Kinseng's Year in Asian Beauty 2015

5 Influences + 5 Best Products + 5 Misc. Musings

It's a fire sale! Of Kinseng's thoughts. Did you think 1+1 was a good deal? Get 5+5+5 for free today. :-)

Thanks for joining me for my short and sweet reflection on 1 year of Asian beauty blogging. And as this is my last post for 2015, I want to wish you the happiest of New Years!




1-5 | Asian Beauty Influences

Sometimes It's Just 'Case By Case & YMMV': CosRX + May Coop Reviews

Today's episode in my "Kinseng" or K-beauty life is "The One Where Two Skincare Products I Was Relying On To Turn My Skin Baby's Butt Soft Actually Turned Out To Be Real Baby Poop".

It's an episode because episodes are "events or short periods of time that are important or unusual", and if you've been with me for awhile, you know that (now it's my turn to be the a-hole) I rarely break out... mostly in part because my skin doesn't gush like a sebum geyser any longer. In fact, it's hard for me to even compare it to a defunct sebum fountain at the playground...

But it happened, two products, and juicy ones I might add ACTUALLY broke me out (well, one did and the other assisted). I had to share the all of the juicy details with you. So in today's post I have two mini-reviews and a little roundup of the lessons I learned from dealing with the breakout.

Disclosure: This post contains a press sample, kindly sent from PeachandLily.com. All thoughts are my own. Press samples are denoted with an asterisk. There are affiliate links in this post. You can help support this blog by purchasing through an affiliate link, which returs a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

December Week 4 K-beauty Skincare Launches

Hi all, these are the final new K-beauty skincare releases of the year 2015!

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

New Label Young Death's Peeling Gel, a Shocking Peeling Gel

The new 'Shocking Peeling Gel' (or Death's Peeling Gel, which is the Korean name for the product) is supposed to be an extremely gentle peeling gel. The main ingredients of the gel are Sulfur, Licorice Root Extract, Angelica Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Extract, and Cnidium Extract. It also contains 20 different natural botanicals to soothe and condition the skin. Another feature of the gel is that users also don't have to wait a few minutes to begin peeling; it will start peeling right away. 23,000 KRW / 120ml at Label Young. <- Proceed to listing for some intense marketing.

December Week 4 K-beauty Makeup Launches

Hi all, these are the final new K-beauty makeup releases of the year 2015!

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

Quickly before getting started, the VDL Pantone Collection that was announced last week is already available for sale here, and the first swatches of the Too Cool For School Triceratops (an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette lookalike) have emerged here. I'm immediately regretting not putting this in a recent Avecko order.

New Lippies at Apieu

A'pieu has two new lip products out. The first at top, is the Apieu Glass Gel Lip. This tinted lip gel line has 5 shades: RD01 Blushing Jelly, RD02 Raspberry Classic, PK01 Acai Bowl, CR01 Peach Cream, CR02 S'more. They retail for 5800 KRW/4g. each at Apieu Korea. 

The second set of lippies is the A'pieu Lip Fluid line. There are two kinds, Lip Enamel Fluids with a glossy finish, and Lip Cotton Fluids with an almost matte finish. While these lipsticks are not new, they've added a few shades to each lineup. The two new Lip Enamel Fluids are OR02 Orange Pudding, and PK02 Rose Drop. The two new Lip Cotton Fluids are CR02 Knit Coral, and PK03 Rose Cloud. These retail for 3800 KRW / 5.5g.

#4DaysofHolidaze: Aritaum Mono Eyes Eyeshadows

Hi all! I hope you had a nice holiday with the fam.

Did you end up getting any Asian beauty products? What was your favorite gift?

I didn't forget about the last 'makeup week' post. Today I have a short review and swatches of the handful of Aritaum Mono Eyes eyeshadows in my collection.

Aritaum Mono Eyes are really excellent eyeshadows for the price. They're about $4 with the exchange rate right now at sites like Tester Korea and such. I'd say they're above drugstore quality because even the matte shadows are pigmented and not hard to blend. I wouldn't quite call them buttery, but they're awesome for the price. My favorite Korean eyeshadows come from the brand 3 Concept Eyes but those shadows are about 1.5x more expensive (3x the price / 2x the amount of product).

