Asian Beauty/Skincare

[vvvvvfee]

thanks, emma! i think i will save the salicylic acid for just spot treatments since it seems pretty intense.

i did the pore clearing method last night but just with the clay mask and then an oil massage because i didn't have any BHA products. i don't think i got any grits out, though. my face felt super-nice afterwards but my pores look exactly the same.

i attempted and failed to get cleansing oil in a brick and mortar store (trader joe's discontinued their coconut cleansing oil!) and ended up randomly deciding upon the face shop's cleansing oil via amazon. i like the cosrx snail mucin but it's only been a couple days. excited to get the cleansing oil tomorrow and start with the whole double-cleansing routine. i guess i will do that for a few weeks before i try to add back in any of the The Ordinary products i have.

i am probably going to go to hmart this week, so i'm curious to see if they have a beauty section.

has anyone used a sheet mask that they find miraculously wonderful? i've tried several holika holika ones my friend gave me, plus the trader joe's one, and they just don't do it for me. i don't really like the feel on my face and my skin doesn't feel any different after i'm done. i'm fine just doing a weekly clay mask but it is kinda messy.

[Jackaroe]

Mar 25, 2019 8:56:15 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

thanks, emma! i think i will save the salicylic acid for just spot treatments since it seems pretty intense.

i did the pore clearing method last night but just with the clay mask and then an oil massage because i didn't have any BHA products. i don't think i got any grits out, though. my face felt super-nice afterwards but my pores look exactly the same.

i attempted and failed to get cleansing oil in a brick and mortar store (trader joe's discontinued their coconut cleansing oil!) and ended up randomly deciding upon the face shop's cleansing oil via amazon. i like the cosrx snail mucin but it's only been a couple days. excited to get the cleansing oil tomorrow and start with the whole double-cleansing routine. i guess i will do that for a few weeks before i try to add back in any of the The Ordinary products i have.

i am probably going to go to hmart this week, so i'm curious to see if they have a beauty section.

has anyone used a sheet mask that they find miraculously wonderful? i've tried several holika holika ones my friend gave me, plus the trader joe's one, and they just don't do it for me. i don't really like the feel on my face and my skin doesn't feel any different after i'm done. i'm fine just doing a weekly clay mask but it is kinda messy.

I don't love sheet masks either but I know I'm in the minority! I think like you it's a sensory thing I just don't find it relaxing. Instead I use a cream mask for any ageing, it has cq10, HA, vitamin e etc.

[Lakes]

vvvvvfee I love sheet masking but it took me a little while to get use to the texture and feeling of heaviness from the essence on some masks. For what it’s worth, I’ve done the Holika Holika Lemon Mask and hated it.

I do the Facetory subscription box because I like trying different sheet masks. My favorite, would buy again ones so far are Ariel 7 Days Bamboo Water, Bonnyhill Tea Tree Soothing, Facetory Oh My Goodness Rejuvenating, Papa Recipe Bombee Honey, Oseque Dual Bubble Toctoc, and Goodal Waterfull Whitening. Then I have about 15 sheet masks on my maybe if I see a good deal list and 15 on my nope, never again list. So it’s definitely been a process (a fun one though!) figuring out what I like in a sheet mask and what my skin reacts best to.

[Lakes]

vvvvvfee I love sheet masking but it took me a little while to get use to the texture and feeling of heaviness from the essence on some masks. Just last week I took one off after a few minutes and washed my face because that one wasn’t for me and I couldn’t stand it. For what it’s worth, I’ve done the Holika Holika Lemon Mask and hated it.

I do the Facetory subscription box because I like trying different sheet masks. My favorite, would buy again ones so far are Ariel 7 Days Bamboo Water, Bonnyhill Tea Tree Soothing, Facetory Oh My Goodness Rejuvenating, Papa Recipe Bombee Honey, Oseque Dual Bubble Toctoc, and Goodal Waterfull Whitening. Then I have about 15 sheet masks on my maybe if I see a good deal list and 15 on my nope, never again list. So it’s definitely been a process (a fun one though!) figuring out what I like in a sheet mask and what my skin reacts best to.

[vvvvvfee]

Thanks Lakes and @karenwalker, i will make a list of these and try a few more before i decide for certain that i am not a sheet mask person.

