Bottled Roses
South Korea's beauty industry is rapidly growing as the pioneer of innovative products going beyond textbook routines and beauty basics.
So why are women worldwide flocking to the world of K-Beauty for the newest makeup trend or skincare tips? Mix top quality and drugstore prices together, jampacked with functions and benefits to last 10-step routines, wrapped with genius packaging - and you get the babies of K-Beauty empire.
Did I mention the exotic ingredients? Koreans aren't afraid to put benefits found in foods and animals to multiple uses, including their diets and skincare. Ever heard of creams made out of snail slime? Sounds strange, but heard the stuff works! Its regenerating and firming properties make it a top-selling skincare ingredient on the Korean market.
Before I get to horse oils and bee venom serums though, let me introduce you to a K-Beauty product with a universally loved beauty ingredient: roses.
A lovely rose toner you can use in 3 different ways!
1. Toner
After cleansing, apply on your face with cotton pads to prep for skincare.
2. Mist
Keep in a mist bottle for a daytime refresher.
3. Mask
Drench 4-5 cotton pads and apply on your face as a brightening mask. After 10-20 minutes, or when the pads start drying, remove and gently pat the face to absorb the nutrients. Proceed with lotion.
My favorite use is the mist! I keep the bottle in my bag and spray throughout the day. It immediately refreshes and hydrates - and takes me to an imaginary rose garden for a moment.
Benefits
Killer scent and super hydration. Contains 90.89 rose water. Loaded up with nutrients that smells good and works wonders on summer skin. Great for calming and hydrating.
This just might be your next alternative for your favorite rose toner.
#2. Mamonder First Energy Serum
Koreans are all about fermented products. This serum contains 60-day fermented flowers, or "flower vinegar." It has anti-aging and brightening benefits. It sets the face for skincare, with an extra dosage of nutrients. (Y'know, fermented superpowers!) Read more about benefits of fermented beauty products here.
This serum is a unique product that I haven't found likes of in the States. Instead of a typical sticky liquid you associate with serums, the formula is non-sticky and clear with a lotion-like texture. You apply it as the first step in your skincare (even before toner) not to wipe away excess dirt, but to boost the skin before thicker lotions and creams. You can use a cotton pad or apply directly and pat to absorb.
When I first saw these products in Korea, I fell in love with their packaging. During the holiday season, Korean beauty brands release redesigned versions of their best-selling products, often with more product and same price. These limited "special edition" babies sell out immediately once they hit the market.
I happened to be one of the lucky ones when I scored these two items. Holiday or not, both products continue to fly off the shelves of a well-known Korean beauty brand, Mamonde.
I'm just as in love with these two items as the first day I laid eyes on them - and it doesn't look like my affections will run out anytime soon.
What are some of your favorite K-Beauty products?