So let's get to the pretty...

K-Beauty Day After Christmas/Boxing Day/New Year's Sales 2015

Merry Christmas and welcome back to the weekly sales update! This week brings us Day After Christmas aka Boxing Day sales as well as some discounts that will last through the end of the year in some stores' cases.

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post. Purchasing through an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

ANFCosmetics - 15% off their site with code ANFBOXING, until 12/26 11:59PM PST. Is having a year end sale here. They also continue their $15 off $150+ Canadian dollars event with code ANFCOSMO and free 1 day shipping promotion.

Amazon - New Beauty Coupons


Beauteque.com -
25% off site-wide with code DEC26 until EOD today 11:59PM EST.
Get value boxes of skincare and makeup for $15, $30, or $50.

Join Beauteque monthly and use the above codes to save. The promotion ends 1/15/2016 8PM EST.

Take 10% off your next Beauteque Monthly bag by referring a friend, simply email admin@beauteque.com to collect.

Beautibi.com - unannounced, but they've stocked some new items like a My Beauty Diary cleansing gel, and new My Beauty Diary (2016?) masks.

Beautius - Up to 30% off all products and all orders will be sent with a special Christmas gift, until 12/31.

#4DaysofHolidaze: All about that Satin Matte Base, IOPE Air Cushion XP + Which Cushions Fit Which Cases?

Disclosure: This is a press sample kindly sent from PeachandLily.com. All thoughts are my own and there are no affiliate links in this post. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

Merry Christmas Eve to you if you celebrate! This is the cushion I've been using throughout the Fall and early Winter and I've been liking it a lot. I also have a little family of Amore Pacific cushions so I thought I'd let you know which cushions fit which cases.

IOPE Air Cushion XP SPF 50+/PA+++

My Shade: Cover Vanilla (C21)

My MAC Shade: NC15, my skin leans warm/yellow-toned but only slightly

#4DaysOfHolidaze: Etude House Mascara Fixer

Disclosure: Bought it. Some affiliate links are used in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

I'd heard that Etude House did a product that could save mediocre mascaras from the dustbin so I picked it up. It's called the Dr. Mascara Fixer for Perfect Lash and there are two kinds, #01 is the regular clear gel fixer, and #02 which I *think* has fibers in the formula to create longer lashes.

I have a straight lashes that don't hold a curl very easily. Because of this, many mascaras that are great for others don't work for me, like this Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara. After curling my lashes and applying these mascaras, the weight of the mascara ends up weighing my lashes down until they're stick straight again. Enter Etude House.

#4DaysOfHolidaze: X-Mas Looks feat. Pony Effect That Girl Fever Shadow Palette

In the spirit of Christmas... because at Christmas you tell the truth...

As a beauty blogger, I find it hilarious that I feel at my most vulnerable when I'm wearing makeup. I'm posting my bare face all the time, all over the internet. But hear me out - even if I have less than flawless skin? That's not a problem, I was born that way, or a product did it. Show off less than flawless makeup application? And I'm afraid people will think I have a) poor motor skills b) no attention to detail or c) that I just don't care. (Psst, the answer is probably a combination of (a) and also not enough practice).

GTFOML insecurity, Santa Sehun sez so

Today you'll see some terrible brow work. Let's just say there's a reason why I do mainly skincare reviews. But anyways, it's time to put to rest my insecurities and do some makeup reviews!

Disclosure: There is a press sample kindly sent from Memebox.com in this post. I am not compensated for my views. Some affiliate links are used in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

PSA: Get Free International Shipping at G-Market on orders over $170 now until 12/23!

This deal is just too amazing to let it pass by without letting you all know about it! G-Market is offering free international shipping on any order over 200,000 KRW (roughly $170). The cash is deposited back into your Smile Cash (G-Market) account. To collect this deal go here.

Are you going to take part in this deal?

