korean skincare

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

The Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover by Sulwhasoo is a lightweight oil for all skin types that claims to remove waterproof makeup and impurities without leaving residue while keeping the skin balanced. This is to be used as the first step in a double cleanse routine.

Ingredients: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-8 Isostearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Fragrance / Parfum, Dextrin Palmitate, Limonene, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Linalool, Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Pinus Koraiensis Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Prunus Mume Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract

Directions: Massage two pumps onto dry skin, gliding fingertips over the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin until makeup and oil are dissolved. Emulsify with lukewarm water and rinse until clean. Follow with a cleanser. Directions on the box state to avoid direct eye contact.

I have oily/combination and dehydrated skin and have used this nightly for about a month, using two pumps for the face and neck. The cleanser has a nice herbal scent. It glides very smoothly across the skin and removes sunscreen, foundation, eye makeup and oils quite easily. After rinsing, the skin feels clean and soft with no residue left. The oil is not drying, like some cleansing oils, and over time I have noticed that my skin has gotten softer and smoother. I had not used a cleansing oil for a couple months previous and using the Sulwhasoo oil, the T-zone area looks cleaner and less congested than usual.

Interestingly, the directions do not mention using this on eye makeup and the box states to avoid contact with the eyes. I used this on mascara and eyeliner anyhow. The oil does sting the eyes a lot and makes the vision blurry, but takes off eye makeup really well. So long as I close my eyes pretty tight, cleanse with the oil, rinse and use my second cleanser without opening my eye, I can avoid the stinging.

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover feels really nice on the skin, removes makeup and sunscreen well and helps the skin feel soft and clean, but stings the eyes. I really like this cleansing oil (it has become a new favorite) and will repurchase, despite the potential irritation to the eyes.

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Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence from Cosrx is formulated with 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate and niacinamide and claims to hydrate, improve skin texture, brighten and smooth fine lines.

Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine

Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a yeast and byproduct of fermented sake and is said to reduce pore size, hydrate, brighten and nourish the skin, reduce oil production, reduce blackheads, increases absorption of other products into the skin and provide antioxidant benefits. Niacinamide is said to improve skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation. fade hyperpigmentation and regulate oil production. Panthenol, glycerin, butylene glycol and sodium hyaluronate are humectants. 1,2-Hexanediol is a preservative and a moisture-binding agent. Betaine balances hydration. Allantoin soothes the skin. Adenosine soothes and restores skin.

Directions: After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount to the face and pat into the skin. Follow with moisturizer.

I have oily/combination skin, hyperpigmentation, redness and blackheads. I used the galactomyces essence for 4 months, morning and evening; one to two pumps for the face and neck.

This essence has a thin, watery-gel texture that applies very nicely with good spreadability. There is no scent. I tried it a few times with no moisturizer to see how it performed on its own in terms of hydration (with how oily my skin is and depending how moisturizing a toner or essence is, I often don’t need a lotion). This essence absorbs quickly, but leaves a dry, smooth, tacky feeling on the skin for about an hour until my face gets a bit of its normal oil. I don’t really find the galactomyces essence hydrating and need to add a moisturizer. I’ll use a light serum or lotion; the Cosrx snail essence on its own provides enough hydration.

After the first couple days of use, I got some whiteheads on my cheekbones and pimples on my neck (which are unusual spots for breakouts for me), but these disappeared after a couple more days and did not recur. After one week, my T-zone got less oily throughout the day and after 2 weeks, my skin seemed brighter. Noticeable benefit seemed to stop here, however. I continued use for a total of 4 months.

Other than some brightness and oil reduction/balance, my skin didn’t really feel or look different or improved, with no reduction to the hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines or blackheads in particular. I would not repurchase.

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Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Hydrium Watery Toner from Cosrx is for all skin types and is said to provide long-lasting hydration and soothed and dewy skin.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

The Hydrium Watery Toner has 6 types of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. Glycerin is a humectant. 1,2-Hexanediol is a preservative and moisture-binding ingredient. Panthenol (also known as B5) has moisturizing, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties. Allantoin is soothing to the skin.

Directions: After cleansing, use a cotton pad to swipe away any cleanser residue, pat on the skin with fingers or cotton pad, mist on the skin throughout the day when skin is feeling dry, or soak a cotton pad and let sit on dry areas for a few minutes like a sheet mask. I like to use these toner mates.

I have combination skin, more on the oily side in the summer, and prone to congestion. I have dry areas as I am using Retin-A. I have been using the Hydrium toner in the morning and evening after cleansing for a couple months now. I apply to a cotton pad and swipe over the skin to get rid of any cleanser residue and then pat the toner on the skin and mist with mineral water.

The toner has a water-like consistency and no scent. It applies smoothly and absorbs quickly. There is no sticky or tacky feeling on the skin. The skin feels hydrated and soothed; I would not say that it looks dewy, however.

I generally like the Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner, particularly for hydration. If looking for a toner that is more calming and soothing to the skin, while providing moisture, I would recommend the Soon Jung Relief Toner (which I will likely go back to after I run out of the Hydrium Toner). I like mixing the Relief Toner with The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics.

