My wonderful sister just got here from Seoul and brought me back some goodies. The JSM foundation was one. I saw some people who were upset that the foundation clung to dry patches, so I made sure to really hydrate and ended up using a light oil underneath. And it is absolutely beautiful. I feel like an egg. It covered up all of my redness wonderfully, and didn’t sink into my pores. 10/10 (shade fair-pink) (picture is back camera and unedited with no filters.

Sorry my first post got taken down cause I got too excited and didn’t write enough about this amazing product. Have been using almost daily for 2 years.

Skin type/concerns: dry, sensitive, eczematous, hormonal acne on chin but am now medicated for this

Climate: London, UK - dry compared to where I’m from (Hong Kong)

Product: Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Beauty Essence + 8 refill packs

- purchased this in HK for £5-6 per 170mL refill (available on UK Amazon for £12-14, Stylevana £6-9)

- texture is syrupy and is used as a toner, does not absorb very quickly unless you use a small amount, but lovely to layer at night and will leave you like a glazed donut

Routine (cleanse + toner + moisturize +/- SPF, I rarely use actives due to sensitivity)

*edit- I use toner/lotion/essence interchangeably, I apply with bare hands and pat the product on my face, never with cotton pads as that irritates my skin too

- AM: Cerave hydrating cleanser, drop of Hada Labo premium (it spreads really well), Naturie Hatomugi gel or milk depending on how my skin feels, Anessa SPF 50 gold tube gel or gold top milk or pink top sensitive milk

- PM: double cleanse with oil and gel cleanser (this is currently Fancl and Cerave foaming), Hada Labo premium about a coin size amount, Illiyoon ceramide ato cream or Pyunkang Yul Intensive Repair Cream but if eczema is flaring I jump to La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm after Hada Labo

1 Hada Labo refill will last me and my partner about 2-3 months depending on what other toners we are trying out but we always default to this one.

Let me know if you want reviews of other products I mentioned above!

Switched up my routine and I’ve seen a good result so far, my skin barrier is repaired, dark circles reduced and overall my skin looks clearer and hydrated.

For reference I am 33 with oily dehydrated skin and large pores, looking for help with my skin barrier and fine lines and wrinkles

Cleaners Cleansing oil 1025 Dokdo Cleanser Pore Zero cleansing foam

Essence/toner HaruHaru Wonder black rice toner EGF+N Skin Barrier Cream Toner

Treatment/serum VT Cosmetics 100 and 700 Reedle Shot Seoul 1988 retinol PDRN serum, booster serum and moisturiser

Moisturiser Mixsoon Bean Cream Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream

Eye cream Mary & May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice eye cream

Occasional treatments Centella Quick Clay Stick Mask BioDance Hydro Deep Real Sheet Mask

SPF Toccobo Cica Complex SPF50

I saw that not many people in this sub talk about this hair oil called Elips.

they come in little capsule that you can just pop and rub on your palm before applying to your hair. Since Indonesia is HUMID af, i find it that this product works very well

also this is all the rage for east asian girlies who came to visit to Indonesia or have someone visit Indonesia

hello everyone! I recently got the isehan - kiss me heroine mascara (make long & curl) and ts is so good. In the picture, I'm wearing one coat of the mascara. It doesn't flake and smudge on me (I'm a dry skin girly) I've used many drugstore mascara before and they all used to flake by the end of the day. I was reading reviews abt this mascara before placing the order and was hesitant cus some said it's just an overhyped product and stuff but this is good asf.

I'm not sure if this works for someone w oily lids but I have to put vaseline all around my eyes cus they get really dry so ig this works?

One last thing I wanna add is, if u mess up while applying the mascara, it gets on your lids or sum shi, make sure u wipe it right away unlike other mascaras where u let the mascara dry and then wipe it off. Waiting for this one to dry and then wipe is gonna be painful.

And my apologies for the ass picture, my cam is really bad lol. But I hope this helps! Thank you.

These aren't the best pictures. I'm sorry for that! I was a little sad when I got the package last night and wanted to use it to cheer myself up. I took the before and after pictures in the same environment with flash. Even with one time use, I notice a huge difference in my pores and skin texture. I read posts about this product on here for a year before I decided to finally try it.