Disclosure: There are no affiliate links in this post. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

#4DaysOfHolidaze Makeup Looks + Reviews

Disclosure: This post contains some press samples, kindly sent by Memebox, and Peach and Lily. I am not compensated for my views. There are no affiliate links in this post. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

I've been testing out a lot of new makeup over the past 2 or so months. Just in time for the holidays, I've crystallized some thoughts around them... So I thought, why not turn this week into makeup week at the blog? 

Over the next 4 days, you can expect reviews and some festive holiday looks using the below products...

Pony Effect That Girl Fever Shadow Palette*

e.l.f. Illuminating Palette

Aritaum Mono Eyes in 83 Playful, 91 Gardenia, 92 Cozy Touch, 105 Vintage Look, 111 Wannabe Cool

Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer For Perfect Lash

IOPE Air Cushion XP SPF 50+ PA+++* in Cover 21 (C21)

December Week 3 K-beauty Skincare Launches

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty skincare releases this third week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

Renewed O HUI Age Recovery Line

The O HUI Age Recovery line contains their proprietary 'baby collagen'. In the line are an essence (114000 KRW/45ml), a skin softener (49400 KRW/150ml), emulsion (59860 KRW/130ml), eye cream (85500 KRW/20ml), cream (95000 KRW/50ml) and facial oil (30ml). The line is available at GS SHOP here.

December Week 3 K-beauty Makeup Launches

*Sorry for the double post*

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty makeup releases this third week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

Holika Holika Audrey Jeanne Dodo Cat Collection

Enprani-owned Holika Holika announced it would be teaming up with French illustrator Audrey Jeanne on a new collection of products. The inspiration for the DoDo Cat collection is the word "DoDo". DoDo in French slang means sleep while in Korean means chic, haughty. The DoDo cat is chic/haughty on the streets but at home sleepy and couch potato-y like us. 

In the collection:

Face 2 Change DoDo Cat Glow Cushion BB SPF 50+ PA+++ is a moist cushion that contains brighteners. There are two shades, the customary 21 and 23 which matches about an NC15 and an NC20-25. This time, in addition, there are two cushion cases to choose from. The mint green is called 'DoDo's Outing' and the baby pink is 'DoDo's Break'. 21900 KRW / 15 g.

Heartful DoDo Cat Gel Tint Bar contains argan oil, olive oil. There are two shades, DoDo Pink and DoDo Coral. 8900 KRW / 3.6g.

Dust Out DoDo Cat 3-in-1 Trans-Foam Cleanser is supposed to clenase gently with microbubbles. It's a hybrid mask-scrub-foam to cleanse and care for pores. 6900 KRW / 120 ml.

Not Pictured / Also New: Dessert Time Candy Lip Balms contain 10 ingredients to condition the lips thoroughly including shea butter, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil and more. There are 4 shades and flavors, 01 Watermelon Bar, 02 Tangerine Bar, 03 Soda Bar, 04 Vanilla Bar. 5900 KRW / 3.5 g. 

FRIDAY K-BEAUTY SALES ALERTS: Cupidrop, Beauteque, oo35mm, YesStyle and more... + Fluff

Welcome to the weekly K-beauty and Skincare sales update [abridged]!

We are getting down to the wire for holiday shopping, especially for Korean beauty finds. This week's list is short and sweet. It only includes deals from sites that offer expedited shipping. Considering many of you visit from other parts of the globe, the list also includes a few international retailers. So without further ado, here are the sales. :)

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

ANFCosmetics - Is having a Christmas sale here. They also continue their $15 off $150+ Canadian dollars event with code ANFCOSMO and free 1 day shipping promotion.

Beauteque.com -
(1) They have new gift sets for $50 receive a skincare and makeup box worth $105, for $30, receive a $70 value, for $15 receive a $40 value.

(2) One deal a day in December. Today's deal is a free Benton Snail Bee Mask as a gift with purchase. The code is DealADay. Check back daily to see what's on offer!

Beautibi.com -
A newly curated Maskingdom set of masks is on sale for $25 here.  (2) 10% off your first order if you sign up for the newsletter.

