Some Skincare Products I Use Part 2: Toners, Serums

1. Etude House Wonder Pore:

It claims to be a 10-in-1 product with the following benefits as written on the package:
"balance skin's ideal ph level
refine skin tones
keep the elasticity of pores
remove skin's surface dead skin cells
cleanse pore insides with cooling effect
deep cleanse pores
minimize appearance of pores
control a large amount of sebum
moisturize inside and outside of skin
complete smooth glass-like texture."

It's a liquidy product that is easy to use; you swipe it over your face with a cotton pad. I think it is pretty good though am not sure it performs all those things that it's supposed to. It says it's a freshner, I use it as a toner.
The packaging is plastic, just fyi.

[Mizo: Toner angin hmai phih zawh ah ka hmang a, a chunga ka ziah tlar ang khian a thatna point 10 a kawmah hian a inziak a, a tha thawkhat viau in ka hria. An sawi ang zawng zawng hi a ni vek em tih tak chu ka hre lo. Mahse hmai phih in a a tihfai kim loh hruk leh nan a tha khawp mai. Tui fim angin a langa, lapua a dah a, hmai hruk mai tur a ni].

2. Missha Time Revolution the First Treatment Essence:
 This is a skin repairing essence containing 80% fermented yeast concentrate to nourish skin and enhance cell turnover. It has often been compared to the much more expensive SkII Essence. It is supposed to improve a number of skin conditions, and also pave the way for other products that you will use after it by preparing the skin to absorb them.

Suitable for all skin types, it penetrates deep into the skin and is especially good for dehydrated (dry) skin without making it oily. It is watery and feels very light on the skin. Just pour some onto your palms and press your palms against your face until it is absorbed.

It comes packaged in an elegant glass bottle.

[Mizo: Essence a nih angin toner zawhah hman tur a ni a. Vun chhung ril takah a lut a ngaih a ni. SkII essence to em em mai Japan siam nen an tehkhin fo a, a tlawm zawk daih a ni. Vun problem hrang hrang a siam tha a, mahse a lang nghak kuar kuar lem lo. A tui ril khawp mai, kutphah a tlem bun chhuah a, hmai ah han nem luh mai tur a ni. Vun in siam thatna ah a pui hle an ti bawk. Eng skin type tan pawn a hman thei a, tui angin a awm a, a mawm lo, mahse vun ro tan hian ka fak leh zual bik].

3. Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion:

Made in Japan, Hada Labo is famous for their simple ingredients. This is called a lotion but is as watery and liquid as the other products mentioned above. It contains arbutin which is a natural whitening ingredient. We must remember that when Asian products are labelled whitening, it is not about bleaching the skin to make it white, but more about lightening dark spots, discolorations, and the overall tone of the skin so that it is more luminous and glowy. Application is the same as above.

[Mizo: Japanese brand lar Hada Labo hian an thilsiam ah hian ingredients an pawlh teuh ngailo a, mahse an thil hi a effective em em thung a ni. Chemical hlauhawm hmanglo in arbutin an hmang a, hei hian vun a ti eng a, hmai duk, hmai a spot neuh neuh awm leh hmai bawl na hnu marks vel ti reh tur a siam a ni. A tuiril hle a, lotion a inti naa India a lotion kan tih thin ang hi a ni lemlo, a chhah lova, a mawm lova, a chunga mi ang tho khian kutphah a tlem bun chhuah a, hmai ah han nam kai a, zawi te te a press a, a in hip kim nghah mai tur a ni. Ngo hrim hrim na a ni lemlo a, mahse hmai rawng inang lo te leh hmai thim/ thu hrim hrim tih reh na a nih tlangpui, whitening an tih ho hi.]

4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum:

This serum needs no introduction. One of Innisfree's bestsellers, this is how the Innisfree website describes it:

What it is

A moisturizing serum with organic Jeju green tea and green tea seeds that hydrate your skin from deep within! 

1. More moisture and freshness with 100% green tea. 
Rich in amino acids and minerals, green tea from Jeju's own green tea leaves hydrates your skin.

2. Dual Moisture-Rising Technology™ derived from green tea and green tea seed oil 
The fresh green tea deeply hydrates your skin and the green tea seed oil creates a strong moisture barrier to keep your skin moisturized longer. 

