TG2KB Part 7: Wishlists or "Make Me a Routine"

Saturday, August 8, 2015


To Recap...

I introduced purchasing skincare wisely by arming yourself with skincare ingredients awareness in part 1 of this series. We then learned about two methodologies to find products that suit your skin based off your newfound ingredients awareness - (1) using CosDNA to find products that have all of the ingredients you want, and none of the ingredients you don't and (2) using AllofCosmetics.com to do ingredients list research if the product of interest isn't in the CosDNA database.  I then walked you through the reasoning and methodology I used to formulate my current skincare routine for dry, aging skin <-which is now outdated... sigh... oh beauty blogging.. cry the beloved bank account...

Today I'll be introducing some beginner's Korean-style skincare routines or product "wishlists" for each skin type
...using the methodologies I discussed above.





<Insert the regular magazine cold open of how there are cult products out there> like Clinique's Black Honey lipstick and Maybelline's Great Lash mascara and yadda yadda yadda. The Korean beauty world is no different. There are many cult favorite products in each beauty category, from cleansers like Banila Co's Clean It Zero and the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick all the way to the heavy moisturizers like the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack... Not all of these products will work for every skin type, so we'll learn about what may work best on your particular skin concern shortly.

So here's what you can expect from this post:

  • We'll figure out your SKIN TYPE
  • Then we'll cover different BASIC STARTER ROUTINES for each skin type
  • We'll address OTHER SKIN CONCERNS that are reasonably treated through topical means
  • Then we'll cover different PRODUCTS WITH ACTIVE INGREDIENTS that you can incorporate into the starter routine for your skin type
  • Just for fun, I included a list of WESTERN PRODUCTS to consider, for when one is between Kbeauty hauls of course (lol), with a lot of these products enjoying popularity in Korea as well
  • Lastly, again just for fun I included a list of HIPSTER KBEAUTY PRODUCTS for those of you looking for your artisanal small-batch kicks... things to discover before they get big. 

**Disclaimer** I'm not a dermatologist, esthetician, or cosmetic chemist, just a lowly skincare blogger/dilettante/obsessive. :3 So before you take any of my recommendations and run with them, please take into account any skin allergies, sensitivities, and acne triggers you may have, make sure to patch test carefully ,and incorporate the products one at a time. Here are some great reasons why as per a very timely Fifty Shades of Snail post. Also, you may notice that I do not link to research and studies, even if I've read the research available to laypersons. I don't link them because that would suggest that I have some sort of formal background in the sciences or skincare, and I really want to avoid that perception!

Alrighty then. Let's begin.

WHICH SKIN TYPE ARE YOU?

The first thing we need to do is identify your skin type using the chart below:
Got your skin type? That was easy right?

To keep this post from getting too longwinded, I'll be treating Types I & V with the same routine, and Types III and VI with the same routine.

We will not be touching on Type VIII - inflammatory conditions like eczema or rosacea at all either, sorry.

Many of the products are Korean, but there are exceptions (am a firm believer that there is great skincare to be found everywhere).

And lastly, you'll notice right away that no actives are incorporated in these starter routines. I will suggest some products with active ingredients later on, when talking about treating other skin concerns.

THE ROUTINES.

TYPE I. DRY or DRY/DEHYDRATED
TYPE V. COMBINATION DRY-NORMAL
This routine is heavy in skin-identical ingredients like hyaluronic acid (amazing spotlight post over at HolySnails), ceramides, squalene, and glycerin.  This routine is also comprised of multiple humectants, emollients, and occlusives. It avoids simple alcohols and minimizes fragrance and dyes.

A.M.
1. Cleanse with the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $28.00  a glycerol-based rose petal-laced, luxurious cleansing option if you want to splurge (you can save $10 on your first purchase at SokoGlam) or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
2. Moisturize with either the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid $39.00 which is high in glycerin and ceramides as a splurge option, or the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid.
3. Protect your skin from photo-aging and skin cancer with the Atopita Moisture UV Cream $6.19/30g which is an SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen, and a splurge option that is alcohol-free and uses physical UV filters. It dries down with a minimal white cast and is moisturizing. A "save" option would be the Missha All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun SPF50+ PA+++ $14.00 which is another alcohol-free, physical sunblock.

