- I get to actively participate in the church through serving as a lector/commentator in our parish
- I was able to improve my writing skills bit by bit since more accounts have been assigned to me (thankful for my teammate and mentor for guiding me as well)
- Passed the Civil Service Examination (by just doing self-review; although I was close to giving up after taking the exams because the Math part is just challenging LOL)
- #AHFODTourMNL – This was also the first ever legit concert that I’ve attended and I’m just so proud of myself and for my Coldplay buddy, Jassy, that one of our dreams came true! Seeing Coldplay performed live and the crowd enjoying and singing every single song was truly an adventure of a lifetime.
- Singapore 2017 (My first out of the country trip since 2013) – I still cannot forget the time when I spontaneously booked 2 tickets because it’s on sale and I was just lucky I get to booked the remaining seats available. Visiting Singapore was liberating because I solely planned our itinerary and lodging and I successfully navigated the city. Their public transportation is fast, efficient, and very effective.
- E X O - explain ko pa ba? 😎
Besides those aforementioned, I’m also grateful for all the times I’ve spent with my family, especially when Papa’s home because those are priceless moments can never be replaced. They will always be one of my top priorities.
Speaking of which, another category was added up onto my top categories last 2017 and that is no other than *insert drum rolls* SKINCARE! (As if this was not predictable at all, no? LOL)
It was February 2017 when I started immersing myself into the vast world of Korean skincare. I started researching skincare related topics on SokoGlam and Wishtrend, watching Youtube videos of Joan Kim, Morgan, and Edward Avila, and browsing products on online shops, particularly Althea Korea. This website/app has been a holy grail for me because it is where I bought my first set of Korean products and I just love ordering more because the whole process is less hassle and also, who doesn’t love their iconic pink Althea box?! 💗 After (almost) fully incorporating the Korean skincare routine, I find myself buying (and h o a r d i n g) products on different online shops (BeautyMNL, Bigbox Global, Go Bloom and Glow), although majority of my skincare haul is still from Althea Korea.
Practicing the skincare routine wholeheartedly takes a lot of time and effort (and money! 😪), but there’s just something about it that makes me feel relaxed every after routine. It is therapeutic for some odd reason and I know that I’m not the only one experiencing this euphoria even if the whole routine is really time consuming!
Now, for almost 10 months of skincare addiction (and still counting 😋), after trying (loving, hating, longing, hoarding yet again) several skincare products, let me share with you my top 10 best of K-Beauty – skincare for 2017.
(BTW, daebak means "amazing"/"awesome" in Korean 😄)
👀 Disclosure: I have normal to combination type of skin; please duly note that what works for me might not work effectively on you.
Son & Park Beauty Water
Ingredient Highlights: Rose Flower Water, Willow Bark Extract, Papaya Extract
Full Ingredient List: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol,Propanediol, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Laveder)Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita(Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, OriganumVulgare Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Octanediol, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Protease, Alcohol Denat., Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol The dewy or “no makeup” makeup look which has been popularized in Korea (and was later on extended in other parts of the world) was perfectly mastered by two of Korea’s sought-after celebrity makeup artists, Son Dae Sik and Park Tae Yun. Both decided to create a cosmetic and skincare line which reflects their expertise and artistry in beauty, hence the brand name, Son & Park. The Beauty Water is their first launched product which claims to “gently cleanse and tone the skin so that the following skin care products could absorb easily”.
This is one of the products that I have initially tried when I started my skincare routine and this does really work well! The Beauty Water does not only tone the skin but it also exfoliates given that one of its ingredients include willow bark and papaya extract which help sweep away dead skin cells. It does not have a strong scent and is also fast-absorbing. It can also be used as a facial mist to freshen up your face during the day. Personally, I’m using the Beauty Water as a toner every morning as my face needs to be prepped more for the succeeding products that I’m going to apply.
Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick
Ingredient Highlights: Camellia Sinensis Leaf and seed oil, Coconut Oil, Evening Primrose Oil
Full Ingredient List: Glycerin, purified water, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid, lauryl betaine, betaine, camellia sinensis leaf (0.3%), camellia sinensis seed oil (0.1%), camellia japonica seed oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower)seed oil, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, oenothera biennis (eveningprimrose) oil, tocopheryl acetate, citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil, ocimum basillicum (basil) oil, cananga odorata flower oil, citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, origanum heracleoticum floweroil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, fragranceEver since I started looking for cult favorite skincare products, this in particular caught my eye and I have been constantly searching for it with cheaper prices online. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on to this one (thanks to Go Bloom and Glow). This product which is created by Soko Glam co-founder, Charlotte Cho, is formulated with 13 natural oils and has a low pH which aims to gently cleanse the face and prevent dryness and tightness of skin after use.
I looooove green tea products and this has been one of my favorites. True enough, this gently cleanses my face and it feels so smooth afterwards. What I absolutely love is the bits of green tea leaves in the product itself which is a very effective anti-aging ingredient. Also, it has a green tea scent (which is not overpowering) with little traces of floral. This cleaning stick goes a long way because it foams really well and you need not to use more of it.
Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheets 10+10 (Green Tea)
Ingredient Highlights: Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Full Ingredient List: Water, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glycerin, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, PEG-75, Alcohol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, fragranceI have tried several brands of sheet masks and over and over again I would return to my all-time favorite from Nature Republic. Thanks to my former officemate who initially introduced it to me, this mask provides ample moisture to my skin and offers one of the cheapest prices without compromising its quality. Among all the variants that I’ve tried which includes tomato, aloe, shea butter, rose, and cucumber, green tea (obviously) is my most favorite because of its watery consistency and provides a non-sticky feeling after use. I use excess essence from sheet mask onto my neck and elbows so that it can also provide moisture and it will not be put to waste.
Ingredient Highlight: Aloe Vera Leaf Extract
Full Ingredient List: Aloe vera leaf extract (92%), ethanol, glyceryl polyacrylate, dipropylene glycol, butyleneglycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, polyglutamic acid, betaine , Sodium hyaluronate, Karen dulcis extract, spearmint extract, lemon balm extract, carbomer, phage-60 hydrogenated castor oil, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, purified water, disodium DTA A/S Soothing Gel is my holy grail moisturizer. I don’t think I need to explain more on this as probably some of you are very much familiar to this product which has been a cult favorite last 2017.
(But still, I will explain anyway, LOL.)
I love how lightweight the formula is and fast-absorbing which provides a very refreshing feeling to the skin. This 300mL tub filled with 92% aloe vera leaf extract has a very affordable price and it does go a long way; I’ve finished my first tub and it lasted me for almost 10 months! I’m now on my second and so far I’m keeping my loyalty to this one, no wonder people have been craving for this until now and Nature Republic retail stores easily runs out of stock. The A/S soothing gel can also be used as a hair treatment, sleeping pack, and treating sunburns. For other benefits of using aloe vera products, you may read an article here.
Heimish All Clean Balm
Ingredient Highlights: Coconut Extract, Shea butter, Donkey Milk
Full Ingredient List: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Polyethylene, PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE, Shea Butter, Donkey Milk, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Nelumbium speciosum, Narcissus, Rose Extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Lavender Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Tea tree leaf oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1, 2-HexanediolAt first, I thought that oil-based cleansers are only recommended for those who wear heavy make-up, but upon reading and exploring more about double cleansing, I realized how essential it was because this paraben-free hypoallergenic sherbet style cleanser does not only removes make-up but also other oil-based products such as SPF, excess sebum, and other pollutants.
Upon opening the tub, it has an additional hard plastic lid where you can put the spatula so that it will not be misplaced. Some bloggers/vloggers said that All Clean Balm is better than the Clean It Zero (Banila Co.); honestly, I was not able to tell any difference because both products did not gave me irritation after using and both performed well in removing impurities. Personally, I think what makes All Clean Balm better is due to its better packing and mild yet effective formulation. (I have even learned from Joan, a beauty and lifestyle vlogger, that the people behind the formulation of All Clean Balm used to work for Banila Co.!) It also has donkey milk (in their new formulation) which helps retain the moisture and suppleness even after use.
Ingredient Highlights: Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil
Full Ingredient List: Water, cyclopentasiloxane, zinc oxide(ci 77947), dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, peg-10 dimethicone, dicaprylyl carbonate, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), isodecyl neopentanoate, niacinamide, disteardimonium hectorite, camellia sinensis leaf extract, mica (ci 77019), dimethicone, magnesium sulfate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, methicone, phenoxyethanol, aluminum hydroxide, glyceryl caprylate, fragrance, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, stearic acid, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, tocopheryl acetate, caprylyl glycol, adenosine, iron oxides (ci 77492), triethoxycaprylylsilane, biosaccharide gum-1, iron oxides (ci 77491), iron oxides (ci 77499), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camellia japonica leaf extract, orchid extract, citrus unshiu peel extract, opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract, saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate Way back, I thought sunscreens are specially meant when you’re just out on the beach; but now, Korean skincare taught me how important sunscreen is to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Soko Glam co-founder, Charlotte Cho suggests that you should apply sunscreen all the time because most of the sun exposure does not come from the beach or entire days outside, but from everyday exposure that adds up over time.
Before, I hate wearing sunscreens because it feels thick on my face and leaves a white cast. But Innisfree’s Perfect UV Protection Cream does the exact opposite to my face. Formulated with sunflower oil and green tea extract from Jeju which protects against UV rays, the UV Protection Cream has a lightweight consistency, easily spreadable, and fast-absorbing. It also claims to be long-lasting and water-proof which is essential in preventing skin from the greasy feel with sweat and sebum throughout the day. While it may leave a little white cast upon first application, it easily blends onto my face after spreading evenly. It has a slight powdery scent but nonetheless it does not irritate my skin.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
I rarely experience breakouts but when I do, it’s probably because it is the time of the month again or an allergic reaction to a particular product. The brand COSRX (which stands for Cosmetics + RX (prescription)) aims to develop products with safe and natural ingredients which are friendly for all skin types. COSRX is considered to be a catalyst in manufacturing this spot acne/pimple treatment which is designed to shrink and heal active acne/pimples. A pack of the Acne Pimple Master Patch contains 24 patches with 3 different sizes to ensure various pimple sizes to be covered well.
