Korean Skincare & Makeup: Haul & Review!

Back in November, my entire family took a trip to Seoul, South Korea because my sister was getting married there.  Obviously,  I did some shopping because one does not simply fly half-way across the world and buy nothing, haha!  Although Korean makeup has become a huge trend in the beauty world, I didn't splurge on mountains of products because I, myself, am not a make-up junkie.  However, I do have a love affair with skincare & lash products (and a very huge love-hate relationship with my own skin - damn you blemishes and blackheads!)

Keep reading to get in the know of all the products I picked up!

1. Too Cool for School Takozza Cleansing Tissue

I picked up a tube of Takozza Cleansing Tissues from the cuuuuuutest cosmetic boutique I have EVER seen.  Literally.  Everything in Too Cool for School has the COOLEST packaging.  I picked up these wipes for two reasons: 1. I had just run out of the wipes I had brought to Korea with me (I usually prefer the Balea 3-in-1 cleansing wipes from Shoppers Drug Mart), and 2. I was drawn to the packaging which conveniently dispenses the wipes like a tube of Lysol wipes!  I was also sold on these wipes because they remove waterproof makeup which is always a key factor for me when considering new cleansers bc I'm such a sucker waterproof mascaras with a strong hold.  After using these wipes for just over a month or so (and the tube is running low), I've gathered a mental note of pros and cons about the product…

Pros: Convenient dispenser, removes makeup effectively, doesn't make me breakout, removes KOREAN waterproof mascara very easily, and super convenient to grab for at the end of the day when you're too lazy to wash your face.

Cons: The tube leaks so bringing it along on trips is always a mess, does not easily remove stubborn north-american brand water-proof mascaras.

I don't think I'll be trying to get my hands on them again, and not just because they are not available overseas.  These wipes set me back about 12,000won (about $12) and, I can usually score the Shoppers Drug Mart Balea wipes as a 2 for 1 package for $9.99.

2. Mamonde Rose Water Toner

I am an absolute sucker for rose water.  I don't know if it's just because it has a very pretty ring to it, or if it actually does help my skin.  My favourite toner of all time has been the Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner.  It had a very calming effect on my skin, and I loved how it just felt like I was actually putting a very gentle, neutral, cleansing, and cooling product on my skin.  I always have trouble getting my hands on Thayer's toners because they don't sell them in drug stores in my city, and the shipping cost is ridiculous to purchase online, so I was thrilled when I came across this Mamonde Rose Water daily skin toner.  They say that Rose Water has a very soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which I always need as I seem to always have a blemish or two hanging around.  Using this seems to even out my skin tone and keep the moisture balance in check.  If I can get my hands on more of this stuff, I definitely will!

3. Too Cool for School McGirly Rice Scrub

This stuff is the holy grail of all scrubs.  I swear.  Unlike other scrubs and exfoliants I've tried in the past, this stuff ACTUALLY removes a layer of dead pallid skin off of your face and leaves your face looking looking bright and new, and as soft as a baby's butt!  You know when you use a rubber eraser to erase a mistake off of a piece of paper?  And then little rolls of rubber accumulate?  THAT is exactly what this scrub does except the paper is your face and the rolls of rubber are pieces of dead skin.  BOOM.  Mind blown yet?  I tried a sample of the McGirly Rice Scrub prior to buying the full size, and I was blown away!  After you've scrubbed off all the dead skin particles and rinse it all away, your left with a fresh and radiant surface of skin.  It's crazy.  It's amazing.  I can't say any more.  

4. ENPRANI Supermax x2 Moisture Mist

I'm obsessed with face mist.  There's just something about spraying some fancy water on your face that is very pampering and luxurious haha.  I've tried many face mists before, and I find that the ones that I love best are the ones that have a good spray nozzle on them.  Of course, they need to have a pleasant smell and not irritate my skin in any way.  This Enprani Supermax Moisture Mist is a korean drugstore brand.  So far, I have nothing negative to say about it.  The spray nozzle is perfect and each spritz covers a generous and even area of your face, and I love that the size is small enough to keep in my on-the-go makeup bag.

Product reviews from left to right…

5. MISSHA Eyelash Curler

This decent eyelash curler only set me back about $4, and I love that it's gold!  I will say that it's not as good as a Tweezerman, but it still gets the job done.  I find that it is very wide, but this may just be an issue for me because obviously asians have smaller eye holes…Overall, a good buy for $4!  You can buy it here (unfortunately the retail price is higher than actually purchasing in Korea).

6. MISSHA 3D Mascara

This is the cheapest water-proof mascara that MISSHA carries, and I think it only set me back about $3.60 or so (3,600won).  I love the brush on it - it's long and thin, and does a good job coating my lashes.  My only disappointment is that it doesn't hold the curl as well as other water-proof mascaras I've tried.  I find that minutes after I apply, my lashes have already "fallen" a little bit.  Will not repurchase.  If you're interested, you can find the MISSHA 3D Mascara here.

7. MISSHA Skinny Mascara

My sister was raving about this product, so I had to try it.  I don't think the formula is that much different from the 3D mascara, as it seems to have the same effect in terms of coating and hold.  However, I DO love how skinny the brush is - perfect for getting every little lash (including tiny bottom lashes!).  The biggest fail with this mascara is that it doesn't give your lashes any volume, so your lashes end up looking kind of like long, sparse, spider legs…will not repurchase.  If you're interested, you can find the MISSHA skinny mascara here.

8. Tony Moly Peach Lip Balm

This stuff smells like peach heaven!  There are no cheap thrills here.  Not only does the balm itself smell SO good, but it's actually moisturizing and not sickeningly sweet.  I hate buying lip balms that leave a sugary texture on your lips - ew.  The texture of this stuff is just a good plain ol' moisturizing soft balm - similar to the texture of Vaseline.  Love!  

Thanks for reading!  Hope this post was helpful to some of you who are on the market for Korean beauty products.