Obsessed with Asian/Korean stuff - taking your skincare to level 2!

[FrugalFashionista]

Asian and Korean skincare products seem to be a big thing right now - we are falling in love with quite a few things...

Interested in the following?

• finding a great sunscreen - here's a thread favorite
• tailoring a multi-step ritual to your skincare needs - here are the basics
• talking about geisha beauty rituals - you'll probably need to read this
• learning what snail slime, bee venom and starfish have to do with beauty
• plumping up your skin with sheet masks and sleeping masks
• experimenting with essences

Please come here and share your questions, experiences, links and best shopping tips!

Vol 1 of this thread here

Lol, never heard of footner before. I rub my 70% glycolic peel on the backs of my hands and on my feet every other morning after showering. I guess it must do a similar thing?
the serum I make is the c, e and ferulic one, also with glycerine and sea kelp coral

Ok, ordered the missha sun essence after reading up a bit and the chocolate skin wash.
I am buying NOTHING more this month!
Oh I did, in error, buy a sample set of étude house body care, in tangerine, it smells divine. Saving for the mucky weekend with Dh.

I give up! I can't find diy sheet mask instructions to tell me exactly what to use so am going to wing it and hope I don't end up a soggy or broken out in spots mess

I have the OST C20 serum - no discolouration on my hands but I do think it is a bit drying on my skin so unsure if I should keep using it. Interestingly, the French instructions ( I'm in France) say to mix it with moisturising cream when putting it on and I did find it was better like this. How is anybody else finding it?

Wow loads to catch up on. I'm not very quick with these long threads. Loving the sound of the missha spray SPF, that is definitely on the wish list. I ahve also finally ordered some hado labo.

I have ordered 20 samples of the Missha longer name ampoule but that was before I decided I might have an issue with silicones, not sure if it has them in? TBH most korean things do seem to so fingers crossed. Although I'm still not convinced that it is the silicones, my little pimply outbreak has come to an end and I've carried on with my old boots P&P serum this week which is also very silicony so maybe its not that after all. Another thought I had is shea butter which is in a new Una Brennan cleanser I've been using, but again, I have used shea butter lots before with no problem.

Once my skin is totally clear I'll try out the Biore SPF again as thats the thing I need most of all right now! That and moisture, which I really need to work on as my skin is so dehydrated. I think I need hyaluronic acid, is that right? I don't want to wait for a korean order, esp not knowing what it is I am reacting to, but I think I'm going to invest in hylamide from boots as it has no silicones or oils in as far as I can tell. But I was wondering has anyone tried the Mizon Hyaluronic serum 100? here Also saving up for the benton snail bee steam cream, just a shame they don't do samples. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Benton Aloe BHA toner? Any good?

And one more thing - frugal you've been trying the missha snail products haven't you? Can I asks is the cream very rich? I am looking for something a bit more heavy duty than the lotions and gels. I know it has silicone in though so might order some samples if I can.

Am off to do a nice cooling sheet mask now :)

ilove, the Benton Aloe BHA was the first toner I looked at - there have been (alleged) issues with contamination (mould iirc) in some batches of their products because of the lack of preservatives. I'll have a google - not 100% I've remembered that right...

skin and beauty story blog post here...there are plenty of others too if you have a google.

It put me off it - I can't afford to splash out on a potentially contaminated product

Ilovetosleep the Missha Super Aqua Snail cream is a gel-cream, so not rich in the traditional Astral/Nivea way. Perhaps better avoided. Happy that your skin is improving!

I have just put on a Longer Name Ampoule (my last sample). I think it's silicone free but I could be wrong. It feels pleasant, would not mind using it more often.

Hylamide should be fine. I use the Hada Labo Gokujyun lotion.

Thanks both of you. hmm that does put me off Benton a bit tbh. Especially as I'm proving to have sensitive skin!

Maybe the snail cream isn't right then either, although maybe the texture isn't the problem, maybe its just that I havent' found the right moisturiser with the right ingredients yet.

Will keep on searching for the HG!

lucy diy masks are easy. For a really basic one put some water in a pot and mix in any face cream you have. Dip the mask in it and apply! Try adding glycerine. Aldi do really cheap serums for example. Buy one of those, mix some with water and soak the mask in it. The idea is just to super hydrate your face. You could try making a green tea water base and adding other stuff. Just use what you have at home!

I'm going the other way to you on the cream front ilove, I'm hunting for something lighter and more fluid than my usual. Haven't hit on one I fancy sampling yet though.

bigbuttons, thanks . Dp looked at me a bit sort of bemused when I explained the huffing and puffing coming from my chair!

Will green tea keep ok in the fridge if I make more than I use (highly likely)?

I'm also still waiting on my little bottle for my diy vitamin c serum - getting slightly impatient now

On another note, has anyone tried any of the Missha make-up other than the BB creams? I've just been having a scroll on ebay & they seem very reasonably priced. I usually pick up MUA stuff or similar (Natural Collection/odd bits of Olay too) but might try some at some point in the future.

