To cleanse in the morning or not to cleanse? That is the question. Whether it ’tis better for the skin to be cleansed with a water-based cleanser or to be splashed with water or a cleansing water so as to not strip away moisture? Ahem. Sorry. This may seem like a silly, over-thinking question, but… Read More AM Cleansing: Needed or No?
I know, I know, what a click-baity title. Sorry, I’ve been reading the whole internet while I take breaks from grading and it’s had a bad influence on me. Anyway, back to the topic at hand: mists! When I first heard about mists awhile ago as yet another “step” in the Asian skincare lineup, I… Read More Mists: Hydrating or All Hype?
At one point in my life, the word “toner” would have made me shudder and my skin crawl: Western toners are often filled with alcohol and other drying ingredients that damaged my skin. Now, after trying Asian toners (sometimes called lotions), I have a problem with hoarding…I mean collecting… them. I love using light, hydrating… Read More Review: [JOLSE] Olivarrier Dual Moist Toning Lotion (180ml)
Hype: it’s what drives many purchases in the skincare world, and I’m not embarrassed to say (well, maybe a little embarrassed) that I fall for hype quite a bit. Sometimes that FOMO drive leads me to winners like the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Ex and the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner. Other times, the products… Read More Review: Whamisa Organic Flowers Nourishing Day & Night Cream
Sorry for the posting hiatus–I was on a trip in the British Isles for a week and a half, (which was absolutely lovely). I brought enough sheet masks to do one each night, although I wasn’t brave enough to actually use one on the plane. I didn’t want to embarrass or freak out the teenagers… Read More Review: Holika Holika Skin & Good Cera Toner
Hydrating toners have become an increasingly important step in my skincare routine. Since they’re early on in the routine–usually following cleansing, actives, or a first treatment essence, depending on your routine–they’re meant to prep your skin to absorb everything that follows. That means I look for hydrating toners that absorb quickly while adding moisture to… Read More Review: Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted–work has been crazy. While I would much rather be writing about Korean skincare, student papers aren’t going to grade themselves. If you want more frequent updates, I’m more consistently active on Instagram; I try to post at least once a day. My handle is @Snails4eva–go follow me!… Read More Rebuilding My Moisture Barrier
“Ew! Snail mucus?!” This is the reaction I get when I tell people about my love of Korean skincare products that are chock full of snail mucin. (The only exception to this is my seventy-something-year old mother, who was completely unfazed by the idea and happily began using the snail cream I gave her for Christmas… Read More Ingredients to Love: Snail Mucin
I looooove honey as a skincare ingredient, and I enjoy indulging in wash off masks. Therefore, it was inevitable that I would purchase the I’m From Honey Mask. It sells out very quickly if/when it goes on sale, and pretty much everyone who has tried it has given it A++ reviews. However, given that around the… Read More Review: I’m From Honey Mask and Miss Flower & Mr Honey Heating Pack
The following post was written by a friend, Beth, who has followed me on this Korean skincare journey. She has rosacea, sensitive skin, and allergies to several common skincare ingredients. Over the past 6 months she has learned a lot about how to treat and deal with her sensitive skin. Since this seems to be… Read More Guest Author: On Rosacea and Sensitive Skin
I buy crap so you don't have to 