We’re embracing being a little bit selfish this Valentine’s Day, and that’s totally O.K. Break out the chocolate, face masks, rom-coms, and fuzzy pajamas. 

If you’re looking for all the self-care skin care goodies to celebrate this February 14th, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested it all, from perfectly crafted rose quartz gua shas to face masks laced with the highest quality rose petals. So, we have a pretty good idea of just how to indulge in some skin care as self care this Valentine’s Day.

 Here are our favorite 14 products perfect to celebrate YOU this V-Day.

Glowiest Rose Quartz Gua Sha

What’s more luxurious than a rose quartz skin care tool that relieves tension, improves firmness and boosts radiation in the face? 

This gua sha by Glowiest is shaped for a comfortable grip, the calming crystal pairs great with your facial oils and serums and aids in absorption. So, kick back, relax, and indulge in an at-home facial massage in your coziest clothes.

Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack 

Looking to up your lip care game?

This Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack is enriched with nourishing avocado, sweet almond, and apricot seed oils to transform lips from chapped to supple and soft overnight. The mask feels silky, not sticky, and instantly refreshes and soothes dehydrated lips. With a subtle vanilla flavor this lip mask is a real treat.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

Banish dullness and focus on your shine with the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum.

Add this serum into your routine for glowing, radiant skin. This staple contains naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm and soothe, but also improve cell turnover to heal troubled skin. Niacinamide brightens and revives the complexion, while antioxidant-rich turmeric combats free radical damage to keep skin healthy, bouncy and bright.

Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

In the mood to kick back and watch a rom-com? Throw on this mask for a self care multi-tasking moment.

Revitalize dull skin with this nano-microfiber sheet mask formulated with ingredients like oatmeal and rice extract that brighten and even tone. Another key ingredient is nutrient-rich milk protein that boosts elasticity and overall skin health. 

Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask

We can’t think of Valentine’s Day without immediately also thinking of bouquets of roses.

Then I Met You’s Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask is a cute pink color which contains luxurious Damask rose petals.

Resveratrol, derived from natural red grapes, and real damask rose petals infused in the formula not only gives this mask its beautiful blush hue but also strengthens and hydrates the skin with antioxidants to prevent premature aging.

La’Dor Wonder Balm

When indulging in a bit of self care, it’s easy to focus on our skin. But, let’s not forget our strands.

This balm is the secret to revive and hydrate damaged, weak strands. Protect hair from damage and breakage that comes from daily styling. La’dor Wonder Balm is additionally formulated with macadamia oil, silk protein and aloe extract to deeply nourish and soften locks.

Neogen Probiotics Relief Cream

Looking for a bit of hydration therapy? 

With 11 types of peptides help encourage collagen and elastin production, and probiotics to build a stronger skin barrier and lock in all the benefits, this cream has it all. Nourishing ingredients like royal jelly, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil and shea butter help deliver hydration effectively to the skin for a smoother, more supple appearance. 

Sioris My First Essener

Get the most out of your self care routine with this 2-in-1 essener.

Sioris My First Essener is an innovative combination of toner and essence to prep and moisturize skin simultaneously after cleansing! 

Fourteen carefully selected ingredients help calm and nourish skin in one step, so you can simplify your skincare routine. Damask rose flower water also helps soothe skin, minimize pores, and reduce fine lines.

Then I Met You Skin Balancing Duo

This is an OTP we will always ship. This must-have pairing is formulated to achieve smoother and firmer honey-like skin. The Skin Balancing Duo combines two formulas with effective ingredients like birch juice and natural AHAs that will help you achieve a glowing, smooth and healthy complexion.

Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch

Give your eyes the ultimate luxury treatment at home with this hydrogel eye patch embedded with gold, pearl, diamond, and charcoal powders to firm, purify, and revitalize skin! 

The star ingredient in the hydrogel patch is premium essence of snail secretion ferment filtrate packed with bee venom, tea tree leaf water, and seaweed extracts, which all reinforce protection of the skin while soothing, cooling, preventing blemishes, and repairing uneven skin tone. 

I’m From Honey Lip Balm

Chapped lips on Valentine’s Day? We think not. 

The I’m From Honey Lip Balm contains 10% natural honey harvested from Mount Jiri, Korea. Natural honey serves as a natural moisturizer that protects sensitive lips from external irritation and deeply hydrates and nourishes dry lips. 

The formula boasts a non-greasy, non-sticky finish, allowing you to generously apply it throughout the day. It can also be used as a lip mask at night, on dry, chapped elbows, or to soften cuticles.

