Keeping the skin around your eyes looking bright, firm, and smooth can take years off of your face, which is why using an eye cream is an important step in your routine. But if you’ve been applying it religiously and you’re not seeing these results, what gives? 

We spoke with a board-certified dermatologist and an esthetician to get the scoop on the potential reasons why your eye cream may not be working for you. Below, we’ve outlined problems that inhibit an eye cream’s effectiveness and how you can get results.

You’re not giving your eye cream enough time to work.

Eye creams generally take four to six weeks for the active ingredients to make a noticeable difference on your skin, so think twice before ditching your eye cream if you haven’t given it adequate time to work. 

You’re not pairing your eye cream with SPF.

You’ve likely heard before that wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent wrinkles, and well, it’s true. “The benefits of the right eye cream go out the window if you don’t use them in connection with a sunscreen,” says Sarah Akram, a master esthetician based in Washington D.C. 

To keep the area around your eyes smooth and young, be diligent about sunscreen and wear sunglasses with UV protection. You can also use a concealer that contains SPF under your eyes. Akram likes the Clé de Peau Concealer SPF 25.

Your eye cream doesn’t have the right ingredients for your skin concerns.

Using the right eye cream to target your skin care concerns is absolutely essential for seeing results. 

“Seven out of ten first time clients I see are using eye cream products that lack key ingredients, including antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, peptides, or retinol which smooth, firm, and brighten skin around the eyes,” says Akram. 

To determine the right ingredients to look for, first consider the specific concerns you want to tackle.

For dark circles,  Dr. Debra Jaliman, an NYC-based dermatologist, recommends looking for eye cream products with niacinamide. For puffiness, she likes caffeine, and for moisture, she’s a fan of formulas with hyaluronic acid.

Try the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream. Formulated with licorice water and licorice extract, niacinamide, caffeine and sodium hyaluronate, this powerful eye cream will help brighten dark circles and hyperpigmentation, hydrate and depuff your eyes like magic.

For fine lines, Akram suggests a formula that’s loaded with antioxidants, peptides, and retinol like the C-Quence Eye Gel by Environ.

RELATED:  How to Find the Right Eye Cream For Your Skin Concern

And just as it’s important to look for ingredients you want in your eye cream, it’s also key to look out for the ingredients that might work against you. For example, Dr. Jaliman recommends that those with milia (tiny cysts that are clogged pores), avoid greasy eye cream that contains pore-clogging ingredients. A lightweight, gentle eye cream like the Erborian Seve De Bamboo Eye Matte would be more ideal.

You have unrealistic expectations about your eye cream.

Unfortunately no skin care product can totally reverse the hands of time – there are limits. If you’re not getting the results you want, it may be time to seek a professional treatment. “Some think [eye cream] will get rid of deep crow’s feet, when what they really need is Botox,” says Dr. Jaliman. 

You’re using too much eye cream.

So you’re using large portions of eye cream every night, and still not seeing results? As it turns out, the amount you’re using may actually be the problem. It’s easy to think that using more will lead to stronger results, but this actually isn’t the case.

While it’s okay to apply eye cream in the morning and at night, “using more doesn’t mean you will get a better result from your eye cream,” says Dr. Jaliman. “A pea-size is all you need”. 

You’re just not getting enough sleep.

Of all the solutions to maximize the effectiveness of your eye cream, this is the one you have the most agency over. Getting a proper amount of sleep will do wonders for making your eyes look awake and bright. Taking care of yourself keeps your skin young and happy, too.

“Smoking, a poor diet, and improper sleep habits all contribute to poor skin health, particularly around the eyes,” says Akram. “I always say to my clients, ‘good skin health is similar to losing weight—you can’t out-run a poor diet.’ The right eye cream only works in concert with a good diet and sleep regimen.”

The Bottom Line

Eye cream is not often cheap, so you want to make sure it’s doing its job. Remember to consider your main skin concerns and active ingredients. Once you’ve found “the one”, don’t forget the SPF and your beauty rest. 

Wondering why your cleanser isn’t working? Click here. 

Wondering why your acne products aren’t working? Click here. 

Wondering why your moisturizer isn’t working? Click here. 

The post Why Your Eye Cream Isn’t Working appeared first on The Klog.

Aries (March 21—April 20)

Sweet Aries, 2020 is your year. It’s all about luck, success, and achieving your goals for the next twelve months. Alongside an increase in productivity and professional prosperity, you’ll experience an increase in your energy and mood. Channel these good vibes for the better this year, and take advantage of your natural whims to create, inspire, and prosper. Indeed, Aries, you’ll find yourself more attuned and capable of creating a socially, professionally, and academically successful lifestyle for yourself.

Why not incorporate a brightening essence like the Then I Met You Giving Essence into your routine so that your shining skin mirrors your shining achievements?

