1. Photo Focus Dewy Foundation by Wet n Wild ($6.49)

Unlike the first PhotoFocus release of Wet n Wild that gives an unnatural, mask-like finish on the skin, the current formula of Photo Focus Dewy Foundation gives the skin a satin-dewy and luminous finish. It also does an amazing job of covering and smoothening out of pores and acne scars. You’ll be amazed at how it’ll perform on your dry skin because even when setting with powder, your skin will still look glowing and dewy which will last all day with zero touch ups! Talk about performance!

2. Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation by Maybelline ($7.99)

We are all about the Fit Me craze! But didn’t it frustrate y’all dry skin gals that we didn’t have a dewy option? Thank goodness it’s here! This foundation is perfect for winter, keeping your skin feeling hydrated all day long! This foundation goes on smoothly, blends well and best of all – it is lightweight! 

3. Acne Fighting Foundation by e.l.f. Cosmetics ($6.00)

Having dry skin is enough of a bummer, having acne redness, bumps, and scars too is whole ‘nother challenge! But truly, not all heroes wear capes, some come in bottles like e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Acne Fighting Foundation! If you suffer from acne, have fine lines, freckles, this foundation will smoothen it out for you. We just wish they have more shade selection!

4. Flawless Finish Foundation by e.l.f. Cosmetics ($6.00)

Though e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation is not much raved about as their Acne Fighting Foundation, it still has a good performance for its price. It is easy to apply, goes on smoothly, blends well, buildable coverage yet still lightweight.

5. Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation by CoverGirl ($11.99)

For desert dry skin gals, a foundation that you need is something that has a “dewy”, “fresh” or “luminous” label to it. It’s encouraged to avoid something matte. Go for something like CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation which will give you a sheer coverage perfect for those who don’t want to pile on foundation and keep the beauty of their skin.

6. Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation by CoverGirl ($11.99)

You can toss away your primer and concealer now! Skip those two steps and head straight on to applying foundation with CoverGirl’s Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation! This foundation will come in handy especially in events where a lot of flash photography takes place as this product doesn’t have white cast! 

7. Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation by L.A. Girl ($8.99)

What’s great about Pro Coverage by L.A. Girl is that they offer white foundation that can be used as a mixer to your other shades to achieve the perfect shade. This foundation is also great for mature skin. Rejoice, mommies!

8. Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation by L’Oréal ($12.99)

With 12 shades to choose from, Infallible Pro-Glow has medium-coverage foundation that is ideal for normal to dry skin. This has SPF that provides minimal sun protection. Even with their shades range, people with neutral skin tone have difficulty in finding the right shade as they tend to have reddish tones.

9. True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup  by L’Oréal ($10.99)

True Match Super-Blendable has every good in a bottle – wide range of great shade selection, hydrating, natural finish, blends well and is easy to apply. The only downside is that fairer shades tend to have yellow undertones. Not really a true match at all, eh?

10. Screen Queen Foundation by Milani ($13.99)

All queens, young and old, this is for you! Screen Queen’s hydrating formula hides fine lines and flaky skin. It has a light to moderate coverage so don’t expect coverage of dark spots, but this can definitely brighten and create that royal look! 

The post Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin Under $15 appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Here, we listed out the best Korean cleansers:

1. Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser by Dear, Klairs, $18

Usually, foaming cleansers are recommended for oily skin because they can be drying. Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser by Dear, Klairs, on the other hand, is best for sensitive skin! It is rich in amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and olive oil that nourishes the skin without irritation!

Suitable For: Sensitive skin 

Pros:

• SLS-free
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly preservatives
• Cruelty-free
• Natural ingredients

2. Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser by Neogen, $19

Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser by Neogen contains real fermented green tea extracts that can calm inflammation. This foaming cleanser removes impurities effectively. With its pH level of 8, it does not irritate your skin.

Suitable For: Oily, Combination, and Acne-prone skin 

Pros:

• Contains natural ingredients
• Clinically tested for effectiveness
• No harmful chemicals
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phthalate-free
• Cruelty-free

3. Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel by Innisfree, $20

From the name itself, Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel is best for troubled skin. It contains Jeju Bija Oil and salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and maintain acne-free skin.