Necessaire Body Exfoliator

Wrap up your night of self-care with a long, well-deserved shower that tackles everything from scalp detoxification to body exfoliation.

The Necessaire Body Exfoliator is a weekly multi-exfoliation treatment intended to optimize skin health. A gentle AHA/BHA trio of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids help to remove dead skin cells and renew skin’s appearance, while bamboo charcoal leaves skin feeling soft. The formula is pH balanced and is designed to be suitable for sensitive skin.

British M Annatto Hair Oil

Give your hair the extra love it deserves. Deeply moisturize dry ends and protect your hair from UV damage with this luxurious hair oil that has quickly become a holy grail product and has won a 2017 Soko Glam Best of K-beauty Award.

This annatto-based hair oil from the Amazon is infused with organic pumpkin seed and argan oil to nourish and strengthen dry strands and create long-lasting shine. With white cedarwood, musk, and rose, the scent is light and sophisticated.

Klavuu Green Pearlsation Tea Tree Care Body Spray

Spritz away body acne and irritation with the Klavuu Green Pearlsation Tea Tree Care Body Spray super fine mist! Formulated with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, this cooling mist is an easy way to fight breakouts on your chest, back, and any area that deserves extra attention. Also formulated with pearl and algae extracts, this mist brightens skin and soothes irritation while instantly refreshing skin.

Make what you want of this Valentine’s Day—whatever that may be. But if you’re anything like us K-beauty-obsessed over here, February 14 is going to look like face masks, body care and glowing skin. 

+What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

The post 14 Skin Care Products That Are Perfect For Celebrating Yourself This Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Klog.

Writing love letters to vitamin C is one of our favorite pastimes around here. This multitasking, antioxidant-rich ingredient protects your skin from free radical damage and can help create a brighter, more even complexion. There’s one catch though: she’s a feisty one.

As amazing as vitamin C is, it’s considered a “volatile” ingredient that tends to expire more quickly compared to other skin care ingredients. 

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant which slows down our cellular oxidative aging,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, Calif. “You may notice it is stored in a dark glass bottle or with an airtight pump. This [helps prevent] oxidation or the loss of hydrogen atoms.”

Even though vitamin C products are typically packaged well, they still tend to have shorter shelf lives and are prone to souring. Once your vitamin C has gone bad, it’s best to throw it away. Dr. Shamban says that at that point it can no longer go up against the free radicals responsible for causing oxidative damage to our skin.  

Having a hard time telling when your vitamin C is expired and has lost its potency? Check out our three top signs below!

Signs It’s Time to Toss Your Vitamin C Product 

There are three key signs of vitamin C expiration to be on the lookout for. 

New Color 

A change in color is the biggest red flag—and usually the first sign—that your vitamin C is expired. 

“Depending on the serum texture and type, it may start to turn a shade of yellow, brown, or even orange,” says Dr. Shamban. “Basically, if it is any shade other than what it looked like when you first bought it, it has already turned bad.”

Textural Change

Along with a change in color, you may notice that the texture of your product has shifted. Common signs include separation, loss of “form,” stickiness, thickness, graininess, or sometimes even thinning out. 

Sour Smell

Each product has its own distinct scent—even if there’s no fragrance added. Dr. Shamban says that if you start to notice a more “sour” smell that’s unusual for the product, it’s probably gone bad. Usually, this is accompanied by a change in color and texture so it should be obvious.

It goes without saying that different concentrations and formulations may have some variations on the above, but any time a product has shifted in appearance and smell that’s a solid sign it’s time to toss it in the garbage can. If you have a hard time remembering what the product should look like, take a picture of the brand-new product in the bottle and/or dispensed onto your fingers and refer to it as needed. 

Bottom Line:

Don’t forget to use your favorite vitamin C product every day! When stored sealed tightly, stored in a cool place, and used consistently, you’ll use it all up before it bumps up against that expiration date.

+What’s your favorite vitamin C serum?

The post Does Your Serum Look A Bit Off? Here Are Signs Your Vitamin C Product is Expired appeared first on The Klog.

Thought the new year already passed? Think again. In many cultures, the Lunar New Year has yet to begin! 

Soko Glam is welcoming the Lunar New Year, and ushering in the Year of the Tiger, with a celebratory sale of up to 30% off over 100 renewing and strengthening products! This shared celebration spotlights revitalizing and skin barrier strengthening K-Beauty picks. The best part? There’s no code needed! Revitalizing K-Beauty staples will simply be marked down on sokoglam.com.

