Asian skincare

[kristie]

I went down this rabbit hole last spring and can never look back. I don't mind the routine at night because I have a little skincare product caddy and just do it while I am watching tv or relaxing before bed. Mornings are trickier and my routine changes depending on time and skincare needs.

I have never liked the tonymoly masks, so don't write this stuff off if they don't do anything for you. There are some amazing products out there. I have a lot of cosrx products, but I don't love the blackhead power liquid and actually prefer Paula's Choice resist 2% bha instead. I have to have ljh tea tree essence, Ljh vita propolis ampoule, Benton bha aloe toner, and missha time revolution first treatment essence. I am pretty sure I use all of those morning and night but other products come and go in the routine. I still use fresh soy face cleanser as my second cleanser, it has a ph of 5.5. I just made a big order on Koreadepart to stock up on some staples. I always am browsing memebox and enjoy finding new products on there. I have also ordered from Amazon, wish trend, testerkorea, glowrecipe, and a few eBay sellers with no complaints.

I love the skin and tonics blog, also Snow White and the Asian pear blog really helped me to figure out the order that products should be used in as well as understand more about actives and how to actually use them so they work. And there is a subreddit for Asian beauty that is addictive as hell.

[pantsparty]

Jan 20, 2016 10:51:16 GMT -5 kristie said:

I love the skin and tonics blog, also Snow White and the Asian pear blog really helped me to figure out the order that products should be used in as well as understand more about actives and how to actually use them so they work. And there is a subreddit for Asian beauty that is addictive as hell.

I really love Snow White and the Asian Pear! Great, non-boring explanations of pH and using acids. I also enjoy Fifty Shades of Snail.

[calico]

Jan 19, 2016 16:23:13 GMT -5 winnieandwine said:

calico
single use, individually packaged. they warm when you open them (kind of like hand warmers but obviously not as hot) and have a delicious lavendar/sage/rose scent. they block light well and stay warm for about 20 mins. I'll put it on at night if I'm feeling stressed/ anxious and often fall asleep before the warmth goes away. they come to about $1/each and would be perfect for travel, esp if you have trouble falling asleep in an unfamiliar environment. Im not sure about ingredients because I can't read the box, but I have very sensitive acne prone skin and these have never given me an issue

Those sound great. I'm going to have to add them to my list for after my no-buy is over.

[NewOrleans]

you guyz, I love this thread so much!

[NewOrleans]

pantsparty maryanne kristie is your skin type similar to mine: 40 y.o., tiny lines on forehead, fine lines at top of cheek where it meets eye area, pores on nose but smooth and clear cheeks, generally no acne? Just wondering if we're a product match based on skin targets.

[pantsparty]

Jan 21, 2016 23:09:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

pantsparty maryanne kristie is your skin type similar to mine: 40 y.o., tiny lines on forehead, fine lines at top of cheek where it meets eye area, pores on nose but smooth and clear cheeks, generally no acne? Just wondering if we're a product match based on skin targets.

No on the acne. LOL. But most of the products I use aren't specifically for acne, or aren't the harsh treatments you might be used to? I would "qualify" the COSRX Skin-Returning A-Sol toner, Benton BHA Toner and Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel as more appropriate for acne-prone skin. Everything else I use, like the low pH face wash and anti-aging treatments, are more in line with what it sounds like you want.

I'm not currently using my acids because of my Curology prescription, but I will definitely work them back into my routine, and I'd recommend those for everyone. COSRX has pretty cheap AHA and BHA products (I buy on Wishtrend, and I also buy COSRX's AHA BHA Skin Toner for use before applying an acid) and I use OCT C21.5. This is a great read on acid products: www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2015/01/skincare-discovery-putting-your.html

[underwaterrhymes]

Jan 21, 2016 23:09:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

pantsparty maryanne kristie is your skin type similar to mine: 40 y.o., tiny lines on forehead, fine lines at top of cheek where it meets eye area, pores on nose but smooth and clear cheeks, generally no acne? Just wondering if we're a product match based on skin targets.

This is my skin exactly. (Except 41-year old skin, LOL).

I'll be following this thread.

[NewOrleans]

Jan 22, 2016 5:17:45 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Jan 21, 2016 23:09:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

pantsparty maryanne kristie is your skin type similar to mine: 40 y.o., tiny lines on forehead, fine lines at top of cheek where it meets eye area, pores on nose but smooth and clear cheeks, generally no acne? Just wondering if we're a product match based on skin targets.