Taurus (April 20—May 21)

Hang on tight, Taurus, for 2020 is a big year for you. Continue to build on everything you desired in 2020, and look forward to seeing the rewards of your efforts as they come to a head this year. For you Earth signs, the start of the new decade brings along with it new promise; promise for significant wealth and abundance in your relationships with love, family, friends, and yourself. Don’t be afraid to set new goals this year, and keep reaching for the ones you’ve already established! You might feel the strain of your efforts as you continue to work for what you want, but in the end, the means will be worth it.

In the meantime, use the perfect serum to treat problem areas, so your skin is relaxed and renewed as you focus on your future.

For oily OR combination skin types, try the Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Serum

For dry OR sensitive skin types, try the Isntree Spot Saver Mugwort Ampoule 

Gemini (May 21—June 21)

2020 is all about pushing yourself, Gemini! With your stars in orbit and Saturn moving with Pluto, this year marks the perfect time to try new things—don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and explore new hobbies, relationships, ideas, and more. It’s important to keep your options open this year and not barricade any aspect of yourself in a box. As an air sign, your expectations of yourself and others might be high, but there’s no better time than the present to mix things up and see what works and what doesn’t when considering what you really want in life. Use this year to really reflect, act, and react, and don’t be afraid to drop dead weight if it no longer adds to your health and happiness.

Scrub away the dirt blocking your goals and your pores with the Neogen A-Clear Soothing Essence Pad, a physical and chemical exfoliator in one that contains salicylic acid. 

Cancer (June 21—July 22)

Dear Cancer, your fight or flight response will be put into full use this year as you face situations that could lead to either prosperance or frustration. This is the time to focus on yourself, and remember that no matter where you might find yourself in 2020, you’ve got to listen to your intuition and do what’s best for you. Reflect inwards, water signs; use this year for introspection, self-reflection, and making strong decisions. Even during the times of year that seem rough and weathered, draw strength from your Mercury planet to focus on what lies ahead for you.

Follow your instincts, and protect yourself, your feelings, and your face with the Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin to make sure your skin is protected all year.

Leo (July 22—August 22)

Rally your confidence and hold your head high, Leo! This year will be bountiful for you, bringing with it joy and love for you this year. If last year was rough for you, good news: this is your time of relief, your time to kick back and reap the rewards of your labor. Indeed, you’ll likely feel more bright and optimistic than ever for the next twelve months; cheerfulness, productivity, and peace will be plentiful for you, and there’s a good chance the happiness in your aura will draw new friends and companions to your circle.

2020 is for you to refresh yourself, so why not refresh your skin, too, with the perfect sheet mask? 

For oily OR combination skin types, try the Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask

If you have dry skin, try the Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask

If you have sensitive skin, try the #17VDerma Pibu Wang Mask 

Virgo (August 22—September 22)

Hold on tight, Virgo. Being governed by Mercury, which symbolizes change, your 2020 will be a rollercoaster—but not necessarily a bad one. Through the many changes that will come your way this year, it’s up to you to decide whether they’ll be for the better or worse. Your year will kick off in full swing, so remember to use that momentum to keep pushing for all of 2020! Especially in your career, new opportunities and ventures will arise; keep in mind that change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, so don’t be afraid of embracing it. You never know what might happen. As your year races by and you’re faced with decisions and change, you can at least keep your skin in a balanced state with a toner.

No matter your skin type, you can’t go wrong with the crowd-favorite Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner.

Libra (September 22—October 22)

With an emphasis of focusing on your desires and obtaining what you want, 2020 will be a year of relationships for Libras. This year is all about chasing what you want with the right people at your side—as social butterflies, you Libras naturally attract others, and this year it’s important to assess which relationships—family, love, friendships, and professional—are going to support you in the long run. If collaboration doesn’t come easy to you, really use these next months to work on your interpersonal relationships, strengthening the bonds you already have and value whilst forging new ones too.

As you tighten up relationships, firm your skin, too with the Dr Althea Resveratrol 345NA_Intensive Repair Cream.

Scorpio (October 22—November 21)

For Scorpios, 2020 will be a wonderfully lucky year. Indeed, all the stars will really be aligning in your favor this year, and you’ll find yourself feeling fulfilled and enriched. With Pluto in your house of communication, use this year to extend yourself into areas you may have previously been wary of; make the first move, work for that promotion, wear something you may not have before, and let your confidence flow into your aura to make you glow. And when you think you need it, take a step back and remember that, even when things are steadily fantastic, self care is important. Even by doing a simple face mask or reading a book, your relationship with yourself will grow stronger, and you’ll find yourself even happier.

2020 will be clear skies and smooth sailing, Scorpio, and with the Neogen A-Clear Soothing Clear Spot Patch, your skin will reflect how you feel. 