Though there’s plenty of star products to choose from, we’re picking out 12 extra special items to keep an eye out for as you browse the sale.

The Korean zodiac is a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs and their ascribed attributes, based on the lunar calendar. In order, the zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. To celebrate Lunar New Year and help you shop Soko Glam’s Lunar New Year sale, we’ve hand-picked products to match each special sign! (Find out your sign here!)

The Rat: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Bright Eye Cream

Those born during the Years of the Rat are said to be logical realists, shrewd, charming, ambitious, and inventive. These people are clever, bright, and sociable. This eye cream by Saturday Skin with vitamin C is ideal for brightening and infusing energy into the skin!

The Ox: SKINRX MadeCera Cream

The Ox symbolizes prosperity and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox are seen as stable and persevering. 

Typically, these are tolerant people with strong character. SKINRx Lab’s MadeCera Cream matches the ox’s strength as it strengthens the skin barrier, brightens, and fights premature aging.

The Tiger: Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Those that fall into the Years of the Tiger are seen as sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. This mildly acidic and hypoallergenic cream by Acwell contains centella and mugwort extract to soothe sensitive skin, as well as moisturize and balance.

The Rabbit: Solved Skincare Coconut Oil Cleansing Pads

The Rabbit is a lucky sign in the Korean zodiac.  People born in the year of the rabbit are private individuals and a bit introverted. These Solved Skincare Coconut Oil Cleansing Pads are 100% virgin coconut oil to lightly exfoliate as they cleanse to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

The Dragon: Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X

The Dragon is the most colorful and mighty of the signs. Dragons are dominant and ambitious. To celebrate the dragon, give skin a boost of probiotic-packed hydration with this nourishing serum that provides a refreshing burst of hydration upon application.

The Snake: Rovectin Lotus Water Calming Toner

The Snake is the most enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected in the Korean zodiac. Those born during the year of the snake are great mediators. 

An extra calming toner by Rovectin soothes skin with lotus flower extract and self-purifying features. This gentle exfoliator helps retain ideal moisture for balanced skin through 7 layers of hyaluronic acid and xylitol.

The Horse: Acwell pH Balancing Watery Cleansing Oil

Year of the Horse are the popular people. They are seen as cheerful, skillful and sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented, and sometimes impatient.

Licorice extract in this Acwell Cleansing Oil brightens and soothes along with antioxidant-rich extracts to rebalance and bring skin back to an optimal acidity.

The Sheep: Neogen Collagen Lifting Cream

People born in the year of the sheep can be described as elegant, intelligent, dependable, calm individuals, and usually accomplished. This Neogen Collagen Lifting Cream is formulated with ingredients like peptides and ceramides to firm and hydrate and rejuvenate a tired complexion. 

The Monkey: Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+/PA+++

Monkeys are the erratic geniuses of the animal signs. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are inventive and original and great problem solvers. This lightweight anti-aging sunscreen protects from damaging ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays The formula includes peptides, ceramide and collagen to help regenerate skin and keep the barrier firm and healthy.

The Rooster: I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm

People born in a Rooster year are said to be outspoken and definite when making decisions.

This Fig Cleansing Balm helps dissolve sebum, which minimizes the appearance of blackheads, it fades dark spots and calms redness for a more even skin tone. Skin is left hydrated and soft after washing!

The Dog: Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter

The Dog possesses the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people’s confidence.

Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter protects the thin skin around your eyes and improves fine lines and wrinkles. It’s suitable for all skin types including normal, dry, combination and oily. 

The Pig: MEDIHEAL W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask

The Pig is the last of the animal sign cycle and is often associated with luck, fertility, and virility. Mediheal W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask contains niacinamide and açai fruit extract to brighten and even out your complexion and offers a hydration boost for a dewy finish.

Soko Glam is so excited to highlight the Lunar New Year and offer tons of markdowns on amazing products for all of your skin care needs! The Lunar New Year sale will run from January 28 to February 3. Jump into the year of the Water Tiger with confidence and shop the sale to celebrate! 

+What do you plan on picking up? Drop your reccos in the comments!

The post The Twelve Lunar New Year Signs as Staple K-Beauty Skin Care Products appeared first on The Klog.

Black Friday is basically here are Soko Glam’s celebrating with their biggest Cyber Weekend sale yet!

Soko Glam’s Skin Care Wonderland Sale continues with a sitewide 30% OFF everything* (using code SGWONDERLAND30), but they’re kicking it up a notch for Cyber Weekend (which for Soko is starting 11/23) and offering 40% OFF orders of $195+ with code SGWONDERLAND40.

