It’s so cold I didn’t wash my face until I finished breakfast. The water is freezing.

This blog just reached 10,000 followers!!!

❄️ Thank you so much for your support. I started this blog nearly 2 years ago and its growth has surprised me. I am so happy there are people out there who love skincare too!! ❄️

One of my favourite brands- Laniege!

Pictured: Wow look at these spreads.

I am so excited to partner with Laniege- just kidding. If a brand ever sponsors me, or indeed thinks tumblr is an “influencer” platform, I would be shocked. I’d be happy to do it for free if Laniege sent me their products.

Kind of went overboard at the counter but you know, it’s a once-a-year slurge on makeup (this year it came with some skincare products for an extra amount) and getting some samples.

I have heard that Laniege isn’t very good for your skin as it contains a lot of fragrance and only provides basic hydration, but I would respectfully disagree. I haven’t seen any problems with my sensitive-ish skin so far. If you have oily skin in summer and dry skin in winter, you need extra moisture!

1. BB Cushion Whitening in No. 21 Beige (the OG) and the Neo Cushion Glow 21N
2. A bunch of samples, including makeup remover, foam cleansers (two types!), products from their hydrobank collection
3. 7-step trial kit
4. Youth Collagen Drink (pack of 24)
5. More samples!! Special Care Water Sleeping Mask,Clear C Peeling Serum, and Cica Sleeping Mask. (The thing I love about going to physical stores is how many samples people give you, especially if you’re shopping a lot)

A common thing I hear about Laniege is that their prices are not on the high end of the market, but not exactly affordable. I did finish a jar of the sleeping mask and the lip mask before and could say they work well if your skin is super dry. Honestly I get most of my Laniege skincare from samples. It’s the cushions that are really worth the money.

Once you use these cushions, I don’t think you’ll want to go back. They’re medium coverage and smell great. They stay on for around half a day before you need to reapply. I’m always conflicted when it comes to buying products like foundation and concealer because it feels so weird to want to make your face “flawless” before going out in public. I often say that what you look like with natural skin doesn’t matter but turn around and use a cushion to cover up my acne scars. Does anyone else feel like this?

(And then you have to buy make up remover, like the Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil. That product does the job by the way. I have no complaints about that, just this whole capitalistic cycle of forcing women to pay to “look presentable”.)

A seven-step Water Bank trial kit from Laneige! This came with my makeup purchase. Can’t wait to test it out. The bag is really pretty. Might make a review for this.

I bought the Youth Collagen Drink on a whim. The collagen helps with fading acne scars. I’m not in their targeted demographic, but it never hurts to start reversing the aging process at a before your late twenties. (Once again, more conflicted emotions about what it means to be “beautiful”. Like how being beautiful means looking young, if that makes sense.) The taste of this drink is berry-like and has a semi-thick consistency. You drink it after your evening skincare. I’m not sure when you see results, if ever, and I don’t think I would buy it again. Edit: I checked and apparently there’s improvement in the bounciness of your skin after 8 weeks.

Finally, get samples! Samples let you try products before you buy them. It’s not awkward to ask something like “I want to try these products for a bit, is it alright if I get samples for it?” when you’re shopping. The salespeople are willing to help. Be nice to retail workers!

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!

love how the state of your skin casually reminds you that your period is going to start

I feel like there should be a limit to how many times people can give unsolicited comments on the condition of your skin. Let me set mine at 0.

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. ‍♀️

✨✨ Quarantine Glow Up Challenge ✨✨

Or, It’s all about self-improvement in 2020!

Pictured:When she graduated, Elle Woods has finally discovered her passion and has formed genuine relationships. That is the definition of a glow-up!

I recently received an ask from @greenymocha and I really want to share with everyone some tips on how to optimize your time right now to take care of yourself, especially if you are an essential worker. Lock-down measures are being eased around the world, but you can still use these as general advice. 

Outer beauty glow-up tips‍♀️

• Use a sheet mask daily to make your skin more radiant. 
• Apply body lotion with a nice fragrance. For me, I use a Chanel one I got in Vienna in 2017. I was saving it up for something, and I only started using it in March. It smells divine. 
• Like above, if you have a skincare product you are hoarding for that one occasion but you are dying to use it- this is the time. Treat your skin. 
• Rethink your skincare routine. Quarantine is the time to sit down and go over what works best for your skin type.
• Shave your face. It’s been a trend to use an eyebrow razor to shave your face to make it easier for skincare products to sink in and to clear your skin.
• Let your skin take a break from make-up. It’s 2020, you don’t really need to put on make-up. There are bigger things to worry about. Even when you go out, you’re wearing a mask.
• Exercise more! I know we don’t all have time to do Chloe Ting’s ab workout, but there are simple exercises everyone could do at home. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of sports, but I suggest doing at least 50 sit-ups a day (100 would be an effective way to make your waist slimmer) and 30 squats to tone your thighs.
• Before going to bed at night, do some stretches. See if you can reach your toes and hold the position for 10 seconds or more for three times.
• Go to sleep early. That means getting into bed at around 9 or 10. Not only does sleeping earlier help you increase your focus, it improves your skin as well (less dark circles, wrinkles, breakouts etc).
• Make sure you stay hydrated. Don’t forget to drink eight cups of water a day. Add a bit of lemon or lime for flavour.
• Eat healthy. That means less junk food and sugary drinks. More fruit and vegetables. More tea. Look up healthy recipes online.

