Su Wan froze the screen on this message, remained silent for a few seconds, then opened Jianying and created a new project. The camera panned to her reflection in the dressing mirror—no filters, no beauty enhancements whatsoever. The redness on her face was clearly visible, especially on her right cheek, which even showed a faint swelling when she spoke.

“Hello, everyone,” she said calmly, without trying to sound overly enthusiastic. “Today’s video is an everyday vlog—and it’s also a genuine user feedback.”

“Yesterday, Yuese Cosmetics reached out to me about collaborating on promoting their new liquid foundation,” she paused briefly, gently touching her cheek with her fingertip, her tone still level. “I received a sample and shot some makeup application footage. Normally, I could have posted this as a regular product review, followed the standard procedure to earn a promotion fee, which would have been a win-win for both me and the brand.”

“But after testing it for four hours, I developed redness and itching. Even after removing my makeup and applying cold compresses, the symptoms haven’t completely subsided yet,” she said, holding the camera steady and clearly showing her cheeks without any attempt at concealment. “I checked the ingredient list and found that it contains Methylisothiazolinone, commonly known as MIT. This ingredient is a broad-spectrum biocide; because it’s inexpensive and highly effective at inhibiting bacteria, it’s often used in cosmetics. However, it has a strong allergenic potential and is particularly unfriendly to people with sensitive skin. The European Union has already banned its use in leave-on cosmetics, and China’s ‘Cosmetic Safety Technical Specifications’ also impose strict limits on its concentration. Overuse or improper application can easily trigger contact allergic dermatitis.”

“So I simply can’t recommend this product,” she concluded.

She paused for two seconds, her voice firm and unequivocal: “I’m not a doctor, and my experience doesn’t represent how everyone will react. But since I personally experienced an allergic reaction, I can’t go against my own principles and say it’s great. These days, many people rely on bloggers’ reviews when buying cosmetics. I know some of my followers have even more delicate, sensitive skin than mine. I don’t want them to fall into the same trap I did just because they trusted me.”

“Of course, I’m not saying anything negative about the brand,” Su Wan added after another pause. “Every brand has its own considerations when developing products. I’m just sharing my honest experience, and I hope the brand will pay closer attention to the ingredients and take consumers’ feedback seriously.”

After finishing her remarks, she clicked to end the recording, reviewed the clip, deleted the brief section where she stumbled at the beginning, and kept only the most authentic version. Then she added a simple yet impactful title: “[Real Feedback] Yuese Cosmetics’ New Liquid Foundation—I Had an Allergic Reaction.” She also included straightforward hashtags: #RealReview #SayNoToFakePromotion #SkincareSafety—no unnecessary embellishments.

Before posting, she hesitated for a moment but ultimately opened her email and sent a private message to the brand: “During my testing, I experienced an allergic reaction to your product. Upon checking, I found it contains Methylisothiazolinone, which may pose a risk of irritation for people with sensitive skin. Out of responsibility to my followers, I won’t be promoting this product. I’ve documented the specific ingredient issue in detail, and I hope you’ll take user feedback seriously, conduct a thorough review of the product formula in accordance with relevant regulations on cosmetic production and operation, and improve your quality control measures.” As she hit “send,” she let out a soft sigh of relief. Even though she knew this might offend the brand and even affect future collaborations, she didn’t regret it in the slightest.

Su Wan placed her phone on the Su Wan's bedroom desk, the device making a faint sound as it tapped against the wooden surface. She stood up, walked over to the fridge, opened the refrigerator compartment, took out a medical-grade facial mask, peeled off the packaging, and gently applied it to her face. The cool sensation spread instantly, gradually easing the itchiness on her skin—these days, many review bloggers exaggerate product efficacy, engage in fake promotions, or even combine product testing with advertising, all in order to boost traffic and profits, misleading consumers. She didn’t want to be one of those people.

End of Chapter 16: Little Money Flies Away