn't advise sizing upward if you're above a UK G cup, unless you have a larger band size like 44-up.

PRICE POINT. Full price is $35. Yeah, don't be silly. Wait until it goes under $25. 

My Favorite Bra Hacks for Comfort

This is a post I did 5 years ago, running through all of my favorite bra hacks to troubleshoot all kinds of issues and increase your comfort. 

Enjoy.

How To Get Comfy 

Review: Anita Rosa Faia Twin Wire-Free

 It's now been 3 years since I've worn underwire. Along with working from home, it's the other good thing to come out of the pandemic. Comfort was always my top priority and now I'm at the point where even my comfiest underwired bras are only comfy-ish. But the lack of wires alone does not guarantee comfort for me. 

I decided to revisit an old friend: Anita. German-made, well-designed. The wired version of this bra is incredibly comfy - and was the first bra I reviewed on this blog back in 2015. Let's do the categories, shall we?

Beauty

Sleek, clean lines. Zero frou frou. Anita as a brand is pretty understated; you'll find a range of skin tones plus black, white, and perhaps gray or navy. They occasionally bring out a pretty shade like the coral I have. They also have the Twin Art, which is a patterned version: always subtle and muted. This colorway is Rosewood, a soft pinky-taupe. 

Comfort & Fit

Fabric.  A wonderful silky microfiber with 30% spandex, which is double the usual US bra and triple the average UK bra. That means you'll get a second skin fit that conforms to your shape and moves with your body. If you experience PMS tenderness or swelling, high spandex fabric is your BFF; it's comforting and soothing.

Cups & Shape.  Great cup capacity and designed for an even shape. I get no cutting in with my full-on-tops and the moderately projected shape means you'll get a lifted but not boosted, nicely rounded profile that's very T-shirt friendly. They're double-layer, so you'll get a little extra nippie coverage.

Band.  Runs snug. When I was a 36GG, a 40 band fit well. It is the same soft fabric; no yucky harsh mesh. Band anchors well without being tall or compressive, which I really appreciate.

Straps.  Wide in the front, tapering and adjustable in back. They're comfy and help distribute the weight nicely. 

When Do I Wear It?

Whenever I would've reached for underwire in the Before Times. So out in public mostly, when I want more lift and shaping than most bralettes can give, but still be almost as comfy as a bralette. 

Sizing.  42F  The wire-free version of the Twin runs a little looser in the band and larger in the cup. So in the wired version I wore a 40H, and now that I'm a bit fluffier, a 42G. But in the wire-free I've dropped down a cup size. If your shape is full-on-bottom, you'll definitely need to drop down a cup.  

Price point.  Full price runs $72. I wait until the price hits around $50. Anita rarely falls below that price and it's certainly worth it. 

Review: Curvy Kate In My Dreams Bralette

I hardly know where to start, but In My (Bad) Dreams would be a more accurate name for this travesty of a bralette. It's the worst thing I've ever tried from Curvy Kate - and that includes their standard balconettes with the non-stretch upper cups that that give a bizarre squared-off, ski slope shape. Behold:

Beauty

Ummmm. If wadded up, saggy, wrinkly fabric that resembles nothing so much as aqua-colored elephant skin is your thing, then this is lovely. 

Comfort & Fit

CUPS.  These run absolutely huge. There is a massive amount of loose space in the upper cup, which is something I don't believe I've said on this blog. In the History of Ever.

And what are those strangely floppy strips just wandering around my chest? Well might you ask. I know I did.

Those are meant to separate your boobs and, I suppose, reduce boob sweat and increase comfort. Great idea. Wacky execution

SUPPORT

Well, none. The whole structure is so loose and floppy that it negates any support. The fabric is a rigid poly-blend that has no stretch so it's the opposite of form-fitting and does not feel particularly nice against the skin. 

I tried wearing it under a looser sweater and it didn't look as terrible as expected, but it wasn't very comfy, and I literally tossed it into the trash after one wearing. There is obviously a good reason it is on sale, and wasn't worth the hassle of returning

BAND.  A surprisingly narrow 2-hook band, but the straps connect with large pyramid-shaped panels of mesh, so it's more stable than expected. 

