Asian Beauty/Skincare

[Taitai]

Lakes I’ve now tried all of the Toosowong sheet masks that my dad brought me from the states a while back. I enjoyed them all, especially the deep sea water one you recommended. The next best one was the blueberry, followed by the propolis and aloe. But really, they were all great.

I’m going to switch the lululun for my frequent sheet masking habit due to less packaging), but when I want a special sheet mask treat, I’m going to re-order the Tosowoong ones. They’re a good value for their performance.

[Taitai]

Also, me today when my friend offered me a jar of sheep placenta face cream from Singapore:



I can get behind a lot of things, but putting placenta on my face might be where I draw the line.

[vvvvvfee]

i have 2 japanese products at home that have placenta in them. i mean, it's a natural byproduct and they'd just be throwing them out anyway, right?

[beesquared]

May 22, 2019 8:34:48 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Also, me today when my friend offered me a jar of sheep placenta face cream from Singapore:



I can get behind a lot of things, but putting placenta on my face might be where I draw the line.

Do it!

[Taitai]

The thing that worries me about placenta is the fact that it likely contains stem cells and hormones. There hasn’t been much research on the effects of using placenta as a topical skincare treatment. I only found 1 study from Japan which used porcupine placenta, but i couldn’t find much info on who sponsored the research and how scientifically respected the research was.

I already have to worry about the effects of estrogen mimicking materials (like plastics), due to my severe endometriosis. I dunno - I think I’m going to skip it. Below article consulted dermatologists about it and made some good points too.

www.allure.com/story/placenta-beauty-products

[vvvvvfee]

Taitai, i didn't even think of the hormone aspect. i totally get your reasoning. i thought it was just the ick factor.

the eye cream i have (meishoku whitening eye cream) started to give me milia so i definitely won't be repurchasing that anyway. i still haven't used the other one (Kikumasamune high moist lotion) but i think there is a placenta-free alternative (cezanne).

[Taitai]

May 23, 2019 9:16:41 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

Taitai, i didn't even think of the hormone aspect. i totally get your reasoning. i thought it was just the ick factor.

the eye cream i have (meishoku whitening eye cream) started to give me milia so i definitely won't be repurchasing that anyway. i still haven't used the other one (Kikumasamune high moist lotion) but i think there is a placenta-free alternative (cezanne).

At first it was just the ick factor for me, but then I thought about the hormones and was like, maybe I should look into this before I start putting sheep placenta cream on my face 🤔🤣

[catspajamas]

My skin has completely freaked out on me. I don't know if it's changing weather, hormonal (that's what I blamed last week's breakouts on, but I have another wave of them this week so don't see how it could just be that), or my skin reacting to the stronger vitamin C plus BHAs (that timing makes sense, I started the new Vit C two weeks ago). But it's so bad right now I didn't even want to come to work today, it's so embarrassing. I think I'm going to lay off the newer products for a while (I still have a little of the old Vit C left) and see if that helps. I also ordered some of the Cosrx pimple patches, those should be arriving today.

[Taitai]

May 29, 2019 11:08:38 GMT -6 catspajamas said:

My skin has completely freaked out on me. I don't know if it's changing weather, hormonal (that's what I blamed last week's breakouts on, but I have another wave of them this week so don't see how it could just be that), or my skin reacting to the stronger vitamin C plus BHAs (that timing makes sense, I started the new Vit C two weeks ago). But it's so bad right now I didn't even want to come to work today, it's so embarrassing. I think I'm going to lay off the newer products for a while (I still have a little of the old Vit C left) and see if that helps. I also ordered some of the Cosrx pimple patches, those should be arriving today.

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this. BHA can cause purging, so it might be that. If there is an ingredient in the new products that your skin is irritated by, that could also be a culprit.

I would stop everything and then reintroduce one product at a time, so you can figure out what is causing the problem. This is another reason why people advise to only introduce one new product at a time to your routine.

