These sheet mask hacks will make sure that you’re using up every bit of goodness in that pouch!

The first time I used a sheet mask I remember thinking two things: First, how amazed I was by the results, and second, how wasteful it was that I had to throw away the sheet and the remaining essence in the pack after just one use. I always felt like there was more I could do with the product than just swiping on the remaining essence on my neck and hands.

And well, I was right—there is actually so much more you can do to get the most out of your sheet mask. We’ve compiled our favorite hacks that we love to use below!

Use your sheet mask in the shower

When we wrote an article about why you should never wash your face in the shower, one of our readers left a great tip about using a sheet mask in the shower, so naturally, we had to give it a go. And believe it or not, showering with a sheet mask on is one of the best ways to get the most hydration possible out of the mask, especially for people with dry skin.

Here’s how you do it: Once you’ve double cleansed (before showering, of course), apply the mask to your face, making sure you’re using either a bio-cellulose or hydrogel mask. (Microfiber masks aren’t great for this because they can slip off your face and the fibers can attract steam and water, which can begin to collect in the mask, especially along the chin.) Bio cellulose and hydrogel masks literally stick to the face and don’t absorb water, so they are a great option. I love using Leaders’ Bio Cellulose masks, like the Moisturizing Recovery Mask, because these babies cling to your skin. 

In the heat of the shower steam, your pores open up and are even more receptive to the mask and its essences. Because of this, your skin will end up feeling extra invigorated and hydrated. It can be a bit tricky to keep your chin up and avoid the water spraying on the mask, but after we tried it, we decided it was totally worth it. 

Use the mask on other parts of your body

Once you’ve finished using your mask on your face, there’s a whole side that has yet to come in contact with skin, and there’s undoubtedly some remaining essence. To make the most of this remaining product, fold the mask in half and wrap it around your neck.

If you feel like the mask has started to dry out, pull some of the remaining essence from the pack, apply it to your neck, and then place the mask on your skin. This way your neck will get the moisture and nourishment it deserves. Microfiber masks are great for this since they’re malleable and easy to apply. We used the Klavuu White Pearlsation Pearl Serum Mask:

Alternatively, you can fold the mask and place it around the heel of your foot to get rid of calluses. Just cut open the long side of the mask and place the heel of your foot inside so it can absorb the remaining essence. This mini-foot spa ensures you are really using your sheet mask from head to toe:

Apply the essence in the pack before applying the mask

Before putting on the sheet mask, pour the extra essence out of the packet and pat it onto your face, and then place the mask on top of the essence and continue as usual.
This method is far more effective than patting in the remaining essence at the end since the sheet will lock in the excess essence better. This ensures your skin gets that extra boost of hydration and nourishment and you’re really using all the product in the pack with nothing going to waste.

Create a DIY mask with the excess essence

Another way to make the most of that excess essence is to turn it into another mask entirely. Pour the essence into a Ziploc bag and add in a few cotton pads. Seal up the baggie and toss it in the fridge overnight. The cotton will absorb the remaining essence and the next morning you can lay the cotton on your face in any areas that need extra nourishment. This basically replicates the effect of the sheet itself and puts that remaining essence to good use.
Using these sheet mask hacks makes sure you’re milking your mask for every (literal) drop (of essence). Plus, most of these hacks will not only extend the life of your mask but also deliver better results for your skin. Happy masking!

+ Which of these sheet mask hacks are you most excited to try? Share with us below!

The post We Found 4 Ways to Hack Your Sheet Masks appeared first on The Klog.

Packing an arsenal of skin care products in your suitcase is not exactly TSA-approved. However, there are a few ways you can downsize your routine so you don’t have to leave your must-haves at home. Read on and watch the video below to find out our favorite ways to travel with our skin care, and keep our skin fresh on the go.

Tip 1: Use a balm oil cleanser

This first one is super simple. Oil cleansers can be tough to pack because the pump bottle makes the liquids prone to spillage. But an easy way to avoid this is to purchase an oil cleanser that comes in a solid balm. The Enature Moringa Cleansing Balm is one of our favorites, and it’s below TSA regulation size for carry on! It’s spill-proof, easy to use, and even easier to pack.

Tip 2: Pre-soak your toning pads

Nothing feels better in the middle of a travel day than freshening up your face with a toner or cleansing water, like the Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist. But you don’t have to bring a whole bottle with you everywhere you go. Instead, pre soak your cotton pads with toner, and seal them into a Ziploc bag. This will keep them fresh and moist and make it super easy to tone up your skin on the fly.

