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Tired of battling excess shine and breakouts? Oily skin can be a challenge, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep it under control and achieve a fresh, matte finish. Let’s explore 13 simple and effective tips to help balance your skin and give you that sensational glow. What Is Oily Skin? Oily skin is characterised by enlarged pores, a shiny complexion, and a thicker texture. While your skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to stay hydrated, an overproduction can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. If this sounds like your skin, you’re in the right place! Common signs of oily skin include: Persistent shine, especially in the T-zone Enlarged, visible pores Rough skin texture Blackheads and occasional breakouts Makeup that wears off quickly The upside? Oily skin often ages more slowly and develops fewer wrinkles thanks to the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 13 Tips for Managing Oily Skin Consistency is key when it comes to managing oily skin. Try these 13 tips to keep excess oil at bay and maintain a balanced, radiant complexion. Gentle Cleansing - Wash your face twice daily using a gentle, non-stripping cleansers to remove impurities and control oil without dehydrating your skin. Alcohol-Free Toner - Balance your skin's pH and minimise pore size with a non-alcoholic toner, helping to reduce excess shine. Acne-Fighting Ingredients - Look for products with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tea tree oil to target breakouts and prevent clogged pores. Oil-Free Moisturiser - Hydrate without the heaviness! Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that won’t clog your pores or make your skin feel greasy. Regular Exfoliation - Exfoliate twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, promoting smoother, healthier-looking skin. Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Keep your skin hydrated with a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum. This powerful humectant locks in moisture without adding any excess oil. Clay Mask - Use a clay mask twice a week to absorb excess oil and deep-clean your pores, leaving your skin matte and refreshed. Blotting Papers - On-the-go shine control! Keep blotting papers handy to quickly absorb oil throughout the day without disrupting your makeup. Green Tea Products - Green tea is rich in antioxidants and calming properties. Incorporate products with green tea extract to soothe your skin while controlling oil production. Diet and Hydration - Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin healthy from the inside out. Avoid greasy, oily foods that can contribute to breakouts. Non-Comedogenic Makeup - Choose non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog your pores. Opt for lightweight, oil-free foundations and powders to keep shine under control. Sunscreen - Don’t skip sunscreen! Choose an oil-free or matte sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays without adding extra shine. Avoid Over-Cleansing - Washing your face too often can strip your skin of natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil. Stick to cleansing twice a day to keep your skin balanced. Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin Building a consistent skincare routine for oily skin is essential. Here’s a morning and evening routine to help you achieve balanced, healthier skin: Morning Routine: Gentle Cleanser – Start with a gentle cleanser like Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin. Alcohol-Free Toner – Balance your skin’s pH with Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner, a refreshing toner that hydrates while keeping oil production in check. Lightweight Moisturiser – Hydrate your skin with the non-greasy COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream, a lightweight moisturiser that balances hydration without adding extra shine. Sunscreen – Protect your skin with Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a matte, lightweight sunscreen that shields your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging pores. Night Routine: Double Cleanse - Start with an oil-based cleanser like Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil to melt away makeup and excess oil, followed by Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam for a thorough water-based cleanse. Alcohol-Free Toner - Use Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for treatment products. Active Treatment Serum - Apply a treatment serum like Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum with panthenol to target breakouts. Lightweight Moisturiser - Seal in hydration with COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream. Eye Cream - Target fine lines and puffiness with Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, perfect for hydrating and soothing the delicate under-eye area. Optional: Sleeping Mask - For added hydration and nourishment, use Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Ex once or twice a week to wake up with refreshed, balanced skin. To Put Simply... Managing oily skin takes patience and the right products, but with consistency, you can get smoother, clearer skin. Embrace your natural glow while controlling shine, and remember, each person’s skin is unique—finding the best routine may take some trial and error. By sticking to a gentle skincare routine and incorporating oil-balancing ingredients, you can keep oily skin in check and achieve that sensational, matte complexion. Goodbye, excess shine—hello, fresh, glowing skin!