No on the acne. LOL. But most of the products I use aren't specifically for acne, or aren't the harsh treatments you might be used to? I would "qualify" the COSRX Skin-Returning A-Sol toner, Benton BHA Toner and Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel as more appropriate for acne-prone skin. Everything else I use, like the low pH face wash and anti-aging treatments, are more in line with what it sounds like you want.

I'm not currently using my acids because of my Curology prescription, but I will definitely work them back into my routine, and I'd recommend those for everyone. COSRX has pretty cheap AHA and BHA products (I buy on Wishtrend, and I also buy COSRX's AHA BHA Skin Toner for use before applying an acid) and I use OCT C21.5. This is a great read on acid products: www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2015/01/skincare-discovery-putting-your.html

What is Curology?

[maryanne]

Jan 21, 2016 23:09:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

pantsparty maryanne kristie is your skin type similar to mine: 40 y.o., tiny lines on forehead, fine lines at top of cheek where it meets eye area, pores on nose but smooth and clear cheeks, generally no acne? Just wondering if we're a product match based on skin targets.

I have oily skin and have acne, but we are about the same age!

My acne is mostly on the lower part of my face, so hormonal acne. Currently it's only on the right side of my face, mostly cheek and a bit on my jawline.

Most of the products I use are for all skin types, some even for dry skin. I go by the ingredient lists and also how my skin reacts to the product.

[maryanne]

Jan 22, 2016 15:12:52 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jan 22, 2016 5:17:45 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

No on the acne. LOL. But most of the products I use aren't specifically for acne, or aren't the harsh treatments you might be used to? I would "qualify" the COSRX Skin-Returning A-Sol toner, Benton BHA Toner and Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel as more appropriate for acne-prone skin. Everything else I use, like the low pH face wash and anti-aging treatments, are more in line with what it sounds like you want.

I'm not currently using my acids because of my Curology prescription, but I will definitely work them back into my routine, and I'd recommend those for everyone. COSRX has pretty cheap AHA and BHA products (I buy on Wishtrend, and I also buy COSRX's AHA BHA Skin Toner for use before applying an acid) and I use OCT C21.5. This is a great read on acid products: www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2015/01/skincare-discovery-putting-your.html

What is Curology?

It's an online dermatology service. It started as Pocketderm but they changed their name a few months ago. It's 19.95 a month and you send photos of your skin and a derm reviews them and also the questionnaire that you fill out. Then he/she makes a prescription acne med for you and the monthly price includes the consultation and medication. I don't think there is a limit on how many consults you get.

If the med doesn't agree with your skin or you have questions you can just send your derm a message. I've been using the service for a little over one year and have had a good experience. I asked to change my med to a Tretinoin combo a couple months ago so my skin is still adjusting to that. I love that I can message my derm with any questions. It's not available in all states though so you should check their state listing if you're interested.

[NewOrleans]

Whoah. Never heard of it. I have no need of Rx, though. Very cool option for people.

[maryanne]

Jan 22, 2016 15:48:20 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Whoah. Never heard of it. I have no need of Rx, though. Very cool option for people.

Yes! It's so easy and I also like that they do a blend of active ingredients versus the typical straight Tretinoin I used to get from my regular derm.

[NewOrleans]

Jan 22, 2016 16:34:53 GMT -5 maryanne said:

Jan 22, 2016 15:48:20 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Whoah. Never heard of it. I have no need of Rx, though. Very cool option for people.

Yes! It's so easy and I also like that they do a blend of active ingredients versus the typical straight Tretinoin I used to get from my regular derm.

So is it their own special blend? And just it 20$ a month including the medicine itself, or is medicine separate?

[maryanne]

Jan 22, 2016 17:15:33 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jan 22, 2016 16:34:53 GMT -5 maryanne said:

Yes! It's so easy and I also like that they do a blend of active ingredients versus the typical straight Tretinoin I used to get from my regular derm.

So is it their own special blend? And just it 20$ a month including the medicine itself, or is medicine separate?

Everything is included in the monthly fee. The consults, medication and shipping. There is no additional fee for requesting a medication change/adjustment either.

I don't think it's necessarily their own blend. Other derms probably request blended medications but none of the docs I've ever seen IRL did that. I like that it's combined into one cream. Makes it less goof proof for me

Right now, my acne med has Tretinoin, clindamycin and azelaic acid as the actives. My prior med had clindamycin, azelaic acid and niacinamide as the actives. Worked great for about a year but suddenly stopped working well so I asked for a new med. They also offer anti-aging blended creams too and the price is the same as the acne med.