Tip 3: Put your eye cream in a contacts case

Wearing eye cream every day is a must, which is why you need to pack a hydrating eye cream like the Acwell pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream. The beauty of eye cream is that you don’t need very much of it. Instead of bringing the whole jar, fill an old contacts case with the eye cream and you’ll have a few days worth in a much smaller package.

Tip 4: Use an eye dropper for your facial oil

Similarly, you can use an eye dropper bottle for facial oils. Most facial oils come in fragile bottles, so packing your oils in a spill-proof plastic eye dropper bottle is a much better way to travel. In the video, we just used a dropper bottle from the Container Store, but any eye dropper bottle will work. Additionally, this will make it super easy to apply right onto your skin.

Another option is to opt for a facial oil stick. It can be applied directly on skin and is easy to tote around.

Tip 5: Mix your serum into your moisturizer

Mixing your serum in with your moisturizer is a tip we’ve long used to give our skin an extra boost, however, it also makes for a great way to lighten your travel load. Just put a dropper of your favorite serum into your travel moisturizer, and mix them together. It’ll be easier to pack, and even easier to apply. A great travel moisturizer is the Manyo Factory Galactomy Essence Cream. It’s lightweight, yet packed with antioxidants and soothing ingredients, making it especially perfect for winter travel.

Bottom Line

Traveling shouldn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin care routine. In fact, traveling can be stressful for your skin, so it’s even more important to have a solid routine on hand. With these tips, traveling with your skin care will be easier than ever.

+ What are your tricks for packing your skin care for travel? Share them in the comments!

The post Watch: How to Pack Your K-beauty Routine in Your Carry-On appeared first on The Klog.

Having a good moisturizer is one of the most important parts of your skin care routine, especially during the cooler months. One step in identifying which moisturizer is best for you is understanding the difference between the three main types of moisturizing ingredients:  Emollients, humectants, and occlusives. 

Below, we outline these commonly-used moisturizing agents and unpack just what they do for you skin and what K-beauty products to find them in.

Emollients

When your skin is dry, it cracks and flakes, leaving small crevices between skin cells. Emollients fill these crevices, leaving the surface of the skin more smooth and even and prevent getting to that rough, scaly texture in the first place.

Emollient and moisturizer are sometimes used interchangeably, as most moisturizers contain ingredients which serve as emollients. Some common emollients to look for on ingredient lists include dimethicone, cetyl alcohol, squalane, and shea butter.

If you’re looking for a skin-softening emollient moisturizer, a great option is the Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream, which boasts squalane on its ingredients list. 

Humectants

Humectants are the power player in the moisturizer world; rather than just filling in or sealing in moisture, they actually help produce moisture in the skin. Humectants attract moisture from the environment around you, and also help draw moisture out of the deeper layers of the skin to help hydrate the surface, its most vulnerable part. Essentially, humectants work to increase the water content in the skin itself. Some key humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera.

Because humectant agents are lightweight, they’re great for oily skin types, for use during the daytime and/or summer months, and in hydrating serums.

For a humectant-rich product, try the The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100. The ampoule contains no other ingredients aside from sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that better penetrates the skin than hyaluronic acid. It can be used before a moisturizer or on its own, depending on your skin’s needs. 

Occlusives

So if emollients smooth out the skin, and humectants attract moisture to the skin, what more could you need? Well the issue with moisture is that it’s easily lost from the skin, so you need ingredients to help seal everything in. This is where occlusive ingredients come in.

Occlusives basically form a protective seal on the surface of the skin to help reduce moisture loss. They lock in all the hydration which is already present in your skin, as well as help your skin retain all the moisture it gained from your other steps (essences, serums, etc.). Beeswax, lecithin, and lanolin alcohol are all examples of occlusives. 

Since they can be heavier than the ingredients mentioned in the above categories and can in some cases cause breakouts for acne-prone skin types, they are best for dry skin and/or for nighttime use.

Bottom Line

Understanding the different benefits of these three types of ingredients can be super helpful when deciding what to look for in a cream based on your skin concerns.

