Ever since I first discovered Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil, $46, during a particularly dry winter season many moons ago, I've been a staunch believer in facial oils for my combination skin. This time, I used the new Amore Pacific Botanical Radiance Oil, $105. It's quite the pretty penny, yes, but the experience is lovely if you can spare the cash. It's got a light floral scent and it absorbs quickly without leaving a film on your face. It left my skin feeling nourished and balanced, with nary a trace of greasiness.
I've been using Korean beauty moisturizers almost exclusively for the past few months. A few of my favorites? Well, for starters, the new Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, $40, is divine. The pudding texture is so much fun and it's satisfyingly creamy without feeling heavy.
Now, if you need something a little more heavy duty, the Cosrx Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream, $26, is a great, ultra-hydrating pick. Conversely, if you're on the lookout for something lighter, the new Laneige Fresh Calming Mousse Moisturizer, $29, is quite the novel pick — it's literally a mousse, dispensing into your hand as an airy foam that quickly resolves into a serum-like texture. The grapefruit scent is refreshing and, like many of the products mentioned thus far, it's great for promoting a dewy glow.
Now, if you need something a little more heavy duty, the Cosrx Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream, $26, is a great, ultra-hydrating pick. Conversely, if you're on the lookout for something lighter, the new Laneige Fresh Calming Mousse Moisturizer, $29, is quite the novel pick — it's literally a mousse, dispensing into your hand as an airy foam that quickly resolves into a serum-like texture. The grapefruit scent is refreshing and, like many of the products mentioned thus far, it's great for promoting a dewy glow.
Masks are a must for a Korean skin care routine — so I indulged in several. I found myself enjoying a couple different sleeping masks (notably the gel-textured Huxley Secret of Sahara Sleep Mask Good Night, $36, as well as the pudding-textured Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, $34). I also donned the expensive-yet-amazing Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask, $60 for 5, on a day when I really needed my skin to look extra good.
Not everyone believes in eye cream, but I do (perhaps it's because my allergy-prone eyes are especially vulnerable to dryness and puffiness). I like Whamisa by Glow Studio Chai Tea Eye Cream, $26 — it's soothing and hydrating and its light enough that makeup layers over it flawlessly.
How much would you judge me if I told you I was a beauty writer who doesn't always remember to wear sunscreen? That said, I do almost always wear a base with SPF — and for this week of K-beauty testing, I tried to stick to Korean makeup brands. I found myself enamored of the iconic 3Lab Perfect BB SPF 40, $105. Its glowifying effects, combined with the rest of my weekly routine, were considerable and caused me to make more than one double take whilst catching a glimpse of my own reflection.