time for a #beautytalk!
there’s no denying… i LOVE SKINCARE. my #skincaregoal is to never have to wear foundation. for me, it’s always been about investing in good skincare products so that i can have a decent natural “base” so that wearing foundation would be an option, not something i need. in the last half of 2023 a large amount of korean beauty (k-beauty) made its way into my skincare routine. my skincare regimen is something i look forward to every morning and night. it’s never a chore to me and a form of #selfcare (i hope you think of it that way too!). k-beauty has been the buzz for the last decade (plus) but after my parents came back with goodies from korea and #beautychats with my friend Vilma, @vilmairisblog (you should def check her out!), i added a lot of k-beauty products into my routine. i love them all! i have pretty dang sensitive skin that leans on the dry side with a combo t-zone and none of these products have caused irritation or reactions to my skin.
imo, i think korean women have FLAWLESS skin. they are #skincaregoals and they layer it allllll on - i agree on this method (google: 7 skin method). because hey, you gotta be generous when it comes to skincare. don’t skimp! i always tell my friends, slather it on (and don’t forget your neck)!! most of these are fairly priced tbh and some you can get them on amazon prime in TWO days. i’m now a k-beauty convert. i feel like their products aren’t harsh (great for sensitive skin) and mainly fragrance free — if you’ve been following me, you will know i am not into smelly skincare. not sure if i’ll ever achieve that coined “glass skin” (google it), but i think every layer helps!
the best part. everything is budget-friendly; under $25! sometimes, skincare can get pricey. but it doesn’t have to be and here is a great round up for those looking to venture down the k-beauty journey without breaking the bank! all listed plus a couple others not pictured after the jump 😄
Glow Recipe watermelon glow niacinamide dew drops serum [$20] — if you’re looking for dewy. this IS IT RIGHT HERE. and not only does it give you that dewy look, it SMELLS SO GOOD. i’m not a huge fan of scents when it comes to skincare but for this i’ll make an exception because it smells like watermelon!! perfect for summertime 🍉 the main ingredient in this is niacinamide which helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
COSRX snail mucin 96% repairing essence [around $15] — this is #tiktokviral and i was a little hesitant to try it. it just sounds… idk. gross?? 🐌 but seeing the 60K reviews on amazon and the fact that is less than $15, why not give it a try? i’m glad i did. i didn’t see astounding results like everyone else but it’s so light and hydrating i’m going to continue using it twice a day. i thought it would be sticky but it isn’t! snail mucin is supposed to improve skin vitality, dullness, and dehydrated skin. i ended up getting a couple as gifts this year! fragrance free.
CENTELLA hyalu-cica madagascar sun serum SPF50 [around $17] — i’ve heard korean sunscreens are amazing sunscreen. this was one my parents lugged home from their trip to korea. i really like it, no white cast, no chemical smell, no residue, absorbs easily, and it’s also reef-safe. and it’s SPF50!! i ended up ditching my Skinceuticals sunscreen that was my HG. ☀️ my sis actually found this one so ty seester! fragrance free.
Beauty of Joseon glow deep serum + rice alpha arbutin [around $17] — i use this serum to target my dark spots or freckles/hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. it’s super lightweight and i use it in the mornings after all the essences. there are a couple serums and a fun mini pack if you want to try all of them! i use this in the morning after all the essences. fragrance free.
ROUND LAB dokdo cleanser [around $17, not pictured] — i’ve always been really hesitant to use cream foaming cleansers. looking at you noxema from wayyyy back in the day. i feel like foam/cream cleansers really dry out your skin. but i read such great review on this one that i decided to give it a try. glad i did since it doesn’t dry my skin and in fact i think it moisturizes it pretty nicely too! fragrance-free. i also picked up their birch juice moisturizing cream to try too!
I’m From Rice toner [around $22, not pictured] — i’ve read and seen results from women who use rice water on their face. yes, water that is typically thrown out when clean the rice! this is smart because apparently that rice water is rich in nutrients. so while on this k-beauty kick, i picked up this toner. while it’s called a toner, i use it as an essence. it’s milky and it leaves my skin feeling SO. SOFT. fragrance free. note: shake before each use.
Dr. Ceuracle kombucha cream essence [around $25, not pictured] — package wise, this is my favorite. why? because it’s in a really nice matte glass bottle, and it separates so you have to shake it before using it. and idk, that’s fun to me so there you have it. it contains kombucha tea with a lot of prebiotics (helps with redness) and vitamin b. fragrance free.
bring on all the k-beauty!,
JD