P.M.
1. Cleanse with the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Milk $10.00, a gentle mineral-oil based first cleanser. Another option for those who prefer oils is the Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil $8.84, which is also mineral oil-based.
2. Double-Cleanse with the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $28.00  a glycerol-based rose petal-laced, luxurious second cleansing option if you want to splurge (you can save $10 on your first purchase at SokoGlam) or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
3. Moisturize with either the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid $39.00 which is high in glycerin and ceramides as a splurge option, or the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid.
4. Seal in the hydration with a thick cream with a higher occlusive content like the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX $26.25 which is the newest alcohol-free incarnation of the Laneige water sleeping pack, with workhorse moisturizers like butylene glycol, glycerin, trehalose, etc. For a budget option, try the Mizon Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Pack $17.96 a bouncy, hydrating sleeping mask that based around magical snail secretion filtrate.

TYPE II. NORMAL
This routine also has in skin-identical ingredients like hyaluronic acid (amazing spotlight post over at HolySnails), ceramidessqualene, and glycerin.  This routine is also comprised of multiple humectants, emollients, and occlusives, but has lower occlusive content. Alcohol, fragrance, and dyes may be present in these options as people with normal (and oily, but not sensitive) skin tend to be able to tolerate them a bit better.

A.M.
1. Cleanse with the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $28.00  a glycerol-based rose petal-laced, luxurious cleansing option if you want to splurge (you can save $10 on your first purchase at SokoGlam) or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
2. Moisturize with either the Whamisa Organic Flowers Water Cream $35.00 (you can save $5 off your first purchase at GlowRecipe here) which contains fermented botanical extracts as a splurge option that is just a bit more moisturizing, or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion $14.98, a best selling watery essence or hydrating toner, if your skin requires something less rich.
3. Protect your skin from photo-aging and skin cancer with the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ $40/3.3oz which is broad spectrum sunscreen with a blend of chemical and physical UV filters, and a splurge option. A "save" option would be the Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ $19.99 for pack of 2 Both formulas contain alcohol which allows them to set and dry almost instantly.


P.M.
1. Cleanse with the award-winning Banila Co Clean It Zero $15.95 or the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil $11.20, based on your preference towards an oil or balm cleanser. The Banila Co is mineral oil-based, while the DHC is olive oil-based.
2. Double-Cleanse with the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, $28.00  a glycerol-based rose petal-laced, luxurious second cleansing option if you want to splurge (you can save $10 on your first purchase at SokoGlam) or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
3. Moisturize with either the Whamisa Organic Flowers Water Cream $35.00 (you can save $5 off your first purchase at GlowRecipe here) which contains fermented botanical extracts as a splurge option that is just a bit more moisturizing, or the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion $14.98, a best selling watery essence or hydrating toner, if your skin requires something less rich.
4. Seal in the hydration with a thick cream with a higher occlusive content like the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream $23.50, a heavier version of the Ceramidin Liquid, ingredients here. For a budget option, try the Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream $16.48 one of this snailfan's favorite cremes de escargot.


TYPE III. OILY
TYPE VI. COMBINATION OILY-NORMAL
Every skin type needs a balance of water and oil in their diet to stay nourished, so there are humectants, emollients, and occlusives (less but still present) in this routine as well. One thing that makes this routine unique though is the presence of various absorbent ingredients that help to absorb oil and mattify the skin, as well as some astringent ingredients like witch hazel and rosemary.

A.M.
1. Cleanse with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel $13.98 which contains zinc to help absorb oil. Avoid this one if you are sensitive to sulfates. Another good option would be the virtually fail-safe Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
2. Moisturize and tone/balance your skin with either the lightly absorbent Skinfood Peach Sake Pore Serum $10.72 , ingredients here... or the lightly astringent LeeJiHam Tea Tree 90 Essence $30.00, ingredients here.
3. Protect your skin from photo-aging and skin cancer with the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ $40/3.3oz which is broad spectrum sunscreen with a blend of chemical and physical UV filters, and a splurge option. A "save" option would be the Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ $19.99 for pack of 2 Both formulas contain alcohol which allows them to set and dry almost instantly.