Suitable For: Combination, oily, and acne-prone skin 

Pros:

• Contains natural ingredients
• Mineral-free ingredients
• No synthetic colors
• No animal-origin ingredients
• No artificial fragrance
• No urea

4. Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser by COSRX, $12

Warning: This contains tea tree oil which can be an allergen for some but beneficial to many! The gel consistency of Good Morning Cleanser makes it perfect for all skin types. Because of the low pH level, it doesn’t strip the natural moisture barrier of your skin.

Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin 

Pros:

• SLS-free
• Paraben-free
• No harmful chemicals

5. Green Tea Morning Cleanser by Innisfree, $16

This green tea cleanser is a non-foaming face wash but you can definitely feel it doing its job. It is packed with saponin-enriched green tea extract that hydrates the skin, helps control excess sebum, and awakens the skin.

Suitable For: All skin types, especially oily and sensitive skin 

Pros:

• Paraben-free
• SLS-free
• No harmful chemicals
• Balances the pH level of the skin
• Cons
• Contains alcohol

The post 5 Best Korean Skin Cleansers appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Since there is a wide range of serums out there, we’ve made a list of our best and favorite ones!

1.     White Seed Brightening Serum by The Face Shop, $39

White Seed Brightening Serum by The Face Shop is formulated with white lupin seed extract. This is known for its natural skin brightening properties. In addition, it fades stubborn blemishes and marks!

Suitable for: All skin types

Targets: Dullness, blemishes, and spots

Pros:

• Paraben-free
• No artificial colors
• No animal ingredients
• No mineral oils
• Paraffin-free
• Talc-free
• No harmful chemicals
• Hygienic pump packaging

2.     Propolis Light Ampoule by COSRX, $28

Cosrx is a brand that believes in keeping their ingredients simple. And this reflects in their packaging! CORSX Propolis Light Ampoule contains 83% pure black bee propolis extracts. This is known for their excellent skin hydrating, healing, and moisturizing properties.

Suitable For: Dry and rough skin

Skin Concern: Dry and uneven skin texture

Pros:

• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• No harmful chemicals
• Lightweight

3. Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop by Dear, Klairs, $18.40

Mildest of all Vitamin C serum, Dear, Klairs contains only 5% formula. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin but the brightening effect is still potent! It can fade stubborn spots and marks effectively. My personal favorite!

Skin Concern: Pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone

Suitable For: All skin types

Pros:

• Paraben-free
• No harmful chemicals
• SLS-free

4.     Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule by Mizon, $27

Snail mucin is one of the most potent skin ingredients in Korean skin care. It helps minimize acne, prevent scarring, and smoothen your skin texture.

Check out our article where we talk about snail mucin!

Skin Concern: Acne, scarring, signs of aging

Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive skin

Pros:

• 80% snail mucin extracts
• Contains anti-aging peptides
• Soothes the skin

–        Contains hyaluronic acid

5.     Snail Solution Essence by Nature Republic, $42.90

Another snail mucin serum is Nature Republic Snail Solution that improves your skin texture, brightens, and soothes dull skin. Your stressed skin will definitely revive its vitality!

Skin Concern: Dullness and wrinkles

Suitable For: All skin types

Pros:

• Natural ingredients
• Mild formula
• Hygienic packaging-        No harmful chemicals

The post 5 Best Korean Serums appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

1.     Cleanse Thoroughly

Cleansing doesn’t simply mean rubbing your face with your favorite facial wash and calling it a day. For K Beauty, it means double cleansing. An oil-based cleanser is needed to take away oil-based dirt like excess sebum, makeup and SPF that a water-based cleanser is not capable of removing. A water-based cleanser on the other hand will draw out sweat and dirt.

2.     Know the Differences

The more you start looking into K-beauty, the more terms you will come across. It will be overwhelming but it will be easy if you will learn one word at a time!

3.     Tapping Instead of Rubbing

Tapping the products onto your skin will let the product seep into your skin. Being gentle is the key.

