|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 7:11:11 GMT -6
sheilathetank, honestly, I do a mask almost every night now, but it wasn’t always like that. I have always been way more into skin care than makeup, too. I mean, I wear makeup, but it’s minimal and I don’t have the same love for it. I always did masks once or twice a week, different varieties, and in the old days it was more the cleansing type masks- charcoal, pore perfecting, etc. About a year and a half ago, a girlfriend gave me some sheet masks and that started me off. My friend is Asian and after the gift, we discovered we share a common love of skin care. Long story short, she was the one who brought me into the K beauty world, and she does the sheet masks pretty much daily, and her skin is fabulous. She and another friend and I now swap products and recommendations and everything. It’s built slowly, but being around people who share my interest have developed it. And honestly, my skin looks so much better. I just wish I had started sooner, ya know?
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 2, 2018 10:20:30 GMT -6
So where do you guys recommend someone starts? It's all a little overwhelming. I know I have dry skin. I wash my face every other night with neutragena grapefruit cleanser and then moisturize and that's my entire skin care routine.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 11:32:05 GMT -6
sheilathetank, this is what I would suggest, starting from where you are. Wash face, apply toner (with fingers, not a cotton ball), serum, moisturizer. If you have time and you enjoy them, try a sheet mask in between the toner and the serum. I wash and tone my face, then do a mask while I am watching TV, and then when I go to bed, I apply serum, brush teeth, apply moisturizer. AM: wash face, toner, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen and or B.B. cream, because I don’t like my skin bare when I am out in public. Once that is comfortable for you, add something else.
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 2, 2018 11:35:17 GMT -6
sheilathetank , this is what I would suggest, starting from where you are. Wash face, apply toner (with fingers, not a cotton ball), serum, moisturizer. If you have time and you enjoy them, try a sheet mask in between the toner and the serum. I wash and tone my face, then do a mask while I am watching TV, and then when I go to bed, I apply serum, brush teeth, apply moisturizer. AM: wash face, toner, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen and or B.B. cream, because I don’t like my skin bare when I am out in public. Once that is comfortable for you, add something else. This is a stupid question, but is the serum that snail mucin stuff? Do you have a recommendation for a toner?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 12:55:04 GMT -6
sheilathetank , this is what I would suggest, starting from where you are. Wash face, apply toner (with fingers, not a cotton ball), serum, moisturizer. If you have time and you enjoy them, try a sheet mask in between the toner and the serum. I wash and tone my face, then do a mask while I am watching TV, and then when I go to bed, I apply serum, brush teeth, apply moisturizer. AM: wash face, toner, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen and or B.B. cream, because I don’t like my skin bare when I am out in public. Once that is comfortable for you, add something else. This is a stupid question, but is the serum that snail mucin stuff? Do you have a recommendation for a toner? That’s not a stupid question. I think there may be snail serums, but I think the one we were talking about recently was an essence. If you already bought that, you can use the serum in conjunction with the essence. I don’t currently use an essence, and the serum I use is a Vitamin C serum. I’ll get you a link. I use origins toner. It’s the only toner I have ever used, so I don’t have any product recs, but I can get some. I always use theirs because I like their products and the toner often comes with their moisturizer that my H uses. He doesn’t use it, so a I just co-opt it.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 12:57:16 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 2, 2018 13:00:23 GMT -6
thanks for the recommendation. it's a good starting point. I always feel so clueless when it comes to self care.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 13:06:00 GMT -6
thanks for the recommendation. it's a good starting point. I always feel so clueless when it comes to self care. Please don’t! It’s a lot to sort out. If you want toner recs, maybe make a thread on GD and get recs. I just took a peak on Amazon and saw Thayers witch hazel toner which is highly rated, inexpensive, and I think I saw it recommended here before. Taitai May also have recs. You can always go to Sephora, but I think you find comparable quality for less money and I prefer that. I honestly don’t think you have to spend a fortune to take hood care of your skin.
