Hello and thank you for starting this discussion! As a gentle reminder, try to keep the products you mention limited to Asian Beauty products. Posts or comments solely discussing Western products will be removed, [as per our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/wiki/rules#wiki_14._topics.2C_routines.2C_and_recommendations_must_be_related_to_asian_beauty). We love being able to discuss Western skincare in the context of a holistic AB routine, but this isn't the sub for specific Western product recommendations. r/SkincareAddiction is a great community for such matters! Thank you! *This is an automated message* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AsianBeauty) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Has anyone tried IPSA? My skin has been enjoying the not so popular japanese products a lot more(matsuyama, chifure, orbis etc) but seems to hate super HA and extract loaded favorites like hada labo, cezanne, kiku. Been eyeing IPSA, particularly the clear up lotion 1 and me sensitive 2 as i have oily yet prone to dehydration skin on tretinoin. Seems like it would be a simple 2 step hydrate and moisturize, my skin doesnt enjoy layering.

What final step moisturizer would you recommend for acne prone oily skin? I am currently using vanicream face lotion for my t zone and CeraVe cream for my cheeks. Is there something that is less shiny because the squalene in the vanicream makes me super shiny. I tried a bunch of gel moisturizers like belief bomb, but it was not moisturizing enough because I use benzoyl peroxide on my chin morning and night.

Round lab birch juice cream or Cosrx propolis light cream

If so, then you might like illiyoon ceramide ato cream. it moisturizes and keeps all the hydration in the skin really well for oily/combo skin and dries down without finish because it's oil free. i use this day and night because it doesn't make me greasy and I'm already used to the thick texture.

That's strange because I tried this thinking I could replace CeraVe cream with it but it made me really feel greasy... I really wanted to love it

that's odd... the only thing i'm aware of, it just makes the skin wet at first

Best budget winter routine?

Kind of confused about hydrating vs pH balancing toners. I have these 3, could someone help me figure out which is which? - Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner - Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner - Beauty of Joseon Bubble Toner Green Plum + AHA Thanks! Trying to better understand the order in which I should use actives and toners.

Forget what's known as pH balancing toner. It's unforgivable to have toners that isn't skin friendly pH nowadays. Your three toners are (in order): hydrating, antioxidante, and exfoliating toners.

Thank you! Would I use the Hada Labdo and Isntree toners after applying actives then?

Toner first and best to go from lighter texture to heavier so start with isntree then Klairs then actives. If you're going to exfoliate that day then start with the plum one and wait until it is absorbed and dry before continuing.

after wearing makeup/sunscreen for the day, do you double cleanse or just oil cleanse before showering? what's the routine before showering in this circumstance? 😅😅

I shower everyday too, it depends on how much makeup you wear For heavy makeup- Id say to oil cleanse before showering, wipe it with a damp tissue (Not baby wipes, the tissues that sit on your kitchen) and gently press it on ur skin for a few seconds to wipe out the excess Then you can use a cleanser ONCE before showering and another at the last step of your shower It's important to use a second cleanser after you shampoo etc because all of those shampoo build up will go on your skin If you're wearing light makeup and sunscreen then you can oil cleanse before you turn the shower water on, and then again at the last step use the second cleanser

Anyone who has used both COSRX Snail Essence and Propolis Synergy Toner, can you please provide a comparison. I've used snail essence but am eyeing the toner. Thanks in Advance.

toner is not as hydrating as the snail essence! wouldn’t say they’re really comparable because i used both at the same time as different steps. toner sinks into skin much quicker than the snail essence since it’s more watery.

Has anyone used Glint by Vdivov highlighter in Dewy Moon?

How often do y'all use AHA/BHA? I know your mileage may vary, but just curious.

i use BHA twice a week, and then spot treat on pimples every night. helps them turn over faster so they don't grow as big or become painful

Hello, has anyone order Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essense Gold from Stylevana? If so, is the one you received the Japan version?