As a devoted foodie, nothing tickles my taste buds more than stepping into an eatery and handed an apron right off the bat. I was elated to find myself in a country that takes food as seriously as me and Seoul did not disappoint! I’ve watched more than my fair share of K-dramas and I’ve always had two nagging questions. How does everyone have such flawless skin and how do they eat so much but still look so good? Over time I came to realise that Koreans' radiant, flawless skin isn't just down to a focus on skincare from a very young age. A big part of their secret is combining multi-step skincare routines with a well-balanced diet. If you are keen to learn how to incorporate Korean skincare into your routine, please read our blog here for an Easy 5 Step Korean Skincare Routine: A Beginner's Guide. Alternatively, you can hit us up to create a free personalised skincare routine for you, please contact us at: hello@skinsation.com.au. Korean cuisine consists of hearty stews rich in collagen, fermented foods such as kimchi, huge arrays of vegetable side dishes (banchan), seafood, teas and so much more. Many of which are rich in the nutrients and vitamins required for healthy glowing skin. For instance, in Korea, kimchi is king. The average Korean eats nearly 20kg of this spicy, fermented cabbage each year. Packed with gut-boosting probiotics, vitamin C and beta-carotene, kimchi isn't just delicious - it's a powerhouse for your skin and can help with improving your skin’s elasticity, giving you that healthy radiance. Almost every meal we ordered in Seoul came with a side of kimchi along with other delicious banchans. This was what I loved most about the food culture here. From the moment you sit down the staff will serve you complimentary side dishes or soups - oh, and did I mention the refills are free?! My foodie heart was practically doing a happy dance. Below are some of the amazing culinary masterpieces we had while in Seoul, delighting all the senses of sight, smell, sound and taste, dishes stretching as far as the table could hold. Imagine eating like royalty every day for a fraction of the prices back in Australia! That's one of the many reasons I'll deeply miss their incredible food culture. Soft tofu and seaweed soup set meal Grilled eel set meal Gamja-Tang (pork bone soup) Grilled fish and kimchi stew set meal

Glass Skin Magic with Espoir Pro Tailor Foundation Be Glow (New Class) As someone who thrives on incredible food and sensational skincare, I'm always in pursuit of products that not only promise but deliver excellence. The Espoir Pro Tailor Foundation Be Glow, celebrated for clinching a top spot at the 2023 Glowpick Awards for "Best Glow Foundation", caught my attention with its skincare-infused formula designed to achieve that sought-after "glass skin" effect. This foundation is more than just makeup; it’s a skincare marvel that stands out in the bustling beauty market of Korea. Why Espoir Stands Out Originating from Amorepacific Group, Korea's beauty giant since 1945, Espoir emerged in 2014, carving its niche with professional makeup solutions that celebrate individuality. The foundation comes in five adaptable shades, catering mostly to lighter skin tones, but its magic lies in the formula. I opted for '21 Ivory', a shade that blends seamlessly, offering a medium coverage that feels neither too heavy nor too light, just perfect for creating a natural, flawless finish. Skincare Benefits Galore What sets this foundation apart are the skincare benefits packed within—hyaluronic acid for hydration, collagen for elasticity, and peptides for youthful skin. Despite its SPF27 PA++, a little note on application: it’s best used over sunscreen to ensure adequate sun protection. The foundation’s staying power is commendable, lasting over 10 hours without a hitch, making it an all-season hero for any skin type, especially for those with combination skin like mine. The Final Verdict This foundation doesn’t just cover up; it enhances. My skin looked radiant, felt hydrated, and stayed fresh throughout the day, truly delivering a "glow from every angle". It’s a product that combines performance with protection, making it a staple in my beauty regimen. Whether it's for an everyday look or special occasions, the Espoir Pro Tailor Foundation Be Glow promises—and delivers—a luminous, poreless finish that feels as good as it looks.

