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Beauty: Skincare & Makeup
71
items My recommendations for skincare and makeup, and smaller shops to purchase these products from. I have combination oily / normal skin and these work for me!
Map
Sections
7
Skincare: Cleansers
Skincare: Toners & Serums
Skincare: Moisturizer
Skincare: Sunscreen
Makeup
Makeup: Eyes
Skincare: Cleansers
Step 1: cleanse your skin in the am and the pm. Use a water based cleanser in the am. Use an oil based cleanser whenever you wear makeup or sunscreen (which should be everyday!) for your pm cleanse, then follow with a water based cleanser.
Oil based cleanser. Slight fragrance, not super noticeable. This is the original cleansing balm, but I also really like the purifying version. Starts as a solid balm that dissolves into more of a liquid as you massage it into your skin. Slight emulsi...
Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm - Banila Co | Ulta Beauty
Water based cleanser. I really like the Innisfree cleansers - I've used a number of different cleansers from this brand and have liked all of the ones I've used. The green tea line is great as a hydrating cleanser.
innisfree Face Wash & Cleansers | Sephora
Water based cleanser. I also really liked my nourishing Laneige cleanser, but that one has been discontinued. This brand is like the big sister to Innisfree but for cleansers, I don't think you need a super expensive cleanser. That said, I do think t...
LANEIGE Cleansers | Sephora
A top selling cleansing oil in Korea - this is similar to the balms, but starts in a more liquid form (would recommend not traveling with this as it'll be messier). Similar to the balms, gently massage a pump onto your face and rinse with water. Foll...
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean - 6.7 oz
Skincare: Toners & Serums
Restore the balance of your skin, rehydrate, and then address any specific problem areas.
My daily clarifying lotion (use after cleanser, before toner)
Clarifying Lotion 3 - Exfoliator for Combo Oily Skin
SEPHORA - This is a massive pack of skincare sheet masks for face, eye, hands, and feet. I love this because it's perfect for breaking apart and regifting. I like to build my own spa kits as gifts with these sheet masks and some additional spa treats...
Sephora: Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance, Hair & Beauty Products
I can't actually tell if I like the way it feels when I put it on - it feels more drying than some of my other creams with niacinimide. However, I do think it has helped reduce my overall oiliness as the day goes on - I don't notice the shine as badl...
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
I just started using this after doing some research on the benefits of vitamin c. I had an acne scar on my cheek that was decently dark and I do think it has lightened up since I started using this vitamin c serum as part of my daytime routine. While...
The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity
I love the light fragrance of the Orchid enriched toner - I also love the niacinimide and “orchid elixir”. Not sure what the latter is, but I have noticed an improvement in overall skin texture since I started using this more regularly.
Innisfree | Sephora
A lightweight serum with niacinimide and cherry blossom to provide a glowing skin foundation. I like the light fragrance but if you're sensitive, this is definitely noticeable. Between the cherry and the orchid, I think I prefer the orchid toner.
Toner + Essence
I would describe this emulsion as a cross between a serum and a lotion (which is exactly what an emulsion should be!). It still has a watery texture but holds itself together until spread on the face better than a fully-liquid toner would. However, i...
20% OFF Moisturizers
I actually got this from Costco when they had it available. I don't love the packaging for dispensing - I find it easy to accidentally get too much out. It's also frustrating when you try to be careful and very little actually comes out. I'm not sure...
Lancôme Tonique Confort Hydrating Facial Toner
I got this in my Peter Thomas Roth hydration holiday gift set and while I absolutely loved the moisturizer, hands down one of the best I've ever tried, I was less in-love with this product at first. However, I did end up liking this one the more I us...
Water Drench® Hyaluronic Glow Serum
Love the hydration you get from snail mucin (stick with me here - it's a cosmetic grade ingredient, not just scraped off the sidewalk!). This is the OG snail product and great for all skin types. Use after cleansing and before layering on moisturizer...
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
For oily skin friends (though this is suitable for all skin types!), I would recommend this product for increasing skin hydration. Birch sap is non-sticky and absorbs well. I find it feels very light on the skin. I know it says lotion, but it's a lot...
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Recently started using this and I really like the formulation! Unlike my previous Vitamin C serum from The Ordinary, this is a pump style instead of a dropper. It's also a thicker, gel like formulation and doesn't feel oily at all. It does have a lig...
