The Best of Korean Skincare Must Haves (2020-2021)

 Hey Subbies,

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I was trying to wait to release this post because I tried to wait to see if any more K-beauty enthusiasts would release more videos for their favorites items of this year but with everything going it's to be expected that there would be a delay. And most don't release their favorites till spring of the following year. 

Anyway, I see a lot of new skincare junkies in my research and found there was a lot of overlap to make a cohesive list which I'm quite happy about it. I also have been waiting to talk about Isntree which has been mentioned a lot in the past few years. I actually found this brand while working on an older post on vegan cosmetics. I'm really happy to see it still thriving and I hope this post makes it more popular and helps set a  standard that we are above doing animal testing. The funny part is that it gets confused with Innisfree which was last year's cult faves and classic road shop brand that most people who are into skincare know about.

In late 2008, after the law enforced all Korean beauty brands to list all ingredients on cosmetic products, the team behind Isntree used this as an opportunity to give customers more visibility into learning more about the ingredients put in their beauty products -- launching the first-ever skincare blog in Korea. As the brand became more widely well known, Isntree was flooded with requests by readers to develop skincare products, due to the novel content and expertise on the topic. In January 2012, Isntree was born.

Isntree is a brand that focuses on preserving one’s natural beauty through the use of natural, safe and healthy ingredients in our natural skin care products. Isntree is a product of a clean and pure environment of an island and founded on the belief of their passion to bear good fruit, grow with their consumer and use natural plant based materials.

Is & tree fuses "island", "natural" and "tree" together to inspire its brand name and guiding philosophy. Showing honesty in its choice of ingredients, the brand uses only the safest and purest from nature. is & tree produces effective skin, body and hair care products such as its popular Aloe Soothing Gel, Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream, Sensitive Balancing Sun Protection Plus SPF50+ PA++++ and Sensitive Balancing Cleansing Foam. All the brand's products are 100% made-in-Korea and free from animal-testing. YesStyle is an authorized retailer of is & tree and features all of the brand's product lines.

 http://en.isntree.com/

BEAUTY GURU FAVES

• Isntree Mugwort Clay Mask 4.7
• Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner 4.6
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner 4.7
• Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner 4.6
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence 4.8
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus 4.8
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 4.5

Cleanser

• Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cream 4.5
• Sioris Day by Day Cleansing Oil 4.7
• Sioris Clean Me Softly Milk Cleanser 4.7
• Good (Skin) Day A New Leaf Cream Cleanser 4.3
• Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser 4.4
• Banila Co Clean It Zero 4.6
• Some by Mi Snail True Cica Cleanse 4.4

Exfoliate

• Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 4.3

Toner/ Water

• Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner 4.6
• ANUA Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner 5.0
• Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Toner 4.7
• Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner 4.6
• Laneige Cream Skin Refiner 4.8
• Some by Mi AHA-BHA 30 Day Miracle Toner 4.6

Lotion/ Cream / Gel

• Round lab: 1025 Dokdo Lab cream 5
• Rovectin Clean Water Cream 4.8
• Cosrx Hydration Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule 4.7
• Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Lotion 5.0
• Neogen x Joan Day & Night Duo Cream 4.4
• I'm From Mugwort Cream 4.5
• Rovectin Lotion 4.7

Serum / Essence /Ampoule / Oil

• Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief 5.0
• I'm From Mugwort Essence 4.2
• Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence 4.5
• Good (Skin) Day C's The Day Serum 4.1
• Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence 4.6
• Cosrx full fit propolis Ampoule 4.3

Mist/ Spray

• Sioris Time is Running Out Mist 4.8

Moisturizer / Eye cream / Lip

• Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask 4.6
• Purito Centella Eye Cream 4.4
• Benton Fermentation Eye Cream 4.4

Sunscreen/ SPF

• Dear Klair Soft UV Airy Essence Sunscreen 4.8
• ANUA 5-Zero Mild Suncream 5.0
• Innisfree Blueberry Watery Suncream 5.0

Skin Treatments / Repair

• Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion 4.7 

Masks

• Innisfree Face Mask 4.6
• Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask 4.6
• Benton Centella Sheet Mask 4.7

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Best At Home Skincare Tools & Gadgets

Hey Subbies,

As the end of the year slowly approaches I've been really into researching skincare tools and gadgets lately. I have seen so many skincare junkies raves about certain devices but then I watched actual practicing skin specialist weight in on certain products as lackluster. Some of these raved about devices aren't anything to tell your friends about because science isn't backed fully or FDA approved ("Cleared" just means it won't explode) and the clinical trials are misleading overused to get consumers jumping on the bandwagon these days. Also, a lot of these devices on the market aren't as strong as the ones at a local skin care clinic or dermatologist office. And here I'm to give the best options for your at-home treatments during this pandemic. I hope this helps clean out rethink the products you have bought and it's also thanks to Dr. Dray who I have really admired her opinions and researched backed thoughts on a lot of these devices.

