This might be a bit long so bear with me 😅but I have seen some recent adorable collaboration K-beauty limited edition collections and it got me wondering what you Pickys feel about these releases 🤗

Which collaborations you would like to see in the future? Any specific {beauty brand x favorite character} in mind? Or do you have a memorable, favorite release from a brand that did a limited collection using a specific collaboration before? Any nostalgic childhood throwbacks? 💭Let me know!

Last week, Romand came out with a new collection with Sanrio my melody that seem to be creating quite a lot of buzz. I know they’ve done limited edition releases with LINE friends, Anne of Green Gables and neonmoon before as well. It’s a brand that always seem to do a good job with creating pretty limited edition collections 💛

Another limited edition collection I caught (but sincerely missed out on due to sheer procrastination, at least here in Korea) was Manyo Factory’s My Pet release in collaboration with a Korean illustrator (@dami_grim) where some of the proceeds is donated to the organization Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA)! 👏🏼

Japan is obviously well known for their animations and characters, which naturally extends to limited designs for beauty brands and products. A recent collab I’ve seen on social media that I really wish I could get my hands on are the bottles of KOSE Softymo Speedy Cleansing oil with Pokemon design 🥲

These cute collaborative collections definitely have me wanting to buy cutely designed products because of the packaging. It is of course a bonus when limited editions are released with products I already know, enjoy or have been eying. But I think it can also be an extra fun way to discover new brands or unique newbies~ 🥳

Let’s talk limited edition collaborations! ✨

Hi! I am curious about trying an eye mask/ eye patch type of product for under the eyes. Have any of you guys used it before? Is it worth to try? These days toner pads are really popular, but it doesn’t really seem totally comparable.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any product recommendations?

Did anyone use under eye patches before?

Hi! I haven’t been using a lot of actives in my routine so far, but I want to start incorporating products with vitamin C, AHA/BHA and retinol. I know it’s important to start slow and not use certain ingredients in the same routine. Which active ingredient would you introduce first? How long should I wait before introducing the next active product? 

Are there any other active ingredients that you use and would recommend? Or products/ingredients you wouldn’t recommend? 

Thank you~  ☺️

Introducing active ingredients

Hi Pickies! If you use sheet masks as part of your routine, at what step of the routine do you use it? What sheet masks or brands are your favorites?

Sheet masking in routine

Hey everyone~ I have recently been using the COSRX full fit propolis synergy toner and love the glow it gives me. Unfortunately my skin is DRY-dry so this toner is not hydrating enough for my desert skin 🥲I was wondering if any of you could recommend a toner that provides similar results but with more hydration than this one?

Product similar to Cosrx propolis synergy toner BUT more hydrating

⚡️Downsides
I think I have to layer it to get the full hydrating benefits, which works for my dry skin in the summer. It might not be enough for winter but this is definitely a new summer staple!

I feel like everyone and their mother have been raving about this product, so naturally I had to jump on the train. Who doesn’t love a glowy, soothing and brightening toner?

🌼What it is
“A toner that contains 72.6% of Black bee Propolis extract and 10% Honey extract which will make your skin glowy and smooth”

Made in Korea
Containg 280ml of product

💦Texture
Viscous, slightly thicker than water

💁🏼‍♀️My opinion
At first I was a little hesitant because this toner didn’t feel quite hydrating enough. But after 2 weeks of use (and upping my glasses of water per day..) I finally see what the hype is all about. My skin suddenly looks more even, bright and glowy. I even notice less redness, which is something I normally experience mainly on my cheeks. It shows that COSRX’s toner is anti-inflammatory and comes without alcohol, fragrances or essential oils.

The bottle comes with plenty of product, which will last me a while despite putting on several layers both am and pm. I also like the see through plastic material that shows off the golden yellow liquid 🌟

💸Will I repurchase?
Yes! 

🌿Ingredients:
Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

⚡️ Downsides:
The smell could maybe feel quite stong to some people, in case you are more sensitive to scent. It’s not a parfume or chemical type of smell though! 

✨REVIEW✨
CNP Laboratory propolis treatment ampule essence

🌼 What it is:
This essence contains 1000ppm of propolis extract, honey extract, amino acids and ceramides aimed at nurturing, brighten and moisturize your skin. It also has madecassoside which has soothing properties. 

💁🏼‍♀️ My opinion:
I’m glad that I bought this right before the cold season started, because it’s been a real helper at keeping my skin nourished during this season. I was a little surprised by the herb-y smell at first since it’s quite strong. But once you get used to it, the other aspects of this essence makes it a really wonderful product to use. 