Ilovetosleep - I have the Mizon serum, I like it. Very light, my skin (dry) drinks it up. It's not enough on its own for me though, I have to layer products but that's the whole Korean thing though, I suppose! iAds other stuff after it and I think it's pretty good

lucy I guess it would keep for a couple of days in the fridge.
A friend popped round today and told me I looked "really well". I was secretly chuffed!

Ilove - make sure to put the right Missha sun spray on your list, the whitening one is the one suitable for faces.

Lucysmam ive just got the Mizon snail recovery cream this weekend and it's much lighter than a typical moisturiser, I put some on this evening and still feel the need for something richer before I go to bed, so it might be worth looking at.

News the gel cream? Dp has pinched the tube I bought for his bike bag when he goes away since I told him that the snail goo had healing properties and might help the grazes where he came off it the other week! I shall pinch it back and order him a tube of his own.

Hello all! My Biore sunscreen has been in overdrive this weekend - what gorgeous weather at last!

I tried the Laneige watery sleeping pack last night after experiencing some Retin-A dryness this week. It feels light and smells lovely - slightly less silicone-y than Mizon good night white sleeping mask I think. Not sure that I really noticed a difference in plumpness this morning however - although the slight flaking around my nose had gone, so that at least is a win!

No sheet mask time this weekend but I have been piling on the propolis serum - it seems to go well layered with everything! My acne scars on my neck are reducing - think the propolis combined with Retin-a are doing quite a good job.

The Benton aloe toner story is v shocking isn't it..must admit it put me off the snail bee essence and sheet masks. Shame as the good reviews are really, really good.

I am still missing a CosRX toner ordered 2-3 weeks ago, and am now wondering if it has leaked or exploded or something in transit...uh oh..

Lucy there's a gel and a cream, the cream has a higher percentage of snail goo and is more like a lightweight moisturiser. I've got both now and feel that the gel is more suitable for the kind of thing your DP is using it for, or sun burn etc.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mizon-All-In-One-Snail-Repair-Cream-75g-Korea-cosmetic-Skin-care-/310636287097 Snail cream

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mizon-Snail-Recovery-Gel-Cream-45ml-Korea-Cosmetic-/140943941914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d0e9e11a Gel

Wombat I highly recommend the Apple peeling gel mentioned earlier in the thread for post retin A flakiness. I found that although I didn't look flaky when I put on my be cream the flakiness would show. The peeling gel has really helped and feels quite gentle.

Aah, thanks News, I'll see if I can find some samples at the weekend.

I'm tempted by some of the Missha make up too.

I'm trying a sample of Missha Perfect Cover BB in No.21 this morning. It felt lovely going on, really silky smooooth & seems a good match so far...we'll see as the day goes on.

Coverage wise it's loads better than the MF foundation I'm using up, looks natural rather than trowelled on (although that may be down to the MF being a tad dark rather than the foundation itself iyswim).

wickedfairy would you mind posting your routine or any recommendations - and anyone else with dry or sensitive skin? I think I'm reading all this thread and forgetting that most of you (I think?) have more normal to oily/spot prone skin? Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. Feeling really down this morning as my skin is no better than it was a month ago, maybe even worse, and I've spent a fortune trying to inprove it. Everyone here and on the other thread is seeing miracles! Sorry to sound grumpy I'm just a little sleep deprived today.

Also has anyone used cosmetic love? I ordered my starfish cream weeks ago and haven't heard anything since my confirmation email :(

I have dry/normal skin. Very dry in winter (flakes!) but not atopic dermatitis, fairly fuss free in summer. Underlying issues: mild jawline acne, mild redness/thread vein type rosacea (in remission), perioral eczema 1.5 years ago, unknown cosmetics allergy (I suspect MI or bismuth). Because of the underlying sensitivity, I don't want to add too many products. I also avoid overcleansing, it has dried up my skin in the past.

My goals: more glow and hydration, avoiding breakouts, good sun protection, fading hyperpigmentation, avoiding rosacea and perioral flareups.

I avoid: oils, SLS, overexfoliation
I am not bothered by: alcohol, silicones

am
Wash off sleeping pack with water
Missha First Treatment Essence
Sunscreen (Biore, Chanel UV Essentiel spf 50 fluid or Missha Peachy Liquid)
BB cream (Dr Jart or Missha)

pm
Bioderma Sensibio micellar water
Black African soap or Missha chocolate cleanser or old cream cleanser
Nip + Fab glycolic acid pads 2x /week, old 2% salicylic acid pads 2x /week
A sheet mask with Hada Labo Gokujyun lotion OR
some liquid moisturizer (serum, essence, emulsion) from my intro kits
(if still feeling dry, a gel-cream from my intro kits)
Sleeping pack

If I am feeling that a breakout might be forming, LRP Effaclar AI on that area

Last night's combo: Missha Longer Name ampoule + red wine sleeping pack
Intro kits: Missha Super Aqua Snail (my favorite so far), Laneige White Plus, Etude House Moistfull Collagen

This routine works for me and I am very happy with the results (more glow, my skin feels plumper, and I haven't had acne cysts for several moths), but it might not work for others. I don't need heavy moisturizers right now because it is very hot, got a couple of whiteheads from Laneige White Plus cream so saving it for winter (Eucerin 5% urea is another winter fave and I might revisit Cerave pm).