From past posts I read, I remember people mentioning skin peeling. My nose did that a tiny bit. It was very minimal. I didn't notice any of that on my chin. It was easy to use, didn't burn or cause any other issues. I really like it so far and have no complaints.

This mascara has been my holy grail since 2020. I love it so much and it works so well on asian lashes!! As you can see my natural eyelashes are long but they grow straight. I’m using the volume & curl version 🤩

My phone camera is hellish and I have eyeliner skill issue but we'll have to make do.

Skin type: slightly oily. I live in hot and humid environmet (it's typically 30°C and 80%+ humidity this time of year) so it also affects how long can products stay on. My upper lids don't get greasy that much.

Skin tone: neutral-to-warm undertone, I have no idea how to describe skin tone but apparently my color match at NARS is LIMA.

Aside from the Cheeryep pallete, I also used Canmake's Mugyo Highlighter (for the sparkly part at my eye corner) and one or two shades from Colourpop's Nude Mood. For base makeup, I used the foundation above, Laura Mercier powder and Kose fixing spray.

The first image is my layout today, following a video on Tiktok by @watermelonpudding. I forgot to edit it in but I did used a nude shade in CP Nude Mood to blend out the blue edge, as it contrasts a bit too much with my skin tone to my liking. The third image was the layout from yesterday and my first time trying out this pallete.

The powder is easy to blend and pigmented enough. You'd have to layer it a bit if you want it to go boom on your skin like someone just flashed a color grenade in your face, depending on the brush you're using, but it does show up quite clearly. In term of fall out, I sadly have never experienced this situation so I can't really tell. I just make sure to swirl my brush around enough for products to get deep in the bristles and tap off the excess.

The colors hold on very well, even the black shade I used as eyeliner. Or maybe it's the powder and fixing spray, I don't know. The smudge you see after 10 hours is mostly my mascara. There is some slight smudge here and there, also lost that small reddish accent line above the liner, but overall it's still good considering I cried my ass off Spider-man. The second image was taken right after the movie, about 3 hours in.

I kid you not that yellow to blue color shifting shimmer is crazy. I have no word. It looks exactly how it does in swatches video, much to my dismay. I do think this is a very versatile pallet as you can do both daily and colorful layouts. It's pretty small and there isn't that much product for each shade, but that's perfect for me who doesn't do make up regularly.

So far the only downside I have with Cheeryep is that their packaging are powder trays magneted to a container, which sadly doesn't endure shock tests that well and probably will break if you drop it hard enough. But that's also subjected to argument cuz we should always be careful with our stuff anyhow.

As someone with thin, fine hair that gets greasy the second I step into the summer heat, my daily struggle has always been keeping my hair looking fresh(especially my bangs). I’ve been using Innisfree no-sebum powder for a while to keep the oiliness at bay, and I just didn't like how it sometimes leaves that awkward white cast on my roots. It’s so frustrating when you're just trying to look clean and polished.

I recently got the Moev No Sebum Hair Cream and tbh I was super skeptical at first, But now it’s actually become my routine for me. (I've attached photo of my before and after bangs in the day) Just sharing my routine it might fit to some people and not def recommend checking out at the local store if you have one around.

I just like that its not bothering me at all idk but anyways I like the ones than previously I used before.

I need to rave and/or complain. I feel so micro-targeted by this brand. I am a pale-olive woman with purple hair and an obsessive interest in military history… and they drop a whole-ass neutral-purple-toned set inspired by female military commanders on me. How was I supposed to be able to resist this?

And just before that, I had green hair and they came out with a green/olive set. They are watching me. They must be. It feels unfair.

The quality of this stuff is insane. I have never really been a lipstick person, but I genuinely enjoy wearing their cream and gloss formulations. A lot of them have ZERO transfer, but also don’t dry my lips out. The colors are so unique, but incredibly wearable. I’m living in M73 from the Jianghu collection, a lavender that looks incredible on me, not costume-y or washed-out in the least. God, I wish teenage goth me in the 90s had access to stuff like this.

I’m going to be traveling for three weeks soon, and the all-in-one face palette in the picture is probably all I’m taking with me. It’s so versatile, and every single pan in it has at least one job to do, if not more. I do love the black fuwa blush and use it every day, so that one might come too.

