Night Routine

I've officially surpassed the 10 step skin routine process!  Although it seems like a lot, all these products have different functions.  Here's my routine:

1. Cleanse face with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil by applying on dry face

2. Polish face with Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder by putting some on wet palm, mix with water and gently scrub onto wet face

3. Today's mask is su:m 37 white award detox award because hubby is not around and it's one bubbly mask that can scare others away =)

4. Apply Ginseng Astringent onto face with cotton pad

5. Put dime size gel-like Asahi Suhada Shizuku Placenta Hyaluronic Acid Lotion onto finger tips and apply all over face

6. Put some SK-II Facial Treatment Essence onto palm and spread all over face

7. Use droplet and apply one drop of Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule onto forehead and use fingertips to spread all over face

8. Use droplet and apply one drop of Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate onto forehead and use fingertips to spread all over face

9. Use dropper and spread Lancome Genifique Eye Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate under each eye and use fingertip to spread across side of eyes and eye lid

10. Put a dab of Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream under each eye and use fingertips to spread across side of eyes and eye lid

11. Put dime-size Hada Labo Gokujyan Lotion all over face

My 12th step would've been 0 which is to use Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover to remove eye makeup before the skin routine above.

Tony Moly Seaweed Sheet Mask

I've been breaking out in the forehead area and needed a purifying mask.  Looked into my mask collection and found this Tony Moly Seaweed Sheet Mask.  It's not any different than other Tony Moly sheet mask that I've used.  The mask has nice texture, smells perfumes and fits well on the face.  I like the fact that the eye hole doesn't have the covering.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, put onto face for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: Tony Moly worldwide, Amazon

Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser

I used to use the Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam cleanser exclusively when I was living in Tokyo.  I had forgotten about this until I read about it in a beauty magazine and decided to get one to try again.  

The cleanser foams up thick so I apply in the shower so that it doesn't go into my hair.   Now that I've used other type of cleanser, the foam cleanser is not as effective.  The oil and powder cleansers are more effective.  It's okay to be used in the morning when you have no major make-up to take off.

Directions: put dime size cleanser onto palm and spread across face.  Cleanse off with water. 

Where to Buy: Nijiya, Ranch 99, Amazon

Meme Box

Kbeauty is a booming business and there's plenty of startup that are taking advantage of this market.  I decided to try Meme Box based on a friend's recommendation.  I ordered some travel size items and sheet masks.  Can't wait for the box to come!!

Tony Moly I'm Real Tomato Mask Sheet

So I tried the 7 day sheet mask challenge and did find that my skin was brighter, more even toned in the cheeks and nose area.  However my forehead needs a bit more work.  Thus, I'm trying out the Tony Moly I'm Real Tomato Mask Sheet for Radiance to see if it'll help restore some more brightness and radiance.   Hoping that my skin will be so bright and radiant tomorrow that work folks will have a hard time looking 😝

The mask sheet is extremely moist, more so than others I've tried.   It smells a bit fruity and lemony but fits the face great.

Directions - after cleansing and toning, put sheet mask on face for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy - Tony Moly stores and online, Amazon

Hada Labo Gokujyan Lotion

Adding to my jbeauty collection is this Hada Labo Gokujyan Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.  I purchased this lotion after reading reviews on Amazon.  I needed a night cream that's not too heavy and oily.  This totally fits the bill!  Not only does it provide the right level of moisture but it's lightweight.  I've been using this over about 3 weeks now and love it!

Directions:  after cleansing, toner, serum, and essence, put lotion all over face.

Where to Buy:  it's available at Target, Walgreens (both under a different name) and Amazon

Asahi Suhada Shizuku Placenta Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

I love this product!  This product was recommended by a friend when I went to visit Japan last year.  My friend Yuko has perfect skin, no wrinkles or pores.  She's been using this product religiously.   I started using this recently as an add-on before essence.   It's gel like and thicker than essence or lotion.   It spreads like water yet absorbs quickly.   It helps the absorption of other products, especially serums and essence.  I've noticed a dramatic moisture content on my face.

Directions:  after cleansing and toner, put some gel like lotion onto fingers and massage across face.

Where to Buy: it's a bit costly on Amazon although available.  I've only seen it in Japan at major drugstores.

7 Day Sheet Mask Challenge

There's been a lot of posts about 7 day sheet mask challenge and thus I decided to take on the challenge but only use one type of mask so that I can see if it has a dramatic effect.  I'm on day 4 and happy to report that my face seems smoother and tighter.  However, I did get one zit on my forehead but not sure if it's tied to the sheet mask or not.  

Will report more progress at the end of the challenge!

