MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 70 brands, 10,000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

The sun emits three types of rays but only two get to the earth, they are the UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging while UVB rays are responsible for skin burning. These rays can pass through many things- the clouds, your windows and even clothing. The only way to protect yourself from their effect is to stay in a totally dark room, or load up on sunscreen. Except you’re a vampire and don’t have to work for your rent, your only option is B. What this means is that you can go through all your skincare steps twice a day but if you don’t target the basic problem, you’ll keep on battling this skin issue.

Apart from aging, the sun is also responsible for other severe skin problems like hyper pigmentation and age spots. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars looking for the right jar of cream that would do the magic for you, an easy way is to just protect yourself by using sunscreen religiously. Many skin issues will be avoided if that one step is taken seriously.

If you are getting to an age where you skincare routine is focused on skin aging, you should hold the saying “prevention is better than cure” close to your heart. This is one of the best skincare tips an Asian woman would ever give you, and they are known for their porcelain, never aging skin. They go to great length to protect their skin from direct contact with the sun. Added to their regular application of sunscreen, they stay out of the sun totally or carry clothing and accessories made out of special UV protecting garments like gloves and umbrellas.

UVA rays cause slow but serious damage, speeding the onset of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck and hands (usually the parts that are always exposed). Although we can’t argue the importance of a skincare routine (there are many things involved especially the cleansing process which I would never miss for anything) it is important to always remember that most skin issues can be avoided if we protect our skin from the sun.

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SKIN PROTECTION
Don't let the sun stop you!
All sun care products are on sale now at MIK

Shop now at https://www.buymik.com/skincare/sun-care.html

Sale Ends 30/11/2018

Have you ever woken up to annoying makeup stains on your pillow? It’s even worse when you cleanse and then try using your toner, just to find out that your makeup is still all over the cotton pad and your face.

You’re in luck then, because today, we have the cleansing routine that every girl needs, you won’t have these problems after following it. This routine was given to us by the one we all know as the “Nation’s first love”, Suzy from Miss A. She gained this name after starring in a 2012 melodrama, Architecture 101. She is the ‘maknae’ (youngest member) of her group. As the first female triple award winner in K-pop, K-drama and film, she is someone well respected and well loved.

Her latest drama, “WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING” which she WAS starred in alongside LEE JONG SUK, has DRIVEN fans BANANAS WITH THEIR CHEMISTRIES. Recently, she WAS CONFIRMED TO BE DATING WITH LEE DONG WOOK.

Suzy revealed her skincare routine to her viewers when she was explaining how to get her classic makeup looks. She wanted to teach them how to achieve the natural look she was wearing, but first, they had to learn how to keep their skin in its best condition so their makeup could be as minimal and natural looking as possible.

According to her, the trick is in the cleansing. This is why she dubbed her routine the ‘424 wash routine’. In total, she cleanses her face for 10 minutes.

For this routine, she uses:

Cleansing oil + Foam cleanser

For her, much emphasis is on the time used to clean.This is how she does it:

This is how she does it:

For 4 minutes, she focuses on removing her makeup with the cleansing oil. The oil is needed to remove any product clogging the pores. Oil solubilises other oil based products such as your foundation and mascara, so they come right off.

For 2 minutes, she massages her face with the foam cleanser. Because ordinary water cannot wash off oil, this step is needed to remove the oil left on the skin and any traces of makeup left.

For 4 minutes, she thoroughly washed her face with water.

After following this routine, don’t forget to moisturize your skin.

She stated that, “when I get older, I won’t have the skin that I do now, so I have to take good care of it. I don’t have troublesome skin though, so I don’t worry too much”. The importance of double cleansing is very obvious here. When you double cleanse, you take off all the sweat and sebum that has built up throughout the day. If you wear makeup every day, it is important to start using this routine. Constant build up of oil that doesn’t get properly cleaned out can eventually lead to uncontrollable breakouts. They can leave the skin with acne scars that would prevent a person from achieving a natural look, without pilling up so much makeup to cover the scars.

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Mission Unlocked: Quest for the Perfect Foundation

Have you found that perfect foundation that matches flawlessly with your skin tone and type? If not, do not allow yourself to settle for something less than the best. Your skin and your beauty deserves better.

Beauty experts believe that the trick to finding that perfect foundation is to try it on in the natural daylight; reason being that everything is crystal clear when the sun is up and you can spot the wrong shade right at the spot. Blending is the key they say however, not if you’ve picked out the wrong colour. Our advice is never to rely on the lighting in your favourite makeup outlet or even a departmental store.

You need your foundation to give a smooth, full coverage on the centre of your face. But even more importantly, your foundation must match the skin tone of your body. After all, you don’t want to go out with a two-toned look that is horribly laughable, do you? If not, make sure that the tone of your neck and the rest of your body matches the shade you have picked out. The best way to test a foundation is to apply it over your neck and your jawline. That way, you can really see its effect against the undertone and decide if it flatters your skin or not.

Identifying an undertone is not as easy as it sounds. But it is essential to understand your skin undertones, if you want to get that perfectly flawless foundation.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

What is your Skin Undertone?

Here’s what you need to know about undertones:

Cool and blue: Try looking for the colour of the veins on the inside of your wrist. Do you have blue and purple veins sprouting under your skin? You have cool and blue undertones. You can also tell that your undertones are cool if you look better in silver than in gold. One out in sun, you tend to turn pink and are prone to sunburn.

Neutral and green: You don’t have any veins showing up on your skin but they seem to be slightly blue-greenish. You cannot tell for sure if the colour of your veins is blue or distinctly green. Your complexion isn’t too fair or too dark, but when you step out in the sun, it tends to turn olive in colour.

Warm and yellow: Your veins look slightly green and your skin turns yellowish when you step out in the sun. Your skin gives out a yellow glow with peachy undertones. Gold jewellery is your best bet. Out in the sun, you tend to get a beautiful tan rather than the pink skin.

If you’re looking for a foundation to give your skin heavy coverage, stop right there! For coverage, you should look for a concealer instead. You see, your foundation should be light and breathable. If it locks up all your pores, your face will turn into a fondant cake.

Each skin type, be it oily, dry or super sensitive, has its own needs. Your skin requires a formula that is made to beautify that particular skin type.

Foundation for your Skin Type

Here’s a breakdown of the foundation you need for your skin type:

Oily Skin:  You need something that is light and free of all traces of oil. Your ideal choice is going for matte so that it doesn’t shine on your face and invite sweat.

Combination Skin: Your best bet will be the semi-matte foundation as it keeps your skin hydrated and gives it a smooth finish.

Normal Skin: Blessed are the women who don’t have to worry about a plethora of problems while choosing their foundation. You must opt for the satin foundation which will give your skin a smooth, velvety finish while keeping it moist and fresh.

Dry Skin:  Your foundation goal is to find that formula that will moisturize and hydrate your skin.

Sensitive Skin: If you have a highly sensitive skin, your struggle is real because there is no one solution or formula. You need to put yourself out there and find the perfect one. Only be sure to steer clear of irritants and heavy formulas that give a thick coverage. Mineral powder is ideal for such skin.

The Elusive Natural Look: Do you want to exude an aura of confident, poised woman by opting for a natural look? Sheer foundation is the way to go!

At the end of the day, when you walk out after paying the cashier with your new foundation safely lying in your handbag, you want something that will give your skin a fresh look all day long. You do not want a foundation that harms your skin, or clogs your pores to deny your skin cells much needed oxygen. Choose wisely, and remember, your skin deserves the best. 

Low self-esteem from troubled skin? Already spent $$$ on cosmetics, dermatology treatments but not seeing great changes?

NO MORE WORRIES, NO MORE TROUBLES

MIK has trialled and is continuing to trial different combination of products to suit different skin needs.
YES we are trialling and using all our products every day!
Recently, MIK has found the best combination of products for acne-prone, red, inflamed skin

This exclusive limited TROUBLE FREE box includes:

1. COSRX Good Morning Low pH Gel Cleanser (x1)
2. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (x1)
3. Innisfree Bija Cica Balm (x1)
4. Innisfree Skin Clinic Mask Madecassoside (x3)

Why?

1. Did you know that our skin is fairly acidic so that it can ward of harmful bacteria and fungi?
The optimal pH of human skin is around 5.5 and shockingly most of the cleansers and soaps we use on our face are alkalic. When our skin becomes too alkaline, our skin becomes very dry, sensitive and our protective barriers are weaken. Hence, we develop various skin problems including acne and eczema. Using low pH cleansers such as COSRX Good Morning Low pH Gel Cleanser can help restore this barrier and strengthen your skin incredibly.

2. It is important to dress open wounds after your acne/pimple has popped to prevent further secondary infections. Dressing your blemishes helps promote the healing of the skin and also prevents scar formation. Even better, these patches are waterproof, and do not leave behind any sticky residues! Also it's thin and unnoticeable so you can even wear them before you apply your makeup because we all know makeup isn't the best for acne!