Sagittarius (November 21—December 21)

For you sweet Sagittarius, 2020 brings mental clarity, happiness, and efficiency, which are tools you’ll need to wield tumultuous communications with others. Though 2020 will be fulfilling to you emotionally, bringing with it success and luck, you may find your interactions with others growing more and more confusing, whether because you find yourself miscommunicating your intentions to others or vice versa. So it’s important to be true to yourself this year, focus on what makes you you at your core and use that to set boundaries and goals with others. Search yourself, and ask—what makes you happy, Sagittarius, and how can you achieve that happiness? During times of isolation, reflect on yourself to better connect with others, and during social hours, try and keep in mind how you present yourself.

As you seek to soothe your spirit, use the perfect moisturizer to soothe your skin, too.

If you have oily OR combination skin, try the COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

If you have dry skin, try the SKINRX Lab MadeCera Cream

If you have sensitive skin, try the Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cream 12 

Capricorn (December 21—January 20)

Whether or not 2019 was your year, 2020 is going to be one of the best years for Capricorns, bringing with it high spirits for you. This truly is your year, your moment in the new decade; the dreams you’ve longed for will find themselves in fruition, and you yourself will feel the sparks of creative energy come to life as you build for yourself the life you’ve envisioned. With Uranus in retrograde, this is the perfect time to try new things, if you feel the urge to; your days will be in full saturation regardless, and your dreams will be fulfilled. With so many accomplishments and achievements during your waking hours, use even the times in which you dream to be stronger, more luminous.

Try the Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask this year, and your skin will be just as happy as you are.

Aquarius (January 20—February 19)

As natural wanderers and explorers, 2020 will bring with it ample opportunities for you to extend yourself beyond your comfort zone, Aquarius. Embrace new opportunities and ideas as they come, and remember that familiarity doesn’t always equate peace—there’s always more out there for you in the world, and this year is the perfect time for you to find and try new things to make you happy. Don’t let go of tradition and sentiment, but keep in mind that the way of doing something you’re comfortable with isn’t always the best way to do it. Switch things up a bit, embrace opportunity, and you might find yourself better off because of it. Why not start with your skin, and find the perfect oil cleanser to start you off strong?

If you have oily skin, try the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA]

If you dry skin, try the Solved Coconut Oil Cleansing Pads

If you combination skin, try the Ature Pure Balancing Cleansing Oil

If you have sensitive skin, try the Commleaf Zero Made Green Cleansing Balm

Pisces (February 19—March 21)

Darling Pisces, 2020 is the year of love for you. Love will find you from any and all angles, whether it be in the form of a new relationship, friendship, pet, hobby, etc. Love may not take a usual form, which is why it’s important for you to be open and accepting of anything that comes your way this year; don’t force doors shut before they’re ready to be closed. Your current relationships will heal and strengthen this year, and happiness will work its way to you in abundance as you find yourself fulfilled by the love you have for yourself and others. Your Pluto might have you being wary of failure in relationships, but remember: if you never try, you’ll never know. Listen to your heart and your skin, using the D’alba Piedmont White Truffle First Spray Serum to keep your glowy, luminous, and just as loved as you are.

The post 2020 Skin Scopes: The K-Beauty Products You Need in Your Routine This Year, According to Your Sign appeared first on The Klog.

Essences are lightweight, hydrating concentrates that enhance your complexion. They fall after toning but before moisturizing in your skin care routine, helping you to better absorb treatments, serums, and moisturizers applied afterward.

RELATED: Do You Really Need… an Essence?

While their primary function is to nourish skin, they can have secondary benefits such as fighting breakouts, boosting cell turnover, and soothing skin sensitivities. Read on to discover the essence that can best benefit your skin type.

Combination: Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Essence Water

Combination skin types need an essence that will gently hydrate dry areas of their skin while simultaneously balancing their oils. This lightweight yet effective essence hydrates, softens, and plumps combination skin, while tackling concerns like redness and acne with ingredients like snail secretion filtrate, adenosine, and aloe leaf extract. And with a mild 6.5 pH and no potential irritants, it’s gentle enough for sensitive and damaged combination skin, too.

Oily: Sioris My First Essener

This essence uses ingredients like green tea and mugwort to effectively hydrate, prevent breakouts, control sebum levels, and create a smooth, flawless canvas for your moisturizer and makeup. Moreover, it serves as a 2-in-1 essence AND toner! 

Sensitive: Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion

Rovectin is a K-beauty brand that was originally created for cancer patients, so all of its products are clean and safe for sensitive skin types. This essence reinforces the natural skin barrier with a barrier repair complex, gently exfoliates with natural enzymes, and plumps and hydrates with seven types of hyaluronic acid.