The Mondays

Due to daylight savings and the Mondays, my undereye circles are making me look like a panda (I do love these creatures!).  My ultimate rescuer are two products - Loreal Visible Lift CC eye cream in a light shade than my skin tone and Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream.  Today I was tempted to put the BB Cream all over my face but decided it wasn't worth it.   I later the Shiseido BB Cream over the CC eye cream for more natural effects.

Directions: use roller to put CC eye cream across undereye area.  Use fingers to gently pat onto area.  Use fingers to lightly pat BB Cream on top.  Use sparingly.

Where to Buy:  Loreal can be purchased in any major drugstore and pharmacies., Target.   Shiseido is available in major department stores, Sephora, Amazon

Tony Moly I'm Real Rice Mask Sheet

With all the traveling and craziness from the kids, my skin has been breaking out. The mud mask and LuLuLan sheet mask reduced the size of the recent acne significantly.  I saw the Tony Moly Rice Mask Sheet for clear skin and thought this was the best remedy.

Upon opening the package, the mask smells very flowery and full of perfume.  The mask is moist and seem to be full of essence.

Directions:  after cleansing and toner, apply mask onto face for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy:  Kbeauty stores, Tony Moly nationwide, Amazon

LuLuLun Face Mask Balance Moisture

Read lots of great reviews about LuLuLan face mask and decided to try it.  Since it was a rainy kind of day the kids were beyond control with cooped up energy.  We had some friends over for dinner and the kids went crazy.   I've been meaning to try this mask and thus it was the perfect way to de-stress.

I purchased a 7 sheet pack of LuLuLun Face Mask Balance Moisture on Amazon.  The mask contains hyaluronic acid and acacia honey and meant for combination skin.  At first glance, the mask seem thinner than others I've tried and less soaked with essence.  But upon placing on the face, it affixes well and face seem to tighten immediately.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, affix mask onto face for 10-15 minutes.

Where to Buy: Amazon and Any drugstore in Japan.

Wide Eye

For sleepy days and when my eyes need an extra oomph, I rely on one of the two eyeliner - Maybelline Hypersharp Liner in Blackest black for the perfect cat eyes or Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Plum for shadow effect.  These two does wonders for my small eyes and lack of eyelashes.

Directions: after curling eyelashes and mascara, put either eyeliner.

Where to Buy: any drugstores for Maybelline and major department store and Sephora for Clinique.

Wake Up Call

My ultimate wake up call is my eyes routine which consist of curling my eyes and putting on black mascara.  I discovered Shu Uemera's lash curler when  I was living in Japan 10 years ago and never purchased another.  It curled my very short and sparse eye lashes just so and actually made them appear longer than normal.  With a splash of black mascara, I actually looked wide awake.

I've experimented with a lot of different mascara over the years but the best and my go to is a Japanese brand called Dejavu.  They caught international attention a decade ago for their Fiberwig mascara which made eyes look like they have falsies.  It was that good!  The one above is called Lash Knockout and it truly made a difference.   My eyelashes looked longer and thicker with this mascara.  And it's waterproof (proven by my many nights of kdrama watching).  This brand is only available in Japan so I'm going to have to stock up on my next visit.

Directions:  curl eyelashes with curler and apply two coats of mascara.

Where to Buy:  Shu Uemera's eyelash curler can be purchased at major department store, Sephora, and Amazon.  Dejuvu is available for a premium on Amazon and in Japan.

Laneige Travel Set

Traveling does not mean you neglect your normal beauty routine.  For me I make sure to include travel packs of Kbeauty products.  I've written other posts of Laneige products.  Although I like the essence, I am not a big fan of the balancing emulsion.  It leaves a shiny sheen and makes me break out.   Considering the Moisture line is for normal/dry skin, it's too heavy for oily/combination skin.   Time to look for another travel pack.

Directions: after cleansing, use toner on cotton pad to refresh skin.  Put essence and gel cream.  Finish off with emulsion.

Where to Buy: comes free with purchase or buy from Amazon.

Travel Double Cleanse

I travel quite a bit for work but it doesn't mean my face has to suffer.  Beside being prep with face masks, I make sure to pack double cleanser.  My go to currently is Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil and Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash.   

I use the Tatcha cleansing oil first on dry face and then apply the Bliss face wash.  My skin feels super cleansed after both product.

Directions: apply cleansing oil on dry face and massage for 10 seconds.  Rinse off and apply foaming face wash to double cleanse.

Where to Buy:  I received the Tatcha cleansing oil as samples from tatcha.com and Bliss face wash from staying at the W hotel.