But that’s not all! From 11/23-11/29, gift sets will be included in the sitewide sale for the first time ever. If you’ve been waiting to fill your cart, this sale is definitely the time to score some amazing deals.

Here are our top picks to grab for everyone on your list (and of course, treats for yourself, too!)

good light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

You may have seen this good light superstar popping up all over TikTok, and for good reason. Combining gentle AHA exfoliation with deeply hydrating snow mushroom and moisture-locking ceramides, this toner alleviates redness, reduces pore size and balances oil production. It’s a perfect treat for winter-dull complexions and makes a great gift when paired with Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad, because who doesn’t love the gift of good skin?

$22 $15.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Brillie Hand Wash Variety Set

If you’re seeking the perfect host gift, look no further than this eco-friendly set. Designed to reduce single-use plastic, Brillie has created powdered hand washes that activate when you add water. Simply add the solution of your choice to their stylish refillable bottle, mix with water—et voila!—a luxurious hand soap that lathers into a creamy foam for clean and comfortable hands. This set includes a starter bottle and three pouches in Almond, Vanilla and Fresh scents. 

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Chasin’ Rabbits Limited Edition Set

This might be the cutest set out there, and while we recommend giving it as a gift, we won’t blame you if you keep it for yourself. Featuring three of our favorite Chasin’ Rabbits products (in full-sizes!), this set stars the Mindful Bubble Cleanse, a head-to-toe purifying charcoal cleanser, Magic Beauty Shroom, a hybrid essence for healing and hydration, and Green Golden Ruler, a yogurt-like cream packed with antioxidants and probiotics for a more balanced complexion. Packaged together with a tie-dye dust bag, stickers and a super-soft headband, this set is the perfect introduction to the Chasin’ Rabbits line.

$85 $59.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Acwell pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream

This is definitely a holy grail eye cream. The hydrating Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream formula features licorice water and licorice extract to brighten dark circles and hyper-pigmentation.

This brightening dream is a great way to start the day, as it features caffeine to help depuff after a good night’s sleep.

$30 $21 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

The winter days may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to skip out on SPF. This lightweight new sunscreen from Neogen is a treat to apply with its fast-absorbing, airy finish. Featuring 20 kinds of plant extracts, it hydrates and calms without clogging pores or leaving a white cast. At a savings of 30% off until November 29th, you can grab a tube for yourself and your besties, because gifting sunscreen says, “I love you, and I want you to protect your gorgeous self!”

$32 $22.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Unpa Bubi Bubi Bubble Lip Scrub

Recently repackaged and reformulated for even more bubbles, this innovative lip treatment is the perfect stocking stuffer (but maybe grab one for yourself, too). With its unique bubbling effect, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells away without being abrasive, while shea butter, olive oil and ceramide NP nourish so lips are left soft and protected. 

$12 $8.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

What caught your eye during this Cyber Weekend Bonanza? Let us know in the comments!

*SGWONDERLAND30 30% OFF and SGWONDERLAND40 codes do not apply to Then I Met You or books. Gift set discounts only valid 11/23-11/29. Sale ends November 29th, 2021.

The post The Soko Glam Cyber Weekend Sale Is Here, And We’re Laying Out How To Shop It! appeared first on The Klog.

With changing seasons comes changing skin care routines – it’s a pretty universal concept, right? Well, back-pedal a few years, and this oily-skinned gal couldn’t be budged. I refused to increase my hydration or cut back on exfoliation, and in retrospect, it’s no wonder my skin looked as irritated and red as it did my first few winters in New York City. 

That’s right, even those with oily skin need to be making skin care swaps to keep their skin in tip-top condition when temperatures drop. Here are the types of products I’m rotating into my routine and why they can work for you too.

A Nourishing Oil Cleanser

As someone who is incredibly acne-prone, I was surprised and thrilled to learn that using an oil cleanser helped clear my skin. Plus, my skin feels less tight and overall more hydrated. During the colder months I especially like the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm. It’s packed with sea buckthorn oil and melts off makeup, SPF and excess sebum without stripping the skin. 

An Exfoliator with PHAs

Exfoliating pores with AHAs and BHAs is important to do year round, but it can be easier to go overboard and as a result dry out your skin during the harsh winter. That’s why it’s a great time to use polyhydroxy acids or PHAs, either exclusively or to switch up your usual exfoliating routine. Since they have a larger molecular weight, they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply and are less likely to cause irritation.

