Showing posts with label K-Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K-Beauty. Show all posts

Friday 29 September 2023

The Korean Beauty Trends You Need To Jump on Board With

South Korea has always enjoyed a pretty buoyant beauty industry. In 2023, the market for personal care and beauty products was worth more than £10.5 billion. However, it’s only in the past decade or so that the K-Beauty phenomenon has broken the borders of the Korean Peninsula and inspired trends in the West and elsewhere. Nowadays, you’ll find many Korean cosmetics sitting alongside familiar brands online and in your favourite stores. Wondering which K-Beauty trends you should be following? We’ve got you covered.

The Korean Beauty Trends You Need To Jump on Board With

Don’t Be Afraid of Face Oils
If you’ve always wanted to incorporate face oils into your routine but were worried about acne-prone skin reacting to them, K-Beauty has the solution. With Korean beauty products, there’s a key focus on all-natural ingredients, with most face oils derived from plants. When delicately applied, they'll nourish your skin, leaving it hydrated and looking smoother. Not ready to brave the waters of face oils just yet? Korean brand Beauty of Joseon offers some incredibly effective moisturising gels that are perfect for oily skin.

Introducing Filter Creams
Feel like a fraud every time you reach for those filter effects after taking a selfie? If you want to be a little more authentic with your appearance, there’s always filter cream. A staple K-Beauty trend, this stuff does exactly what it says on the tin. Once used, your skin will be glowing, looking as though you’ve reached for your go-filter on a smartphone screen. Need more convincing? Far from being a heavy concealer, it’s actually a moisturiser that will nourish the skin. The fact that unsightly lines and pores are blurred is just a benefit.

Don’t Reach for Those Tweezers Just Yet
You probably spend far too much time perfecting your eyebrows. Whether you’re someone who favours barely-there eyebrows or have embraced the power brow, there’s a fair amount of maintenance involved to keep them looking their best. However, the Koreans like to do things a little differently. Slightly feathered brows with separated strands is the ideal here. What’s more, it’s an easy look to pull off.

Rethink Your Beauty Tools
Your cosmetic case is probably bursting at the seams with applicators and accessories you barely use. However, there’s one beauty tool worth adding to your repertoire. In Korea, spatulas are a staple. They’re perfect for applying thin layers of foundation, making them a must if you’re someone who struggles to achieve an even base. Furthermore, unlike pads and brushes, these trusty tools won’t soak up any of your products as you use them.

Make Life Simple with Multipurpose Products
Tired of spending a small fortune on skincare products? Perhaps you’re simply looking to cut down on the amount of time you’re spending in front of the vanity mirror. Once again, the K-Beauty phenomenon has the answer. In Korea, there’s a growing trend for simplification. As well as doing away with needless steps, K-Beauty skincare puts a focus on incorporating multipurpose products. When choosing things like toners and moisturisers, look for products that combine key active ingredients. As well as saving you precious time every day, your bank balance will thank you.







*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wednesday 2 February 2022

Banobagi Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam

Banobagi is a brand I’ve been getting to know for a few months now having been kindly sent some products to try. As a brand they believe that dermatologist grade cosmetics should be accessible to everyone, so many of their products which they use as part skincare treatments at their clinics became commercially available for use at home. I have been using a few of their products, but today I am sharing three products from the Calming Care Collection.
Banobagi Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
The Calming Care Line is said to be targeted at oily but inner dehydrated skin types, which pretty much describes my skins journey over the past few months. However, this particular line of products is said to also benefit those who have sensitive dry and damaged skin types, the ones who require moisturising and soothing ingredients to return to a comfortable state. 

The Calming Care skincare range consists of 4 products:
  • The Calming Care Cleansing Gel to Foam
  • Calming Care Moisture Pads
  • Calming Care Moisturising Cream
  • Calming Care Tone-up Sunscreen.
From that collection I have the first three and not the sunscreen and I’ve been surprised by each one.

Starting with the Calming Care Cleansing Gel to Foam, which in its beautiful pink tube is very aesthetically pleasing, in fact the whole collection is.
Banobagi Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
As with all cleansers, this one has the job of working to clean and cleanse the skin deeply to remove surface dirt and impurities imbedded within pores. As a pH-balanced gel-to-foam face wash, so again it has been designed to prevent irritation but to also calm the skin and what surprised me was it’s key ingredient: Calamine. Calamine is a childhood treatment for me, when I had chicken pox, I remember the brown bottle coming out of the fridge and it being dabbed on the spots using a cotton bud and there it would dry on my skin to help prevent itching. The same when used within this cleanser, Calamine soothes the skin and working alongside Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to restore lost moisture, it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated after use.
Banobagi Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
Banobagi Calming Care Cleansing Gel To Foam
As this is a gel to foam cleanser, when it is first squeezed out of the tube, it is a clear looking gel with very little scent, but as it comes into contact with water, that gel slowly turns into dense bubbles and it works really well with just your hands or a face cleaning brush. Simply using those bubbles on your skin to cleanse and clean is easy to do and it doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry or stripped of moisture.