3. This cream is light, non-sticky but has absolutely amazing results! This cream is being promoted by many beauty youtubers because it helps reduce little white heads and calms down big acne spots whilst also fading away those dark scars! Look at these amazing results (4 weeks use)

4. This mask pack contains madecassoside which is known to soothe skin and strengthen the skin barrier. It is ideal for irritated and sensitive skin and made from 100% natural cotton!
It is very thin and has real good adherence on the skin for maximum absorbance of all the good good substances! Most acne products are very drying, but did you know that excessively drying out your skin causes your skin to produce more oil and sebum which contributes to acne. 

For those relaxed days where you just want to sit back and give your skin a treat, mask layering can be a good way to load up on lost skincare benefits. This is also super helpful if your daily skincare routine includes just the basics.

Different masks come with different benefits and they are perfect for giving you a skin deep treatment. However, you can’t use your masks in just any order. You have to arrange them so they don’t interfere with each other’s benefits. In your masking routine, you should always use the exfoliating or purifying mask first. Once your skin has gotten its deep cleanse, you can move on to the hydrating and rejuvenating masks.

To start, use a mild cleanser to wash your face then pat dry. The first mask you use should be a purifying one that will give your skin a deep cleanse. A good option is the [SKINFOOD] BALSAMIC OIL PEELING MASK. It’s a peel-off mask that helps to remove pore clogging particles like oil and dirt. It also takes off dead skin cells and will leave you with smooth, healthy skin. It contains wine vinegar which was sourced from Italy because of its high Vitamin E and polyphenols content. It’s also very easy to use.

To use this mask, apply an even coat all over your face, avoiding the sensitive skin around your eyes. Leave it till it is completely dry all over, then peel it off starting from your chin area.

Once you’ve peeled the mask off, rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry. The next mask you will be using should be a hydrating mask, preferably one that comes with extra benefits like anti-aging, sun damage corrector, brightening, etc. An affordable way to get all the benefits for a good price is getting the [TONYMOLY] I'M REAL MASK SHEET 11 KINDS SHEET MASK SET. It’s a sheet mask set that comes with 11 different sheet masks with different benefits. They include brightening, soothing, glowing, moisturizing, firming, pore care, cleaning, vitality, transparent skin, nourishment, and vitality. You can use whichever one you want, depending on what you want out of your mask layering session.

To use, take the mask out of its pack and smoothen it all over your face. Leave on for 12-15 minutes, take it off and massage the remaining serum into your skin.

Dry, cold air makes the dead skin cells on your face stand out. When it’s really cold, you can feel the dry ‘stiff’ layer when you run your palm over your skin. To get rid of the dead skin, use a good exfoliator 2-3 times a week. For your face, the [SKINFOOD] BLACK SUGAR PERFECT SCRUB FOAM helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities, leaving you with smooth, healthy skin. You can also use it to scrub your entire body.

Make sure to use products with gentle ingredients that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. They act as a barrier between your skin and the harsh weather. If you wear makeup and you usually have an intense after routine, try protecting your skin using a new method.

Prepare your skin at night. Cleanse and moisturize to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Right before your moisturize, use a hydrating essence such as the [SKINFOOD] PREMIUM LETTUCE AND CUCUMBER WATERY ESSENCE. This essence is a great choice because it is made up of two of the most hydrating skincare ingredients you can find.

If coverage is a must for you, go for very lightweight formulas that won’t completely block your pores and cause build up in your skin. The [MAMONDE] TOTAL SOLUTION MOISTURE BB CREAM provides a good base with great coverage, without being heavy on the skin. It also contains SPF 35 and comes with moisturizing ingredients that will keep your face soft and smooth through the day.

Also, use a good hydrating spray like the [LANEIGE] WATER BANK MINERAL SKIN MIST to set your makeup and give your skin a nice glow. You can also use it without makeup to give your skin a hydration boost.

While feeding your face with as much hydration as you can, don’t forget to give your lips some love too. Always have a lip balm handy and use lip masks at least 3 times in a week. You can choose from the various flavours of the [LANEIGE] HOLIDAY LIP SLEEPING MASK and give your lips a treat regularly. This is a limited line so grab yours before they go out of stock.

Go to the MIK store to shop these products!

The popular girl group, Red Velvet, wear this look to perfection and their recent music video, Ice Cream Cake, really made us feel like we could taste the sugar through our screens. They all looked cotton candy sweet to perfection. Luckily for us, we’ve been able to get the inside scoop to the products they use to maintain their great skin, and create the sweet looks.

Want to create your own sweet, flawless look? This is what you need!

MILK CREAM

These creams deliver moisture and essential nutrients to your skin. They are usually formulated with different types of milk and their benefits are endless. A good milk cream for any skin type is the [TONYMOLY] NATURALTH GOAT MILK PREMIUM CREAM It is formulated from goat milk which helps to protect the skin from free radicals and keep it soft and youthful.

HYDRATING PRIMER

The Red Velvet makeup artist revealed that the secret to their dewy, glowy finish is using a hydrating primer as a base. [THEFACESHOP] FACE IT VELVET SKIN PRIMER is a good option as it gives the skin a dewy, velvety look and feel. It doesn’t just make your skin look hydrated, it keeps it hydrated while working to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores.

PRESSED EYESHADOW

To create the popping color effects on their eyes, the makeup artist for Red Velvet uses an array of eyeshadow colors, usually in pressed form. To get an array of beautiful colors you can use, check out the [THEFACESHOP] FACE IT LESSON eyeshadow set.

COLOURFUL HIGHLIGHTER

We are used to the gold, and white gold highlighters, but according to Red Velvet, colors work better. To highlight, they use a compact highlighter that comes mixed with several colors, very similar to the [ETUDE HOUSE] SECRET BEAM HIGHLIGHTER. A mix of those colors swept over your cheekbone with a fan brush will give you the sweet glow you need.

MOISTURISING MIST

Moisture is very important for a dewy, healthy glow and these girls get enough of it. To get a load of yours, we recommend going with the [LANEIGE] WATER BANK MINERAL SKIN MIST. It can be sprayed both on a bare face and over your makeup.

Go to the MIK online store now to shop these products!

Here are some of the traditional Korean beauty secrets that we still enjoy in our beauty products today:

Snail Mucin
Snail enzyme is a major active ingredient that contains a load of protein, glycolic acids and elastin, which all have anti aging benefits for the skin. You will find snail extract in some of your sheet masks.

Snails have very soft bodies, despite the fact that they literally slide over rocks and other hard surfaces. This is because they protect their bodies with this slime. When they get cut, they use the slime to heal themselves.
For our skin, the snail extract restores the skin by supplying enough moisture and boosting cell regeneration to keep it young and firm.

Bee venom
This extract contains a compound called melitten, which researchers have found to be one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can be used on the skin. Many brands these days, both Korean and Western, use it in their anti aging products.

The bee venom breaks down cell membranes in your skin, to trick it into thinking it is under attack. Your skin will respond by working twice as hard to produce enough collagen and relax the facial muscles, promoting younger looking skin. Many people use bee venom as an alternative to Botox.

Ginseng
Ginseng contains properties that boost collagen production in the skin. It is also effective as a natural skin whitener and helps to treat melasma, which is a skin condition caused by sun effects, hormones and heat. It heals the skin and brightens it for an even complexion.

Tea tree oil
Considered as one of the best non-irritating antiseptics for the skin, many brands have been built as tea tree brands, where all their products contain tea tree oil. This is because tea tree oil is very effective in treating acne. It is gentler on the skin and contains less potential side effects than other widely known acne treatments.

It works by clearing sebum build up from the skin without stripping the skin of its natural moisture and oils. 

Pig collagen
The collagen produced in pigs is very similar to the one we produce as humans. When that collagen is used in our beauty products and we apply it, it helps maintain a youthful appearance as our skin is given a collagen boost. This will help protect and increase skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Rose oil
This active skincare essence is gotten from the Rose flower and it has multiple amazing benefits for the skin. It contains Vitamin A and C and other minerals. It is also loaded with antioxidants.
This oil helps to boost moisture in the skin, prevent and treat inflammation and also provide antiseptic benefits for acne prone skin. It is also a good anti-aging ingredient as its properties help to delay skin aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

It was revealed on April 14 that the anti-aging product ‘Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream’ of Nature Republic (Director Jung Un Ho) that transmits beauty energy found in clean areas in the world was given the Grand Gold Award at ‘2016 Monde Selection’.

As one of the three biggest fairs in the world, ‘Monde Selection’ was founded in 1961 with the approval of Belgian government. More than 3100 products of different kinds such as healthy foods, beauty, drinks, alcohol and foods from around 82 countries are involved in the competition every year. Through a 4-month rigorous screening, about 70 specialists will select the best products among all.

