Asian Beauty/Skincare

[Taitai]

Nov 30, 2020 10:03:41 GMT -6 willow said:

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.

Welcome willow! There are a lot of slimming chin masks products here in Asia where I live, and I personally think it’s mostly gimmick. The mask might firm and reduce fine lines for a day/hours - due to the fact that the mask hydrates the skin. However, there won’t be any lasting improvement. Only surgery could do that. There’s only so much that topical stuff can do. Sorry to disappoint!

[beesquared]

Well, I've created a monster. DS has had a little dry skin, so when he wakes me up in the morning I've been putting skin care on his face from my nightstand. Tonight after his bath, I was putting his body lotion on and when I went to put it on his face like I always do he said "no, Mae not that one. I need the real one."

The real one would be a bottle of Sulwhasoo essential balancing emulsion ex. He's going to be mighty disappointed when it runs out because I don't love it and it is too expensive for me to buy for a six year old, lol. I'm going to have to see if I can get him hooked on one of the products I buy for my girls.

[Lakes]

beesquared I love it! Sometimes dd will ask for my “cheek lotion” so I give her a little of my Pumpkin Sleeping Pack.

[Taitai]

Dec 2, 2020 1:38:13 GMT -6 beesquared said:

Well, I've created a monster. DS has had a little dry skin, so when he wakes me up in the morning I've been putting skin care on his face from my nightstand. Tonight after his bath, I was putting his body lotion on and when I went to put it on his face like I always do he said "no, Mae not that one. I need the real one."

The real one would be a bottle of Sulwhasoo essential balancing emulsion ex. He's going to be mighty disappointed when it runs out because I don't love it and it is too expensive for me to buy for a six year old, lol. I'm going to have to see if I can get him hooked on one of the products I buy for my girls.

Bahahaha - I accidentally got my oldest (age 5) hooked on the Japanese steam eye masks, and my littlest (age 3) gets daily facial most squirts of pyungkang yul hydrating toner. What have I done?

I must say that your 6 year old has excellent taste!! I also love that he calls you Mae...my boys go between Mae and Mommy. I love the sound of Mae 😊😊

[beesquared]

Taitai, my kids speak the strangest smashing of languages. Thai, Korean, English and Spanish. They go to Spanish Immersion school and because they look racially ambiguous and have Asian names it is so confusing to people out in the world when they start speaking Spanish casually. I never know what form of mom I am going to be called, lol.

[Taitai]

beesquared I love that! My kids also mix Thai and English together, the little one said the other day, “Yut car! Get off the road! Yut!” When we go to the USA, they also sawadee everyone, which provokes a lot of confusion from our Midwestern friends and family. Honestly, I often forget where I am and find myself wai’ing and saying kapun ka to security staff when I am in us and European airports, so I’m no better. 😂

[Taitai]

I put on a gold metallic sheet mask tonight and my H says I look like C3PO. So that’s my fun Friday night, lol. 😂😂

[willow]

Dec 1, 2020 18:52:38 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Nov 30, 2020 10:03:41 GMT -6 willow said:

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.

Welcome willow ! There are a lot of slimming chin masks products here in Asia where I live, and I personally think it’s mostly gimmick. The mask might firm and reduce fine lines for a day/hours - due to the fact that the mask hydrates the skin. However, there won’t be any lasting improvement. Only surgery could do that. There’s only so much that topical stuff can do. Sorry to disappoint!

This is sort of what I figured. I didn't end up ordering it but I was curious. I'd love a quick fix that isn't cosmetic dermatology pricing to get rid of my chin fat. lol. 


I'm debating upping my retinol game. The Cerave stuff isn't burning or hurting so maybe I could get stronger stuff? I have no idea how to tell if it's working or if I need something stronger. 

[Taitai]

willow If the CeraVe retinol isn’t giving you any redness, tightness, peeling, or that “cellophane skin” feeling, then you could probably go up a bit to something stronger. I would take it slow though, just to make sure you don’t over-do it and then strip your moisture barrier, which will result in flakey skin, breakouts, tightness, etc.