However, while the ingredients are all characterized differently, the best, most well-rounded creams contain all three of the above ingredients. This way, your skin will be soft, hydrated, and protected after each and every use. Depending on your skin type and goals, you may just want to look for a product that contains a higher concentration of one category of moisturizer over another. 

The post The Three Types of Superstar Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturizer appeared first on The Klog.

We all know the Korean beauty industry is one of the fastest moving in the world – new ingredients and formulas emerge here faster than just about anywhere else. Of course you can always find products that contain long-standing favorites like propolis, tea tree, and hyaluronic acid on shelves. But with every season also comes a slew of new, exciting ingredients too.

This summer, I’ve been on the ground in Seoul and watching just which ingredients are topping everyone’s lists. Read on for the top three. From acne to dryness to sun damage, there’s a trending ingredient for every skin concern!

Heartleaf

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A post shared by Mamonde (@mamonde_us) on Jul 29, 2019 at 11:49am PDT

It’s been just in the last few months that I’ve seen this ingredient, commonly referred to as houttuynia cordata, popping up everywhere; masks, serums, essences – you name it. And it’s really no surprise, especially since it’s the summer. Heartleaf or eoseongcho, is anti-inflammatory so it helps with breakouts, summer redness, or irritation. Plus, it’s also anti-bacterial, and specifically works to protect against some of the most common acne-causing bacterias. On top of preventing acne, it also helps to regulate oil production and keep skin from getting congested and oily.

Find it in the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Essence.

Artemesia / Mugwort

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A post shared by I’m from 아임프롬 (@imfrom_official) on Jul 31, 2018 at 4:35am PDT

Mugwort, a common herb from within the artemisia family, has been picking up a lot of steam over the last year. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries for a variety of purposes, especially skin care. This summer, I’ve been seeing it in everything. It’s the star ingredient in mega popular essences from brands like Missha, I’m From, and Vely Vely, and just about every brand has released a sheet mask with some variation of artemisia.

It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, contributing to the overall strength of your skin barrier. Plus, its’ antioxidant properties help to ease signs of aging and prevent sun damage. And, as if all that weren’t enough, it’s also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal to help keep your skin clear of any new breakouts. Long story short, it’s a golden ingredient for just about any skin concern, and given how many new products are hitting the market that star this ingredient, it won’t be too hard to find.

Find it in the I’m From Mugwort Cream.

Tea Tree Water

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A post shared by 착한 성분의 기적, 코스메틱 썸바이미 (@somebymi) on Apr 15, 2019 at 2:56am PDT

More and more brands have been searching for alternatives to using water in skin care since it doesn’t have many skin benefits. One newly popular one is tea tree water. While tea tree has been a popular ingredient for ages, this form of it is becoming more and more prevalent. Given tea tree’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, it’s a perfect ingredient to cool, refresh, and clarify the skin in the midst of the summer heat.

Find it in the Benton Tea Tree Serum.

The post The Ingredients That Skin Care Lovers in Seoul Are Obsessed With Right Now appeared first on The Klog.

As a beauty lover and someone who works in the industry, you’d think the easiest question for me to answer would be,”What’s your skin care routine?”.  But because I’m constantly testing new brands and products, I don’t always have a good answer. My apartment is packed with basket after basket and shelf after shelf of different products that I’m constantly trying and experimenting with. My routine can change day in and day out.

My skin is also complicated. It’s incredibly acne-prone, but not oily. Rather, it’s bone dry as a long term side effect of my six-month course on Accutane. And given its acneity, my skin is also incredibly sensitive. So, my list of no-go products is pretty long.

But, despite all this, I do have a handful of favorites that I love and trust, and incorporate into my routine almost every day. Take a look below to find out what’s in my current rotation! 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ben Neiley (@benneiley) on Mar 24, 2019 at 11:04am PDT

My Morning Routine

In the morning, I only use one cleanser: the Innisfree Blueberry 5.5 Rebalancing Cleanser. It’s gentle and has a balanced pH, and it has a great morning scent. I then apply two sprays of the Troiareuke H+ Healing Ampoule Toner. This high concentration toning solution is so hydrating and creates a perfect base for the rest of my routine. I follow that with the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum to help alleviate any discoloration and prevent sun damage throughout the day. To top that off I slather on my Innisfree Orchid Enriched Rich Cream, and then follow with the most important step, the Mamonde Calendula Everyday Aqua Sun Cream. These two are both super hydrating and keep my skin feeling supple all day long. 

