Having the seal of approval of many people, including dermatologists, niacinamide can be found in almost every type of skincare product. This superstar ingredient is known to effectively clear and brighten your skin as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles. On top of it all, it is also moisturizing and suitable for sensitive skin. Although it is not recommended to use niacinamide with vitamin C, it works well with almost all other ingredients. Have you incorporated this multitasker into your routine yet?
Here are 6 key benefits of niacinamide in skincare:
So, are you ready to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine? Here are some of our favorite products!
1. Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting
2. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
3. Mary&May Lemon Niacinamide Glow Wash Off Pack
4. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin 30Days Blemish Care Serum
Glitter Essentials
If you love glitter and eye makeup, their Glitterpedia Eye Palette is a must-have! Arranged with nine shades each, every palette comes with a range of neutral, colorful and highlighting tones as well as various shimmers, sparkles and gemstones to create plenty of different looks depending on the mood or occasion. If you prefer simplistic eye makeup.
Their Tap Me Palette Duo comes with only two shades, a color and a shimmer which may also be used as a highlighter. Not just easy to carry around but multifunctional too! Additionally. T
Get Loose Glitter Gel is the perfect product to truly elevate your look. Able to be applied anywhere on the body, these gels are not just incredibly gorgeous and fun but also versatile! There are currently a total of seven different color options available, ranging from stunning silvers and golds to vibrant pinks and purples. If you are new to using glitter in your makeup,
Their beginner-friendly Pretty Easy Glitter Stick is a great product to start with. Especially handy if you are an on-the-go type of person or simply fancy a quick and easy application. The stick, like the Tap Me Palette Duo, can be used as a standalone eyeshadow or facial highlighter to make your features shine.
Lip Essentials
Lip tints are widely popular among the K-beauty industry, and Unleashia has no shortage of them. Their Non Sticky Dazzle Tint, which is infused with finely milled diamonds and sapphire glitters that shine from all angles, blends with your natural lip color and doesn’t fade or darken over time. It is also formulated with natural oils, eight types of hyaluronic acids and olive squalene to keep your lips moisturized throughout the day. This tint comes in eight beautiful shades to enhance your daily or glam makeup look. If you prefer a more subtle and soft finish.
Their Hug Velvet Tint is for you! Its featherweight, velvety texture delivers a cushiony finish and has a blurring effect on the wrinkles of your lips. For a double glam effect, you can layer this with the Non Sticky Dazzle Tint.
Last but not least, have you tried their Glacier Vegan Lip Balm yet? It is the perfect blend between a gloss and balm, keeping your chapped lips moisturized while illuminating them with multidimensional light-reflecting shimmers for the perfect natural winter spark! Infused with shea butter and several vitamins, it cares for your lips while making them look deliciously healthy.
Other Essentials
Although known for their creative glam and glitter, Unleashia offers a wide range of other cosmetic products to top it all off. With Minest Double Lash Up Mascara, you can create a doll-like look for your lashes. Comes in the colors black and brown.
Get the perfect feather brows with their Shaper Pomade Eyebrow Fixer which brushes your brow hairs up with a strong hold that lasts the entire day! Use in combination with the Shaper Defining Eyebrow Pencil for the best results.
Cover any skin blemishes and imperfections with their Minest Hold On Tight Concealer, and celebrate your everyday with their new Satin Wear Healthy-Green Cushion foundation which comes in a compact case along with a puff for easy and smooth application. The all-in-one case (yes, including a mirror!) makes it incredibly easy to carry around and use for touch ups wherever you go. Its silky texture leaves a natural glow and like all Unleashia products, it is vegan & cruelty-free.
Are you ready to get creative with all the universe of Unleashia has to offer? Try it now at YaoSkin x Unleashia
]]>Here are some steps you can take to prep your skincare routine for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons…
Due to the constant switches from hot indoors to cold outdoors, your skin will become drier and more sensitive. Protecting your skin from these extreme termal changes is therefore vital. Exfoliating might seem counterintuitive, but it’s important to keep that a part of your routine. Just swap out any scrubs for a chemical exfoliant and overall settle for thicker and creamy formulas. This goes for cleansers, serums and moisturizers. Introducing an oil or balm cleanser and a facial oil as an extra layer of hydration on top of your moisturizer helps improve moisture retention. If oil is too heavy for you, opt for water-based products instead.
Focus on rich and creamy formulas that deeply hydrate parched skin. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, mandelic acid, vitamin C+E and ceramides. Not only do they help protect your skin and maintain hydration during the colder months, they also assist in correcting and reversing the damage your skin has taken during the summer when it was exposed to a higher concentration of harmful UV rays, which could have resulted in uneven skin tone and texture, and premature aging of the skin. All while enhancing the skin’s natural glow!
