Asian Beauty/Skincare

[Lakes]

Sept 12, 2020 22:36:55 GMT -6 beesquared said:

Sept 9, 2020 20:38:07 GMT -6 Lakes said:

Since when does Cosrx have a propolis cream? How did I not know this? My Jeju:en propolis cream is difficult to find. I love all my Cosrx stuff so maybe I’ll have to look into it. Hmmm.

I will say, this is the only cosrx product that I did not like. It made me break out horribly. I have never tried another propolis product as a result, so I don’t know if it was just the cosrx version or if my skin doesn’t like propolis products.

Ugh. Good to know. My Jeju:en is about half full. Hopefully I can find it again and I won’t have to switch. I hate having to find replacements for things I love.

[Taitai]

Sept 12, 2020 22:36:55 GMT -6 beesquared said:

Sept 9, 2020 20:38:07 GMT -6 Lakes said:

Since when does Cosrx have a propolis cream? How did I not know this? My Jeju:en propolis cream is difficult to find. I love all my Cosrx stuff so maybe I’ll have to look into it. Hmmm.

I will say, this is the only cosrx product that I did not like. It made me break out horribly. I have never tried another propolis product as a result, so I don’t know if it was just the cosrx version or if my skin doesn’t like propolis products.

I also had a bad experience with the propolis ampoule from Cosrx. I kept wanting to like it, but it always broke me out. So, now it’s just sitting around on my products shelf, and I really should just get rid of it. But I hate throwing away unused product. Maybe I’ll put it on my legs afterI shower, lol.

[kittyriot]

Eye team (either AB or no), what do people love?

I’ve been using the Sephora brand for a while, I don’t love it and am almost done.

Does anyone have recommendations?

[beesquared]

Sept 19, 2020 18:06:59 GMT -6 kittyriot said:

Eye team (either AB or no), what do people love?

I’ve been using the Sephora brand for a while, I don’t love it and am almost done.

Does anyone have recommendations?

What are your eye cream needs/goals?

[kittyriot]

Sept 19, 2020 18:16:09 GMT -6 beesquared said:

Sept 19, 2020 18:06:59 GMT -6 kittyriot said:

Eye team (either AB or no), what do people love?

I’ve been using the Sephora brand for a while, I don’t love it and am almost done.

Does anyone have recommendations?

What are your eye cream needs/goals?

Yes, I should have stated that.

Moisture, the skin around my eyes is starting to get papery. I don’t have a ton of fine lines yet, but that’s just me getting lucky. I’m 39, so they’re bound to creep up on me quickly. So I would say light moisture and anti aging.

Anything too heavy though gives me those little white bumps (can’t remember their name).

[Taitai]

Sept 20, 2020 5:46:37 GMT -6 kittyriot said:

Sept 19, 2020 18:16:09 GMT -6 beesquared said:

What are your eye cream needs/goals?

Yes, I should have stated that.

Moisture, the skin around my eyes is starting to get papery. I don’t have a ton of fine lines yet, but that’s just me getting lucky. I’m 39, so they’re bound to creep up on me quickly. So I would say light moisture and anti aging.

Anything too heavy though gives me those little white bumps (can’t remember their name).

Those bumps are milia, and I get them easily too! I have nothing really amazing to recommend to you - I’ve found my search for a good eye cream to be unsatisfying. I like Innisfree orchid eye cream enough, but I didn’t notice much of a difference over the long term - maybe a bit with fine lines.

Now I am using the Cosrx 92 snail AIO cream on my eye area, and it keeps my eye area moisturized without bringing on milia. Probably does something for fine lines too.

Sorry I can’t be of more help. I think this is one area where I might look into some lasers or something. I just don’t find that creams can do a whole lot (for me).

[kittyriot]

Sept 20, 2020 8:20:46 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Sept 20, 2020 5:46:37 GMT -6 kittyriot said:

Yes, I should have stated that.

Moisture, the skin around my eyes is starting to get papery. I don’t have a ton of fine lines yet, but that’s just me getting lucky. I’m 39, so they’re bound to creep up on me quickly. So I would say light moisture and anti aging.