My Nighttime Routine

My nighttime routine is slightly different. I start with an oil cleanse, using the Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil. It’s so gentle and feels and smells amazing on my skin. In the evening, I swap out my gentle morning cleanser for a more aggressive exfoliating one. I love the Skin Medica AHA/BHA formula. I apply an essence after my toner, usually the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence for lightweight but powerful hydration. Then, instead of vitamin C, I use one of my many different hydrating serums so my skin has an extra dose of moisture overnight. Instead of sunscreen, I follow up my face cream with the La Mer Genaissance De La Mer Eye and Expression Cream, and seal everything in with the Round A’Round Green Tea Seed Oil. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ben Neiley (@benneiley) on Jun 9, 2017 at 2:13pm PDT

 Bottom Line

I’ve found that this routine carefully addresses my diverse array of concerns – from dryness and sensitivity to acne and scarring. I’d guess if you ask me the same question three weeks from now, I’ll have a new roster of products I’m loving, mixed in with my classic favorites. But that’s the fun of beauty after all!

The post Step by Step: A Beauty Industry Insider Shares His Post-Accutane Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

For impressive results, we like to pair serum formulas together to create skin-boosting cocktails (and who doesn’t love a cocktail this time of year?). Below, we share our favorite serum combinations for different skin concerns. 

For winter dryness:

Cold winds, low humidity, and indoor heating can all dry out your skin and you may be finding that your go-to formula isn’t quite moisturizing enough.

In this case, we recommend enhancing the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum with The Plant Base Waterfall Most Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100 Ampoule. The latter contains 61% fermented ingredients, meaning it’s packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Additionally, it’s formulated with saccharomyces ferment filtrate, which actively increases the moisture your skin can absorb and retain, while the former is formulated with 100% pure sodium hyaluronate, the most effective form of hyaluronic acid. Applying few drops goes a long way in hydrating the skin.

Together, your skin will get a heavenly dose of moisture and nutrients inside and out. 

For skin hangovers: 

The holidays are loads of fun, but sometimes you may have a little too much fun. If you reached for one more glass of bubbly than you could handle and find yourself waking up with dull, tired skin, in addition to a major headache. Forget about the hair of the dog and opt for a serum cocktail instead.

RELATED: How Alcohol Affects Your Complexion

A perfect blend is the Elensilia CPP French Propolis 82% Resistem Ampoule and Acwell’s Real Aqua Balancing Ampoule. Formulated with 82% propolis to hydrate and strengthen the skin, as well as niacinamide to brighten and refresh, the Elensilia ampoule rejuvenates the skin, while the Acwell ampoule contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, and calming houttuynia cordata to leave your skin even and glowy. 

For breakouts:

Alcohol, sugar, and stress is a recipe for acne. If you’re experiencing dryness too, you definitely don’t want to cause any further irritation, so go for a pairing that soothes and reduces blemishes, while preventing against future breakouts.

One ideal combination is the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum with the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. The Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum is formulated with snail mucin and bee venom, two of the best ingredients for acne. Snail mucin repairs skin and fights scarring, while bee venom calms breakouts. On top of that, the serum contains tea tree and camellia sinesis leaf water to alleviate inflammation. The Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum further calms redness and irritation, evens out skin tone, an provides a serious dose of hydration with grapefruit extract, lemon peel oil, and centella asiatica.

What you shouldn’t mix: 

If you’re ready to play serum mixologist yourself,  there are a few things you should keep in mind before crafting your perfect serum cocktail. 

Our rule of thumb when mixing products is to avoid pairing strong and potentially irritating actives like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and Vitamin C serums, like the effective Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum, together. If you want to tone down the harshness of these ingredients, you can combine with gentle hydrating products, however note that this could dilute their efficacy. 

To discover ingredients that do play well with others, check out this list.

The bottom line

If you use the guide above as a launching point, there is an endless world of combinations likely among your own products at home. As long as you’re careful not to mix chemical actives, mixing serums is the perfect way to give your skin a boost this holiday season and beyond. 

+What serums do you like to use together? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Perfect Serum Cocktails to Treat Your Winter Weather Skin Woes appeared first on The Klog.