The ingredient is featured in the gentle Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner, as well as naturally-derived tea tree, which tackles inflammation and acne. It’s truly a best of both worlds situation.

A Hydrating Toner

Amongst the oily and acne-prone community, acid and astringent toners tend to be the formulas of choice, but in the winter, I like to cut back on the exfoliation and instead prep my skin with a silky, thin, hydrating toner.

The Rovectin Lotus Water Calming Toner specifically didn’t make me break out it any way, which is usually my largest concern with adding more hydration to my routine. My favorite thing about this toner is that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin and fortify the barrier.

A Serum That Contains Niacinamide

Niacinamide is known for regulating oil production, brightening, and helping to reduce pore size, but without drying you out. Because it can regulate oil without stripping the skin, it’s a great addition for anyone who’s acne-prone.

RELATED: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Niacinamide

The ingredient is in the Manyo Factory Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence, which also contains galactomyces fermented extract.

A Lightweight Overnight Mask

Not all sleeping masks are heavy and pore-clogging. One of my favorites is the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. It uses lightweight sunflower seed oil to deliver deep hydration, niacinamide to continue to brighten and help with oil control, and 65% rice extract, which helps to hydrate and brighten even further. 

A Moisturizer With Ceramides

Ceramides not only deliver deep hydration to the skin, but help to reinforce your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Having a strong moisture barrier is key because it helps to ensure you don’t lose moisture throughout the day.

The Then I Met You Calming Tide Gel Cream contains ceramides, is antioxidant and peptide packed, and contains niacinamide, which by now, you know is a powerhouse ingredient for helping control oil and to give a brighter complexion.

+How do you deal with oily skin during the winter? Let us know!

The post The Skin Care Products to Rotate Into Your Winter Routine If You Have Oily Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Packing an arsenal of skin care products in your suitcase is not exactly TSA-approved. However, there are a few ways you can downsize your routine so you don’t have to leave your must-haves at home. Read on and watch the video below to find out our favorite ways to travel with our skin care, and keep our skin fresh on the go.

Tip 1: Use a balm oil cleanser

This first one is super simple. Oil cleansers can be tough to pack because the pump bottle makes the liquids prone to spillage. But an easy way to avoid this is to purchase an oil cleanser that comes in a solid balm. The Enature Moringa Cleansing Balm is one of our favorites, and it’s below TSA regulation size for carry on! It’s spill-proof, easy to use, and even easier to pack.

Tip 2: Pre-soak your toning pads

Nothing feels better in the middle of a travel day than freshening up your face with a toner or cleansing water, like the Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist. But you don’t have to bring a whole bottle with you everywhere you go. Instead, pre soak your cotton pads with toner, and seal them into a Ziploc bag. This will keep them fresh and moist and make it super easy to tone up your skin on the fly.

Tip 3: Put your eye cream in a contacts case

Wearing eye cream every day is a must, which is why you need to pack a hydrating eye cream like the Acwell pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream. The beauty of eye cream is that you don’t need very much of it. Instead of bringing the whole jar, fill an old contacts case with the eye cream and you’ll have a few days worth in a much smaller package.

Tip 4: Use an eye dropper for your facial oil

Similarly, you can use an eye dropper bottle for facial oils. Most facial oils come in fragile bottles, so packing your oils in a spill-proof plastic eye dropper bottle is a much better way to travel. In the video, we just used a dropper bottle from the Container Store, but any eye dropper bottle will work. Additionally, this will make it super easy to apply right onto your skin.

Another option is to opt for a facial oil stick. It can be applied directly on skin and is easy to tote around.

Tip 5: Mix your serum into your moisturizer

Mixing your serum in with your moisturizer is a tip we’ve long used to give our skin an extra boost, however, it also makes for a great way to lighten your travel load. Just put a dropper of your favorite serum into your travel moisturizer, and mix them together. It’ll be easier to pack, and even easier to apply. A great travel moisturizer is the Manyo Factory Galactomy Essence Cream. It’s lightweight, yet packed with antioxidants and soothing ingredients, making it especially perfect for winter travel.

Bottom Line

Traveling shouldn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin care routine. In fact, traveling can be stressful for your skin, so it’s even more important to have a solid routine on hand. With these tips, traveling with your skin care will be easier than ever.

+ What are your tricks for packing your skin care for travel? Share them in the comments!

The post Watch: How to Pack Your K-beauty Routine in Your Carry-On appeared first on The Klog.

As all skin care lovers know, Korean Beauty pioneered making lush, effective skin care formulas affordable. 