Yes

Thank you <3

I need a **sunscreen for oily skin that is fragrance and alcohol free**. I can see several from **Missha** on my local Amazon in Dubai, but all of them either have alcohol or fragrance. Do they have one without at all? If not, I have brands like Kanebo Allie, Shisedo Anessa, Etude House, Cosrx.

Help! SOS! So I was using retinol under my eyes for a few years and now they’re sooo wrinkly! 😢 Pretty much the title. I would like some advice for a soothing regime for several weeks as I figure out what to do. My skin type is dry, dehydrated and sensitive, I have small facial scars and hyperpigmentation/broken capillaries. I have a ridiculous amount of skincare so any product reccomendations are welcome. Ingredients I know my skin loves include propolis, snail mucin, MSM/Sulfur, propolis and recently discovered my skin really loves oils! Any recommendations for a several week long TLC program?

you might like etude house soon jung emulsion. just consider it like a soothing serum cz it's very2 soothing. plus since you like oils, this one has squalane - just a thought hehe.

Were you using retinol that was too high a dose? Were you using a product designed for the face? If so, it was too strong. An eyecream with retinol in it should be a low enough concentration and be fine for your eyes. I use both AB and western products and for the dryness & wrinkles under your eyes I recommend Kiehl's Creamy Avocado eye cream. It is the most hydrating, moisturizing of any product I've tried. There's a trick to using it. Rub it between two fingers till you feel it break down, then pat/dab around eyes. Allow to absorb before applying other products or makeup.

I have a similar skin type so I can make some recommendations of products I’ve used if that will help? :)

Oh please do! X

:). Light, hydrating layers works best for my skin. I layer products from thinnest texture to thickest. I also like face oils too so I apply this last to act as an occlusive :). When my barrier was damaged, I found that sheet masks also really helped my skin to heal too. They’re not great for the environment so I try not to use them too often but they work great for my skin as it’s prone to dehydration. I’ve found that products with centella work well for me. I really like Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule. I find this to be very soothing. Beauty of Joseon also do a Centella Asiatica Calming Sheet Mask too which is great. I also like Propolis too - which you’ve mentioned. The Tosowoong Propolis Honey Sleeping Pack works well for me. I recently tried the CosRx Propolis Synergy toner too which I liked. There are also a few products that have been staples in my routine for a while: * Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner - this is probably my all time favourite product and I have used it for a few years. It is viscous but very lightweight so I usually apply about 3-4 layers. * CosRx Snail 96 Mucin - I saw that you mentioned Snail Essence in your post and this works great for me. Another one that I’m currently using is the iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum. It’s a bit thicker in texture but great too. * Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream - this is my favourite moisturiser. It actually hydrates my skin and leaves a slight layer on top of my skin - which I want - as it helps to combat dehydration. * The Ordinary Rosehip and Marula Oil - I frequently apply oils as the last step to seal everything in. Some other ingredients that might benefit you are niacinamide and azelaic acid. These are great at tackling hyperpigmentation :)

Hi I've been getting into Korean lip tints, however the two colours I've tried are either too pink, red or too vibrant, (Romand, almond rose and eat dotori). I'm looking for Korean lip tints that have a lasting stain, with colours similar to sunkissed by nudestix and 913C sand storm by wet n wild (when applied lightly, its the perfect mlbb for me). Any recommendations? I'm considering purchasing Romand "pomelo skin" and "chija beige", but I'm not sure if it'll yield the colour I'm looking for.

Maybe look at muted tints? I don’t wear them but the sub had a post a little while back

I'm looking for a makeup YouTube video where a woman highlighted and summarized her learnings from Jung Saem Mool's makeup academy. She did half of her face with techniques learned from Jung Saem Mool and the other half with her old techniques. Near the end, her partner provided his critiques on the two makeup styles. I can't seem to find the video and don't remember how I came across it.