Hyperpigmentation is a term used to describe areas of the skin that appear darker than others. The darker areas can include small patches and large areas and even affect the entire body. Hyperpigmentation can appear in brown, black, grey, red, or pink patches. Two main types of hyperpigmentation Sunspots: Also called age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face. Sunspots are caused by overactive pigment cells. UV ray light speeds up melanin production; a natural pigment that gives skin its colour. Skin that has had years of sun exposure can cause age spots to appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Acne scars: otherwise known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which was caused by injury or inflammation to the skin. For the purpose of this blog, hyperpigmentation caused by medical conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis will not be covered in this article. Please seek medical or professional advice should you suffer from these conditions. While increased pigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it may cause a person to feel distressed or self-conscious when the undesired patches appear, throwing a spanner into our glass skin routines! Fear not as several lifestyle changes can help, especially sun protection and skin care. To help fade existing hyperpigmentation caused by sunspots or acne scars please see our step-by-step guide on the most effective night and day routines you can begin with today! Night Routine:Step 1: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing OilStep 2: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel CleanserStep 3: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy TonerStep 4: Axis – Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow SerumStep 5: Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating SerumStep 6: Etude Moistfull Collagen Cream Day Routine:Step 1: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel CleanserStep 2: Axis – Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow SerumStep 3: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care CreamStep 4: IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel For the above-recommended routine, double cleansing (steps 1 and 2) is important to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, dirt, and other impurities from the skin, ensuring a clean canvas for subsequent skincare products. Please note that retinol can be potent and may cause irritation, especially when you first use it. Our recommendation is to begin by using it 2-3 times a week before slowly increasing the application to once a day. Retinol can help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin and promoting cell turnover. This can result in a more even and radiant complexion. It is recommended that retinol be used at night to promote cell turnover and renewal. Retinol is also effective in treating acne by preventing the formation of comedones (clogged pores) and reducing inflammation. It helps to regulate oil production and exfoliate the skin, which can prevent breakouts and improve overall skin clarity. Retinol works more effectively when combined with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is found in Axis – Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, this is why we have combined the two products. The Axis – Y serum contains 5% Niacinamide to help fade dark spots and improve skin pigmentation problems such as dullness and uneven colour. At the same time, Niacinamide can also help reduce inflammation caused by acne, help the skin recover from damage, and nourish the skin from within. It is important to note that retinal should not be used at the same time as Vitamin C because combining both ingredients may increase the risk of irritation, redness, or sensitivity. Vitamin C should be used during the day to protect the skin from environmental damage, promote collagen production and enhance sun protection when combined with sunscreen. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey towards radiant, vibrant skin! We can hardly contain our excitement for you to try our day and night skincare routine, crafted to unveil the beauty and vitality your skin deserves. Let the adventure begin – your path to luminous, healthy skin awaits!✨

Dive into the world of Korean skincare with this beginner-friendly guide by Sophia Lu. Simplify your beauty routine without sacrificing results with our 5-step approach to achieving the iconic Korean glass skin. Ideal for any skin type, this regimen covers the essentials: double cleansing, toning, treatment, moisturising, and sun protection. Whether you're new to skincare or looking to streamline your routine, these steps are designed to enhance your skin's health and radiance. Discover the secret to flawless, glowing skin and kickstart your journey towards a healthier, more radiant complexion today.

The Erborian CC Crème seems to disappear quickly from shelves every time. Now, when something like this occurs, I put on my sceptical hat and assume that either the product is truly amazing, or the brand is an expert at marketing garbage. In the 10+ years I've spent searching for the ideal beauty products that look good and are good for you, both scenarios have occurred. Regretfully, the overhyped scenario occurs most often. Having said that, overrated products rarely hold up to the test of time, and this CC Creme has been around for a long time. This signifies to me that it must be doing something right. I had to get my hands on a tube and find out for myself what everyone was so excited about (hint: for once, the awesomeness is real!). About the Erborian Brand The brand name Erborian translates to “Oriental Herbs,” which summarises the philosophy of this skincare brand. It is a Korean-French hybrid brand founded in 2007. Their mission is to create innovative products by combining skincare and makeup that give you the best results for your skin, requiring the least number of steps in your routine. This CC