Anything too heavy though gives me those little white bumps (can’t remember their name).

Those bumps are milia, and I get them easily too! I have nothing really amazing to recommend to you - I’ve found my search for a good eye cream to be unsatisfying. I like Innisfree orchid eye cream enough, but I didn’t notice much of a difference over the long term - maybe a bit with fine lines.

Now I am using the Cosrx 92 snail AIO cream on my eye area, and it keeps my eye area moisturized without bringing on milia. Probably does something for fine lines too.

Sorry I can’t be of more help. I think this is one area where I might look into some lasers or something. I just don’t find that creams can do a whole lot (for me).

You are the queen of skincare and if you have found the search unsatisfying then it all sucks!

Lately I have been using my cetaphil moisturizer in the general area because it’s light enough and no milia are popping up. But I worry about doing that for too long.

I have had the Innisfree orchid eye cream on my maybe list for a while. Maybe I will give that a try and see if it works for me...

[beesquared]

kittyriot
Okay, so I am 40 and in a similar boat. I don’t have much in the way of wrinkles (ie crows feet), but I have some genetic under eye wrinkles that I have had since I was a kid.

My favorite is the Mizon snail repair eye cream. I buy the 25 ml glass jar (it’s all the same formula, but comes in multiple types of packaging and sizes). It layers well under makeup for daytime use.

I also really like Innisfree intensive hydrating eye cream with green tea seed. It’s a little thicker and I usually put it on at night, but it does dry down for daytime use.

Neither of these give me milia which I am prone too. I use the Cosrx 92 off and on as part of my skin care routine, but it isn’t enough for my dryness around the eye. I actually prefer the cosrx 96 for my snail layer because it sinks into my skin better. My skin prefers lots of light layers.

[kittyriot]

beesquared, those are all good thoughts.

I use the Mizon snail repair ampoule. I find that as a layer under my moisturizer helps a ton.

I guess I’m always worried about doing enough. I feel very lucky to have the complexion I have, it’s an area of my body I’m very proud of, strangely. So I want to take care of it!

[vvvvvfee]

kittyriot,

i too have issues with my undereyes getting really dry, i am also prone to milia, and i am starting to get a few little undereye lines.

secret key starting treatment eye cream is my safe go-to. it's reasonably-priced and it doesn't give me milia. it moisturizes without being too heavy. doesn't do much more than that, though.

i recently started a bottle of cosrx advanced snail peptide eye cream and it's pretty good so far. again, not too heavy and doesn't give me milia. i feel like it's making maybe the tiniest bit of difference with the fine lines?

one thing that did make a noticeable difference for me with fine lines was hylamide sub-q eyes. i got it last year when deciem had their november sale. it's a little pricey. problem is that it's a serum so you still need a moisturizer on top of it. i figured maybe it was the peptides that did something so that's why i started with the cosrx eye cream. but so far (it's been a couple of weeks) it hasn't worked quite as well as the sub-q eyes.

[sherminator]

how scented are Innisfree products?

[Taitai]

Oct 4, 2020 0:53:06 GMT -6 sherminator said:

how scented are Innisfree products?

I find that they’re not super scented, and the scent does die down pretty quickly after use. I’m basing this on the green tea serum/toner/emulsion and the orchid eye cream. I’ve tried a few other Innisfree things, but can’t really even recall what the scent was like.

[beesquared]

Oct 4, 2020 0:53:06 GMT -6 sherminator said:

how scented are Innisfree products?

Agree with Taitai. The scent is minimal and doesn’t linger at all. About half my routine is Innisfree at this point because of all the deals and sales, plus I really like their products.

[ArielMermaid]

Taitai I’ve been using your fave Vit C serum and so far I love it. My skin is tolerating it well! Thank you for the rec.

[apk4]

Can I jump in here? I have been reading about asian skincare and would like to get a routine set up. Where/how do I start?

I have oily/combo skin with occasional break outs.

