My Current Routine

Introduction

In this post I've detailed my current routine, what each product does and how to apply them. I find that there often aren't a whole lot of instructions out there telling you how much, how regularly or how to get them to best absorb into your skin. Doing any of these things incorrectly can mean you're not actually getting the most out of the products or can cause adverse reaction (as my overuse of Vitamin C is evidence of).

Unfortunately I won’t be able to add any pictures I’ve taken myself for the time being. I’m currently stuck up at work and it’s quite a bit trickier to resize and upload pictures on my work computer without getting strange looks from the rest of the office. I’ve also got the pleasure of having a desk that has my back to where the managers and superintendents all sit, so I at least have to look like I’m doing work for most of the day. Case in point – I’m currently writing this on a word document that’s peppered with pictures and work terminology so that it looks productive. In my experience (and I’m very experienced when it comes to procrastination), the more spreadsheets and applications you can have up on your screen at one time, the busier it looks like you are. There's a fine art to looking like you're busy without actually being busy, and I'm the motherflippin' Michelangelo of it.

But I digress! Routine. Current. Yes. Let’s get to the juicy, serum-y, toner-y, gel-y, cleanser-y part!

An Important PSA: These products are ones that I’m testing and, honestly, haven’t quite decided if they’re right for my skin or not. Everyone’s skin is different and different products will have different effects for different people and all that jazz. So don’t take what I (or any one of the myriad of kbeauty bloggers out there) do and apply it instantly to yourself expecting it to work. Sadly, it doesn’t quite work like that, and you're more likely to mess your skin up by doing so (as I found out the hard way, but that’s a story for another day).

Routine Overview

Currently my routine has the following steps:

1. Oil cleanse
2. Cleanser
3. Vitamin C
4. Eye cream
5. Moisturise
6. Sunscreen

The sunscreen I only apply in the morning (it would kind of be a waste to apply it at night!) and the vitamin C I apply at night. I love my sleep and waking up an extra 15 minutes early so the vitamin C has enough time to be effective before I go to work is something I'm not quite ready to commit to.

Oil Cleanser

I oil cleanse on days when I wear makeup, or every 2^nd day. I find that if I do it more frequently than that I break out in closed comedones (CC’s). This has led me to suspect that I maybe have sensitive skin. The oil cleanser I’m currently using is Banila Clean It Zero Purity.

(image: amazon.com)

Application: I scoop a small dollop (a little larger than a pea) and gently massage into my face working from the outside in. This was a tip that I saw in a youtube video somewhere (although I can’t remember where). Working against the grain of your face produces a much better result than starting at your nose and moving outwards. The first time I washed outside-in a whole bunch of little gritty black specks came off. Gross, yet immensely satisfying to have gone! If you have the time/patience you can work a massage in with your oil cleansing step. I spend about 2-3 minutes gently rubbing it in.

Removal: Banila Clean it Zero Purity is emulsifying. This means that when it comes in contact with water it will slowly build up into more of a lather. A lot of newcomers to double cleansing will splash water on their face and expect the oil to be removed. It doesn’t…really work that well and you tend to end up with a residue. To avoid this, I wet my hands and continue to rub the oil into my face, watching it turn into a white lather. When my whole face is lathery, then I’ll wash it off properly with a few dunks of my face.

Cleanser

It’s becoming more frequently accepted in the KBeauty world that low pH cleansers are the way to go. I won’t go through the benefits as, to be entirely honest, I’m not all that sure of them, but the one thing I do know is that a low pH cleanser means that there is less wait time before applying your actives. I’ll write more on this in a later post, but for now low pH=good, higher pH= not bad, but not so good. My current cleanser is Innisfree Anti-Trouble Bija Cleansing Gel which isn’t your usual drugstore foaming cleanser – it’s much, much more gentle. It doesn’t produce any bubbles on your skin (I find that those lovely foaming cleansers have a tendency to be drying, despite how awesome they feel) and it’s a very, very watery texture. “Gel” isn’t really the right word for it. It’s also a lovely pH of 3 (although I haven’t tested this myself yet – pH strips are remarkably hard to come by). This may sound a little too low and further into the "acid" realm of things, BUT when combined with water (which has a higher pH) it evens out to a lovely 4-5.

(image: Innisfreeworld.com)

Application: One to two pumps from the bottle gently rubbed into a wet face working from the inside (nose area) out towards the edges of the face.

Removal: Splash with water until face is clean.

Vitamin C

I can’t really say too much about this yet as I’ve only applied my vitamin C serum twice since starting isolation testing on it. Vitamin C is supposed to be anti-ageing, brightening, help fade sun damage and even out the skin tone/texture. I have high-ish hopes that it will help get rid of some of the really visible red parts of my face (stupid capillaries right at the surface), but I’ve been applying this to the right side of my face only and haven’t noticed any improvement. Early days though!