@karenwalker, intriguing... so just splashing the toner on your face, right? no cotton pads? is there a special method to patting it on? i feel like i'd go through a whole bottle of toner in one go. 😂

[Taitai]

Mar 25, 2019 11:24:21 GMT -6 Lakes said:

vvvvvfee I love sheet masking but it took me a little while to get use to the texture and feeling of heaviness from the essence on some masks. For what it’s worth, I’ve done the Holika Holika Lemon Mask and hated it.

I do the Facetory subscription box because I like trying different sheet masks. My favorite, would buy again ones so far are Ariel 7 Days Bamboo Water, Bonnyhill Tea Tree Soothing, Facetory Oh My Goodness Rejuvenating, Papa Recipe Bombee Honey, Oseque Dual Bubble Toctoc, and Goodal Waterfull Whitening. Then I have about 15 sheet masks on my maybe if I see a good deal list and 15 on my nope, never again list. So it’s definitely been a process (a fun one though!) figuring out what I like in a sheet mask and what my skin reacts best to.

Seconding the Papas Recipe Bombee honey mask - I love it so much. I am a big fan of Narko sheet masks. The narcissus DNA repair mask gives a noticeable difference to my skin (brighter and plumper). I also like the naruko snail repair one.

My beauty diary is another favorite brand - The HA black pearl masks are great...a little drippy, but I think they work well.

[Taitai]

Since we’re on the topic of sheet masks...I’ve been thinking about environmental issues and AB - because one of the things I’ve noticed is that AB tends to involve the use of more products and packaging. The packaging is really an issue when it comes to sheet masks, product samples (which come in those unrecyclable plastic sachets), the Japanese eye steam masks, and just the general presence of more products/containers to buy.

The plastic in waterways is a huge deal where I love in Southeast Asia, and it’s becoming a bigger and bigger problem each year. As such, I think I’m going to try to alter my AB consumerism to pay more attention to packaging and recyclable contents.

I love sheet masking, and they really do a lot to improve my skin, so I think I’m going to do future purchases of Lululun. It’s a Japanese brand that I tried out when I was in Hokkaido a few months ago, and I like how they put 32 masks in one package and the price is about $0.70/mask. That is so much better for the environment, AND I can still do sheet masking daily without it being too costly.

www.amazon.com/Lululun-Face-Mask-Blue-sheets/dp/B0743H5ML3

I’m also going to look into seeing if the Lululun and Naruko cotton sheet masks can be composted. Most of my sulwhasoo and cosrx products come in plastic or glass containers that are recyclable, so that’s good news. I can’t figure out a work around for the Japanese eye masks, so I might just have to reduce use on those

How about everyone else? Have any thoughts on this?

[vvvvvfee]

Taitai, you can definitely compost sheet masks if they're cotton, because cotton balls and q-tips are both compostable. packaging waste has been on my mind, too, what with the recycling crisis here in the u.s. it is kind of bummer because it doesn't seem like there's much we, as consumers, can do as far as alternatives for most packaged food/cosmetic products.

[Taitai]

Mar 27, 2019 8:21:32 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

Taitai, you can definitely compost sheet masks if they're cotton, because cotton balls and q-tips are both compostable. packaging waste has been on my mind, too, what with the recycling crisis here in the u.s. it is kind of bummer because it doesn't seem like there's much we, as consumers, can do as far as alternatives for most packaged food/cosmetic products.

That’s great about the sheet masks. I do know that some cotton/bamboo sheet masks aren’t compostable, because while they are made of organic matter, they’ve also been soaked or coated in inorganic solutions to make the sheet mask better perform. As a result, they don’t break down like a cotton pad or q-tip. Maybe I’ll do some experimenting and see what happens?

[cagoldi]

Mar 25, 2019 12:02:39 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Welcome @vvvvvfe!

I also go through phases when it comes to masks. I’ll use them really consistently and then I’ll go weeks without. I really like the LAPCOS masks and I have some My Beauty Diary masks in my cart. Kerry from skin and tonics recommends JM solutions masks, so those are in my list as well.