‘Ginseng Royal Silk Water Cream’ that received the award is an anti-aging cream that consists of rare ingredients such as 99% pure gold, 6-year-old Goryeo red ginseng, clean royal jelly and silk amino acids obtained from golden silkworm to help the skin stay hydrated and radiant. It is proved by accredited institutions through the four-week human subject experiment and survey that it improves wrinkles around the eyes, skin moisture and elasticity.

After its release a year ago, it has received lots of local and global prizes due to its superior quality. Taeyeon and Hyoyeon from Girls’ Generation, actress Hwang Shin Hye and more famous artists and announcers have praised the high quality of the product, which has become a hit one of the brand, creating hot topics on SNS. In respond to the requests of customers, the line is expanded that toner, emulsion, essence, eye cream and mask sheet are also released, receiving great love from the customers.

The spokesperson of Nature Republic revealed, “Through the award, the competitiveness in the global market and the outstanding quality of the product are proved”, added, “As one of the representatives of K-Beauty, we will try hard to provide products of the world’s best quality”. (photo by Nature Republic)

Contact: news@bntnews.co.uk

Now, we have the added benefit of selecting what type of cushions we can use, depending on our personal taste and choices. The sponge cushion and silicone cushion are two of the most popular type of cushions, and they both have their benefits. If you are confused about which one will suit you better, keep reading for their benefits!

SPONGE CUSHION

The sponge cushion is a sponge soaked in liquid foundation, BB or CC cream and encased in a compact. There are also powder compacts. They were introduced first by Amorepacific and have changed everything about makeup application. These products are amazing because they offer a flawless coverage that doesn’t run or streak, hours after application.

With sponge cushion, the sponge is saturated with the product, this way, all you have to do is push your puff against the sponge to get the amount of product you need. The products come with added benefits that go beyond just coverage; they feed the skin with healthy ingredients and usually provide sun protection. This way, you are giving your skin amazing coverage but also treating it to healthy skin ingredients.

The sponges also come with a layer of anti bacterial protection to make sure that germs from your puff (and face) don’t get into it.

SILICONE CUSHION

The silicone cushion has a non porous surface so none of your makeup is wasted. This is a plus considering when using a sponge cushion, it soaks up a lot of the foundation, making you use more than necessary. It is designed to blend your makeup in perfectly. It is also very cool on the skin and won’t worsen irritated skin when applying makeup. Also, since these cushions are made of silicone, they don’t absorb anything, including bacteria! All you have to do is rinse off the surface and you are good to go. You can use your silicone cushion to apply a variety of products, not just your liquid and creamy makeup.

Both the sponge and silicone cushion have great benefits that everyone should take advantage of. This means that you shouldn’t limit yourself to using just one, you can have both and enjoy their benefits! To shop for sponge and silicone cushion products, go to the online store now. 

 [TONYMOLY] POCKET BUNNY PERFUME BAR This adorable perfume bar is shaped like a bunny and comes in three different colours and fragrances. It’s a minimized perfume stick that can fit into your purse for those moments when you need to amp up your scent. The perfume is solid and comes in a tube. To use, pat with your fingertips and apply all over.

 [ETUDE HOUSE] BLACK HYDROGEL EYE PATCH

Want to channel your inner Catwoman during your anti-wrinkle battle? This eye mask comes in the Catwoman eye mask shape so you can feed your skin and take sexy selfies at the same time! This mask helps fight wrinkles around the eyes and provides whitening benefits to combat dark circles and sun damage.

 [TONYMOLY] PANDA’S DREAM DUAL LIP AND CHEEK

This blush set comes in a beautiful blushing panda compact case. It contains a blush and lip stain, both in vivid and beautiful colours, with a non sticky texture. These colours will add a pretty flush to your face and highlight your features nicely.

 [ETUDE HOUSE] BODY SPOT PATCH

These patches contain ingredients that help to soothe irritated skin. The effect is very intense and calming to the skin. They come in various sizes and can cover small to wide areas on the skin. To use, simply remove the patch from the film and apply to the area that needs care. Leave it on for 8-12 hours. You can use it during the day or at night, before you go to sleep.

 [ETUDE HOUSE] MY BEAUTY TOOL ETTI SHOWER BALL

Make shower time more fun with this adorable but very effective cat figure shower puff. It comes with a cat figure above the sponge puff, making it look like a cat in a ballerina dress. It also comes with a rope to help hang it up after use.

 [ETUDE HOUSE] MY BEAUTY TOOL ETTI HAIR BAND

Hold your hair up with this pretty kitten shaped hair band. You can also use it to keep your hair out of your face when doing your makeup or getting work done.

For more detailed categories, keep reading!

The skincare obsessive

You most likely had skin issues growing up, major ones that put you through treatments and products you didn’t like. You’ve grown up knowing all the big skincare words, and knowing the importance of them. You’re always on top of your skin game and you always have a helpful tip handy whenever one of your girls complains about her skin.

 The risk taker

Your Instagram feed is always popping because of how easily you switch between looks and hair. You are like a chameleon, it’s very easy for you to change and settle into a new look. You almost always rock these looks too! You haven’t exactly found your personal style yet, but in the main time, you have no problem experimenting with all the exciting celeb looks that keep popping up daily.

 The basic beauty woman

You keep everything minimal, and it works for you. It could either be because you are not interested in experimenting with beauty products, or you’ve given up on that aspect of self care. Whichever one it is, if your comfort zone is your preferred spot, always try to make the best out of it.

 The carefree beauty lover

You’ve found a nice, balanced spot between loving your skin and being carefree about things related to it. You love wearing makeup, but you won’t mind having to apply it on the bus while going to work, because you wanted to squeeze in another 30 minutes of your favorite TV show.

 The pampered beauty

You love being taken care of, and weekly salon and spa trips are the only kind of beauty care that make sense to you. DIYs are not really your thing and you don’t mind paying the extra that comes with other people taking care of you. Needless to say, your hair and skin are always looking flawless.

Did you identify with any of these personalities? Let us know in the comment section! 

The general assumption is that most women wear makeup (especially to places like the gym) because they are not confident in their natural looks. This is not true as most times, the satisfaction women get from wearing makeup is personal. I only stop blending, or applying my lipstick when I look in the mirror and I’m satisfied with what I’m seeing.

As far as your skin’s health is concerned, the only place it would be wrong to wear makeup to, is to bed and that is because of the adverse effect it would have on your skin.

When preparing for the gym, remember that you’re going to be doing a lot of sweating. Use the tips below to get your application right for best and lasting results.

Go light

Avoid heavy coverage, like foundations. This is because your skin releases toxins while you work out. These toxins are supposed to be let out, but if you’re wearing foundation, they’re going to be trapped in your pores and can begin to cause skin issues.

Also, makeup moves around while you sweat. Sweat and oil dislodges the makeup so it just sits there on your face in a weird way, and everyone can see that you came to the gym with a full face of makeup.

Your best option is to use a lightweight loose powder, it looks totally natural (if it’s your exact shade) and won’t blow the whistle on you once you start sweating.

 Use matte concealers for spot correction instead

If you have spots on your face that loose powder won’t cover, try using a matte concealer with a really thick consistency to cover those spots. It is much better than covering your whole face in foundation.

 Go nude on the eye makeup

You can wear some eye makeup, but make sure it blends with your skin tone. Many women don’t feel comfortable going out without some sort of eye makeup so you can indulge. Remember to stick to colors that blend with your skin tone, slightly darker is also fine.

 Choose a trusted water proof mascara

It’s hard to use something other than your comfort mascara, but you have to invest in one that won’t slide right off your lashes when it comes in contact with sweat. It might take a trial and error period to find one but once you do, that’s your new gym buddy.

 Avoid doing your brows and wearing lipstick

That’s the fastest way to give yourself away. Your brows would stand out on your face, same with your lips. Using your brow brush, just brush them into shape. For your lips you can try using a tinted lip balm. It would give a natural and matte look.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with wearing makeup to the gym, so if someone notices and points it out, admit to it with confidence. You can even go ahead to give them advice and recommendations if they get really curious. 

[ETUDE HOUSE] BIG COVER CUSHION CONCEALER

This concealer comes with a finger cushion puff to make covering flaws very easy without caking on too much product. It comes in 5 shades and includes color correcting options.

 [INNISFREE] MINERAL ESSENTIAL CONCEALER

This is an amazing 2-in-1 option as it not only gives flawless coverage but also hydrates your skin. It contains Jeju green tea water which helps to moisturize dry spots. It is a liquid concealer that comes in an easy to use tube, with SPF 30 and anti wrinkle effects.

[SKIN FOOD] SALMON DARK CIRCLE CONCEALER CREAM

This concealer, formulated from salmon extract and oil, is specifically used to cover up dark circles. It gives a naturally flawless cover that won’t look cakey or start to develop lines after a few hours.