Beautius.com -
30% off and free gift until 12/31.

November 2015 Mishibox Unboxing

Hey y'all. So here's the thing. Back in the early Fall, just a little bit before the original blog was reborn as Kinseng.org, it started getting some traction. You know, racking up some views. The news updates may have had a little to do with it. With views will come press inquiries, it's only natural. But I DUN GOOFED. I took too many press samples because well, I was excited! And 2-3 months later, I'm finding myself still working through the backlog of promised reviews.

My intent going forward is to not only have Kinseng be a record of my Asian / Korean beauty diary, but also to showcase great lesser-known finds from (usually) Korea that have real potential to be something special. Like maybe they're super affordable and functional, or elaborate and innovative. Or maybe it's that the packaging is graced by angelic faces of beautiful K-pop bb's. I DON'T KNOW! But I would love for you to help me figure it out as we go along. This is #missionkinseng, to be a kind of Korean skincare finder, using my Korean language skills and my whopping case of skincare addiction for the greater good. While I'm excited to share this information with you, I won't be ready to do this until I work through the backlog of press samples past me (that derp!) accepted. Which brings me to today, which is a Mishibox unboxing.

Disclosure: This is a press sample, kindly sent from Mishibox.com. I am not compensated for my views. There are no affiliate links in this post. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

My Peach Picks: Peach and Lily Korean Beauty Haul

For many a Korean skincare-curious shopper, Alicia Yoon and her chic online storefront, Peach and Lily, are among the first names to catch the eye. Because they've been in Vogue, Allure, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, you know, little things like that. The dead gorgeous Yoon and her fascinating personal story about starting Peach and Lily to craft a career out of her own passion for skincare is so fluffin' compelling that she's become a media darling, and one of the few women whose names have become almost synonymous with Korean beauty here in the west.

I've always been attracted to Alicia and Peach and Lily's story, especially since she seems to have tackled and overcome a very 'millenial' challenge - blending career and passion. I (and my face) would like to support Peach and Lily by shopping them more often, but 'little' things often make me pause - like the fact that they mark up certain lines by quite a bit. While fast domestic shipping, curation services, and awesome customer service can account for some of the price differential, if you're willing to wait a few weeks, there are very many ways to get a Peach Pick for a lower price by shopping an Asia-based store. But when they do go on sale, like they did for Black Friday - it's hard to not partake. And partake I did... So, I bought a few things, and I have some first impressions for you today. :) Read on if you want to find out if my recent Peach Picks are 'certified fresh' or sadly, moldy and 'rotten'.

December Week 2 K-beauty Skincare Launches

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty skincare releases this second week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

3 Concept Eyes White Milk Cream

3 Concept Eyes, the beauty line at one of Seoul's most popular high street fashion destinations, Stylenanda, released a whitening cream called the 3CE White Milk Cream. It retails for $35.23 for 50 ml at their global storefront. The ingredients are listed on the website, and feature the brightening powers of milk protein extract and niacinamide. For moisture it also contains cocoa butter. It claims to have instant brightening effects, but frankly, that is probably to do with the white cast lent by the titanium dioxide in the formula as well. It comes in a cute white plastic container, with a spatula, and a milk carton box.

December Week 2 K-beauty Makeup Launches

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty makeup releases this second week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

New History of Whoo Gongjinhyang: Mi Goong Joong Pacts - Heritage Edition

The History of Whoo has announced these two new limited edition beauties. They are the Gongjinhyang Mi Goong Joong Pact Heritage Edition (Shades 1 and 2) and the Gongjinhyang Mi Goong Joong Blusher Heritage Edition (Coral). Both products contain 12g and retail for 150000 KRW. They are fragranced with two different types of musk and aloeswood tree. 

The Goong Joong Pact is a base makeup product that contains pearl, gold, and pumpkin powder, and extracts of Chinese matrimony vine, pine tree, and ginseng. The design of the pact is inspired by the designs from jewelry of the queen of the kingdom of Baekjae back in the 1500's. I am a bit confused as to whether this is a powder or cushion product, but after waffling back and forth for a bit - but I'm finally landing on powder pact. This is because in the past, History of Whoo has typically called powder pacts, "pacts". If I see any more information I will update this brief.