It is slightly milky and is great for the dry winter months. PS: It is available in Innisfree shops in India at Delhi

[Mizo: Innisfree brand in a an lar pui em em serum hi chu kan hre fo tawh ang, ka ziak thui lo mai ang. A chunga tarlan ang khian a thatna chu a ni mai. Hmai ro tan a tha leh zual, ti mawm si lovin a ti huh hlep a, thlasik lai phei chuan a tha khawp mai. Hei hi chu Delhi Khan Market ah lei tur ka hmu thin.]

5. It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector with Vitamin C Derivatives:

I just started using this so I can't say for sure, but it feels pretty good. It smells great too, reminds me of pineapples. This is how Amazon.com describes it; 

"A concentrated brightening & pore reducing facial serum-Enriched with Vitamin C & Green Tea derivatives to effectively suppress melanin production-Stimulates collagen synthesis to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. Refines skin texture & reduces enlarged pores. Unveils a smoother brighter even-toned & healthier looking complexion. Dermatologist-tested."

The packaging is really nice and comes with a medicine-type dropper which is very convenient. I usually use 3-4 drops for my entire face and neck.

Review: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

Hello my dears.

This time I'm doing a quick review of the popular Bubble Clay Mask from Elizavecca.

It has  a cute little pig on the cover. This is what the packaging looks like:

Since all the words on the packaging is in Korean (? I assume), I went to another website and this is what the description reads:

"This bubble clay mask is both a deep-cleansing makeup remover and pore cleanser in one! With its special formulation of charcoal powder, it deeply penetrates the pores to thoroughly get rid of deep-seated dirt while supplying proper nutrients to keep the skin healthy and supple. It not only cleanses, refines and tightens pores but it also helps control excessive sebum which usually causes the pores to be clogged."
[source: pinterest]

I find this description quite accurate. Also, it's important to note that despite the word "piggy" there really isn't any connection with pigs. It's just one of those unexplained and inexplicably mystifying names that some Asian products have.

Inside, this is what it looks like:

It's a super fun mask to use. When you apply it on the face, it bubbles and foams up after a while. Once that happens, you are supposed to press it on to your face and the bubbles dissipate, leaving behind a normal-looking clay mask. Like other masks, you leave it on for about 15 minutes and wash it off. I thought of putting my picture here but then decided to spare you. The first couple of times we used it, we had a good laugh.

Tip: I find that the best way to wash it off is to wet the face as well as your palms, and use circular, massaging motions. This turns the mask into a cleanser-like consistency, and it becomes almost soapy. 

Thoughts:

I like the mask. Apart from the fact that it is so much fun (you look like a bubble-faced monster), it is super refreshing and cleansing. The first time we used it, hubby and I felt our faces were noticeably cleaner and brighter.

I think this would be especially well-suited for those with normal to oily skin. I have dry skin and I do feel it might be a little drying if I used it too often, so I limit myself to once a week. Also following it up with toners, serums, moisturizers, etc takes care of the problem of slight tautness. Hubby who practically has an oil well on his face, loves it. 

Would I buy it again? Yes! In fact, we have already ordered another one, and it's on the way.

Check it out by clicking here!

[Mizo]

Elizavecca Bubble Mask hi tunlai chuan an theh lar khawp mai. A hman a nuam ve hranpa hrim hrim, hmai ah hian a rawn phuan chiam a, a phuan kha kut in kan han nam a, clay mask pangai angin a awm ve leh mai a. Makeup leh bal a tifai pah a, cleanser leh mask a ni kawp anga ngaih a ni. 

Tha ka ti khawp mai, hmai a fai vuk zel. Vun ro tan chuan hman zin chi chu a ni kherlo anga, tlemin hman zawh ah chuan hmai chu a mar deuh emawni tih theih ania, mahse thil dang ka hnawih leh hnu ah chuan engtin mah a hrehawm phah lemlo. Kan pa hmai mawm tak mai hian chuan a fak khawp mai, nuam a ti, hmang leh tawh ila a ti deuh reng mai a ni.