I’m so sorry again that you are dealing with these breakouts ☹️

[beesquared]

May 29, 2019 11:08:38 GMT -6 catspajamas said:

My skin has completely freaked out on me. I don't know if it's changing weather, hormonal (that's what I blamed last week's breakouts on, but I have another wave of them this week so don't see how it could just be that), or my skin reacting to the stronger vitamin C plus BHAs (that timing makes sense, I started the new Vit C two weeks ago). But it's so bad right now I didn't even want to come to work today, it's so embarrassing. I think I'm going to lay off the newer products for a while (I still have a little of the old Vit C left) and see if that helps. I also ordered some of the Cosrx pimple patches, those should be arriving today.

Oh, that sucks. One thing that I keep in mind is that purging happens where you normally get pimples and reactions happen other places. If your breakouts are in unusual patterns it’s probably the product isn’t right for you. Lots of snail (I like the Cosrx 96 best) to help soothe your skin.

[catspajamas]

Thanks Taitai and beesquared! It definitely seems like reaction, not purging, but I’m not totally sure. I’m eliminating all the relatively new products for now and just going back to my basics (using tons of snail 96!). I tried a pimple patch on a couple last night and it helped a bit too.

[Taitai]

May 30, 2019 15:13:04 GMT -6 catspajamas said:

Thanks Taitai and beesquared! It definitely seems like reaction, not purging, but I’m not totally sure. I’m eliminating all the relatively new products for now and just going back to my basics (using tons of snail 96!). I tried a pimple patch on a couple last night and it helped a bit too.

Good plan of action. If you have any sheet masks that you know your skin likes, I would use those often as well. I find that sheet masking really helps my skin bounce back from problems. I hope it’s getting better!!

[Taitai]

I ran out of my beloved mizon black snail AIO cream, and I decided to be brave and replace it with this Boots brand botanical hydrating cream that my secretary gave me last week.

Mistake. I woke up with red little bumps on my cheeks where I tested it. Oh well - relegating that one to hand cream use.

I am going to use the Cosrx snail 92 cream tonight as the new replacement. Can’t wait.

Also/ my bottle of Klairs supple prep toner is already 1/2 gone and my dad brought it over here in early April. I love it too much I guess 😩

[catspajamas]

May 30, 2019 23:26:43 GMT -6 Taitai said:

May 30, 2019 15:13:04 GMT -6 catspajamas said:

Thanks Taitai and beesquared ! It definitely seems like reaction, not purging, but I’m not totally sure. I’m eliminating all the relatively new products for now and just going back to my basics (using tons of snail 96!). I tried a pimple patch on a couple last night and it helped a bit too.

Good plan of action. If you have any sheet masks that you know your skin likes, I would use those often as well. I find that sheet masking really helps my skin bounce back from problems. I hope it’s getting better!!

This is a good idea, I will try one tonight. I'm out of the Naruko, but I do have some freeset donkey ones left. I have not been keeping up with masking lately, I'm lucky if I remember to do one every other week or so. The blemishes are clearing up and no new ones have started so hopefully I've turned a corner but there are still red spots from the blemishes that I imagine will take a while to fade.

[beesquared]

I’ve been doing really well with my no buy and sample use up project. I’m super excited because I have finally used up everything in the hydrating toner category and can actually buy something. I chose the Klairs supple toner since so many people like it and it’s a lot cheaper than my holy grail Earth’s Recipe one. I will likely buy another bottle of the ER toner as soon as it goes on sale again, but I do 7 skin at night and need to keep something in my nightstand. I’m hoping the Klairs will work for that, but it will start out by filling a hole in my morning routine while I test it out.

[Taitai]

beesquared - Ooh! I’m excited you are trying out the Klairs supple prep toner! I just used it - I love it so. Let us know what you think in comparison to the ER toner. I’ve always wanted to try that one out, but I’ve had such good luck with other hydrating toners, that I’ve never gotten around to that one.

[Taitai]

Just about 2.5 weeks to go until I head to the USA and am able to buy so many cheap Asian beauty products! I already have my Sulwhasoo first care activating serum and Sulwhasoo perfecting cushion foundation ordered from duty free (you can order it online in advance here and then just pick it up on your way to your flight - so nice).

I’m going to get those lululun sheet masks (to reduce packaging on my future sheet masking), and I also going to place a Jolse order to get more Cosrx snail stuff, along with my fav T’iam L-AA. I think that will be it though - all of that stuff should last me for a while.