[NATURE REPUBLIC] BY FLOWER LIP CONCEALER

With this product, you don’t have to pat on your regular concealer on your lips anymore. The By Flower Lip Concealer was made specifically for the lips. It helps to even out the skin tone of the lips to give your lipstick/gloss a good foundation to work with. It also helps to smoothen the surface if your lips have an uneven texture.

[THEFACESHOP] CONCEALER DUEL VEIL

This concealer comes in two different products, the Cover Stick and the Liquid Concealer. They are sold as a set. The Cover Stick works to cover up blemishes first before the concealer is applied. The Liquid Concealer provides a natural coverage and can be used over wide areas of the face. It blends easily and will cover up spots, acne and freckles.

[BENEFIT] FAKEUP HYDRATING UNDER EYE CONCEALER

Available in 3 shades, this concealer not only provides a silky, natural finish, it also nourishes the under eye with its Vitamin E and apple seed extract contents. It has been proven to keep the eye hydrated for up to 6 hours, crease free!

[BANILA CO] PRIME PRIMER FITTING STICK CONCEALER

This concealer is made from a moisture retaining formula that provides a natural coverage with its creamy texture. It provides hydration for the skin- while you’re covering up, those eye bags and blemishes are being worked on.  

[LANEIGE] WATERY CUSHION CONCEALER

This concealer comes in form of a liquid balm and helps to cover up imperfections on the face. It is very soft to the touch and contains a lot of moisturizing and skin brightening benefits. When used with the moisturizing flocking puff, the result is a very natural but complete coverage.

[HERA] EASY TOUCH CONCEALER

This is a very thin, but effective concealer. It blends easily into the skin, making it easy to use on any part of the face without worrying about a cakey effect. It is also very mild and can be used on sensitive skin or around sensitive eyes. This concealer will last all day, it is not water or sweat soluble and won’t budge unless you use a cleanser. 

Super food ingredients

More people are moving to skincare products that contain foods packed with minerals, vitamins and anti oxidants. When included in skincare products, they work as power punches, boosting the benefits of that product for your skin. Applying nutrient rich products to our skin has been proven to work to help fight skin issues and skin aging signs. They are also healthier as they have replaced chemical ingredients that were formulated to replicate these skin benefits.

 Hyaluronic masks

As we age, natural productivity and care in our skin cells deteriorate due to factors like sun exposure, age, bad skincare etc. Hyaluronic acid is the answer you need to this skin issue. Naturally, our bodies are able to produce enough of this acid to support our skin cells but as we get older, we begin to lose ability to produce it. Using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid helps to reduce the appearance of skin aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines. It also provides support to the skin cells. The basic function of this acid to our skin is that it helps the skin cells retain moisture content, leaving the skin hydrated, soft and supple to touch. MIK carries a range of hyaluronic acid infused masks and lotions. Go to the online store to shop them.

 Ingestible beauty

People are beginning to understand how much what you put inside, reflects on the outside. We believe that this is the year when this is actually going to be taken seriously and people will be encouraged to go on skin friendly diets. The word ‘diet’ tends to scare some people away but that wouldn’t matter when they understand that it is simply cutting back on unhealthy foods, and increasing the intake of anti oxidant rich foods. Replacing coffee and sugar drinks with water is also a big step everyone should feel encouraged to take. There are a lot of amazing recipes for healthy foods you can eat, and dieting doesn’t necessarily mean eating small. You can even increase your intake of food, but you’ll be doing it the right way!

Want to get in on the trends before others? Go to the store now to shop our 100% all natural ingredient products from all your favorite Korean brands! 

A Guide To Your Summer Night-Time Routine

Cleanse

Summer means humidity and more face sweat and oils than you are used to having. It is important to always cleanse your skin properly at the end of the day, even if you didn’t wear makeup. Using the right cleanser would help to remove dirt, oils and other properties that could clog your pores or give you a skin issue. It also helps to remove all traces of the sunscreen you’ve been wearing (hopefully) through the day.

MIK Recommendation: [LANEIGE] PORE DEEP CLEARING FOAM

Exfoliate

The last thing you want on your face is a mix of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. This particular recipe will leave you with blocked pores, acne outbreaks and possibly, even worse skin issues. Exfoliating helps to slough off dead skin cells, revealing new, healthier skin for you. Do this 2-3 times a week using a smooth scrub or chemical exfoliator.

MIK Recommendation: [MISSHA] SUPER AQUA D-TOX PEELING GEL

Tone

Although most cleansers are water soluble and would hardly disturb your skin, it’s still important to make sure that your skin’s pH level is balanced. Go over your face with your toner soaked cotton pad after cleansing and drying your skin. This step also helps to removing any residue dirt that might still be clinging to your skin, so it is a very necessary one.

MIK Recommendation: [MAMONDE] ROSE WATER TONER

Moisturize

During the summer it is important to stick to light weight moisturizers instead of the heavy night creams you might be used to. Your pores need to ‘breathe’ and that can’t happen if you have a heavy fleece blanket over them in form of moisturizer. Moisturize using a light cream or serum. Using the pads of your fingers, lightly press the moisturizer into your skin- all over your face and neck. 

MIK Recommendation: [INNISFREE] JEJU LAVA SEAWATER LOTION

The secret is in the little details they consider that you don’t. Here are 4 makeup tricks that would take your selfie game from 0-100 real quick.  

Go for creams instead of powders

Using powders is an easy way to give your skin a matte finish, the problem is that your skin might show up on the camera as bland or chalky. Try switching to creamy bases instead as they give your skin a healthy base that will prompt a glow even in your pictures.

Wear vivid colour

Bright colors instantly pop on camera, making everything else stand out too. Switch out your all natural look for a pop of color on your eyes or lips. Experiment with colors and find shades that would suit you, red lipstick is a safe but bold enough option to start with.

Glo’ up

When taking selfies, it is important for the light to fall on the right places. Highlight the high points on your face- your cheekbones, tip of your nose, Cupid’s bow and brow bone using your highlighter and a fan brush. This way, when taking pictures, the light will pick up that glow and instantly make you look radiant.

Use mascara or false lashes

The extra fullness in lashes would make even the least flattering eye color stand out. Use mascara to thicken and darken your lashes then add strip lashes to enhance your eyes even more.

Don’t forget that even with these extra steps, it all comes down to your lighting to make it work. The light has to fall on your face at the right angles to bring your features to life. The best position to get good natural light is in front of a window. Stand facing the window, extend your hand out and take the picture from an upward angle. If you are out in the sun, make sure you are not backing the sun so its light falls on your face and not behind you. 

Best part is, you can get them all for less than $25!

[Etude House] My Lash Serum -$5.70- if you wear mascara or false lashes often, this lash serum is a must buy for you. We often forget that our lashes are natural hair growing out of our skin, and they also need to be taken care of. This lash serum is an eyelash treatment that would give you better, longer lashes, protecting them from damage by your everyday mascara clumps and lash glue.

[Etude House] Cherry Lip Patch -$3.30- this lip patch is the answer to plump and hydrated lips forever! Using this patch helps to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin elastic and moisturized by infusing the lips with cherry extracts and other properties, designed to feed the skin.

[Etude House] My Tools Hair Rollers -$3.10- these hair rollers give you a heat and damage free way of getting gorgeous, bouncy curls. You can use them for your bangs or to give your hair waves and curls. They come with clips that make it easier to hold your hair up in the rollers.

[Etude House] Princess Eyelashes -$3.80- these handmade lashes come with a gorgeous volume that sits naturally on your lashes. To apply, remove the lash strip from the box carefully, measure against your lids and then cut to the appropriate length that would suit you. Apply the lash glue to the lashes, wait 5 seconds for it to harden (you can blow on it) and then apply on your lashes. Apply from the center first and then, press down on the edges.

[Nature Republic] Nature’s Deco Eyelash Curler -$4.20- this eyelash curler comes with a broad curve that curls your lashes from the inner to the outer corner of the eyes to give all the lashes an even lift and curl. The curler gently lifts the lashes from the root into a perfect curl. 

A great way to promote healthy skin is by morning skin care routines, but here again, due to the many kinds of routines circulating around the online media, nobody is sure of what to do! Instead of moving towards a better skin, you might even land yourself in deep trouble. So, for your especial benefit here we have gathered all the important Do’s and Don’ts that can shape your morning routine into a beauty enhancing miracle.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

The Do’s

Do apply sunscreen
The one thing that you should never, under any circumstances forget is the sunscreen. Your face is going to be exposed to the damaging, brutal rays of the sun throughout the day. Your only chance of protection lies in those few minutes that you dedicate to your skin routine in the morning. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more forms an essential part of the morning routine, missing it in that viral time is like calling out to the damage yourself. All those cell toxins, those wrinkles and fine lines and that baggy lifeless skin can be avoided by the simple application of a sunscreen, so, why not save yourself from those horrible effects of aging when you can?