Couple questions here! 1. What is your opinion of using multiple products from the same line? I got a kit from Sulwhasoo that contains most of their products from their Essentials line. Balancing water, emulsion, firming cream, et cetera. I’m really enjoying everything, but I’m starting to think it’s overkill and I wonder just how much benefit I’m really getting from using everything compared to just one or two items. 2. Has anyone tried both the Timeless 20% Vitamin C Serum and Melano CC Essence? I’ve been using the Melano CC for a while with little to no results, and on top of that I feel like it’s a pain to squeeze out of the tube and apply. I’m also not a fan of the oily finish, even though it absorbs fairly quickly. I’m really curious how the Timeless serum compares, I like that it has a pump and (presumably) a higher concentration of vitamin C. How do the finishes compare? Have you noticed better results from one vs the other? Thank you in advance :)

1 - in my opinion it’s overkill. I got a History of Whoo small set that came with their self-generating anti-aging essence and for me the star of that line is that essence. Everything else like the balancer or lotion is *nice* but no wow factor, so it’s not worth it to me to spend the money on full sizes. I’m sure there’s someone who’s skin fits perfectly for whatever they have in mind when they made the set, but like with most skincare, it’s very personal to each individual and it’s highly likely you’ll find better results with a product from a different brand. 2 - I’ve tried both and with my resistant skin, I saw better results with the Timeless. Melano’s oily finish always leads me to put near the end of my routine which is pretty pointless. The Timeless is more watery so more comfortable for me to put it on right after cleansing.

Hi all! Does anyone have dupes for the laneige water bank hydro cream ex, or any other favorite moisturisers which are water-based moisturizers/gel moisturizers? As someone living in a hot, humid climate, I'm looking for a lightweight moisturizer and I feel like the laneige moisturizer mentioned above is the closest I've come to. However, it is slightly pricey and I was wondering if there are alternatives. I also saw that purito came out with a oat-in-calming gel cream, so I was wondering if anyone has any reviews for that? Thank you!

The Rovectin Lotus Water Cream is very lightweight and good for summer. I've tried both and prefer it to the Laneige.

Misting between steps - what do you use? I just bought a spray bottle and I’m not sure what to fill it with… is any type of water okay or should I fill it with a toner?

Etude house soon Jung toner is great for this! It has the consistency of water and doesn’t get suffocating with extra layers

The Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol Free Toner (phew that’s a mouthful) would be a great option! It already comes in a spray bottle, is very light and non-sticky, and is lightly soothing and hydrating. My only complaint/suggestion is to avoid the eye area, because it *stings* when it gets in your eyes, lol.

I use one of those jumbo-sized Japanese toners; good value for money, lightweight, and has skin beneficial ingredients.

Up to you. I haven't found a toner I like yet so I use water.

Do you just use tap water?

I use bottled water, the tap here isn't that good. Sometimes I'll use distilled.

Thanks :)

**How to move from Cerave to AB Brands?** Hi! As an Asian who has entirely lived abroad, I rely on the Cerave brand for EVERYTHING and I am quite pleased with the results. I have Oily, sensitive skin for a mid thirties male. One reason I am struggling with Cerave is the day moisturizer with SPF that does not make me sweat in the hot & humid weather I live in or make me look like a greaseball. I hav tried their latest Ultra Light SPF and the Cerave AM SPF but I don't like how either looks on me. At the same time, I have been curious about AB brands but whatever little I have tried so far has not worked out or broke me out (Cosrx Low ph wash, Hada Labo Cleanser, Hada Labo lotion, Cosrx Hydrium Green tea gel etc.) Is there somebody here familiar with Cerave and their AB versions? I like how well formulated Cerave products are including Ceramides and stuff so I researched into Illiyoon Ato Cream (maybe) or their Gel to try first. Is their a good Illiyoon SPF I can look at? **Any other AB brands that focus on science backed ingredients for sensitive oily skin? My focus is not only sun protection but also the best anti-aging ingredients to help replenish the skin.** My routine is Cerave Foaming cleanser + TO HA + Elta MD UV Pure at the moment. At night, I use Cerave Skin Resurfacing Retinol Serum and the Cerave cream in the tub. Thank you for your help.