Phih fai pup tum chuan a fai har a, hmai tih huh a, kut tih huh bawk khan, hmanhmawh lovin kut huh khan massage delh delh ila, facewash ang deuhin a rawn phuan a, awlsam takin a tih fai theih a ni. 

Ka recommend viau mai. 

10-Step Asian Skincare Routine

Hey beautiful people!

Have you noticed the beautiful and clear skin of Asian superstars? Well, here's how you can achieve a similar flawless look. Read on...

A lot of us can barely manage to wash our faces twice a day, but our sisters (and brothers) in other Asian countries - especially Korea, take their skin care VERY seriously. So seriously that sometimes they have ten, yes, TEN steps and sometimes even more, in their skincare regimen. The key here is to layer products one by one, addressing specific concerns and needs.

Before we start off with the actual steps, we should also remember that HOW we apply the products is as important as WHAT we apply. It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly before you start your skincare routine. Asian skincare specialists recommend putting product in your hand and then patting it onto your face in gentle, but firm motions. once the product has started to sink into your skin, you can also use your fingers to pat in the product further. Try to imagine that you are playing a piano and drum your fingers on different parts of your face until the product seems to be fully absorbed into your skin. This is important because when you apply product on your face very quickly without helping it to sink in, most of the product does not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, but dries or evaporates on the surface when in contact with air.

Also, while TEN steps may seem excessive, we must remember that Korean and Japanese products are very lightweight and are designed to sink into the skin easily, and are rarely heavy or oily while being extremely moisturizing.

NOTE: All links are click-able. Click on the links for details of products mentioned!!

Here's a simple breakdown of the Ten Step Routine.

STEP 1. Makeup Remover and Oil Cleanser: This can be one or two products, depending on the type of product you use. This is to remove surface dirt and makeup. A product such as Banila Clean it Zero is popular. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is another popular product.

STEP 2. Water-based Cleanser/ Foaming Cleanser: This is the second step in the double cleansing routine. To clean any leftover oil, dirt, and makeup, the face is washed again with a water-based cleanser (facewash). Foaming products (Mizo: a phuan chi) are considered more gentle and less harmful on the skin. The product is first made to foam on the palm of the hands or on a sponge, and then applied to the skin. Massage it gently and wash off with lukewarm water. Here are some examples of foaming cleansers.

STEP 3. Exfoliation: We had talked about the importance of exfoliation in an earlier post here so I won't go into too many details. Basically, this step is to get rid of old, dry, and flaky skin so that (a) new, smooth skin can resurface and (b) the skin is prepared to absorb all the other good stuff you are going to apply on it. Exfoliators are either chemical or physical, or a combination of both. Chemical exfoliators often contain AHAs or BHAs (google the terms!) and use gentle acids to slough away dead skin and make way for new skin. Peels come under this category.
Physical exfoliators are those that contain micro beads and granules, are grainy, and you have to physically use your hands to exfoliate the dead skin from your face, and are commonly known as face scrubs. Just be gentle with the rubbing! Here are some popular exfoliators. Skinfood's Black Sugar Mask is a particularly well-loved physical exfoliator, and doubles up as a mask too.

STEP 4. Toners, Skin Softeners, Refreshers: These products smooth, refresh, calm, and soften the skin, and they also clean up whatever might still be remaining on the skin after your double cleanse. They also balance the ph level of the skin for better absorption of skincare products. When you wash your face, much of the moisture is stripped away. These toners replenish the lost moisture at an immediate level. These are some examples of products in this category. These are typically applied with cotton and swiped on the face.

STEP 5. Essence: Essences are watery lotions that are neither toner nor serum, but a hybrid of both. They deliver active ingredients deep into the skin and often contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other natural extracts for an immediately hydrated and comfortable feel. 

Sk II makes a very popular but expensive essence, but other alternatives are the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence, Innisfree Green Tea Essence, Etude House Moistfull Collagen Essence, Hado Labo (Japanese) Hyaluronic Essence and so on. Here are more choices. Pour some essence into the palms of your hands and gently press it into your skin; you do not need to use cotton.

STEP 6. Serums, Boosters, Ampoules: These treat specific skin concerns and are in highly concentrated forms. They are usually packaged in small bottles, but you do not need big amounts; a little goes a long way. Choose your serum with your personal skin needs in mind. These are some examples. Innisfree's Green Tea Seed Serum is a super popular one for general use.

