E.L.F. Cosmetics Best Selling Dupes

 Hey Subbies,

I wanted to do an updated post on ELF Cosmetics since it's been years since I did one. ELF has gone viral in the last couple of years and has really stepped up it's game in the formulation department. I personally buy a lot of Elf products I even stock up on old favorites/ best sellers. The huge thing to know is always invest in your Foundation and the rest is up to you and your personal preferences plus a lot brands use the same labs and or manufactures. Anyways, this time around I went and did my research to find dupes of higher end products (some better than others) and added the skincare this time because I personally experienced similarities between some of completion and skincare products that might have dupes. The only thing I found during my research that is of concern is that there wasn't enough color depth in their cream or powder products so hope they expand some of their best sellers color ranges. I'm also glad they still had older products that are actually dupes of older high end products. I just realized they don't stock the Supersoothe Cica mask which was super popular and I have one but I'm scared to use all because it's that good and might be a dupe for laniege cica mask which I also have but haven't tested it yet. Let me know if you have tried any of these products. 

Also DUPES are by definition wise are supposed to be DECEPTIVE so, they act like and sometimes out perform a product, they are NOT meant to be be same exact experience because if that was the case we would be seeing a lot more lawsuits. So it's okay to feel like you're being deceived because that's the point. I don't know why so many people backtracking like they might be sued for their opinions on products. 

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My 2022 Skincare Empties

 Hey Subbies,

I know it has been a minute once again. I have been trying to recover from my online class and the stress from work but I'm currently sitting at 90%. Also, I finally sat down to look at my empties which sit on the back of my bathroom door for easy access and to keep me accountable. Anyways, I don't know why but when upload my pictures for this post since the photos were taken with Samsung it loads backward so cleansers, essences, etc basically last so I hope you don't mind. There are like 32 pictures of products here so let me know which ones you have tried. I also forgot to add the eyebrow tint that I got from Japan. It was really nice and convenient but it made me contemplate if I should get a more permanent option.

lippies 

I need to get a replacement because of this my favorite press powder from ELF. Also want to try camo press powder but after trying out the other formulas from the line since is more sensitive I might to stick to my staples.

The ELF flawless concealer applicator broke so I'm unable to use but it has a nice formula. ELF lip tints were really drying. The hotel Lotions are from recent trips but aren't my favorite formulas.

If you have anxiety or stress I recommend these two Ayurveda supplements they work great. I also finished a bottle of MSM which really helped my skin issue, especially eczema flares ups.

I have been using Native for a while. I used to use regular deodorant/antiperspirant but I would get blocked pores which really hurt especially around that time of the month. I know some Derms dislike them but I'm not suffering.

Bought these Hello Kitty Bath Salt because they were cute and smelled good.

These are probably my favorite SPFs so far. I also wanted to try a tone-up cream to see what the hype was about. I think if you don't have funds they are a great idea, especially for teens, and a great jump off into using mineral SPFs. I think they would work great after a cosmetic procedure like lasers and it smooths out skin nicely.

Miss Jessie smells amazing and it made my hair feel like it was at the SPA. The formulation is very creamy so if have dry and brittle hair or just need a refresh then I highly recommend her products. I know her sister is still the co-owner of her brand.

Eucerin lotion is a staple for me and it helped with my dry skin, especially during winters like this. Nivea wasn't as creamy as the Dove one I tried last year but it took longer to get thru the tub.

I wanted to try bakuchiol which is an antioxidant with similar Anti-aging properties as Retinol for myself so I went to Sephora last year and picked up The Inkey list's bakuchiol which is really affordable and comparable to The Ordinary. I also see why people love Tatcha, I had a sample of the face wash which I forgot it in Las Vegas but it was very Moisturizing even though it has a ginger fragrance it mostly woke me up. I really like the moisturizer as well but I don't know why I can't justify buying either one of them as full size or sample size.

ELF Cosmetics needs to bring back Electric Mood Serum, it used to be my everyday serum/base and I wish I bought a backup because I didn't expect it to be an amazing base. I even mixed it with other products. I really liked the prem & hydrate balm and it makes for a lovely base. 