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA]

It may sound counterproductive to put an oil-based product on your skin when you’re already oily, but trust me on this! Oil cleansing is the most important step when it comes to removing excess oil from your skin. Remember: oil cleanses oil. The Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA] is just the cleanser you need to keep your oil in check throughout the summer. The formula includes BHAs to exfoliate dead skin and clear pores (because who wants to keep all that summer sweat and sebum trapped in their skin?), making it perfect for oily skin types who want to clear away blackheads and textured areas too, which tend to pop up more during hot and humid summer months. Pair it with the Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser, formulated with fermented green tea extract to target oily skin, for a thorough double-cleanse.

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Toning is an essential part of a skin care routine for any skin type, but it’s never as useful as it is during the summer. Meant to be applied after cleansing, the toner sweeps away leftover impurities, prevents excess sebum production, and sloughs away dead skin cells, which is key to controlling oily skin. 
The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner is specially formulated to effectively balance and brighten your skin. Summer can be harsh for oily skin types, making us look more slick instead of dewy, but this toner’s inclusion of peony extract and licorice water ensure that no one will mistake your luminosity for oils. It also includes green tea extract, a natural sebum controller, which helps balance the skin and reduce any dark spots or acne scars. Being thin and watery, the toner feels fantastic on oily skin types—it doesn’t leave your pores feeling suffocated or sticky, and it feels better and more refreshing and soothing than just splashing your face with water. The pH level is a perfect 5.5 to give your skin the hydration boost it needs during summer and clean your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, which would only result in making already oily skin even more oily. The pH toner is guaranteed to give your skin a deep cleanse and leave it feeling clean and refreshed throughout the summer. 

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist 

Another summer staple for oily skin is a great face mist. Keeping the skin cool and refreshed throughout the day helps prevent excess sweating and oil production. The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist, a Soko Glam exclusive, is amazing because it not only cools and refreshes the skin, but it helps keep your skin’s pH at the optimal level and help it fight off acne-causing bacteria. 
This mist is the icing on top of the cake to keeping your oily skin happy and refreshed throughout the summer. It’s perfect for oily skin types as it has a ultra-fine, even spray and a sheer but covering texture, and it even feels soft when it comes in contact with your skin. Formulated with saccharomyces ferment filtrate, licorice water, and root extract, it brightens and balances skin while locking in moisture with bamboo water and centella asiatica leaf water—if there’s one thing oily skin types want to avoid in summer, it’s letting your skin’s balance get away from you as the weather shifts and you’re starting to let out more moisture than you naturally take in. 
But make sure you shake before you spray! The mist is separated into a watery layer, formulated with licorice water, bamboo water, and yeast fermentation to brighten skin and even skin tone, and a milky layer, formulated to moisturize, balance pH, and smooth your skin, so it’s important to mix them together before usage to get the best effect on your skin. Oily skin will be kept happy with midday pick-me-up mists or post-makeup setting spray mists, and with the omission of added fragrances and irritants, it’s a-okay to spray all day.

Then I Met You Calming Tide Gel Cream

Finally, swap out your moisturizer for one that’s super lightweight. Heavy creams can feel suffocating in the heat of the summer, but consistently using a moisturizer to hydrate the skin is essential to regulating your oil production. See, if your skin doesn’t have the hydration it needs, it can lead to additional oil production as the skin tries to compensate for lack of moisture. Then I Met You’s Calming Tide Gel Cream is great for people with oily skin as it has an ultra-lightweight, breathable consistency. This provides the moisture your skin needs while helping to regulate sebum production throughout the day.

Bottom Line

It may seem tempting to remove certain steps from your regular skin care routine in the summer, however, you’ll find that simply using products that regulate oil production—even if they have oil in them—is more beneficial and effective.

The post How to Get Your Oily Skin Under Control in the Summer appeared first on The Klog.

Emulsion is a word that seems to get thrown around a lot in the K-beauty world, but no one ever seems to be able to give a straight, consistent answer of what it is or why you should use it.
I remember the first time I got a sample emulsion and I had no clue what to do with it, and to my shock, neither did the salesperson who gave it to me. However, emulsions are actually a staple in Korean skin care routines and offer a whole range of benefits. So I decided it was time to break down what an emulsion is, what it does, and how it can be used.
What is an emulsion, and how is it different from a cream?
In a nutshell: Emulsions are lighter versions of moisturizing creams. Unlike most heavy facial creams, emulsions are typically water-based, which means they go on lighter and thinner than creams. In some cases, emulsions come in gel or almost liquid forms. On the whole, emulsions absorb into the skin much more quickly and don’t sit on top of the skin the same way some creams do.
In this photo, an emulsion is on the left and a moisturizer is on the right:

So what do emulsions do?
Emulsions offer many of the same benefits of a cream, just in a lighter formula. They’re formulated to act as a moisture lock that seals in all the hydration and benefits of your essence and serums.
However, many people use emulsions as a continuance of their treatment products, not just as a moisturizer. 