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Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

Cosrx is a Korean skincare brand using minimal packaging with a focus on ingredients and formulation. The BHA Blackhead Power Liquid claims to deep clean pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, improve texture of the skin and prevent acne and blackheads, while being non-drying and non-irritating.

Ingredients: Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol

Willow bark water has anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting properties and can mimic the effects of salicylic acid. Butylene glycol is a humectant. Betaine salicylate combines salicylic acid (softens and dissolves keratin and exfoliates the pore lining) and betaine (hydrating ingredient) and shows comparable effectiveness to salicylic acid at double the concentration (from Paula’s Choice website). Niacinamide can improve uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dull complexion and fine lines. 1,2-hexanediol is a preservative and humectant. Arginine is an amino acid that functions as an antioxidant. Panthenol and sodium hyaluronate are humetants. Sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid, so is able to more deeply penetrate the skin. Xanthan gum is used to improve product texture and formulation. Ethyl hexandiol is used as a solvent.

This contains a number of humectants, drawing moisture to the skin, and betaine for hydration.

Directions: After cleansing, dispense a small amount on a cotton pad and swipe over the face, concentrating on areas of rough skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow to fully absorb before applying other skincare products. Can be used 2 to 3 times a week. Apply sunscreen if used during the day.

I have oily, uneven skin, blackheads, breakouts and large pores. I used this specifically in hopes to help with blackheads around my nose. After cleansing and toning, I applied one pump every morning with my fingers all over the face to just under the jaw line, concentrating on and around the nose. This is a thin gel that doesn’t really have a scent and it spreads easily. This does not leave stickiness behind once it absorbs (unless too much is used).

I have used the BHA Blackhead Power for 5 months thus far (blackheads take a long time to treat), with quite good results. As in the photos above, there are less blackheads on the nose. My skin looks generally smoother and more moisturized, rather than having my usual oily shine. I think my pores overall look clearer; maybe not particularly refined in size though. The formula was not drying or irritating to the skin. I still got a few pimples throughout use, but they healed much faster. The BHA liquid prevented my usual small pimples and whiteheads around the jawline.

This is quite moisturizing and for me is sufficient as a moisturizer in warmer months.

After 5 months’ use once a day, I still have half the bottle left, so this product lasts a while.

I have used a number of blackhead treatments, the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid providing the best results thus far. I would purchase again.

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Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish UV Protection Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

Sunprise Mild Airy Finish mineral sunscreen from Etude House has an SPF of 50 and claims to have a nonsticky, nongreasy, milk formula that offers long-lasting UV protection safe and is for sensitive skin.

Directions state to shake well and apply to sun-exposed areas of the face and body, layering if exposed to the sun throughout the day.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Carex Humillis Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cellulose Gum

Alcohol is the third ingredient (when listed as “alcohol,” implies denatured alcohol) that gives formulas a quick dry, weightless feel on the skin. This contains 20 different vegetable ingredients to enhance sun protection. This has citrus oils of lemon, orange, bergamot and lime; depending on how these oils are processed, they can be irritating and photosensitive. Looking at a segment on the Mad Hippie website, if citrus oils are steam distilled, it should not be a worry.

Sunprise is a thin lotion that smells like it would be irritating to the skin; like a lemon-flavored alcoholic drink. On application, it goes on smoothly, it is not sticky, heavy or greasy and doesn’t require much dry-down time. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin; I can’t feel it on my face, but can feel a light layer to the touch – this feeling lasts all day. I’ve been using Retin-A for the last few months and when applied, my skin feels slightly warm for a couple seconds, but does not sting or get more red. It is very slightly mattifying on my oily skin, so my face doesn’t look as shiny. This sunscreen does not feel drying. It is not irritating around the eyes.

It doesn’t leave much, if any, white cast; my skin tone looks slightly more pale in the mirror, but hardly noticeable.

The sunscreen enhances the dry patches by my mouth and chin.

I’ve been using this for about 2 months and have not gotten any unusual breakouts. I usually apply a second layer to my cheek bones where I get hyperpigmentation from the sun. As a sunscreen, this seems to work; I got no other redness and did not seem to get more tanned.

I wanted to see how foundation performs over the sunscreen; I use a natural-looking, satin finish foundation that I applied about 5 minutes after the sunscreen. The sunscreen seemed to mix with the foundation and made me look quite pale. It did dry down to a more normal color after about 10 minutes. Next time I waited about 20 minutes between sunscreen application and foundation and it also mixed together. I was able to use The Ordinary sun care as a primer; the Sunprise would need a primer over top if putting on a more liquid foundation.

To remove, I use an oil based cleanser followed by a gel cleanser or two cleanses with a gel cleanser.

I would repurchase the Sunprise Mild Airy Finish mineral sunscreen. It is not heavy or greasy and leaves minimal, if any, white cast. It does, however, enhance dry patches and mixes with liquid foundations that have a thin formula.

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