(image: jolse.com)

I use OST C20 Original Pure Vitamin C Serum, which is a L-Ascorbic Acid. The trouble with using Ascorbic Acid is that it can react negatively with Niacinamide – a very common ingredient in other skin care products. When combined, the Niacinamide turns into niacin and can cause flushing of the skin, which is pretty much the opposite of the look we’re going for here! As long as you’re careful to keep products with these ingredients in a separate part of your routine (or with a long enough waiting period in between applications) you’ll be fine. Preferably, apply the vitamin C in the morning and any niacinamide products in the evening. Again, I’ll write more about that in another post, probably when I drop my OST C20 product review.

Application: Confession- I used WAY too much of this last time I applied it. I used pretty much an entire dropper full on half my face only. This caused a fair bit of stinging and stickiness and took forever to be fully absorbed (in fact, I ended up rinsing my face before applying a moisturiser because of the texture). Since then, I’ve learned that 3-4 drops for the entire face is a more appropriate amount. Drip it over and then pat gently to absorb it. You can also gently tap your skin with each finger in a sort of imitation of piano playing to help absorption.

Removal: Er… don’t remove it unless you have an adverse reaction. Vitamin C should be left on your face to do its work for at least 15 minutes, otherwise you’re really not getting the full benefit of it. If your face still feels sticky and you’re more comfortable removing it, I’d recommend using a hydrating toner to get off the residue. Personally, I just slap my moisturisers on over the top.

Eye Cream

Ah, eye creams. I am seriously paranoid about the amount of fine lines under my eyes and how…old they’re starting to look. You’d think this would make me wiser and more mature but given how often I laugh at penis jokes, I doubt that’ll be happening any time soon. I’ve been using Etude House Moistfull Collagen Firming Eye Cream and I’m not sure it’s doing much for the lines, however it has really improved the dark circles under my eyes.

(image: kococolor.com)

Application: Using your ring fingers, dab gently around the bottom of your eye, working from the nose out towards the corners of your eyes (where there are hopefully no crow’s feet yet!). You can also dab eye cream down between your nose and outside of your mouth as shown in the below video.

Source: Get It Beauty

Supposedly this reduces those smile lines, although I haven’t noticed much of an effect. Finally, gently rub in all the dollops of cream.

Moisturiser

Another in the Moistfull Collagen line, I use Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream. My favourite thing about this moisturiser is the smell! It’s so light, refreshing and not at all flowery (something that really bugs me about a lot of moisturisers). It’s just a pleasant, clean smell. It goes on smoothly and absorbs well but I’m not convinced it’s doing all that much. One pot (which is not small) lasted me about a month and a half of twice daily use.

The one on the left (image: Etudehouse.com)

Application: Dip fingers into pot and smooth evenly over face until absorbed. Rub some in, wait and if your skin is still thirsty for more (often characterised by a very quick absorption time and return to dry texture) apply a larger amount.

Sunscreen

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45/PA+++ is my holy grain of sunscreens.

My preciousssss! (image: misshaus)

I. love. this. sunscreen. Anyone who has been into skincare for a while will know the struggle of finding a sunscreen that ticks all the boxes. This one does that. No breakouts? Check. Non greasy? Check. High level of protection? Check. My favourite thing about it is that it doesn't even SMELL strongly like sunscreen and it's smooth so there are no problems with applying makeup on top (not that I do that on a regular basis, but it's a nice feature to have!). The only downside is that it can be a little harder to get a hold of than the more readily available Sun Milk version, which I might give a shot next.

Application: Apparently you're supposed to apply a teaspoon of sunscreen. Which seems like a LOT when you measure it out. Often I find it takes two layers of application. After waiting for the first to absorb, spread on the second. Reapply whenever needed (depending on your sun exposure).

Where to Buy

All these items are available online through the following links (and probably a whole bunch of others, but these are my preferred sellers):

Banila Clean It Zero Purity: Jolse, RoseRoseShop, Sokoglam, TesterKorea
Innisfree Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble  Cleansing Gel: Jolse, RoseRoseShop, TesterKorea, Innisfreeworld
OST C20 Pure Vitamin C Serum: Jolse, TesterKorea
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Eye Firming Cream: Jolse*, RoseRoseShop, Sokoglam, TesterKorea
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream: RoseRoseShop, Etude House, TesterKorea
Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun: Jolse**, RoseRoseShop, TesterKorea, MisshaUS

*Super collagen eye cream, not the firming version
** Sun Milk version

Eventually I’ll be writing up more formalised reviews (with my own images) for each of these products. There are quite a few additional products I’m looking at adding to my routine. For instance, you’ll notice that I currently have no exfoliating products or acids built in. Rest easy, for they’re on my testing schedule awaiting a time to be incorporated. Slow and steady and all that. I’ve also been on the lookout for a nice pH adjusting toner, but since the Mizon AHA/BHA toner has been discontinued I’m not sure how that hunt will go :(

Let me know your current routine in the comment section below! Are there any products you’re excited to add?