Also, an FYI PSA - Microneedling should be done by a professional to get the best results. 

And Nuface microcurrent device doesn't tone the skin which is an organ, it tones the muscle under the skin so fat loss is more of a possibility.[1] Just think of when you are working out and weight lifting, fat is usually lost and muscle is built. However, you would need an injury to living tissue to get collagen proliferation so this device just screams overhyped marketing. I would recommend just taking Collange peptide supplements and getting professional micro-needling instead. 

Make sure to always moisturize and apply sunscreen.

Foreo Luna

PROs

• Great replacement for Skin Brush
• Circulation
• Light exfoliation 

CONs

• App is useless

If you are looking for a luxury skincare investment then Jade/ Jadeite can actually get really expensive depending on the cut. Most look milky-green to opaque emerald green in appearance but not the only color variant of the stone. Jade has a high boiling (heat) point before burning. A lot of brands photoshop the stones which makes the product look more sus but you can always try the Rose quartz set instead.

Facial Roller and Gua Sha

PROs

• Depuffs
• Circulation
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Tension

CONs

• Fake Jade
• Possible skin irritation 

Ice Roller

Cryo Globes

PROs

• Depuffs
• Reduces Redness, Irritation,  Inflammation, Fine lines, and Wrinkles

CONs

• Cryo Globe can break if not careful. 

Facial Streamer 

Cool Mist Humidifier

PROs

• Hydration
• Helps with a deep cleansing

CONs

Facial Scrubber/ Spatula 

PROs

• Extraction
• Serum Penetration
• Exfoliation 
• Blemishes, Blackheads

CONs

Infrared/ LED Light Therapy

PROs

• Wrinkles and Fine lines
• Smooths
• Skincare Texture
• Elasticity 
• Hair growth

CONs

• Need more long term testing on various skin tone types
• Eye Protection needed for at-home treatment
• Not recommended for Photosensitive subjects

PROs

• Reduces Millia
• Exfoliates
• Great for post-inflammation hyperpigmentation

CONs

• Not for thin skin
• Not to be done on Acne flare-ups 
• Not for Rosacea or Sensitive
• Dryness

High-Frequency Device

PROs

• Oxygenating the skin to kill Ance bacteria
• Spot Treatment
• Reduces blemishes 
• Serum penetration
• Hair Growth 

CONs

• Not for Sensitive or Severe Acne-prone skin
• Some device may not have a long shelf life 

• People with darker skin tones may experience unwanted pigmentation changes due to irritation or overheating.

SiO Facial Patches

PROs

• Promotes Healing
• Reusable
• Seals in Hydration
• Smooths fine line and wrinkles

CONs

• Can't be used with other products

IPL

PROs

• A cheaper alternative to laser
• Kills Pigment 

CONs

• Continued use needed
• Varying results

Dermatologist 

A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair and nails, and some cosmetic problems. After earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), the length of training in the United States for a general dermatologist to be eligible for Board Certification by the American Academy of Dermatology, American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology is a total of four years.

Dr. Dray - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxmUrGMtpQT844Yd_l7Zyg

Esthetician

Esthetician is a state-licensed skincare expert able to perform many skincare services. They handle professional-level skills in client consultation, skin analysis, and manual, chemical, and electrical facials, as well as eyebrow shaping, waxing, the application of strip and individual eyelashes, and makeup application. And a proficient in health and safety procedures in common use in salons and spas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQWWTfPXKS0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82fe5HhTRkc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZRktD2ZJ0Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIri42s14qo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB7s0PlUMls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFwI01q2kao

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYz9Jh7O4wQ

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A Very K-Halloween 2020 #K-Scifi

Twice - More&More
Apple | Fantasy

More & More is the ninth Korean extended play by the South Korean girl group Twice. "More & More" has been described as a rhythmic, summery midtempo house song. It incorporates an EDM-heavy and synth-pop instrumental chorus, and a piece of dubstep-influenced dance-break music at its bridge. The opening scene depicts the group in the backdrop of a paradise-like forest surrounded by "bright neon foliage", butterflies, and animals. The clip is interspersed with scenes where the group is seen dancing, and reaching for apples, or preparing to take a bite.