[origami]

Just piping in to say I just started doing an full-on 10-step korean skin care routine at night. It's too soon to tell a difference. I'm using products from all different lines so no advice on any particular one yet. However, I have heard from numerous people that the Tony Moly mask to try is their snail mask. Not the Im real line (the wine one). The snail mask is more money - more than double, in Seoul at least. And they have at least 2 kinds of snail masks, maybe more. There are a lot of cheap sheet masks and the ones I have tried before made me break out. I'm trying the snail one now. So far so good but it has only been a few days.

[maryanne]

origami, I hope you find a routine and products that work well for you!

I want to hear more about what people use and love in Korea, especially women our age => 30 somethings+. I get a lot of info on blogs, message boards and Instagram, but I would still love reading more.

[pantsparty]

Jan 24, 2016 10:50:43 GMT -5 maryanne said:

origami , I hope you find a routine and products that work well for you!

I want to hear more about what people use and love in Korea, especially women our age => 30 somethings+. I get a lot of info on blogs, message boards and Instagram, but I would still love reading more.

Well, and there was post months ago on Reddit that claimed women in Korea don't actually use this many steps, that it's pretty much marketing spin. I would be curious to know as well. 

[NewOrleans]

Jan 24, 2016 7:11:25 GMT -5 origami said:

Just piping in to say I just started doing an full-on 10-step korean skin care routine at night. It's too soon to tell a difference. I'm using products from all different lines so no advice on any particular one yet. However, I have heard from numerous people that the Tony Moly mask to try is their snail mask. Not the Im real line (the wine one). The snail mask is more money - more than double, in Seoul at least. And they have at least 2 kinds of snail masks, maybe more. There are a lot of cheap sheet masks and the ones I have tried before made me break out. I'm trying the snail one now. So far so good but it has only been a few days.

Nice to see you.

are they "famous" brands that you started using?

[maryanne]

Jan 24, 2016 11:07:09 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Jan 24, 2016 10:50:43 GMT -5 maryanne said:

origami , I hope you find a routine and products that work well for you!

I want to hear more about what people use and love in Korea, especially women our age => 30 somethings+. I get a lot of info on blogs, message boards and Instagram, but I would still love reading more.

Well, and there was post months ago on Reddit that claimed women in Korea don't actually use this many steps, that it's pretty much marketing spin. I would be curious to know as well. 

Yes, I sort of believe that. I do wonder if the "10 step" name was hyped up by the US based shops to make it more catchy sounding and also sell more product. Hmm...

As for brands that actual Koreans in Korea use, I definitely want to know more. I do know they love Western brands. I think part of it is a prestige thing because the import taxes are so high, like 18% or something on Western brand cosmetics.

My mom liked Estée Lauder and also Japanese brands. She didn't use a whole lot of Korean brands. She did use a lot of products, in general though. But, my mom is in her 60s and I want to know what women my age use lol

[pantsparty]

Jan 24, 2016 11:44:27 GMT -5 maryanne said:

Jan 24, 2016 11:07:09 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Well, and there was post months ago on Reddit that claimed women in Korea don't actually use this many steps, that it's pretty much marketing spin. I would be curious to know as well. 

Yes, I sort of believe that. I do wonder if the "10 step" name was hyped up by the US based shops to make it more catchy sounding and also sell more product. Hmm...

As for brands that actual Koreans in Korea use, I definitely want to know more. I do know they love Western brands. I think part of it is a prestige thing because the import taxes are so high, like 18% or something on Western brand cosmetics.

My mom liked Estée Lauder and also Japanese brands. She didn't use a whole lot of Korean brands. She did use a lot of products, in general though. But, my mom is in her 60s and I want to know what women my age use lol

I think there's no question part of the appeal is the foreign brand, and the pricing, at least for me. However, I usually dismiss domestic brands that are cheap. LOL. So that's kind of interesting. The routine has been overwhelmingly positive for my skin, but I think the foreign appeal plays a role in overall interest in the U.S. And it sounds like it may be similar in Korea with western products - although I shudder to think how expensive Estee Lauder is over there!

[pantsparty]

Jan 24, 2016 11:59:23 GMT -5 loonylunalovegood said:

pantsparty , how did you decide what to use at night and it the morning? 