Normal skin: Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom

Going into the colder seasons of the year, normal skin types will want to ensure that they are as glowy and bright as ever, and that they’re cleansing their skin deeply enough to get rid of the oil, sweat, and grime brought on by the heat. The Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom Elixir contains 100%  tremella mushroom extract to plump and hydrate skin. 

Dry: Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence

The Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence uniquely combines glycolic acid and lactic acid to brighten your complexion by clearing dead skin cells and gently exfoliating your skin.

Glycolic acid is a powerful AHA which targets cells efficiently and thoroughly, while lactic acid is gentle and works to improve your skin’s natural moisture levels, leaving your dry skin feeling and looking refreshed and bright. This essence also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin look more supple and smooth, and reduces wrinkles and redness.

The post The Best Essence For Your Skin Type appeared first on The Klog.

As someone with oily skin, I’ve always been wary of using oils on my face. I mean, adding oils to an already oily surface just sounds like it would make the problem worse, right? Especially in summer, which is by and far the most dreaded season for oily skin types, I treat my skin very cautiously to avoid producing excess sebum and clogged pores.

Until recently, I had only used oils on my face sparingly – a dot of rosehip oil to cure a dry patch or carrot seed oil to repair a dark spot. But last week, I tried the Rovectin Barrier Repair Face Oil, and let’s just say that the results were surprising.

Before getting into what it did for my skin, let’s talk ingredients and formula.

Two of the Rovectin Barrier Repair Face Oil’s key ingredients are neroli and sunflower seed oils, both non-pore-clogging and good for acne-prone and oily skin types. It also contains nourishing and restorative ingredients like squalane and tocopherol (vitamin E). The formula is clean, lightweight, and has a fast-absorbing texture.

What it did for my skin:

I began using the face oil by dropping two to three small drops onto my palms and patting it into my skin after cleansing my skin at night. After one use, I woke up with soft and supple skin. When I put my makeup on that morning, it felt like it was going on more smoothly, and my skin felt hydrated throughout the entire next day. Other face oils I had tried in the past left my skin feeling sticky and smothered after putting them on, but this one immediately felt light and nourishing. Throughout the day, it didn’t feel like my skin was being stifled by the oil in the heat; instead, it felt as though I hadn’t applied anything extra at all but my skin had magically been refreshed overnight.

For day two, I decided to mix the face oil with my usual nightly moisturizer for extra hydration rather than using it alone. With only two drops added to a dime-sized pump of moisturizer, my skin was glowing the next day – not shiny, and some dry spots on my chin had even vanished. By day three, my face felt like silk to the touch. Adding the face oil to my routine didn’t make me more oily or clog my pores at all.

I was surprised but excited to find that while using the oil in my routine, it took longer for my face to get oily and shiny throughout the day. My skin is already youthful and firm, but the oil improved my overall complexion by making me look more bright, awake, and refreshed; I even looked more hydrated and moisturized.

Bottom line

The Rovectin Face Oil is extremely lightweight, and adding it to my skin care routine didn’t make my other products feel thick or slimy like I expected, but rather like an extra layer of hydration. Personally, I prefer to mix it with my moisturizer and apply both at the same time before bed to obtain the benefits from both products simultaneously and add some fluidity and hydration to my moisturizer, but using it in replacement of moisturizer works just as well. 

The post The Non-Greasy Face Oil You’ll Actually Want to Apply This Summer appeared first on The Klog.

For so many of us, it’s blackheads standing in the way of achieving flawless, glass skin. No matter how many products you use to treat them, it can sometimes feel like it’s impossible to get rid of them. And as if blackheads aren’t annoying enough, sebaceous filaments, which can look like blackheads but actually aren’t, also like to take up residency our pores.

Read on for the scoop on sebaceous filaments, and how to prevent and treat them.

What is a sebaceous filament?

Sebaceous filaments are made up of oil that forms around the hair follicle, as opposed to blackheads that are made up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Sebaceous filaments enlarge the pore and if they make it to the surface of skin, can get oxidized (i.e. turn black or grey) at the tip so it’s easy to confuse them with blackheads.

RELATED: How to Prevent Blackheads from Coming Back

When extracted, sebaceous filaments look like short, yellow or translucent strings.

So, how do I stop them from forming?

Sebaceous filaments form as part of a natural skin process – natural oils live within all of our pores and serve to moisturize skin – so unfortunately you can’t prevent them completely. However, you can manage them by keeping your skin balanced and from producing excess sebum.

How do I minimize them?

Like with blackheads and acne, extracting sebaceous filaments at home can cause damage like scarring and enlarged pores. Instead, you can treat them with the same methods as you do blackheads.

It’s important to thoroughly cleanse the skin, including removing all makeup and excess oils — hello, double cleanse!