P.M.
1. Cleanse with  The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil $10.17 which is based on rice bran oil. This is not a good option if you are sensitive to fragrance. A higher end option would be the LeeJiHam Dr's Care Cleansing Oil $25.71 which is a Fanserviced-b pick. It is mineral oil-based, and also contains witch hazel as per her translation here.
2. Double-Cleanse with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel $13.98 which contains zinc for the oil absorption effect. Avoid this one if you are sensitive to sulfates. Another good option would be the fail-safe Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
3. Moisturize and tone/balance your skin with either the lightly absorbent Skinfood Peach Sake Pore Serum $10.72 , ingredients here... or the lightly astringent LeeJiHam Tea Tree 90 Essence $30.00, ingredients here.
4. Seal with a thicker moisturizer like the LeeJiHam LJH Tea Tree 80 Cream $38.00 (save $5.00 with by shopping through this link). This cream contains 80% tea tree extract and glycerin as its top ingredients. A budget option for another light sleeping pack is the Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Pack $15.00, ingredients listed here.

TYPE IV. SENSITIVE
This routine is again, balanced with humectants, emollients, and occlusives. What's special about this routine is that it minimizes ingredients that can cause contact allergies or dermatitis, as well as potential irritants. This means you won't find any bee byproducts and very few botanical extracts, so your skin won't be like this little guy...

A.M.
1. Cleanse with the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, the almost fail-safe low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. This cleanser is pH balanced for the skin.
2. Moisturize with the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion $14.98, a best selling watery essence or hydrating toner, if your skin requires something less rich, or the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, another form of hyaluronic acid.
3. Protect your skin from photo-aging and skin cancer with the Atopita Moisture UV Cream $6.19/30g which is an SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen, and a splurge option that is alcohol-free and uses physical UV filters. It dries down with a minimal white cast and is moisturizing. A "save" option would be the Missha All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun SPF50+ PA+++ $14.00 which is another alcohol-free, physical sunblock.

P.M.
1. Cleanse with the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Milk $10.00, a gentle mineral-oil based first cleanser. Another option for those who prefer oils is the Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil $8.84, which is also mineral oil-based.
2. Double-Cleanse with the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, the almost fail-safe low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. This cleanser is pH balanced for the skin.
3. Moisturize with the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion $14.98, a best selling watery essence or hydrating toner, if your skin requires something less rich, or the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, another form of hyaluronic acid.
4. Seal with a thicker moisturizer like the CosRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream $16.72 ingredients here.


TYPE IIV. OILY-DEHYDRATED
This routine is a hybrid of the dry skin and oily skin routines presented earlier. This routine is high in humectants and emollients, as dehydrated skin, best described by SnowWhiteandtheAsianPear is skin that is starved for water. There are also some mattifying ingredients to help contend with the Deepwater Horizon-like situation that can happen on the T-zone (let me know if it's still too soon for that one).

A.M.
1. Cleanse with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel $13.98 which contains zinc for the oil absorption effect as well. Avoid this one if you are sensitive to sulfates. Another good option would be the virtually fail-safe Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
2. Moisturize and tone/balance your skin with either the lightly absorbent Skinfood Peach Sake Pore Serum $10.72 , ingredients here... or the lightly astringent LeeJiHam Tea Tree 90 Essence $30.00, ingredients here.
3. Moisturize with both a cream like Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid $39.00 which is high in glycerin and ceramides and a gel/essence/serum like the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid.
4. Protect your skin from photo-aging and skin cancer with the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ $40/3.3oz which is broad spectrum sunscreen with a blend of chemical and physical UV filters, and a splurge option. A "save" option would be the Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ $19.99 for pack of 2 Both formulas contain alcohol which allows them to set and dry almost instantly.

P.M.
1. Cleanse with the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Milk $10.00, a gentle mineral-oil based first cleanser. Another option for those who prefer oils is the Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil $8.84, which is also mineral oil-based.
2. Double-Cleanse with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel $13.98 which contains zinc for the oil absorption effect as well. Avoid this one if you are sensitive to sulfates. Another good option would be the virtually fail-safe Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser $13.99, a low-pH gentle foaming cleanser as your save option. Avoid the SU:M37 if coconut oil makes you break out. Both cleansers are pH balanced for the skin.
3. Moisturize with both a cream like Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid $39.00 which is high in glycerin and ceramides and a gel/essence/serum like the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $14.71 which has Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid.
4. Seal if necessary with a heavier cream with a higher oil content like the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream $23.50, a heavier version of the Ceramidin Liquid, ingredients here. For a budget option, try the Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream $16.48 one of this snailfan's favorite cremes de escargot.


WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER CONCERNS?

Next, using the chart below, we'll identify your other skin concerns:

Many of these issues can be treated topically through using products with different active ingredients.

ACTIVES FOR OTHER SKIN CONCERNS.

ACNE
Acne is a medical condition, and if severe, would warrant a trip to the dermatologist for a topical or even oral prescription, as well as advice on how to adjust your diet and lifestyle. Mild acne however, may respond to over-the-counter topical treatments, if they contain antibacterial/anti-acne ingredients.

Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are receptive to salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid. Look for the term BHA in your skincare products. BHA's are effective above concentrations of 2% and at a pH of around 4.

Minor acne like closed comedones and even cysts may be responsive to AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc. Effective formulations will have concentrations of higher than 5%, and a pH around 4 as well.

Paula's Choice and CosRX are two brands that do both AHA and BHA products well.

Tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin and/or retinoic acid and benzoyl peroxide may also be helpful additions to your routine.

If you are based in the U.S., there is an online dermatology network that can prescribe these prescription-strength ingredients for acne. They are called Curology (formerly PocketDerm) and cost $19.95 a month, and I use their anti-aging prescription today. If you use this link you can try your first month free.

Clearasil and Neutrogena are popular benzoyl peroxide creams.

Lastly, a new trend in the West, recently given a big head nod from (queen) Lisa Eldridge herself, are hydrocolloid patches, which are little bandages that go on blemishes to zap them away. CosRX are one of the more popular ones.

AGING-PREVENTATIVE
There's a lot of back and forth over when is the appropriate time to start anti-aging treatments. The most conservative folks tend to not recommend using acids and retinoids "before your time" due to the high user error involved. These types of products can result in more photoaging if the user is not diligently using and reapplying sunscreen, since freshly peeled and exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. As such, for those in their teens and twenties, it seems that the less controversial route is to start using products that are high in antioxidants instead. They help protect your skin from cellular damage triggered by the sun, though they cannot replace your sunscreen. Try coupling them with skin-identical ingredients that can help to replenish and repair the outermost layer of our skin, and of course use heaps of sunscreen to protect your skin from the wrinkles and sunspots that come with sun damage.

Products that are high in things like green tea, vitamin c, licorice root extract, ginseng,  astaxanthin, yeast ferment, many other non-fragrant plant extracts, fruit extracts... anything on this list are good to look out for. Skin-identical ingredients that make me perk up are squalene, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, among others.

AGING-TREATING
Throughout our lives, our skin renews itself every 28 days by producing and repairing itself. As we age, our skin's ability to regenerate becomes impaired.. leading to lower levels of collagen production and lower elasticity. This is one of the causal factors for wrinkles. In general, this tends to start happening in our late twenties, early thirties, though some people may experience this effect a bit earlier.

On top of that, our skin is subjected to environmental stressors and agers like pollution, and our arch-nemesis, the sun, which also causes wrinkles. In addition, the sun can cause sun spots, freckles, moles, exacerbate acne scars, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Not to mention the sun can cause cancer. You can choose to begin a more potent anti-aging regimen as soon as you begin to see any of these symptoms of aging. The three most well-studied anti-aging ingredients are...

Vitamin A
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C

Vitamin A takes different forms such as retinol and retinoic acid. Retinoic acid, or Tretinoin, is the more potent form. Vitamin A is a cell-communicating ingredient shown to increase collagen production. A pleasant side-effect of retinoic acid is that it also tends to help with acne and pore visibility.

If you are based in the U.S., Curology (formerly PocketDerm) can also prescribe Tretinoin for aging. It costs $19.95 every month. My particular formula comes with Tretinoin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin c, to be discussed in a few), and Niacinamide (our next topic). If you use this link you can try your first month free.

Vitamin B3 is called Niacinamide in skincare and is shown to help with protein synthesis which increases elasticity in the skin, and also inhibits melanin overproduction, which means it can lighten sun/age spots and other hyperpigmentation.

I use a lot of products with Niacinamide, but the only product where I am certain of my Niacinamide concentration is my Curology (formerly PocketDerm) prescription, which is 4%. I love it as it's both non-paltry, and transparent.

