Top 6 Skin care Products

Hello everyone!

I've been a skin care addict ever since I went to Korea several years ago. I've gotten into "layering" where Koreans use several different layers of products from the least viscous → most viscous to achieve that perfect glowing, supple skin. Though most of the skincare products I use are Korean (they are just so affordable and high quality), I have included one American skincare product I am simply obsessed with.

FYI on my skin type... I have oily combination skin (an oily t-zone and normal in other areas, except the winter time where I get dry cheeks/chin). My skin is also sensitive and acne prone. I'm also in my mid-twenties.

As for website recommendations for purchasing these products, I don't make any commission from linking you. Also, these are just some of the websites that I use that have the best prices. I also don't recommend purchasing off Amazon because there's no authentication guarantee.

And without further ado let's get started...in no particular order!

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Price: $14.95
Buy here:
Beautyboxkorea
Yesstyle
Wishtrend
Sokoglam

I really love Klairs. It is a cruelty-free brand that uses simple ingredients! Products are formulated without colorants, alcohol, parabens, and no artificial fragrances.

This toner is very refreshing and unlike other toners, it isn't stripping or drying at all, it is very moisturizing and preps the skin for the rest of your skincare. Although the texture is thicker than your normal toner, it absorbs fast, and I find it very soothing. It doesn't break me out at all and has a subtle herbal scent. I use it day and night and apply it directly with my hands. I don't like wasting product by using cotton pads.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Price: $18.90 (200ml)* - varies by size
Buy here:
Yesstyle
Beautyboxkorea
Ohlolly


I've also recently gotten into the brand Pyunkang Yul. The brand was developed by a medical clinic in Korea and uses traditional Korean ingredients (known as hanbang); however, it doesn't have that strong herbal/ginseng scent that I don't like (ie. the Whoo). This brand is also good for sensitive skin with no scents, or non-essential chemicals. Their focus is on moisture.

Similar to Klairs, this toner is very moisturizing and not stripping at all. It has a thick texture when you apply it, but it absorbs quickly. It has a milk scent, and I really enjoy it. I feel like it is very soothing and after applying, my skin is slightly tacky, which serves as a nice canvas for the next steps of my skincare. They also have a mist toner alternative for those with combo skin, but I personally like this toner better. It's more moisturizing, but not overly so. I also apply this using my bare hands.

Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Boosting Ampoule
Price: $23.98
Buy here:
Jolse

I got this ampoule as a gift from Aster! :) The concept behind this ampoule is that it is a cocktail. You choose the effectors and mix them in the ampoule to create your own personal product that suits your skin care needs. I think she bought me the Pore and Brightening effectors.

The product has a milky texture that isn't too thick or thin. I use the eyedropper to drop the products into my hands and pat into the areas where I have enlarged pores or acne marks. I find that it is very moisturizing and has helped with my enlarged pores. It has a slightly perfumed scent, but nothing too crazy.

Nature Republic Shea Butter Steam Cream - MOIST
Price: $20.90
Buy here:
Nature Republic

This is my favorite go-to cream for the fall and winter. This cream has different versions for different skin types. I prefer the moist version because it's a thick cream, whereas the other one has a thin gel-like consistency. This comes in a big screw top container and I found it to be double in size, or larger than your typical moisturizer. I've bought this cream twice and I always find myself gravitating back towards it. It's a lifesaver for those with dry skin in the cold months! It makes your skin feel very supple and moisturized.

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream - MILD
Price: $9.18
Buy here: 
Jolse

Innisfree has my favorite sun creams. Although the brand as a whole has skin care products that have a fragrance, I'm still a fan, especially because they are eco-friendly and affordable. This one has SPF35 PA++, less than usual Korean sun creams (they tend to be SPF50 PA+++), but I don't think it's necessary to have 50. This one gets the job done, the texture is creamy and moisturizing, absorbs well, and doesn't smell like suntan lotion (I hate that smell). It also doesn't leave any white cast, which is my favorite part!

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial
Price: $80.00
Buy here: 
Sephora

Drunk Elephant has been gaining a lot of attention in the USA lately because it only uses clean ingredients that benefit the skin's health. There's nothing synthetic about it and it's cruelty-free. The price is also ridiculously steep, but absolutely worth every penny. I splurged after hearing so much hype and seeing those almost 5-star reviews on Sephora.

This product is a facial with 25% AHA & 2% BHA. It's an exfoliator that can tingle and sting, and should only be used 1-2 times a week. I've been struggling with acne marks (dark spots) for the past several years, and this is the only product that faded them for me. AHA is great for fading dark marks. It also brightens and smoothes out your skin. This product is a game changer. If anyone struggles with discoloration/skin texture issues, I highly recommend you go for it! I waited for the VIB sale (20% off) to get it.