Priced around £13.50 for 100ml with GlamTouch, this is a lovely introduction it Banobagi.





*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Monday 17 January 2022

Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches

Today I am sharing some new launches from Aldi's Lacura best-selling range which has been inspired by Korean Beauty.  K-Beauty is a huge area within the beauty industry that has really taken off and over the past few years, I have tried a lot of products, so I am delighted once again, to see Aldi throwing their hat into the ring with this lot.
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
The Aldi Lacura K-Beauty inspired range of K-Beauty products features 10 different products, of which 4 are brand new to the line up and impressively, they are all priced between £1.49 up to £4.99, which could see shoppers save over £199 compared to some other brands!

Aldi’s Lacura K-Beauty Skincare full range:

  • Banana Souffle Face Cream 
  • Plum Hyaluronic Acid Serum 
  • Deep Cleaning Bubble Mask 
  • H20 Overnight Face Sleeping Mask 
  • Watermelon Gel Moisturiser
  • Pineapple Face Serum 
  • Avocado Overnight Retinol Sleeping Eye Mask 
  • Dewy Lip Balm 
First out of my box of tricks is the Lacura Deep Cleansing Bubble Mask (£1.49) and some might say it has been inspired by the GlamGlow Bubble Sheet Mask (£8).
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
New for 2022, this Deep Cleansing Bubble Mask is infused with charcoal which helps to purify and cleanse the skin and it only needs 5 minutes of your time.  On the skin, the mask, which fit pretty well, begins to bubble almost instantly.  What I love about these masks is they don't exactly make for pretty photos but they are a lot of fun.  As it bubbles, I didn't find there was any tingling sensation at all, but when I removed the mask, there was a little excess product that I massaged into my skin.

The next product within the K-Beauty range is the Papaya Enzyme Face Scrub (£4.99). 
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
This scrub, which is inspired by a Glow Recipe product is designed to remove impurities and help improve the appearance and texture of the skin due to its dual exfoliation properties, physical Cellulose and added papaya enzymes.   On this skin, I had expected this scrub to be overly abrasive, but surprisingly it isn't, but if you apply a little pressure you can feel it working against the skin. 

If you skin is in need of some hydration, then the new Lacura Plum Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£4.99) might be just the product you need.
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
This serum is formulated with three antioxidant-rich plum extracts and is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5. On the skin it is incredibly lightweight and absorbs incredibly quickly on contact with the skin. Texture wise, I really like how this feels, it is a watery-gel substance that is thick enough to not be runny, but not too thick it just lingers on the skin.  You might also notice that it is inspired by Glow Recipe and their Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum (£37) 

The next product is one I really like and it is the Banana Souffle Face Cream (£4.99) and again, if your skin needs a little extra TLC, then this cream is the one to try. Again, it has been inspired by Glow Recipe Banana SoufflĂ© Moisture Cream (£36).
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
Designed to help with hydration, thanks to the inclusion of Squalene, this lightweight cream works to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and when needed, it helps with the healing of dry skin. Other ingredients include  turmeric and Centella Asiatica which host antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.  There is, as you might expect a very light scent of banana with this cream which I really like.

The next product is one I have shared previously on my blog.  The H2Overnight Face Sleeping Mask (£4.99), which you could say has been inspired by Laneige and their Water Sleeping Mask (£26).
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
This Sleeping Mask is a lightweight gel mask formulated with Aloe Barbadensis Lead Juice, Rose Centifolia Flower Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate to improve the appearance of tired looking skin overnight.

The final product within my little collection is an eye cream. For me, an eye cream is an essential item and I use mine both morning and evening as part of my routine. From the Aldi Lacura range we have the Avocado Bright eyes Overnight Retinol Sleeping Mask (£4.49).  Again, this product is inspired by Glow Recipe and their Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask (£41)
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
Aldi Lacura K-Beauty New Launches
This Eye Sleep Mask is described as being a special something to target dark, tired and puffy eyes, well that is me every single morning because my sleep pattern is confused and a tad disturbed and has been for some time. This product is infused with coffee seed extract, avocado oil, and as the name suggests retinol, these ingredients come together to work to banish dark circles, tighten the skin under the eye, to leave you looking bright eyed and bushy tailed. As I am just finishing an eye cream, this is one I am yet to try, so I will update this post in a few months time with how it has gone.

