No. 39

Skincare & haircare essentials

Due to the many questions I received about my Korea trip (namely, the best and worst skincare) I wanted to give you guys a bonus issue this week on skincare and haircare heroes I’ve selected throughout the years (both from Korea, and elsewhere).

I’ve gone through a few phases with skincare and haircare, starting with my “maybe moisturizer if I feel like it” phase that lasted from high school through age 23. I’m lucky enough to have friends who have always known much more about skincare than I have, so I started from a solid foundation when I first began experimenting. Over the years I’ve done enough research and testing to give them a run for their money. Now I have opinions! And strong ones at that, with results to back it up. Below is a comprehensive list of the items I absolutely love, and why. The best part? It’s a real mixed bag: some of my favorite products are $600, some are $50, some are $10. I’ve learned (the hard way) that price doesn’t always equate to quality.

Bonjout Le Balm is an all-in-one that has a rich formula that melts into the skin. I absolutely love the hydration, brightness, and life this infuses and don’t leave home without it.

Sunday Riley CEO Glow since you should always start the day with an active, this vitamin C oil goes on smooth and is incredibly effective. I’ve seen a huge difference since using in my tone and brightness.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Ampoule purchased in Korea, a ginseng serum that soothes my skin at night after long days in the sun and out of the house when I don’t want to use an active.

Biologique Recherche Complexe Iribiol for when a breakout emerges, there’s no better fact-acting natural solution.

Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment I don’t use retinol on my face but it works wonders on the back of my hands, with my favorite type of applicator.

Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen purchased in Korea, this is a real sunscreen-lovers sunscreen. It DOES have a white cast, but if you apply a more sheer layer, and then another layer later in the day (actually how sunscreen is supposed to be applied), it looks sheer and natural. And most importantly: it actually works.

Remedy Barrier Repairing Rich Cream Moisturizer - I have chronically dehydrated skin and this cream provides real moisture that I can lather on at night before my Bonjout balm. It’s rich, yet quick absorbing, and the price can’t be beat.

Tower 28 Sunny Days Tinted Sunscreen I only wear makeup on special occasions, unless you count this tinted sunscreen from Tower 28 that goes on smooth and provides even tone and a glow. We love a product that does double duty!

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil for when I wear tinted sunscreen or makeup, this cleansing oil goes on dry, and removes stubborn dirt and makeup from my pores ahead of cleansing again with…

Dr. G pH Cleansing Gel Foam - another Korea find! This is my only face wash when I don’t wear tinted sunscreen, or I use it after cleansing oil for an effective double cleanse.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser when I need something a little more intense than a gel cleanser, this lightweight exfoliant doesn’t irritate skin.

Cinq Mondes Exfoliant graines et fleurs speaking of exfoliants, using this before any face masks ensures perfect, glowing skin (plus, it’s natural, so you’re only using grains and flowers to slough off any dead skin).

Biologique Recherche VIP 02 Masque an iconic masque for travel or anyone who lives in an area with a lot of pollution. In many cases, the issues we see in our skin are environmental (I’m looking at the 90% of my readers who live in a big city) and this (along with the entire VIP O2 line from BR, for that matter) provides a block that prevents any of the yuckiness of the air from getting in and ruining your gorgeous glow.

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant the masque vivant is for everyone: whether you want to even out your tone and texture, or reduce redness or inflammation. Fair warning, it smells gross, but works like a charm before any big event.

La Luer Mira Facial Treatment System Pro I was lucky enough to try before I bought, and this is the holy grail for anyone who loves a NuFace or a LED mask. The Mira combines both to meet your skin needs, whatever they may be: there are settings to lift, to sooth acne, to brighten, and to encourage better absorption. It’s got a higher price tag, but if you’re committed to a lifted face this is a must-have. P.S. - it’s perfect for travel!

Goop 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel for when you need a mini chemical facial at home, glycolic acid has always been the ticket for me. These peels are easy to apply and travel with, which means when your skin is hungry for some brightness before a wedding in a climate it’s unfamiliar in, these do a dream job of prepping the skin.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Clay Mask a classic clay mask is always effective, and this Kiehl’s mask is rich, thick, and immediately impacts tone and puffiness. The best clay mask I have ever used: it’s famous for a reason.

Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment as we make our way into hair-ittory, a newer addition to my arsenal is this magic glass hair treatment, that provides the smoothest, silkiest locks you can possibly imagine.

Shiseido Fino hair mask I rotate between my glass hair treatment and the iconic Fino hair mask (which a few years ago I would have to venture into Japantown for, but can now be found at Target). The hype is real, I have 3 years of good hair to show for it (and trust me, I wasn’t born with good hair).

Kerastase Nutritive Shampoo leaves my strands feeling clean but not stripped of moisture, a hard balance to strike.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile on both wet and dry hair ensures my hair stays silky smooth for days.

Goop Clean Nourishing Lip Balm Trio I love these so much I immediately bought a second pack, these lightweight balm-meets-lipsticks provide a sheer wash of color with all day hydration. I absolutely love them.

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Lip Color for another balm / lipstick baby: this one comes in the chicest, sculptural case you ever did see!

CNP Laboratory Propolis Lipcerin Fruity my friend Emily grabbed this on a whim in Korea, and it quickly has become our favorite chapstick, ever. No contest. Lightweight, hydrating, non-addictive, and smells like an absolute dream. You NEED this chapstick.

Monastery Lapiz Body Oil I’ve been using this for the last two years, and have yet to find a body oil that provides a lit-from-within glow. Absolutely incredible.

Oak Essentials Perfecting Body Scrub because our bodies need care too, especially during the transitional seasons.

Necessaire The Body Wash, Eucalyptus as a true California girl, I can’t get enough eucalyptus. This concentrated body wash smells luxurious, and doesn’t dry out my skin.

Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen yes it’s silly, but the most important part of sunscreen is actually applying it, and if applying it is actually FUN, I’m more likely to do it. I am a tactile girl, and this stuff is easy and fun to apply, even on days where I’m not baking in the sun (ie, when the sun’s rays are most pernicious!)

Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen but when you’re on a boat all day or otherwise celebrating, you may want a little bit of sparkle and glow. My friends and I are all deeply obsessed with the heavenly smell and smoldering glow this Kopari oil delivers along with much-needed SPF.

Death Valley Body Hand Wash maybe this one is a bit of a bonus, but I pride myself on providing a variety of delicious hand soaps throughout my home, and this one takes gold for number of compliments received.