When Might Someone Who Is Not Me Wear It?

If you need a very large cup size and normally don't get a good fit in CK, say a J or K, you might easily fit into this supposed G-cup - and at a bargain price. 

Pricepoint & Sizing

I tried this in a 40G UK. I know. Hard to believe. On sale it was around $30. 

AISILIN Wireless Smooth Bra

Nutshell: a hybrid bra/lette that I liked more than I expected to. 

Beauty

A very sleek, seamless, non-embellished style. Completely smooth and undetectable under clothing. 

Comfort & Fit

Band.  Normally, I'm not a fan of tall, deep bands as I find them constrictive and confining, particularly when sitting. But this one is silky smooth, does not roll up and flexes while staying anchored. 

Cups.  Double layers of thick silky microfiber material, they are molded but not padded. This means you will get some gentle shaping and nippie coverage, plus a fair amount of lift without being boosted. 

The cup capacity is average and I am definitely using all available space, but my full-on-top boobs are not being flattened and I like the lower cut V-shape of the neckline. 

Straps.  Well-designed; nice and wide, they are integrated into the cup, while adjustable in back, and are capable of comfortably taking on the extra weight the straps on a wireless bra need to take. 

Seamless. This is a huge deal for sensitive skin. There are no irritating side seams or bunched strap fabric seams. 

Shape.  Very acceptable under a T-shirt. Softly rounded, lifted, but not push-up by any means. It looks like 'a lot of bra' but doesn't feel like it. That taller band is non-irritating because it is seamless, but also acts as an anchor to keep the ladies hoisted to a natural level, without wires. 

When Do I Wear It?

I'd bought this as a weekend option but have found myself reaching for it anytime I want moderate support and lift, especially with a lower or V-shaped neckline. If a strap does peek out it tends to look like a cami or another shirt since they are wide and tapered and the fabric is smooth and silky. And while microfiber is often not the most breathable of fabrics, the lower cut of the cups keeps me more comfortable. I don't overheat in this bra the way I have in some other laser-cut microfiber styles and reach for this one more often than similar style in a higher-cut rounded neckline. 

Price Point. Around $25 on Amazon. 

Size.  US sizing. So I went with a 42F, which is the equivalent of a 40G. I do not like tight bands and I wear this on the loosest hooks, which are in a 4-row column. 

Review: DELIMIRA Wireless Seamless Bra Unlined Bralette (Wacoal Awareness)

 Delimira is still out here making great generic versions of some very well-known - and moderate-to-spendy - brands. And still naming them terribly. This is version 2.0 of Wacoal's Awareness, the beloved OG wireless bra. II reviewed the older version here: Version 1.0

Beauty

This version has a lace overlay, which gives an otherwise plain style some subtle prettiness, and lies completely flat and undetectable under knit fabrics.

Comfort & Fit

Everything holds true from the original review except there is a lot more cup capacity in this newer version. Hurray! The fabric is still soft and comfy enough for a long day of wear. The straps are very basic, a standard width, and not too widely set. Despite the name, this is more bra than bralette and is fairly supportive.

Shape

Rounded, natural, not boosted. It's an acceptable shape for a wire-free bra and I do wear it under Tshirts. It gives some nip coverage, although the fabric is not thick at all.

When Do I Wear It?

This is a good all-rounder. The underband is soft and flexible so it's comfy for sitting at desk and is also supportive enough for more active pursuits. So any time comfort and support are more important than shape or separation. 

Size

42F  Delimira runs generous in the cup. My size in this brand for years was 40F, which fits like a UK 40G or US 40H. Now, I'm a bit.....fluffier, and opted to go up a band size.

Price Point

Under $25. Reasonable as per usual.

Review: SKIMS bralettes

Wow, did I really hate Wordpress. Took most of the fun out of blogging. So I'm going back to my cozy little blogger site; the equivalent of ditching a giant SUV and keeping your old VW Beetle instead.

Since I haven't worn underwire in two years now - and now, even my comfiest don't seem comfy enough - I continue with my bralette quest.

SKIMS

Nutshell:  Wonderful fabrics, but all styles run very small.