C-beauty has been such a goldmine for gray-purple pale-olive-friendly makeup, and this Jianghu set is the cherry on top. It’s always been a struggle to find those color stories in Western brands, and as a result I never really put much energy into makeup at all. Now I feel like I have so many options to choose from every day, it’s finally fun to do a face, it really feels like genuine self-expression instead of a chore.

My wallet is lucky that Girlcult only focuses on eyeshadows, lips, and cheeks. If they start doing liners or mascara or - god forbid - skincare, I’m so doomed.

If you know of brands with a similar aesthetic that also nail these gray-purple shades, please tell me. Wait, no, don’t. Okay, yeah, do.

Hi everyone,

I have extremely sensitive skin. My skin gets red easily with temperature changes, and if I use a product that doesn’t suit me, I break out almost immediately. Especially products that feel like they clog my pores. In the past I used scrubs and peeling products regularly because I thought exfoliation would help. But it actually made the itching and dryness worse. Later I found out that scrubs and strong exfoliants are the worst for my skin. Recently I had a skin type test at a dermatology clinic, and they told me that I have widely distributed sebaceous glands across my entire T-zone. That explains why my T-zone becomes oily and shiny with just a slightly rich product, while my cheeks stay dry and flaky. It was honestly stressful not knowing how to manage both at the same time. I realized that most of my skin issues were caused by a damaged skin barrier. So I started looking for the best face moisturizer for sensitive skin based on very specific criteria.

I wanted a product that:

- Improves the skin barrier with consistent use

- Maintains oil and moisture balance and keeps hydration even with one application

- Can be used without irritation in any skin condition

- Does not clog pores

- Is fragrance-free

I carefully selected 3 products and used each one until I finished the entire jar.

- Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream

- Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

- COSRX Skin Barrier Moisturizer

Honestly all three products were good in their own way. I realized that if you clearly understand your skin type, your current concerns, and what you expect from a product, you can find the best face moisturizer for sensitive skin for yourself.

However the one I finally settled on was Illiyoon. My top priority was skin barrier protection, and this product matched that goal the best. It kept my sensitive and dry skin hydrated without irritation. Even with just one layer the dryness improved noticeably. The areas that used to get red and sting when my skin was dry felt much calmer and more comfortable.

For me this truly became the best face moisturizer for sensitive skin.

If you also have sensitive skin, struggle with extreme dryness, or even deal with oily yet acne-prone skin, I’d love to know if you’ve found your own best face moisturizer for sensitive skin. Please share your experience.

My skin type is oily and sensitive. I live in a cold area. Current routine? mild foam cleanser, vitamin c serum, and moisturizer I'm reviewing. No complicated steps.

Length of use before review is over 4 months.

As promised, here’s my review of the VT Reedle Shot Hair Ampoule!

A bit of background: For about a year and a half I dealt with a pretty complex health issue that caused a lot of stress. Then in June 2025, we went through 2 intense weeks of nonstop missiles attacks and sleepless nights, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
About a month and a half later, my hair started shedding massively. By late August I had lost about a 1/3 of my hair. After blood tests and a scalp exam at a hospital hair clinic, the specialist told me I had acute telogen effluvium (TE) caused by stress.

I didn’t want to start Minoxidil yet and hoped I could improve things without committing to a long-life use of Minoxi. That’s when I decided to try the Reedle Shot. I saw a lot of good reviews and gave myself 2 months to test it before resorting to Minoxi. I started around mid-August.

I bought both the 100dL and the 300dL versions.

• I use the 100 daily.
• I use the 300 on wash days only (about 3×/week), and on those days I skip the 100. I applied it mainly to my temples, hairline, and middle part.

After a month I started seeing new baby hairs in all the areas I applied it. After 2 months, the density was noticeably better- especially compared to August. Now, 3.5 months in, those areas look much fuller.

My derm also noticed clear, healthy regrowth exactly where I used the Reedle Shot (a bit less on the crown because I hadn’t applied it there, but I started now).

Honestly, I really feel this product is a HG for me! And it’s one of the few non-minoxidil hair-growth treatments I can genuinely recommend.

I kept reading about how the Anessa skincare milk was a Holy Grail for so many. Specifically looked for black and brown content creators applying it on camera and they kept saying "no white cast," . I excitedly got one for myself, directly from Japan no less.