The Goong Joong Blusher contains 4 types of pearl and cultured silk extract. They will be available at History of Whoo Korea soon.

FRIDAY K-BEAUTY SALES ALERTS: Birchbox, Etude House, Memebox, Style Korean...

Welcome to the weekly K-beauty and Skincare sales update [abridged]!

These are the sales going on right now. Some of the sales below are today only. There are a few days left to shop to receive your gifts in time for the holidays!

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

Amazon - New Beauty Coupons New coupons added.

ANFCosmetics - Is having a Christmas sale here. They also continue their $15 off $150+ Canadian dollars event with code ANFCOSMO and free 1 day shipping promotion.

Beauteque.com -
Over at Beauteque, they're having a 25% off flash sale on the entire site from 12AM EST Sat. 11/12 until 11:59PM. Code is SHOP25.
(1) 20% off favorites from past BB bags (still)
(2) They're offering insane gifts with purchase. For any order $25 - $49.99, get a gift basket of products including sheet masks and makeup products. For orders $50 - $99.99, get a gift basket of products with even higher value. For orders $100+, expect a gift basket including a few full-size skincare products. While supplies last.
(3) One deal a day in December. Today's deal is a free Benton Snail Bee Mask as a gift with purchase. The code is DealADay. Check back daily to see what's on offer!

Beautibi.com -
(1) They have a holiday sale going on until 12/15. Get 15% off all mask products with code MASKADDICT.  (2) Sale section here including the regular items like the Kanebo enzyme powder cleanser (3) 10% off your first order if you sign up for the newsletter.

I'm Meme I'm Brush Dual Pore Brush Rave, Tips & Tricks!

Back again, this time to show a healthy appreciation for this new cleansing tool of mine, sent by Memebox as a part of their brand ambassador program.

In this post, you'll see me lose my mind over this dual-ended pore brush, and also some tips and tricks for how to best use and maintain this apparatus.

The product I'm talking about is the I'm Brush Dual Pore Brush from Memebox's I'm Meme line of products. You'll be happy to learn it does make your cleansing game stronger, and is way relaxing to use. There are affiliate links in this post.

Memebox Nooni Snowflake Cleanser Review

Hello everyone - I just wanted to post a few (uncharacteristically) short and sweet reviews on some products that I was sent by Memebox as a part of their brand ambassador program.  There are affiliate links in this post.

This probably isn't the first review you've read on this cleanser as Memebox launched it to some fanfare a month? Maybe 2 months ago? Time flies..

But it will be the shortest as it failed to crack my wish list.

Month in Masks - November 2015

What would this blog be without my Month in Masks roundup? A self-indulgent and useless endeavor? Probably.

Sheet masks are among my favorite skincare products, and I have come to realize that I'm privileged to be able to try out an inordinate amount of them every month, thanks to...

     A growing obsession with said sheet masks. They're like going to the spa, but better. The spa doesn't have Netflix.
     My amazing, knowledgeable, and generous blogger, instagram, and Asian Beauty forum friends,
     My also amazing blog partners and sponsors,
     And the fact that I generally have no reservations about Asian skincare or 'weird skincare ingredients'. I've always been one to try anything once.

There are so many un-vetted sheet masks out there. I'm happy (and my face is happy) to play the part of sheet mask tester to help you discover some new gems and duck some of the oh-god-nos out there.

Read on to learn more about the best and worst masks I slapped on my face in the past 4 or so weeks.

Disclosure: I either purchased or received these masks as gifts. Also, about halfway through writing this post, I realized it was going to get way too long - so I made these mini-reviews! 

December Week 1 K-beauty Skincare Launches

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty skincare releases this first week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

But first, some exciting news: South Korea Passes Law to Mandate Use of Alternative [non-Animal] Tests for Cosmetics  Korea has passed a law mandating alternative non-animal testing where alternative tests are deemed acceptable by the Ministry of Food Drug and Safety. While this falls short of a complete ban on animal testing, it's certainly on the right track. Thanks to Stephen at KindofStephen.com for sharing the great news.

