Ever wondered whether a new beauty launch or trending product is truly worth the hype? Good news—you’re in the right place. I Just Tried… is our regular beauty column where we test out everything from new formulations to cult classics to find out whether they’re really worth your money. Oh, and we’ll even answer the most-searched-for questions so you don’t have to.
I have to be honest, I don't really get TikTok. From IKEA homeware hacks to viral recipes (no, I haven't tried that baked feta thing yet) it feels like a new global craze originates in the video sharing platform basically everyday—then disappears as quickly as it arrived. Remember when we were all making weird whipped coffee back in lockdown number one? Case in point. And while I'm willing to accept that my age might play a part in my lack of connection with the social media app—let's be real, TikTok is a platform for Gen Z—I have plenty of millennial friends who are genuinely obsessed with it for one major reason: TikTok is the place to go if you're looking for cult beauty recommendations. And there's one product in particular that's causing waves right now: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment (£34).
When it first landed on my doorstep a few weeks back, I wasn't sure what to make of this product. If I'm honest—I put it to the side because I just didn't think this product was for me. The box claims that it cares for sensitive skin and soothes the appearance of redness and irritation, and while I do have redness in areas with active breakouts or acne scarring, it certainly isn't high on my complexion concern list. However, when I spotted fellow beauty editor Grace Day raving about this green-tinged cream on Instagram thanks to the way it "evens skin tone and cancels out redness while treating blemishes" I knew I had to try it for myself.
So, how did I get on with it? Ahead, I've got the full low-down on everything you need to know about the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment—as well as my honest first impression.
Mica Ricketts before using Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment.
As you can see from my before photo, most of the redness in my skin can be directly attributed to either an active breakout or pigmentation left behind by a blemish. However, thanks to being under the weather with a cold right now, I'm also dealing with some lovely additional redness around my nose and eyes.
The product itself is pale green in texture and has a fairly standard, cream consistency. The brand advise that you apply it after your usual moisturiser and to gently blend it in until the colour starts to turn more beige in tone. I have to be honest: I found application a little tricky. The product itself feels quite heavy and thick and doesn't blend out in the same way that a tinted moisturiser does. I found that using more of a patting and tapping motion helped to meld it with my skin but I'm lazy and this definitely required a little more time and effort than I generally have time for in the mornings.
Mica Ricketts after using Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment.
However, the results speak for themselves and I am so impressed with the finish of this product. Here, I've applied my usual blusher, under-eye concealer and lipstick but there is no foundation on my skin—it's all Dr. Jart+ Cicapair. While it doesn't claim to conceal spots or skin texture, it has done a brilliant job at both as well as neutralising any areas of redness. For me, knowing that it contains skin-friendly ingredients like cica that actually work to calm and repair your skin means it's a worthy alternative to foundations and tinted moisturisers—particularly on days that I'm at home working.
As for people whose skin has more redness than mine? Turns out, they swear by it too. Makeup artist Rose Gallagher—who has been diagnosed with two types of rosacea—was "amazed at how well it covered redness despite not being a makeup product."
"Cicapair was one of those viral trends I noticed on TikTok and recided to buy to see if it really was all that," Gallagher explained. "I think there are so many people who want to cover redness without necessarily wearing a full face of makeup and this will work perfectly for them as it offers a satin, skin-like finish. But that said, it can work under your regular makeup too because I've tried it both ways."
The Product 101
What is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment?
Designed by Korean skincare brand, Dr. Jart+, the Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is formulated to even skin tone, neutralise redness, and blur over blemishes or other uneven spots. Not only does it leave skin looking healthy and dewy but it contains skin-nourishing ingredients like protective tiger grass (also known as cica) and inflammation-reducing raspberry leaf extract.
How do you use it?
After you've finished your usual skincare routine and moisturised, apply a small amount of this product to your skin using your fingertips. "Technique is really key—use too much or fail to warm it up and you won't like it," explains Gallagher. "But when you go in easily, warm it between your fingers and then gently press it in, you'll see what all of the fuss is about."
Is it makeup?
In a word: no. It's skincare with colour-correcting benefits but, I have to say, if full-on foundation isn't your thing then you very well might find that this gives you the right amount of coverage to skip your base makeup products altogether.
Is Cicapair good for your skin?
Simple answer: yes. Specially designed with sensitive complexions in mind, this product contains tons of skin-friendly ingredients all designed to soothe, calm, nourish and reduce redness in skin that's prone to irritation.
With the brand reporting that sales of the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment have increased 397% year on year, there's no doubting that this is one popular product. Even better? It genuinely works. TikTok—you might have been right about this one.
Shop colour-correcting products:
I don't think it will be long before this is completely out of stock again—it's so popular right now.
Available in four shades, this creamy colour corrector neutralises shadows and pigmentation for brighter-looking skin.
A makeup artist-standard palette of four concealers and two correctors to diminish redness and even skin tone. It's available in six shades so there's a palette for every complexion.
This green-toned primer immediately counteracts redness in the skin for a more neutral complexion. Apply it beneath foundation for best results.
Use this silky powder as the last step in your makeup routine to diffuse redness in precise areas.
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