As you can see, there is a huge difference in price between the offerings from the Aldi Lacura K-Beauty range and other brands.  As soon as these products come into stock, they sell out really quickly, so if you see them and want to try them, get them whist you can.  In my local store, all 10 products are on sale but in very limited numbers.



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wednesday 24 March 2021

SIORIS CLEANSE ME SOFTLY MILK CLEANSER

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of K-Beauty products and I even have a little directory dedicated to the products I have tried. The latest brand, Sioris, is one that I was kindly sent before Christmas and I wanted to use them for some time before sharing my views.
SIORIS CLEANSE ME SOFTLY MILK CLEANSER
The first products from Sioris is the Cleanse Me Softly The Milk Cleanser. I am a huge cleansing fan and it is the favourite part of my skincare routine without question. I use balms, oils, lotions, milks, wipes, waters and more. Having combination oily skin, I am always looking to use products which don’t strip my skin and thus definitely doesn’t. The Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser is said to suit all skin types because of its gentle 5.5 pH, thus it is designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. 

As well as having a low pH, this cleanser is comprised of all natural ingredients and is described as being nutrient-packed and are all sourced in Korea. Ingredients include:
  • Organic Fruit Water (derived from green plum or yuzu), which is packed with nutrients, minerals and vitamins to help to revitalise a skin
  • Macadamia Seed Oil which help nourish and leave skin feeling supple, plus it is high in anti-oxidants and fatty acids.
  • Plant-derived surfactants which work to leave skin healthy and hydrated, rather than tight and dry.
So expect to also see the likes of Aloe Vera, Broccoli, and Niacinamide included within the ingredients list of this cleanser. 

The Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser can be used as a first cleanser and/or second cleanser depending on your routine, my preference is as a second cleanse in an evening. The texture is just as I had expected, it feels like a lotion and isn’t as runny or water-like as previous milk cleansers that I have used. 
SIORIS CLEANSE ME SOFTLY MILK CLEANSER
On the skin, you only need a few pumps of the lotion, it does have silky and smooth feel to it and there is a slight fruity scent to it, which must come from the use of fruit water, divine. Rinsing it off using lukewarm water, leaves no residue on the skin, there is also no tightness, no irritation, no stinging just clean feeling skin. There is nothing at all to dislike.

The packaging is clean and has quite the luxurious aesthetic to it and as well as being cruelty-free and Vegan. Priced around £25 for 125ml it isn’t cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, it sits nicely within the mid-priced bracket.








*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Monday 21 December 2020

A Quick Guide to K-Beauty and Its Most Common Ingredients

A Quick Guide to K-Beauty and Its Most Common Ingredients
image credit

K-Beauty has been taking over the beauty industry for the last 10 years. There are several reasons for its success, but the crucial factors have been quality, affordability and innovation. In this post, we’ll focus on innovation, as K-Beauty products use a lot of ingredients not typically found in the western world.

Here’s a short guide to the most common ingredients found in K-Beauty products and why they’re so useful for your skin. 


Coptis Root Extract

Also known as the Chinese goldthread, Coptis root is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce inflammation of the skin and ease redness. Inflammation of the skin can lead to hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown and reactive skin. Coptis root serves as a defence against all three, keeping skin calm, cool and irritation-free.


Hyaluronic Acid

There has been a big buzz around hyaluronic acid for a long time in the beauty industry. This acid’s ability to naturally draw moisture up to the surface of the skin has proved incredibly useful for creating supple and hydrated skin. The super-hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid have made it extremely popular among those with dry and eczema-prone skin. 

Beyond the hydrating factor, it’s also been found to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it’s now a key ingredient in most new anti-ageing products on the market. Don’t be scared off by the word “acid”, as not all acids are harmful or drying for the skin. This acid is a powerful humectant that will help your body fight off the natural effects of ageing skin.


Liquorice Root

The use of liquorice root, or “sweet root”, goes back centuries, but only recently has it become a popular ingredient in skincare products. Its popularity has mostly come from its ability to help fight off acne, which is a prevalent skin issue in South Korea and all around the world.

Liquorice root is also effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots. It’s also easy on sensitive skin, making it a useful ingredient for sun creams or moisturisers. 


Centella Asiatica Extract

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, has a fascinating history in folk medicine, and legend has it that tigers roll around in this plant to help heal their wounds. The scientific world has recently become very interested in this plant, and what they have found so far is promising. 

