Stonehenge x Jessi

Practice “skinimalism” with these four skincare products

Listen, we get it. A 12-step skincare routine can be fun and therapeutic. Your favorite K-Beauty brands have been telling you to collect cleansers like candy for years, and 2020 has been a year of collecting all the moisturizers you see on Amazon.

Shop the only four skincare products you need on MIRA

Practice “skinimalism” with these four skincare products

Listen, we get it. A 12-step skincare routine can be fun and therapeutic. Your favorite K-Beauty brands have been telling you to collect cleansers like candy for years, and 2020 has been a year of collecting all the moisturizers you see on Amazon.

Shop the only four skincare products you need on MIRA

Secret Weapon Against Acne: Acne Patches

Pictured: Actually this gif has nothing to do with this topic, it’s just what I wish my nights were like.

Hello! I’m back! Somehow studying has made my life so hectic and messed up my sleep schedule that I’m breaking out again. Just when I thought I had suppressed my hormones and solved my acne problem, my skin rebels against me.

So how do you get rid of pimples quickly? Acne patches. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for them. I prefer to use acne patches over other skincare products (like the pink liquid from some products that you apply on a spot) because they are more effective with absorbing the fluid inside your pimple and easier to remove. You won’t aggravate the skin by picking at the pimples and now you won’t be worried about your pimples being irritated by your face mark. Did you know they were invented by Koreans? They have contributed so much to the beauty world.

Brands that make acne patches (in packs that contain a fair amount of them) ⭐️

• Nexcare: These are the ones I use. They are super easy to find, very affordable, and come in two sizes. They also come with a thin acne dressing (for mornings) and the normal one (I leave them on overnight). My mom always bought this for me in my teenage years when my face was covered with acne.
• CosRX: I actually bought a pack before and I would say they aren’t as sticky as the other acne patches I’ve tried (at least for my oily skin). These are very cheap and is one of the best K-beauty exports. There’s also a Clear Fit option to wear in the morning.
• Dr Jart Focuspot Blemish MicroTip Patch: a more expensive brand for pimple patches.
• I have also seen some brands make pimple patches look more like stickers. I’m not sure if those work and would rather stick to the originals but if you don’t have terribly sensitive skin, feel free to give them a try.

How to make acne patches work more effectively

• Tip from my mom: don’t apply on a pimple that is filled with pus, place the acne patch on a place where you think you may break out (pimple that have yet to come to a head). However, I have heard that it is alright to use them on whiteheads.
• Apply the patch with clean hands onto dry skin.
• Leave it on for six hours or more for best results. I leave them on until I shower at the end of the day.

One thing to note is that acne patches work for mild acne. So don’t use them for cystic acne or “under the skin” lesions. They are also unable to prevent acne, and can only help give a temporary fix to the issue. But for now, acne patches help speed up healing time and get rid of pimples if you’re in a rush!

Review: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original

Pictured:The container. A nice, simple product design.

I haven’t had the time to focus on this blog lately because of life (but I want to thank people for still following me despite the inactivity ). I did have time to test out this product for over a month and I’m here to urge you all to try it.

This cleansing balm is worthy of the hype. I believe this was one of the first Korean skincare products to gain international recognition. The original version comes in a light pink container and includes a tiny plastic spatula to scoop the balm without contaminating it. When you touch it (or when it comes into contact with a warm surface), it turns gooey and melts into cleansing oil. The product has a great smell that reminds me faintly of berries.

It does its job of taking off makeup very well and doesn’t get all over the place like a typical oil cleanser. The cleanser removes everything on your face, from excess sebum and dust to heavy-duty makeup. Once you’ve rubbed it all over your face, rinse with water and you’re left with clean, hydrated skin. I have acne-prone and oily skin during the summer and this doesn’t cause me to break out.