For those that don’t love masks, you may like the ‘7 skin method’ better. It’s where you apply 7 layers (can be less) of a hydrating toner to your face. You pat each layer in and then continue to add until your face isn’t absorbing it as quickly. I love this and do it every night. I go through...a lot of the Klairs toner! I need to find something a little cheaper for my toner obsession!

I do 7 skin with Klairs, too. If I want my skin to look extra great the next morning, I’ll use May Coop raw sauce.

I’ve also been happy with the LAPCOS sheet masks. My favorite splurge mask has been IWULT.

[Taitai]

Mar 28, 2019 7:19:50 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Taitai, I keep thinking about the waste component... it does bother me. I’m still buying my products but the waste feels unnecessary. One thing that seems like a no brainer to me is making products available in larger sizes. Why do we get products in 15 ml?! We should be able to purchase large sizes of things. Especially cleansers, 1st oils, toners. My Klairs toner is my largest product at a whopping 6 ounces. Why can’t that be 20?? Less plastic, less waste on shipping, etc. thinking about it...I did switch my cleanser to CeraVe because I can get a 16 ounce bottle versus a 5 ounce Cosrx cleanser. Which sucks, because Cosrx is soooo much better. I guess on reflection, I am more annoyed than I realized. Come on Beauty industry! Catch up! 😡

Yeah - I wish stuff came in bigger sizes too...but I think part of the reason that some stuff can’t come in larger sizes, is because it would expire before you could use it up. A lot of beauty products expire within 12-18 months of opening them, and for expensive serums/ampoules - I’m thinking people wouldn’t want to pay $$ for a bulk size, if it will expire while product is left.

For cleansers and toners though, which I tend to go through faster, I totally like the bulk option. I just picked up Klairs supple prep (which is a pretty bug size), and I already use the 16 oz Cerave one. For my other stuff, I’m just going to look for bigger sizes when I can and also make sure they are recyclable. I like that lots of Sulwhasoo and Mizon stuff come in glass bottles. I find glass to be less problematic than plastic.

At the end of the day, it’s a balance I think. I really enjoy my skincare hobby, and I find the self-care aspect to be important for me. So I’m just going to be more mindful of the environmental impact of my purchases moving forward.

Also - I may have seen Wall-E so many times with DS1, along with rampant pollution/litter in Southeast Asia, that I’m extra sensitive about the whole garbage thing.

[Taitai]

In product review news - I think I’m going to have to stop using the Cosrx Propolis Light Ampule. I really liked it when I started - it seemed to do a good job of moisturizing my skin and keeping it soft. However, I started noticing small bumps forming on my forehead, chin, and cheeks. I suspected it was the ampule, so I stopped using it for a week. Lo and behold - the bumps have significantly diminished.

Bummer. Oh well - win some, loose some.

[Lakes]

I agree with everything said by Taitai and @karenwalker. The sheet masks are problematic because I like to try new ones because they’re fun and less of an investment then other beauty products. I am glad that most of my current products have glass containers.

[emma]

Taitai the waste has definitely been a consideration. Last year I had 2 goals, reducing household waste and finding a good skincare routine. But I found the skincare routine was counteracting all the waste reduction. Like I replaced cottonwood pads with reusable ones, and switched to bar shampoo and conditioner and soap but then bought a bunch of little bottles of face stuff. I’ve settled on trying to use products that come in glass or recyclable plastic. The one think that I really struggle morally over is my tinkle razors

[Taitai]

Mar 31, 2019 17:52:03 GMT -6 🍍 🍊 Fineapple 🍍 🍊 said:

My face gets complimented more often. Thanks again guys! Taitai the BHA is the real deal. I’d get better results if I stuck to it.

I am so glad it’s still working for you! I feel the same about BHA - I didn’t bring it along on a recent work trip, and I started to notice the difference after 3 days without. Same goes for my snail and L-AA (Vit C).

[Taitai]

emma I haven’t tried the tinkle razors yet, and I think I probably won’t, because I don’t want to get addicted to them. I heard they’re awesome...but who knows if I can even recycle them where I live. Better to not tempt myself.