Thanks for that frugal. I am really sorry I misunderstood from previous posts I thought we had very different skin types but maybe not so much. You must be fed up with me asking so many questions

Its very good to see it all written down as one routine though as I still feel so overwhelmed by all the products mentioned.

Do you think micellar water is gentler than a regular cleanser? ATM I do hot cloth with a balm followed by a gel cleanser just rinsed off with warm water. In the morning I just use the gel. Maybe I could go gentler on the hot cloth.

Those of you using the Missha BB cream - how long do you think a tube would last? They seem teeny compared to the tube I have. I did notice I didn't need much at all this morning though.

I'm going to ask one of the school mums whose opinion I trust what she thinks this afternoon (after a full days wear of No.21) and try No.23 tomorrow I think, then do the same again. See if there's a noticeable difference.

I'd ask dp but he looks like at me quite a lot lately

Wow.. so much info!

I've always tinkered with the idea of Korean skincare but there are so many options it's just overwhelming.
I've had a good mooch around some websites suggested - even the packaging alone has me sold!

I wonder if somebody could steer me in the right direction please?

I'm late twenties. I have very acne prone skin. I was on acctuane for a year - acne cleared up nicely but made an appearance last year. I keep it at bay with LRP redermic and effeclar but I find the product looses potency halfway through the tube and at 20 quid a go, it's costing too much and I still have a few spots.

My routine in the morning is to cleanse with Kiehls Ultra Facial cleanser, moisturizing sunscreern and Bourjois CC. In the evening I use LRP effaclar and redermic.

I was wondering does anybody have any recommendations with similar skin concerns. Not getting any younger either so anti-wrinkle would be nice!!
I'm specifically looking to replace the retinol product.

Thanks guys, I'm back off to drool over the cute packaging!

lucysmam I used up a 15 ml mini tube of Dr Jart in two months - daily wear but mixed 50% with Missha, so probably the 15 ml would have lasted a month. My Missha tubes are 50ml. My skin is in a better condition now so I need less BB cream these days.

Ilovetosleep my sympathies. I feel I may been through a similar dark period, I started taking better care of my skin in fall 2013 and my skin went to hell, by Christmas it was red and sore and I had stubborn pimples around my mouth that turned out to be perioral dermatitis. I have to add that it was a highly stressful time too, so my hormones went haywire as well. Turns out I had been overusing harsh cleansers (SLS-laced ones, LRP Effaclar foaming face wash was the worst offender, and I think I also used wipes) and overdoing salicylic acid (more Effaclar products layered on), trying to get rid of jawline acne. It was pretty awful, but I learned that frequent cleansing is not good for my skin. I cannot do hot cloth and muslins at all, or physical exfoliants, temperature changes are a rosacea trigger for me and my skin is too sensitive for physical exfoliants (major flaking and increased redness).

I scaled everything back to just water and castile soap. Soap can be too harsh and high in pH for some but worked really well for me (an experienced dermatologist recommended it, used sparingly, his advice was twice a week) but don't do this if you have atopic skin (=had childhood eczema). pH balanced cleansers (pH=5.5) are a better idea, and micellar water is definitely less drying than my other cleansers.

As my barrier recovered, I slowly introduced new products. You might have totally different underlying issues, but perhaps scaling back on cleansing and acids might help, as overexfoliation and overcleansing can wreck the skin barrier. I think the answer is less products, not more products. I realized that I was trapped in this vicious cycle:

acne -> harsher cleansers, more drying BHA products ->
parched skin -> heavier moisturizers and exfoliants to control flaking -> more acne

The first steps I'd take: check if your gel cleanser has SLS/SLES. If yes, discontinue, as it is a 'superdetergent', ie, can cleanse too efficiently. Scale back the acids. I got major barrier problems from daily BHA+foaming cleanser. I used AHAs daily for a couple of days when I first bought them, and my skin started getting very tight and shiny (classic overexfoliation warning symptoms) so I scaled back. Twice a week is just right for me, but some sensitive people cannot use acids at all. And do some googling on 'skin barrier', a derm explained all this to me and it was a revelation. Consulting a professional is not a bad idea if scaling back on products does not help.

Sorry about getting carried away and sidetracking the thread... Hope someone has received a parcel today!