RELATED: I Tried Oil Cleansing on My Oil-Prone Skin Even Though I Swore I Never Would

Chemical exfoliators will also be your best friend in ensuring the removal of dead skin cells and excess oils. The Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence contains a blend of glycolic and lactic acids so it’s effective yet gentle. Also, pay close attention to the sides of your nose and your chin, as that’s where they’re most susceptible to forming. To deal with excess oil, clay and charcoal masks can also do wonders. Our favorite is the Troiareuke Acsen Pore Control Mask, which contains bentonite clay and kaolin to minimize pores and regulate oil production.

Finally, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized – yes even if you have oily skin – so that it doesn’t get dehydrated and produce even more oil. Invest in a cream that’s lightweight but contains ingredients that pack a punch like hyaluronic acid (we recommend the Benton Aloe Hyaluron Cream).

The post How to Prevent and Treat Sebaceous Filaments appeared first on The Klog.

Between cleansers and essences, SPFs and sheet masks, eye creams and toners, figuring out the order in which you should apply products in your skin care routine can be tough. But in a 10-step routine, every step exists for a reason, and in order to maximize results, following the rules is important.
Save the handy infographic below as a reference and then read on for more info on layering like a pro. 

The first order of business of any routine is to remove the makeup, sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and excess sebum from your face. This not only keeps skin healthy and clear, but creates a clean canvas for the rest of your products to get to work on. Start with an oil cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum, then finish things off with a water-based cleanser to remove dirt and sweat from pores. 
Toning after cleansing exfoliating (which can both be stripping and harsh on skin) helps return your skin to a balanced pH and moisture level, and preps your skin for the next step: essence. Another prep step, esssences provide hydration, moisture, and aid in cell turnover, and the lightweight liquid helps the rest of the products in your routine absorb better into your skin.
RELATED: What essence is best for your skin type?
Now that your skin has been cleansed and prepped, its time to target your specific concerns. This is where treatments – serums, ampoules, and spot treatments -come in, and they can differ depending on the skin care concerns you want to treat. For example, a vitamin C serum is great for brightening dark spots, while a formula rich in antioxidants can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
After you’ve applied your treatments, you can indulge in a sheet mask to infuse your skin with a concentrated essence and provide nutrients and moisture. Skipping the sheet mask step? No worries – move right on to eye cream to hydrate the sensitive skin around your eyes and prevent signs of aging! 
Next, apply moisturizer to nourish and hydrate your skin. This could be an emulsion, a lotion, a gel, a cream, an oil, or a sleeping mask—whatever moisturizer looks like to you, make sure you use it day and night!
And last but not least: sunscreen. Arguably the most important step, sunscreen is an absolute must for all skin types and skin concerns, as it protects the skin from damaging UV rays and prevents premature aging. 

The post Cheat Sheet: How to Layer Products the Right Way appeared first on The Klog.

You’ve probably seen Olay Noel’s face before. The Wilhelmina model has done major campaigns for Nars and Kylie Cosmetics, appeared in spreads in for L’Officiel, and is a savvy Instagram influencer with a following of 144k. She’s also an entrepreneur, having co-founded MIANK, an accessory company honoring her African and Indian heritage, with her sister. On top of all that, she recently started her own YouTube channel where she’ll be sharing beauty tips among other things. 
It’s a wonder that someone as busy and thriving as Olay can make time for a full skin care routine, but she does, and she shared all of her product faves and best beauty tips with us. Read on for our conversation with Olay.

The Klog: First off, we loved seeing you at our Soko House launch party! What did you end up getting from the store? 

Olay: I had an amazing time at the launch and learned about so many of Soko Glam’s amazing products. This made it extremely difficult to choose what to take home, but I finally decided on the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil, COSRX Rice Overnight Spa Mask, and my favorite, the COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid. My biggest battle with keeping my skin clear is acne marks. I can deal with a pimple every now and then but the acne marks take MONTHS to go away and frankly, make me a little crazy. The vitamin C in the Lightning Liquid immediately reduces the pigmentation of my scars and works to make my face smooth with an even complexion.   

What’s your current skin care routine?

I’m currently following Soko Glam’s 10-step routine. I have fallen in love with their skin care and it’s worked wonders for my skin. About 7 years ago I was introduced to a Korean rice bran face wash and soon after realized that I was missing out on my best skin, then decided to dive right into the Korean beauty world. Now I double cleanse with an oil- and water-based cleanser, then apply the Benton Aloe BHA Toner, followed by my favorite COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, then mix the Triple C Lightning Liquid into my Etude House SoonJung daily moisturizer, and finally apply the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 50. I’ve always struggled to find a sunscreen that didn’t leave a white residue or feel uncomfortably heavy and this sunscreen is perfection!