At Innisfree: Super Foods, pH balanced cleansers, Camellia Oil-based body care

Innisfree has released 5 FULL lines of products based around the concept of Super Foods. 

Each line is centered around one star ingredient, all high in antioxidants: Blueberry, Red Beet, Broccoli, Kale and Oat. 

Top Row from Left to Right:

1. The 'Super Food Blueberry Rebalancing' line focuses on maintaining the pH-balance of the skin. It contains a cream (50 ml/9500 KRW), skin (toner) (150 ml/8500 KRW), and a pH 5.5 cleanser (100 ml/5500 KRW). 

2. The 'Red Beet Bright Toning' line is a brightening line. It has a toner (150 ml / 8000 KRW), a lotion (130 ml / 8000 KRW), and a cleanser (unclear if pH balanced) (100 ml / 5500 KRW).

3. The 'Broccoli Clearing' line is targeted against acne as broccoli is a natural source of salicylic acid. It has a gel cleanser (100 ml / 5000 KRW), toner (150 ml / 8000 KRW), and lotion (130 ml / 8000 KRW).

Bottom Row from Left to Right:

4. The 'Kale Anti-oxidant' line is for elasticity. It has a cream (50 ml/9500 KRW), lotion (130 ml / 8000 KRW),  a skin/toner (150 ml/8500 KRW) (this I've seen at Tester Korea already), and a foam cleanser that is either sold out, or not yet launched at the official site.

5. The 'Oat Mild Moisture' line is supposed to moisturize without any stickiness. It has a peeling gel (100 ml / 7000 KRW), a cleanser, a skin/toner, a lotion, and cream. The pricing and amount of product is on par with the rest of the lines.

6. Check out the many new Jeju Camellia body care products here. There's a body oil, body butter, lotion, and body cleanser.

December Week 1 K-beauty Makeup Launches

Hi all, these are the new K-beauty makeup releases this first week of December.

Most are freshly announced, or only available on their official Korean websites. These products can be purchased through using a buying service like the one provided by Avecko.com. One of the first stores with international shipping to carry new releases is Tester Korea. At times, new releases will start popping up in their store within a couple of days, so make sure to check them out!

It's Skin Holiday Macaron Kits

It's Skin has 2 holiday gift sets. Each contain 3 macaron candles, 2 macaron lip balms, an ornament, and 1 macaron lip and cheek product. The sets retail for 29000 KRW here.

The Mint edition has a green apple lip balm, a pineapple lip balm, a lip and cheek in 02 peach gelato, and 3 candles in orange, yellow, and mint scents. Apparently you can smell 'yellow'. 

The

The Navy edition has a chocolate lip balm, a grape lip balm, a lip and cheek in 01 pink parfait, and 3 candles in pink, purple, and choco. I think they've won me over... colors should have smells. 

FRIDAY K-BEAUTY SALES ALERTS: Wishtrend, Cupidrop, Beautibi, Rakuten, Ulta...

Welcome to the weekly K-beauty and Skincare sales update [abridged]!

If you missed Black Friday and Cyber Week sales, there's no reason to kick yourself. A fair amount of retailers are still offering discounted prices. Read on to see what's in store for the weekend!

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

11st - (1) Scinic and Illi are among the beauty products marked down this week here. There might also be some tofu sheet masks that have piqued my curiosity. (2) $30 off $100 in shipping coupon here for first time buyers, and at the same link, a 50000 point offer with $100+ order. Points are rewards that can be used to save money on future purchases.

ANFCosmetics - They continue their $15 off $150+ Canadian dollars event with code ANFCOSMO and free 1 day shipping promotion.

Beauteque.com -
Over at Beauteque, they've launched Peripera lip products and are offering
(1) 20% off favorites from past BB bags
(2) One deal a day in December. Today's deal is a free Mizon peptide sheet mask as a gift with purchase. The code is DealADay. Check back daily to see what's on offer!