[Taitai]

Oct 28, 2020 11:28:47 GMT -6 ArielMermaid said:

Taitai I’ve been using your fave Vit C serum and so far I love it. My skin is tolerating it well! Thank you for the rec.

Oh good! I’m glad you’re liking it! I notice that my skin needs Vit C every day, otherwise it starts looking dull. Your post reminds me that I need to order more, I’m on my last bottle...

[Taitai]

Oct 28, 2020 13:23:18 GMT -6 apk4 said:

Can I jump in here? I have been reading about asian skincare and would like to get a routine set up. Where/how do I start?

I have oily/combo skin with occasional break outs.

Welcome apk4! I think it’s best to start with a basic routine, and then build up from there. What kind of climate do you live in? That will matter in terms of how heavy/how many layers of stuff you’d want to put on your face. My skin can tend oily, and I live in a tropical climate, so I tend to only use lighter products versus heavy creams.

Below article from 50 Shades of Snail does a really good job of summarizing the purpose of a routine and what you should have in it. Highly recommend reading below, which should give you a bunch of good suggestions:

fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2018/06/03/5-step-k-beauty-skincare-routine/

For my personal recommendation- I’d say you should start slow, with something like the following

1) double cleanse (oil cleanser first and then water soluble cleanser to remove all traces of oil from the first cleanse)

2) Vit C serum - I prefer L-AA, because it is the most effective at bringing results. I do 20%, but you can start with 10% or 15%.

3) Hydrating toner - I like Klairs supple prep toner.

4) Snail - Just do it, you’ll thank me later. I like Cosrx 96 snail power mucin

5) Moisturizer - Lots of options here - if you have oily skin and live somewhere not super dry, I would suggest something light that won’t clog your pores.

6) Suncreen (for daytime only) - Biore UV Aqua Rich is a favorite here. Daily sunscreen on your face is the absolute #1 best way to prevent aging.

I would start 1 product at a time, adding in each successively to ensure you know when something new doesn’t work for your skin. It’s tempting, but don’t start a bunch of new things at the same time.

Once you get further along, you can look at adding in more actives (AHA, BHA, retinoids), sheet masks, sleeping packs, more serums/emulsions/etc. But right now, best to start slow.

Hope this helps!

[vvvvvfee]

does anyone else want to share reviews of stuff they tried this year? i want to know the scoop on everything because all the holiday sales are coming up.

this has been kind of a disappointing year for me. i'm still struggling with hormonal breakouts. nothing seems to really help. i've tried various acids and the ordinary's retinoid... my skin seems very, i dunno, resistant? i do think certain products might worsen break outs, but it's hard for me to isolate exactly what ingredient(s) might be contributing. this year i guess i'll try to go back to focusing more on hydrating... but i would like to try a "better" retinol product. i might get the paula's choice one when they have their sale.

--klairs supple prep facial toner: i know everyone loves this. it has a nice texture and absorbs well, providing a light layer of moisture. light scent was pleasant. i'd like to find a hydrating toner that's slightly less pricey, though

amazon had some crazy good deals on cosrx products leading up to and during prime day! they also have some items available on subscribe and save.
--cosrx oil free moisturizing lotion with birch sap: the texture of this seemed really nice, but it smelled SO strongly of tea tree oil that i had to return it
--cosrx centella blemish cream: what is this even supposed to do?! they say it's a spot treatment, but the texture isn't thick enough to stay in place on a pimple, so it just smears around everywhere. and somehow there's tea tree oil in there again so it has that kinda antiseptic smell
--cosrx advanced snail peptide cream: this is decent. it has a light texture and hasn't given me milia. it's not as mucin-y as the regular snail cream. are the peptides doing something? possibly
cosrx oil-free aloe vera moisture cream-- i loooooooved this and i think they discontinued it. it had a watery gel texture, but it absorbed so well and didn't leave a sticky film. also unscented. bummer

--hada labo tokyo anti-aging hydrator (with super hyaluronic acid, collagen, and retinol complex): this is hada labo's US line. it's basically a thick hydrating toner-- it has a similar texture to the gokyjyun premium lotion but is thicker. they've added in some kind of retinol but i doubt it does much of anything. anyway, it's nice. amazon also frequently has coupons for this line which you can then stack with subscribe and save... when i got this i ended up paying $3.46