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 2, 2018 13:10:53 GMT -6
thanks for the recommendation. it's a good starting point. I always feel so clueless when it comes to self care. Please don’t! It’s a lot to sort out. If you want toner recs, maybe make a thread on GD and get recs. I just took a peak on Amazon and saw Thayers witch hazel toner which is highly rated, inexpensive, and I think I saw it recommended here before. Taitai May also have recs. You can always go to Sephora, but I think you find comparable quality for less money and I prefer that. I honestly don’t think you have to spend a fortune to take hood care of your skin. My mom always used clinique products or Elizabeth Grady and that stuff is $$$$ so I've always thought it cost and arm and a leg to get good skin. She would also get monthly facials as part of a skincare regimen. She wears no makeup and her skin looks at least 10 years younger than she is. The last time I bought anything for my skin other than what I mentioned before it was like $50 for a face wash. Keeping that up is just not feasible. It's nice to know there are cheaper options out there. I didn't even know there Asian skincare was a huge deal until you guys mentioned it a few weeks ago. I'm excited to try things and am going to get my friend on board since she's in the same boat as me.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 13:16:31 GMT -6
You can definitely spend money, and maybe there is a huge difference. I wouldn’t know. My skin looks worlds better and I’m not using anything fancy or outrageously expensive. I’m budget conscious, like all of the masks I bought from Mishi box were clearance ones that were super cheap, but good brands.
I get facials maybe once a year, if I get a Groupon or if someone gives me one as a gift. It would be nice, I’m sure, but that isn’t how I like to spend extra cash.
|
|
|
Post by piperanne on Feb 2, 2018 14:18:51 GMT -6
I use the Thayer's toner thisbitch, recc'd. It's at Target in addition to Amazon. I really like the Lavendar one.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 3, 2018 3:42:29 GMT -6
sheilathetank I can def help you out with getting started! thisbitch already gave you lots of good advice/tips. Here are some more. General idea of skincare is cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen. The cleansing step and moisturizing steps in asian beauty skincare can have many components/products, or not many at all. It's all up to what works best for you. One thing - since you have dry skin, I'd avoid that neutrogena grapefruit cleanser. It has salicylic acid in it - which is drying and can be quite hard on your skin. It is prob the opposite of what your skin needs - esp in the winter. I know - I used to use it. I'd recommend using a double cleanse method to gently get your face super clean (without drying it out). Cleanse: One key aspect of asian skincare is double cleansing. That means to first use an oil-based cleanser to effectively break up and remove your makeup/sunscreen. Then, use a low-ph, gentle water soluble cleanser to remove all traces of the oil cleanser (and anything the oil cleanser couldn't get). This is a lot better for your skin. I only do a double cleanse in the evenings...mornings I just use the water soluble cleanser in the shower, since I am not removing makeup or sunscreen in the am. Kose Softymo is a good oil cleanser that is very popular and reasonably priced: www.amazon.com/KOSE-SOFTYMO-Speedy-Cleansing-230ml/dp/B000V2FBAQCeraVe gentle foaming cleanser is a good low-ph cleanser that is also popular and super affordable: www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B003YMJJSKToner: you can do a toner after cleansing. In asian beauty, toner is more of a hydrating step, not the alcohol, stinging astringent step that is common in western skincare. Also, like thisbitch said, ppl tend to put the toner on their face using their hands. No need for a cotton pad. I really like the following: Goodal Moisture Barrier Liquid: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0AFNRY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1517650058&sr=8-1&keywords=goodal+moisture+barrier+liquid&dpPl=1&dpID=412DVtSbHuL&ref=plSrchKlairs Supple Prep Toner: www.amazon.com/KLAIRS-Preparation-moisturizer-without-paraben/dp/B00PGOFYG0After toners, there is the moisturizing step, which can include essences, serums, ampoules, emulsions, creams, etc. The names can be confusing and you don't have to use all of them. I say to first find a moisturizer that you like and doesn't break you out. Then, if you want to expand your routine, you can find various products for various things you want to work on (evening skin tone, softer skin, anti-aging, line reduction, redness correction, anti-acne, etc.). The general rule at this stage is that you apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. You apply by patting in each layer until it's absorbed. For me, I started with a moisturizing serum and then put a cream on top of that. Then I was done. You can add more steps once you get more into skincare, like sheet masks, "actives" (aha/bha/retinol/Vit C) and sleeping packs, but again - you don't have to. The great thing about asian beauty is that it is very customizable, and you can do as much (or little) as you'd like. Pyunkang Yul Moisturizing Serum: www.amazon.com/Pyunkang-Yul-Moisture-Serum-100ml/dp/B073P6BPDXBeauty of Joseon Dunasty Cream (amazing for dryness...luuuv this...so cheap too): www.amazon.com/Joseon-Beauty-Dynasty-Wrinkles-Dryness/dp/B01M4GQO8WSunscreen - last and essential step (for daytime). The Japanese sunscreens are the best, hands down. I hated wearing sunscreen in the past, but the Japanese stuff is so effective an non greasy- I can't even feel it. www.amazon.com/Biore-Aqua-Watery-Essence-SPF50/dp/B01MTDFFQ5?th=1&psc=1That was long, but it's a general overview of how to start. Lemme know if you have any questions or try anything out!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2018 11:37:35 GMT -6
That’s a great summary and good information.