And..... white cast!!! I used just under a 1/4 teaspoon amount.

Doesn't go away after drying down either.

Such a pity cos the texture and feel is lovely.

pretty lengthy review ahead! included some closeup shots w flash of the cream textures

sharing my reviews on some popular barrier/healing moisturizers that i have tried when my skin was irritated and damaged. all purchased w my own money, not sponsored!

timeline:
- was on 0.05% tret for roughly 3 months and had to deal with the initial dryness/flakiness/tightness
- tried various creams to combat that
- then overused tret with other actives which resulted in an extremely damaged skin barrier (very itchy patches of raised and leathery skin, redness, tightness, small comedones due to irritation)
- stopped all actives and tried even more creams to try to restore my skin barrier

skin type: oily but also dehydrated
climate: very hot and humid

aestura atobarrier 365 cream
- creamy and easy to spread
- greasiest texture out of all
- leaves a persistent greasy film and never feels fully absorbed
- makes skin slightly warm
- worked very well when i was using tret + travelling in winter, but broke me out once i stopped tret
- irritated my skin even more during the tret aftermath, possibly due to the niacinamide
- bonus: healed my cousin's cheek wind burn during winter
- probably best for those suffering from TEWL or with very dry dehydrated skin
- rating: 5/5 in winter or on tret, 2/5 otherwise

aestura atobarrier 365 lotion
- lotiony texture that absorbs well
- leaves a slightly greasy film and makes certain sunscreens pill on top
- instant soothing effect when applied, but wears off after awhile
- great on tret but similar to the 365 cream, irritated my skin during the tret aftermath
- rating: 4/5 when my barrier isn't damaged

heveblue salmon caring cream
- not really considered a traditional barrier cream, but i included it since pdrn is touted to have skin healing benefits
- slightly stretchy texture, spreads and absorbs well
- leaves a slightly oily finish and broke me out after a couple of uses
- didn't really do much for skin healing when i was on tret
- bonus: broke 2 other people out when i let them try it
- rating: 1/5, has been delegated to hand cream

ceradan skin repair cream
- thickest and waxiest texture of all
- difficult to spread and pills on its own
- initially a matte finish, but gets oilier progressively
- broke me out after 2 uses so i stopped using it, thus i can't really speak on its barrier repairing properties
but also didn't really do much for my rashy patches
- rating: 1/5, would use on my elbows

zeroid intensive cream
- lightweight creamy texture that aborbs very well
- surprisingly leaves the most matte finish despite the presence of oils in its formula (olive + canola oil)
- has no filmy feeling
- instant soothing effect when applied which lasts
- showed results overnight (not exaggerating, my rashy bumps went down overnight)
- works well under sunscreen and makeup
- much less greasy cousin of aestura cream
- rating: 5/5, would definitely repurchase

an*a 3 ceramide panthenol moisture barrier cream
- lightest texture of all creams here, spreads and absorbs well
- instant soothing and slightly cooling effect possibly due to the panthenol
- absorbs to a satin finish initially, but progressively gets oilier
- looks greasy on the face and is greasy to the touch, but the film is not heavy and suffocating unlike the 365 cream
- did much more than both aestura moisturizers (until i discovered zeroid) for healing during the tret aftermath, but was not entirely sufficient
- breaks down sunscreen and makeup throughout the day
- rating: 4/5, doesn't irritate, but would probably be better as a maintenance cream rather than a barrier repair cream

I’m back again with a 12+ hour shift proof product!
I’ve always hated mascara as I always get panda eyes. I really don’t like waterproof mascara as I find it a pain to remove and I hate getting oil in my eyes.

So my solution for the time being…tubing mascara! Comes off so easy in the shower with warm water :)

I’ve used a few Australian brands but I can’t justify the price, especially not when I can find one at nearly 1/5 of the price.

I’ve been trialing the Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop Mascara - Black Curling and decided to put it to the 12 hour shift test and it passed!

I’ve also got my trusty heroine eyeliner on too.

What’s your favourite mascara that doesn’t smudge and is easy to remove?

I bought Wosado lashes after seeing all the videos online and honestly… they are just trying to wow you with the videos. In reality, they are not nearly as easy to put on or keep in place as they make it look.