--mediheal DNA hydrating protein mask: OMG I LOVE THESE SHEET MASKS SO MUCH. they're soaked with a thick, creamy lotion and are intensely hydrating. this is the first sheet mask i've tried that feels like it has a lasting effect. my only quibble with the mediheal masks is they don't fit my face very well. they're too wide and they don't have enough nose coverage for my italian schnozz
--mediheal WHP brightening and hydrating charcoal mask: OK, somewhat hydrating, generous amount of serum
--mediheal collagen essential lifting and firming mask: again, pretty good. i can't remember much noteworthy about this one
--mediheal NMF intensive hydrating mask: decent, creamy, not as hydrating as the DNA mask
--mediheal tea tree blemish control mask: didn't seem to do much as far as calming pimples, but it was moisturizing. light tea tree scent

--megrhythym gentle eye steam mask, unscented: i thought i would like this more than i did. it's basically a hand warmer pad that you put over your eyes. i mostly was bored lying there and not being able to look at my phone, lol. i keep meaning to try one when i'm having trouble falling asleep because i think it might be soothing in that scenario

these also came from tj maxx/marshall's. i think i'm done trying laneige-- i'm just underwhelmed by it.
--laneige water sleeping mask: nice gel texture, but not super moisturizing and didn't seem very occlusive, either. kind of a weird, almost men's deodorant type scent?
--laneige lip sleep mask- apple lime: this smells like lime skittles (and i am not a lime skittle fan-- i say good riddance). no apple whatsoever. again, i don't understand the hype

purito is another brand i am officially over. everything gets so much hype and NONE of it works for me.
--PURITO Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ PA++++: this was touted as having such a wonderful texture and being so light-- NO!!! it left a greasy sheen on me. maybe it only works for people with dry skin? i am also suspect about its actual sun protection ability

i've gotten some great deals this year on dr. jart sample sets at tj maxx-- the below are all from those. and i think i'm kinda over dr. jart, too. too pricey and too much fragrance. although i do still have a few more sample-size products to try.

--dr. jart ceramidin cream: wonderful texture. creamy and rich but not greasy. bergamot scent that's on the strong side.
--dr. jark ceramidin liquid: also very rich and hydrating without being oily. i think might actually prefer this to the cream.
--dr. jart ceramidin mask: moisturizing but not mind-blowing.
--dr. jart ceramidin body butter: rich but didn't absorb as well as the face cream. stupidest container ever-- a pot but it has squared-off corners. eye roll.
--dr. jart water drop moisturizer: nice texture, but the scent was overpowering. the smell is nice (it's bergamot), but i can't deal with reeking of fragrance all day long.
--dr. jart teatreetment cleansing foam: HOLY SHIT DUDE, this smells like turpentine. it is seriously awful. avoid!!
--dr. jart teatreetment toner: OK. lighter tea tree scent and mildly moisturizing
--dr. jart teatreetment moisturizer: gel-type moisturizer. again, lighter tea tree scent. not bad.
--dr. jart cicapair tiger grass color correcting treatment SPF 30: another heavily-hyped product. i knew it was going to be green... i thought it would be good for covering pimples. it doesn't work for me. you have to rub it in a LOT to get the green to "magically" change to tan, so it ends up being so diffuse it doesn't mask the redness of pimples. and i don't have general facial redness because i have olive skin. so the overall greenish effect is not great on my skin tone. it has a bit of a greasy finish, and it ends up rubbing off during the day (i.e. on your mask)

--dhc cleansing oil: got a sample size of this. it's olive-oil based so it's very greasy-feeling, but it emulsifies and washes away without leaving a film. it's pricey, though so it's not worth the splurge IMO. i've been lazy about double-cleansing lately because i didn't feel like it was doing anything... but maybe i'll start up again

[Taitai]

vvvvvfee Wow - thanks for all of those reviews! I agree with your thoughts on Dr. Jart stuff - the ceramidin line is good, but overall I think that brand is too expensive for what it is. I am definitely going to check out those mediheal sheet masks! Purito is over-hyped in my opinion as well. Thanks for the COSRX comments too - I have not tried any of those products.