Do I need to talk about this product? I hope CURE comes out with a body version because my body tends to shed after showering.

My favorite out of all of these is ELF's antioxidant serum and I keep a backup. Also, think they use pump bottles instead for thicker formulas because they get stuck in the glass of the regular applicators. I will not get the Somebymi serum until they reformulated it less irritating ingredients.

Isntree is my favorite brand, and I don't think the hyaluronic acid is for me because it tends to try me out, and mainly use them in the bath/shower. I liked green tea toner but I had to be careful so it won't stain my clothes and Missha Time Revolution which are a staple in my skincare. 

Loved these two cleansers. The sparking lemon is super foaming and creamy but I liked using it as a body wash more. Also, did PanOxyl reformulate because I noticed it has fewer suds when I try to lather than usual? Anyways PanOxyl is a staple as a body wash.

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My K-pop Predictions for 2023

 Hey Subbies,

I didn't think I would have time to do this post, but since it is going to be 2023 in a couple of hours, I feel motivated enough. Plus, I see faved K-commentary channels doing this as well soi feel extramotivated. I usually like to research for these so bear with me. And like last year I'm going continue to do "Q1, Q2..." because that made everything easier, and my short look into the past will hopefully shape the future. But let me mention this I predicted last year that I got a lot right so I will make adjustments for the new year...

• Western and SEASIA markets focus (into 2023)
• Multi-talented Soloist push (please get them a better stylist tho) which also implies the disbandment or hiatus of a lot of groups which I wasn't surprised about. (into 2023)
• Dreamcatcher gets their first win
• Survival shows groups will stay flopping

Currently, Hip hop/R&B, Pop, and Alt music are comparable to 2002 and I will add 2013 stats where Rock, R&B, and Alt were topping the charts for more variety I hope to see in 2023. I think this year we will get more get-up-and-dance music and lyrically deep alt music and in 2003 there were a lot of coed collab ballad raps. I'm going to call it but Le Sserafim will be one of the leaders of the pack out of the big five. People keep pushing the Yeodongsaeng as being revolutionary but it's Y2K that I live thru so I'm going to need more than just the style...mini rant: the stunt Ador pulled is causing me to react with "North Remembers" and if know you know.

So let's start off with who I'm looking forward to seeing next year. For some groups or soloists, I didn't include them because they need something that will make them stand out and I don't know if their company can give them what they need (Also want to keep them in the theme for the new year so I just listed 23).

1. SM: More Solo or Subunit and listen to your artist: Taeyeon | Hyo | NCT | Shinee | Red Velvet 
2. LE SSERAFIM
3. Purple Kiss
4. ATEEZ
5. Billie 
6. LUMINOUS 
7. Lapillus
8. JYP artist ( Stray Kids; TWICE SUBUNITS!!; And please fix ITZY identity crisis /concept | NMIXX: Into The Looking Glass trilogy) 
9. Seventeen
10. P1Harmony 
11. OneUs
12. TXT (TomorrowByTogether)
13. MIRAE 
14. TEMPEST
15. TREASURE (Two comebacks please)
16. VICTON 
17. OneUs
18. Black Label: Jeon Somi; Blackpink (Jisoo Solo, possibly a group single and one collab)
19. CRAVITY 
20. StayC 
21. Dreamcatcher 
22. Everglow
23. KARD (1st WIN for my sanity please)

Wishful thinking here but I hope Hybe or preferably SM subsidiaries take LOONA after the injunctions and find away to get Viví anda Hyunjin.

I'm actually kind of excited for 2Gen comebacks like what we got with KARA and SNSD, I mean VIXX is having a comeback. Also, new groups are debuting and YG will be pushing their new girl group finally since BP might moved to the Black Label. And according to k-websites, these companies will be announcing some new debuts: 

• Shinwha Entertainment New Girl Group
• PocketDol Studio New Boy Group
• Cube Entertainment New Boy Group
• Swing Entertainment & nCH Entertainment New Group
• IOK Company New Boy Group
• YG'S NEW GIRL GROUP
• BK Planet New Boy Group
• Starcom Entertainment New Boy Group
• Pledis Entertainment New Groups
• MNH’s New Boy Group 

*SHOUT OUT to NUGU Promoter on Twitter they do an amazing job covering Nugu groups.