I’m not the most helpful on recommendations for retinol, because for whatever reason, my skin always seems to be super sensitive to it. I always end up over-exfoliating and getting redness when I add retinol to my routine, so then I just stop ☹️

If the CeraVe is really gentle - I might actually pick some up the next time I’m in the USA!

[willow]

Dec 8, 2020 2:52:03 GMT -6 Taitai said:

willow If the CeraVe retinol isn’t giving you any redness, tightness, peeling, or that “cellophane skin” feeling, then you could probably go up a bit to something stronger. I would take it slow though, just to make sure you don’t over-do it and then strip your moisture barrier, which will result in flakey skin, breakouts, tightness, etc.

I’m not the most helpful on recommendations for retinol, because for whatever reason, my skin always seems to be super sensitive to it. I always end up over-exfoliating and getting redness when I add retinol to my routine, so then I just stop ☹️

If the CeraVe is really gentle - I might actually pick some up the next time I’m in the USA!

Yes it is super gentle, like I had to double check the bottle to make sure it was actually retinol because I was expecting at least a little stingning or tightness haha. I don't even know where to start with something a little stronger. I tried the Drunk Elephant brand a year or two ago and it was definitely irritating. 

[Taitai]

Dec 8, 2020 7:32:57 GMT -6 willow said:

Dec 8, 2020 2:52:03 GMT -6 Taitai said:

willow If the CeraVe retinol isn’t giving you any redness, tightness, peeling, or that “cellophane skin” feeling, then you could probably go up a bit to something stronger. I would take it slow though, just to make sure you don’t over-do it and then strip your moisture barrier, which will result in flakey skin, breakouts, tightness, etc.

I’m not the most helpful on recommendations for retinol, because for whatever reason, my skin always seems to be super sensitive to it. I always end up over-exfoliating and getting redness when I add retinol to my routine, so then I just stop ☹️

If the CeraVe is really gentle - I might actually pick some up the next time I’m in the USA!

Yes it is super gentle, like I had to double check the bottle to make sure it was actually retinol because I was expecting at least a little stingning or tightness haha. I don't even know where to start with something a little stronger. I tried the Drunk Elephant brand a year or two ago and it was definitely irritating. 

I’ve tried the Murad retinol youth renewal serum, and it was too much for me. Same goes for Paula’s Choice 1% clinical retinol treatment.

I was planning on getting a Curology prescription when I was next back in the USA (thanks COVID for not letting me do that for over 18 months now), because I have heard great things about Curology’s custom formulas. You don’t have to actually go in to see a dermatologist- you can do the entire process online. I believe you have to take a picture of your skin and send it to them, but I could be wrong. Everyone I know that uses Curology loves it. They also use Tretinoin, which is often stronger than Retinol, but they can adjust the dosage to what suits your skin.

[willow]

Dec 8, 2020 8:20:20 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Dec 8, 2020 7:32:57 GMT -6 willow said:

Yes it is super gentle, like I had to double check the bottle to make sure it was actually retinol because I was expecting at least a little stingning or tightness haha. I don't even know where to start with something a little stronger. I tried the Drunk Elephant brand a year or two ago and it was definitely irritating. 

I’ve tried the Murad retinol youth renewal serum, and it was too much for me. Same goes for Paula’s Choice 1% clinical retinol treatment.

I was planning on getting a Curology prescription when I was next back in the USA (thanks COVID for not letting me do that for over 18 months now), because I have heard great things about Curology’s custom formulas. You don’t have to actually go in to see a dermatologist- you can do the entire process online. I believe you have to take a picture of your skin and send it to them, but I could be wrong. Everyone I know that uses Curology loves it. They also use Tretinoin, which is often stronger than Retinol, but they can adjust the dosage to what suits your skin.

Oh yeah I have heard of Curology before as well. I also just remembered that my dermatologist has a whole line of products herself, and I already use rx acne cream and then one of her product line hydroxy face washes. Maybe I'll see about her retinol cream - it's not cheap but not that much different than a Curology subscription or some of the other high end face stuff out there. 

Skin care is an investment, lol.

[ss265]

So I recently got the Cosrx good morning cleanser and it smells pretty strong. Almost like plastic? Wondering if I got a bad tube or if it usually smells like that...

