Skinmiso Pore Corset Serum

Over the years I've had my share of looking in the mirror and wondering why my pores were so large (gets worse over the summer) and how in the world I can minimize them.  When I discovered kbeauty, I read through enormous amount of product reviews and sites and identify solutions to my huge pores.  After poring numerous hours into research, I discovered the Skinmiso Pore Corset Serum.  

I was definitely skeptical about the ability to minimize pores because aren't they based on genetics?  But I was willing to try.  Over the last two months I used the Pore Corset Serum exclusively in my morning and night routine as the only serum, after toner and essence.   And it really did make the difference!! More pores on my cheeks (next to my nose bridge) has shrank and is less visible.  My forehead pores are also less noticeable as well.  The serum has a slight hint of grapefruit smell but otherwise quite clean and easy to apply with the stopper.   

If it wasn't for my hormonal acne and craters on my cheeks, I would continue using this product.  However I've been told by my dermatologist to stop all products and only use a gel cleanser, Retin-A cream at night and an acne cream in the morning.  I'm in week one of my two week routine and not much has changed.  Wished I can go back to this Pore Corset Serum!!  And wished they made one for my waist 😁

Directions: after cleansing, toning and essence, apply droplets onto face.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox

Over Cleansing

I've noticed significant increase in acne over the past two months (after my Peru trip).  It may have been the traveling, living outdoors, the hot weather, or all of the above.  I did some research and identified that perhaps I was over cleansing and using too many new products on my face.  

Thus, over the past week, I did my own experiment of 'doing less'.  No more double cleanse in the morning.  No more clay masks twice a week.  No more sheet masks daily. 

So instead of a 10 or 12 step routine, I'm cutting it down to 6.  But I'm more selective of the products that I use.   

I did find that my craters were less red and the whiteheads not lasting as long.   My skin feels and look better.  And, I have more time to watch Korean drama.  =)

[The Saem] Snail Essential Hand Cream

First, I want to thank Suki for inviting me to do a guest post, I am very excited to share a product that I love.

As a letterpress stationery printer, I handle and trim mainly 100% cotton papers that absorb moisture and natural oil from my hands, leaving them dried and rough. There are a few hand repair cream with rave reviews that I have tried worked well, but I cannot use those whenever I need to because they tend to have greasy finish that stain my crisp clean cardstocks when I work. For that, I am always on the hunt for products to moisturize my hands without leaving any traces of grease. 

Snail Essential Hand Cream by [theSAEM] has been the best friend any pair of dried hands could ask for since I found it in Korea a couple years ago. I must say, I was skeptical at first because of its odd ingredient - SNAIL SLIME. I definitely would not have tried it if the sales lady did not grab my right hand, slather it all over and gave me a mini hand massage as I walked pass by the beauty products store. I did not pay much attention to the product as I was on a mission looking for quality and cheap nail polishes, so I kept on walking and found a nail polish store few minutes later. As I tried on polishes from my right hand fingers to my left hand fingers, I noticed a night-and-day difference - moisturized hand and nails on the right and ashy with dried cuticles on the left. More importantly, although the lotion was only massaged in a couple minutes ago, my hands were dry to touch, not a trace of the typical greasy film left by most hand creams. So I turned around and looked for the nice sales lady and bought myself a few tubes and have been using it regularly ever since.

This hand cream has a faint clean floral scent, you will not get overwhelmed by the scent. The 2.36oz tube makes it a perfect size (TSA approved) to toss into your bag.

If you do see it online or in a beauty product stores near you, grab one and try!

Where to buy: Korea, eBay, or online retailers (ie, http://cosmetic-love.com/, a Korea-based online retailer that ships free on all orders!)

Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel

Although I have plenty of clay and sheet masks I realize I didn't have an exfoliator. After reading a blog post by Glow Recipe, I decided to try the Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel.   I have not been to a Korean spa but did experience a Turkish one where they do a great scrub to get all the dead skins off.  I imagined that this peeling gel would do the same but only milder (hope way milder!)

I was not disappointed!  My initial use of the gel produced a whole lot of dead skin cell, especially around the nose.   It seem like I haven't washed my face in a while when I've been diligently double cleansing and using clay masks.  The ordeal was very satisfying and I couldn't wait to use it again.  A few days later when I used the gel again it was much better - not much skin cells seeing scrubbed off.  The gel is very mild and my face did not feel tight or red after usage.  There are also no microbeads in the gel so no worrying about it scratching the face.  I've been using the gel for a few weeks now and love it!  I just need to cut it down to maybe once or twice a week. 

Directions: after double cleanse, put some gel on palm and massage onto face.  Keep massaging until dead skins pool together.  Wash off with water.

Where to Buy:  purchased on Amazon

Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

I've been experiencing some hormonal acne lately and was keen to get some products to get my skin back to normal.  In reviewing reviews on Soko Glam, Amazon and other beauty bloggers, I found this Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol to be a top favorite.  

It's been a month since I started using this product in my morning and night routine.  I am loving the results!!  My acne which were red craters before have been greatly minimized, my skin is less red and there's been significant reduction of new pimples.  The essence toner has an alcohol undertone smell but it's not strong.  I think this product is a must in my everyday beauty routine.  If only it comes in travel size...

Directions: after cleansing and toning, put some onto palm and gently tap onto skin. 

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon

Bonvivant Mellow Clay Mask

As part of my last purchase from MemeBox, I received a free sample of Bonvicant Botanical Mellow Clay Mask.  I use brightening or clay mask twice a week so was excited to try a new one.  

The texture of the clay mask is softer than the Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask.  It's not as thick and feels a bit doughy.  It spreads well and I used only a very thin layer (which leaves plenty for future usage).  The clay dries within 20 minutes and upon wash with water does not leave the face too drying.  My face felt softer, clean, and my acne redness seem more subdue.  It's a good add to my beauty collection!

Directions: after double cleanse, apply a thin layer on the face.  Wash off after mask has dried.

Where to Buy:  sample from MemeBox