It appears that centella asiatica is useful for dealing with small wounds, burns and scratches, as well as serving as an anti-inflammatory agent for eczema. Researchers also found that it could promote fibroblast proliferation and increase the synthesis of collagen, leading to firmer and more supple skin.

  

Fermented Rice Water

Women in South Korea have been using fermented rice water for centuries to improve their skin. Its ability to naturally fight against large, oily pores can help with acne, blackheads and excess sebum production. It has become hugely popular in skincare all over the world as a result. 

Those using fermented rice water will also note that it deep cleans the pores without affecting or aggravating acne and other skin conditions. It’s also known to help prevent wrinkles and saggy skin. Finally, rice water helps protect the skin from sun damage.


Birch Juice

Birch juice comes from the birch tree and is also known as “birch sap.” In some cultures, they drink the birch sap, which is a superfood in its own right, containing amino acids and antioxidants.

All this makes for one powerful skincare ingredient that deeply nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation and redness all while hydrating in the process. Birch juice is hugely popular among those with very sensitive skin, as it calms the skin and helps fight irritation. 



*this post contains PR samples, pid for links and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wednesday 9 December 2020

Seoulista Beauty Two to Twinkle Cleanse and Hydrate Christmas Pack

The multi award-winning beauty brand Seoulista Beauty has launched some amazing gift sets for Christmas and I have kindly sent one to share with you. The Two to Twinkle Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare System, which is described as being your ultimate saviour for dry and dehydrated skin is an amazing gift to give and the perfect sized stocking filler, whether the recipient is a skincare fanatic or not.
Seoulista Beauty Two to Twinkle Cleanse and Hydrate Christmas Pack
Seoulista Beauty Two to Twinkle Cleanse and Hydrate Christmas Pack
If you have never come across the Seoulista Beauty brand before then you are in for a treat because they have some of the best face masks I have used. Inspired by the flawless, glass skin of South Korean women, Seoulista Beauty develops innovative skincare in Seoul, which for many is widely regarded as the epicentre of beauty. Created and tested by dermatologists, each treatment from the brand is formulated with targeted ingredients for every skin type. It’s boasts salon-grade skincare that delivers professional results for the face and body and given that they are an award-winning brand, they clearly have got something right.

The Seoulista Beauty Two to Twinkle Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare System, which comes packaged ready to gift, is said to combine powerful, effective cleansing using the one-step Super Hydration Instant Facial™. This unique duo works hard to ensure you have a plumped and hydrated party-perfect complexion. 

The Set Contains:

Seoulista Super Hydration Instant Facial® (25ml) x 2 
The Super Hydration Instant Facial is made from natural ingredients and by a team of Dermatologists. The natural coconut gel-like mask is infused with hyaluronic acid which provides intense hydration, moisture and it also conditions the skin. Also included in an infusion of vitamins which work to hydrate the complexion for visibly smoother, supple and plump skin after just 20 minutes.

This Super Hydration Instant Facial is said to be suitable for all types of skin and is perfect for a using as a part of your daily skin prep routine before applying makeup or popping on in the evening after a day exposed to the harsh elements. Free from parabens, mineral oil, sulphates and artificial colours. This mask is also biodegradable, vegan and cruelty free.

Seoulista Beauty® Magic Cleanse™ x 1
Designed as a sustainable cleansing solution, the dual sided disc helps to lift and remove dirt, oil and makeup to leave you with clean and clear skin, just by adding water.  One side of the disc is designed to gently buff the skin as it is slightly textured, meaning it works easy to dislodge and remove dirt, grime and other impurities.  Once you have cleansed your face with one side, turn it over to reveal a much softer and fluffy side to wipe away any excess dirt, oil and makeup that is sitting on the skins surface.

This kit is currently on sale, via Lookfantastic for just £12.80* which is an absolute bargain because bought separately, the cost would be close to £21, so it is an amazing saving and as I have said already, a great gift for someone, even yourself for that time out, me time. 





*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wednesday 11 November 2020

Korean Skincare Techniques Which You Need To Try

South Korea is known for many things, and skincare is one of them. Korean beauty gurus have harnessed precise, delicate, lengthy skincare routines which produce clear pores, glowing complexion and blemish-free faces all round. Now world-renowned for their expertise, Korean beauticians have shared their skincare hacks with the rest of Asia - and in turn, the rest of the world. Asian citizens from the luxury Emporis Kota Damansara in Kuala Lumpur, to the Gangnam region of Seoul to the Shibuya in Tokyo know that Korean skincare is the best of the best. Even over in the West, throughout Europe and America, Korean beauty regimes have made waves in beauty communities. 