I frequently scoop out more than I need, which explains why I’ve worked through about half of it within a month. The container is surprisingly deep though and you’ll get your money’s worth from this product. I got the Cleansing Balm Original at my local store and it was definitely cheaper than getting it online. It also comes in different formulas to suit other skin types. This is one of my best skincare purchases of 2020. ‍♀️

Part 2 ‍♀️✨

• *Say So, by Doja Cat (her voice… this song is a bop ladies and gentlemen)
• NASA, by Ariana Grande (this and needy are my favourite songs from her latest album)
• Lion Heart, by SNSD (older song, but still good)
• AlsoSweet Talk andGenie by SNSD (I became a fan a year after their last album)
• ROXANNE, by Arizona Zervas
• Golden Hour, by Kacey Musgraves (the Jonas Brothers partied to this on a boat, what more do you need to know)
• Blueming, by IU (I love her music, she puts out some of the most relaxing songs ever)

Addressing Dry Patches

Or dry skin in general, I suppose

I never thought I could get dry patches. If you’ve been a longtime follower of this blog, you would know that my skin is oily and sensitive. It made no sense for my face to develop two itchy and flaky dry patches at the corners of my mouth. (I don’t have the authority to comment on excema or other similar rashes. Take my advice with a grain of salt.) I think I’m getting these patches because of accidental over-exfoliation and the dry weather. It’s time to find out how to restore radiance to your face. 

Here’s how to deal with dry skin (on your face or body in general):

• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser- a cleanser that increases the moisture of your face instead of stripping it away.
• Moisturize! It will help repair your skin barrier, particularly after exfoliation. I actually layered on more toner than usual in the morning and night and it does reduce the scaliness. Try some products with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture to the skin. 
• Limit showers or baths to 5-10 minutes, as it will prevent removing natural oils from your skin.
• Use a gentle exfoliator to get rid of dead skin, but don’t overdo it!

Product recommendations

Pictured: Some of my picks for dry skin. 

• Cleanser: Neogen Fresh Foam Cleanser (TheGreen Tea version is for oily skin.)
• Toner:Avene Hydrance Deep Moist Lotion (I bought this to repair my dry skin patches and after a week, they seem to be gone. It is good for sensitive skin like mine and is instantly hydrating.)
• Mask:I’m From Honey Mask (This is a cult favourite and very hydrating. However, it is not fragrance-free so be aware of that.)
• Exfoliant: Face- COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad. Body-Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish.  
• Serums/Essences:COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence,Mizon Original Skin Energy Hyaluronic Acid 76 Premium Hydrating Serum, and Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence. (Not completely necessary for your skin to heal, but extra moisture would be welcome.)

✨✨Splurge-worthy Korean Skincare Products ✨✨

Or, it’s my birthday and I deserve to treat myself

Hello everyone I’m back from a long hiatus because I finally have time and energy to post. It’s also my birthday today (29/11).

People are always talking about treating yourself to a new coat or a manicure whenever you feel like it. So, here are my picks for the best Korean skincare products if you want to treat yourself.

Belif: The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Pictured: So I don’t really own one of these because it’s sort of out of my budget. I wish I did though.

Alright a high price tag may not always be justified (see: La Mer), but this moisturiser from Belif has an anti-oxidant formula. That means it perfect for calming your skin and keeping it soft and radiant. It’s also suitable for most skin types.

They say that it could be used as an overnight sleeping mask and a makeup primer. I love multipurpose products that are worth the money.

Beauty of Joseon: Dynasty Cream

Pictured: This is very pretty packaging. (From Soko Glam).

Can I just say how cool the name is? And the glass packaging. This is why presentation is so important for branding.

It contains ingredients from traditional Korean medicine such as ginseng, which helps brighten skin. I would recommend this for people with dry skin but not for those with sensitive skin.

Make P:rem: Safe Me Relief Moisture Green Ampoule

People shouldn’t spend a lot of money on cleansers or makeup remover, but the one thing it’s alright to splurge on is serums or ampoules. Things that warrant the price.

Make P:rem’s Safe Me line is well-marketed, but it works. The above ampoule works for oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin types and contains 18 ingredients. It soothes and moisturizes at the same time.

Innisfree: Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I think I’ll be recommending masks in this post, because they are just so nice-feeling and gives your skin that extra push it needs to be dewy and even. It’s the perfect thing to treat yourself with.