When do you use it?

Emulsions are the in-between product between serums and creams. It’s not quite as light as a serum, but not quite as heavy as a cream. Similarly, it isn’t as concentrated as serums, but more targeted than heavy creams. And so, that’s right where it goes in the skin care routine—after serum and (optionally) before your final moisturizer. But how you use an emulsion really comes down to your skin type. 

Emulsions for each skin type:

For very oily skin, emulsions can be an great option as your final moisturizing step before applying SPF. The fact that emulsions are lighter, water-based, and more easily absorbed make them attractive to people with oily skin as a way to get the hydration your skin needs without the weight and sheen of a cream. And if you live in a place that gets hot and humid, an emulsion can be a great option to keep your skin cool and light in the heat, while still delivering the hydration it needs. However, you should make sure that the emulsion you’re using is specially targeted for hydration to be sure your skin doesn’t get the short hand on moisture. 
For combination and acne-prone skin, you can use an emulsion to target oil, blemishes, and excess sebum. This can be done by applying an emulsion to the whole face or to specific areas, like the T-zone. Look for an emulsion that contains natural BHAs that keep the skin clear of dead skin cells and excess sebum, with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica that deliver hydration and moisture without producing more oils.
Normal skin types can still obtain benefits from emulsion even if they don’t have a skin concern they want to target. Use an emulsion that is lightweight enough not to burden or stifle your skin throughout the summer and provides hydration in the winter.
For sensitive skin, emulsions are perfect to promote healthy, nourished skin without irritating it or penetrating deep enough to provoke inflammation and redness. The Etude House SoonJung 10 Free Moist Emulsion is ideal to balance the skin’s pH, brighten, and moisturize without irritating the skin. It’s perfectly lightweight and doesn’t feel too heavy. It goes beyond hydrating, and includes ingredients like madecassoside and panthenol, to soothe irritated and sensitive skin.
And if you’re in my camp and struggle with dry skin, emulsions are seriously a life-saver. When you double up on emulsion and cream, the emulsion locks in the moisture from your prior steps and the cream can be focused on just soaking into the skin and hydrating it even further. For dry skin, the Etude House Moistfull Collagen Emulsion is perfect to adhere moisture and nutrients to skin and leave it feeling hydrated and elastic. The emulsion has small particles of super collagen water and baobab water which absorb quickly into skin; it’s lightweight yet moisturizing, and with a jelly-like consistency and smooth formula, you’ll feel your skin become hydrated and refreshed immediately.
For even more moisture, you can also mix a facial oil into your emulsion since emulsions are water based and mixing in an oil means your skin gets both water and an oil-based moisture. 

Bottom Line

Ever since I started using an emulsion, my skin wakes up feeling hydrated and supple, and I certainly feel it has helped my night cream be more effective. And during the winter months when my skin is fighting against freezing New York City winds, I apply the emulsion in the morning too and that extra layer of moisture really saves the day.
At the end of the day, it makes sense why emulsions have been so hard to pin down: because they have different uses and purposes for everyone.
Just like treatment products, what emulsion you use and how you use it really depends on your specific needs. But whether you’re trying to find a lighter moisturizer for humid weather, or you’re looking for another layer of moisture to keep your skin from drying out, emulsions can certainly find a way into your routine. And, take it from me, you’ll be happy once they do. 

The post What Is an Emulsion Anyway? appeared first on The Klog.

Essences are one of the most commonly misunderstood steps in the K-Beauty routine. Unlike toners and serums, they are less well known outside of Korea and their purpose is less cut and dried. To make things a little more clear, we’re breaking down what essences do, the ways they can benefit your skin, and finally, how to determine whether or not they deserve a place in your routine.

What is an essence and where does it go in your routine?

If cleanser is like detergent, think of an essence as a fabric softener. After cleansing, you use a toner to balance your skin, and then an essence to inject a first round of moisture into freshly-cleansed skin. Notably, they also help your skin better absorb the products that follow it, rendering products like serum more effective.
After your toner has absorbed, gently apply the essence with the palm of your hand and follow it with your serum.