Want glowy, stunning skin? Read on to find out three Korean skincare tips you need to try.

Image credit.


The Art of Double Cleansing.
If you have never heard of double cleansing, prepare to have your mind blown. This Korean skincare technique requires a two-step cleanse, rather than a simple foaming cleanser morning and night as most people do. Double cleansing involves two simple steps, which are: 

Oil cleansing.
Oily skinned people, listen up. Oil cleansing doesn’t make your skin oily - in fact, it can prevent your skin from overproducing sebum. Cleansing oil is applied dry to your face, even over makeup after it has been worn all day, and rubbed in as normal. The oil combines with the oils and dirt on the surface of your skin, creating a kind of balm. Then, apply water - and the oil will become milky and wash away.

Foam cleansing.
Next comes the foam cleanse. Foam cleansing is very popular as the only form of cleansing in most people’s skincare routines. But foam cleansing after oil cleansing allows the cleanser to penetrate more deeply into your skin - after all, the oil cleanser has already got rid of surface oils and dirt, so the foam cleanser acts as a deeper cleanser. Wash it away, and you have completed the double cleanse!

Layering Your Products.
The order in which you apply your products determines how effective they are. Korean skincare specialists believe that locking in the effects of each product will make them effective; if you don’t layer correctly, the product can be completely ineffective.

There is some dispute as to the precise order in which your products should be applied, but here’s the gist: cleansers should be applied first, followed by toner. After toner, serums or peeling gels come next; these are followed by eye cream, and lastly by moisturisers. This order will maximise the effectiveness of your skincare and improve the appearance of your skin by a long way.

Treating Your Skin To A Massage.
While layering and applying the correct products is important, the way you treat your face is also vital. Koreans have been using facial massagers such as jade rollers for years now; over in the West, things are just catching on. Massaging your face, either with clean hands or with a facial roller, helps to contour and preserve the youthful structure of your face for longer.

In addition to massage and contour, there is much emphasis placed on the amount of time for which you apply and massage in your products. Most people apply their cleansers for around ten seconds and wash them off. This is, unfortunately, a waste of your products and therefore a waste of money. You should be cleansing your face for around sixty seconds per cleanser. Similarly, patting in your moisturiser gently for around one minute is also recommended.

The Inside-Out Effect
Korean skincare specialists are obsessed with hydration, and there’s a reason. If you are dehydrated, your skin will give you away; your skin cells will be less plump than if you are well hydrated, leading to a sunken look. In order to maximise your skin’s health, you can’t rely on products and face massage alone to achieve this. Drinking plenty of water every single day means that you are giving your skin a chance to glow and be plump and youthful from the inside out. If you do not take care of your skin as an organ first, no amount of serum, toner, moisturiser and cleanser will make it look as good as the K-Pop stars you love. Hydration is the first step to success.

Final Thoughts
If you adore skincare and want to bump your routine to the next level, use this Korean skincare guide to achieve skin perfection. These tricks of the trade can be yours to harness, so get started tonight!








*this post contains PR samples, paid for links and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Sunday 8 November 2020

BEAUTY & SEOUL K-BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2020

I adore K-beauty and I have featured a lot of it here on my blog, so much so I have an entire K-Beauty product directory on my blog so that you can see which brands and products I have loved getting to know, or am not so bothered about. In recent weeks Beauty & Seoul have had teasers on their Instagram with regards to a K-Beauty Advent Calendar and well, here it is.
BEAUTY & SEOUL K-BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2020
Here it is in all its Pink and Rose Gold glory and it is just stunning. Inside there are 25 deluxe sized samples that Maree, the lady behind the brand, has chosen and many of which are her favourites. If you have not come across Maree or Beauty & Seoul before, she has the most amazing personal story which she shares here, on her website, it is a story that should be read.

The Advent Calendar, which is on sale now, is priced at £95 but it is limited edition, so if you want it, then grab it quick because once it has gone, it has gone.  
BEAUTY & SEOUL K-BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2020
Inside, you can expect to see brands such as Son & Park, Sioris, Klairs and Cosrx to name just a few.  If you don't want to see the contents, then don't scroll down because they are listed.  