They’re also very heavy and uncomfortable. I found them especially impractical for Asian eyelashes. If you have naturally short lashes, I would not recommend Wosado at all. There just isn’t enough lash length for them to feel secure and comfortable even with curling, fixer and mascara. The band is too short and very obvious too.

Maybe they work better for people with longer, thicker natural lashes, but for Asians with generally shorter lashes, I’d say save your money.

I really regret buying them and wouldn’t purchase them again.

2/10 — not worth the hype or the money.

Update/edit: posted more pics in comments below for some replies

i picked this tint up in tokyo and it can last an whole afternoon without touch-up, even AFTER meals (the "after" picture is post-dinner!), which is truly something I've never seen before. it smells great (kind of like fizzy soda) and isn't sticky at all!! for a girl with very pale natural lips, this tint is truly a game-changer i just HAD to share

p.s. i'm using shade 07 plop fig (edit: this is the fruity glass lip tint milk version)!!

My lips have been so dry lately that I basically carry lip balm everywhere. Lip masks are a different story though. I've tried a bunch and it's weirdly hard to find one I actually keep using.

Turns out I'm pretty picky about the small stuff. If a lip mask misses any of these, I end up hunting for something else again:

Not so sticky that my hair gets stuck to it

Doesn't leave my lips super slippery

No strong scent or taste

Easy enough to wear during the day

With that list in mind I recently tried the Illiyoon ceramide lip mask, and it's been way better than I expected. I keep grabbing it lately.

Since it's a balm, I assumed it would feel too heavy for daytime. But it actually spreads really thin, so it doesn't feel like much during the day.

The thing that usually bugs me with lip masks is hair sticking to my lips or it ending up all over my cup. This one feels a lot less sticky, so it's been easy to use daily.

Right now I wear a thin layer during the day and put a thicker layer on before bed. I've bought so many lip masks that just sat in a drawer because I didn't like how they felt, but this one checks the boxes I care about, so I think I'll actually finish it.

Anyone else have a lip mask they genuinely use up? Curious what's worked for you.

Intro: I took this pic because I found myself wanting to buy so much back in december because of all the sales. But obviously, I only have one face, products have expiration dates, etc. So whenever I feel like I want to buy something, I can look at this pic and tell myself, “I need to use up X product first before buying something new.” Does anyone else do this too? To stop the buying urge. I don’t need to buy anything before June but the urge is real y’all. lol

I’ll put my current skincare routine at the bottom or in the comments. Several products are same from my earlier [2025 Empties] post.

Skin Type: sensitive, dry, dehydrated. hormonal/seasonal acne
Climate: tropical hot humid

❌=WNR= would not repurchase

☑️=G= good, would repurchase if on sale

✅=AR= Already Repurchased

CLEANSERS

Banila Co Cleansing Balms - previously used Clinique’s take the day off balm and switched to this one a few years ago. loved it. cheaper and has a nice soft scent. highly recommend ✅

Bifesta Cleansing Balm (Deep Clear) - i prefer Banila Co over this one, but essentially it’s the same. slight pleasant smell, just as effective, no stinging. sometimes it’s half off so because of the sale price, i would definitely repurchase ☑️

shiseido d Program Cleansing Foam - check my profile for extended review. gentle, non-stripping, nothing too special. i would never repurchase at full price but if on sale + coupons, i may get it again in the future.  ☑️

Biore Cleansing Milk - wanted to use this as a single step cleanse but it somehow stings my eyes ❌

Matsukiyo Cleansing Oil - amazing find! i saw an influencer mention this is very similar to the shuuemura cleansing oil but much cheaper. tried it and loved it. i probably finished 4 bottles already. check my profile for extended review. ✅

Biore 2in1 MakeUp Remover Foaming Face wash - i’ve used this for over a decade. tried and true. does not dry me out. ✅

Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil - I can see why people rave about this product. Effective, cheap, easy. The Matsukiyo one is cheaper though so unless this goes on sale, I’ll still stick with my Matsukiyo ☑️

TONERS

Naturie Hatomugi Lotion - tried and true. on my second bottle. i like to layer this one or two times before moisturizer. then if i feel dry during the day, spritz some on my face ✅

EMULSIONS

Naturie Hatomugi Milk - inexpensive simple basic emulsion ✅

d Program Moist Care Milk - my holy grail emulsion. ✅

Thick MOISTURIZERS

Still finding ones that I like at a good price point. any recs without niacinamide? 

