Autumn Skincare Faves

Below are my current fave skincare products. I'm mainly using them to combat the drier air as we shift from autumn to winter.  

I apply the Shiseido Revitalizing Treatment Softener after my toner, and I can feel my skin sucking it in! A few pats and it's all absorbed!

It's Skin Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Serum is the thickest serum I've ever used. It's not fast absorbing and feels more like a lotion, which is good in transitional weather.

To avoid flakiness and allow for products to penetrate deeper I exfoliate at least once a week. My current fave is Babor's Enzyme Cleanser, which is a physical exfoliator. You shake out the powder in your palm, and then add water to emulsify. My sister has sensitive skin and found this physical exfoliant gentle enough for her. However, she only uses it once a week to avoid over-exfoliating.

As we transition from autumn to winter the air itself is hydration sucking, so I start using a sleeping mask before bed to prevent moisture leaving my face! Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask is OG and I found this bottle discounted for $10 at my local Marshall's!

Serum Battle!

e.l.f. versus Beauty Dreams Paris

Both serums were bought at a discount.   

My sister** didn't like either serums, so I'm giving them a try since I finished up The Biossance Revitalizer. 

I like the Vitamin C serum over the Soothing serum because it smells better, absorbs faster, and felt more refreshing, which is perfect for the summer heat.

**(Yoshi): e.l.f. is my go-to when trying new products for make-up, so I figured their praised skincare products would be a dream! Unfortunately this serum made my skin bumpy and slightly inflamed... Ceased use after two morning applications :(

Etude House Wonder Pore Refreshner Review

Korean Skincare is trending!  After watching countless Youtube videos, Korean music videos, and Korean dramas, I set out to determine if it's just hype. 

I needed a new toner since finishing The Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2.  After some research, I bought Etude House's Wonder Pore Refreshner online through Amazon.

The packaging is simple. The bottle and box both came unsealed.
 

I appreciate the English on the box and bottle because it makes the product friendly to international users.
 

 

I have combination skin with oily t-zones. I've never had acne (haterz to the left) and found this toner too weak for my liking.

When I swiped it on, it was difficult to tell if it was working.  I recommend this toner for sensitive skin, so after a week of use I gave it to my sister (Yoshi).

10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

1. First Cleanser: Remove all makeup with a makeup wipe or oil-based remover 

2. Second Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser 

3. Exfoliate: Use a chemical wipe, sugar scrub, etc. once or a few times a week

4. Toner/Softner: Use a cotton pad/ball to swipe across face to balance your skin pH and remove any remaining dirt/make-up

5. Essence: Pat into face to provide additional skin-loving nutrients

6. Mask (Clay/Mud/Sheet/Face): Use a few times weekly and leave on for 10-20 minutes (read each mask's instructions!)

7. Serum/Ampoule: Choose one with the specific benefit you want for your skin, for example dark spot correcting

8. Moisturizer: Lighter moisturizer for daytime and a heavier one (like an oil) for nighttime 

9. Eye Cream: ALWAYS pat on using ring finger because ring fingers are the weakest fingers. Optional if under 20 years old, >_<!

10. SPF (Day) or Overnight Sleeping Mask (Night)

Think there are too many steps? The most important takeaways from Korean skincare are:

• Have a routine and stick to it daily!
• RE-APPLY SPF every 80-100 minutes when outdoors
• DO NOT sleep overnight in make-up
• Layer products from lightest to heaviest (toner < serum < cream)