Asian Beauty/Skincare

[beesquared]

catspajamas, I have never tried the mizon Snail black aio, but I love the cosrx Snail 96. I also really like the mizon Snail ampuole and used that for years before the cosrx Snail came out. Neither make me break out and I am prone to that.

To prevent breakouts and help heal them, I use Cosrx A-sol daily in the morning after I wash my face before my other serums and moisturizers. To prevent congestion on my nose, I spot treat with Cosrx BHA liquid every night after I wash my face. I wait 20 minutes and then apply the rest of my night routine. It's fairly mild and daily use works best for me. When I have tried stronger treatments they damaged my moisture barrier and caused more breakouts.

[Taitai]

catspajamas I echo everyone’s love for the Cosrx snail 96. It shouldn’t cause breakouts, and it’s a must have item for me. I use it twice a day. LOVE it.

BHA and AHA will help prevent and clear breakouts. Most doctors say they are fine to use while breastfeeding, but if you have concerns, check with your doctor first. I use Paul’s Choice BHA and it’s great. I started using it just 1-2 times/week in the beginning, and then I worked my way up to daily use. It keeps me acne free, and my pores clear.

Sorry the mizon black snail AIO didn’t do it for you - lots of this stuff is YMMV - what some love, others don’t like at all. Keep trying new stuff as you learn what your skin does (and doesn’t) like.

[emma]

@karenwalker I’m interested to hear how you like the Etude House toner. I use their brow tint and like it and am in the market for a new toner

[Taitai]

Apr 15, 2019 9:56:41 GMT -6 cagoldi said:

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.

I wonder if Nivea did a formula reformulation? Perhaps they added something that is a trigger for your skin? If you ordered from Amazon, there is also the possibility that it’s fake ☹️. I’ve been seeing more and more reports of fakes in Amazon for skincare products...it’s to a point that I get nervous buying from them. I wish that wasn’t happening.

[catspajamas]

Thanks cagoldi, beesquared, Taitai! I do use the Cosrx snail 96 and love it. I've been holding off on the black snail for now, and I've now got the Cosrx BHA and the Paula's Choice in my Amazon cart, just trying to decide between the two.

[emma]

Apr 16, 2019 23:12:05 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Apr 15, 2019 9:56:41 GMT -6 cagoldi said:

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.

I wonder if Nivea did a formula reformulation? Perhaps they added something that is a trigger for your skin? If you ordered from Amazon, there is also the possibility that it’s fake ☹️. I’ve been seeing more and more reports of fakes in Amazon for skincare products...it’s to a point that I get nervous buying from them. I wish that wasn’t happening.

I’ve almost stopped buying anything from amazon now. The number of times I’ve revived fakes or shipping has been over 1 month has been too much. Not just skincare but for a lot of products.

[emma]

Apr 17, 2019 7:32:20 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Apr 17, 2019 7:25:00 GMT -6 emma said:

I’ve almost stopped buying anything from amazon now. The number of times I’ve revived fakes or shipping has been over 1 month has been too much. Not just skincare but for a lot of products.

That’s awful! How do you know if something is fake? Is it because you’ve used it before and you just know, or something else. I worry about this too. I buy my sunscreen exclusively from amazon and now I’m thinking I need to get it elsewhere...I know Cosrx ‘officially’ sells from amazon but I need to be more diligent about checking the seller versus just seeing Cosrx and assuming it’s safe.

Usually the packaging is different than normal but there’s no mention of updates on their official site and their product pictures don’t match what you have

Non skincare - but I bought a Brica backpack harness for my kid a few years ago and the shoulder straps were just that webbing material when the picture showed them as padded. The amazon page said sold by Brica so I thought it was coming from them but customer service at Brica confirmed it was a fake and wouldn’t deal with it, said I should only shop through approved resellers. But how TF are you supposed to know who’s an approved reseller on amazon?

[emma]

But even if I do get the real product I’m fed up of 1+ months shipping that I didn’t notice until after buying

[milano]

I semi-jokingly told MH that I want this for my birthday 😆. It would feel luxurious AF to have a small pink fridge in my bathroom specifically for my skin care products. I could probably store a can of wine in there too!