Can we talk about sleeping masks? I got one in my Mishi order, but I don’t really know what to do with it. Also, by the time I go to bed, I always feel like I have so much product on my face. I still bought it, because I have never tried a sleeping mask, and I am trying to turn back time.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 3, 2018 21:06:56 GMT -6
That’s a great summary and good information. Can we talk about sleeping masks? I got one in my Mishi order, but I don’t really know what to do with it. Also, by the time I go to bed, I always feel like I have so much product on my face. I still bought it, because I have never tried a sleeping mask, and I am trying to turn back time. I love sleeping masks/packs! The idea with those is that they serve as a final occlusive layer to seal in everything else you've put on your face, before you go to bed. I typically put mine on about 10-15 min after my last step in my pm routine. I figure, if the last product hasn't sunk in by 10-15 min, it's probably done what it can....and putting a sleeping mask on top won't really do any harm. When I wake up in the morning, I wash off the sleeping pack with luke warm water....if I remember. Otherwise. It comes off in the shower anyways. In order to avoid clogging my pores (since I live in a humid, tropical climate), I only do a sleeping pack once or twice a week. I do notice a definite glow the morning after - esp when I use the Sulwhasoo one.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 6, 2018 6:44:16 GMT -6
I just tried the ettang peeling soothing sheet mask set, and it was kind of weird. It's a 2 step mask, and the first part is this gel that's supposed to get rid of all your dead skin cells and oil/dirt on your face. The second step is a creamy mask that soothes the skin. So, the directions say to rub the gel all over your face for 30 seconds and then wash it off, along with the dead skin/oil/dirt. I honestly didn't think I'd feel anything to wash off, but I was very wrong. Basically as soon as I put the gel on my face, a bunch of dead skin pilled up and it immediately felt like I was rubbing grits of sand all over my face. Then I washed away all the pilled up skin and gel on my face, but some of the skin got stuck in these little balls along the tiny hairs/fuzz around my jaw line. So I had to pick those off first, which was kind of annoying. After that I put the sheet mask on, and it feels really, really nice. Good fit, soft cotton material, and I like the creamy consistency. I definitely hope it does a good job of soothing, because I'm pretty sure that first step was a chemical peel which took off the top layer of my skin. 🤷♀️ Fingers crossed my skin looks okay in the morning. Before putting on the mask, I did notice that my skin felt super smooth, so that's a good sign I hope!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2018 19:30:12 GMT -6
Taitai, I am putting the mask on my list. Also, I looked at the Sulwasoo website and basically died of sticker shock. Is it cheaper in Korea? I love it, though.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 6, 2018 21:16:33 GMT -6
Taitai, I am putting the mask on my list. Also, I looked at the Sulwasoo website and basically died of sticker shock. Is it cheaper in Korea? I love it, though. The Ettang mask is a definite win! My skin was sooooo soft this morning. Like, it was as soft as 4 month LO's skin. I even had DH touch to verify 😂. The great thing is that I basically can use the mask in place of my pm routine (I just did a double cleanse and put on my Vit C serum 20 min before using the mask). So for me, the mask is nice for nights that I'm feeling lazy. As for the Sulwhasoo- yeah, it is insanely expensive, esp in the USA. Hence my use of Amazon samples....way cheaper for almost the same amount of product as a full size container. It is cheaper in Korea, especially if you can get it duty free, but, it's not that much cheaper. I get full sizes of the first care activating serum and the overnight vitalizing mask when they are 30% off the duty free at the airport, which only happens once a year. So then, the price ends up being about half of what the USA prices are. I love their products so much - wish they weren't so friggin expensive!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2018 6:25:26 GMT -6
I’ve been picking masks to share with friends- as in I find and buy them and they reimburse me. We do it monthly, and I am putting the Ettang masks on my March list. Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 15, 2018 12:32:52 GMT -6
Thank you so much Taitai and thisbitch for all your great advice. Sorry it took so long to respond. Life got away from me and I didn't have a chance to really look into this stuff until now. I have the following stuff coming in the mail in the next few days: oil cleanser, foaming cleanser, toner, vitamin c serum, all day moisturizer with spf, and bunch of sheet masks I got for cheap. In the meantime I've started a skincare routine with some stuff I have at home. I stopped using the grapefruit face wash and you are right Taitai, it was drying me out. I have so much of it though, so I'm using it on my thighs and arms for my KP since salicylic(sp?) acid helps with that. Just in the last few days of changing stuff up I've notice a difference. i'm going to try and spend $20 on self care products each pay period. I know this doesn't sound like a lot but I almost never spend money on myself and i'm realizing that I really need to. How do you go about finding new products? I know taitai lives in the land of asian skincare, but what about everyone else?