Contents

  • SON & PARK Beauty Water 60ml
  • HEIMISH All Clean Green Foam 30ml
  • TOUN28 Lip Balm Unscented
  • PYUNKANG YUL Nutrition Cream 9ml
  • IUNIK Propolis Synergy Serum 15ml
  • BENTON Fermentation Eye Cream 10g
  • SIORIS You Look So Young Night Cream 15ml
  • KLAIRS Supple Preparation Toner 30ml
  • JUMISO Hello Skin Water Splash Mask or JUMISO Helloskin Chewy Elasticity Mask
  • BEAUTY & SEOUL Bamboo Cotton Reusable Pads x 2
  • SHANGPREE Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask x 1 pair
  • ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Toner 20ml
  • COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner 50ml
  • COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad x 2
  • HANSKIN Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA] 30ml
  • SHANGPREE Marine Jewel Capsule x 1
  • HEIMISH Black Tea Mask 5ml
  • HANSKIN Hyaluron Skin Essence 5ml
  • SIORIS Time Is Running Out Mist 30ml
  • THE VEGAN GLOW Mild Foam Cleanser 30ml
  • PURITO Centella Green Level All In One Mild Pad x2
  • ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence 15ml
  • PYUNKANG YUL Essence Toner 30ml
  • JUMISO Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum 5ml
  • HEIMISH All Clean Balm 7ml + ISNTREE Green Tea Toner 20ml
This is a great advent calendar for anyone wanting to know more about the world of K-Beauty and what they have to offer and if you have never tried any of these brands, then now is the time to do just that because they are wonderful and I am already a huge fan of Son & Park with their beauty water!

Priced at £95, you can find the Beauty & Seoul K-Beauty Advent Calendar via the website.




*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Thursday 29 October 2020

I'm From Mugwort Mask

Facemasking is one of my favourite downtime activities, I know that once the facemask of choice has been applied, then I am giving myself some time out to relax and unwind.  I have just finished using this tube of I'm From Mugwort Mask, which I got from Tonic15 and I absolutely love it.
I'm From Mugwort Mask
The I'm From brand is one I am a little familiar with, I shared the brands Rice Toner on my blog earlier this year.  This mask is described as being a gentle wash-off mask that helps calm and soothe irritated, sensitive and troubled skin, this mask is formulated with Mugwort which has been harvested from Ganghwa County in Korea.

Admittedly, I had no idea what Mugwort was until I started using this mask, but I am told it is a natural herb which is really rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which help and work to restore, soothe, and detoxify the skin.
I'm From Mugwort Mask
I really like the texture of this mask, it is thick and goopy and for me, I apply it using a spatula from another product to ensure I get an even coverage, but it applies really smoothly onto the skin. As with any mask, this one should be used on freshly cleansed skin, the mask, which doesn't dry hard, needs just 5-10 minutes on the skin before you wash it off with warm water. 

This mask doesn't have a sweet or strong floral smell, it is actually much more earthy and because there are bits of Mugwort within the mask itself, so on the skin, it is visible, but its how the skin feels afterwards which is important.  For me, whilst I don't dislike or love the scent, what I love is how smooth and clean my skin feels after using and with no irritations too, which is always a bonus.

This tube costs just £8 here and I managed to get 6 uses out of it for my face which is quit something.  There are also other sized options available and it comes in a glass pot.






*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Friday 16 October 2020

MIIN KOREAN COSMETICS ADVENT CALENDAR 2020: Welcome to Seoul

I am a huge fan of K-Beauty and just a few weeks ago on this blog, I introduced Miin Cosmetics, the place to go for your K-Beauty fixes, advice, amazing products and if you are intrigued about Korean Cosmetics and Skincare, then it is worth looking at. Today, I am sharing the Miin Cosmetics Korean Advent Calendar for 2020: Welcome to Seoul!
MIIN KOREAN COSMETICS ADVENT CALENDAR 2020: Welcome to Seoul
MIIN KOREAN COSMETICS ADVENT CALENDAR 2020: Welcome to Seoul
This MiiN Advent Calendar will take you all the way to Korea, with a specially selected selection of exclusive skincare products that will make you feel as though you're walking through the neon-lit streets of Seoul, finding amazing products that will make your skin glow every single day.  If you are new to K-Beauty and want to know more, then this would be an amazing place to start, the contents are insane.

Packaged inside this lovely pink 24-drawer Advent Calendar you'll find a selection of the finest and most original K-Beauty products. From Face masks, body masks, serums, toners, cleansers, eye creams, hair products... basically, a little bit of everything to well and truly introduce you to the wonder that is Korean Beauty! The Calendar itself is worth €164, but its price is just €89.95 here.