This perfect combination of price and complete potency (did we mention cute, aesthetic packaging?) makes Korean skin care the perfect present for anyone looking to give gifts and stocking stuffers this holiday season to their loved ones without putting a serious dent in their savings.

We rounded up the best K-Beauty skin care holy grails under $25 (yup, you read that right) that’ll have your giftees glowing, nourished, and completely skin care obsessed this holiday season. From lip masks that double as lip balms and award winning cleansing balms to breakout busting serums and milky cleansers with purpose, there’s an affordable skin care find for everyone in your life, ranging from besties to aunts and uncles.

Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask ($22)

Besides being absolutely gorgeous, this multi-tasking lip mask is an on-the-go staple. Heralded by the likes of the queen of skin care herself, Caroline Hirons, and skinfluencer James Welsh, it uses a combination of lactic acid, squalane, honey dew, and vitamin E to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and deliver nutrients to your pout.

 Layer it and leave it on overnight as a sleep mask or swipe across the lips during the day to use it as a glossy nourishing balm.

Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser ($17.99)

Milky textures and formulas are *so* satisfying and incredibly gentle! This transforming formula is no different, containing microbiome friendly fermented oat.

Packaged in a recyclable tube made from sugarcane materials, this vegan formula transforms from a hydrating oil cleanser to a milky foam when massaged into the face using water. Who doesn’t like watching skin care magic before their eyes?

Rovectin LHA Blemish Ampoule ($15)

Is your giftee’s skin sensitive and acne prone? This gentle breakout fighting innovation is reporting for duty. 

Finding a truly effective anti-acne product that jives with sensitive skin is tricky, but Rovectin’s cracked the code. The LHA Blemish Ampoule uses a more gentle derivative of salicylic acid, one which is closer to the skin’s natural pH level, to unclog pores and bypass irritation. We love ingredient innovation!

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original ($19)

Beauty editors across the globe are in agreement, this cleansing balm is the bomb.

The perfect kick-off to any double cleansing routine, this balm-to-oil cleanser works to rid the skin of oil based impurities, like makeup and sunscreen, using both vitamin E and vitamin C. The result? Soft, clean, nourished skin!

The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch ($6)

These aren’t just any pimple patches and they have the features to prove it. Vegan? Check. Nearly invisible? Yup. Sticks to skin even during a workout? Duh. 

Your giftee will love these, as they’re no fuss and do all the heavy lifting when it comes to calming and deflating bothersome zits. They’re also the perfect size for gifting and stocking stuffing!

+What do you plan on gifting this year? Let us know below!

The post The Best K-Beauty Skin Care Gifts To Give This Season $25 And Under! appeared first on The Klog.

Spending day after day studying, testing, and curating the latest and greatest in skin care and beauty products kinda gives those of us working in the beauty and skin care industries the upper hand when it comes to gifting.

Not only do we know what’s currently trending, but we have insights into what will be the next, most efficacious ingredient in the skin care world. The holiday season is the perfect time to put all of this knowledge to good use and provide our loved ones skin care goodies that are perfect for their skin type and concerns. After all, doesn’t it feel much better to give a thoughtful gift than to receive one? 

Below, we asked the staff at Soko Glam and Then I Met You to provide the skin care and beauty picks they’ll be wrapping up for those in their life this season! 

Manyo Factory Galactomy Essence Cream

This brand is a breath of fresh air, likening their formulas to potions and leaning into a witchy vibe. (Manyo Factory actually translates to witch factory!) 

Their Galactomy Essence Cream absorbs quickly and is an asset for staving off December’s bitter winds due to the moisturizer’s fermented goodness.

Did we mention the packaging is right up our alley? 

Top Gift Pick: Shannon, Associate Manager, PR + Editorial at Soko Glam

Thank You Farmer Back To Relax Soothing Gel Mask

A sensorial and hydrating experience in a jar, Thank You Farmer’s Back to Relax Soothing Gel Mask is a great way to wind down and brighten at the same time. Vitamin C and cica lovers will use this mask up in no time, as both lend themselves to the jello formula! 

Top Gift Pick: Liz, Marketing Associate at Then I Met You

Neogen Real Firming Bakuchiol Serum

Bakuchiol’s about to be the next big skin care ingredient, so it only makes sense that any beauty or skin care lover would love to get in on it early!

The plant derived ingredient is a much gentler dupe for retinol that doesn’t cause irritation. Neogen’s Real Firming Bakuchiol Serum formulates the vitamin A alternative with squalane for an added boost of nourishment.