Don’t forget SPF! Remember radiation from the sun can penetrate through clouds and even windows. Sunscreen remains a constant, always.
]]>But what exactly is the Korean beauty look? It is a look with a complexion so flawless, a skin so dewy, and a vibe so youthful that it has become popular throughout all of Asia! To help you achieve the natural and effortlessly gorgeous look we’ve put together a quick and easy, beginner-friendly skincare and makeup tutorial.
Koreans are famous for their glassy skin as opposed to the Western matte finish, but it is not really created with highlighters and high coverage foundation. Since Koreans prefer more natural-looking makeup, the key is to build a skincare routine that keeps your skin moisturized and hydrated so that it is glowing even without any coverage. Find a moisturizer that works best for your skin type and apply it as the first layer to your makeup routine.
With Asia’s tropical climate, sunscreen is a vital step in about any Korean beauty routine. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause wrinkles, uneven skin tone and even skin cancer. Just because you live in a cold or cloudy area doesn’t mean the sun isn’t there! Clouds don’t block UV rays contrary to popular belief, so it is highly recommended to not skip this step no matter where you live.
Instead of heavy foundation, Koreans usually settle for BB cream or a cushion compact. Both combine makeup and skincare into one convenient formula of which the latter, as mentioned, is an important aspect of K-beauty. The small, all-in-one packaging of cushion compacts are especially handy if you travel frequently or are always on the go! Use patting motions when applying with a cushion or blender to prevent streaking and give you a dewy finish. A concealer is not necessary in a Korean makeup look, but if you have any stubborn blemishes such as dark under eye circles, acne scars or redness, you can use a concealer to save your day.
Koreans prefer neutral colors on the eyelids rather than having makeup too obviously piled on., think of shades like brown, pink and coral. They also love glitters and sparkles! Just apply some shimmer on the center of your eyelids and below your lower lash line to create the effect of having ‘aegyo sal’ or cute eye bags. Koreans make it a point to highlight this area as it gives off the vibe as if you’re always smiling. Finish with a winged eyeliner, with the outer end of your line slanted downwards if you want to go for the ‘puppy eye’ look, and a coat of mascara. You can also try experimenting with the color of your eyeliner. Black tends to give off a stronger vibe than brown, for example, which is why many Koreans use brown eyeliner instead for a more natural finish.
Koreans love straight brows with a slight arc near the end, using light strokes to fill them in so they look as natural as possible. Remember to blend out harsh edges with a spoolie.
Apply a blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it to make it look like the glow is coming naturally from within.
Koreans prefer glossy lip finishes over matte ones to complement their dewy skin and shimmery eyes. They like to accentuate these features to make up for the otherwise mundane look and the pop is what makes their looks so mesmerizing! A common technique used is the ‘gradient lip’, achieved by using a darker shade on your inner lips and blending it outwards to create a gradient effect. This can be done using either a lip brush, cotton bud or simply your finger.
To keep your face moisturized throughout the day and maintain the dewy look without smudging your makeup, you can spray some facial mist on your face and voilà!
Romand, stylized as Rom&nd, is a Korean beauty brand that has impressed us recently! Created in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist and YouTube star Saerom Min, commonly known as Gaeko, Rom&nd has exploded on the beauty scene with its stunning visuals, lust-worthy colors and perfectly curated products.
Their Juicy Lasting Tints are among one of their best-selling products, coming in various shades and providing long-lasting wear that stays on all day. They are glossy but not oily at all, formulated with moisturizing ingredients to prevent your lips from forming creaks or drying out.
]]>These cleansers are the most common type of facial wash and known for its soft, cloudy feel which we all love! They are lightweight and usually come in the form of cream, liquid or gel that transforms into a foamy lather when combined with water. They gently exfoliate the skin while removing excess oil and impurities. If you have sensitive or acne prone skin, be careful of a harsh foaming agent called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as it can strip your skin of its natural oils, drying it out and causing irritation. This ingredient gives foaming cleansers a bad reputation, but there are many great foaming cleansers out there without SLS.
Here is our collection of clean foaming cleansers!
Gel-based products are generally known to be the best option for oily skin types, and that’s no different for cleansers. Gel cleansers do a fantastic job at unclogging pores and removing excess oils and acne-causing bacteria from your skin. Pair it with other gel-based products and it will do your skin wonders!
Here is our collection of clean gel cleansers!
Cleansing oils and balms are perfect as a part of a double cleansing process, but may also be used as standalone cleansers of course. They often contain light oils and surfactants to melt away dirt, excess oil, makeup and sebum from your skin while unclogging pores. Yes, even oily skin types can use oil cleansers! Their balm counterpart, on the other hand, are not recommended for oily skin types as it might be too heavy. They are great for very dry skin though! Please ensure you completely remove the balm afterwards.
Here is our collection of clean oil and balm cleansers!