Crème combines moisturiser, foundation, and sunscreen in one easy-to-use formula to help you save time. They are also packed with anti-aging benefits to nourish and protect your skin. Erborian is also the brand that won the 2023 Glowpick Beauty Awards for the best CC and BB creams. Glowpick is a highly anticipated event that highlights the most coveted beauty products of the year, as chosen by Korean consumers. Three Shades to Cover Most Skin Tones Typically, I’m pretty wary about one-size-fits-all labels. The brand claims their three tones: Clair (for fairer tones), Dore (for tanned tones) and Caramel (for darker tones) match the majority of skin tones thanks to their "colour-matching technology." I’m a lighter tone and tried the Clair tone, I can confirm that this claim is true blending perfectly into my skin like magic! As you can see below the crème starts off as white: It slowly changes to a beige colour: Lastly, the colour-match technology blends seamlessly into my skin:   There are tiny magic pigment beads that somehow knows your perfect colour match and blend into your skin tone flawlessly. It left me with a luminous, soft, and flawless-looking complexion. In other words, like a real-life blurring filter, which I’m super excited about! Make sure to apply this as the last step of your beauty routine, which means after applying sunscreen. Although the products does contain SPF25, as a little goes a long way, the small amount you apply won’t provide enough protection. Wait 15 minutes until the sunscreen has fully settled, so you don’t accidentally remove it as you apply the CC Cream. I used my clean fingers to apply to reduce wastage, but you can also use a brush. Centella Asiatica to Soothe Skin Shout-out to the formula for featuring Centella Asiatica (also known as Tiger Herb), which is super popular in Korean skincare for its healing properties. It’s loaded with soothing substances – like Madecassoside – that calm down redness, irritation and more. Sun Protection and Other Goodies Furthermore, it also contains other goodies such as Honey Extract and Vitamin E, which help hydrate, soothe and protect the skin from free radicals. The addition of SPF25 makes this lightweight crème perfect for everyday use as it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Key Ingredients It is formulated WITHOUT: parabens, alcohol and phthalates. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate / Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl salicylate/octisalate, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide: Sunscreens. Water, Cyclomethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Ci 77492/Iron Oxides, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Mel/Honey Extract, Mica, Talc, Trihydroxystearin, Butylene Glycol, Polyester-1, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Methicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene, Ci 77491/Iron Oxides, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides. Fragrance This crème has a mild floral scent. I usually don’t like wearing scented products on my face, but I find this scent quite lovely. It also doesn’t linger around for too long. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from this product. The Verdict I don't usually use CC Creams since I've found some of the creams, I've used in the past were extremely light, didn't cover much, and didn't cling to my face properly. However, after trying the Erborian CC Crème it has changed my perception completely. The product gave me the appearance of beautiful, poreless skin and feels super light on my skin. I will definitely be adding this to my must-have beauty routine!   Grab yours today - Erborian - CC Crème (45mL)

Why choose Korean Beauty? To put it simply, Koreans are among the world's pickiest beauty consumers with one of the highest standards. To quote directly from Charlotte Cho, cofounder of Soko Glam and Then I Met You: "Koreans are serious about their skincare…. They also know what they want, like innovation, gentle ingredients, pleasing packaging, and they don't want to pay a fortune for it."   Even though the extremely high standards are difficult to meet, the Korean beauty business is driven to keep up with them. Furthermore, Korean customers have an insatiable hunger for skincare products, which helps finance a lot of R&D. Thousands of beauty brands are vying for consumers' attention, creating a highly inventive and competitive industry that is at the forefront of the beauty industry.   So, what sets Korean skincare apart? In Korea, there's a strong focus on preventing skin issues and dedicating time to skin care. It involves prioritizing hydration, sun protection, and product formulation. This leads to products that are usually gentle, rarely harsh and have a soft, smooth texture, which most people prefer. This is a very different approach to some of our available skincare products in Australia where loads of active ingredients like retinol, acids etc are included in one product to tackle specific skin problems like pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, or eczema. But chasing quick fixes might not be so great for your overall skin health in the long run.   Taking care of your skin is like taking care of a cherished garden. It requires time and attention to find the right products that suit your skin. In Korea, they really invest in skincare routines, whether it's three steps or 12 steps." Starting out on your skincare journey can be a bit daunting, but fear not! We've reached out to a bunch of experts for their top picks in K-beauty products.   Our Top Picks Best Cleansing Oil: Anua - Heartleaf pore control cleansing oil   Best Foaming Cleanser: COSRX - Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser   Best Toner: COSRX - Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner   Best Moisturiser: Beauty of Joseon – Dynasty Cream   Best Sunscreen: IsNtree - Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel   Best Essence: Mixsoon – Bean Essence