So here is my Quaterly Comeback predictions 

Q1

1. VIXX
2. MOONBIN & SANHA (ASTRO)
3. ILY:1
4. H1-KEY
5. MONSTA X
6. SF9 
7. GOT the beat
8. TXT
9. NCT127
10. LIMELIGHT 
11. BLANK2Y 
12. DreamNote
13. ATEEZ 
14. Chungha (She will resign to a better company with international management deal and/or release a mainstream single for fans to keep her in limelight.)
15. Pentagon 
16. TXT
17. AESPA
18. Stray Kids
19. Purple Kiss
20. Lapillus
21. JEON SOMI
22. Everglow
23. KARD

Q2

1. (G)-Idle
2. Blackpink's Jisoo
3. STAYC
4. TWICE's Trio/ Ji Hyo solo debut (possibly in Q3)
5. Seventeen
6. fromis_9
7. IVE
8. Kep1er
9. Yena
10. Viviz [ Mighty Mouth Slam Dunk Feat. EUNHA] &Xiumin [EXO] & Eunha [VIVIZ] 
11. Dreamcatcher
12. LE SSERAFIM (Anniversary)
13. Highlight
14. Kim Wooseok
15. BtoB
16. ENHYPEN 
17. Astro (hiatus)
18. BiIllie (hiatus)
19. LUMINOUS 
20. MIRAE 
21. TEMPEST
22. VICTON [Han Seungwoo]
23. Red Velvet 

Q3:

1. NMIXX
2. CRAVITY 
3. BlackPink
4. NCT127
5. Jo Yuri
6. ITZY
7. Kang Daniel
8. TXT
9. Purple Kiss [SWAN - Twenty]
10. Lapillus
11. P1Harmony 
12. OneUS
13. JEON SOMI
14. Everglow
15. KARD
16. OH MY GIRL
17. Twice - Jihyo solo debut 
18. Chungha
19. KCON Comeback Predictions: SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (from MONSTA X), Rain, TAEMIN, THE BOYZ, WayV, JO1

Q4

1. Seventeen
2. ATEEZ
3. IVE
4. (G)-Idle
5. MONSTA X
6. LE SSERAFIM
7. STAYC
8. AESPA
9. Dreamcatcher 
10. Stray Kids
11. Viviz
12. ENHYPEN 
13. Kep1er
14. Astro
15. LUMINOUS
16. MIRAE 
17. TEMPEST
18. Red Velvet 
19. CRAVITY 

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The Best of Korean Skincare Must Haves (2022-2023)

 Hey Subbies,

Happy Holidays and soon a Happy New Year. You all know the deal with this yearly round-up and I'm so glad I have this week to work on blogs. As usual, I watched the Gurus this year thankfully we have new ones because they are kind of advocates for us to get more K-beauty or any Beauty from across the pond. I think on everyone's mind coming into 2023 the mindset is all about "Sustainability" and the fewer "15 seconds trends" we have been seeing. I think last year's picks based on social skincare enthusiasts' recommendations make Prem's last year's refills similar to what Japan has been doing for sustainability. I think a lot of hype is a cap but one brand did stand out for the past couple of years while one brand I was hoping to talk about kind of took a back seat in all the hype.

I also went to South Korea this year so I was really excited but it was super hard to find products which is apparently a thing either because of trends or manufacturers or logistics can't keep up. Also, a lot of products were discontinued or renamed/reformulated. 

 

Beauty of Joseon is a brand that has reinterpreted the unchanging beauty and the traditional methods from nature within a modern way according to the wisdom of Joseon women. Based on the 'Gyuhap Chongseo', they have included the beauty methods of women from the uppermost classes of the Joseon Dynasty.