The texture is watery but quite thick and viscousy, but can still be layered for maximum hydration. I have been applying it rather liberally, but doesn’t find that it takes too long to sink into the skin. It makes my skin feel smooth, plump and glowy! The formula feels very comfortable on the skin, with no sticky feeling whatsoever. It really works wonders as a hydrating layer (or layers!) in your routine. 

I bought the BIG size (300) right of the bat, because it was on sale for a really good price, similar to the regular size (150ml). So I have a good amount to go through, but I’m happy to have this lasting me a good while since I really enjoy using this essence. 

💸 Would I repurchase?
Absolutely yes

⚡️Downsides
It dries down quite sticky and takes a while to sink into the skin. It seems to not be quite hydrating enough for my very dry skin, which is a shame. I think gel type moisturizers are not what my skin prefers, but I saw that Hada Labo have more hydrating creams as well so I might try to find it sometime in the future 💫

I found this cream on sale at Korean Olive Young and since I have enjoyed all previous products from Rohto Hada Labo, I was immediately intrigued to try this one! 

🌼What it is
A bouncy gel cream that powerfully moisturizes dry skin and fortifies the barrier. 

🎯Made in Japan
Contains 50g of product

💦Texture
Lightweight, bouncy gel cream

💁🏼‍♀️My opinion
The packaging really light and easy to bring with. As for the formula, a little goes a long way so you really don’t need a lot of product to cover your whole face. This means that despite the content only being 50g, it can last you a while before running out. The cream applies comfortably on the skin with absolutely no irritation. 

💸Will I repurchase?
Unfortunately I don’t think so

🌿Ingredients:
Purified Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-12 Olefin), Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol

⚡️ Downsides:
This could be a me-problem but I’ve managed to use this up faster than expected. On one hand, it means that I go through it like water and love using it. And maybe using one full pipette each use isn’t necessary(?) but either way it hasn’t lasted me that long. I would say that it’s a rather affordable product for what you get. 

✨REVIEW✨
Torriden dive-in low molecular hyaluronic acid serum

🌼 What it is:

Hydrating serum from Torriden’s popular Dive-in series. This serum includes 5 types of hyaluronic acid along with panthenol and other ingredients aimed at providing skin with a splash of hydration and soothing properties. 

💁🏼‍♀️ My opinion:

This is my first experience with Torriden products, but this serum and other products from their dive-in line has been everywhere recently and as someone with dry skin I couldn’t resist trying it out. It’s a rather lightweight, straightforward serum that definitely delivers on the promises of hydration and soothing the skin.

I wouldn’t say it’s performing any miracles, but I absolutely consider it a good, trustworthy hydrating serum for what it does. It doesn’t stay on the skin long after application, but sinks in nicely and leaves my skin feeling fresh and plump afterwards. 

I like the minimal packaging and blue color as well, in terms of the aesthetic features. The bottle is very lightweight but feels sturdy at the same time, which makes it very travel-friendly. They do focus a lot on sustainability and environmental messages on their packaging, which I also appreciate a lot. 

I’m curious to see what Torriden continues to do in the future, as it’s a brand that launched quite recently (2019) consider it’s an indie brand and the success they’ve seen so far. 

💸 Would I repurchase?
Yes

⚡️ Downsides:
The only thing I can think of is the bottle not being travel-friendly as it’s glass and heavy. I also wouldn’t mind if it was slightly cheaper, but you cannot complain about the quality you get for your money. 

✨REVIEW✨
Dr Ceurcle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence 

🌼 What it is:
A vegan, milky essence containing kombucha extract that acts to protects the skin barrier, along with ingredients like probiotics, antioxidant green tea water and nourishing sunflower seed oil. Together these components include hydrating and fortifying properties that also adds a good amount of glow. 

💁🏼‍♀️ My opinion:
It took me wayyy to long before I caved in and bought this. I had heard rave reviews everywhere and it seemed right up my alley but never went on sale (at least on their Korean website). I finally got it as a birthday gift to myself, because I just had to find out if the hype was real and it would live up to its praise. 

Well, I am officially joining the fanclub for this essence. First of all, the texture is so smooth! You shake the bottle to conjoin the upper and lower layers of liquid inside and combined into one, the essence feels like almost kind of like velvet and I can’t say I’ve ever come across any product with a similar finish. It’s a delight to apply onto your face, so comfortable. 

It’s definitely hydrating and nourishing. Usually, I apply a few layers (granted, it’s winter). My skin looks healthy, glowy and smooth. No irritation whatsoever and practically without a scent. Couldn’t wish for anything better! Additionally the bottle feels luxurious and is made of really sturdy glass. 

💸 Would I repurchase?
One hundred percent, this is new favorite for sure

skincareshortie