Your Instagram is absolute goals. Can you share any posting tips with us?

Oh Instagram… I have a love/hate relationship with that app. But within my hopefully uphill battle with this new algorithm I have learned a few things you can do when posting that will increase your engagement and followers. 1) Your content should be of good quality (iPhone will do) with good lighting (daylight is the best and also free!) 2) Get familiar with editing apps because this is what can take an average iPhone picture and turn it into beautiful, make you stop mid scroll, like AND leave a comment kind of content! A few of my faves are VSCO, FACETUNE, AND HUJI  3) I know, I know, we all struggle with the perfect captions, but when you get it right you’ll see the difference it makes. I try asking questions or thinking of something clever that will encourage my followers to engage. 4) Lastly, Make sure you are posting consistently and during the hours and days your followers are most active, which you can find out in your insights. This will ensure the great content you’re working so hard to create will actually be seen by your followers. Oh yes, and quality over quantity!

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A post shared by OLAY (@olaynoel) on May 16, 2019 at 10:16am PDT

As a model, having good skin is important. What, if any, skin care or beauty secrets have you learned from working with top makeup artists/skin care pros and from your fellow models? 

DRINK WATER! We hear it all the time but still tend to fall short. Your skin is your body’s largest organ so it needs to stay hydrated to perform at its best. Another tip is to loosen up your pores with a very warm wet cloth so your cleanser can reach deep into your pores and take out the oil and dirt from the day, then finish off with ice cold water to shrink your pores and lock all the good stuff in.
As far as makeup, I recommend wetting your brush with water when applying eyeshadow and pigments. This allows the shadow to stick to the brush, then you can apply it like paint without creating fallout under your eyes. A few years ago one of my favorite makeup artists taught me when I break any of my powder-based palettes such as blush or eyeshadow to simply pour a little rubbing alcohol in it and smooth out the mixture. Once the alcohol evaporates you’ll be as good as new. I also love to spray hairspray on a spoolie and brush my eyebrows. It’s a great way to keep your eyebrow hairs in place all day. 

Your Instagram feed and highlights show off your travels all over the world for work. Do you have any tips or tricks on how to do skin care on the go?

I have to have a travel size of almost every product I own because I never know when I’ll have to pick up and go. If a product doesn’t come in a travel size, I get the empty travel size containers and fill them up. Traveling has also opened up my eyes to a lot of cool products overseas, so I’m always open to discovering new gems in skin care. One of my faves is the Sorbet face masks from South Africa. 

If you could only bring one skin care product with you when you travel, what would you choose to bring? 

If for some crazy reason I forget to pack all of the 10 products in my skin care routine, I must have my Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. They take all of my makeup off (never ever sleep in your makeup!) and cleanse my face without stripping away my moisture. 

You also founded MIANIK, a jewelry company inspired by your African and Indian roots. What made you want to start an accessory retail company?

In 2016 I started MIANIK because I wanted to create a brand that promotes unity in my community, through jewelry. Wearing these ethnically-inspired designs helps us put our differences aside. It reminds us that we are all worthy and we are all royalty. From our products to the imagery in our campaigns, we do our best to create inspirational content and celebrate all types of beauty.

What does expressing your heritage through accessories mean to you?

When I see my peers proudly rocking MIANIK jewelry it makes me feel so honored to create something that another can appreciate. Our heritage has not always been bright and sunny, but it is ours, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Our designs are all about loving who you are and where you come from and unapologetically letting the world know you do. 

The post Step by Step: A Top Model Devoted to the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine Shares Her Must-Have Products and Insider Beauty Tricks appeared first on The Klog.

At 19 years old, I’m still technically a teenager, which means my skin is still going through changes. I’ve swapped products in and out of my routine over the past few years, trying to find the perfect combination to keep my oily skin under control without clogging my pores and causing breakouts, and finally, after many, many cases of trial and error, I’ve found the perfect skin care routine to keep my skin satin-y smooth, bright, and clear- at least for now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by trish!! (@tr.ishna) on Apr 18, 2019 at 11:39am PDT