Fits Everybody Scoop Neck bra

This is indeed a universal style. The fabric is buttery soft and smooth and feels great against the skin.

The cups are not especially generous and I'm getting a bit of flattening of my full-on-top shape, but it's not a bad shape overall. 

However, it feels tight on. The band runs at least one size small. And the straps are thin and quite wide-set, so not all that big boob friendly. On the positive side, the color range is fantastic: a huge spectrum of nude shades and a changing set of seasonal colors, if, like me, beige isn't your bag, baby.

Fits Everybody High Neck bra

This is the one I had high hopes for. There are so many tops - wrap styles, I'm looking at you - that our smaller-cupped sisters can throw on with ease, but are instantly 'not work appropriate' if you're full-busted. This would be a perfect fix for that issue, without adding any warm layers.

Same buttery fabric. The racerback style negates the thin strap issue, but does give that feeling of extra weight on your neck, which I don't love and I wish they'd opted to wide the back into more of a tank top cut to distribute pressure and add support. 

The sides are low. I mean, I definitely prefer lower sides, but these are low. And, again, it runs small in both cup and band, but it's the band that's a dealbreaker; it's actually giving that unpleasant feeling of cutting into my skin. 

Cozy Knit bralette

And then there's this. It's the silliest thing I've tried since that wacky terrycloth boob sling. 

First off, it makes you look like a muppet.

And there is less than zero support. There is no band at all. Just a single piece of flat, ultra stretchy, winter scarf type fabric. There is no way you'd want to wear this on its own: the risk of popping out or flopping under is extremely high. 

Price Point

$32, which is a bit spendy for such basic styles, but the super soft fabrics and great range of color choices might make it worth it to you. Still, I'd wait for a sale.

Sizing XXS-4X

This is the main issue: all styles run small by a good one to two sizes. I would take the size chart with a very large grain of salt. 

For example, all the styles I tried are in a 3X. Per their chart, which helpfully references to dress size, but is inaccurate, this fits a bust of 51-53". Yeah, no. By that measurement, I should have gotten a 2X, but I just went with my gut and sized up. It was not enough. I'd advise going up two full sizes.  Because the fabrics are so great, I'd be willing to try a 4X, but I would be topping out their size range. 

Review: Harper Wilde bralettes

Nutshell: Disappointing

In my never-ending quest to find comfy bralettes to join my two stalwarts, Bali and 32 Degrees, I was excited to try out this woman-owned brand, Harper Wilde. I tried The Bliss and Luxe.

My hopes were quickly deflated.

Beauty

Sleek simplicity. Zero frou-frou. Just simple lines, silky fabrics, in very limited non-colors.

                The Bliss & Luxe

Fit & Comfort

Here lies the problem. Per the brand's size chart, I should have been well within the sizes range. I can only assume that the chart uses a definition of "inches" that is unknown to me.

The cup size in both styles I tried was vastly underwhelming. Vastly. Also, the brand seems to be aimed at a very specific boob shape and body type: full-on-bottom boobs and a narrow, fairly petite frame. Not exactly a universal approach.

The Bliss

Fabric is lovely and silky, but oddly, not all that stretchy. The effect is of an old school flattening sports bra. I get a definite uni-boob and no bounce at all. The usual problem of a soft fabric finished with rough seams is present, so I've flipped the bralette inside-out to make it wearable for me; when only the soft fabric is against my skin, I can imagine being quite happy with this style - if only the cups had more stretch and could handle boobs with any projection at all, let alone a full-on-top shape.

Luxe

I had higher hopes that this style might better accommodate fuller boobs, but was soon disappointed again. I'm only showing the side view as Luxe is completely sheer. The fabric isn't the satin-soft smoothness of The Bliss, but it's softer than expected for a mesh style.

Front-adjust straps are a practical novelty that I appreciate; it's a shame the straps aren't wider and restricted stretch. In fact, applying some of that stretchiness to the cups, rather than the straps, would be a big improvement. As it is, the rigid mesh cups are cutting into my upper fullness so badly, Luxe is neither comfortable nor wearable.

When Do I Wear Them?