Contents
  • Melting Mask For Neck, Lovbod Full Size
  • Melting Mask For Hand, Lovbod Full Size
  • Snail Repair Eye Cream, Mizon 15ml
  • I’m Pure Cica Sun Cream, Suntique 15ml
  • Patting Splash Mask Green Tea, Blithe 14ml
  • Rose Ceramide Cream, Urang 10ml
  • Snail Bee Ultimate Serum, Benton 8ml
  • Moisture Eye Cream, Village 11 Factory 15g
  • Safe Me Relief Cleansingam, Make P: Rem 20ml
  • Rose Infusion Treatment Toner, Aromatica 30ml
  • White In Milk Whipping Foam, G9skin 20ml
  • Glow Oil Serum, Urang 3ml
  • Cold Brew Rose Mary Scalp Pack, Rated Green Full Size
  • All In One Snail Repair Cream, Mizon 35ml
  • Relax Day Body Oil Cream, Village 11 Factory 30ml
  • Orange Cleansing Sherbet, Aromatica 15g
  • French Pink Clay Mini Konjac Full Size
  • Fermentation Essence, Benton 20ml
  • Brightening Blue Oil Serum, Urang 3ml
  • Honest Cleansing Foam, Benton 30ml
  • Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream, Make P: Rem 10ml
  • 6 Marine Jewel Capsule, Shangpree 2’4ml
  • Deep Hydrating Mask, The Skin Lounge Full Size
  • Natural Cleansing Oil, Urang 20ml
This is a great advent calendar for anyone who is a fan of K-Beauty or wants to know more, it is filled with amazing brands such as Aromatica and P: Rem and really does show of some of the best that K-Beauty has to offer right now.

The Miin Korean Cosmetics Advent Calendar - Welcome to Seoul is on sale right now.







*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Thursday 2 July 2020

Erborian Sleeping BB Mask

I have been lucky enough to try quite a few products from Erborian, a brand whose name is derived from 'Herbs of the Orient' and was born back in 2007 when two women, both experts in the demanding world of cosmetics happened to meet. Blending the power of Korean textures and ingredients with French sensoriality and know-how, Erborian was created. Today, I am sharing the Sleeping BB Mask, a product which is referred to as being a 'Night energy blast face mask'.
Erborian Sleeping BB Mask
Erborian Sleeping BB Mask
I am a huge fan of 'lazy skincare' and by that, I mean using products which does more work for your skin than you need too especially night time products. The Sleeping BB Mask is described as being a cocoon mask which works whilst you sleep and helps you to fight signs of fatigue, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch.

The texture of this sleeping mask is like a serum and the formula contains a combination of traditional herbs which includes:
  • 7 Herbs complex - Used in many Erborian products for their soothing properties
  • Sweet almond oil - This is softening, nourishing and helps to strengthen skin barrier function
  • Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum) - An antioxidant, protects, nourishing, soothing
  • Corn Oil - An emollient
  • Soybean Oil - Helps to prevent skin dehydration
  • Tocopherol - An antioxidant
The advice from Erborian is to use this product 2-3 times a week after cleansing and rinse off the following morning.  What I like about this mask is how it is lightweight on the skin, it sinks in and the following day, my skin is soft and smooth to the touch.



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Thursday 21 May 2020

Cosrx Advanced Snail Collection

The Cosrx Advanced Snail Collection* is definitely one to catch my attention and I absolutely love Korean skincare, so as a brand, Cosrx is one which appealed to me instantly. Having tried the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser, I was keen to try more from the brand.
Cosrx Advanced snail collection

If you are not familiar with the brand, COSRX is a Multi-award-winning brand made famous by beauty and cosmetic experts worldwide. For over a decade MR RX studied peoples skin types and their needs in the beauty industry and it is his experience that he believed cosmetics should look for meanings more than just beauty. So, collecting what customers need and want regarding their skin types and concerns finally establishing Cosmetics + RX = COSRX was founded.


The first of the two products within this range is the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream which is said to contain 92% snail secretion filtrate is a gel moisturiser which helps to repair your skin.
Cosrx Advanced snail collection

Hyaluronic Acid is also an ingredient within this rich gel cream and not only is it soothing on the skin, but it is also designed to heal, calm, regenerates and repair the skin. The cream is also formulated to prevent breakouts and maintain skin elasticity, as well as leaving skin nourished, hydrated and healthy.


This is quite a rich gel cream and it is quite gloopy when removed from the tub and you really only need such a small amount of this at any time. On the skin, the gel quickly turns to a more watery substance and absorbs into the skin really quickly.  Once it has absorbed, my skin feels really hydrated and refreshed.  This cream is priced around £27 for 100g.