Do use minimum amount of lightweight products
This is because your skin is a natural oil secretor and in the daytime, these oil secretions are super active, which means that your skin is bound to get really oily during the day. Now, if you end up putting thick products on your face in the early morning, chances are, as the day goes by the oily nature of the cream along with your own oil secretions will end up clogging your skin. This will ultimately increase the likelihood of having pimples and acne. Hence, an inappropriate product meant for betterment would land you and your skin in a fiasco.

Do always cleanse your skin
There is a misconception going around which seems to encourage a morning routine without a cleanser. Nothing could be further from the truth. These rumors are no more than hurdles between you and that flawless skin. Just think, how can a routine commence without a cleansing? The immense amount of debris and germs that your skin accumulates during the night needs to be removed not to mention the layer of oil, and to this cleansing is an absolute necessity. Hence, instead of believing flying tales, focus on a strong morning routine and cleanse your skin thoroughly, every day.

The Dont's

Don’t use vitamin A products
Products containing vitamin A are great for repair and regeneration of your damaged skin, but they are more of a night skin care routine product, where you prepare your skin for a night of healing. However, in the day time, vitamin A acts to make the skin layers more sensitive to the damaging rays of the sun, which is why it isn’t such a good option to choose for your morning routine. We definitely recommend skipping these products to go for some hydrating and protective ones instead.

Don’t overcrowd your day routine
Many women think applying 5 products instead of 3 will be more effective. Considering the limited time in the morning, constructing an unrealistic routine will only make you dread it more. A good way is to make it as simple as possible so that you are done with it in a jiffy. Skin protection can be a hassle every day, but with less time consumption, you are more likely to do it every day.

Don’t go and buy just any products
Your skin is your treasure; you need to treat it like one to avail its benefits. A common mistake that females make is buying any product that is advertised without proper research. A better approach is to look into the ingredient list, search out the effectivity and the suitability for different skin types before putting it on your face. This will help exclude any products that aren’t great for your skin. You can also follow your beauty gurus or idolized celebrities to find out about their skin care routine. Maybe following these will get you your dream skin.

All in all, morning skin care routines are a necessary part of preparing for the day. It is like prepping your skin for battle. However, some frequent mistakes can be avoided by following the above Do’s and Don’ts. Yes, skin care can be a bother at times, but ultimately, it helps your skin by a major factor. Hence, the incorporation of these routines in your life is a must. Who knows, you might be surprised by the effects yourself!

 I’m here today to test these brands out for you to discover who is the best of the best and what better way to do this then an old fashioned show down. Welcome to battle of the brands. 

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

ROUND 1: Facial Primers

Etude House vs Its Skin

If make-up is an art than your face is the canvas. To ensure a flawless make-up application it is necessary to use a facial primer. If a suitable primer is applied it can reduce the amount of concealer needed to cover blemishes and uneven skin tone. I personally have oily to combination skin and need a primer to cover up redness on my face.

Here are two primers, one quite well known and the other not so much. Etude House’s ‘Face Blur’ primer claims to blur pores, whiten skin tone and soften the texture of your skin and is priced at $17.90 AUD. On the other side of the scale we have the It’s Skin  ‘Babyface One-Step Base’, a green corrective primer that smooths skin and counter acts any redness, priced at $7.80 AUD.

On the right side of my face I have applied the It’s Skin ‘Babyface’ primer and on the left is the primer from Etude house. Although my skin did feel smoother, Etude’s ‘Face Blur’ primer failed to whiten my skin tone or blur out any pores or blemishes, leaving me feeling slightly disappointed. On the other hand I was thoroughly impressed with the It’s Skin primer, which evened out my skin tone, corrected any redness and also reduced my dark eye circles, making it the obvious winner out of the two.

And the winner is.... It’s Skin

ROUND 2: BB Creams

Etude House vs Missha

BB creams, a.k.a blemish balms or beauty balms, are the foundation of the Korean cosmetics industry. This cosmetic product has gained popularity in not only Asia but internationally, with Western brands such as Garnier, Loreal and Maybelline all having their own BB creams. With a BB cream for each and every skin type, you simply cannot fault this product.

Despite my combination skin, I still yearn for that Dewy finish which has lead to me select these two BB creams. Both products come from popular brands, Etude House, which caters for youthful, feminine consumers and Missha, catering for more mature beauty needs. The Etude House ‘Precious Mineral BB Cream’ retails for $17.90 whilst Missha’s ‘Perfect Cover BB Cream’ is priced at $18.90, so there is no major price difference.

When swatching onto my hand you can immediately see the difference between the two. Even though both these are categorized as ‘beige’ the Etude House’s BB has bright, warm tones whilst the Missha has more of a grey, cool undertone. My initial thought was that the Missha BB would look terrible on my skin but I was surprised to see that it suited my skin more so then the Etude BB cream, which I regularly used. The application for Missha was smoother and the cream was very blendable, making it easy to apply into tight spots such as under the eye or around the nose. Whilst Missha gave a soft, glow to my skin the Etude BB cream left my skin cakey and powdery.

And the winner is.... Missha

ROUND 3: Eyebrow Pencil

Missha vs It's Skin

If there is one thing I know about Korean style make-up it’s that they don’t go anywhere without their eyebrows. Like myself, most people from Asian decent are known for their sparse eyebrow hairs, making it impossible to get ‘on-fleek’ brows without filling them in. Old fashioned wooden pencils are on their way out as wind-up pencils, brow gels and mascaras are dominating the beauty market.

I’m testing two standard, wind-up brow pencils, one from Missha priced at $5.00 AUD and the other from It’s Skin, for only $2.90 AUD. I originally purchased these two as back brow products but the quality of one impressed me that much that it has become a part of my everyday brow routine.

When using a product for the first time I always make sure to do a swatch test. What makes a good brow product is it’s ability to blend and build up. You want to apply the product with light, feathery strokes, so it is important that initial application isn’t too harsh. On the swatch test you can see that the Missha brow pencil had a slightly stronger application and also left behind bits of residue (not what you want at all!) but the It’s Skin ‘Babyface’ brow pencil, glided on light and evenly.

 Through the camera you may not be able to see the difference, it was the application that swayed my decision. The application time for Missha was significantly longer than that of It’s Skin and I found myself having to blend the product more due to the uneven strokes applied. The It’s Skin pencil was very buildable, allowing me to finish filling in my brow in instantly.

And the winner is.... It’s Skin

ROUND 4: Concealer

Nature Republic vs Missha

Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them see... those dark eye circles. I don’t know about you but all the stress of daily life has left me with the biggest, darkest eye circles that will not go away! For years I have tried and tested concealers, some have left me with irritated skin and some with no coverage at all.

These concealers are two that did not irritate my sensitive under eyes and are the only two that I use in my beauty routine. Like I said before, the right facial primer can assist in the pre-coverage of blemishes but ain’t nothing going to cover those dark circles like concealer can. Even though these concealers are technically different types they both have the same cream-like base. The Nature Republic ‘Botanical Vanilla Concealer Stick’ retails for $5.70 and the Missha ‘Under the Eye Brightener’ cream concealer is priced at $4.10.

Despite both having cream bases, the consistency of these concealers were like yin and yang. The Nature Republic concealer had a thick, balmy texture which was considerably difficult to blend into the skin but the Missha concealer had a slightly watery consistency, making blending an effortless task. From the results you can clearly see which product had a better coverage and even though I applied more of the Nature Republic concealer it still failed to conceal my dreaded eye bags.

 And the winner is.... Missha

 After trying and testing these products I have come to one conclusion. Like the saying goes ‘Don’t judge a book by it’s front cover’,  don’t turn away from brands due to their popularity or price. Some of the cheapest products, such as the ‘Babyface’ line from It’s Skin, had better results than it’s bigger counterparts, such as Etude House and Missha.

 In saying that brands that I normally buy from such as Etude House, due to their youthful consumer demographic did not end up suiting my skin as much as Missha did, whose products are designed to suit a more mature skin type.

 So who was the winner of the ‘Battle of the Brands’ ? The only way you’ll find the answer to that question is to start trying brands and seeing which one you prefer. To me personally? I think they are all fabulous winners.

 Until next time, stay healthy and beautiful!

-J.Jade

 All of the products tested today are available for purchase from MIK. Remember if you’re new to MIK, you can sign up and receive $10 off your first order over $50!

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

SIGN ONE

Acne: One of the major reasons women get acne is because of hormonal imbalance. Sadly, your hormones are not just affected because of biological reasons, your emotions also matter. If you are stressed or under pressure, this could trigger reactions on your skin such as acne breakouts.

How to avoid: Learn to take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, this helps relieve pressure and keep you balanced. Take a deep breath, fill your tummy and hold it in for a few seconds. Release it through your mouth, letting the pressure go with it. Learn to eat fruits and veggies and cut down on sugar intake as much as you can. Drink plenty water to help flush out toxins from your system.

To cover up zits you may have, use a good concealer, preferably one in a tube, to make sure your product is secured from contamination.