Although not actually made of milk, usually, they get their name from their creamy white color and texture that resembles that of milk. Because they don’t contain any surfactants and their formulas are rich in water, these gentle type of cleansers are perfect for people with dry, sensitive and/or dehydrated skin. Acne prone skin types may also benefit from milk cleansers as they help calm down redness and reduce irritation. Because of their light formulas, however, they aren’t highly recommended to remove makeup. They are ideal for a mild morning cleanse or as a second cleanser in the evening.
]]>It is good to know that your skin type depends on multiple factors and can change over time, due to age for example. A few common factors are:
People with normal skin have the perfect balance between dry and oily skin, needing little to no treatment to maintain it. This skin type is most often seen among young folks.
Characteristics include:
People with dry skin might deal with skin cracking, peeling, irritation, itchiness or inflammation. If very dry, it can even become rough and scaly. Things that may cause or worsen this skin are genetics, aging, hormonal or weather changes, UV (ultraviolet) radiation from e.g. tanning beds, indoor heating, long hot showers, and ingredients in soaps, cosmetics or cleansers such as fragrances.
Characteristics include:
People with sensitive skin are, essentially, very sensitive and prone to environmental stressors. It is important to figure out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possibilities, but more often than not it’s in response to particular cosmetic and skin care products. People with dry and oily skin may also have sensitive skin, which could cause e.g. eczema or acne.
Characteristics include:
People with oily skin produce an excess of sebum which causes skin to look shiny and feel greasy. Things that may cause or worsen this skin are genetics, stress, diet, puberty, hormones, heat, too much humidity, and ingredients in soaps, cosmetics or cleansers such as fragrances.
Characteristics include:
People with combination skin either have dry or normal skin in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone, nose, forehead or chin. Many people have this type of skin without knowing they do. It needs slightly different care in different areas.
Characteristics include:
Legend has it that the Japanese Geishas, ancient female entertainers renowned for their beauty, first invented sheet masks hundreds of years ago! They would soak the scraps of silk leftover from making kimono gowns in flower water and then rest them on their faces. The process now has just been simplified! Although sheet masking originated in Japan, it’s become an essential step in about any Korean skincare routine.
Sheet masks are among the most popular type of masks due to their lightweight packaging, quick hydration boosts and easy application as well as removal. They are essentially a cloth (or sheet) deeply infused with serum or essence to give you an immediate boost of moisture. Certain masks can even address specific skincare concerns, depending on what you need at a time.
Browse our collection of sheet masks here!
]]>You would wonder what double cleansing is. Well, let's talk about that.
Double cleansing is a cleansing ritual that is extracted from Korean skincare rituals. As you already know that cleansing your skin is absolutely important to ensure that you remove dirt and makeup from your skin properly. Most oil cleansers work incredibly well for moving the dirt and makeup but is that enough? In case there is any makeup or dirt left on your skin, it will result in skin break out.
Double cleansing is a much more effective method to clean your skin, and it is a lot more impressive. Also, it is simple to perform. You will essentially have to start with an oil cleanser that has to be strong enough to remove all the makeup and dirt buildup from your skin.
After removing the makeup and dirt, you can move forward with cleansing your face with water and another cleanser to ensure that all the pores are clean. This deep cleansing process will leave your face without makeup and will also deep clean the pores.
This two-step process provides you with deep cleansing. When all the harmful bacteria and makeup is removed from your skin, it will provide your skin a much healthier glow, and the texture of your skin will be smooth as well. When you apply your makeup on spotless skin, the products will sit on the skin even better, and the result will turn out amazing.
If you regularly apply makeup on your skin, then it is better to go for cleansing your face every day. Removing your makeup using deep cleaning is more preferable. If you have sensitive skin or you have Eczema, it is better first to remove all the makeup and cleanse your skin with water. Once that is done, you can use an oil-based cleanser for removing makeup and dirt buildup. However, for oily skin double cleanser is much more helpful and provides excellent results.
The oil-based cleanser used for double cleansing should include natural oil to ensure that the dirt is removed properly. Try to find out an oil cleanser that does not have alcohol or any fragrance as it can irritate your skin. The pH level of the oil cleanser matters a lot to ensure that it is maintaining the pH balance on your skin as well.
When you are planning for double cleansing, it will eventually reduce the breakouts and will also clean the pores. Not only is it great for oily skin, but it will also provide excellent results for dry and sensitive skin.
As mentioned before, for the best results we highly recommend double cleansing before starting your skincare routine. Take a look at our entire collection of different oil-based cleansers. If you’re still not sure which one to add to your routine, feel free to contact us!
Skincare professionals recommend that you will need to exfoliate your face and skin at least twice a week. But do we really perform an exfoliation at least twice a week? Most probably not, and this could be where skincare issue starts. Whether you are following a Korean skincare routine or you want clean pores, exfoliation is a necessary step within your routine.