My AM Routine

As a student always on the brink of exhaustion, I like to sleep until the very last minute in the mornings, meaning my AM routine is very go go go. I would rather get an extra five minutes of sleep than spend an extra five minutes on my makeup or skin, so I’ve learned to consolidate my routine down to just the essential products to keep me glowing and fresh through the day. My morning skin care routine takes me less than three minutes, and with my makeup routine clocking in at five minutes, I can head out to my 8 AM class without looking like I just went to bed four hours earlier.
RELATED: How Students Do Skin Care on a Budget
But between classes, extracurriculars, and social activities, I’m usually out from morning until evening, meaning the products I apply in the morning have to last me until the nighttime, as I won’t be stopping back home to reapply or remove my makeup and do my skin care routine afresh.
I have very oily skin, so keeping my oil levels under control throughout the day has always been my #1 priority. I used to think this meant I had to strip my skin of its oils so there wouldn’t be any to leave me shiny, but (thank goodness) when I started working at The Klog I was informed otherwise. Since I’ve started double cleansing, I’ve been way less oily at all hours.
I use the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA] and the Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water to double cleanse, and in the weeks I’ve been using the pair, they’ve worked like a dream. The Benton water cleanser is super refreshing, and I think it even makes my skin look more bright and awake in the mornings thanks to the formula’s tea tree extract.
On days I remember or in which I feel like I need some extra skin care, I also apply Son & Park Beauty Water after cleansing. It helps my face feel more hydrated and evens out my complexion a bit before I put on my makeup, so I truly have a smooth, fresh canvas on which I can apply the next product.
For a moisturizer, I use Ole Henriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator. I’ve been using it for almost two years now, and for oily skin, it’s an airy, lightweight dream. It’s the thinnest moisturizer I’ve ever used and actually feels more like an essence, so I have no issue moisturizing because I don’t feel like it’s clogging my pores at all, and it doesn’t leave behind a thick or greasy residue. It smells like peppermint and even has a bit of a cooling effect, too, so I make a point to moisturize every day, even if I’m staying in all day or just going to the gym and not applying any makeup at all.
RELATED: A Teen’s Guide to Skin Care 
After moisturizing, I apply my makeup—a quick layering of brow gel, concealer, blush, mascara, and lip tint—and use the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to set my face and get some added hydration without any oiliness. To top it off, I use the Thank You Farmer Sun Essence to get sun protection without feeling like I’m putting a thick, slimy layer of product on top of all my other products. I usually hate sunscreens because I feel like they’re oily, pore-clogging, and leave a white cast, but since being introduced to sun essences—lighter-weight versions of sunscreens and SPF moisturizers—I can actually protect my skin from sun damage without ruining my makeup and feeling slimy all day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by trish!! (@tr.ishna) on Jul 6, 2019 at 5:26pm PDT

My PM Routine

With my schedule, I usually end up wearing my makeup for 12 or more hours before removing it. By the end of the day, my makeup is no longer matte, my skin feels heavy and oily, and I’m dying to take everything off and give my skin a thorough cleanse so I can actually feel my pores being cleared of makeup, dirt, and sweat.
I start my nighttime routine by removing all my makeup with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and then I go back in with the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil and Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water for a deeper cleanse to remove everything from my pores. Even after these steps, my skin already feels squeaky clean—like, there is literally no makeup or dirt residue on my face by this point, which is what I like, because I know I won’t wake up with any dirt-induced breakouts the next morning. 
Some nights I’ll triple-cleanse by using the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, which acts as a physical exfoliant formulated with salicylic acid and small granules without being too harsh on my skin. I prefer physical to chemical exfoliants because I like to feel the product actually penetrate my skin and seep into my pores, so anything with a bit of granules in it is ideal for me, and this scrub contains salicylic acid to rid my skin of any potential blemishes and breakouts.
I then apply the Mamonde Pore Clean Toner to balance my complexion and bring my pH levels back to normal after the thorough cleansing. This toner is formulated with purifying mud to absorb excess oil while I sleep and keep me mattified through the next day, and heartleaf extract prevents blackheads that I used to get around my nose. 
I don’t mask as often as I’d like to, but during the few occasions where I do mask, I either use the Glamglow Gravitymud Firming Treatment Mask (it’s super powerful in tightening the skin and it’s glittery!) or a refreshing and soothing sheet mask with tea tree or green tea extracts in it, like the Manefit Natural Gift Green Tea Pore Care Sheet Mask. After that, I use the Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum on the lower parts of my face, as that’s where I tend to have breakouts, and then moisturize with my custom Curology formula that I’ve been using for almost two years (my formula has 4% azelaic acid, 1% clindamycin, and .25% zinc pyrithione, and I truly haven’t had a real pimple since I’ve started using it). 
My nighttime routine is topped off with a COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch or a dot of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on any tiny bumps that appeared from excess oil throughout the day, and then I apply Glossier Balm Dotcom in the Birthday Cake flavor to my lips for extra moisture and hydration.
Lastly, I spritz my face with Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray to seal in all the products I’ve just applied and to give myself that last, soothing bit of refreshment, and then it’s off to bed, and I wake up with soft, smooth skin the next day! 