Bummer to hear you have been struggling with hormonal acne. If you are looking to up your acids game, I would definitely recommend Paula’s Choice. I love the PC BHA, and I’m super sad that I am almost out of my last bottle 😭

Another thought on improving the acne situation - I would definitely recommend getting back to double cleansing. I find that even if an oil cleanser emuslifies/rinses well, if I don’t follow up with a water-soluble, low ph cleanser, my skin will start acting up. Also, if I don’t use an oil cleanser to get rid of makeup/sunscreen and just try to loose low ph cleansers to wash my face, that also causes breakouts, because I can’t really get rid of the makeup/sunscreen without an oil cleanser to break it all up. I also don’t wear heavy makeup either. So, just a plug for thorough, gentle cleansing. I also find that I need to wash my pillowcase frequently, which helps keep my skin clear.

Oh, and finally - use the Japanese eye steam masks when you are falling asleep! That is the only time I use them - so relaxing. I think the yuzu scent is now my fav. Lavender is good too.

I’ll pull together a list of my reviews from the year! Stay tuned...

[Taitai]

I haven’t been able to try much new stuff in 2020, because COVID has grounded my travel, which is when I would pick up new things. Nothing really stands out, and I’m not sure I would repurchase - except for the yuzu Japanese eye steam masks - love those 💕💕

Kao Japanese eye stream masks - yuzu scent. I continue to love these, and am so happy that I found a local Japanese store that carries them for a similar price that they sell for in Japan! I had been starting to get depressed about my stash running out, because I refused to buy ones online and pay 3x the price plus international shipping!

Boots brand sheet masks - I ended up trying out these sheet masks because there was a sale. I was actually pleasantly surprised. The collagen and cucumber ones were nice! Didn’t run down my neck and the mask was made of a cotton material that fit well on my face. Not as awesome as my favorite Naruko masks, but good in a pinch.

Cosrx Propolis Ampoule - I tried this one again this year, just because I was hoping I had been wrong in remembering that it broke me out the first time I tried it. Nope - I was right the first time around. It broke me out again. Bummer.

Cosrx AHA/BHA prep toner - It’s okay as a toner to lower your PH before acids, but I much prefer Mizon’s AHA/BHA prep toner. I think the Cosrx one is too harsh for me. Will not repurchase.

Cosrx AHA power liquid - This is nice! It definitely got out some deep clogs, but I can only use it once or twice a week. Otherwise, it’s just too much exfoliation for my face. I want to try the PC AHA again after this one to compare.

Also...I ran out of Klairs early this year and haven’t replaced it, and I still really miss it. Definitely going to buy a bunch of bottles whenever I can travel again!

[vvvvvfee]

Taitai, thanks! your advice is always so helpful. i will try double cleansing again. i don't wear makeup, so i had gotten kind of lazy about it. i'm sure the constant mask-wearing situation also doesn't help matters as far as acne is concerned. i have a mini bottle of the paula's choice BHA so i will try that next!

i have actually been to a dermatologist this year, but she was trying to push their office-compounded cream (i.e., you have to pay cash), and i really would like to try to just use OTC stuff if i possibly can since it's so much cheaper.

RE cosrx-- i just started a jar of their hyaluronic acid intensive cream and i'm liking it so far! it is a lotion rather than a gel, and it is very moisturizing but not greasy.

[Taitai]

Nov 12, 2020 9:30:45 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

Taitai, thanks! your advice is always so helpful. i will try double cleansing again. i don't wear makeup, so i had gotten kind of lazy about it. i'm sure the constant mask-wearing situation also doesn't help matters as far as acne is concerned. i have a mini bottle of the paula's choice BHA so i will try that next!

i have actually been to a dermatologist this year, but she was trying to push their office-compounded cream (i.e., you have to pay cash), and i really would like to try to just use OTC stuff if i possibly can since it's so much cheaper.