Luxe, never. The Bliss...not very often. I'd say that if you're under 5'6", narrow-shouldered, full-on-bottom and looking for snug bands and supportive, less stretchy cups, then Harper Wilde might work for you.

Size: 3X

This should have put me well within the size chart, but I find both styles to run incredibly small and not accurate to the measurements reflected on the chart. Because the whole design seems scaled to a small-framed person , i.e. The Bliss' straps are quite short (& non-adjustable) and Luxe straps are very inset, I don't think sizing up would improve the fit for me.

Price Point: $50

At this price, I expected...more. And for a woman-owned company founded by women who couldn't find bras that fit them well, it's a bit ironic that the brand is heavily geared toward one specific boob shape and body type.

Review: Bali Comfort Revolution Wirefree Bra

Bali just keeps on expanding the Comfort Revolution line, which has long contained my most reliable bralette. Unfortunately, they seem to lack imagination when it comes to naming the different models, so you really have to pay close attention to figure out what you're getting.

The main difference is non-removable foam padding, which I generally do not want. But there are other subtle differences between the padded models.

This version is a bra, and it looks just like the bralettes from the outside. But the structure is quite different.

Beauty

Available in lots and lots of colors and subtle tonal patterns. This is Cement Gray, which is sort of a greige.

Comfort & Support

CUPS. The main difference between the bra & bralette version is that the foam in the bra is slightly thicker and more molded. Nothing like a T-shirt bra; it's still very thin and flexible. It's a very soft, rounded shape, but with a definite apex. The cups have some stretch, but it's limited by the foam lining; still, it's enough to allow the cups to accommodate my full-on-top shape with no cutting in or double-bubble.

Another difference is that the bra version has casing under the cups. This is the stitched channel where an underwire would normally be inserted. It just gives a small amount of structure and support from below. The fabric and stitching is soft enough for my sensitive skin.

SUPPORT. Here's what unique about this bra that I wasn't expecting. It doesn't really give much support - but it looks as if it does, beneath clothing. The lift and shape provided by the thin molded foam is enough to rival the look of an underwired, non-pushup T-shirt bra. You can see here what I mean:

The weight of my boobs is clearly dragging down the cup and snug band a bit....but magically, the shape and lift look good. I also like the very low sides as this is the area that tall bands and seams really impact my sensitive skin the most.

Compromises

STRAPS. Just as all the others in the Bali Comfort Revolution collection, the straps are a nice, moderate width, but the turned-under seams are not soft and not very comfy. Because the band is actually doing more than it appears, there is not a lot of extra weight put onto the strap, so it's not a deal-breaker for me. But if I had any sewing talent, I would stitch a soft lining to the underside of the straps.

When Do I Wear It?

When I want to look supported and nip-free, but don't want to be supported by actual underwire or or a heavy wire-free structure. So under a thin knit sweater or clingy T-shirt, when I will be sitting a lot, perhaps in a professional situation like a video meeting. This style has turned out to be useful more often than I expected.

Sizing

This is in actual bra sizing - that's another distinction between the bras/bralettes. Bali is a US brand and the usual rule of thumb applies: bands run more snug and cups more generous than in Euro or UK sizing. I am a 40H US/Euro and 40G UK. A 42DD works fine for me and I can wear it on the loosest hook, which gives you an idea of how easily you can sister-side into this.

Price Point: under $25 on Amazon

Review: Delimira Wireless bra

It's been a long while since I've reviewed any actual bras here. That's because since the pandemic began I've been working from home in yoga pants and bralettes. My OG standbys 32 Degrees and Bali Revolution have been all I've needed during this unprecedented time of quarantine. My own state continues to lead the nation in Covid cases (oh, the pride) and since I don't fancy being medivaced down to Seattle for 20K, I won't be eating in restaurants any time soon or going anywhere that merits an actual bra.

Still, there are times I need a bit more support and want something with more bra and less 'lette'.

Beauty

That's It. Right there. That tonal embroidery and odd V-neck strip of lace. That's all you get.

I opted for Mochaccino over the dreaded beige, but that's as flamboyant as this style gets.