Top Gift Pick: Shannon, Associate Manager, PR + Editorial at Soko Glam

I’m From Mugwort Mask

If you’re keyed into K-Beauty, you know I’m From is THAT brand. 

They truly tapped into self-care vibes with their Mugwort Mask, a way to wind down as mugwort extract helps to cool down heated skin and bring quick relief to irritated skin after a long day.

Top Gift Pick: Steven, Performance Marketing Intern at Soko Glam

Chasin’ Rabbits Limited Edition Set

Look no further. We found a vegan, cruelty free and cute skin care gift set from a K-Beauty indie brand currently making waves in the industry. 

The set includes three full size faves, a tie-dye bag, headband, and, of course, stickers.

Top Gift Pick: Talia, Manager, Brand Marketing at Soko Glam

Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist

Forget 2-in-1 products, K-Beauty’s already onto 3-in-1 holy grails. This product combines the benefits of a toner, mist, and serum in one for on-the-go hydration that can easily fit into any tote or purse. 

Top Gift Pick: Gee, Associate, Creative at Soko Glam

+What will you be gifting this year? Drop your ideas below!

The post Here’s What Beauty Experts Are *Actually* Gifting This Year appeared first on The Klog.

It’s time to get excited — the Soko Glam Skin Care Wonderland sale event has begun! What does that mean for you? So glad you asked! This Cyber Month, you can take 30% OFF* glow-inducing goodies and top rated K-Beauty holy grails at Soko Glam using the code SGWONDERLAND30.

From now until November 29th, celebrate with the best way to bring joy to your routine and get a head start on gifting for the skin care-obsessed folks in your life. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our cult fave products that deserve an “Add To Cart”, stat.

Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser

A great cleanser is the cornerstone of any well-built routine, and this one is beloved for its ability to purify oily, combo and acne-prone skin without over-drying or irritating. With fermented green tea extract, it brightens and calms for clear, even-toned skin that stays balanced.

 $19 $13.30 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Benton Let’s Carrot Multi Oil

Facial oils are a great way to keep the skin hydrated during cold, taxing months. This oil, packed with carrot seed oil, beta-carotene, and tocopherol, keeps moisture from evaporating from the skin while it also works to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body!

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30

SKIN GRAMMAR Sweet & Gentle Shampoo Bar

We need to stop ignoring our scalps and strands. This season, we’re ready to wave good bye to flaky scalps and dull locs.

SKIN GRAMMAR is amping up K-Beauty’s hair care game with their vegan, cruelty free, and sustainable shampoo bar. Their bar, which equates to 3 bottles of shampoo, gently exfoliates the scalp and delivers much needed strength to brittle strands with vitamin B5 and B7.

 $18 $12.60 with code SGWONDERLAND30

SkinRX Lab MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner

Going into the cooler months of winter, our skin needs a helping hand to protect itself against dehydration and harm from the elements. This double essence, dual layer toner works with madecassoside to soothe and ceramides to fortify the skin barrier. We love this for its ability to calm redness, smooth out rough texture and boost hydration in all skin types.

$26 $18.20 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum

If you introduce one new serum into your routine, let it be this one from Acwell. Licorice water and licorice root extracts work to brighten the complexion alongside niacinamide and glutathione, while super-ingredient Pycnogenol® works to boost collagen production and smooth out fine lines. Free from parabens, silicone, sulphates, alcohol and other potential irritants, this serum does it all without harming sensitive skin.

$25 $17.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30

MEDIHEAL N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Sheet Mask

Now is the perfect time to stock up on sheet masks, and we’re grabbing this bestseller for good reason. Containing the key building blocks to N.M.F. (that’s Natural Moisturizing Factor), it helps the skin attract and retain water. Using hyaluronic acid, amino acids and water-binding sugars, these sheet masks turns rough, dry skin into a dewy, supple complexion. Perfect for treating yourself after a long and cold winter’s day.

$9.95 $6.97 for a pack of 5 with code SGWONDERLAND30 

Elensilia CPP Collagen 80% Intensive Eye Cream

If you’re looking to take your eye cream game to the next level, Elensilia has the formula for you. Hydrolyzed French collagen extract makes up 80% of the formula, working to plump fine lines, while two different patented peptides—SYN-COLL and Haloxyl—boost collagen production and reduce puffiness and dark circles, respectively. Free of artificial fragrance and mineral oils, this lightweight yet intensive cream won’t irritate sensitive eyes. 