Everglow - DUN DUN
Attack of the 50ft Women | Fantasy

Everglow (stylized as EVERGLOW) is a South Korean girl group under Yuehua Entertainment. Reminiscence is the debut extended play by South Korean girl group Everglow under Yuehua Entertainment. The EP was released on February 3, 2020, together with its lead single, "Dun Dun".

(G)I-DLE - Oh My God
God is a Woman | Fantasy

"Oh My God" (stylized in sentence case) is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle as the lead single for their third extended play I Trust. The fantasy-like mood and bold production are led by a vintage piano sound and strong 808 bass. The music video opens with a solo dance by leader Soyeon in a white room which leads her to escape reality and gradually spread into a dream.

IU - eight
Parika | Sci-fi 

"Eight" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song recorded by South Korean singer-songwriter IU featuring Suga, the rapper of South Korean boy band BTS. "Eight" was written and composed by IU and its producer Suga who also featured on the track. In an interview, IU said that she decided to work with Suga to deliver music that feels different from the music style that was previously presented to fans. Directed by Kim Woogie (GDW), its synopsis follows IU as the protagonist, "growing out of her youth".

Irene&Selugi - Monster
Lil Spider Monster| Horror Thriller

"Monster" is a song recorded by Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi, the first sub-unit of South Korean girl group Red Velvet, for their 2020 eponymous debut extended play. It is a midtempo dance-pop track with intense keyboard, heavy bass, and powerful dubstep sounds. The concept is based on highly acclaimed films like The Carmilla and The Tale of Two Sisters.

Oh My Girl - Nonstop
Monopoly  | Fantasy

Nonstop (stylized in all caps) is the seventh extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Oh My Girl. Nonstop has been described as a midtempo rhythmic, a summery song. The song incorporates Dembo based beat to move the song along. The music video is a game board fantasy concept like a Monopoly or game of Life board.

Seventeen - My My | Left & Right
Liftoff | Fantasy

Heng:garæ is the eighth extended play by South Korean boy group Seventeen. It was released on June 22, 2020, by Pledis Entertainment. The album has six tracks, including the single "Left & Right".

Stray Kids - God Menu
Cooking in the Kitchen | Fantasy

Go Live (stylized in all caps; Korean: GO生, romanized: Gosaeng) is the first Korean-language studio album by South Korean boy group Stray Kids. It was released by JYP Entertainment on June 17, 2020, and distributed through Dreamus. The lead single, "God's Menu" (Shinme-nyu), was released the same day, followed by "Easy" on July 5, 2020. The repackaged edition of the album, titled In Life (IN生, romanized: Insaeng) was released on September 14, 2020, along with eight new tracks, including lead single "Back Door".

Gfriend - Apple
Eves | Fantasy

"Apple" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group GFriend for their ninth extended play 回:Song of the Sirens. The song was released as the title track of the EP on July 13, 2020, by Source Music. On June 17, 2020, a source reported that: "GFriend recently wrapped up filming the music video for their title track. Throughout the filming, the staff on set were surprised by GFriend’s shocking transformation."

Dreamcatcher - Scream | R.o.S.E Blue | BOCA
Here comes Jason | Fantasy Sci-Fi 

On February 18, the group returned with their second single album "Scream". Scream has been described as a rhythmic rock song. The song incorporates triplets, the use of syncopation, and subdivisions to create a contrast thru out the song. 

On July 15, the group also returned with their another single "R.o.S.E Blue" for the Mobile game Girl Cafe Gun. The MV tells a story of "Friendship with girls piled up on a battlefield! Have fun discovering their behind-the-scenes stories and hidden inner feelings!" 

On August 17, the group again returned with their third single album "BOCA". The song is a continuation from "Scream". Boca has been described as harmonically sweat (chorus) yet, powerfully rhythmic rock song. The song incorporates and 4/4 on the floor beat, with the satisfying rap line over the kick drum progression, and heavy fast pace electric guitar which they are known for. 

LOONA - So What
Houston we have a problem | Sci-fi

[#] is the second extended play by South Korean girl group Loona. It was released on February 5, 2020, by Blockberry Creative and distributed by Kakao M. The group's second extended play, [#], arrived on February 5, 2020, with the lead single "So What". While the EP reached number two on the Gaon Album Chart and became their best-selling effort to date, "So What" went on to be Loona's highest-charting song on one of Gaon's singles charts, reaching number 68 on the Download Chart.

WJSN (Cosmic Girls) - As You Wish
Moonbase | Sci-fi 

As You Wish is the seventh extended play by South Korean-Chinese girl group Cosmic Girls. It was released on November 19, 2019, by Starship Entertainment and Yuehua. On January 1, 2020, at 2:00 am KST, the title track shot up on the charts since it was chosen as 'Korea's New Year Song'. This is due to a tradition and belief that the first song you listen to will decide your fate for the rest of the year.