Inner beauty glow-up tips

• Read more. I don’t know if it’s because my university subject requires a lot of reading, but picking up a book is a fantastic way to pass your time and to increase your knowledge. Now is the time to educate yourself on social issues with books like The Hundred Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury (about China playing the extra long game to overtake the US), The Four by Scott Galloway (about the four big tech companies and their influence), Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (about being a black man in modern America, the language used is very smooth), and others. 
• Clean up your living space. Throw away stuff you don’t need. If you are not in the mood to clean everything, start small. Try de-cluttering your bedroom, closet, kitchen and bathroom. 
• Start a diary to organise your thoughts. See if you could write entries daily.
• Listen to your favorite songs. (Check out the sheet mask playlist on this blog.)
• Stay away from social media and spend less time on your screens. Clean up your contact list. I find sites like Instagram or Tik Tok distracting, which is why I never opened an account. That doesn’t make me the expert on how to de-clutter your online life, but if you have the urge to open a social media app, try accessing it with a computer.
• Keep in touch with friends and family. While it’s difficult to meet them face-to-face, text or call to say you are thinking of them.
• Go on a walk in a nearby park. Clear your thoughts.
• Spend your money on essential items only. I feel like being stuck at home has really intensified the need for online shopping with people buying post-quarantine outfits and whatnot, and if you have the disposable income, then spend it. Personally I don’t see the point of buying tons of new clothes or shoes when you already have a closet full of them. The point of a glow-up isn’t to spend money. And during quarantine, you have plenty of time to slow down and reflect. Think about what you already own and use it.
• Donate to a good cause like the WHO COVID-19 Response Fund or to George Floyd’s family’s GoFundMe.

In the end, please don’t pressure yourself to glow-up. You don’t have to dye your hair, do a 180 on your lifestyle or get abs (!) to become a ‘new person’. Glowing up is not a competition. It’s important for you to focus on your mental health and be realistic when it comes to improving yourself. This isn’t a 14-day, 30-day or whatever timed challenge. Be patient with yourself. Stay strong.

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)

Just why does my skin glow and my hair look perfect moments before I take a shower and ruin it.

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.)

Shrink Your Pores and Remove Your Scars: Introducing the Vitamin C Serum!

I’m here to recommend one very specific type of serum- Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C has three main benefits:

• It brightens your skin and fades hyperpigmentation
• It can help create a more even complexion 
• It’s anti-ageing

A side note: this type of serum is NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE. It is an acid and may cause irritation.

Currently, I use the Dermacept Vitamin C10 Serum, after my disastrous brush with the Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. I threw my bottle away when it turned brown (sun exposure causes Vitamin C serum to brown- one of the downsides of having the serum in a clear bottle), but long story short, my skin reacted very badly to that particular formula. 

Pictured:The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop from Dear Klairs. After using it with no visible results, I would not recommend it to anyone. 

I have written positively about products from Dear Klairs in the past with their mostly non-irritant toners and creams. However, I just don’t think it was the right match for my weird sensitive and oily skin type.

That put me off Vitamin C serums for a while, until a month ago when I stopped by my local pharmacy to get a mask (not sheet masks) and the lady working there suggested that I try this moderately-priced serum. She said something like, “no offence, but your pores are quite large and your skin is oily.” 

It didn’t take much convincing for me to get the product. I was curious about it, and even though I’m always down for some affordable products, I paid the price of US$49 for the C10 Serum by Dr Zein Obagi. That was literally the most I have ever paid for a single skincare product (not counting the time my mom and I splurged on a toner and an essence from Shiseido).

And so far, it’s been worth it! 

Pictured:The serum comes in a dark bottle, which is way more useful that the clear Dear Klairs bottle. It is made in Japan and contains 12 mL of product.

This serum comes in four concentration levels- C5, C10, C20, and C25, with C25 being the strongest. The best concentration for Vitamin C serums is 10-20%. 10% concentration is good for sensitive skin.

It also contains Vitamin E, and that mixed with the Vitamin C creates more antioxidants. It smells citrusy and the serum sinks into your skin quickly. Use 3-4 drops of it after toner, and follow it up with a gentle moisturiser twice a day. There might be some tingling when you first use it.

A self-described “high-performance serum” made by a famous dermatologist who has the ambitious goal of “Skin Health Restoration”, it is very potent. After a week, I could see the pores on my cheeks- you know the place around your nose- start to shrink. My face became less oily- and it’s not just a side-effect of a dry winter. I didn’t have a lot of improvement for my acne scars, but it might be because I haven’t used it for the minimum amount of time a product needs to show its effect yet.

My overall ‘first impression’ is that my skin has not even been irritated by this product and has actually been looking more healthy than before. The only issue I have with it is the price to be honest.