[milano]

It's 89.00. I have the space for it and it's so cute....

[catspajamas]

Well, I need that fridge.

[vvvvvfee]

milano, you can get cheaper versions of that on amazon. or search "6 can mini fridge."

[Lakes]

I did a babyfeet treatment this weekend and they just started peeling. Yessssss.

[Taitai]

Apr 17, 2019 18:08:18 GMT -6 Lakes said:

I did a babyfeet treatment this weekend and they just started peeling. Yessssss.

I love the feet peel treatments! I have this peeling gel for facial use, and it’s very gentle (my skin is sensitive to clay masks and even using cotton pads with toners, but using this once a week in the shower is totally fine for me).

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007TFW0B6/ref=cm_cr_srp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

[Taitai]

Apr 17, 2019 8:45:37 GMT -6 milano said:

I semi-jokingly told MH that I want this for my birthday 😆. It would feel luxurious AF to have a small pink fridge in my bathroom specifically for my skin care products. I could probably store a can of wine in there too!

I want this so badly, but I doubt it would work with the voltage in my country (240V). Need to investigate.

[Taitai]

Apr 17, 2019 7:32:20 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Apr 17, 2019 7:25:00 GMT -6 emma said:

I’ve almost stopped buying anything from amazon now. The number of times I’ve revived fakes or shipping has been over 1 month has been too much. Not just skincare but for a lot of products.

That’s awful! How do you know if something is fake? Is it because you’ve used it before and you just know, or something else. I worry about this too. I buy my sunscreen exclusively from amazon and now I’m thinking I need to get it elsewhere...I know Cosrx ‘officially’ sells from amazon but I need to be more diligent about checking the seller versus just seeing Cosrx and assuming it’s safe.

For me, I’ve noticed fakes from Amazon on 2 occasions. One was the Freeset donkey milk sheet masks I love, and it was due to the packaging. The masks didn’t have the plastic backing on them, which they should have.

Another instance was with some sulwhassoo samples I ordered of the ginseng emulsion. The smell was not right and the caps on the samples were loose - as though they’d been refilled.

I try to buy from Jolse now, and if I do buy from Amazon, I will look at reviews and try to confirm with the seller that they are an authorized distributor. Amazon really needs to do a better job of making it easier to differentiate official brand sellers from randos.

[emma]

I started ordering from this place and then ask my parents or sister to bring it when they come to visit
beautyandseoul.co.uk

It does mean planning way in advance though

[emma]

Oh and I’m lucky that my local T&T Market carries a bunch of the more common brands. Like I can get Naruko sheet masks and CosRx pimple patches there, they had the Banilla cleans it zero last time too

[gldnbearz]

Apr 12, 2019 20:31:03 GMT -6 Taitai said:

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! 😊

I swapped my Klairs supple prep toner for a partial bottle of the Hada Labo Gokujyun light toner. I am reminded that I stopped using the Hada Labo because it feels much thinner and runnier than the Klairs. I can't wait to switch back to the Klairs.

[gldnbearz]

cagoldi, Taitai, can you share pictures or links to the Nivea sunscreen that is causing you issues?

This was the one that I bought last October.

[Taitai]

Apr 19, 2019 23:50:45 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

cagoldi, Taitai, can you share pictures or links to the Nivea sunscreen that is causing you issues?

This was the one that I bought last October.

This is the one I had issues with on my last trip. My skin felt a lot bumpier and irritated after using it. That said, I was also using the Cosrx propolis ampoule, which I later discovered was also causing me issues. So, I am not sure if the Nivea is 100% to blame. I am going to be brave and try it again in a few weeks just to make sure.

[gldnbearz]

Apr 20, 2019 3:34:52 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Apr 19, 2019 23:50:45 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

cagoldi, Taitai, can you share pictures or links to the Nivea sunscreen that is causing you issues?

This was the one that I bought last October.

This is the one I had issues with on my last trip. My skin felt a lot bumpier and irritated after using it. That said, I was also using the Cosrx propolis ampoule, which I later discovered was also causing me issues. So, I am not sure if the Nivea is 100% to blame. I am going to be brave and try it again in a few weeks just to make sure.