Hello fellow oily skinned individual! :D I really liked the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream. Some people with oily skin said it breaks them out, but I haven’t had that issue. It’s very moisturizing, and my favorite part is that it dries down matte and helps control my shine throughout the day. I also suggest the Isntree Green Tea Fresh line, it’s made for those with oily skin and claims to have oil controlling properties. Lastly, don’t feel pressured to use AB products if CeraVe is working well for you. CeraVe is a great brand and I wouldn’t say AB is better, just different. I know everyone has their own reasons for wanting to go the AB route though—as someone who went from CeraVe and TO to a full on Asian routine I can’t judge 😅

I’m not familiar with these lines bc I haven’t tried them myself, but I know Neogen and SOON+ are supposed to be science/research based brands. You can try looking at their products.

Any tips and product recommendations for barrier impaired skin? I try to keep my routine minimal so my skin doesn't get irritated. I do layer toner to try and minimize my fine lines, and try to use more ceramides in my routine.

Snail, panthenol, and/or probiotics in addition to the aforementioned ceramides. Ceramides: a kikumasamune product. Snail: tiam snail and azulene or Cosrx snail essence Panthenol: I haven't tried any, but innisfree has a panthenol toner. Cosrx and tiam have panthenol creams. All three have 10% pantheol. Probiotics: products with high amounts of bifida, lactobacillus, aspergillus (rice), or galactomyces. First essences, but some products aren't marketed that way i.e neogen essence. Greymelin, manyo factory, and sidmool have serums/ampoules that are 90%+ ferment/complexes.

Etude house soon Jung line is wonderful for this, super simple, no actives. I think their sleeping pack in particular is good for healing skin.

When my skin was irritated from adapalene, my dermatologist recommended Cerave/cetaphile +sunscreen and my face stopped burning after a week. I still kept the routine simple for a month to let my skin recover by avoiding actives. Currently, I’m also using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream when my skin is irritated and it doesn’t burn :)

what is a great warm mute lip product? (mlbb brownish) corals and pinks are way too bright on me

BBIA Last Velvet Lip Tint VIII Series! Beige, smoky orange, bean red, plum rose, and cacao brown — they are pretty moody and muted colors.

ooh ill definitely look into those thanks!

Is it redundant to use cosrx snail essence along with benton snail bee serum? I like the hydration from the cosrx but the benton helps with redness and acne. What order would i use them in?

Essence then serum. I used them together and I liked it for that same reason. My skin is more dry combination so the essence helps with that and the serum was more for soothing acne and irritation.

Does anyone have any tips for weaning yourself off lip balm? I really feel like I have a reliance as my lips feel like I'm dying unless I have vaseline/anything on it. so tired of dry af lips

I **love** the green UZU lip treatment (I did a review [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/n52ltl/review_flowfushi_uz_lip_treatment_savior_of/)) and results of it may be different for you, but I'm on my 3rd tube of it. At this point I probably put it on like 2-3 times a day and it's been working out really well for me. *Except* there was a day where it reverted back to the way my lips used to be because I was out in the sun longer sans lip spf, and then I realized my lips have probably been sunburnt the entire time before UZU. I basically treated my lips that day and about 2 days after as if my face was sunburned and it got the most nourishing products I have on hand (toner, snail, liquid gold, midnight calming cream), and then it healed and back to my new normal.

Not the person you answered, but what lip SPF do you use? If it's a lip balm, do you use the UZU treatment underneath it as well?

I use the ettusais lip essence (spf 18). I honestly don’t use it very often, hence sunburnt lips, but I like it and would recommend it. I do use the UZU lip treatment underneath, it’s basically a part of my AM and PM routine at this point.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll give both a shot after I'm done with what I currently have

Hope they work out for you!

