korean beauty

KBEAUTY-Cleansing Tools and Their Uses

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Hi guys! So, yesterday I made a post on how to clean your facial cleansing brushes, and earlier this week, I finally bought a new silicone cleansing pad to replace my facial brush, so I thought, why not do a blog on the different cleansing tools? Today we’ll be going over the 3 basic types of cleasnig tools that you can use. They’ll be the facial brushes, silicone pads, and sponges. Of course, there’s different variations in each category, like electrically powered brushes, but we’ll just stick to the general categories today.

Facial Brushes

facialbrushkbeautyskincarekoreanskincarefacialcleansingtoolskincarecleansingexfoliatinggentlecleanser

Facial Brushes are basically brushes made of soft fibers that have a sort of handle at the end. You would wet the brush, dab a bit of your favorite cleanser on the bristles, and cleanse you face in a circular motion with the brush. It’s extremely soft and non-irritating, so those with extremely sensitive skin would probably enjoy it.

Pros:

  • Extremely Gentle
  • Manual brushes are very cheap.
  • Deeper cleanse than when using hands
  • Long fibers can clean hard-to-reach areas like the corners of the nose

Cons:

  • Have to be replaced every 3 months
  • Have to be sanitized at least once a week
  • Bristles take a long time to dry completely (Usually around 8 hours)

If you are looking for a facial brush, here are some good options:

Cleansing Sponges

konjacspongekoreanbeautyfacialcleansingtool

Facial sponges work similarly to the facial brushes, only these cleansing tools have woven fibers instead of bristles. It can vary depending on the sponge shape, but they are also often able to reach harder-to-reach areas. Sponges often need to be sanitized weekly as well. Place the sponge in steaming hot water for around 4 minutes, then let air dry. Be sure to replace them at least every 3 months!

Pros:

  • Dries quickly
  • Easy to sanitize
  • Portable
  • Requires a very small amount of

Cons: 

  • Needs to be sanitized weekly
  • Must be replaced every 3 months
  • Konjac sponges may disintegrate over time

Here are a few popular options for sponges:

 

Silicone Pore Brushes

siliconeporebrushkoreanbeautyskincarefacialcleansingtool

Silicone pore brushes are probably the newest addition to the mainstream family of cleansing tools. They work in a similar manner as the sponge and brush, but the advantage is how it doesn’t have to be replaced, and it doesn’t have to be sanitized. Because they’re made of silicone, bacteria won’t be able to grow on them, which means no need for sanitization. If you really want to clean it, just throw this into a cup of boiling water to sterilize it.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting (Can last for years)
  • No need for sanitation
  • Dries quickly
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Very Cheap

Cons:

  • Handle on the back make be hard to grip for some

Here are some options for those looking for a silicone pore brush!

Hope this review helped anyone looking for a new cleansing tool! I’ve used all three cleansing tools before, but I definetely feel like the silicone pore brush is the best deal. It works just as well, if not better, than the other tools, and I don’t have the hassle of cleaning and replacing it all the time. That said, I know everyone’s skin is different, so try and see which one would be best for you!

 

MIZON Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule Review

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mizonsnailrepairintensiveampoulekoreansmpouleserumessencekbeauty

 

 

 

Hi everyone! I’m back with another review, only this time it’ll be for an the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule, not another chemical exfoliator or brightening agent, but an all-around k-beauty treat! This week’s star is the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule. It’s been on the market for a long time, but it still is a great ampoule when it comes to price and all-around effectiveness for me. Let’s start with the Ingredients overview!

Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule Key Ingredients:

The ingredients list are listed down below:

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Punica Granatum Extract, Theobroma Cacao (cocoa) Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Trehalose, Copper Tripeptide-1, Human Ogliopeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glyocol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tropolone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Coptis Japonica Extract, Disodium Edta

 

We’re going to focus on the first two ingredients, Snail Secretion Filtrate (aka Snail Mucin), and Sodium Hyluronate.

Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin)

 

Yes, I know. I hate the thought of snails anywhere near me, much less touching me. But snail mucin is a different story. From hydration to lightening acne scars, snail mucin is basically and all-around wonder. Plus, the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule has an 80 percent concentrate of it, so might as well know what it is! Here’s a list of the many benefits of slathering the snails’ trails on you skin!

  • Heals acne/acne scars. This mucin works on the snails to heal any scars or cuts on the snail, and it works in a similar way for our skin
  • Firms Skin
  • Helps with anti-aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
  • Moisturizes and replenishes the skin
  • Supports cell regeneration, which results in all the wonderful outcomes listed above!

So, willing to try snail mucin after reading all the benefits? So am I. But that isn’t the only star ingredient in the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule!

Sodium Hyluronate

 

 

 

At first glance, Sodium Hyluronate just sounds like another filler ingredient- long and hard to pronounce. But, don’t be fooled by its science-y name. Sodium Hyluronate is the sodium salt form of Hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient when it comes to moisture. What does it do?

Hyaluronic acid isn’t an acid in the same sense that vitamin c or a BHA agent is, but instead is a naturally occuring chemical in our body. It works to act as a sort of cushioning agent for our skin, as well as our joints, eyes, and hair. Our body’s ability to produce this acid declines as we age, thus leading to fine lines, wrinkles, etc.

Hyaluronic acid is a great humectant, with their ability to attract and attain over 1,000 times their weight in water. What does that mean for our skin? The hyaluronic acid is able to keep more water molecules trapped within our skin, which means more moisture for us!

 

MIZON Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule Review

 

 

Claims:

  • Reduce the appearence of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Deeply moisturize the skin
  • Brighten and correct hyperpigmentation

Texture:

The texture of the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule can be off-setting to some, but I enjoy it, actually. It’s not completely viscous, but rather has a somewhat jelly-like texture that’s very unique. It’s really only a texture that other snail products have. However, it does sink in pretty quickly, and the texture of the ampoule itself disappears within about a minute or so. It has a slight cooling effect, which I enjoy.

 

Results:

The Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule is probably what I would give as one of the safest products to step into the k-beauty world with. Although it isn’t something that will be able to completely clear skin within a week, it’s a great ampoule, especially for the price. The ampoule delivers on what it promises, moisturizing, plumping, and fading hyperpigmentation. I think I love it as a secondary step, but it won’t be able to solve all my skincare worries. However, for the price, it’s such a great buy. For only $10, it’s an all-around skincare worker, so I bring it with me wherever I go, and it’s been working great for me.

Rating (Out of 5): 4. I’ve been using this product for around 6 months, and I’m currently on my 4th bottle. It’s a wonderful all-around worker, with a great price, but the product alone won’t be able to cure all my skincare concerns.

Interested in buying the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule? Get it here for $9.96 on Amazon.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review+BHA Benefits

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Hey everyone! I’m back with another Korean skincare product review. This week’s star is the extremely popular Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.

CosRX BHA blackhead power liquid
CosRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Seem familiar? It’s all over the K-Beauty world right now.

 

Why BHA?

Before we get into the review itself, let’s go over a few of the benefits of BHA, as well as get rid of some of the common myths that seem to surround this mysterious chemical.

  • BHA stand for Beta Hydroxy Acid. Unlike its water-soluble sister, AHA, BHA is a oil-soluble chemical.
  • The most commonly used BHA in skincare is Salycic Acid, which derives from willow bark
  • BHA does NOT increase sun sensitivity
  • Unlike most claims, Salycic Acid works in a similar way as AHAs do, by thinning the skin layers in order to let out trapped skin cells. The difference? Since Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, it’s able to penetrate into the oiliest part of you pores

 

CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid REVIEW:

Ingredients: Salix Alba Bark Water, Butelyne Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2 Hexandiol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyluronate, Xanthun Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol (CosDNA)


Claims:  

CosRX BHA blackhead power liquid

  • Reduce formation of blackheads/excess sebum
  • Hydrate the skin
  • Fade Hyperpigmentation
  • Whiten/Brighten the skin
  • Prevent acne

This product has 4% Salicylic Acid, which is surprisingly high, especially for a Korean brand. Korea has strict regulations on the ingredients that are used in facial products, so BHAs, AHAs, and anything of the like are a relatively new factor in the KBeauty world.