My sister is really into Asian Beauty now, so I’m also going to bring a bunch of samples back with me that I haven’t used, and see how she likes them. It’s nice to have her to swap stuff and chat about AB with. We’re trying to get my mom into snail...maybe this trip! I already got my mom on cushion foundation, so that’s one small win 👍

[Taitai]

I am just going to complain about Clinique skincare stuff for a bit - even though it’s not AB. I received a decent sized jar of this repairwear night cream for free with a purchase, and I decided to go ahead and try it out as my last night cream step before bed. At first I liked the scent and found it pretty lightweight, yet moisturizing, so I had some hope....

But of course it broke me out, as Clinique stuff always does. I don’t know why I keep trying the free samples they give with the bonus time freebies! I remember getting milia from the Clinique eye cream, breakouts from the dramatically different moisturizing lotion, and super stripped skin from the clarifying lotion that I was stupid enough to use in high school and college.

Never again Clinique! I’m done!

Now back to using Cosrx snail 96 serum and snail 92 cream, plus Naruko snail sheet masks, to get my skin back to normal. Sigh.

[beesquared]

I’m underwhelmed by the Klairs supple prep toner. I have to use a lot to hydrate my skin and then it feels tacky until I put on my serum. It doesn’t keep my skin hydrated all day- I’ve had to breakout my sulwhasoo hydro lift mist to keep my skin from feeling tight.

It would work better for someone who doesn’t have naturally dehydrated skin. It definitely can’t replace my Earth’s Recipe toner. Not even with the cost factor, I’m going to go through the Klairs much faster because I need to use too much. The ER toner is just so much better imo.

[Taitai]

Jun 18, 2019 15:22:08 GMT -6 beesquared said:

I’m underwhelmed by the Klairs supple prep toner. I have to use a lot to hydrate my skin and then it feels tacky until I put on my serum. It doesn’t keep my skin hydrated all day- I’ve had to breakout my sulwhasoo hydro lift mist to keep my skin from feeling tight.

It would work better for someone who doesn’t have naturally dehydrated skin. It definitely can’t replace my Earth’s Recipe toner. Not even with the cost factor, I’m going to go through the Klairs much faster because I need to use too much. The ER toner is just so much better imo.

Thanks so much for comparing the Klairs with ER! I’m bummed that Klairs doesn’t hold up for you, and I wonder if I love it so much, because living in such a tropical/humid climate, my skin doesn’t get super dehydrated?

I think you’ve convinced me to order a bottle of ER when I’m in the states next week though. I’ve heard amazing things, and now I want to try it for myself!

[beesquared]

Taitai I hope you like the ER! It’s an awesome hybrid between toner and serum. It applies and absorbs like a toner, but it lasts more like a serum. I really love it.

[vvvvvfee]

okay, i need to rant for a minute about banila clean it zero.

i got a jar about a month ago and absolutely loved it- both the smell and the texture. i shower at night so i cleanse my face while in the shower. for a while i was using the spatula, but it was awkward because there's nowhere to put it down in the shower to scoop without knocking it over and getting water in it. so i got rid of the spatula and just used my clean fingers to scoop it. a few days ago it started to smell bad and musty, like a towel that needs to be washed. has this happened to anyone else? i still have about 1/3 of the jar left. i'm not sure if i should still be using it or just toss it, but either way i'm kinda ticked. is it just from water getting in the jar? isn't that the reason why products have preservatives in them??

[Taitai]

Jun 21, 2019 13:55:41 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

okay, i need to rant for a minute about banila clean it zero.

i got a jar about a month ago and absolutely loved it- both the smell and the texture. i shower at night so i cleanse my face while in the shower. for a while i was using the spatula, but it was awkward because there's nowhere to put it down in the shower to scoop without knocking it over and getting water in it. so i got rid of the spatula and just used my clean fingers to scoop it. a few days ago it started to smell bad and musty, like a towel that needs to be washed. has this happened to anyone else? i still have about 1/3 of the jar left. i'm not sure if i should still be using it or just toss it, but either way i'm kinda ticked. is it just from water getting in the jar? isn't that the reason why products have preservatives in them??