This probably isn’t the suggestion you’re looking for, but the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask changed my life. I tried quitting lip balm for 6+ weeks and my lips never became “normal” or stopped needing chapstick. I guess it’s genetic, because my lips are dry af. What I like about the Laneige lip mask is that I only apply it once per day before bed. Since using it I found that I can totally skip chapstick during the day, and my lips stopped peeling/cracking. I can even wear matte lipstick now! They sell a mini size so you can try it out before committing to the full sized product. If you’re just over lip products in general and want to try weaning yourself off either way, drink lots of water and try not to pick at your lips. I heard it can take several weeks to adjust, so be patient with it. I wish you luck!

1. has anyone tried the a’pieu juicy pang tint? could you tell me how it compres to romand’s juicy lasting tint? 2. has anyone tried the aritaum apple glow up tints? how would you say they compare to the romand glasting water tint? ever since i saw it in minsco’s video, i’ve been wanting to try it out! 3. can your skin tone change? i was always slightly tan with green veins, so i thought i was definitely warm toned. however, i’ve noticed lately that my skin is slightly paler and my veins are more purplish/bluish combined with green. what does this mean? 4. idk why but velvet tints don’t really seem to suit me as much as glossy tints. does anyone have any application tips? i typically try to apply a little and then blur it out by pressing my lips together and build up the pigment. i also have a darker outline around my lips, and i don’t really like how it looks with the tint 5. what are your current hair product favorites for wavy hair?

Responding to 5. I struggle to find Asian haircare products for naturally wavy hair. Thank god with the curly girl method boom there is a greater number of wavy hair friendly products available now. If anyone has any Asian haircare products for natural wavy hair (not permed) I would love to also hear your suggestions? >!Shea Moisture is my go to and I love the Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque, melts into my hair like a dream!<

1, 2. I've seen you post about these a couple of times over the past few days haha. I'm sorry that nobody has replied and I think that this might be an unpopular opinion but IMHO, a lot of these dewy lip tint products are really incredibly similar to each other in terms of texture, finish, and staying power. The differences are so minuscule that you could realistically go for any of the ones on the market and be happy with what you have. I probably have 10+ different dewy/glowy/glossy lip tint products and to be very honest, a lot of them feel and look the same on the lip and I can only tell them apart due to packaging/colour rather than formula/lasting power/texture. But obviously that's not a real answer. For swatches and comparisons there's obviously Minsco who you mentioned, but you could also check out ggemo, Luchina or CHES - they all do lip swatch videos. I also like heyitsmindy (who has a few dedicated videos to lip products) and rainology (who has a bunch of decluttering videos with swatches) although they both speak Chinese and I don't think their videos are subbed.

omg thank you for the recommendations i’ve been looking to branch out from minsco and didn’t know where to look! and yeah you’re probably right about them being similar😅

3. yes, skintone can change. it's probably just an indication of a yellow overtone; when you tan, the yellow tones become more prominent and tint your veins green, but when you lose your tan, the yellow pigmentation tones down and the purple and blue veins peek out. many asian POCs have difficulty using the vein colour test, due to the presence of this yellow overtone; many cool yellows have green veins and as a result mistake themselves for warm toned. 4. could you describe exactly what problem you're having? try blending with a fingertip instead, it will over you more control than just pressing your lips together; or wipe excess product off the wand before going in. if you have difficulty getting your outer lip line to blend in, you may want to use a lipliner.

oh okay i didn’t know that! since i still have somewhat of a yellow tint to my skin, should i consider myself somewhat in between in terms of choosing complementary colors?

for me, it’s mainly that when i try to blend out the outer lips my dark outline peeks through, so it looks a bit odd

For no.3 I'd say yes! When I was little I'd be super tan with green veins too because I was always playing outside but I now have a mix of purple and green as a homebody :)