My Product + Money Saving Secret

April 8, 2015September 29, 2016 / prettyniceface / Leave a comment

Clickbait much? But seriously. One of the skincare questions a few people have asked me in the last months couple is, “Don’t you have to constantly replace all these products you’re using?!” And, it’s true, I do burn through the products I currently use at a more rapid clip than before. But isn’t that really a good thing? Why spend the money on products you’re not going to use? The key is to not waste products you’re spending money on.

In the past I think I’ve generally used more product per application than is probably necessary. Now, I’m more conservative: most of the products I use that have a pump dispenser need only one pump per application. Start there and build if you need more. For products in a tube like lotions and creams, start with a dime size amount.

Toners and essences that have a watery consistency are where it gets tricky. I’ve read many bloggers who say that they don’t use cotton pads/balls because they feel it wastes too much product. I get where they’re coming from: it takes a lot more product to keep a cotton pad/ball damp enough to adequately cover the skin. But applying with my fingertips has always felt clumsy and equally wasteful.

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Tony Moly Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack REVIEW

March 9, 2015 / prettyniceface / 2 Comments

A pore tightening mask that comes in an adorable plastic egg? Yes please. Tony Moly’s Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack caught my eye a couple weeks ago, and when I realized I needed a good rinse off, clay-based mask I added this to my cart on oo35mm (plus a couple other products, let’s be honest here), and hit go. So here’s a quick review after giving it a try!

This mask runs about $14.99 and at first glance I was disappointed by how much product it contained. The consistency is a fluffly texture, not unlike whipped creamcheese. But after testing a tiny bit on my hand, I was please to discover that a little goes a very long way. As you rub the product in, it becomes thicker and creamier than it appears at first blush. Continue reading →

Where to Start With Korean Skin Care: Masks and Sheet Masks

February 24, 2015March 2, 2015 / prettyniceface / 4 Comments

If you’re going to start integrating Korean skin care products into your routine, I recommend starting with one of the following categories: cleansers, essences, or masks. These are some of the most unique and impactful products that the Korean market offers, and they are available in a delightful array. Here are some of the most beloved/well-reviewed, and my favorites.

Sheet masks and sleeping packs are kind of like the dessert of Korean skin care routines: you don’t want one every night, but it’s a treat you can look forward to a couple times per week. (Also if you eat dessert every night I have nothing but respect for that. Do you, dessert-eating boo.) Sheet masks come in individual packaging and are typically cloth soaked in a serum intended to address specific concerns (e.g. fine lines, blemishes) while delivering a ton of moisture to the skin. And hello, they’re so fun.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack $15 for 10pcs

My Beauty Diary Imperial Bird’s Nest Mask $14 for 10pcs

There are TONS of good sheet mask options, and they are growing in popularity stateside so availability is pretty good. My understanding is that the Korean brands do tend to use more highly-concentrated serums, but Sephora has some branded ones. Dr. Jart+ has some of the most beloved sheet masks on the market but they are $$$, so I’d save this for a particularly haggard skin moment (post bachelorette party, perhaps). The two I’ve listed above are my current favorites, but there are too many to stay loyal to just one: I gotta catch ’em all.

Join in on the IG fun with #sheetmaskselfie, because aint no shame in this skin care game.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask $23

This is one of my most favorite products. It’s a sleeping mask (also referred to as a sleeping pack) that you layer on top of all your other products to really lock them in with an extra barrier of moisture. It absorbs beautifully and does not leave a tacky or sticky feeling behind, but rather a suede-y feeling as if water would bead and roll off of your face (hence the name, I think?). It’s also a great value: at 1-2 uses per week, this $23 jar pot will last a very long time. AND! The entire Laneige line is now sold at Target, so you can get your K-beauty fix while getting your Nate Berkus on!

Discover Korean cleansers and essences to add to your routine.

New to Korean skin care? Start here!

Where to Start with Korean Skin Care: Essences

February 24, 2015March 2, 2015 / prettyniceface / 3 Comments

Essences are really the cornerstone and defining characteristic of a Korean skin care regimen. They’re typically highly concentrated with active ingredients that are wide ranging and unique, and generally a bit off the beaten path from what we’re used to seeing at the cosmetics counter, e.g. snail slime, bee venom, fermented yeast, or bamboo sap. One thing to note is that the name “Essence” is generally generally used, and many products under that category should be used in different ways, so be sure to check descriptions and reviews.

Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence $45

This essence is chocked full of fermented yeast extract, which helps to improve skin texture and elasticity, and I’ve found that it really reduces the visibility of redspots and blemishes. It’s applied like a toner (immediately after cleansing) and comes in a big bottle that goes a long way. I use it in the morning and at night and love the dewy base it provides for the rest of my routine.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence $15

This essence has more of a watery-gel consistency and is one of the first products I started using that got me hooked on Korean skin care. It has snail slime and bee venom in it does wonders towards smoothing the overall texture and eveness of your skin by promoting cell turnover. It’s a very solid, very affordable product and a great way to dip your toe into a bigger regimen without breaking the bank. I use this AM and PM after my toners.

What skin care concerns are you looking to address through a new routine?

Discover Korean cleansers and masks to add to your routine.

Where to Start With Korean Skin Care: Cleansers

February 24, 2015March 2, 2015 / prettyniceface / 3 Comments

In Korean skin care, cleansing is a two-step process that starts with an oil-based cleanser. The idea is is that you’re restoring some moisture to the skin while washing away makeup and grime, and then your foaming cleanser does the rest of the job for you.

Banila Co. Clean It Zero $21

This stuff is delightful. It’s a pale pink, sorbet-looking balm that melts into a luxurious oil on the skin, removing all makeup (even the oh-so-stubborn Makeup Forever Brow Gel) and the wear of the day without leaving any oily film or slickness behind. Be careful not to use too much – which can be tempting but is not neccessary – a small amount goes a long ways and at $21 you’ll want to make it last.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick $37

If I had to choose just one Korean skin care product to keep forever, it would be this. It’s that great. You roll this little cleansing stick up like a deodorant (the comparison is regretable but must be made), smear it across your face, and massage warm water in to create a foamy lather that leaves your skin smelling great and feeling soft and clean but not overly dry. I use it every morning and in the evenings when I skip my oil-based cleanser, and it’s a dream to travel with. Normally I would balk at this pricetag for a cleanser, but this stick goes a long way and is worth it.

Discover Korean essences and masks to add to your routine.

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