[beesquared]

I wonder what could be changed to make sheet mask packets recyclable like capri sun pouches or the refill pouches that dish soap, detergent, etc come in. A few Japanese brands sell refill pouches for their items and you only need to buy the bottle once. I do that with DD1's face wash. My sister buys faces masks in a container like baby wipes, but she masks a lot more than me. Now that I mostly use 7 skin sequences at night, I only mask once a week as more of a quiet time retreat. It will take me months to get through the stash I have, which continues to grow as I get frees ones all the time.

I agree with emma in trying to look for products that have a recyclable container. I avoid squeeze tubes for that reason. I've been on a serious no buy for the last year and it really makes you think as you empty container after container. I sent an email to CosRX recently requesting that they sell refill bottles without a pump or in a refill pouch- I'd be happy to re-use my bottles/pump. Most of their products are so thin it would be easy to wash out their containers.

But yeah, it's frustrating. Consumers can only solve a small portion of the problem. Why does everything need a cardboard box around it?

[gldnbearz]

Who was it that shops at Costco and uses the Neutrogena Hydroboost Water gel? The next Costco coupon book has it for $5 off starting 4/17.

[Lakes]

Apr 10, 2019 17:52:20 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

It’s warming up over here and I’m thinking about body sunscreens and sunscreen for the kids. What do you guys use? Historically I’ve used babyganics for the kids, but my son hates having it put on because it just feels so sticky. Any recommendations for body suncreen he (and me) won’t hate?

I love Thinkbaby and Blue Lizard sunscreen for the kids. My only complaint about Blue Lizard is it’s more on the liquid side so I always squeeze more out than I need.

[emma]

@karenwalker I really like the Aloe Up brand spray on sunscreen. It drys almost instantly and works great (tested on my pale northern skin for 2 weeks in FL). It’s not a natural type though if that’s what you are looking for, I’m generally all for chemical sunscreens

[Taitai]

beesquared I also love how many of the brands do the refill pouches. All of our body wash, hand soap, detergent, etc comes in pouch form, so we don’t have to buy the big plastic bottles each time. Plus - the refills are cheaper, so it’s a win win. Even Johnson & Johnson sells the refill pouches for baby shampoo/lotion/whatever. I don’t get why this hasn’t taken off in the states - J&J is a us company, so they already have the manufacturing capabilities. I think there needs to be more regulation when it comes to packaging- because companies won’t always just do this stuff on a wide scale on their own.

I hope Cosrx does recyclable pouches - that would be awesome.

[Lakes]

Apr 10, 2019 18:59:08 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Apr 10, 2019 18:38:50 GMT -6 Lakes said:

I love Thinkbaby and Blue Lizard sunscreen for the kids. My only complaint about Blue Lizard is it’s more on the liquid side so I always squeeze more out than I need.

Thanks! Would you say they dry down okay (not sticky.) This is a big complaint with the toddler.

I just tried the Blue Lizard on my hand and don’t think it’s sticky. I want to say the same for Thinkbaby but that was the beginning of last summer so I don’t remember.

ETA: Blue Lizard is expensive. I managed to get some on sale last year. But I have two pale Polish babies and we spend a lot of time at the shore so it’s worth it for me.

[beesquared]

Apr 10, 2019 17:52:20 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

It’s warming up over here and I’m thinking about body sunscreens and sunscreen for the kids. What do you guys use? Historically I’ve used babyganics for the kids, but my son hates having it put on because it just feels so sticky. Any recommendations for body suncreen he (and me) won’t hate?

We use this one. They make a children's version too, but I haven't tried it. It's pricey, but maybe you could compromise and use this for face and something cheaper for body.

www.amazon.com/Nivea-Japan-Perfect-Water-Spf35/dp/B00SM997GE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2UTSMOX5W7SYJ&keywords=nivea+sunscreen&qid=1554992664&s=gateway&sprefix=nivea+su&sr=8-4

[beesquared]

Apr 11, 2019 0:07:48 GMT -6 Taitai said:

beesquared I also love how many of the brands do the refill pouches. All of our body wash, hand soap, detergent, etc comes in pouch form, so we don’t have to buy the big plastic bottles each time. Plus - the refills are cheaper, so it’s a win win. Even Johnson & Johnson sells the refill pouches for baby shampoo/lotion/whatever. I don’t get why this hasn’t taken off in the states - J&J is a us company, so they already have the manufacturing capabilities. I think there needs to be more regulation when it comes to packaging- because companies won’t always just do this stuff on a wide scale on their own.