Jolse Haul #1

My Jolse order arrived yesterday morning, so in the spirit of Asian Beauty I gave up my thrilling evening of Netflix in order to unbox it. That's not to say it's a particularly enormous package (hehehe). I restrained myself from ordering all of the twenty items on my wishlist and narrowed it down to the 5 that I'm most eager to try. Of course, there's no reason why you can't enjoy opening a haul in style, so this is how I'm kicking it:

Beer, pizza and Bae - is there anything more beautiful?

(Yes, I have star wars coasters and yes, they're awesome)

But before we get to the good stuff, a few notes on shipping!

Shipping

I initially placed this order in mid September and it was shipped a couple of days later on the 19th.The estimated time (according to the confirmation email) until arrival was 15-25 business days, but it arrived in just 10. Out of curiosity, I splurged the extra US$2.50 for parcel tracking. When you click on the link a little dialogue pops up in Korean.

I assume this isn't asking me to donate a kidney or something

What this is asking, as far as I can gather, is if you want to download an app/add-on to your browser to help with tracking. Click "cancel" (and "cancel" again if you get another pop-up) and you'll be taken to the tracking page.

The tracking on this page lasts up until the package leaves Korea. From there, it's in the hands of your local postal agent. In some countries (I think the US?) you can enter the same tracking code into their website and continue to track your parcel. Unfortunately, in Australia, the page above is as far as you can go without paying the extra for a registered parcel. This means that your parcel is basically in limbo until then. It could arrive in three days (ahahah...I wish) or it could take a few more weeks depending on what your local service is like.

Here is the package in all its glory:

*insert epic evangelical music here*

And, of course, the now infamous signature of Bae <3

Thanks Bae!

From what I've read of other people's experiences with ordering from Jolse they frequently mark packages as Cosmetics with a value of $7, and always as a gift. This is to avoid any extra shipping or import taxes that your country might have, so they're doing you a big favour there :)

Unpackaging

Beer and pizza at the ready, I ripped into the box with all the eagerness of a kid on Christmas morning. I have to say, I was quite impressed with the care that had been taken to wrap everything in bubble wrap and neatly packaged together.

I definitely didn't pop all that bubble wrap later...

On top are all the little freebies and sample packages that are received with every order, although I have no idea when I'm going to get the time to try them out...my testing schedule currently runs through until mid January before there are any free places.

The first thing I unpacked was the CosRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask. This was only released a short time ago and the reviews have so far been really favourable. The one thing that got me about this is how much smaller it was than I was expecting. Here's the box:

I couldn't find a ruler so here's a pen for scale

From what I've read, a little bit goes a long way, so the jar will actually last longer than you'd expect, but I guess we'll find out. Outside of the box, it looks like this:

The blue on top is a reflection of the tv, not part of the packaging!

The next item I ordered was the CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. A pen didn't really work for scale, so I ended up using the next closest object.

Erm...beer for scale

Outside of the box, it looks like there's a little pump on top. Awesome! I love it when products provide an easy way to get them out of the bottle that isn't...turning them upside down and shaking it (I'm looking at you, Missha FTE and your awkward dispensing system that leaves heaps of product on my hands rather than on my face).

Pretty much a colourless essence

I haven't used a snail product yet, but I gotta say I'm glad that it isn't too...snail-y looking. Just a normal, clear essence with what appears to be a gel-like texture.


The product I'm most looking forward to using is the OST C20 Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum.

At this point I figured beer is actually a pretty good scale

I absolutely love the packaging! That little orange box is kind of...shimmery when you turn it back and forth and gives a much fancier feel than just slapping oranges on your face or something.

Out of the box, the C20 is in a little vial like a medicine bottle and comes with a packaged dropper that screws on to the top. The bottle is also plastic wrapped for integrity so that you know it hasn't been tampered with in any way! This is the next product on my testing schedule and I've already started patch testing.


The final two products I received were the CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (Um...you may be sensing a CosRX theme here) and SkinFood Black Sugar Mask. The pimple patch isn't just one, but 24 patches split into different sizes. I ordered them to try and curb some of that hormonal acne that pops up every month.  Sigh. The Black Sugar Mask isn't for daily use. I'm eventually planning on working it into my routine as a weekly or biweekly mask (possibly alternated with some of the other masks on my wishlist).

By this stage I'd finished drinking my scale, so you'll have to use your imagination

(or the group photo below)

Summary and Pricing

In each Jolse package, you also receive a selection of free samples:

Ooh, Blackhead power liquid!