Mainly through blogs/Reddit/looking at other people's routines. One of the products I was interested in using were acids (vitamin C, AHA, BHA). I decided to start with vitamin C in the morning, because I could apply that as soon as I woke up and then wipe off before I worked out. I slowly worked AHA and BHA into my routine by using them at night, starting with one acid every 3 nights, then every 2, then every other night, then I started adding BHA after AHA and worked up to every other night for both.

Outside of acids, my morning/evening routines are fairly similar, except I have more serums and a heavier moisturizer at night.

AM:
OST C21.5 (apply as soon as I wake up, wait 20 minutes, wash off)
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (cleansing step)
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner (toner step)
COSRX A-Sol (also a toner; I apply as an acne preventative)
Benton High Content Essence (essence step)
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel (light moisturization; sometimes I also mix this with Benton High Content Steam Cream if my skin is drier than normal)
Biore UV sunscreen

PM:
Ponds Cold Cream (eye makeup remover)
Klairs Deep Black Cleansing Oil (oil cleanse step)
Tosowoong Powder Enzyme Cleanswer (cleansing step)
When I was using acids, this is where I would place that step. I would use a pH adjusting toner (COSRX AHA/BHA toner, Thayers Witch Hazel) and then apply AHA first, 20 minute wait, following by BHA, 20 minute wait. Now, this step is replaced by my Curology prescription, which I'm using every other night. I will probably work acids back in after a few more weeks.
Benton High Content Skin (toner step)
Benton High Content Essence (essence step)
Holy Snails Shark Sauce (serum/treatment step)
Missha Advanced Night Repair (serum step)
Benton High Content Steam Cream (moisturization step)
I've also started using CeraVe Healing Ointment as the Curology prescription is making my skin a little drier.

As you can see, I don't use any serums in the morning and only light moisture, since my skin tends towards oily. I also can't really help with sheet masks, since I don't use any (maryanne will be more helpful). But the general morning routine is acid step, cleanse, toner, essence, moisture, sunscreen and evening is makeup remover, oil cleanse, cleanse, acid step, toner, essence, serum/treatment, moisture. 

The toner step is one that's different from the American understanding - this step is always patting on a treatment for prepping your skin for other steps. Not the swiping with astringent like we're used to

ETA: loonylunalovegood, I know it's tempting to try to PUT ALL THE THINGS ON MAH FACE NOW, but I'd try to stick to a testing schedule if possible. It took me 4 months or so to get into the above routines because I only added one product at a time in case I were to have some type of skin reaction, I would know which product was at fault.

[origami]

Jan 24, 2016 11:07:09 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Jan 24, 2016 10:50:43 GMT -5 maryanne said:

origami , I hope you find a routine and products that work well for you!

I want to hear more about what people use and love in Korea, especially women our age => 30 somethings+. I get a lot of info on blogs, message boards and Instagram, but I would still love reading more.

Well, and there was post months ago on Reddit that claimed women in Korea don't actually use this many steps, that it's pretty much marketing spin. I would be curious to know as well. 

yah I have never met a woman here in korea who told me to follow a step by step routine or said they did 8-10 steps. I do think what I've read is a western spin on korean routines. However, there are SO many products here and each brand line does have things like essences, toners, serums, sheet masks, etc. so I can see why someone decided it would be helpful to put it all in order. When I was shopping store clerks told me I should use about 3-4 products in a certain order. That's all they said. I have heard many korean women tell me to use a sheet mask multiple times per week (not daily).

[origami]

Jan 24, 2016 11:25:08 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jan 24, 2016 7:11:25 GMT -5 origami said:

Just piping in to say I just started doing an full-on 10-step korean skin care routine at night. It's too soon to tell a difference. I'm using products from all different lines so no advice on any particular one yet. However, I have heard from numerous people that the Tony Moly mask to try is their snail mask. Not the Im real line (the wine one). The snail mask is more money - more than double, in Seoul at least. And they have at least 2 kinds of snail masks, maybe more. There are a lot of cheap sheet masks and the ones I have tried before made me break out. I'm trying the snail one now. So far so good but it has only been a few days.

Nice to see you.

are they "famous" brands that you started using?

Hi!! Nice to see you too
Everything I bought is from a mid-price, popular korean brand, found everywhere Seoul. I don't know if they are famous outside korea. Brands are Innisfree, Missha, Skinfood, Tony Moly, the Face Shop, Etude House... I think that's it. I had to buy so many things I can't even remember what I got without looking at my list.

[NewOrleans]

Jan 24, 2016 17:39:48 GMT -5 origami said:

Jan 24, 2016 11:25:08 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Nice to see you.

are they "famous" brands that you started using?