Vitamin C takes many forms. The strongest form is L-Ascorbic Acid or Ascorbic Acid. Other forms include Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate... there are more, but these are among the most prevalent. L-Ascorbic Acid is most effective at concentrations between 10% and 20%, at a pH between 3 and 3.5, and stabilized with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E (aka Tocopherols). Vitamin C can increase collagen production, and lighten hyperpigmentation.

I am currently using and testing the Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, but have reviewed two others before, here on this blog. I was also recently alerted to SkinActives Vitamin C Serum, which is not only extremely affordable, but it looks on par with the other more expensive serums I've reviewed thus far. It's the next serum on my to-try list.


HYPERPIGMENTATION 
The most important thing with regards to lightening hyperpigmentation is to use and reapply sunscreen. This will inhibit the excess melanin production that causes hyperpigmentation greatly. In addition, the sunscreen will ensure your skin is protected as you begin skin brightening treatments.

There are a few skin lightening and brightening ingredients that are viewed as safe in skincare such as Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), licorice root extract, yeast ferment, astaxanthin, among others. It's also important to use sunscreen to block out the sun, which is one of the main causes of acne scarring and sunspots. These ingredients applied over time can help lighten hyperpigmentation. Some people try to speed up the process by using chemical exfoliants that will help reveal newer layers of skin.

Other ingredients for skin lightening are kojic acid, hydroquinone, and arbutin - but these ingredients are to be used with caution and with full knowledge of health implications before the fact. I won't be going into them today.

Some popular products that treat hyperpigmentation are the Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion (contains arbutin) and "first treatment essences" like the Missha Time Revolution $27.99, a dupe of the luxury SK-II Facial Treatment Essence $105.00, and the Nature Republic Saccharomyces Ferment The First Essence, again very dupey. You can give the luxurious SK-II essence a whirl with a single-serving sheet mask for $17.00. Yolo right? Skin and Tonics tried both the SK-II and the Missha and blogged her thoughts on them here, if you want to see which brand won out.

TEXTURE/EXFOLIATION
A pleasant side effect of many of the ingredients that treat acne and aging, is that they are often able to brighten dull skin, and resurface the texture of your skin, making it look more smooth and refined.
Of the ingredients we have talked through thus far, vitamin C, vitamin A (retinoids), and vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) have made a big difference in my skin. Snail secretion filtrate, honey, and propolis are also favorites of mine for their skin-softening effects. Light physical and chemical exfoliation can also help maintain soft, smooth skin since it reveals new "baby" skin. You can try using gentle scrubs, konjac sponges which you can get a deal on at this link via FiftyShadesofSnail, pore brushes, and the acids we discussed in the acne section.

REDNESS
Redness often comes as a sign of irritation, or overexfoliation and can be treated with anti-irritants/anti-inflammatories like yeast ferment, licorice root extract, oatmeal, snail secretion filtrate... The list goes on.

The Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence is a holy grail for some, and I definitely agree. The first treatment essences we discussed in the hyperpigmentation section may also work well.

LARGE PORES / SEBACEOUS FILAMENTS
Pores are a different beast. Everyone seems to want to reduce the size of their pores, but the reality of it is, your pore size is something you cannot actually change. Their visiblity can be reduced by taking measures to clear them out of sebaceous filaments (the precursors to blackheads), but pores stay the same size no matter what. Some great ingredients to look into for pores are BHA's, AHA's, clay and charcoal, sulfur, and Tretinoin/retinoic acid. Personally I have white/beige sebaceous filaments, and have observed the most progress with my Tretinoin/retinoic acid, but others seem to have better results maintaining their pore size with the other types of products. If sebaceous filaments are somewhat of a problem area for you, perhaps they are long/large or maybe they are dark in color, I'd encourage you to check out this ingenious method for clearing out pores by again blogger FiftyShadesofSnail.

For a reminder on how to order your skincare products, you can refer back to TG2KB part 1 here for a refresher on the layering principle.

Okay, so got your choices for your new Korean-style skincare routine figured out? Or maybe you're already a devotee and you're looking for new ideas on what to try.. The next two sections are just some finds that I've discovered while putting together my own to-try lists. The first list are Western products, the second are lesser-known Korean beauty products and brands.