STEP 7. Sheet Masks: What would Korean/ Asian skincare be without sheet masks? There are so many choices for any type of skin concern, and are usually made of either paper, tissue, or gel-like masks with holes for the eyes, nose, and mouths. You've probably seen them. Put it on your face, relax, wait for 15-20 minutes, and then pat in the excess moisture on your face. These masks are infused with serums and other good things and saturate your face. Tip: Put your masks in the fridge and use them for a super cooling effect during hot summer months! Check them out here.

STEP 8. Eye Cream: The skin around the eyes is sensitive and easily wrinkled. This is where fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles are easily formed. Take a small amount of eye cream on your ring finger (because it is the weakest and therefore most gentle), rub it between both your ring fingers and dab on eye area in gentle motions, massaging it gently. Some eye creams here.

STEP 9. Moisturizers: Like the name implies, these moisturize the skin. Korean moisturizers are not typically heavy or oily. There are multiple choices geared towards different skin types and skin concerns.

STEP 10. Sun Protection/ Sleeping Masks or Night Creams: Depending on the time your last step is an SPF product that will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays during the daytime. The sun is the cause of a huge percentage of skin damage, so sun protection is a must. Everything you have worked so hard for may be useless if you do not protect your skin against the sun. At night, as your last step, you can use a sleeping mask or a night cream to seal in everything you have applied on your face. During the night, while we sleep, the skin is hard at work regenerating itself. These night creams help in the process so that you wake up with fresh, beautiful, dewy skin! Click here, here, and here for some examples of popular sunblocks.

It is IMPORTANT to remember that after every step you should wait for the product to sink in, and you can help by patting your face with clean fingers softly to help each product sink in. This is a process that may take up some of your time, but if you consider it a long-term investment, it is so worth it!

Until next time.... Stay beautiful!

[Mizo]

Tun tum chu a vaiin kan let lovang. A sei dawn lutuk, ka peih lo :) Korean leh Japanese ho vun nalh em em chhan hi an vun enkawl hi an ngaihpawimah em em vang ania, hna takah an nei a, an uluk a, hun leh tha pawh an seng taima. I duh ve chuan han chhiar zel teh le. A chunga steps zawng zawng khi a indawtin tih vek tur a nia. Blog la chhiar thang lo tan, thumal a sen (red) anga awm khi han click ula, link dangah a hruai che u anga, product ka sawi ho hi in hmu thei ang.

Taihmak ve angai a, hun pawh a duh ve deuh a, mahse tih hram hram peih chuan a manhla em em a ni. Rei lo te ah i vun ah danglamna i hmu nghal ang. A step zawng zawng khi tih peihloh pawhin a then tal khi tih theih chuan a la zia tho.

A hnawih dan hi a pawimawh em em a, hnawih tawk tawk te, hnawih thuak te hian a thawh tur angin a thawk lo thin. I hnawih thuak a i duh tawk chuan i vun a in hip lut lo khan, boruak ah tamtak chu a ro mai mai dawn a, a chhunga lut tur chuan i kut silfai sar hnu khan na vak si lovin han nam deuh la, emaw i kutzungtang khan piano tum ang deuhin i hmai ah khan han ti la, product a lut kim tha tih ah chauh a step dawt leh ah i kal dawn nia.

SPF awm, sun protection nei products hi a pawimawh bon top! Eng ang pawhin in uluk la, ni zung lakah i inven loh chuan a ti chhe tho tho ang. Khawchhiat ni pawhin UVA rays hi engmah in a dang lova, chuvangin chhun a nih hrim2 chuan inchhung ah pawh sunscreen hman reng a tha. Korean leh Japanese sunscreens hi an mawm ve hmuk vak lo a, makeup hnuaiah pawh hman an hrehawm lemlo tlangpui.

Tih hram hramna hi a pawimawh. Thatchhiat chuan  vun a nalh theilo a, vun a nalh loh chuan incheina dang engmah a nalh tak tak theilo bawk! :)

Some places to shop for Korean and Japanese products:
Yesstyle
Wishtrend
Instagram
Strawberrynet