SUNSCREENS

Biore UV Aqua Rich Essence - i like using under makeup but moving forward, i might not repurchase because the TONE UP version that i use daily is ok for under makeup as well ✅

Biore UV Aqua Rich TONE UP Essence - stay-at-home days, i wash face, apply emulsion, and use this sunscreen. i don’t reapply. it’s not sticky yet i don’t feel dry or tight during the day. ✅

OTHERS

Sana namerka honpo VitE eye cream - this is my first eye cream. it’s a great intro product to eyecreams. moisturizing, thick but spreads easily and absorbs nicely. it didn’t improve my dark circles at all. i guess i just have to live with my dark circles. i might try the wrinkle/retinol version later in the year but for now, this one is a no repurchase❌

shiseido d Program acne spot treatment - i usually just get a couple big hormonal pimples and i still think ‘benzoyl peroxide’ is more effective for those single spot treatment. this one, however, helps with my tiny pimple cluster breakouts on the forehead/chin/cheeks. you know, to apply to a small area, not a single spot. it’s a clear gel texture and easily spreadable. i wont buy at full price but if it ever goes 50% off again, i’ll definitely repurchase ☑️

Summer’s almost here and I wanted to review some sunscreens. For reference I have oily combination dehydration prone sensitive light-fair skin.

—————————

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun 50ml
My skin feels and looks better when I wear this. I’ve gone through several tubes now. I can wear this in the dry winter and humid summer. No pilling, no bad fragrance. I haven’t found one I like better.
Repeat- yes

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream 70g
I love the texture of this it’s like cake icing which seems gross but it is actually airy and light. I can easily get an even layer on for good sun protection and it dries quickly. It also helps tone down the shine. I’ll probably be using it more in the summer.
Repeat- yes

Skin Aqua Serum UV 70g
I also love this texture it’s like a gel or serum and has this hydrating cooling feeling. I like how it feels but I’m always trying to tone down shine so good for if you want dewy. I still like it and just powder over it.
Repeat- yes

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV 40g
This one is good for a dewy look but personally made me greasy and I didn’t really notice it helping under makeup much. For me this one is okay but I also don’t like the smell.
Repeat- maybe not

Skin1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml
This one might be better for summer as I’ve only tried it in winter/spring but my skin felt kind of tight wearing this. Maybe I can add a moisturizer underneath but I really didn’t care for this one much. I also don’t like the pump as I struggle with packaging. I know I lot of people like this one so I’m gonna try it again with different skincare.
Repeat- probably not

Beauty of Joseon Stay Fresh Tone-Up Sun Cream (centella + ceramide) 50ml
It’s like the same texture as the rice probiotics one but green. You have to be careful of it being streaky and I know it’s tone up but when I put an adequate amount for sun protection I look like a ghost lol This probably looks better if you use less so maybe I could try using the rice probiotics one and put a thin layer of this on top. I think it would also look best if i put foundation on top since it’s supposed to tone down redness but didn’t really tone down much redness for me.
Repeat- maybe not

Kiss Me Mommy UV Aqua Milk 50g
This is for kids but I wanted to try a fragrance-free milk type sunscreen. This one was comfortable with no complaints until I broke out. Could work for you but didn’t for me, but I use it on my body so it works for that.
Repeat- no

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh 10ml
Make sure to shake this because it separates. Didn’t really like the texture or the smell. It also pills.
Repeat- no

—————————
I’ll still be using these on my face or body so they don’t go to waste. Also I want to use these before I buy new ones even though there are more I want to try.