What’s the difference between an essence and products like toner and serum?

Essences are like the middle ground between toners and serums. They usually aren’t as light and watery as toners, but they aren’t as ultra-concentrated as serums. Since a main goal of an essence is to nourish skin, they are usually formulated with ingredients that are safe for regular, everyday use, unlike some, more targeted toner and serum formulas.

What skin concerns and skin types can benefit most from an essence?

Since an essence provides an extra layer of hydration, those with dry skin can obviously benefit. If aging is a major concern, this added boost of moisture can also help to alleviate fine lines and prevent wrinkles. And for sensitive skin types, it can aid in strengthening the skin barrier.
However even if you’re not in the groups mentioned above, there are many different essence formulations to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that addresses your specific skin concerns. For example, if you struggle with dullness, it can be great to use an essence like the The Klog’s Snail Mucin Energy Essence, which has natural 90% snail mucin to nourish, plump and hydrate skin.

So do you really need an essence?

Essences aren’t a mandatory step, but they certainly do have benefits. The added hydration and nourishment essences provide will only do your skin good – especially if you are concerned about dryness, aging, or sensitivity. Plus, if a treatment product like a serum isn’t working as well as you’d hoped, using an essence could give the product the boost it needs to get the job done. Like with any product, consider your skin concerns and what ingredients best target them when choosing a formula that’s right for you.
Shop essences by skin type here! 

The post Do You Really Need… an Essence? appeared first on The Klog.

Cleansing your skin is one of the most important things you can do for its overall health and clarity.  A variety of different kinds of debris build up on your skin over the course of a day or night and if your skin isn’t clean, well, the rest of your routine is just a waste of time.
However, even the best cleanser won’t get the job done if you aren’t using it correctly. Below, we outline some of the common mistakes people make when cleansing that may be keeping you from getting your best skin ever.

Mistake: You’re not using an oil cleanser.

Your skin gets clogged up with two different types of debris: Oil-based impurities (sunscreen, makeup, and sebum) and water-based impurities (dirt and sweat). Oil – not water – best breaks down the latter impurities (Remember science class? Like dissolves like). If sunscreen or makeup isn’t effectively removed from your skin, it’s a recipe for breakouts. This is why it’s crucial that you use a dedicated cleanser to remove it. The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original is a perfect starter oil cleanser.

Mistake: You’re applying oil cleanser on wet or damp skin.

Oil cleansers should be applied onto dry, not wet skin. Massage it into skin to remove impurities and then dampen your fingers with water to emulsify the formula (most oil cleanser formulas contain emulsifiers so they won’t leave an oily residue on your face). When it’s emulsified, it will turn into a milky consistency that is easily rinsed off.  If you emulsify the formula with water too soon, you won’t thoroughly remove the oil-based impurities.

Mistake: You’re using a raw or natural oil on your face.

The natural beauty world has hyped up the use of things like coconut oil and olive oil as a stand-in for a proper oil cleanser and these ingredients can work for some, however using a product formulated for cooking and not your skin might not yield the best results. First, they can have preservatives or additives that are not great for your skin, plus, they won’t have emulsifiers in them to ensure they rinse off your face, meaning your skin will be left with a thin film of oil that can clog pores and cause breakouts, not to mention make you feel greasy.

Mistake: You’re not washing your hands before cleansing.

It’s so important to wash your hands right before you cleanse to make sure you aren’t transferring new dirt, bacteria, and the like to your face as you’re trying to remove impurities. Plus, it ensures your hands are clean for the rest of your routine. On a related note, if you use a washcloth when cleansing or a towel to dry your face afterwards, you should also make sure these are clean.

Mistake: You’re not cleansing long enough.

We’ve all been there – rushing through our routine when we’re running late in the morning or can’t wait to get to bed. It’s easy to shorten – or skip altogether! – your cleansing step. Especially if you’re oil cleansing, this is bad news; it often takes a bit of massaging to remove all the makeup, SPF, and other oil-based impurities. We recommend cleansing (with each type of cleanser) for at least 20 seconds before moving on to your next step.
Wondering why your acne products aren’t working? Click here. 
Wondering why your moisturizer isn’t working? Click here. 

The post Why Your Cleanser Isn’t Working appeared first on The Klog.