4.     Too Much Too Soon

While it can be exciting for you to jump right into the 10-step Korean beauty routine by completely switching all your products, it’s not the best idea for your skin. You may try replacing products in your current regimen with then adding in other steps. This will slowly build skin care that will gradually take effect on your skin.

5.     Applying Products in the Right Order

A good rule of thumb is to apply products from lightest to heaviest. This is to ensure absorption on the skin.

6.     Be Consistent

It is important that we give the products enough time to do their job. Trust the process!

7.     Know the Right Mix

One common mistake is mixing acids, for example, you don’t wanna mix Vitamin C with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They are all active and can cause irritation.

8.     Store Properly

It is best to store your products in cool areas where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Some actives may reduce its potency when exposed directly to sunlight. Examples are retinol and Vitamin C.

The post Korean Skincare Best Practices to Get that Glass Skin appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Ladies and gents, we’re here to study the basic alphabet of skin care. Let’s dive deep to each one:

Vitamin A is for Anti-aging.

Vitamin B is for Barrier.

Vitamin C is for Collagen.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known as retinoid in the skin care world. Retinoid works by encouraging generation of new skin cells. Did you know our skin naturally regenerates every 30 days? Incorporating retinoid in our regime speeds up this process to about 15 days!

The speedy regeneration process leaves the top layer of our skin looking supple as a baby’s. That’s exaggerated but yeah, including retinoid in our skincare will give us the following benefits:

•   regulated oil production

• unclogged pores

• reduced appearance of pores and wrinkles

• cleared up acne

Tip: Retinoid has a reputation of leaving the skin more sensitive to the sun. Hence, we use retinoid products on our night routine. And please don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Favorite Vitamin A Products:

   Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster

 Differin Gel

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Vitamin B

Vitamin B3 in food is known as niacinamide in skin care. Niacinamide works by improving our lipid barrier which helps the skin retain moisture. Niacinamide is water soluble, that’s why most niacinamide-containing products are water-based.

With a pH level of 7, niacinamide is non-irritating, non-acidic, and works well with all skin types! Basically, niacinamide offers similar benefits as retinoids without the risk of irritation.

Favorite Vitamin B Products:

Corsrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence

Vitamin C

Normally ingested as a supplement to strengthen the immune system, Vitamin C works amazingly from the outside as well. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production. Yup, our favorite collagen that makes our skin plump. Collagen production depletes as we age. So here’s Vitamin C to the rescue!

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C has the following benefits to the skin:

• Brighten skin stone

• Reduce hyperpigmentation

• Speed up wound healing

• Protect the skin against free radicals and UV ray damage

Favorite Vitamin C Products:

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

 Cosrx Triple C Lighting Liquid

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

Retinoid, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C leaves the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is advisable to use these at night, especially retinoids. During daytime, please don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

The post Back to Basics: Vitamins A, B, and C of Skin Care appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Oil cleansing is an effective method of removing dirt and impurities on the skin using oils. I know. Just thinking of putting oil onto your oily skin makes you cringe? Well, this should not be the case in oil cleansing.

How does oil cleansing work? Why is it better than my water-based cleanser?

Remember how oil doesn’t mix water? This is how oil cleansers work. Oil cleansers help us lift those excess sebum, makeup, and residues from oil-based products (like moisturizers or sunscreens) from our face. Basically, all that causes clogged pores and eventually, breakouts! This is why many of the makeup removers in the market are oil-based or infused with oil.

What oil cleansers do is protect our natural oils to be stripped off by harsh cleansers. You know the tight feeling we get when using facial cleansers? This is because of the stripping of our natural oils.

How do I use it?

There are two ways of doing oil cleansing.

1.     Warm Damp Towel

Gently massage a pump of cleansing oil all over your face for 30 seconds, allowing the oil to lift every impurity there is. Then add a little water to your face and massage again to emulsify the product. This should turn out milky by now. Put a warm damp towel on your face to ensure pores are open and washing off is easier.

2.     Double Cleansing

Similar to using a damp towel, gently massage a pump of cleansing oil all over your face for 30 seconds and add a little water to your face and massage again to emulsify the product. This should turn out milky by now. Rinse off and follow with your favorite gel or foaming cleanser to remove water-based debris such as sweat and dirt.