RE cosrx-- i just started a jar of their hyaluronic acid intensive cream and i'm liking it so far! it is a lotion rather than a gel, and it is very moisturizing but not greasy.

Ah yes - the mask wearing certainly doesn’t help either! When the pollution is not bad, I use cotton masks that I wash daily, but even then - I’ve noticed that if I’m out and about with a mask on all day, my skin does get more clogs. Ugh.

Good luck with the compounded cream! Hope it is a winner!

[Lakes]

I have nothing exciting to add to the favorite list since my routine hasn’t really changed in the last year.

Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel: I use once or twice a week and like for some light exfoliating.

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Klairs Supple Prep Toner

Cosrx Snail 96

Cosrx Snail 92

Jeju:en Propolis Cream: legit my fav but so hard to find and I’m afraid to try a replacement. I alternate this with the Pumpkin Sleep Pack to stretch it out.

TooCoolForSchool Pumpkin Sleeping Pack

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: I like it better than my Ginger Sugar Lip Mask (don’t remember the brand) since it’s not as heavy/sticky. I’ve been using the rest of the Ginger Sugar on the kids since they get son happy during the winter.

Add me to the disliking Cosrx Birch Sap Lotion. I actually liked the smell but I always got white heads when using it. So I ended up using it on my legs after shaving 😂

I’m still working my way through random sheet masks but I’ve liked the Yadah Soothing Jelly Pack and Yadah Brightening Jelly Pack enough time put them on my very short list of buy again masks.

I still haven’t found a sunscreen I like. I did Biore Watery Essence last summer and Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream this year. I’d get red and it felt more like a chemical thing not a sunburn. It’s not a reapplication thing and it would happen sitting in the shade for a short time too. So I just use the kid’s ThinkBaby stuff most of the time.

[Taitai]

Lakes Bummer about the sunscreen!! I wonder if you have an adverse reaction to chemical sunscreens. Have you tried a physical/mineral one? Physical sunscreens tend to work better for those who are sensitive to the chemical ones. I know Innisfree makes one (Innisfree intensive triple care sunscreen), and Make P:rem has one too (UV defense me natural sun cream).

Hope you can find something that works!

[Lakes]

Taitai that’s what it sounds like. Which is a bummer because I’ve liked the light feel of the two I’ve tried. I’ll check out the mineral ones, thanks! I don’t mind using the kid stuff during the summer but it’s pretty thick.

[Taitai]

I was so bummed to open a new bottle of Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum yesterday, to find that it was oxidized. Ugh. The serum was bright orange, and on the box it said that the expiration date was not until 2022. Grrrrr. The seal must have cracked on it or something. Really disappointing. So, threw that in the garbage. I’m done with Purito.

On the bright side - I went to the Japanese grocery store to see if I could find a replacement Vit C serum (I’m out of my usual T’iam C20 and then had to throw away the oxidized Purito), and they had Rohto Melano CC essence on sale, buy one get one. Wohoo! Ended up being about $8.50 per tube, so I bought 4 of them. Should be good on Vit C for the next year. Phew! I love it when I find good deals like this too.

[vvvvvfee]

Mediheal is 40% off right now on Amazon. Sheet masks are $11.94 for a 10 pack! They also have some other products-- hydrating toner, serum, and cleanser.

[vvvvvfee]

wishtrend also has a lot of discounts running on Amazon right now on I'm From and Klairs items: www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A2ITVQXVLEC8P

[vvvvvfee]

secret key- 30% off at amazon
neogen- 30-50% off at amazon

[willow]

Hi all. I’m jumping in because I am trying to get an even better skin care routine going. I’ll be reading through some of this to help me. I already have snail cream and I have a derm rx acne cream, I supplement that with basic cetaphil face lotion for moisturizer. I have been trying some gentle Cerave retinol cream because I don’t know how my skin would react to the stronger stuff yet.

Has anyone tried the Slimee chin mask? I’m intrigued but idk if it’s just a gimmick.