[Lakes]

Dec 9, 2020 12:57:52 GMT -6 ss265 said:

So I recently got the Cosrx good morning cleanser and it smells pretty strong. Almost like plastic? Wondering if I got a bad tube or if it usually smells like that...

I think mine smells tea tree-ish.

[Taitai]

Dec 9, 2020 12:57:52 GMT -6 ss265 said:

So I recently got the Cosrx good morning cleanser and it smells pretty strong. Almost like plastic? Wondering if I got a bad tube or if it usually smells like that...

That’s just how it smells - really strong tea tree oil scent, which to me - comes across as plastic or chemically. But, that is just tea tree and how it’s supposed to smell. It took me a while to get used to...I honestly had a hard time with it in the beginning, but then as I used it, I found that the scent bothered me less.

[ss265]

Lakes, Taitai, thanks!

[Lakes]

I’m disappointed that Facetory has changed so much. I stopped by sheet mask subscription last spring since I had quite the stash. I saw that I had a $10 off reward expiring soon so I started looking and their sheet mask selection is terrible! Previously they only carried sheet masks and have a ton of different brands. Now it’s mostly their brand masks (which are hit or miss for me) and other skin care products. Which is fine, good for them if they’re doing well but I miss being able to try so many different sheet masks.

Don’t worry, I still managed to spend money. I’m trying Pureheals Propolis Sleeping Mask and Yadah Cactus Soothing Gel. I threw in the Yadah Cactus Hand sanitizer which I already have and love, plus some of their snail sheet masks that I like.

[Taitai]

Lakes That’s really a bummer about facestory. I could never use them, because I’m overseas and the shipping/import fees would make it too expensive, but I was always a fan of the concept. Glad you were able to pick up some Yadah masks at least - I love that brand!

In happy skincare news, I randomly checked out the website for the duty-free company here in my country and found this awesome Sulwhasoo first care gift set on sale for 40% off! It was from the non duty-free shop, but it was still a super good deal. I sent the link to H and I am hoping he gets it for me for Christmas! 🤞🤞

[Lakes]

Taitai no! They didn’t have any of the Yadah sheet masks I like. I’ve really been enjoying their jelly masks. They only had one Yadah mask in stock, the red energy mask, and it didn’t have good reviews.

[Taitai]

Dec 12, 2020 10:24:39 GMT -6 Lakes said:

Taitai no! They didn’t have any of the Yadah sheet masks I like. I’ve really been enjoying their jelly masks. They only had one Yadah mask in stock, the red energy mask, and it didn’t have good reviews.

Oh man, that really sucks. The whole point were the great face masks! Bye facestory!

Now I want a Yadah jelly face mask!! I love them almost as much as the Polatam water gel masks, which I can’t find anywhere anymore...sob. Omg those were amazing. 😩

[Lakes]

It’s not much but here’s my Facetory haul. I just did one of the snail sheet masks. I really want to try the Pure Heals propolis sleeping mask but am tying to wait until I use up my Jeju:en propolis cream.

[willow]

Taitai I'm sure you may have linked it here before but can you link the Vit C serum you use? I have no idea where to start. Hah.

[Taitai]

Dec 22, 2020 14:31:08 GMT -6 willow said:

Taitai I'm sure you may have linked it here before but can you link the Vit C serum you use? I have no idea where to start. Hah.

Of course! I was actually just going to post about my Vit C. I normally use Tiam C20, which you can get from jolse.com. I love it - it works so well, but it is a little intense for some people. I use it once a day at night, and my skin has adjusted to it well. In order to prevent it from oxidizing, wrap the bottle in tin foil (to block sunlight) and store it in the fridge.

m.jolse.com/product/tiam-my-signature-c-source-30ml/11254/category/25/display/1/

I ran out of Tiam, so I’ve been using Rohto melano cc serum, which you can find easily on Amazon or other skincare sites. You can use it as a spot treatment or just squeeze out like 6-7 drops to smear it all over your face (which is what I do).

www.amazon.com/Rohto-Melano-Intensive-Anti-Spot-Essence/dp/B0188CAZKQ

I don’t like the Rohto as much - it’s not as effective at minimizing my sun spots and my melasma. I do love the citrus scent and that it is gentler on the skin when you apply, but it just doesn’t work as well. Once I use up the tubes I have, I’m going back to trusty Tiam.