Woo, a mask! I can always use more of those!

In all their glory

Each of these products are available from Jolse if you're interested in trying them for yourselves. Prices below are in US dollars (the only currency they deal with - which is a little crappy if, like Australian dollars, your exchange rate is in the toilet) and are current at the time of writing.

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask  - $10.88
OST C20 Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum - $16.99
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - $16.89
CosRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask - $14.98
CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch - $5.88 (for 24 patches)

Note that Jolse have weekly and seasonal sales (as of writing, they're having a 12% off "Happy Together" sale) so if you're looking to save money wait for those! Each jolse customer gets 3% credit for each purchase so that you can save money on the next one. There are also varying levels of membership depending on how much you've spent with them in total (giving you more samples and more credit for each subsequent purchase you make).


Happy Shopping!
Puzzle

Who the bloody hell are you?

Hi! My name is Puzzle and I'm an Asian skincare addict.

I’m a quarter of a century old (something my younger brother takes absolute pleasure in reminding me of) and I have lady-parts. I like art, my dog, waking up early and I’m growing to love skincare too! I would say I have a rather...obsessive personality. I tend to jump into new things with great gusto and then get less and less interested over time until they end up a passing fascination, argh. This blog is to be my skincare haven to keep track of my progress and take a break from drawing fanart to apply my art skills in helping myself, and others, explain skincare.

My Environment

I work in one of the most punishing environments on earth – the Australian Pilbara. For those of you who haven’t heard of the Pilbara before, it’s basically a giant, hot, orange desert. During the winter, it gets dry and chilly and in the summer it’s hot (mid-summer the temperatures reach above 40C/104F on an almost daily basis), sticky and sometimes cyclonic.

My pictorial depiction of Western Australia

I’m one of ~20,000 Western Australians working in the mining industry on a Fly in- Fly out (FIFO) roster. What does that mean? It means that I spend 8 days in a row working 12 hour shifts in a remote location. Then I fly back to my home in the city and have 6 days in a row off for R&R (rest and relaxation). This might sound like a pretty sweet deal and, in a way, it is! It means that I have a good chunk of time without any sort of work commitments. On the flipside, working remotely kind of sucks. The internet and phone reception is dodgy, 12 hour days drag like you wouldn’t believe and there’s nothing really to DO in the evenings aside from drink (a maximum of 4 per night are permitted by our parent company), exercise, watch tv or sleep in your assigned box of a room (they’re about 3x3m).

My job used to involve being outside for a good portion of the day and by the time I got back to our mining camp I would be so orange from the dust that it looked like an awful fake tan. My skin grew tight and dry and I had sort of…inverse panda eyes from where my eyes had been protected by safety glasses.

Not quite to this extent, but it definitely wasn’t a good look (image: Pinterest)

Thankfully I’ve moved to more of an indoor data-analysis-y type role (from boiling heat and dust to drying air conditioning all day – PROGRESS!) but clearly the desert is a totally shitty environment to be trying to look after your skin in.

My Skin

I’m allergic to the sun.

(image: tumblr/She’s the Man)

Not literally, but I may as well be. I haven’t got my MAC shade figured out yet (Done! I'm in the realm of NC10/15) but my prediction is that it will fall into the realm of “pale as fuck”. I’m so white that I’m practically see-through in places. Another reason I’m so interested in Asian Beauty is that it seems to cater more towards porcelain skin in terms of BB and CC shades. I might actually find something that matches and doesn’t leave my face as a completely different shade to the rest of my body like some sort of mismatched lego man (or lady).

My skin type is combination, meaning that my forehead and nose areas are typically a little oily and my lower face and mouth area are dry. My cheeks kind of sit somewhere in the middle (probably in that holy and seemingly unattainable “normal” classification). I would say my biggest concerns are aging (whyyyy nature, whyyy?) and the uneven skin tone on my face. I have little capillaries visible in my cheeks, which used to be such a glorious rosy tone. YOUTH, RETURN TO ME!

If you're interested in finding out your skin type (and you really should!) I find the most helpful resource to be this Paula's Choice page. It's important to know you skin type as different products will be better or worse suited to your particular type. You might find that some parts of your face handle moisture differently and that what causes your cheeks to be soft and supple makes some other part of your face break out in unsightly spots. For me, I find that foaming cleansers often tend to make my dry spots even drier, although they work really well for the oily sections of my face.

Anyway, I think that’s enough of an introduction for now (and I should really stop procrastinating from work. Haha, who am I kidding? I'm more than likely going to end up sitting on reddit for the next two hours until work ends). I might end up writing some more about my job and the FIFO lifestyle at a later date as it seems to be a topic that a lot of people are interested in.

If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below!

Next up, my current routine and how I'm planning on expanding it.

See you then!

Puzzle