 

Story from a hundred year ago "Gyuhap Chongseo" The 'Gyuhap Chongseo' which is referred to as the encyclopedia of the Joseon Dynasty, was written by Yi Bingheogak, a female Silhak scholar who was born into a prestigious family in 1809 (9th year of King Sunjo). In addition to various methods of housekeeping, methods of shaping eyebrows, cleansing for smooth skin and caring for sleek hair were recorded in this book. ​

"When the face becomes rough and cracks in places during the winter, soak three eggs in alcohol, tightly seal in shut for a month and apply it onto your face for your skin to not peel and glow like jade. If your face or hands bleed due to dryness, mix pig feet oil and sophora flowers and apply to problem areas to allow them to heal"

- From Gyuhap Chongseo - 

 "Beauty of the Joseon Era" People of the joseon Dynasty regarded flashy adornment to be obscene and low class. As a result, women from noble families put on makeup with minimal colors and focused more on creating clean and clear skin rather than on applying makeup and adorning themselves.

Beauty of Joseon is a brand that has reinterpreted the unchanging beauty and the traditional methods from nature within a modern way according to the wisdom of Joseon women.

Based on the 'Gyuhap Chongseo', we have included the beauty methods of women from the uppermost classes of the Joseon Dynasty.

WE SINCERELY HOPE WE CAN RELIEVE YOUR TENSIONS AND STRESSES, AND GIVE YOU A HEALTHIER AND MORE PEACEFUL LIFE. 

https://beautyofjoseon.com/

BEAUTY GURU FAVES

• BEAUTY OF JOSEON RADIANCE CLEANSING BALM 4.7
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON GINSENG ESSENCE WATER 4.6
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON REVIVE EYE SERUM: GINSENG + RETINAL 4.7
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON RELIEF SUN: RICE + PROBIOTICS (SPF50+ PA++++) 4.7
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON DYNASTY CREAM 4.6
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON GLOW DEEP SERUM: RICE +ALPHA-ARBUTIN 4.6
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON GREEN PLUM REFRESHING CLEANSER 4.8

Cleanser

• Heimish All Clean Balm 4.8
• Krave Beauty Makeup Re-Wind Cleanser 4.8
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 4.7
• Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser 4.7
• Pure Cleansing Oil | ma:nyo factory 4.8

Exfoliate

• Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel 4.7
• By Wishtrend Green Tea Enzyme Powder Wash 4.8
• TOSOWOONG Enzyme Powder Wash 4.8
• Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30-Day Miracle Toner 4.5

Toner | Water | Removers

• COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner 4.7
• Rovectin Lotus Water Calming Toner 4.6
• Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner 4.7
• numbuzin No. 2 Thermal Water 89% Mineral Toner 4.5
• P.CALM Barrier Cycle Toner 4
• TIA'M Vita B5 Toner 4.8

Serum | Essence | Ampoule | Oil

• I'm From Mugwort Essence 4.6
• Medicube Deep Vita C Serum (Ampoule) 4.9
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule 4.7
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening 4.7

Moisturizer | Lotion | Cream | Gel

• Etude House Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion 4.7
• Real Barrier Extreme Cream 4.7
• Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 4.7
• Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream 4.6
• illiyoon ceramide ato concentrate cream 200ml 4.7

Eye Cream | Lip 

• Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum 4.6
• AHC - Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream For Face 4
• Benton Fermentation Eye Cream 4.6
• Heimish Marine Care Cream 4.6
• SWANICOCO Fermentation Peptine Eye Care Cream 4.7

Mist | Spray

• KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Collagen Moisturizing Mist 3.6
• Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist 4.7
• d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum 4.8
• Sioris Falling Into The Rose Mist 4.6

Sunscreen | SPF

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 4.7
• ETUDE Soonjung Director's Sun Cream 50ml 4.1
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml 4.8
• Belif - UV Protector Aqua Bomb Sun Serum SPF50+/PA++++ 4.5
• TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 4.8

Masks | Patches 

• I'm From Fig Scrub Mask 4.7
• I'm From Honey Mask 4.6
• Dr. Jart+ Dermask Micro Jet Brightening Solution 4.3
• Rovectin Lotus Water Calming Sheet Mask 4.7
• Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Time Reverse Eye Patch 4.5
  

- Seeya

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