Can I use my existing oils?

With the available oil cleansers in the market, you can always formulate your own using quality oils. Best oils for cleansing include:

• olive oil

• castor oil

• sweet almond oil

• grapeseed oil

• avocado oil

• sunflower oil

• apricot kernel oil

• argan oil

• jojoba oil

What products are recommended?

Aside from using pure oils as mentioned above, here are some of our favorite oil cleanser. These are formulated specifically for oil cleansing and should be easy to wash off:

 Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil by Dear, Klairs

This oil cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin because of its simple ingredients. Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is formulated with natural oils such as black sesame oil which contains powerful antioxidants and black currant seed oil which contains minerals and vitamins.

Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil by The Face Shop

Formulated with jojoba oil, this light-weight cleansing oil does its job on cleansing while hydrating the skin. It contains no mineral oil. Along with The Face Shop’s Rice Water line, you may opt to follow this with their own foaming cleanser, too!

 Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Oil by Innisfree

Formulated with Jeju green tea, this cleansing oil is perfect for all skin types. Its key ingredient, Jeju green tea extract, is responsible for hydration.

Regardless of your choice of oils, make sure you buy quality oils that are meant for skin use. Choose non-comedogenic oils to avoid clogging of pores. It is also important to observe your own skin whether oil cleansing is good for you.

The post Oil Cleansing for Oily Skin?! appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Nowadays, it’s still everywhere! It’s everywhere that I overlook it and its benefits.

So I did my research on aloe vera. Here’s what’s interesting:

What are the benefits of aloe vera on skin?

Aloe vera is basically water but better. It contains 99% water so no worries of having any allergic reactions on the skin. It has cooling, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory properties. It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins C & E that benefits both young and aged skin!

Despite the emergence of new ingredients in skin care, aloe vera has been used for centuries and has proven the following skin benefits:

• Soothes sunburn or irritated skin

• Moisturizes skin

• Fades dark spots

• Removes dark circles and puffiness (Tip: Place the aloe vera gel in the fridge prior usage!)

• Prevents acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties

With all the aloe vera gel products in the market, how am I supposed to choose?

Honestly, I’m not sure as well. Personally I’ve been using Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera as a go-to aloe vera gel. It also has a spray mist variant which comes in handy during hot summer days.

Aloe vera gel is safe in its pure form. I would recommend choosing aloe vera gel products that:

• Contains less to no alcohol

• Has no parabens

•   Has no synthetic fragrances (aloe vera contains that subtle fresh scent already!

If you’re still unsure, you may choose to do DIY aloe vera gel if you have one in your backyard. See recipe below:

DIY Aloe Vera Gel

1.     Remove the spiky side of the aloe vera using a knife.

2.     Remove one side of the skin.

3.     Scoop the aloe with a spoon.

4.     Blend using a food processor or blender.

5.     Secure in a small container and refrigerate! This should last up to 3 days.

If you don’t have one yet in your backyard or indoor, better start planting one! These plants are succulents and fairly easy to care for. Just like your cactus, they require water only every week or every couple of weeks. Easy, peasy!

The post Let’s Dive Deep: Aloe Vera appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

We list five things you must keep in mind while you bask in the sun.

Drink your water, girl.

Before we jump in with the things you need to treat your skin, let’s not forget to treat your body from the inside. The harsh sun can dehydrate the largest organ of our body – our skin! Maintain your glow by simply drinking up your portion of water.

Get that SPF!

Be sure to slather on your favorite sunscreen! It’s best to use sunscreen with soothing effects like COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++. It is so lightweight that you’ll forget it’s a sunscreen. Aloe’s soothing property will help with possible sunburn. Make sure to re-apply on prolonged sun exposure, please!

Treat your body right.

Speaking of sunburn (in case you didn’t take the advice to reapply sunscreen), what can help you is aloe vera gel. It has cooling, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory properties. Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera has both gel and mist products!

Rehydrate.