Beautibi.com -
New releases: Take Me To Wonderland set featuring Solone eyeshadow kit, more makeup and skincare. Make your own mask sets launched. Maskingdom sheet mask sets on discount.
(1) They have a holiday sale going on until 12/18. Get 15% off all mask products with code MASKADDICT.  (2) Sale section here including the regular items like the Kanebo enzyme powder cleanser (3) 10% off your first order if you sign up for the newsletter.

One Brand Review: Leaders Cosmetics

Disclosure: Some of the products are press samples, kindly sent from Leaders Cosmetics USA. They are marked with an asterisk. I am not compensated for my views. There are no affiliate links in this post. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

I feel very lucky to be able to bring you this One Brand Overview post of Leaders Cosmetics today. First, I was lucky enough to have connected with one Ms. Helen at Leaders Cosmetics's USA branch of the brand. Her kindness and willingness to work with me in selecting products were instrumental in enabling me to write this review. We've been emailing back and forth for weeks on end to track down ingredient lists, and find products that could be considered some of the best of the brand for today's post. Second, some of the products in this post I won through participating in Leaders's most recent giveaway on Instagram.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday / Holiday K-beauty & Skincare Sales

Updated: The sales in this post are current and are being maintained. See below for the latest Cyber Monday sales.

Is anyone else super happy the week is over? Welcome to the weekend before American Thanksgiving, i.e. the calm before the storm. The first Friday and Monday after the holiday (11/26) are major shopping days in the U.S. called Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I'm sure you've seen videos of the insanity before. Many retailers have announced their online sales for the event. Read on to see what's in store next week!

See below for details on Black Friday at Memebox.com (U.S. only), Wishtrend.com (global), and Sephora (U.S.)! Lotte (Korean-Korean shop) also have slashed prices deeply and are offering fast EMS shipping currently. Lastly, if you're a Missha fan, they're going hard with 40% off their entire site right now!

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post. Clicking on an affiliate link returns a small sum to me at no cost to you as the consumer. Doing so is appreciated as it helps to support this blog. If you are curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.

Also, hi, if you've found me from Samantha's (theglitterchic.com) giveaway blog hop, please hit the subscribe button or check back on Sunday for details of my participating giveaway. Thank you!

11st - (1) They have winter beauty promotions here (2) Another sale section is here. (3) $30 off $100 in shipping coupon here for first time buyers, and at the same link, a 50000 point offer with $100+ order. Points are rewards that can be used to save money on future purchases. 

Amazon - New Beauty Coupons
$10 back with any luxury beauty purchase of $50 or more. Code is LUX10BACK.


ANFCosmetics - They've started Black Friday sales already with items up to 70% off! $15 off $150+ Canadian dollars event with code ANFCOSMO and free 1 day shipping, promotion still valid.

Anthropologie - Free shippings no minimum, Extra 25% off all sale items. They carry Mizon and Blossom Jeju.

Beauteque.com -
Cyber Monday 30% off site-wide with code Cyber30 and 20% off all subscriptions to Beauteque Monthly with code Cyber20! There are also select items across the site that are 50% off. Sale has already started.
(1) 25% off dairy goods
(2) 20% off all Scinic
(3) 15% off new items on the site
(4) 25% off all makeup and eye care
(5) 15% off month-to-month BeautequeMonthly subscription with code HOLIDAY15, 20% off 3 months HOLIDAY20, 25% off 6 months HOLIDAY25, 30% off 12 months HOLIDAY30
(6) Current instagram giveaway with a free iPad
(7) Take 10% off your next Beauteque Monthly bag by referring a friend, simply email admin@beauteque.com to collect.
(8) 15% off with code MICHELE until 12/1.
(9) 25% off fruit and veggie products.


Beautibi.com - (1) Their Thanksgiving sale is on now Spend $45 to get $5 off with THNX2U2015, Spend $75 to get $10 off with FALLYAY2015, Spend $100 to get $15 off with TURKEYTIME (2) Sale section here including the regular items like the Kanebo enzyme powder cleanser (3) 10% off your first order if you sign up for the newsletter.