OLIVE YOUNG Global | Korea's No. 1 Health & Beauty Store
This hyaluronic serum received high marks from shoppers at Olive Young (a Korean beauty store). I haven't started using this one on a regular basis, but I'm excited to see if it lives up to its moisturizing marketing game.
Torriden Dive In Serum 50mL Special Set (+Multi Pad 10P) | OLIVE YOUNG Global
I've been using this AHA/BHA toner from CosRx lately in place of my usual Clinique combination - I was feeling like I wasn't seeing as much dry skin removal with the Clinique so I switched it up. I'm honestly not sure if it's actually improving my sk...
OLIVE YOUNG Global | Korea's No. 1 Health & Beauty Store
Skincare: Moisturizer
I first got this moisturizer as part of a holiday bundle where it also came with the serum. While I haven't tried the serum, I would seriously repurchase the moisturizer. It's pricey, but I have noticed more plump skin (more moisturized looking) and ...
Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer
I love the gel cream texture - another watery gel cream like the Nature Republic. This has a light floral fragrance and includes niacinimide for smoothing and plumping features. Pairs well with the other orchid
Orchid
Another watery-gel type cream. I also love this one when it comes in the holiday bundles to try some of the other products. I think this one feels very weightless on the skin and absorbs well. Dry skin types might like their more hydrating base versi...
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer With ...
actually like this more moisturizing cream base as well as someone with combo skin. It works great when my skin is drier (eg winter) but I also like it as a night mask year round. I feel like it helps to lock in the other serums I've layered undernea...
The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb - belif
Love this moisturizer for winter time but it might be slightly too moisturizing for summertime unless you have very dry skin.
Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel-Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
This was the gel cream that started it all for me. Solid, no fragrance choice that gets the job done. Excellent for all skin types, but if you've got drier skin, I would recommend doing the cream version instead.
Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Gel for Skin Barrier Repair
I actually haven't used this particular product - I'm currently using the Mizon All-in-One snail repair moisturizer. However, this is the moisturizer from the same line as the COSRx Snail Mucin Power essence linked above. If you don't like mixing pro...
3.52 oz Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Also available as a travel size moisturizer! The jar is slightly too large at over 3 oz
1.76 oz Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
I know the product is branded for men, but I've used it and loved it as a multi-purpose moisturizer. The caffeine helps to wake up your skin in the morning and the SPF is a great add (though I still use my actual dedicated SPF on top). I wouldn't rec...
Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment SPF 20 - Kiehl’s
I really liked this eye cream - it's a balm and not a cream so I feel like it's easier to use correctly and not use too much. It is a small amount for a large amount of money, but because you aren't overusing the balm, it does last a long time. I als...
Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm
I love the way this goes on the face - slightly gooey but feels so moisturizing! Super hydrating, so pat it in.
MIZON - All In One Snail Repair Cream 75ml
A solid dupe for the kdrama popular Kahi Bounce Stick - I like that there are two sticks here for you and a friend. I didn't really notice a difference in my own use between the hydrating versus the collagen focused (blue and pink) but I did notice t...
The SAEM Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick 0.24oz
Skincare: Sunscreen
Apparently voted Korea's favorite sunscreen - watery texture with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c for skin boosting properties. This is a daily sunscreen and from what I've tested, it lives up to the hype. I need to do a full test of this versus the Bi...
ROUND LAB BIRCH JUICE MOISTURIZING SUNSCREEN 50ml Set | OLIVE YOUNG Global
SHISEIDO - Urban Environment Oil-Free
Loved the older formulation of this product, haven't bought it since the repackage, but for the older version, it felt great going on. No oiliness, and even felt like it mattified my skin a bit. No noticeable whi...
Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42
I love the texture of this Biore sunscreen - it's the watery essence versus the cream formulation. Note that it says essence but it does have some substance - think of it like a very easy to absorb lightweight gel. It feels light and non greasy, does...
Kao - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF ...
I typically recommend Asian sunscreens because I love the way they feel on skin and because they use newer technology and UV filters that aren’t available in the American market yet. However, I really like this Supergoop sunscreen for its watery text...
Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
One of my most repurchased - I really like the ingredients that offer additional skincare benefits: Hyaluronic acid to add moisture and cica to reduce inflammation. I could see this one being a great sunscreen if you accidentally get a little too muc...
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50mL*2ea (Twin pack) | OLIVE YOUNG Global
Love this for reapplication on the go. Clear finish and goes on well over makeup - though I would recommend cleaning it off if you do. Or keep one stick for over makeup and one stick for clean face reapplication. Note that this does have a more dewy/...
Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Don't forget your lips! The skin here can burn as well - I've found this one to feel pretty good on the lips without too much greasiness and no weird aftertaste!
Alert
I tried this sunscreen on during a ski trip and loved how it felt on the skin. No more goggle tans and it blended in well on my skin without noticeable white cast. It did feel moisturizing, but not overly so - there was less of a lasting “moisture” f...
NEOGEN - Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
This is the Skin1004 sunscreen option that was recommended for those with more oily skin or those who prefer a mineral sunscreen option as this a 100% zinc oxide protection product. I am curious as to how well this blends into the skin as I do feel t...
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Sun Cream Light 50mL | OLIVE YOUNG Global
I really like the way this feels and dries down - it almost acts like a bit of a primer in that it provides a nice matte finish. It doesn't feel overly oily or greasy, but it's easy to put on. I recommend dropping it onto your face directly because i...
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk 60mL | OLIVE YOUNG Global
I love that this Korean sunscreen comes in a larger size - perfect for keeping at home for full body sunscreen application. It's lightweight, but not milky and absorbs well without feeling greasy. Can be used on both face and body, but I prefer some ...
YesStyle: Beauty, Skin Care, and Health and Wellness
A top rated Consumer Reports sunscreen that actually provides the level of SPF protection that it claims to provide. While I still prefer Asian formulations, this one is an Australian formulation and you know they deal with the sun there! It’s pretty...
Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! Body Sunscreen - SPF 50 - 3.4 fl oz
A top rated Thai sunscreen to try!
MISTINE Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 50 1.35oz
Makeup
SEPHORA - PRIMER
This one was recommended to me by the MUA who did my beauty lesson at Sephora as one that was an excellent choice for long-lasting and sweat-resistance. I've tested it briefly, but ended up reverting to my No Poreblem Primer to use i...
Secure The Sweat Waterproof Mattifying Primer
TARGET - PRIMER
I've seen great recommendations for this as a dupe of Milk makeup's grippy primer. There are two versions - the original and a version with niacinamide for extra ~skincare glow~.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer - Clear 0.811 fl oz
SEPHORA - MOISTURIZER / FOUNDATION - TARTE
I loved the Amazonian clay foundation, but I haven't been able to re-find my shade after their formulation change. I was able to use this instead since it's a much lighter coverage and a good match isn't as ...
amazonian clay bb tinted moisturizer SPF 20
SEPHORA - FOUNDATION - YSL
I was matched to LC6 when I was in store. I do really like the feel on skin: doesn't feel super heavy or cakey, looks and feels pretty matte on combo skin, but does have a more natural finish and not as flat.
Pricey but a ...
All Hours Luminous Natural Matte Foundation 24H Longwear SPF 30 with Hyaluronic Acid
SEPHORA - FOUNDATION - LAURA MERCIER
I've been testing this Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting waterproof foundation in 1C2 Chiffon and I find that it has a little more slip initially when first placed on the face than the YSL All Hours. It does dry...
Laura Mercier Foundation | Sephora
FOUNDATION - DIOR
I have also been testing the Dior Forever Matte foundation in 1CR. I didn't find this to be as full coverage in a single swipe as the YSL, but it is still a comfortable matte foundation. It holds up to the transfer-proof name as I d...
Dior Forever
SEPHORA - POWDER
Link for the Bare Minerals of you prefer to shop from Sephora.
Original Loose Talc-Free Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
ULTA - POWDER
Link for if you prefer to purchase the Bare Minerals powder from Ulta.
ORIGINAL Loose Talc-Free Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 - bareMinerals | Ulta Beauty
ULTA - CC Sunscreen
This innovative CC cream starts out white but as you use your fingers to blend it in, the encapsulated color pigments are revealed and blend to your skin tone. There are three shade families: light, medium, and dark. Note that thi...
CC Cream SPF 25 with Korean Centella Asiatica Extract - Erborian | Ulta Beauty
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH, BRONZER) - NARS
I don't use a lot of bronzer or blush, so this duo is perfect for me on the road or at home. I use the Orgasm / Laguna combo, but you may prefer another combo based on your skin tone. Both blend beautifully and...
Blush Bronzer Duo
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH) - NARS
I was recommended Behave as a great neutral pink option that was more matte than the Orgasm blush that I had been using prior. I think it creates a more dramatic flush than is noticeable with Orgasm, but the Nars blush ...