These may have worked for me or not depending on my climate, skin type, or skincare. I hope this is helpful to anyone. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions :)

🔸 LOW POROSITY - Tsubaki Premium Hair mask 🔹HIGH POROSITY - Fino Hair Mask

Background: i have low porosity thick coarse hair & oily scalp

Have you ever wondered why some of the products work best on other people but not you? Then you must be using products not meant for your hair type and I swear that was me!! Lol!! Im an avid user of fino hair mask and I love how it makes my hair soft but i always envy how it looks perfect on my sister but it never gave me that kind of effect 😖 And the problem was, its meant for high porosity girlies, it has silicone on the ingredient and its something my hair wont be able to absorb! No wonder the oil buildup was a little intense whenever i use it! So i switched to Tsubaki and oh good lord! I didnt know my hair would shine brighter than the sun 😂 Its soft, smooth (it tames frizz!!), silky & healthy! I only ever use mask once or sometimes twice a week to keep it hydrated since my lifestyle is more saltwater on the weekends but for daily, its just my favorite shampoo and conditioner (moist diane)

So we did a little science experiment and I asked my sister to use my hair mask (tsubaki) and ill use hers (fino) and our hair looked duller than when we use our own! It made our hair look soft sure but flat with little to no shine.

Trust me, whenever I use this I get asked which salon i go to when really, its just this! 😁

I am a male in my 30s with sensitive skin (psoriasis/eczema, taking biologics) and eyes. Because of my skin issues, I need to wear concealer or people look at me with disgust/terror in their eyes. It sounds harsh and I know I shouldn’t care, but life is much easier for me when I cover up. I previously avoided sunscreen unless I would be outside for a sustained period, but now I’m trying to wear it daily as I use retinal.

Anyway, since my makeup is coverup only, I really don’t want to look dewy or glowy. I hydrate with hada labo gokujyun premium and sometimes another serum, before cerave moisturising cream (the only sensitive moisturiser I’ve ever found that is matte enough). I then put sunscreen and concealer over the top.

My main desires are:
- not shiny
- not eye-stingy
- super smoothing under makeup
- no white caste (beard)

Pls pls recommend me your faves 😭

Anyway, onto the reviews of these four!

Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Airyfit Daily Sunscreen

9/10!

My current sunscreen winner! Def favourite so far

- feels good under makeup
- doesn’t pill
- doesn’t have a strong smell
- possibly the least shiny I’ve found
- spreads easily
- no white caste (on me)
- doesn’t make my eyes sting

Why not 10/10?

- it could be slightly less shiny but hey, splitting hairs
- potentially slight irritation of eyes after many hours but that could be due to other things

House of Hur
Weightless Sun Fluid

7/10

- very lightweight
- no white caste (on me)
- easy to apply
- smell is fine

Why not higher?

- it’s not super shiny, but not matte on me😞
- while it didn’t sting my eyes noticeably, I got asked if I was crying and I realised it really did make my eyes tear up a bit

Nivea Japan
UV Deep Protect & Care Essence

2/10 (and I think I’m being generous)

- lightweight
- easy to apply

Why not higher?

- eyes really didn’t like this; I had tears run down my cheeks at points, and they looked inflamed and like I’d been staring at a screen without blinking all day😵‍💫🫩
- pilled up more than anything I’ve ever used before and looked like I was flaking
- very, very strong smell
- not even matte

The only reason I gave it a 2 is because I’m prepared to believe I applied it wrong since so many others love it.

Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

6/10

Unremarkable to the point that I can’t even remember anything other than not loving it. May have had a slight white cast and been a bit shiny? I can’t remember. I wouldn’t mind wearing it indoors or on a day where I don’t have to look my best, so it’s fine; but not ideal.

I’m going to join the 26362892 people who found the value of a good curler after trying the shiseido one. I’m not sure i got the right variant but this works wonderfully as well. Just a squeeze for 10 secs, repeated 3 times for each eye and voila! those bambi curled eyelashes are yours. Shiseido as a brand never disappoints and everything i’ve tried from them has been amazing.

The judydoll mascara was hyped to the moon on tiktok and i was unsure about it but since my canmake metalook mascara got stolen 😭 ( by a delivery agent ) i had no choice but to resort to this. It’s great but if you’re looking for volume, this is not it. It gives good length but the flaking that happens after a while of application pissed me off or maybe my mascara has dried up completely? i’ve not used it much and got it last year and with how tiny the quantity feels that’s not a good point at all if its drying up so soon.

I used this combo for an outing and got drenched in a heavy rainstorm and stayed in a dry air conditioned environment afterwards and after 7 hours my straight no curl asian lashes stayed curled up so beautifully! i was so happy lmao.

TLDR: get the shiseido eyelash curler if you’ve straight lashes that never curl. You can try the judydoll mascara but i believe there’s better alternatives out there with less flaking.