That's my original bottle, bought in 2017. I had no problems with it. So far (knocks in wood), the refill isn't causing any problems.

[Taitai]

Apr 20, 2019 8:10:26 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Guys! I follow Charlotte Cho (Soko Glam) on instagram and in her stories she showed a new sheet mask product that comes in a container that looks like a reusable wipes container. 30 masks in one container. Acwell superfit daily masks. I can’t find it online, but maybe it’s a new product. Genius idea!

I will check this out! Lululun also does this too- it’s a Japanese brand and I’ve mentioned them before here. I’ve tried the Hokkaido ones (lavender and Mellon), and they were really nice. I love how it’s limited packaging! Although you have to use them quickly, since they are intended to be for daily sheet masking.

[cagoldi]

Apr 19, 2019 23:50:45 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

cagoldi, Taitai, can you share pictures or links to the Nivea sunscreen that is causing you issues?

This was the one that I bought last October.

Yup, that’s the one.

My original bottle was great, but the refill made my skin go nuts.

[vvvvvfee]

can anyone help troubleshoot my routine?

i'm trying to improve the appearance of the blackheads/large pores in my t-zone and milia in my eye area, as well as improve the appearance/moisture level of my skin in general. i've been doing double cleansing/snail mucin/facial oil for about 5 weeks now, and i added in the aha/bha about 3 weeks ago to try to address my pore problems. i'm not really seeing any improvement.

i also have a few more things i want to add in but i'm trying to use up what i already have as well as trying not to overwhelm my skin with a billion products at once. i will list what i want to add in below.

current routine:

AM
-cleanse with micellar water
-oil of olay moisturizer with SPF

PM
-the face shop rice water cleansing oil
-Garnier Face Wash with Green Tea
-COSRX AHA whitehead power liquid (1x per week)
-The Ordinary 2% salicylic acid (2x per week)
-COSRX snail mucin power essence
-COSRX Snail All in one Cream- on eye area
-rose hip seed oil
-Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask (this does not seem to be helping at all)

i also do a bentonite clay mask with salicylic acid under it once per week (fifty shades of snail pore clearing method).

things i have waiting in the wings:

-COSRX low PH good morning gel cleanser (will replace garnier cleanser)
-nivea perfect water gel SPF 35 (will replace oil of olay SPF moisturizer- i know i need to find a moisturizer to put over the nivea)
-Hada labo Gokujun premium hyaluronic solution
-COSRX rice overnight mask

have i just not waited long enough for results? am i doing too much too soon? i think i have combination skin that has been somewhat dehydrated. thanks in advance for any advice!

[vvvvvfee]

thanks @karenwalker ! maybe i'm just too impatient.

yes, it's the cosrx snail 92 cream. i read on fifty shades of snail about her using it as an eye cream and i thought i'd try it since i'm so milia-prone around my eyes. i LOVE the way the cream feels but i was trying to use up the snail power essence since i'd bought that first. but maybe i will use it as my AM moisturizer once i switch over to the nivea SPF.

[vvvvvfee]

@karenwalker, would you mind sharing your routine if you have time?

[Taitai]

vvvvvfee I second what @karenwalker said, and I also have some thoughts about the products you are using/your routine.

1) Is the Garnier cleanser low ph? If not, it might be stripping your moisture barrier, which can cause breakouts and dry/tight skin.

2) Oil of Olay SPF/moisturizer - This might be too heavy for your skin, which would cause breakouts/clogs/blackheads. I’m also generally not a fan of moisturizers + SPF - I feel they are often heavy, and they sometimes don’t provide as effective of sun protection as using a stand alone SPF as your final step before makeup.

3) Rosehip oil - Oils in general can also cause little bumps, clogs, and fill up your SF. Even oil cleansers can do that if your skin doesn’t like a particular oil or you don’t rinse away the oil residue enough.

4) Milia - this is hard to get rid of, and it takes a long time. If you find its getting worse or staying the same, I would discontinue use of any product around your eyes. You can take a qtip and lightly exfoliate the milia with some AHA or BHA. Be careful and gentle though! Gothamista has a good video about it:



I think you overall have a good routine, but you might want to cut down on the oil products/anything high ph, and maybe try using more hydrating toners? Sheet masking frequently also can help. There is also a purging period for BHA/AHA in some people, so you might just need to wait for your skin to settle.