Talc-Free Powder Blush
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH)
If you're looking for a cheaper dupe that's in the same color range as the Nars Behave blush, the Sephora Colorful blush in shade Shame on You is pretty close. As someone who doesn't often use blush, I think this works for my...
Sephora Colorful® Blush
BLUSH / EYESHADOW
I really like this little stick from ELF for on-the-go makeup. Because it can be used on eyes, cheeks, and lips, it helps to create a coehsive monochromatic look. I have two shades, the Glimmering Guava, which reminds me of the NARS...
Monochromatic Multi Stick Makeup
Makeup: Eyes
SEPHORA - BROWS
I really like the triangular shaped pencil - I find it works best for 1) newbies and 2) people without a lot of time but want a little bit of brow clean up. I fell into both categories when I first found this product. Previously had b...
Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil
TARGET - EYELINER
An affordable brush-style liner that goes on as easily as my favorite Chacott for Professionals (which looks like it's discontinued). The upside of the waterproofing is that it really does NOT move at all (wore it all day in the Flo...
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner - Black - 0.018 fl oz
ULTA - EYELINER
The best dupe I could find for my favorite NARS long-lasting liner in Via Appia (a beautiful coppery brown no longer made).
Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
EYESHADOW
Love the Amazonian clay Tartelette palettes. I find them to have excellent color payoff and blendable. I have the Matte palette and the Toasted palette.
The Matte palette can be intimidating for a beginner like myself but the included gui...
Eyeshadow Palettes, Kits & Cream Eyeshadows
SEPHORA - EYESHADOW
The Naked palettes have a cult following for their easy blendability and great shade pairings. I have the original Naked palette which is more copper based and I still use it almost 10 years later 🤷🏻♀️I also have the Naked3 pal...
Naked3 Soft Pink Eyeshadow Palette
SEPHORA - MASCARA
This was the first mascara that I really loved - lengthening, volumizing, and curling my short lashes. I did find that it transferred to my bottom lash line over the course of a day, especially if there was a lot of hardcore smiling...
lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 volumizing mascara
SEPHORA - MASCARA
I actually really like this high end mascara brand - I find that it really lifts my short lashes and the formulation itself goes on easily without mess. I have tried a number of drugstore dupes but find that the formulas tend to be...
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
SEPHORA - MASCARA
While I don't love volumizing mascaras on their own because I have shorter lashes, I love layering them on top of a lengthening / curling one to add volume after the fact. This one has been great, I use it with the ELF Lash n Roll m...
Perversion Mascara | URBAN DECAY ≡ SEPHORA
Honestly one of my favorite lip products - definitely more single use than a traditional Vaseline would be (that I use on both lips and then all over anywhere else that may be feeling dry, especially back of the hand) given the pigmentation. I think ...
Vaseline Lip Therapy Mini Lip Balm - Rosy - Travel Size - 0.25oz
Makeup: Lips
Love this drugstore brand of lipstick. I have a matte red and a pearlescent fuschia that I go to time after time. I love that it isn't full of other ingredients as I have sensitive lips and prefer to not mess with my existing lip skincare routine whe...
Super Lustrous Lipstick - Revlon | Ulta Beauty
I don't know what magic this is, but this makes your lips like your lips, but better. I got this as part of a birthday gift from Sephora along with the mini Laguna bronzer and I would actually repurchase the large size of this balm.
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm - Laguna Collection
This is also magic, but it creates the perfect pink on your natural lip color and smells / tastes not terrible! It's a fantastic shade for summer and can be used to dress up or down your makeup look depending on how you pair it with eyes.
Winky Lux Watermelon Jelly Lip Balm- 0.13oz
I'm not sure if it's an exact dupe for Charlotte Tillbury pillow talk, but it works beautifully for a natural look for my lip tone. I also have the CT pillow talk liner and I find that this one is approximately the same color but easier to use since ...
Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner with Built in Sharpener - Nude - 0.01oz
Black Honey is one of the most flattering color on many skin tones. It adjusts to your skin to provide a berry wash on top. Note that this will look a lot more dramatic on lighter skin.
Almost Lipstick
It’s such a beautiful shade for a barely-there color but shiny look for your lips. I have it in the old packaging so no clue how the new one is, but I keep it by my workstation and just touch up before my on-camera calls
Peach (formerly Bare) Shiny Sheer Lip Gloss - ULTA Beauty Collection | Ulta Beauty