SIGN TWO

Under eye bags: Lack of sleep due to stress is unhealthy, not just for your skin, but for your whole body. When you don’t get enough night’s rest, fluid can pool in your lower eye area giving you that puffiness we refer to as eye bags.

How to avoid: get at least eight hours rest every night, there is no way around this. Turn off all appliances with stimulating light (like your phone) to avoid any distractions. You can try wearing a sleep mask if you feel the need to.

If you wake up with puffy eyes, put a spoon in the freezer for a while to make it cold. Using the spoon, lightly massage your under eye area for a few minutes. It would stimulate fluid drainage. Also use a good concealer for coverage and to brighten your eye area.

SIGN THREE

Dry skin: being stressed means you might forget to do some essential things, like drink water. You might also be consuming a lot of coffee or soda to keep yourself alert. They are both very dehydrating and need to be followed up with enough water. If your skin doesn’t get as much water as it needs, it would begin to appear dry and flaky.

How to avoid: drink enough water daily, start with a glass in the morning. If you don’t like drinking water that much, try green tea and fruits with high water content like cucumbers, tomatoes and celery. Supporting your water intake with this will boost your skin’s hydration level and leave you with glowing, healthy skin.

Also, for quick and effective results, use serums and ampoules that are designed to boost skin hydration. 

It is important that you remember to take healthy breaks from your daily life. Set time out to relax, lay back and stress about nothing. You deserve it, it’s good for you and it takes less time than you think. 

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

 After a long day at work, or a crazy night out, most of us just crash into our beds, face full of makeup, oils and dirt, and don’t bother with trying to clean that out. Here’s why you should never do that again:

1. You ruin your pores: makeup, oils and other particles are responsible for enlarging your pores and making them look a lot bigger. It is important to clean out your pores not just because of their size, but to minimize skin issues. It is impossible to have bad skincare and not be plagued with rashes or other skin issues. For the best cleansing result, we recommend using the [Banila Co] Clean it Zero. 

2. The makeup dries out your skin: Have you ever noticed how fresh your makeup appears after you sleep in it? It’s not because you woke up like that, it’s because the makeup prevented your face from getting moisture all night. It’s the job of the first layer of your skin to lock in moisture, but that is prevented by the makeup sitting on it. If you’ve been doing this, it’s important that you get serious with your hydration and moisturizing routine. Try using the [Innisfree] Green Tea Seed Deep Cream.

3. You make yourself prone to skin issues: If you have a habit of sleeping in your makeup, you will definitely get skin issues from time to time, if not all the time. Your skin will get irritated and things like acne and eczema can crop up at anytime. The skin is usually good at resisting things like this, until you make it vulnerable with bad skincare.

4. You will keep introducing dirt to your face with your bedding: If you clean your skin one night and don’t the next, you still introduce the dirt from the day before to your face through your pillows. Make sure you change your pillow cases weekly, during the week, flip it over to the next side so it’s a fresh side for you.

It’s very important that you go through your skincare routine every night, makeup or not. If you have too many steps or products you use, you can cut it down to the essentials and leave the rest for your morning routine or those nights where you have enough time.

If you’ve ever wondered if there was anything out there that could help you through your stressful day or just give you that extra oomph you need most of the time, well, you’ve found it. We’ve put together a list of face masks that are designed to help you through every day of the week. Yes, every day. As far as we’re concerned, a face mask a day makes everything okay. Except your skin, your skin will be glowing, youthful and very plump without any stress signs. Here they are:

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

MONDAY
Monday is the start of the week, and all the responsibilities that follow. You need to get ready for it, and also get your skin ready. We recommend you use the Skin Food- Rice Mask Wash Off. It’s a wash off mask that contains rice extracts, its texture feels like ground rice. It is intensely moisturizing and will give your skin a brighter look.

TUESDAY
Keep your skin glowing by going in with a good hydrating mask on Tuesday. Use the Skin Food- Everyday Orange Facial Mask Sheet. It will keep your skin hydrated and keep up the brightness of your skin.

WEDNESDAY
It’s the middle of the week and you have two more days of work to go! Give your skin some extra special care by using the SNP- Charcoal Mineral Black Ampoule Mask. It firms your skin up and works to control excess oil production. This will leave you with smooth, clear skin. It also gives your skin a dose of its ampoule which is like a power punch of hydration and skin nutrients.

THURSDAY
Feed your skin with the skin nutrients you can get from yoghurt by using the Skin Food- Everyday Yogurt Facial Mask Sheet. It rejuvenates your skin and helps get rid of stress signs. It also leaves your skin feeling very soft and plump to the touch.

FRIDAY
Get ready for the weekend using the SNP- Bird’s Nest Aqua Ampoule Mask. This ampoule mask helps rejuvenate your skin instantly. It is loaded with moisture benefits and helps return vitality to tired looking skin. It gives your skin a moisture protection shield while helping to treat any skin issues you may be having. It also brightens your skin.

SATURDAY
Give your skin some cleansing and tightening care with the Skin Food- Egg White Pore Mask. It is enriched with albumin which helps to promote firmer and tighter pores. This cleansing mask contains egg white extracts that can penetrate deep into the pores to dislodge and remove particles that could be clogging them up and causing skin issues. It’s a good way to take off the stress of the week and indulge in good skincare.

SUNDAY
Give your anti-aging skincare a boost while you get ready for a new week. We recommend the Skin Food- Gold Caviar Collagen Mask Sheet. It is enriched with skin nutrients from Russian caviar extracts, pure gold particles, and collagen extracts that work to fill any loose skin. Using this mask will help you get tighter, plumper skin and reduce the appearance of aging signs. It also gives your skin a smooth, healthy look.

We have searched high and wide of the internet to bring you what can only be described as most relatable to any make-up lovers. Keep scrolling to find the sort of posts that will make you laugh at your phone and turn to your co-worker to share the joy.

Get ready makeup lovers!

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Amen.

When you watch 1,462 tutorials and you still can't contour.

Well, now I'm just going to take 162 selfies because my makeup is on point and people need to know it. #ishoweredforthis #ishavedforthis #contourisnotgoingunnoticed #gettinganinstaoutofthis

Contouring is a must. Everyone knows that, even Mona Lisa.

You're not wearing enough highlighter if you can't see it from space.

I'm confused by your compliment but I will take it.

When you thought your contour was on point and then you check in the daylight...

When you just want to go to bed but you still have to remove your makeup.

Pony (Hyemin park) 

One of the most followed YouTuber. To most fans of Korean beauty, makeup, and fashion, we know her as Pony. Born Park Hye Min, Pony has carved out success for herself with her almost encyclopaedic knowledge of makeup and beauty products. Did you know that she calls herself a makeup ‘otaku’?

It’s easy to see why Pony has garnered so many fans. With her youthful good looks, bright personality, a quick sense of humour, and an innate sense of style, Pony is an inspiration for many women. Prior to her YouTube career, Pony was an ‘ulzzang’ who often modelled for Korean e-commerce stores (‘online shopping malls’), showing off cute clothes, contact lenses, and even wigs!

Mee Jung (Jeniffer Kim) 

Another top YouTuber people rely for makeup and beauty tips. Meejmuse is an Australian-born Korean. She used to stay in Sydney, Australia with her husband, William, before moving back to South Korea recently. Besides working as a YouTuber, she is now also a live TV reporter for Arirang‘s Korea Today, for a segment called K-Style. If you prefer Korean cosmetic products, you should definitely check her out, as she does a number of videos on Korean make-up.

Sydney To You 

Yet another expert vlogger on youtube. If you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of Korean beauty vloggers, Sydney and her channel Sydney To You are a great place to start testing the waters. In addition to creating easy-to-follow tutorials of everyday makeup looks, Sydney posts lots of favorites and haul videos, which give you a sense of what products are popular in Korea these days.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

And don’t ignore it even if you feel yourself beautiful with fair complexion and glowing skin. As there are some other skin issues those are dealt on long term bases including anti aging, skin tightening etc. So if you maintain the right quantity of vitamin c in your body it will help you keep your skin young and fresh for longer span of time and also will tighten it up.

Here question arises how to provide the exact amount of vitam c to our body? The answer is very simple try to use the food, vegetables and fruits with Vitamin C in them.Although they have small amount of Vitamin C in them compare to what we need in our daily bases but still using them regularly will be effective. But in case you want to reach the perfection in usage of Vitamin C in your daily routine and provide it to your body, you should opt for Vitamin C Serums and other products having vitamin C in them. That will help you maintain the quantity of vitamin c in your body and each product will deal with the task its been made for.

For example if one of the vitamin C product has specific formula that will stop your skin going towards aging effects you will stay younger for longer span of time in the result.
Here are some of the Vitamin C products I would recommend to my readers.