I hope Cosrx does recyclable pouches - that would be awesome.

It really is frustrating that the companies have all the power and many don't make good choices on their own. All of my household stuff comes in refill pouches, but their are not many option in personal care items unless I have it shipped from overseas and then there is still another environmental factor.

[Jackaroe]

Apr 10, 2019 17:52:20 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

It’s warming up over here and I’m thinking about body sunscreens and sunscreen for the kids. What do you guys use? Historically I’ve used babyganics for the kids, but my son hates having it put on because it just feels so sticky. Any recommendations for body suncreen he (and me) won’t hate?

We use the la Roche posey 50+ for kids. I use it too, I get a big one for use at home then the kids each have a small one for play school/ daycare. It's great if you have kids with sensitive skin or eczema.

[Lakes]

I did a Yadah Soothing Jelly Pack sheet mask this week and really liked it. When they say jelly, they mean jelly. I haven’t done a sheet mask where the essence was that thick (but not drippy). There was a done left over too. There’s another Yadah Jelly Pack, the brightening one, coming in my Facetory subscription this month and I hope I like it as much as the soothing one.

I currently have a Bonnyhill Coconut Moisturizing sheet mask on. It smells amazing! Bonnyhill’s Tea Tree mask is on my buy again list so I have high hopes for this one.

[Taitai]

I am back to using Klairs supple prep toner, and I forgot how much I love it. So happy my dad was able to bring some in his luggage from the states during his visit out here! 😊

[catspajamas]

I'm sad to say I haven't noticed much change since adding the black snail AIO cream to my routine. Other than, possibly, breakouts. I've noticed lately my nose keeps breaking out - which I've never had before - I am not 100% sure it's tied to the black snail cream but I think so. It's making me crazy. I think I will drop the cream and see if that helps. Question, though, for breakouts (or otherwise? not sure of all the benefits?) should I be adding in a BHA or AHA product? I don't know much about them, at all, because I was still breastfeeding when I first ventured into the AB world so I pretty much just ignored them. We've weaned now and I'm wondering if I should add something new in.

[cagoldi]

Apr 15, 2019 8:53:28 GMT -6 catspajamas said:

I'm sad to say I haven't noticed much change since adding the black snail AIO cream to my routine. Other than, possibly, breakouts. I've noticed lately my nose keeps breaking out - which I've never had before - I am not 100% sure it's tied to the black snail cream but I think so. It's making me crazy. I think I will drop the cream and see if that helps. Question, though, for breakouts (or otherwise? not sure of all the benefits?) should I be adding in a BHA or AHA product? I don't know much about them, at all, because I was still breastfeeding when I first ventured into the AB world so I pretty much just ignored them. We've weaned now and I'm wondering if I should add something new in.

I really like the CosRX blackhead clearing product for my nose, so I would try introducing that.

The black snail AIO was not my favorite; I much preferred CosRX snail AIO. Since I tend to get SFs on my nose, too, I don’t apply it there more than a couple times a week.

[cagoldi]

Feb 28, 2019 23:22:47 GMT -6 Taitai said:

gldnbearz Bummer about the Cosrx triple C! I have also heard good things about the PC stuff.

Also - have you experienced any issues using the Nivea sunscreen? I have that same one and used to be able to use it no problem. I used up the first bottle I bought and then switched back to the Biore UV watery rich, which I’ve been using the past 6 months or so. A few weeks ago, we were at the beach and I tried the Nivea again (got a new bottle and brought it along for the trip). My forehead got a ton of red spots and tiny bumps after using the Nivea for 3 days! Almost 2 weeks later and I’m still snailing and sheet masking like crazy to get back to normal. My skin is almost fully recovered, but now I’m worried about using the Nivea again! I wonder if they just reformulated? Bah.

I recently got a refill on my NIVEA water gel. I use it at least once a day this time of year, and out of nowhere, Toby, red, itchy bumps on my cheeks. : (

I’m going to switch to IWULT for a bit and see if that helps.

I have to assume it’s the NIVEA because it just appeared as soon as I got my new package of their sunscreen.