1. ILYSM KBEAUTY! BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I RUN OUT OF PRODUCT AND MY HAUL HAS YET TO ARRIVE?
I see a lot of profession of undying love for Korean skincare, with progress photos, the whole shabang. It's truly awesome and inspiring to see. It is however, possible to see the same great results with Western products as well. Here are the ones that have been intriguing me of late. Many of these products also enjoy popularity among Koreans as well. I've kept it to 15, but really, my list is probably twice that.

2. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING AND I'M LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SHINY, SPARKLY, AND NEW...  -> HIPSTER KBEAUTY
Maybe you read through this entire list and you were disappointed so far, because you're a bit like Ron Swanson and you know more than me.



I thought I would share the contents of my next haul, which contains some lesser known products. These are the products I will pull the trigger on when it comes time to restock my current routine...

BrandProductLinkPrice KRWPrice USD
BiodermaCrealinehttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=66063265817900 krw$15.58
Nature RepublicJeju Mud Sethttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=6432815059000 krw$7.73
TosowoongTime Shift Tonerhttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=11998613326000 krw$22.62
MiguharaWhitening Ampoulehttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=44084434967000 krw$58.29
SidmoolAstaxanthinhttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=34662284016600 krw$14.53
SwanicocoLactobacillus + Acai Berry Ampoule Sethttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=23797089927000 krw$57.42
Label YoungShocking Whitening Lotionhttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=69773153416400 krw$14.27
GoodalSleeping Pack Set Pore Care and Soothinghttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=68239985515000 krw$13.05
NiveaWhitening and Moisturizing Sunscreen Sethttp://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=33498792810900 krw$9.49

There are some real doozies in here, like the Miguhara Whitening Ampoule and the Swanicoco Lactobacillus Ferment Ampoule which are the two of the products I'm most excited for. Nevermind, I'm excited for all of these, but the Miguhara has a base of chamomile extract (it's waterless y'all), niacinamide, allantoin, and bearberry extract, which is the only ingredient to enjoy status as both an antibacterial and an antioxidant in the beautypedia dictionary. Goodbye wrinkles and goodbye acne. The Swanicoco has ginseng, fermented lactobacillus (good bacteria), peptides (proteins), and EGF. They also have two other flavors of ampoules, an EGF, and an acai berry on Gmarket here.


Phew, that's all for today.. I mentioned last time that TG2KB is on hiatus until the end of September for logistical reasons. I am waiting on some hauls using Korean shipping services, and my broken phone needs dealing with, in order for me to post about Hwahae and other apps.

What are your holy grail products for your skin type? I'd love to know!
Also, if anyone is blog or web-savvy, I can't seem to figure out why the header photo is not showing up on the homepage like it usually does. Please let me know if you know the reason why!! <3

P.S. Did you know I'm having a giveaway that is open internationally? You can enter here once a day until Tuesday.

P.P.S. If you found this post helpful, please share! I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

READ THE NEXT TG2KB INSTALLMENTS

INTRO TO KBEAUTY
Part 1. Introduction to Korean Skincare
Part 2. Introduction to Korean Makeup

BRANDS & STORES
Part 3. The Brands
Part 4. The Retailers
     -> Link to a Price Comparison Search Engine (Results from verified sellers only)

RESEARCHING KBEAUTY PRODUCTS
Part 5a. Researching Products; How to Figure Out What You Want to Buy - CosDNA, Popular Products w/ International Stockists
Part 5b. Researching Products; How to Figure Out What You Want to Buy - AllofCosmetics, Korean Products w/o Strong International Presence
Part 5c. Researching Products; How to Figure Out What You Want to Buy - Blogs and Youtube Channels

KBEAUTY STARTER SKINCARE ROUTINES
Part 6. My Skincare Routine & Reasoning
Part 7. Wishlists, or "Make Me a Routine"

"ADVANCED" K-BEAUTY
Part 8. "Advanced" KBeauty - Buying Services & Korean-Korean E-tailers
Using Avecko by SnowWhite&thePear
Using 11st by SnowWhite&thePear
Part 9. Navigating the Korean web: Naver Blogs, Korean Youtubers. Coming soon.
Part 10. Guide to the Hwahae App
Part 11. Beauty Shopping in Seoul 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, see my disclaimer and policies.

No comments:

Post a Comment