Hahahahaha. OK, yes, I know: this baby is a flat-out frump fest. But stay with me if comfort is your jam. Because this generic version of the Triumph Doreen, which, since the 1950s, has consistently been the most popular bra in the world, is a comfy workhorse. 

I've been aware of the Doreen for a long time. It was popular in the early-80s, when I was in high school; it was a favorite of friends when I was in the Philippines for my foreign exchange year. Back then, I was all about thin, silky, front-close triangle bras and would never have worn this style; I just thought it was a funny retro thing. Then in the early-90s, when I lived in the UK, my 30-yr-old neighbor loved this style. By then, I was all about my Vanity Fair underwires, so again, I passed. Fast-forward 30 years, many lbs, sensitive skin, and bigger boobs later, & I've reconsidered.

Comfort

FABRIC. Satiny nylon on the outside means clothes will glide smoothly. Cotton lining on the inside means soothing comfort for sensitive skin and a huge win if you're in a hot, sticky climate.

CUPS. Old school 3-part seamed design. A more diagonal seam will always give a better shape. That horizontal seam does no boob shape any favors, but in this case, it also doesn't do much harm. The cups are generous and, while not stretchy, they do have a bit of give. They are not actively flattening my full-on-top boobs - and while not exactly flattering my natural shape, they are also not cutting into it, which is always a nice surprise. But the biggest plus for me is that the seams are flat and smooth; not rough or irritating in any way.

BAND. Smooth, soft fabric; no nasty, rough power-mesh here. It also nice and low at the sides, so no chafing or cutting into soft skin there.

STRAPS. Very nicely done. Soft and wide, with no sharp, cutting edges. And no obnoxious ring connectors to dig in.

Shape

Mediocre and acceptable. Not round, but not pointy, either. But that horizontal seam is going to be visible in anything but a chunky sweater, including the thin sweater I'm wearing below.

Oh, & that's the other hobby I've been working on during the pandemic: growing out my silver curls.

When Do I Wear It?

When I want more support than a soft bralette can give, especially in terms of bounce control and lift, but I don't want bust out the underwire. I wouldn't choose this for a thin T-shirt, but it's fine under cotton blouses or loose sweaters. This is what I'd choose if faced with a long day at work, followed by going out afterward, with no time to go home and change. I might choose it for travel if faced with a lot of walking to connecting flights where bounce control and firmer support would be welcome

Price Point: around $25

Sizing: my usual with Delimira. I went up to a 42F, which fits me like a 40G UK, or 40H US.

Review: Lume Deodorant

I've tried a lot of new natural deodorants during the pandemic because I've been working from home, which makes it the perfect time. Because there's only myself to offend if they fail.

Recap: I started on my epic quest to find non-aluminum deodorants when I suddenly developed an angry allergic reaction to the Dove solid I'd used for the last decade or so. Which left me pretty dismayed since I'm kinda crunchy, but in a very pragmatic way. Deodorant is one thing that simply needs to work, and chemicals are a lesser consideration for me.

 

I had high hopes for Lume, since I like cream formulas and you can use this anywhere on the body. Not a feature I was looking for, but cool nonetheless. I tried a sample pack so I could try five scents.

The first thing I noticed was that this is not a cream like Type:A is, but rather a watery, slow-drying lotion, like Drunk Elephant. The second thing I discovered is that all of the scents share the same underlying scent, a kind of cloying, cling to the back of. your throat, chemical undertone. I noticed the same thing beneath the pleasant almond scent of Drunk Elephant. I assume this is due to the ingredient of mandelic acid that both share. And unfortunately, the third thing I learned is that this ingredient simply doesn't work on me. I mean, at all.

Rating: 2/10.  Thats right. On a scale of 10 hours, Lume worked for 2 hours. And that's time spent typing on my sofa - not mowing the lawn or going to the gym. Just sitting here, respirating and typing. 

The upside is that once you know a main ingredient does not work for you, you can strike all other products based on that from your list. So anything with mandelic acid is a complete fail for me: Drunk Elephant, Lume, Kopari, etc. These are all very spendy as well, so that saves me time and money. Since I'm not about to risk baking soda on my sensitive skin, that really just leaves the magnesium-based options, which have been effective to varying degrees.