Travel Kit - Face Masks

I've been traveling for work lately and to make sure my skin does not go out of wack, I made sure to pack a couple of sheet masks.   My go to when I travel is Su:m 37 Bubble De Mask.  It takes a while to bubble up and thus I like to use it when I have a lot of time and no one watching.

The second mask is Dermal Gold Collagen Essence Mask.  It is moist, full of extra essence and instantly brightens the skin.

The third mask is a new brand I am trying.   When I travel, I frequently break out.  The Tony Moly Red Wine Mask Sheet  Pore Care promises to reduce pore size. The sheet mask actually smells like grape juice.  It is very moist, more so than the Dermal Gold Collagen Essence sheet mask.  

Directions: after cleansing and applying toner, put sheet mask onto face.  Leave mask on for 20-30 minutes.

Where to Buy:  I purchased all masks on Amazon

Face Shop Clean Face Blemish Zero Clarifying Toner

Another product I tried from the Face Shop is the Clean Face Blemish Zero Clarifying Toner.   Cleansing the face is an important step to preventing breakouts and thus the toner becomes a key product.  The toner has no alcohol and no fragrance which I liked.  However, I was a bit disappointed in this product as it doesn't seem to prevent breakouts at all.  The quality is similar to other toners and thus not worth spending the extra money to purchase this from the Face Shop.

Directions: after double cleanse, use cotton pad to wipe face with toner.  

Where to Buy: the Face Shop, thefaceshop-america.com, Amazon

Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Mini Pore Ghassoul Mask

With combination skin, I am always looking for products that can prevent acne and pores from clogging.  I was visiting New York a few years ago and found the first Face Shop store in the heart of Chinatown.  They have really cute products!  I decided to try their Lovely Me:ex Mini Pore Ghassoul Mask.  

The mask is made out of Moroccan Ghassoul clay that targets oily skin.  It is pretty thick and gray in color.  The mask is drying in nature and removes easily with water.   The skin does feel smooth after mask.  I didn't see a huge improvement in blackheads and still had a few whiteheads after usage.   The product also dried out after only 6 months in the container.   There are better clay mask out there including the Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask.

Directions: after cleansing, spread a thin layer all over face.  Wait for 15-20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

Where to Buy: Face Shop, thefaceshop-america.com, Amazon 

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the best pimple cream out there.  I've been using this product for over 20 years now and every time I have a pimple, I use a q-tip to put it on the acne and the next day, the whitehead is instantaneously dried out.   For stubborn pimples, it may take a couple of days but the product is truly a miracle worker!  There is quite a strong alcoholic smell so be aware!

Directions: use q-tip to get some pink lotion from the bottom of bottle, put on acne

 Where to Buy: when this product first came out, it can only be bought online at mariobadescu.  Now it can be found everywhere including Amazon, Urban Outfitter, Anthropologie

Laneige Water Bank Essence

The Laneige Water Bank Essence is part of the Water Moisture line.  For being a essence, it is quite light.  You need the Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream along with the Water Bank Essence to make an impact.  For the price, I would say not to bother.  There are many more effective essence out there at half the price.

Directions: after cleansing and toner, put the Water Bank Gel Cream and then the Water Bank Essence.

Where to Buy:  Target, Amazon

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

I tried the Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream along with the other Laneige Moisture line.  Although I didn't like the emulsion, I did like the Water Bank Gel Cream.  The texture is similar to other essence/serum.  Since it's in gel form, it spreads better on the face.  The fragrance in the gel cream is not as strong as the emulsion.

However, at $30/bottle, there are better and less expensive serum/essence on the market.  This line is also for normal/dry skin type.  For all other skin types, look for other brand products.

Directions: after cleansing and toner, put gel cream all over face.

Where to Buy: Target, Amazon, eBay, and Korean beauty shops

Laneige Moisture Balancing Emulsion

The Laneige brand is probably the most well known Korean beauty brand in the US.  The products can be found in Target and is widely marketed in Asia and now in the US.   In Korea, the face of the brand is Song Hye Kyo, a quintessential natural beauty.  I loved her in Full House and think she is quite beautiful.  I decided to try the Laneige Moisture Balancing Emulsion a month ago as part of my travel regime. 

Although the Balancing Emulsion is not thick, it feels a shiny film.  The fragrance in the emulsion makes me think that there are a lot of parabens in the product.  After using the product (with other Moisture line), I started to break out in both cheeks and forehead.  The Moisture line should be used by dry to normal skin.  For those who have oily, combination, and sensitive skin, this is not for you.

Directions:  after cleansing, toner, serum and essence, put emulsion all over face.

Where to Buy:  Target carries the Moisture line and other beauty products by Laneige, Amazon, and Korean beauty stores