[willow]

Thank you Taitai! I am bookmarking a few things to purchase after Christmas with the $$ I know I am getting from my parents and Vit C is one of them!

[Taitai]

Dec 21, 2020 19:05:50 GMT -6 Lakes said:

It’s not much but here’s my Facetory haul. I just did one of the snail sheet masks. I really want to try the Pure Heals propolis sleeping mask but am tying to wait until I use up my Jeju:en propolis cream.

I love the branding/packaging on all of the sheet masks! Did you try any of them yet? I’m most interested in how the snail worked out - I would totally buy those if I saw them on a store shelf, just based on the packaging, lol.

[Taitai]

H came through and got me some awesome skincare stuff for Christmas! I’ve tried some of the Innisfree stuff already, and the Sulwhasoo products I received I already know well...I wish I wasn’t so addicted to that stuff 😅😂

Innisfree - I found an eye product that I really like! Still too early to tell if it’s all that effective, but the experience of using it is very nice, as is the scent (which dissipates quickly). I got the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Faceball roller. It’s an eye serum and it is dispensed through this cooling roller, which is part of the bottle. You just pump the top a bit to get the serum on to the roller. Really cool product, and it seemed to absorb very well - no irritation at all on my eyes either.

m.jolse.com/product/innisfree-green-tea-seed-eye-face-ball-10ml/18961/

I also received the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin EX. Love it. Absorbs well and is hydrating for me, good for layering too. It’s thicker than Klairs, and it’s hard to call it a toner, because of the thickness. But it’s also not a serum. I guess that’s why they call it a “skin.” Either way, I’m a big fan, and it should hold me over until I can order more of my favorite hydrating toner - the Klairs Supple Prep stuff.

m.jolse.com/product/innisfree-green-tea-balancing-skin-ex-200ml/19460/

I also received a Sulwhasoo first care gift set with the activating serum, balancing water, first care emulsion, and an activating serum sheet mask. Can’t wait to try the mask, as I hear it is a really good one. Probably will save it for when I have an event or something.

Merry Christmas fellow AB enthusiasts! Hope Santa brought you all some fun skincare stuff 😊

[Lakes]

Taitai I tried the snail one last year. It was the only Facetory brand mask to make it onto my buy again list. I stocked up so I could hit free shipping 😅

[Taitai]

Dec 25, 2020 18:15:02 GMT -6 Lakes said:

Taitai I tried the snail one last year. It was the only Facetory brand mask to make it onto my buy again list. I stocked up so I could hit free shipping 😅

If I ever see that snail one around, I’m picking it up for sure!

[beesquared]

Taitai, Santa put the same innisfree eye roller in my stocking too! I haven’t tried it yet because I’m trying to finish up another eye cream (I have 2 open right now), but I am excited for a new product.

I started derma rolling about 2 months ago with a .5 mm roller to treat some acne scarring I have along my temples. My skin is doing so well, but I want to level up how things look if I don’t wear make-up. Trying to ease into it, I’m only doing a 3x7 cm strip along both temples. I want to do my cheeks too, but with mask wearing I’m worried about breakouts, etc. I noticed today when I was squinting in the mirror that the very fine lines I have around my crow feet area stop at the border where I have been derma rolling. I knew you could do it for wrinkles, but I was not expecting that at all. It makes me excited to see what will happen over the next few months. My acne scars are visibly improving, but I still need filler/primer before makeup to hide them completely. My scars aren’t terrible, but noticeable for me and make me want to wear face makeup for things I might not otherwise.

[Taitai]

beesquared Wow! That is really interesting to hear about your derma rolling results! I am so happy that you are seeing results, and it makes me want to try it out. I have always wondered about it, but have always been scared of breakouts/unintended consequences from it. How do you keep your derma roller clean? Some people say to use dish soap and water, but the tap water over here is not clean like in the USA, so I’ve always thought it would be a big pain to constantly clean mine with rubbing alcohol or something similar. Either way - awesome to hear you are liking the results, and keep us updated on how it goes if/when you expand to other areas of your face!