Texture: It has a watery, slightly oil-like feeling. The oily-ish feeling doesn’t bother me too much, and it goes away after applying my ampoules.

Scent: Not a particular smell that I can notice. I’m not terribly sensitive to smells, so if it does have a scent, it doesn’t bother me.

How to Use: BHA is a chemical exfoliant, so like Vitamin C, it works best when the skin is at a low pH. I use a low pH cleanser, which is conveniently also from CosRX, but if not, its best to use a pH-adjusting toner before you use the BHA. But in all honesty, there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t be using a low-pH cleanser.

Results:

I mentioned before in my previous post that the C20 serum is my all-time favorite product, but I think I’ve finally moved on and found a new life-saver. From my first try, I could tell that the Blackhead Power liquid delivered all the things it promised-hyperpgmentation, blackheads, whiteheads, closed comedos, and just the overall texture of my skin. While greatly reduced, I still usually had at least 1 or 2 outbreaks every week when using the C20 serum, but with the BHA liquid, that number’s changed to about 1-2 a month! Another thing I love is how non-irritatable it is to the skin. My skin doesn’t tingle or sting when applying the BHA.

Yet another plus- if you’re on a tight budget, this definetely will work for your skin and you wallet. For around 18 dollars you get 100ml of product. Trust me-this lasts forever. I’ve had mine for about 1 month, and it barely looks like anything’s been tapped out!

Rating(Out of 5): 5. This is my new favorite product that I’ll be shoving into all my acne-prone teenage friends’ faces, and I doubt anything will be able to beat this product for a long time. If you’re struggling with breakouts, this product is a must-have. Even if you’re not, any hyperpigmentation that’s been left from previous acne breakouts will be healed with this as well.

Interested in buying the CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid? It sells for $18.25 at amazon.

 

Hope everyone enjoyed the review on the CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid! Next week’s update will be on Mizon’s Intensive Repair Snail Ampoule. Have a good day, and try this out for yourself!

REVIEW of OST Original C20 Vitamin C Serum+Benefits of Vitamin C+Klairs vs C20

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Hello to our wonderful viewers once again. Today, we’re going to be adding a new part to our website, which is KBeauty! KBeauty, particularly its skincare, has been recieving praise from beauty experts and skincare-addicts all around the world. It’s inexpensive, effective, and uses new ingredients that are hard to find in the Western-skincare world. Plus, the packaging is adorable!

 

For the first KBeauty post, I’m going to give a review on the OST C20 Pure Vitamin C Serum. (One minus of kbeauty products are the ridiculously long names) But before we get to the review, I’m going to give a quick introduction to my skin type. Whoever said that all Koreans have naturally great skin, I think I’m here to prove you wrong. I have slightly sensitive, typical teenage skin, which is more combination than completely oily. I had a lot of acne in the forehead area, PIH(Post-Inflammitory Hyperpigmentation, aka acne scars), and I also wanted to brighten my skin a bit.

 

I had just learned of chemical exfoliators and the benefits of Vitamin C, and the C20 Serum seemed like the most popular choice. People seemed to be showering it with praise, so I picked up a bottle on for about $13 when it was on sale, with the regular price being $16.40, on amazon. The new, updated version is about $23, but for me there isn’t much of a difference in results.

 

Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Ethanol, Sodium Lactate, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan, PEG-180, Gluconolactone, Beta-Glucan, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil,Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ubiquinone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben. CosDNA analysis.