I’m a huge fan of clay masks in general as my skin gets super oily at times. This one from cult favourite Innisfree detoxifies skin and helps with calming acne. It also comes in a foamy mousse form. I’ve recommended it a few times here on this blog as it is very good for your skin.

Dr. Jart+ Lover Rubber Masks

These are super fun rubber masks (each color has a different property) that are good for every skin type. Normally I’m not a fan of sheet masks, but I’ll make an exception for this.

I would recommend the Hydration Lover, which is perfect for a self-care day. One mask is pricier than your average Korean sheet mask, but it is really effective.

Bonus: Brands that are worth your hard-earned money

• Cosrx (fantastic for acne-prone skin)
• Skinfood (try the Egg White Pore Mask)
• Sulwhasoo(a brand on the higher end of the spectrum with products made from the best ingredients)

I might add some more to this list later. Stay tuned for my next post!

Songs I listen to whenever I put a sheet mask on ‍♀️

• Friday, by IU (best played on Fridays)
• First Sight, by Heize (the vibes are amazing and soft- this is a song you can fall asleep to)
• We don’t talk together, by Heize and Giriboy
• Little Little, by Red Velvet
• Clover, by Yoon Ji-sung (another song that just relaxes me)
• Boy With Luv, by BTS, feat. Halsey

Bonus:OMG, by Camila Cabello (an enjoyable song)

All the different types of ‘good’ skin (Korean ver. )

Sometimes I wonder how South Korean women even live, with the pressure of society forcing them to look their best every single day. Flawless white skin, double eyelids, sharp jawline. Korean beauty standards are some of the highest and most unrealistic in the world.

Here are the four types of skin Korean people aim to get (mostly through witchcraft):

Glass skin

The difficulty of achieving this type of skin: compared with the rest, not really

Unlike the rest of the looks below, glass skin only asks you to get a dewy, luminous look- just like a porcelain doll. It’s literally my personal goal when I get down with my ten-step Korean skincare routine. And you have to get that look without makeup.

My advice would be to use more hydrating products. Toners like the Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner or the NAKEUP FACE Stress Zero Toner are good picks if you want poreless skin.

Basically, just go through all the steps of a Korean routine and you’re good to go.

Cloudless skin

The difficulty of achieving this type of skin: since it’s pretty much asking you to have the skin of a young child, I’d say very difficult

So cloudless skin has to be blemish-free and perfect. You need an aura- ie. a youthful glow- easily achievable through plenty of rest, eating healthy food, and keeping your face moisturized. (Use IU as a point of reference.)

Honestly, I’m too tired and world-weary to even bother trying this. You need to be healthy to get this look. I like junk food way too much.

However, if you would like to get cloudless skin, you cannot have dull skin. I would recommend the MISSHA Time Revolution Clear Toner and the CORSX Advanced Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence. Also, try to put on a sheet mask more than three times a week.

Honey skin

The difficulty of achieving this type of skin: on a scale of 1-10, I’d say an 11, as it’s the step you take after you get healthy skin

To start with, you have to consider your skin type. Can your skin take the amount of moisture needed to plump up and achieve a translucent glow?

It’s more well-known than ‘glass skin’, at least in South Korea. Not going to lie, the faces of people who have honey skin are very shiny. I suppose it’s to mimic actual honey?

Well if you want to get this, good luck. I would recommend LeeGeeHaam’s Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule (even though it’s kind of pricey for 15 mL of liquid), maybe an aloe vera toner like the one from Benton, and to get rid of blackheads for that desired even skin, Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads. 

Baby skin

The difficulty of achieving this type of skin: maybe if you were born again and learnt to treasure your skin you might have the slightest chance of maintaining baby-smooth skin

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person who already has good skin, would want the perfect skin of a baby. This isn’t a trend that has caught on internationally because I guess it’s not as marketable.

Anyway, if you want to get this type of skin, I would recommend using only one night cream. As for cleansers, I’ve heard good things about the Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser. Don’t touch your face as much.

Conclusion

Honestly, you can probably get these ~very similar~ looks with makeup, but it would be nice for your natural, bare skin to look pure and lovely. You don’t precisely have to get these looks, just try your best to care for your skin.