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack

Say goodbye to chapped winter lips with this ultra-nourishing, non-sticky lip mask. A 2018 Best of K-Beauty winner, it’s packed with avocado, sweet almond and apricot seed oils, all working to repair and protect your lips while you sleep so you can wake up refreshed. With a subtle vanilla flavor, you’ll look forward to applying it every night.

$15 $10.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30

*Some exclusions apply. Discount cannot be used on Then I Met You, sets, or merchandise (books).

+What will you be picking up from the Soko Glam Skin Care Wonderland sale? Share your cart hauls in the comments!

The post We Have The Skin Care Cult Favorites You Need From Soko Glam’s Cyber Month Sale Event appeared first on The Klog.

Halloween is upon us! It’s the time of year when you find that excuse to break out those crazy impulse makeup purchases, like glitter eye shadow and double decker lashes. But you should think twice before slathering on that costume makeup kit.

Here are all the best tips and tricks to make sure your holiday is all about fun and not about your skin freaking out.

The truth about Halloween store makeup kits:

Everyone knows those makeup kits at the Halloween store: They typically include primary colors and a foam applicator that doesn’t have a prayer lasting for the entire application for anything more complex than whiskers or a Dalmatian eye spot. The coverage is spotty at best and usually has a cake-like, thick texture.

As a person with sensitive skin, I’ve always disliked the leftover greasy feeling when using these kits. So I went to Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology, to find out what is the deal with these kits and who should be using them.

He emphasizes: “Unlike the high-quality, well-formulated makeup that you can get at high-end retailers, many Halloween makeup products contain ingredients that can cause breakouts or skin irritation. I caution my patients with acne and sensitive skin against using this to avoid potential problems afterwards.”

Well, yeah. A lot of us could have guessed that, but can we really lump all of these kits into one big category? And what about special effects makeup that sort of necessitates non-typical makeup ingredients? Halloween is only one day a year, so where can we still have a bit of fun with our  look?

“Glow-in-the-dark make up contains Luminescent Zinc Sulphide,” says Zeichner. “Cosmetics use this ingredient and it is regulated by the FDA and generally considered to be safe. Heavy oils, however, may be used in Halloween makeup to achieve the full coverage effect. This can make the makeup feel heavy on the skin and may lead acne breakouts. Additionally, Halloween makeup may contain potentially irritating preservatives and fragrances. Some contain heavy metals that help achieve bright colors, but at the same time can lead to skin inflammation.”

If you still want to use costume makeup, rest assured that it probably won’t totally destroy your skin. But also make sure to keep your skin protected before applying the makeup. My skin is super sensitive so I have to be extra careful. In preparation for any heavy makeup, or even just being out in the cold weather, I try to used a good moisturizer that seals my skin without being too greasy. My go-to is the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Cream.

Also, the way you remove your Halloween makeup is just as important as the way you put it on. “Because costume makeup is very heavy, you may require a double cleanse to fully remove it,” says Zeichner. “Start out with an oil based cleanser to dissolve make up. Follow it with a foaming cleanser to remove any residual dirt. Make sure to apply a moisturizer afterwards to help maintain a healthy skin barrier!” Find out more about how to double cleanse here. 

For optimal Halloween double cleansing, we recommend Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm and Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel, which work together to deep clean!

Bonus! How to create an awesome Halloween makeup look with makeup you already have:

If you’re acne-prone or have sensitive don’t worry, there are still a ton of fun hacks that you can do with makeup in your arsenal to get in the Halloween spirit. For example, you can get a quick and easy vampire or zombie look with the help of a lip tint, like the Colourpop Sonic Blooms Glossy Lip Stain. It’s the perfect consistency for a little fake blood without the goop, stickiness, and mystery ingredients of store-bought fake blood.

Just apply the tint as you normally would on your lips. Then for the drips, take the applicator and twist it around in the bottle to load it up with a lot of product. Once you have a good excess amount, bring it to the corner of your lip and drag it down to create a drip line, leaving an extra bit of product at the end for the “drip”:

And voila! Easy zombie Klog writer costume in five minutes. You can also try using this on other parts of your body, just be sure to use a double cleanse when you take it off since lip stains are in fact, well, stains.

Bottom line:

The makeup kits in Halloween stores won’t kill you for a night, but proceed with caution. If you have reactive skin try using makeup your face is already used to. If your skin holds up a bit better, then be sure to use good application methods and thorough-yet-gentle cleansing routines.

+ What are your Halloween makeup tips for sensitive skin? Share below in the comments!

The post The Truth About What Your Halloween Costume Makeup Does to Your Skin appeared first on The Klog.