POWER 10 FORMULA VC EFFECTOR

A very powerful  and useful product for brightening effect, pore-tightening effects. Means the formula used in the product will help your skin complexion brighten up. And also it will fill up the poor by tightening them up

CLEAR C ADVANCED EFFECTOR

A perfect solution based on formula containing vitamin c as its main element to make your complexion fair. Even if you already have fair complexion try using it and you will see a particular kind of glow in your skin you wouldn’t seen before.

VITA C CLEANSING FOAM

A particular kind of foam based on Vitamin C and other useful ingredients for our skin. It provides bright skin tone with moisture cleansing. The foam will get into the form of bubble once you will rub it on your skin. Rich fine bubbles remove impurities and make up thoroughly.

So Vitamin C based products are always helpful to maintain the required vitamin C percentage in your body and don’t go with just any other products always try to use recommended products based on vitamin c.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

 1. Hand creams: these are a life saver for both your hands and your elbows. If you have dry hands and elbows, these should constantly be within reach. Keep your hands soft through the day, that handshake might be what seals the deal for you.

2. Lip gloss or lip balm: depending on the texture you are most comfortable with, keep one or both of these at your desk to keep your lips moisturized and soft. You can choose tinted ones to give your lips a pop of color.

3. A facial mist: they help keep your skin hydrated through the day and constantly restore your glow. Choose a soothing facial mist that is loaded with other properties to boost skin health. Facial mists usually come in small bottles, they should easily fit in drawers and blend in with the other things on your desk.

4. Dry shampoo: these are for days when your hair looks flat and grimy. Spray the dry shampoo directly at the roots to clean them up and get rid of any hair smell. You can finger comb your hair through the roots to add volume to it, the dry shampoo will help with this.

5. A nail color pen: chips in your polish are the worst and can make you look unprofessional and untidy. With these pens, you can easily give yourself a quick mani and cover up any chips before they get noticed. They dry super fast and you can go straight back to work.

6. Deodorant: if your job involves rushing around all day, you can get a bit sweaty and start to feel self conscious about how that makes you smell. Having a deodorant (whether in spray or roll on form) at hand would be very essential. Just apply it and you’re sure you smell like you just took a shower all over again.

What is that one product you can’t go a day at work without using? Let us know in the comments section!

We’ll be giving you collation which would include some of our top of the line beauty products and those popular western beauty products you most likely have on your counter now.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum vs It’s Skin Power 10 Formula Ye Effector
The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum strengthens the skin’s foundation and renew and rebalance the skin cells. With the It’s Skin Power 10 formula, we are provided with 10 individual essences (all part of a set) that are each designed to target a particular skin issue. Each bottle is power packed with an essence for one skin issue. The results are usually almost instant because of how potent these essences are.

Kheil’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser vs Missha Super Aqua Oxygen Micro Visible Deep Cleanser
This cleanser promises amazing results with any skin type and judging by the mainly positive reviews online, it does that for many people. It does its job as a cleanser and also works to calm the skin. With the Missha Deep Cleanser, there’s an extra step taken to not just cleanse the skin, but to give a massaging effect and also feed the skin with cell boosting properties from plans extracts. The properties include Swiss Alpine Herb Extract and Water lily extracts which are both important for soothing the skin and keeping it hydrated through the cleansing process. Most cleansers are known to dry out the skin when used. With the Missha Deep Cleanser, dryness and dehydration will not be a problem.

Estee Lauder DayWear BB Crème vs TheFaceShop Face It Magic Cover BB Cream
The Estee Lauder DayWear is a BB cream for all skin types. It is an oil free formula that promises to provide the beauty benefits your skin needs while protecting it from free radicals that could damage skin health. TheFaceShop’s Face It targets complexion, skin texture and skin aging. It works to provide you with an even complexion, at the same time, preserving your skin’s texture so it stays smooth and soft to the touch. This BB cream is very specific on targeting skin aging signs and is loaded with natural properties that work to help your skin fight off aging signs.

Tarte Matte Lip Tint vs It’s Skin- It’s Top Professional Water Beam Tint
The Tarte lip tint comes in different shades and is designed to give you the desired tint with a soft, matte finish. It’s Skin’s water beam tint comes in a stick form and apart from giving a gorgeous tint to your lips, it also hydrates your lips and cools them down. This means that hot weather or not, your lips would be kept cool and well hydrated. You wouldn’t have to bother about reapplying to cover or soothe your dry, chapped lips. This lip tint is designed not just for color, but lip care also.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Sheet masks provide us with dozens of skin benefits, depending on what skin issue each mask was made to target. However, using any good sheet mask will leave you with well hydrated, supple skin. The masks are coated with a serum, which contains all the goodies your skin will feed on. The effect is even more intense as the sheet applies the serum to your skin then stays on it, providing a closed environment for the serum to penetrate your skin and work its magic.

Many makeup artists carry these mini facials around, especially those who work with always-on-the-go models. Using a sheet mask before applying your foundation provides a very good base to start on. Sheet masks will give you well hydrated skin, that your foundation will easily blend into and not stand out like oil and water that can’t mix, and the glow you get from your power packed mini facial will help amp up the glow your foundation gives.

A Simple Guide To Using Sheet Masks
• Wash your face properly, get rid of oils, makeup and other properties that can clog your pores. The serum from the mask needs to absorb into your skin properly and do its job.
• After washing your hands, take out your mask, unfold it and carefully lay it across your face, there should be holes made out for your eyes and mouth, so you know how to apply it on your face.
• Lay back, take selfies, and rest. Your skin is better when you are not stressed out so take a few minutes to meditate or watch a good show.
• After 15-30 minutes (depending on how much time you have) take off the mask and rub the remaining serum on your face into your skin.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the extra serum on your skin, you can wash it off. After this, you can give your skin a few minutes to dry before moving on to your makeup. Your foundation will glide on your skin so easily and you can be sure to get a flawless finish.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

The sun emits three types of rays but only two get to the earth, they are the UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging while UVB rays are responsible for skin burning. These rays can pass through many things- the clouds, your windows and even clothing. The only way to protect yourself from their effect is to stay in a totally dark room, or load up on sunscreen. Except you’re a vampire and don’t have to work for your rent, your only option is B. What this means is that you can go through all your skincare steps twice a day but if you don’t target the basic problem, you’ll keep on battling this skin issue.

Apart from aging, the sun is also responsible for other severe skin problems like hyper pigmentation and age spots. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars looking for the right jar of cream that would do the magic for you, an easy way is to just protect yourself by using sunscreen religiously. Many skin issues will be avoided if that one step is taken seriously.

If you are getting to an age where you skincare routine is focused on skin aging, you should hold the saying “prevention is better than cure” close to your heart. This is one of the best skincare tips an Asian woman would ever give you, and they are known for their porcelain, never aging skin. They go to great length to protect their skin from direct contact with the sun. Added to their regular application of sunscreen, they stay out of the sun totally or carry clothing and accessories made out of special UV protecting garments like gloves and umbrellas.

UVA rays cause slow but serious damage, speeding the onset of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck and hands (usually the parts that are always exposed). Although we can’t argue the importance of a skincare routine (there are many things involved especially the cleansing process which I would never miss for anything) it is important to always remember that most skin issues can be avoided if we protect our skin from the sun.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

1. Have a signature makeup look: doing the same look over and over will get faster because you know exactly what you need and how to do it. Creating a new look makes you consider what colors and brushes to use, wasting your time.

2. Keep all your daily beauty products within reach: don’t keep the brushes you use every day in your brush bag. Set out your daily makeup tool so you can easily grab them and return them after use. You can keep your daily skincare and makeup products in a separate cupboard or a small makeup bag and your brushes in a jar, upside down.

3. Find your tinted moisturizer: using a tinted moisturizer would compress moisturizing, spf application and foundation use into one step. Look for your perfect shade and one that works well with your skin type.

4. Exfoliate regularly: exfoliating would help you avoid sin issues that keep you in front of the mirror picking away at your face. Exfoliating takes off dead skin cells, unclogs pores and just generally helps your skin breath. It brings an instant glow to your skin. Make sure to use a rich moisturizer after exfoliating to restore lost moisture and seal your pores.

 5. Keep your brows in perfect shape: learn how to find your brow shape and fill them in perfectly. Your brows frame your face and make a huge difference in your look.

 6. Learn at least two hairstyles: you should know a hairstyle you can work with when your hair still has its post salon glow and one you can work with when it’s in its worst shape. You can learn how to do a French twist, braids or any style to help hold your hair up and keep it looking classy.

 7. Learn how to blow dry your hair: this will make all the difference and up your look. Not sure how to blow dry? You could always ask your stylist to teach you the steps or fill yourself with wisdom from YouTube tutorials.

Building a routine might seem stressful but after a while, it becomes a part of your morning. Want to keep your co workers wondering how you never lose your glow? Just apply the tips above!