How to beat hormonal acne

Pictured: Alice facepalming- definitely don’t touch your face during a major breakout. ‍♀️

It’s time for everyone to learn how to outsmart your body.

So hormonal acne occurs during periods, when you’re stressed, and other times when your hormones fluctuate. Outbreaks tend to occur in the T-zone (ugh the worst zone) or jawline.

I happen to get hormonal acne on my cheeks whenever I get my period. While I am by no means an expert, here are some methods I use to combat this problem:

• In the morning, instead of using my Cosrx Mild Foaming Cleanser, I just wash my with warm water instead, because cleansers, even the mildest ones, contain some chemicals that can irritate your skin.
• Sweating makes the situation worse, because your face produces excess oil. Avoid going outside in hot weather and always carry oil blotting paper. Stay cool.
• Eating less sugary things. Don’t give into your cravings!
• Don’t pick at any pimple as it’s painful and bad for your skin. Slap a pimple patch on it (the Cosrx one comes to mind) and you’ll be fine.
• I monitor the places I breakout the most closely before my period (I track it, like everyone probably should). At any sign of disturbance, I use my acne medication that contains retinol.

Hormonal acne is normal so don’t feel bad about yourself when it happens. Seek the help of a dermatologist if it gets worse.

KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Cream and KLAIRS Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream Review

I was extremely excited when I received my package from Wishtrend which contained the KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Cream and the KLAIRS  Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream (which I will review on another post). Check out my review of the midnight cream below! KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Cream Description from the Wishtrend website: If you’re a person who have concerns about skin irritations due…

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1. Washing my hands every time I touch something that’s not skincare: I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your hands clean when applying skincare. Our hands are a feeding ground for microbes such as bacteria- especially our nails- and by transferring that onto our face we are only inviting a disaster breakout. It is important to note that over washing your hands can lead to dermatitis and other skin conditions. It is recommended to wash our hands with regular soap and water when necessary. Over-washing with antibacterial soap kills the natural bacteria that stops the foreign icky bacteria from invading- so it is important to know to do everything in moderation. 

2. Using a spatula to get cream from a tub: In addition to washing my hands, I like to use a spatula to get creams or other products from a tub to keep things sanitary. Though our hands may be clean (after the fifth wash), there is still a very high chance that there are microbes residing in between your cuticles and nails. This place especially has the highest chance of farming microbes. Using a spatula ensures that your tub of product is kept as microbe free as possible. Just remember to wash your spatula before and after every use. I got mine from The Face Shop.

3. Letting my skin absorb the products: It is important to remember that our skin is only a muscle designed to protect our insides from the outside world. If we are overwhelming our skin with products without letting our skin adjust to the pH and solubility of the product, then it will get our money nowhere. I like to pat my skin for a good minute or so between each step of my routine- take it nice and slow; there’s no need to rush. We need to work with our skin, not against it!

4. Misting my face between certain steps: This step is not necessary but it is good to know that our skin is being kept moist throughout our routine. Moist skin is more likely to accept and absorb products better than dry skin. This step is mostly for when you apply an active ingredient and you have to wait a certain amount of time before you can move on to the next step. Alternatively after cleansing, you could mist your face to prepare it for your toner.

5. No-towel method: This step needs a post on its own. I’ll give a brief rundown though. Our towels are like sponges- a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes alike. Our bathrooms are constantly humid with our showers and whatnot, so bacterial growth is ensured within our towels. Now back to point #1, if we use our bacteria towel on our face we are waiting for a breakout to happen. It is important to note that not everyone will be affected by this- much like not everyone gets breakouts- but it is vital to understand that materials that are constantly being touched and used in wet environments can (and probably will) cause acne. The no-towel method states that we should be either letting our face air-dry or that we should be patting our skin dry. We avoid the towel and opt for something more hygienic!

6. Applying several layers of hydrating toner: This only applies to alcohol-free toners. Toners generally have a high water content and are thin and light, thus increasing our skin’s absorption rate. Applying several layers of toner can maximise hydration out of your toner and lock in the moisture that you are adding to your skin. This is also known as the seven-skin method, but for everyday I personally do three-skins.