It’s best to use products with hyaluronic acid as this definitely increases the moisture in your skin. What it does is it attracts and holds moisture in our skin cells. We recommend this TONYMOLY Pureness 100 Hyaluronic Acid Mask Sheet

Don’t forget the lips!

Oftentimes, our lips show the state of our hydration. So pay attention to your lips! Slather up on your favorite lip mask. If you don’t have one yet, we suggest Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, this mask will help you undo the damage the sun did to your lips!

The post 5 Summer Skin Care Tips You Need Before Going Out appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.

Knowing which type of moisturizer is best suited for your skin type should be the same as finding the perfect foundation that doesn’t leave your skin looking flaky and cakey, which is likely to happen to (hands up!) Team Dry Skin. Don’t worry, we’ve curated here a list of the best hydrating foundations. If you’re more on the normal or oily skin, you can benefit with this list, too, especially during winter!

1. Photo Focus Dewy Foundation by Wet n Wild ($6.49)

Unlike the first PhotoFocus release of Wet n Wild that gives an unnatural, mask-like finish on the skin, the current formula of Photo Focus Dewy Foundation gives the skin a satin-dewy and luminous finish. It also does an amazing job of covering and smoothening out of pores and acne scars. You’ll be amazed at how it’ll perform on your dry skin because even when setting with powder, your skin will still look glowing and dewy which will last all day with zero touch ups! Talk about performance!

2. Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation by Maybelline ($7.99)

We are all about the Fit Me craze! But didn’t it frustrate y’all dry skin gals that we didn’t have a dewy option? Thank goodness it’s here! This foundation is perfect for winter, keeping your skin feeling hydrated all day long! This foundation goes on smoothly, blends well and best of all – it is lightweight! 

3. Acne Fighting Foundation by e.l.f. Cosmetics ($6.00)

Having dry skin is enough of a bummer, having acne redness, bumps, and scars too is whole ‘nother challenge! But truly, not all heroes wear capes, some come in bottles like e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Acne Fighting Foundation! If you suffer from acne, have fine lines, freckles, this foundation will smoothen it out for you. We just wish they have more shade selection!

4. Flawless Finish Foundation by e.l.f. Cosmetics ($6.00)

Though e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation is not much raved about as their Acne Fighting Foundation, it still has a good performance for its price. It is easy to apply, goes on smoothly, blends well, buildable coverage yet still lightweight.

5. Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation by CoverGirl ($11.99)

For desert dry skin gals, a foundation that you need is something that has a “dewy”, “fresh” or “luminous” label to it. It’s encouraged to avoid something matte. Go for something like CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation which will give you a sheer coverage perfect for those who don’t want to pile on foundation and keep the beauty of their skin.

6. Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation by CoverGirl ($11.99)

You can toss away your primer and concealer now! Skip those two steps and head straight on to applying foundation with CoverGirl’s Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation! This foundation will come in handy especially in events where a lot of flash photography takes place as this product doesn’t have white cast! 

7. Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation by L.A. Girl ($8.99)

What’s great about Pro Coverage by L.A. Girl is that they offer white foundation that can be used as a mixer to your other shades to achieve the perfect shade. This foundation is also great for mature skin. Rejoice, mommies!

8. Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation by L’Oréal ($12.99)

With 12 shades to choose from, Infallible Pro-Glow has medium-coverage foundation that is ideal for normal to dry skin. This has SPF that provides minimal sun protection. Even with their shades range, people with neutral skin tone have difficulty in finding the right shade as they tend to have reddish tones.

9. True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup  by L’Oréal ($10.99)

True Match Super-Blendable has every good in a bottle – wide range of great shade selection, hydrating, natural finish, blends well and is easy to apply. The only downside is that fairer shades tend to have yellow undertones. Not really a true match at all, eh?

10. Screen Queen Foundation by Milani ($13.99)

All queens, young and old, this is for you! Screen Queen’s hydrating formula hides fine lines and flaky skin. It has a light to moderate coverage so don’t expect coverage of dark spots, but this can definitely brighten and create that royal look!

The post Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin Under $15 appeared first on Korean Beauty Inside.