AM/PM SKINCARE ROUTINE + THE SECRET KOREAN SKINCARE COMPANIES DON’T WANT THE WESTERN MARKET TO KNOW ABOUT

I don’t talk a lot about skincare on here but I wanted to do an updated routine, It’s been awhile! The last time I showed you my routine was back in November and a lot has changed since then. From products to application methods!

Even though I do like to try new products I like to think I don’t change my skincare exuberantly often which is probably why I’d fail as a Korean skincare reviewer. I also like to keep what works until I find something better. I don’t like to give second chances often, If a product upsets my skin or doesn’t perform well I’m on to the next. Life is too short to wait for long term results. I’m not going to try a product well into my 50s in hopes It might possibly work wonders. I’m also realistic with skincare products, they can only do so much. I don’t expect fine lines and under eye circles to magically disappear. Skincare works until it doesn’t and that’s where cosmetic procedures come in.

For those that haven’t had the opportunity to visit South Korea or know someone personally whose lived there their entire life, I will let you in on a little secret. Facials, peels, skin rejuvenation and many more beauty procedures are mind blowingly affordable and in demand there. It’s one of those things everyone knows but nobody talks about. So PLEASE don’t feel bad that your skin doesn’t look like what the Korean skincare ads push to be results from their products. Genetics also play a big portion too and I’m not talking about “Korean genetics” I’m talking about anyone. There are people in Korea (and worldwide) who unfortunately have troubled skin even with a good skincare routine. Koreans aren’t a magical race of humans with naturally perfect complexions! Beauty procedures are a high priced luxury in the west which makes medical tourism in Korea so booming! This is something I will dabble in on my next trip to Korea since I’ll be reaching my 30s soon.

So YES! skincare is important but how good your skin looks is based on many factors, some completely out of your hands. Let’s get into my current routine!

HAPPY BATH facial yogurt foam

One of the most inexpensive yet trustworthy brands I’ve come across. Happy Bath is a brand you can find at Daiso and grocery stores. They make bath, skincare and hair products! Unfortunately 3rd party stores that ship to the US extremely overprice this brand. This foam cost me 2,000 원 (1.88$) at Daiso and it comes in quite a few variations. It comes out as a gel and foams up as you lather. I use it morning and night. I don’t really use oil cleansers often. I don’t think I have any on hand (aside from some samples). If I’m removing makeup I’ve been grabbing my micellar water.

SKINFOOD black sugar perfect essential scrub

This may be a bit controversial in the Korean Beauty community but I actually prefer physical exfoliation. I’ve tried chemical exfoliators in the past and my skin just didn’t react well to them. I’ve been using physical exfoliators since I was a teenager (Looking at you St.Ives! ♥) and If It ain’t broke I’m not going to try to fix it. I really love this scrub it really does a great job at removing dead skin. I use it twice a week.

COSRX aha/bha clarifying treatment toner

This is a recent purchase that I have been really loving! I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and haven’t gotten any breakouts. I mainly get my breakouts around the time of my period but so far we’re home free! Overall, I really like the COSRX brand aside from a product or two that hasn’t suited my skin. This comes as a toner that you spray on your face but I spray it onto my cotton pads because that’s how I prefer to apply it. This is a cult favorite and that’s why I eventually gave in and bought it. No regrets! I use this day and night.

MIGABEE broccoli pure 100% ampoule

I received this ampoule in my April JOABOX and didn’t really know what to make of it. It has the consistency of water. Smells like water too. I wanted to give it a chance though so I’ve incorporated it into my routine until it’s empty. I haven’t had any side effects and it works well with my oily skin. This ampoule may not be beneficial for dry skin. Some product claims are hydration, brightening, protection against environmental stressors, soothing.

ESFOLIO collagen ampoule

This ampoule I use at night because it’s consistency is on the thicker side. For someone with dry skin this can work in the daytime. It’s basically an anti-aging product. Although it won’t take away the signs of aging I already have acquired, it can help with reducing future signs. I probably won’t re-purchase it in the future but for now it serves it’s purpose.

SECRET KEY snail repairing emulsion

Even though my skin is definitely combination it still leans towards the oily side. I also live in a tropical-ish climate where it’s pretty warm all year round. When I was in Korea during the winter I was able to use rich creams for hydration but here that’s a no go. Instead I use emulsion, an emulsion is basically a lighter version of a face cream. It’s water based and doesn’t clog pores! I also really love snail mucin as an ingredient in my skincare. Snail mucin has many great benefits like hydration, anti-aging and improving scars. There is pretty limited research on these benefits but I’ve only had good experiences so far. I use this day and night.

SHEET MASKS

When I’m going somewhere and I want to look my best I skip my emulsion and go straight to a brightening mask instead. Brightening masks are my absolute favorite type of sheet mask, good ones give instant glowing results. This works for me because of my oily skin. This may not be enough for someone with dry skin though.

Every now and then I’ll use one at night too, so I skip my emulsion and go straight to a mask. I tend to go towards soothing and anti-aging masks for nighttime.

BOBBI BROWN hydrating eye cream

All I expect out of an eye cream is hydration. I don’t believe eye creams will reduce fine lines or cure under eye bags/darkness. Let’s be real! Every now and then I’ll use under eye packs too.

COSRX low ph bha barrier mist

This mist has won my favor over this past month. I received it from Cupidrop a long with the night cream (HAAAAATE) for reviewing purposes. I didn’t have anything nice to say about it at first, I felt like it didn’t do a damn thing and the mist was so fine. After consistent use though I’ve grown to really like it. It does a good job at making a barrier for my skin products to do their job. I just make sure to spray it close to my face and then I dab it in. If you spray it too far away it will just dissipate into the air.

COSRX acne pimple master patch

I love to use acne patches when I’m having a break out! I don’t favor any one specifically, they all work pretty much the same way from what I’ve experienced. I used to use traditional acne spot treatments but this is so much better. Mainly because it works the same way as a western spot treatment but without you having to walk around with a dried white spot on your face. When you apply the patch on your pimple it reduces the appearance of redness instantly. You can also apply makeup over it without having to worry about the makeup getting in contact and irritating the pimple.  In Korea they also sell skin colored acne patches but I haven’t seen any online yet.

 

 

PRO TIP

I also apply these same steps to my neck and the back of my hands. Even if someone looks really youthful for their age these are some of the areas where the true age shows! Most people forget to take care of these spots!