|
|
|
Post by piperanne on Feb 15, 2018 13:08:12 GMT -6
I've always been obsessed with skincare and makeup so any article or list of top rec's is immediately clicked by me. I've also figured out what works and what doesn't so I'm able to read descriptions on products and eliminate from there. Sephora offers samples when you buy, as does other skincare websites (i.e. Paula's Choice). So I've amassed product that way. Or just bought something and returned it if I didn't like it.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 15, 2018 21:22:36 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by piperanne on Feb 16, 2018 7:52:46 GMT -6
Yay! I will be adding those to my list of sites to review.
|
|
|
Post by sheilathetank on Feb 16, 2018 8:53:21 GMT -6
lol at fiftyshadesofsnail.com
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 16, 2018 20:48:48 GMT -6
lol at fiftyshadesofsnail.com She is really funny too - I love her writing voice.
|
|
|
Post by blurnette989 on Feb 20, 2018 5:42:47 GMT -6
Taitai I'm going to kill MH. I put the biore sunscreen you reccd in our Amazon cart for Spain and Germany because he was placing an order for other stuff and told him to figure out which was the better deal. He ordered it from Amazon Germany because it was 10€ cheaper, but he failed to look at the shipping cost. He paid 59€ for shipping. It is coming from Japan to Portugal. And it's too late to cancel. I'm so mad!!
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 20, 2018 7:39:46 GMT -6
Taitai I'm going to kill MH. I put the biore sunscreen you reccd in our Amazon cart for Spain and Germany because he was placing an order for other stuff and told him to figure out which was the better deal. He ordered it from Amazon Germany because it was 10€ cheaper, but he failed to look at the shipping cost. He paid 59€ for shipping. It is coming from Japan to Portugal. And it's too late to cancel. I'm so mad!! Omg!!!!! I would be freaking out too!!! Is there any way to contact the seller and explain the situation?? Once, I ordered something from a seller in China and then realized it was going to take too long for shipping to reach me in the USA. Even though it wouldn't let me cancel the order in my Amazon account, after i contacted her, she said no problem and cancelled it for me without penalty. Maybe your seller in Japan could do something similar? Oh man - I am so sorry!!!
|
|
|
Post by blurnette989 on Feb 20, 2018 7:45:49 GMT -6
Taitai I'm going to kill MH. I put the biore sunscreen you reccd in our Amazon cart for Spain and Germany because he was placing an order for other stuff and told him to figure out which was the better deal. He ordered it from Amazon Germany because it was 10€ cheaper, but he failed to look at the shipping cost. He paid 59€ for shipping. It is coming from Japan to Portugal. And it's too late to cancel. I'm so mad!! Omg!!!!! I would be freaking out too!!! Is there any way to contact the seller and explain the situation?? Once, I ordered something from a seller in China and then realized it was going to take too long for shipping to reach me in the USA. Even though it wouldn't let me cancel the order in my Amazon account, after i contacted her, she said no problem and cancelled it for me without penalty. Maybe your seller in Japan could do something similar? Oh man - I am so sorry!!! It arrives tomorrow, so i doubt they will let me cancel. I didn't notice until I went to check the status of the order today.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 20, 2018 9:38:48 GMT -6
Omg!!!!! I would be freaking out too!!! Is there any way to contact the seller and explain the situation?? Once, I ordered something from a seller in China and then realized it was going to take too long for shipping to reach me in the USA. Even though it wouldn't let me cancel the order in my Amazon account, after i contacted her, she said no problem and cancelled it for me without penalty. Maybe your seller in Japan could do something similar? Oh man - I am so sorry!!! It arrives tomorrow, so i doubt they will let me cancel. I didn't notice until I went to check the status of the order today. Ah man...that is so horrible. I'm so sorry blurnette989. I somehow feel partly responsible!
|
|
|
Post by blurnette989 on Feb 20, 2018 9:41:35 GMT -6
Ohno way, Taitai it definitely the butthead's fault. I specifically told him to check on the shipping differences! He has learned his lesson.
|
|
Taitai
Opal
Posts: 8,305 Likes: 54,853
|
Post by Taitai on Feb 25, 2018 7:17:24 GMT -6
Just popping in to report that I picked up some awesome KAO Japanese Steam eye masks for super cheap the other day. There was a good sale and I got them for about $1 per mask, which is better than Amazon, so yay!!! In addition to the lavender ones that I normally buy, they had Yuzu and green tea. Going to try the yuzu one tonight and see how I like it. Will report back.
|
|