7. Using a mask on top of a mask: I like to put a silicone mask on top of my actual sheet mask when sheet masking. The silicone mask is used to prevent the mask essence from evaporating (especially under the AC) and it also allows for the essence to be better absorbed into the skin. It really allows you to make the most of your sheet masks every time and is also a multi-use product (you can just wash it and reuse). I personally got mine from Daiso while I was overseas and it was pretty affordable. I have noticed that when I use the silicone mask on top of my sheet masks, I have a lot more remaining essence left inside the sheet mask compared to if I didn’t use the silicone mask (btw you can use the remaining essence on the rest of your body e.g. neck, arms) Sheet masks are already pretty expensive per use so using the silicone mask allows me to maximise the benefits while sheet masking.

8. Using a mist or humidifier: This isn’t really part of the routine, but skin care in general. If we are in dry and cold environments, whether it be man-made or natural, our skin will lose moisture and hydration. There are products that help to combat hydration loss such as humectants. However, water evaporates regardless, therefore leaving our skin dry and possibly dehydrated all over again. An important ingredient to look out for is hyaluronic acid which is known for holding 1000x its own weight in water. It is able to do this by drawing water from the environment and holding it in our skin. However if the environment is dry, it can potentially draw water from our skin, leaving it dry and dehydrated. Because of this, it is important to note our skincare ingredients and how they relate to our environment. Having a humidifier and/or mist can combat this function of hyaluronic acid and other ingredients.

9. Rubbing and patting our skincare: I’ve been criticised before for rubbing in my skincare, and while I understand the logic behind pure patting it really doesn’t get the job done. I find that a mixture of rubbing and patting really maximises skin absorption. Rub to apply, pat to absorb. One method doesn’t overpower the other; they’re equal in functionality. However, together the rub-and-pat method can really be a game changer.

10. Massage/facial exercises: This only recently made its way into my skincare routine but I can definitely feel the results slowly making an appearance. Our skin is a muscle; muscles that are toned look and function better than unused muscles. You can do this step at the very end of your routine with your moisturiser or facial oil and gently massage around the perimeter of your face. There are products such as the Jade Roller that are made for this step, and there are posts online about facial exercises. Even if you feel that the step isn’t doing anything for skin visibly, it’s a relaxing step overall that can help to rewind and destress you for the night. 

If I’m going to be honest, this list only touches the surface of extra steps in our skincare routines. Our skin is a vital organ of our body’s anatomy, and we want to make sure that what we are doing to our skin counts. Products can only get so far, however, lifestyle changes are what really count.

I hope this post helped some of you out! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask or DM me. I’m always open to your opinions and comments!

Use code “3PEARLS” for discount on K-beauty and more at: ys.style/txD9YmVYUkb

Wishtrend: #TeamCombination Box Review

Wishtrend: #TeamCombination Box Review

As some of you may know, I have combination skin. Wishtrend sent me the #TeamCombination Box for review. They also have other boxes you can try. For all of the #Team Boxes, you can get 35% off if you purchase by April 3, 2022. You can also use my code “LiLi15” for an additional 15% off your purchase.

Check out my Unboxing Tiktok here. And here is a Tiktok showing the proper order to use the…

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By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream Review

By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream Review

I’m excited to share this review of the By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream! This product will be available for purchase from February 14 and onwards. Wishtrend is a great website shop with lots of K-beauty products. Be sure to use the code “LiLi15” for 15% off your purchase.

This night cream is formulated with two ingredients effective for anti-aging: retinal & bakuchiol. This…

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2021 Fall Haul

Photo of the YesStyle haul

The only place I shop consistently online at is probably YesStyle… So many haul posts on my blog from here! On top of any sales going on at the moment, use the code “3PEARLS” to get an additional discount off your entire order! ^_^

Check out my past YesStyle hauls too:

Entire outfit from YesStyle

First HaulSpring HaulSummer HaulWinter Haul Part1 and Part22021 Spring…

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