Water is a filler ingredient, so it’s a bit dissapointing that it’s at the top of the list. Ascorbic Acid is the from of Vitamin C being used, and the concentration is 20%, as the name suggests. Anyone allergic to alcohol or any of the essential oils shown below would want to use the upgraded C21.5 Serum, which has less harmful ingredients for a bit higher price.

 

How Care for C20: The one downside of the serum is how high-maitinence it is. It should be kept in the fridge, away from sunlight, and usually only lasts about 3 months before it oxidises. Once it turns orange, or oxidises, the serum is basically useless.

 

How to Use: After using a low-ph cleanser, or using a ph-adjusting toner, apply all over the face and wait for 15-20 minutes before putting anything else on. If you have any “first essences,” you’re going to ignore the “first” of the name and put it on after the 20 minutes is up.

Keep in mind, in order for chemical exfoliation of the vitamin C to work, your skin must be at a ph of 5.5 or lower. We may have a post on PH levels and how to create your skincare routine around it, but as for now, keep in mind that you need to use a cleanser that has a PH of 5.5 or lower, or you have to use a ph-adjusting toner. I use CosRX’s Good Morning Gel Cleanser, which I like and will probably do a review on later. As for ph-adjusting toners, I’ve heard that Mizon has a good one. However, you really should be using a 5.5 ph-level cleanser in the first place, if you don’t want to damage your skin’s lipid barrier.

Also, it’s best to use it only in the PM, since Vitamin C makes your skin photosensitive. And THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT is that you always, ALWAYS should wear sunscreen, but especially if you use a Vitamin C serum. If you don’t wear sunscreen, your skin will quickly rid of any benefits it could give you. This goes for any vitamin c serum.

 

Results

If I were to pick one product that transformed my skin, I would probably pick this serum. I’ve ordered 3 bottles, and I don’t know what I would do without it. This is super effective on PIH, so anyone with acne scars, this is the one sole answer. My acne has also been under control. Whereas my forehead used to be a battle ground, now I usually only have one or two flare-ups every week. My skin has definetely brightened up a bit too. The only thing I would recommned is always using a moisturizer, since only putting on this serum would probably be too drying. It doesn’t do a ton for blackheads, so if blackheads are your main problem, I would advise looking elsewhere.

 

C20 vs Klairs:Which One?

C20 Serum
Klairs Vitamin Serum

 

 

 

 

 

I just wanted to add that another very popular vitamin C serum is the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum. I used this one before I got the C20, in fear that the high concentration of Vitamin C in the C20 would irritate my skin. I have to say, in my personal experience, I found much better benefits from using the C20 serum. The Klairs was 15% less Vitamin C, so there was less benefits, but I also didn’t really like the texture of the Klairs. It was a very greasy feeling, so I hated wearing it in the morning. Some describe the C20 as having a tacky feeling and having it hard to have their foundation stick on, but it didn’t really affect me since I only put it on in the nighttime, and because I don’t usually put on makeup. If the texture is the problem, I’m pretty sure that the new C21.5 serum is made for those who feel that it’s too tacky. Those with extremely sensitive skin might want to opt for the Klairs.

 

Before and After Photos:

Although the after photos are much later, I acutally saw results after about a week, or maybe even less of using it.

 

Before
Before

As you can see, my forehead wasn’t a great sight, and it doesn’t feel nice knowing that you have the Civil War raging on your face. Here’s a photo I took after I used this serum and updated my old skin routine. I kid you not, I didn’t photoshop the photo. Such a drastic change, right?

After

 

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

The results that I got from the serum definetely were able to meet my expectations, and it’s done wonders for my skin. The only complaint that I have is the fact that the Vitamin C isn’t as good at keeping blackheads at bay, and the fact that it has a limited shelf life. Other than that, I love it. It’s cheap, effective, gave quick results, and it’s a multi-tasker. Anyone with troubled skin, or skin that needs a little brightening, this will be you next 필수템(Pil-soo taem), or must-have item.

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