Good luck!

[vvvvvfee]

Apr 22, 2019 20:02:30 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Sure! I have very sensitive rosacea skin that is also dehydrated and combo. I used to really struggle with hormonal acne, but I’ve finally gotten it under control with BHA. My morning and night aren’t that different. It’s a lot of steps, but I really don’t wait in between layers and can get through the morning routine very quickly.

Morning
Cleanse with CeraVe hydrating cleanser or Cosrx low PH cleanser
A few applications of a watery toner (I LOVE Klairs, but am currently trying out an Etude House toner)
One small layer of the Hado Lobo premium lotion (a thicker toner)
Cosrx Snail 92 cream (on eyes and face) or a new cream I’m trying out by Etude House.
In winter I top it with a super thick lanolin based cream, which sounds crazy, but really helps keep the water/hydration in. It’s called Lano all-over cream. It’s not sticky like the stuff they give you for breastfeeding! 😂
Then top with A’pieu sunscreen

Night
Innisfree apple seed cleansing oil (cheap, good ingredients)
CeraVe/Cosrx cleanser
BHA spot treat on chin and around nose every other day
Tons of toner
Snail 96 Essence
Snail 92/Etude House cream
Lano Cream

I also have the glow recipe watermelon sleeping pack that I use a few times a week. I also have the peach and lily resurfacing mask that I use every few weeks. I can only handle about 5 minutes, but man it works! It’s a high percentage of AHA and BHA that you can leave on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off. It’s makes me face soooo smooth.

thanks so much! this is super helpful because i have a lot of these products already. i just got the cosrx rice sleeping mask in the mail so i am going to add that in in the evenings as my occlusive. i also have the hada labo as well as a watery toner spray (i forget the brand but it's rosewater and glycerin with hyaluronic acid and no alcohol).

[vvvvvfee]

Apr 23, 2019 0:17:26 GMT -6 Taitai said:

vvvvvfee I second what @karenwalker said, and I also have some thoughts about the products you are using/your routine.

1) Is the Garnier cleanser low ph? If not, it might be stripping your moisture barrier, which can cause breakouts and dry/tight skin.

2) Oil of Olay SPF/moisturizer - This might be too heavy for your skin, which would cause breakouts/clogs/blackheads. I’m also generally not a fan of moisturizers + SPF - I feel they are often heavy, and they sometimes don’t provide as effective of sun protection as using a stand alone SPF as your final step before makeup.

3) Rosehip oil - Oils in general can also cause little bumps, clogs, and fill up your SF. Even oil cleansers can do that if your skin doesn’t like a particular oil or you don’t rinse away the oil residue enough.

4) Milia - this is hard to get rid of, and it takes a long time. If you find its getting worse or staying the same, I would discontinue use of any product around your eyes. You can take a qtip and lightly exfoliate the milia with some AHA or BHA. Be careful and gentle though! Gothamista has a good video about it:



I think you overall have a good routine, but you might want to cut down on the oil products/anything high ph, and maybe try using more hydrating toners? Sheet masking frequently also can help. There is also a purging period for BHA/AHA in some people, so you might just need to wait for your skin to settle.

Good luck!

thanks so much for this! i really appreciate all the detailed advice.

1. i am not sure of the pH. i found that reddit spreadsheet that lists cleanser pH levels but it wasn't on there. my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after i use it, though. i was trying to use up products i already had, but it's probably worth it to abandon a few half-empty products for the sake of faster skin improvement.

2. i am waiting for the nivea watery gel which is coming from japan, but once i get it i am going to stop the oil of olay.

3. i had been using rose hip seed oil prior to adopting an AB routine and my skin seemed to really like it. since it's a dry oil i felt like it absorbed well and didn't leave my face greasy. but i would consider swapping it out at some point. i just don't want to change too many things at once.

4. thanks for the video, that was really helpful and had a lot of product suggestions! that first milia pic she showed is pretty much exactly how my cheeks look. 😬

i don't love sheet masks but i can definitely incorporate layers of hydrating toner since i have some products at home already.