You definitely need to use the spatula with the Banila Clean it zero product! The reason is that there are emulsifiers in the product, which cause the oils to break down and easily rinse away when it comes into contact with water. As such, if it’s stored in a damp place (like a shower) or comes regularly into contact with water (via damp fingers), the product is going to break down and get mushy/gross. It’s also going to act like a breeding ground for the bacteria in the water or on your fingers.

Sorry you had this experience, but I definitely wouldn’t blame the product - it’s meant to be used with a spatula that you regularly clean.

[beesquared]

Jun 21, 2019 13:55:41 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

okay, i need to rant for a minute about banila clean it zero.

i got a jar about a month ago and absolutely loved it- both the smell and the texture. i shower at night so i cleanse my face while in the shower. for a while i was using the spatula, but it was awkward because there's nowhere to put it down in the shower to scoop without knocking it over and getting water in it. so i got rid of the spatula and just used my clean fingers to scoop it. a few days ago it started to smell bad and musty, like a towel that needs to be washed. has this happened to anyone else? i still have about 1/3 of the jar left. i'm not sure if i should still be using it or just toss it, but either way i'm kinda ticked. is it just from water getting in the jar? isn't that the reason why products have preservatives in them??

I have never had this happen to a jar of CIZ and I have been through many a jar. I always use the spatula and I don’t keep it in the shower. When I need to use it in the shower I apply it to my face outside of the shower and then step in to rinse it. One of the reasons it rinses so well is that it emulsified with water contact. Repeated contact in moist environment with wet fingers seems like a bad idea. I wouldn’t blame the product- consider it a learning lesson on proper use of products. To be honest, I don’t use spatulas with everything so it’s an easy mistake with a new to you product.

[milano]

Jun 21, 2019 13:55:41 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

okay, i need to rant for a minute about banila clean it zero.

i got a jar about a month ago and absolutely loved it- both the smell and the texture. i shower at night so i cleanse my face while in the shower. for a while i was using the spatula, but it was awkward because there's nowhere to put it down in the shower to scoop without knocking it over and getting water in it. so i got rid of the spatula and just used my clean fingers to scoop it. a few days ago it started to smell bad and musty, like a towel that needs to be washed. has this happened to anyone else? i still have about 1/3 of the jar left. i'm not sure if i should still be using it or just toss it, but either way i'm kinda ticked. is it just from water getting in the jar? isn't that the reason why products have preservatives in them??

I hardly ever use the spatula with my clean it zero but I always wash and dry my hands before I dip my finger in. I usually put it on my face and start rubbing it in and then jump in the shower to rinse it off and use my second cleanser. Maybe try this method with a new container? Bummer that your container is yuck though, they're big jars!

[vvvvvfee]

thanks, guys! i really liked the banila a lot, so i think i'll try again with a new jar. i'll keep it by the sink and apply before i get in the shower.

[gldnbearz]

Does anyone have any experience with Su:m37 Secret Essence? I saw it on the Costco website and was curious.

[Taitai]

Jul 5, 2019 9:09:24 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

Does anyone have any experience with Su:m37 Secret Essence? I saw it on the Costco website and was curious.

I generally like the Su:um37 brand - their miracle rose cleansing stick was amazing, and I liked a sample of some toner I had from them. I have heard great things about the secret essence too. If the price is right, I say give it a try!

[gldnbearz]

Jul 5, 2019 11:40:16 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Jul 5, 2019 9:09:24 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

Does anyone have any experience with Su:m37 Secret Essence? I saw it on the Costco website and was curious.

I generally like the Su:um37 brand - their miracle rose cleansing stick was amazing, and I liked a sample of some toner I had from them. I have heard great things about the secret essence too. If the price is right, I say give it a try!

It's $75/5 oz bottle through Costco. Not sure what it would be otherwise.

[Taitai]

Jul 5, 2019 11:59:44 GMT -6 gldnbearz said:

Jul 5, 2019 11:40:16 GMT -6 Taitai said:

I generally like the Su:um37 brand - their miracle rose cleansing stick was amazing, and I liked a sample of some toner I had from them. I have heard great things about the secret essence too. If the price is right, I say give it a try!

It's $75/5 oz bottle through Costco. Not sure what it would be otherwise.

I think that’s a good deal. For 100ml (about 3 oz), it normally goes for like $75 on Jolse, which is one of the Korean sites with the most reasonable prices.