I was sceptic about buying this product at first because it is a little bit pricey for me and I don’t really need much of it. But it was a good thing that I have given a try to this because it does wonders in minimizing the troubled area overnight! The patch breaks down germs and absorbs oil and waste from the pimple very effectively. What I also love about the product is how well packaged they are plus the patches are translucent, skin-colored and lightweight that it does not feel uneasy even after application.
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Ingredient Highlights: Volcanic Ash, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extrac, Orchid Extract
Full Ingredient List: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Volcanic Ash, Glycerin, Silica, Trehalose, Kaolin, Bentonite, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide (Ci 77947), Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Pvp, Peg-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lactic Acid, Polyisobutene, Menthoxypropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Polysorbate 20, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol Who would have thought that there could be a lot of skincare benefits in using products made of volcanic ash?! Although before (pre-skincare addiction 😈) I have noticed that some nose pore packs are made of volcanic ash, I have never realized how great it is for my skin not until I tried using my other favorite Innisfree product, the Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.
Particularly, the volcanic ash property on said product is taken from a particular island in Korea which is rich in numerous skincare ingredients, Jeju. No wonder all Innisfree product ingredients are carefully and particularly hand-picked in Jeju. This clay mask has a 6-in-1 treatment which claims to shrink pores, control sebum, exfoliate, deeply cleanse, brighten skin tone and cool. What I love the most about this product is the cooling effect upon rinsing; it just refreshes my face and the little granules of volcanic ash does the trick in removing dead skin cells because my face just feels so smooth and even afterwards. Unlike other wash-off mask, I did not feel any tightness on my face, and a little amount of which can also go a long way, it is worth the price. (I think almost all Innisfree products are!)
Neogen
Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads (Green Tea)
(This photo was taken from Neogen Dermalogy's website because I already ran out of Green Tea,
what I have left is Wine 😔)
Ingredient Highlights: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Extract and Oil
Full Ingredient List: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Benzophenone-5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, FragranceAgain, (obviously) this is green tea product related. I told you, I love them hahaha.
Based on their website, Neogen Dermalogy “creates high performance beauty brands based on the core principles of advanced bio technology for ultimate skin benefits”. Quite overwhelming, isn’t it? But true to its claim, Neogen products have always been raved about due to its great formulation and latest skincare innovations without compromising one’s skin health.
The Gauze Peeling Pads are the first product that I have tried from Neogen and giiiiirl, they did not disappoint! These exfoliating pads give gentle yet very effective exfoliation of dead skin cells and other impurities. It has mineral ingredients from green tea which helps refresh skin and at the same time replenish the moisture. What I love the most is how innovative these pads are because exfoliating is more fun when I use this one because it is very easy and fast to use. Not to mention the green tea scent which I suuuuper love, the pads are also soaked in a generous amount of serum and so I feel like efficacy of product is really there.
Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition
Ingredient Highlights: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Aloe, Centella Asiatica Extract
Full Ingredient List: Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Arbutin, Aloe, rh-Oligopeptide-1, Dimethicone, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract, Ougidan Extract (Mixture Extract of Paecilomyces japonica, Acanthopanax senticosus, Ganoderam Lucidum, Deer antlers, and Panax Ginseng Root), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA Essences are considered to be the heart of skincare routine. They have thinner and more watery consistency than serum, but they have active ingredients that aim to hydrate, brighten, and even out skin tone. Just like any other skincare products, a lot of essences are sold in the market. Probably two of the famous ones are (the EVER expensive) SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and its dupe, the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence. I was looking for a much cheaper essence than those aforementioned, and luckily I came across Renee’s (Youtuber/skincare enthusiast) video and I noticed an unfamiliar product which is the Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence (Rose Edition).
This was the first essence that I have used and so far it does a good job in making my face more hydrated and prepped for the succeeding skincare routine. The essence also has a lightweight consistency like that of Missha (I have tried it twice, though), does not have any scent and absorbs pretty well too. The star ingredient is the 94% galactomyces ferment filtrate in the essence which fights the targeting fine lines, dullness, and uneven skintone, while improving elasticity and hydration. This one can be another dupe from Missha because I think that its properties are the same, but cheaper price.
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
So that pretty much sums up all my most favorite skincare products for 2017! I tried to keep them as short as possible, heehee. 😇 I hope I have imparted new things especially to those who are interested into Korean skincare. I cannot wait to try (and hoard) more products in 2018. 😈 (Although one of my resolutions for this year is to save more, it just gets tougher when it comes to skincare. 😀)
GOMAWO!
your full-time skincare influencer,
Abby 💗