The second product within this range is the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and again, as with the product above, this Essence is comprised 96% of skin friendly snail secretion filtrate that is effective at repairing damaged skin, improving skin elasticity and maintaining hydration levels.
Cosrx Advanced snail collection

An Essence is a must-have product in many Korean skincare routines and to use it within yours, it is best to be used after a double cleanse and then toning. To use, you only need to apply a small amount on to the skin, I tend to focus on areas of my face which have dry patches and I then pat until absorbed and then apply your moisturiser.


This Essence is really lightweight, it isn't oily or tacky and you need just two pumps at most to cover your entire face or, to use as I do, one pump is more than enough.  I love having an Essence within my skincare routine, especially if my skin is feeling dehydrated.

Again available from Feelunique, this Essence is priced around £24.









*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Tuesday 12 May 2020

Cosrx Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule

The final product from Cosrx in my collection is the Cosrx Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule*. An Ampoule is from the same family as essences and serums, only an ampoule is said to be more of a supercharged serum which has a higher concentration of active ingredients that you're meant to use as a booster or as and when you're skin is having a crisis. 
Cosrx Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
Cosrx Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
On the skin, this Ampoule is lightweight and is not greasy or tacky. It absorbs really quickly, so there is minimal contact needed with your face. It uses 42% Centella Asiatica extract which helps to calm sensitised skin and it works alongside Vitamin B5 which works to hydrate as well as to act as an anti-inflammatory for the skin. 

Designed to deliver immediate hydration for sensitive skin, the Cosrx Ampoule is really lightweight on the skin and using the pipette dropper, you need just two to three drops for your face, avoiding the eye area. I have combination oily skin which leaves me with dry patches of skin on both my cheeks and on my forehead between my brows, so a product such as this can really make a difference.

If you like the sound of this Cosrx Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule, it is priced around £24 on Feelunique* and the brand can also be found in Walmart* for my American readers. I have had my bottle for around 3 months and it still has more than half left and I use it a good few times a week.




*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Wednesday 11 March 2020

Cosrx low pH GOod Morning Gel Cleanser

New to my skincare collection is COSRX who is described as being a Multi-award-winning brand made famous by beauty and cosmetic experts worldwide. For over a decade MR RX studied peoples skin types and their needs in the beauty industry and it is his experience that he believed cosmetics should look for meanings more than just beauty. So, collecting what customers need and want regarding their skin types and concerns finally establishing Cosmetics + RX = COSRX was founded.
Cosrx low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX as a brand is built on 3 concepts:
  • Simplicity – using only key ingredients, avoiding any redundancies, will not only reduce the chance of skin irritation but also provide a simple solution.
  • High performance – active ingredients to maximum concentration to maximise the effect.
  • Cost effectiveness – sufficient volume and plentiful solution at a reasonable price.
For many of us, understanding the basics of skincare and its suitability for your skin can be an absolute minefield, too many 'experts' claim to know what will and won't work for you along with an never-ending list of products you need in your routine, for some, has lead to more confusion and over-use. So sometimes, it is a good idea to go back to basics and find out what works on your skin for yourself.

I have been using the Cosrx Low pH Gel Cleanser and it is described as being a daily face wash that is gentle enough for sensitive skin types.  I use this as a morning cleanser, usually, after I have showered, I still can't be one of those people who washes their face in the shower, weird yes.
Cosrx low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Cosrx low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Featuring a mildly acidic pH, the cleansing formula is similar to skin’s natural pH level, so once you have finished using it, it doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped of all moisture and taut.  Designed to remove dirt and grime that has been produced by your skin as you sleep, this Cleansing Gel uses Tea Tree Oil, an ingredient you most definitely do notice, to also help remove excess sebum, making it ideal for those, like me, who have combination oily skin.  Using it in a morning, that Tea Tree scent most definitely gives you a wake-up call, as it cleans the skin and I am quite the fan of the fragrance and I love how clean it leaves my skin feeling.  There is also the inclusion of Betaine Salicylate which is essentially a natural chemical exfoliant that helps to keep your pores clean and free from dead skin cells and also Saccharomyces Ferment, a fermented yeast which I am told is responsible for the bright, hydrated glow we all yearn to have.

The formula of this cleanser is Gel, it isn't a foaming gel, it does, however, lather really nicely and because it is a fairly thick consistency, you need only a small pea-sized amount to clean the entirety of your face.  I have been using this for weeks every single day as my morning cleanser and I have not had a single reaction or break-out after using, though thankfully I don't ever suffer from break-outs. What I love is that clean feeling after using and given it is priced at around £14 it is worth every penny.

You can find this Corsrx low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser and the rest of the Cosrx range via Feelunique*.







*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.
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