Hi!! Nice to see you too
Everything I bought is from a mid-price, popular korean brand, found everywhere Seoul. I don't know if they are famous outside korea. Brands are Innisfree, Missha, Skinfood, Tony Moly, the Face Shop, Etude House... I think that's it. I had to buy so many things I can't even remember what I got without looking at my list.

BUY ALL THE THINGS PUT THEM ALL ON YOUR FACE!
(hoping you are well)

[Deleted]

pantsparty, I ordered the biore sunscreen...one for me and one for my mom. We always complain about white sticky sunscreen on our faces. Looking forward to trying it!

[origami]

Jan 24, 2016 19:14:48 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jan 24, 2016 17:39:48 GMT -5 origami said:

Hi!! Nice to see you too
Everything I bought is from a mid-price, popular korean brand, found everywhere Seoul. I don't know if they are famous outside korea. Brands are Innisfree, Missha, Skinfood, Tony Moly, the Face Shop, Etude House... I think that's it. I had to buy so many things I can't even remember what I got without looking at my list.

BUY ALL THE THINGS PUT THEM ALL ON YOUR FACE!
(hoping you are well)

thank you NewOrleans. How you are well too! That is definitely my "strategy." I have no idea what this product does and I can't read any of the ingredients but it looks fabulous so I'll take a 6m supply. *skips home*

[greeneggs]

Jan 24, 2016 19:49:39 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

pantsparty , I ordered the biore sunscreen...one for me and one for my mom. We always complain about white sticky sunscreen on our faces. Looking forward to trying it!

I just got mine and so far I like it.  I was appalled at how much the required 1/4 teaspoon really is and I felt like it took forever to soak in but when it did my face felt great.  I lost the dried out yet sticky feel I have after my moisturizer and my primer and foundation look fabulous over it.  After my primer and foundation went on it felt a little drying but I just got home after 4 hours at the zoo with DS and my makeup is mostly still in place.  

I've been on a buying spree with the Banila Clean It Zero and Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream set to arrive in the next few days and the OST C20 will get here eventually from Korea.  I'm considering getting the Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil and/or the Scinic All in One Ampoule but I think I'm going to slow down and let my newest products start working before I add new stuff.  

[NewOrleans]

Jan 25, 2016 17:49:47 GMT -5 greeneggs said:

Jan 24, 2016 19:49:39 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

pantsparty , I ordered the biore sunscreen...one for me and one for my mom. We always complain about white sticky sunscreen on our faces. Looking forward to trying it!

I just got mine and so far I like it.  I was appalled at how much the required 1/4 teaspoon really is and I felt like it took forever to soak in but when it did my face felt great.  I lost the dried out yet sticky feel I have after my moisturizer and my primer and foundation look fabulous over it.  After my primer and foundation went on it felt a little drying but I just got home after 4 hours at the zoo with DS and my makeup is mostly still in place.  

I've been on a buying spree with the Banila Clean It Zero and Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream set to arrive in the next few days and the OST C20 will get here eventually from Korea.  I'm considering getting the Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil and/or the Scinic All in One Ampoule but I think I'm going to slow down and let my newest products start working before I add new stuff.  

Yep, this is my new obsession for sure.  I ordered Clean It Zero, Biologique Recherche Lotion p50v AHA, and Tony Moly snail hydro masks (which origami said).  I brought ph strips from work to test my cleanser.  I am about to finish some products that are open and then it's go time on a new fun intensive routine!

[MrsAxilla]

This post has been very interesting and sent me down the rabbit hole (I've checked out most of what's been posted). I'm still confused on where to start.  Right now my plan is to try the brand at target like mominatrix suggested (in fact I got a sample in my ipsy bag, so I've been all k-beauty for a week -lol). I can dig the philosophy, but the product choices are overwhelming and kinda weird and...unavailable locally?  Or expensive if they are available?  Confusing!

[pantsoffdanceoff]

I don't really post over here but I'm IRL friends with bl and she's always my makeup inspiration. This thread inspired me to tune up my skincare. Here's a list of the items that I purchased. Most will arrive today, so I haven't used any yet.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule Serum

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist

Biore UV Acqua Rich Watery Essence - SPF 50 (this won't get here until mid-February at the earliest)

Shea Terra Organics 100% Pure, Cold Pressed, Certified Organic Lesotho Rose Hips Oil

Biologigue Recherché Lotion P50 (I think this one is French)