Alternatives to the C10 serum

• Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum from By Wishtrend 
• Vitamin C Brightening Serum by Melano CC (remember my sheet mask post? well this is from the same brand that made those really good vitamin c 5-minute sheet mask packs)

Reblog with your Vitamin C serum recommendations!

When I first started this blog a year ago today, I had no idea that it would become this big. Thank you for all your support and stay tuned for more in 2020!

whenever people tell my they don’t really care for their skin, I either think that they’re trolling me or fear that they’re actually being serious

✨✨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!

The Bare Bones: My Typical Skincare Routine ‍♀️

Pictured:My three most-used skincare products. Notice how none of them are from Korean brands.

As a beauty blogger- if you could call me that and I prefer ‘skincare enthusiast’- I try my fair share of products. I usually test them for around a month, which is why I don’t post Product Reviews as often as lists of useful products or something like that. While I am trying out a new product, I don’t want to shake up my skincare routine too badly. 

I feel like my skin is less irritated by toners, oil cleansers, and sheet masks, so I can switch those out easily to make room for different brands. This is Korean skincare we’re talking about- there are always new things to check out. To reduce the problem of skin overreaction, I stick to the same brands for the following: cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturiser. (This is going to be a long post and I find when I try to use the ‘continue reading’ function it deletes the content so bear with me.)

Cleanser:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream 

Pictured:My nearly finished foam cleanser for sensitive skin.

I have tried a lot of cleansers in my day. Japanese ones. Korean ones. The one that I find the best is this one from La Roche-Posay, a French skincare brand. I have a smaller bottle because I haven’t the time to purchase the full version. This is so gentle and effective. It’s for oily or combination skin and doesn’t make my skin react badly. 

Exfoliant:Detclear Bright & Clear Fruits Peeling Jelly

Pictured:Front and back of the Detclear peeling jelly. I don’t read Japanese but just know that it removes sebum and other gunk.

Rarely do I review exfoliants because it has taken me so long to find one that works for my skin. I’m naturally sensitive to scrubs- something I finally decided to act on when my face flared up for the nth time using a facial scrub. 

This is a chemical exfoliant that comes in a jelly form, as well as a powder enzyme wash. I wasn’t sure what the latter was so I bought the one that came in a convenient pump. It smells like artificial fruit, but surprisingly the fragrance doesn’t make my face act up. 

It’s very satisfying to see the skin come up as the gel starts to dry on your skin. You have to rub it in and the dead skin cells just slough off in white clumps. In the end, you’re left with brighter skin. This product is gentle and I look forward to exfoliating every week. No wonder it’s a bestseller in Japan. 

Moisturizer:Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Cream

Pictured:The Physiogel “Miracle Cream”. You know that vine where they’re at the dollar store? Well, this is the good kush.

One day my mother bought me a few samples of a lotion that came with something she bought at the pharmacy. It was like a miracle product for me. I live in a city and in the summer it gets so hot and stuffy that my face just turns an unflattering shade of red. My main issue with city life is with the dust and smoke that enlarges your pores, but that’s a post for another day. 

Alright, so back to the miracle product. I have both the lotion and cream from the Daily Moisture Therapy line. These products are fragrance-free and targeted towards normal/ dry sensitive skin. I normally use the cream during the day and night. The lotion is for when things get really bad and I need that cooling sensation. It simply gets rid of the redness within twenty minutes for me. It’s also moisturizing and great for healthy skin in the long run. Doesn’t break me out at all.

Pictured:The emergency lotion.

Out of all the three products here, I’ve used the cream the longest and I highly recommend it if you can find it in the States. One bottle goes a long way. 

✨✨Conclusion ✨✨

I’m pretty sure that my skin will be just fine if I only use these three products in my routine. (Less is more, remember?) These are just products that I’ve noticed don’t trigger my skin but it’ll definitely be different for everyone. You can reblog and add your own!

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)

Does eye cream work?

Pictured:me calculating the cost of my skincare routine

Usually I’m not a skeptic when it comes to skincare products, but there’s just something about eye cream that does not sit well with me.

I mean a cream designed for the ‘most fragile part of your face’? That just seems like a money-making gimmick to me. The best way to avoid fine lines around your eyes is to stop rubbing them.

Pictured:Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream. Mizon is famous for their snail mucin products. I’m just not sure I’ve seen a real improvement after using their eye cream consistently over months.

According to Reader’s Digest (a super reputable source), “as a moisturizer, an eye cream may increase water content of skin and temporarily improve the appearance of the skin. But so will many well-formulated facial moisturizers for a fraction of the cost.” It is proven that the skin around your eyes is no different than the skin on the rest of your face.

This shows how skincare companies know how women are scared of showing signs of aging (getting wrinkles and fine lines around their eyes). There are many conflicting sources of information out there that tell people eye cream does work miracles.

So don’t fall for this! I recommend skipping eye cream completely if you want to save money. I did get eye cream when I started my skincare routine and will likely use it till it runs out, mainly because it was a relatively expensive purchase. ‍♀️

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.