Forencos Song Joong Ki Sheet Mask

My face has settled down enough where I've added back serums, essence, and masks.  My hubby recently traveled to Japan and had a layover in Seoul.  He was kind enough to purchase a face sheet mask set at the airport as omiyage.   

Song Joong Ki is one of my favorite Korean actors since his beginning days as the play boy in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", Running Man and recently as the army captain in "Descendants of the Sun".   I would've gladly tried on any masks with him on the cover!  

I tried on this Forencos Friday mask - Gold Regenerating Silk Mask - this past Friday.   The mask did feel extra silky, had a ton of essence (but no drip) and lasted more than 30 minutes.   The mask fits well except for the nose area where the strip could be longer.   I still felt the mask essence the next morning. 

Directions: after washing and toner, put on sheet mask for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy: purchased at the Seoul International airport terminal

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

I've been trying out samples of eye creams to find the ultimate elixir.  The RoC brand is not that well known yet appears on a lot of lists for being best value.  It contains retinol which is an available over the counter anti-aging ingredient.  The more potent formula is only available via dermatologist.

There's promises of reduction of wrinkle, crow's feet, dark circles and puffiness on the label and on the web.  After a month of this product I don't see a significant difference.  In comparison to the Fresh Black Tea eye cream, this eye cream is light.  I end up putting two dab of cream on each under eye area.   However, the sample size does give you plenty to assess and determine whether the product is right for you.  Retinol can be drying and doesn't work well for sensitive and dry skin types.

Directions:  after cleansing, toning and essence, put a dab of the cream under and above the eye.

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon.

Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate

I've been on strict dermatologist skin routine order so haven't been tapping into my kbeauty and jbeauty stash (been dying to try a face mask or two!!).  Although I've since added back SK-II Essence into my routine, the only other thing I can add is eye cream.   I've used up the Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream so been on the hunt for a more effective eye cream.  The Mizon was nice but not thick enough for my under-eye circles.

Through blogs and Instagram, I found rave reviews on the Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate and decided to try the sample size.  The sample size is quite small, only 0.1 oz.  It lasted about a week with twice daily applications.  I did love the cream!  It was thick and felt luxurious.   My eyes felt pampered and I could feel its effect the next morning.   If I wasn't trying another eye cream, I would've purchased a full size bottle.   

Directions:  after cleansing and essence, apply cream below and above the eye.

Where to Buy:  purchased on Amazon

Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen

I finally found an oil-free sunscreen that's specific to my skin type!!  This is again a recommendation from my dermatologist and I love it!  Elta MD has a variety of sunscreen and this one is specific to skin type prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.  

I'm not sure why SPF is only 46 because it feels stronger and last longer than other sunscreen.  It's extremely lightweight and one pump of the sunscreen goes a long way.  Since its oil free, it's helping to maintain clean and clear skin.  So happy I found this product!

Directions: after lotion, apply sunscreen on face and neck.

Where to Buy: purchased at my dermatologist office

CeraVe Hydrating Lotion PM

One of the skincare product that was recommended by my dermatologist was the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.  She specifically mentioned the PM because it had more added benefits.  It contains hyaluronic acid which is in many jbeauty and kbeauty products.   

This lotion is light yet compact.  There's no oily residue and the face feels soft after applying.  I use this lotion to combat the dryness from the creams prescribed by my dermatologist for my acne.  After a series of breakouts, my skin is finally clearing up.  Now that I've simplified my beauty routine, my face has stopped breaking out.  I'm starting to add back essence but very slowly.  Right now I've only added back the SK II essence morning and night and SK II toner at night.  I've learned my lesson that less is more 😁

Directions:  put three pumps of lotion onto palm and spread all over face.

Where to Buy: available in all drugstores

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Upon strict doctor's order, I had to dramatically overhaul my beauty routine.  One of the approved cleanser is Cerave Hydrating Cleanser made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.  I use this in the evening to remove minimal makeup and oil.  

This cleanser is very effective.  Feels similar to Cetaphil cleanser but even more squeaky clean.  I've been told not to use a toner so this is it for face cleansing.   My hormonal acne has decreased significantly.   Maybe drugstore cleanser isn't so bad after all.  It's very cost effective.

Directions: on wet face, spread and massage one pump of cleanser onto face.  Wash with warm water.

Where to Buy: nationwide drugstores 

Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

After a visit to the dermatologist for my hormonal acne, my whole skin routine changed.  She gave me a sample of Epionce lytic gel cleanser and recommended that I do not use toner.  So my routine now consist of this cleanser in the morning followed a skin cream.  No extras and no other masks.   

After two weeks of this cleanser, my skin did feel much better - less breakout (although the first week I was breaking out more) and my existing acne was clearing up.  I purchased a full size bottle to maintain this routine for the next 6-8 weeks.  My kbeauty products will need to collect dust.  😢

Directions: massage gently onto damp skin and rinse with warm water.

Where to buy: purchased at dermatologist