Day6 - Zombie
IRL Warm Bodies | Horror 

The Book of Us: The Demon is the sixth extended play by South Korean band Day6. It was released by JYP Entertainment on May 11, 2020. The album contains eight tracks including the lead single, "Zombie". The lead single, "Zombie" has been described with "hip-hop-based rhythm and ballad-like chord progression" and "rock sound and powerful vocals".

SuperM - One |  100
International 700 | Sci-fi

The album was preceded by the singles "With You", "100" and "Tiger Inside" and was released alongside the lead single, "One (Monster & Infinity)". The album opens with "One (Monster & Infinity)", a so-called "hybrid remix", which is a combination of two different songs.  With lyrics full of confidence and the will of overcoming the hardships in front of them without fear, the song showcases SuperM's intense and energetic performance. The second track "Infinity" is described as a song with a grand introduction which begins with a magnificent brass orchestration. The highlight of the song is the immersive introduction from the speedy rapping of members Mark and Taeyong, and the chorus that conveys the ambition of "to go to infinity" with energetic vocals. The album continues with "Monster", a song with the intense energy of distorted percussive bass riffs with a motive reminiscent of a "monster", thus fitting the title of the song.

Taemin - Criminal
Pray for his Sins | Thriller 

Then, Taemin released the single "Criminal" for the album 3rd Album "Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1" on September 7, 2020. "Criminal" has been described as an edgy melodic, modern 80's styled song. The song incorporates 80's synths with small chord changes that keep the song fluid. Taemin is known for his maturely raw and atmospherical aesthetic discography. The concept is like the Hellscape of pandamonium to the sparse Icescapes of reality. 

YooA - Bon Voyage
Disney Tinker | Fantasy

Yoo Si-ah born Yoo Yeon-Joo on September 17, 1995) better known by her stage name YooA (유아) is a South Korean singer, and is a member of the girl group Oh My Girl under WM Entertainment. She made her debut as a solo artist, with her first EP Bon Voyage, on September 7, 2020. On September 7, 2020, YooA made her solo debut with the extended play Bon Voyage.

Victon - Mayday
Fallin Angel | Fantasy

On June 2, the group returned with their second single album "Mayday". Seungwoo and Hanse took part in writing the lyrics for this song. The song is described as R&B influenced baselines with synth-heavy elements. The concept is a man hurt by love is asking for help. The music video begins with one of the band members falling from grace with the sky turning from passionate red to emotionless black and white.

VeriVery - Thunder
Stranger Danger | Horror 

On July 1, 2020, Verivery released their fourth extended play Face You and its lead single "Thunder". "Thunder" has been described as a bold rhythmic, harmonic but also a melodic song. The song incorporates major driven tonic progression and synth-like mbira. The concept is Thor meets Stanger Things.

OnlyOneOf - Sage
Now You See Me | Thriller Mystery

OnlyOneOf made their first comeback with the title track "Sage". the music video was not released until 3 days later, on November 2, 2019. "Sage" has been described as a structurally unconventional yet synth-heavy song. The song incorporates a progressive bassline and harmonic full time to half time chorus changes. 

Golden Child - Lucid Dream
Dark inception | Sci-fi

On June 23, Golden Child released their fourth EP, Take a Leap, containing seven tracks including the title track "One (Lucid Dream)". Lucid Dream has been described as a tonic yet syncopated song. The song incorporates dynamic melodies, textured rhythmic synths, and a rough 4/4 on the floor bassline. 

Bonus: AleXa - Do or Die

Honorable Mention 

Nature - Girls

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What I Got From My Trip to South Africa (+ Harry Potter Merch )

 Hey Subbies,

I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Well, I keep forgetting about posting this for some reason. I bought a couple of things back from my S. Africa Trip. First off, I bought my mom the beaded handmade elephant when we visited Chapman's Peak because she has a bunch of elephants she collects. I knew S. Africa is known for its raw materials from mining so I bought an amethyst bracelet and Rose Quartz earing from the Hout Bay shop called Kraal Kraft. 

On our way back to Heathrow Airport from our 10-hour layer over in London, I saw the Harry Potter Duty free Store and I had been wanting a Ravenclaw scarf for a long time and I was able to also pick up another notebook and a copy of  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire since never really finished reading the whole series. I rep for Ravenclaw (Facebook) but I'm a Slytherin according to Pottermore so I just say my mom is this house and my dad is this house lol.

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