Let’s begin with the types of exfoliants: there are two major different types of exfoliants available in the market. A physical, and a chemical exfoliant. Physical exfoliants scrub off the dead skin with their granulas ingredients like sugar particles or other “rough” ingredients. Chemical exfoliants do not have this rough structure, but contain chemicals (mostly acids) to remove dead skin cells and to help your skin regenerate.
Chemical exfoliants mostly include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) with different concentrations. We recommend to start with a low concentration of these acids as a beginner since these chemical exfoliants help with breaking down the upper layer of the skin that contains dead skin cells. But why? That is because removing the upper dead layer of skin, the regenerated skin will be revealed and will make your face glow. Exfoliation usually results in a smoother skin and clean pores.
As mentioned before, it is recommended to regularly exfoliate your skin. Therefore, we recommend to use a lower concentration of chemicals, between a 5% to 10% concentration. The COSRX 7% Whitehead Power Liquid is a great product in between this range.
If you have dry, sensitive skin, using AHA/BHA will help in reducing the redness on the skin. People with Eczema can use this chemical exfoliant to lock the moisture and to make the skin smooth and soft.
AHA/BHA also helps with cleaning the pores and reducing break-outs on the acne-prone oily skin. It is important to choose a watery texture of the exfoliant so it won’t clog the pores nor lock the oils within your skin, as it can result into break-outs.
]]>A skincare guide for beautiful souls starting their own skincare journey. I am here to guide and assist you!
The number 1 crucial step to start using skincare is knowing which skin type you have.
To determine your skin type I've got the perfect test for you!
Start by washing your face and wait for an hour. Then, dab your forehead with a tissue and check if any oil is rubbed onto the tissue. I would also recommend looking in the mirror to see what your skin texture looks like.
Notice: A combination skin could be a combination of any of the mentioned skin types above.
Now that you know which skin type you are, start looking for products that match your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, look for products that add hydration/moisture to your skin. If you have oily skin, look for products that are lighter in moisture and more water-based to balance out the amount of oil in your skin while maintaining that healthy hydration.
Now, if you’re completely new to skincare there are some terms that you have to know before you dive right in with your products.
The skincare routine is VERY important in K-beauty.
This step is pretty self-explanatory. Cleansing is essential to ensure that you start with a fresh, clean face before jumping into the next steps. Wash your face with warm water and a cleanser.
Exfoliating is key to a bright, healthy looking skin. It removes all the piled up dead skin cells and also makes your skin super soft!
The next step in the routine is getting some moisture back that you lost during the previous steps. In this case, using a toner is ideal. A toner is going to remove all the residue left from your cleanser, prepare your skin to better absorb the rest of your skincare products and restores the pH level of your skin.
Serums are the core of your skincare routine as the (small) bottle contains high concentrated goodness.This step targets a specific skin concern like anti-aging or brightening and it adds an extra layer of hydration. A few pumps of serum can really help boosting the effects of the products you just used and what's to come after.
This is my favorite step in the routine. Since hydration is the key in Korean skincare, sheet masks are an easy way to achieve this. There are tons of different sheet masks, but they typically target one specific concern. Brightening, moisturizing and soothing are only a few examples. These masks are packed with amazing ingredients and skin actives like vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and anything that will benefit your skin.
It is possible to use this everyday, but I would personally recommend using sheet masks 1-3 times per week - that should be more than enough. After an exhausting day you can just lay back and pop on a sheet mask for 15-25 minutes to get that glow while sipping your favorite tea!
Your eye area is not something to be overlooked at, no matter what the current state of your eye area is. The most important thing to remember about K-beauty is that you're preventing any skincare concerns, instead of trying to get rid of them when it’s too late.
Also, it's not about which eye cream you use, but how you apply it. You should never rub in your eye cream - you want to gently tap the eye cream onto your eye area using your ring finger (hand's weakest finger) instead. The area under your eye is extremely delicate.
The Korean skincare routine is all about layering your products starting from the lightest/thinnest to the heaviest/thickest, that's why you would ideally want to use your heavy moisturizer as the last step. A small amount is enough to cover up all the goodness that you have applied so far. I would recommend using only a nickel amount.
The sun is very damaging for your skin when it’s not properly protected. This can cause premature aging of the skin or even dark spot known as hyper pigmentation. Therefore, you have to apply a SPF (sun protection factor) at least 20 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days.
In the evening you would want to apply a heavier night cream to help lock all the good stuff while sleeping.
If you have made it till the end of the guide, congratulations! You have just absorbed the knowledge to start your own Korean skincare journey. I know it’s a lot to take in, but remember it’s all about building good skincare habits. Staying consistent and taking a few minutes each day is something your future self will be thankful for, no matter how many steps or products you’re using.
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