The post Step by Step: A 19-Year-Old Student and Klog Intern Shares Her Three Minute Morning Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

Earlier this summer, we compiled the best of The Klog into a zine and included it in purchases at our Soko House pop-up store in NYC. From fun quizzes to informative charts, the 25-page Klog Zine is a holy grail full of skin care advice, information, and our favorite tips and tricks.
A limited number of Klog Zine copies have been available with purchases above $35 in-store at Soko House—but if you’re not based in NYC or just haven’t been to Soko House yet, don’t fear! From Wednesday, July 31st to Monday, August 5th, we’re holding a giveaway on Instagram. Entering puts you in the running to win a completely free 10-step, 5-step, or 3-step custom skin care set based on your skin type and concerns, as well as a copy of the Klog Zine! 

Wow, that sounds great. So how do I enter the giveaway?

It’s easy. If you’re 18 or over and based in the US, all you have to do to enter is like and tag a friend in our giveaway post, follow @theklog on Instagram, and screenshot the image below (it can also be found on The Klog’s Instagram highlights in “Giveaway”, and on our Instagram story) and repost it to your own Instagram story with the questions filled out. Make sure to tag us @theklog when you repost to be qualified for entry! 

In order to make sure we can curate the right products for you if you win, be sure to fill out everything in the image. To do this, swipe right on the Instagram home page to create a story, then select the screenshotted survey from your camera roll. Use the text tool to type in your answers to your favorite beauty influencer (don’t be afraid to tag them!), the title of your favorite Klog article, your favorite skin care ingredient, your most aggravating skin concern, and your username. 
Then, use the pen tool to circle your ingredient preferences below the questions. Finally, use the sticker tool within the story to add your fave sticker that represents you! Remember to tag us @theklog, post it, and you’re in the running to win!

Cool! But wait, when does the giveaway end?

The giveaway is running from Wednesday, July 31st until 12 PM EST on Monday, August 5th. As long as you post the survey on your story and tag us before then, you’ll be entered! After 12 PM on August 5th, entries will be closed, and we’ll randomly select three winners.

Hold on, three winners? Woah! What do they get?

Glad you asked! All three winners will receive a copy of the Klog Zine. In addition, the first place winner will receive a custom-curated 10-step skin care routine, the second place winner will receive a custom-curated 5-step skin care routine, and the third place winner will receive a custom-curated 3-step skin care routine.

The post Welcome to our Klog Zine Giveaway Contest! appeared first on The Klog.

In 2016, drag queen and self-proclaimed “sheet mask muse” Kim Chi made her television debut as a contestant on Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Through a tasteful combination of her delectably unique costumes, witty and fierce one-liners, and bold, beautiful drag makeup, she quickly became a fan-favorite and an Internet sensation. 
Not only was she the first Korean-American contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, but she was also the first Korean-American drag queen on a nationally-televised American show.
RELATED: Get Unready With Kim Chi from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Charlotte Cho
Here at The Klog, we’re huge fans of Kim Chi; we’re consistently wowed by her fun makeup looks and drag costumes. She recently visited our headquarters in New York City to chat about her time on Drag Race, how she went from being a graphic design student to one of the most beloved contestants on a cult-favorite reality show, and how her background in fine arts lends a hand when she creates costumes and makeup looks.
Between the layers of makeup required for drag and the products it takes to accompany her elaborate head to toe looks, it’s no wonder that Kim Chi uses a carefully formulated skin care routine to keep her skin clear and bright.  Of course we needed to get the full scoop. Read on to find out what we learned! 

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A post shared by Kim Chi (@kimchi_chic) on Oct 20, 2018 at 10:44am PDT

Kim Chi loves the Patchology Sheet Masks for taking care of her skin. While many sheet masks require 10-20 minutes of settling time, Patchology is known for its 5-minute sheet masks, which are perfect for someone like Kim Chi with a busy schedule
To cleanse, Kim Chi swears by Then I Met You’s Cleansing Duo. The Living Cleansing Balm and Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel are nourishing yet powerful enough to strip off heavy makeup and sebum buildup from the day and allow Kim Chi’s “canvas” to be smooth and clear. If she’s without her favorite cleansing duo, one great beauty trick she learned from other queens is, “When you don’t have an oil cleanser with you, applying a [hair oil sheen spray] on your face will remove everything including spirit gum residue.”
She also loves the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea, a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliator, the CosRx Triple C Lightning Serum, which is excellent for improving hyperpigmentation, and Son & Park Beauty Water.

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A post shared by Kim Chi (@kimchi_chic) on Aug 19, 2018 at 10:26am PDT

On days she wears drag makeup, she moisturizes more heavily and uses an oil cleanser twice to make sure all the heavy makeup has fully been removed. 
And the best beauty tip she learned from appearing on television? Kim Chi tells us that “heavier lashes cast a shadow under your eyes with overhead lighting. If you can’t predict what the light situation will be, always go with lighter and smaller lashes that are aimed higher upon application.”

The post Step by Step: How a Former Contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race Does Skin Care appeared first on The Klog.