Surprisingly, the experts believe that your arches are not merely a fashion statement. In fact, your brow styling can reveal a lot about your personality as well. Scroll down to read more what your eyebrows tell the people about you.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Tinted
If you fall under the category of those who have tinted brows, you are intensely ambitious and a stickler by nature. Your habits of cleanliness and organization made you a darling of your parents. You love to keep your home and workplace well-organized and pay attention to every minor detail to maintain a neat and orderly existence.

Angled
Angled brows indicate that you have a sensitive nature. However, this sensitivity at times may lead to stubbornness. You love to keep your matters private and do not open up to the others. Thus your friend’s circle is quite limited. But you are quite close to the ones you really trust.

Bleached
Experimental and outgoing are the words that define your personality. You are always on the look for unique trends and love surprises in your life. Whether it is fashion or career, you always think out of the box and never shy away from daring risks. Quite often, you hunches pay off and nothing delights you more!

Curved
You are utterly creative and gifted. You love to explore new ideas and your friends and family adore you for your creativity and originality.

Straight
Assertive and confident, you are a natural leader. The best part is that you always take your time before taking a decision and people rely on your sound judgment. You are well-known in your social circle for your wisdom and sensibility.

Bushy
Just like your brows, you are a natural! Your approachable, easy-going personality is augmented by a remarkable sexuality. However, you just need to focus on picking the right friends who would bring out the very best out in your personality.

Thin
If you fall in category of girls flaunting the thin brows, it hints at the gentleness and femininity of your nature. You are romantic, sensuous, and hold all the potential to be an amazing partner or friend. You are reliable and center of attraction wherever you go.

  \ 

High Arch
You are quite imaginative by nature. You expect a lot from life and from your loved ones, which sometime results in utter disappointment. The lack of flexibility in you nature and attitude makes you a sort of enigma for your friends and family.

Low Arch
You are an amazing person to be around. Friendliness, cordiality, and kindness are some of the many virtues of your personality. Apart from these wonderful attributes, you are sensible enough to take right decisions and due to this you are blessed with faithful, incredible friends.
Remember that your brow shape must be in accordance with the shape of your eyes. However, never forget to experiment and find out the best shape for your eyebrows that will make styling up just more fun!

Acne: those things that cropped up on your face one day and never left. If you are experiencing acne as an adult, you’re totally going to relate to this list. Adult acne can be very frustrating, both for women who had acne in their teen years and those who never had acne as teenagers but suddenly started sprouting them all over.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Here are 10 acne issues we can all totally relate to:

1. Having perfect skin until you have a big event
Don’t think your zits are time conscious? Think again. It’s all smooth skin and happy days until you finally get that date or land that job interview. Then it’s hey breakouts! Thank you for visiting just in time *insert ear scratching wail*

2. The ultimate debate of if popping a zit would be worth it

 Heads up, it never is. Popping your zit might be tempting but just remember, the only end result is having half your face covered in a giant, inflated zit.

3. Hoarding spot treatments and hoping to find that magic potion

This happens until you realize that all those products are doing you more harm than good. By then, you’ve spent hundreds of dollars and have no more counter space.

4. That one spot you keep breaking out in

Eventually it becomes this very tender spot and you start considering how possible a face transplant is. At this point, it doesn’t matter if there is a zit there or not, that spot always hurts.

5. Trying to cover those spots with makeup

You eventually end up feeling even more insecure because everyone can now see your struggle. Your foundation looks like you have air pockets in it and you’re considering the face transplant thing for real this time.

6. Praying someone figures out the cure for acne

If you’ve ever said this heartfelt prayer in a moment of desperation, you’re not alone. Hopefully our voices put together would be enough to convince the higher forces.

7. The panic that comes when you realize you mistakenly fell asleep with makeup on

And the mad dash to the bathroom that follows. Also followed by the quick prayer you don’t even realize you’re saying.

8. When the regular overnight bags don’t work for you

Because your overnight bag needs enough space for your 10 step acne skincare routine products.

9.Messing with a zit that eventually turns into a scar

You kind of know what your action will lead to but you can’t keep your hands away from your face. Don’t worry, that just means you’re normal.

10. Dating a member of the beard gang

Prickly hairs stimulate oil production which leads to breakout. It’s time to make a decision- your boyfriend or smooth skin. If he loves you that much he might agree to shave it off for you though. Maybe. 

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

 Here are five ways you can get the best out of an adultified routine:

8 hours sleep daily: you might think you’re super human because you binge watch you favorite TV shows till 3am and no one even notices. We have news for you, it’s not always going to be like that. You skin cells need you to sleep properly for skin regeneration and rejuvenation to take place. Complete all your tasks on time so you can have a good night’s rest.

Switch to silk pillowcases: even though you don’t notice it, cotton pillowcases are coarse on the skin and rub away moisture from the skin and hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is like an 8 hour spa treatment for both your skin and hair.

Keep your hair healthy: you have to start paying attention to what you put in your hair. Coloring your hair is awesome (remember you still have your youth) but whatever you do should not affect the health of your hair in any way. You need to start investing in quality hair care products.

Invest in good makeup brushes: since we’re planning to get more classy and refined, it is only natural that the same happens with our makeup. Learn how to use makeup brushes instead of your fingers, you makeup would look professionally applied when you make this switch.

Wear subtle contour: dark shades would age you, so keep your contour minimal. The best way to do this is to go into the hollows of your cheekbones lightly with a bronzer. Just sweep it there with your brush and it would naturally fall into place.

 Adultifying doesn’t have to mean the same thing as being an adult, age is just a thing of the mind. However, your body won’t have the same convictions which is why it needs the extra special care.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

 Keep scrolling to find out which products made it to the top 5!

1. Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Serum : this particular product is believed to be the brand’s all time bestseller. It’s a moisturizing face serum that works with all skin types. It is made from green tea seeds that work to hydrate the skin from the inside out.

2. Innisfree’s Orchid Enriched Cream : this cream was designed to help people with dry skin. It is also very useful during the winter when it feels like your regular moisturizer evaporates seconds after using it. It is made using extracts from an orchid that grows and survives in cold climates. This cream promises soft, well moisturized skin for people with dry skin or people who live in cold climates. It’s an awesome product to stock up on for winter.

3. Innisfree’s Soybean Energy Essence : this is a holy grail for people who love essences. If you’re starting to tailor your skincare to anti aging, this is a very important product to have. It also absorbs into the skin in seconds so you aren’t left with a greasy or oily film on your face.

4. Innisfree’s Long Wear Lasting Cushion : this product is famous for its long lasting coverage. It is excellent for oily skin but also has a Water Glow and Ampoule Intense version that are perfect for dry skin. It also comes with SPF protection which is very important for day time coverage.

Do you have a favorite Innisfree product? Let us know in the comments below!

Mission Unlocked: Quest for the Perfect Foundation

Have you found that perfect foundation that matches flawlessly with your skin tone and type? If not, do not allow yourself to settle for something less than the best. Your skin and your beauty deserves better.

Beauty experts believe that the trick to finding that perfect foundation is to try it on in the natural daylight; reason being that everything is crystal clear when the sun is up and you can spot the wrong shade right at the spot. Blending is the key they say however, not if you’ve picked out the wrong colour. Our advice is never to rely on the lighting in your favourite makeup outlet or even a departmental store.

You need your foundation to give a smooth, full coverage on the centre of your face. But even more importantly, your foundation must match the skin tone of your body. After all, you don’t want to go out with a two-toned look that is horribly laughable, do you? If not, make sure that the tone of your neck and the rest of your body matches the shade you have picked out. The best way to test a foundation is to apply it over your neck and your jawline. That way, you can really see its effect against the undertone and decide if it flatters your skin or not.

Identifying an undertone is not as easy as it sounds. But it is essential to understand your skin undertones, if you want to get that perfectly flawless foundation.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

What is your Skin Undertone?

Here’s what you need to know about undertones:

Cool and blue: Try looking for the colour of the veins on the inside of your wrist. Do you have blue and purple veins sprouting under your skin? You have cool and blue undertones. You can also tell that your undertones are cool if you look better in silver than in gold. One out in sun, you tend to turn pink and are prone to sunburn.

Neutral and green: You don’t have any veins showing up on your skin but they seem to be slightly blue-greenish. You cannot tell for sure if the colour of your veins is blue or distinctly green. Your complexion isn’t too fair or too dark, but when you step out in the sun, it tends to turn olive in colour.

Warm and yellow: Your veins look slightly green and your skin turns yellowish when you step out in the sun. Your skin gives out a yellow glow with peachy undertones. Gold jewellery is your best bet. Out in the sun, you tend to get a beautiful tan rather than the pink skin.

If you’re looking for a foundation to give your skin heavy coverage, stop right there! For coverage, you should look for a concealer instead. You see, your foundation should be light and breathable. If it locks up all your pores, your face will turn into a fondant cake.

Each skin type, be it oily, dry or super sensitive, has its own needs. Your skin requires a formula that is made to beautify that particular skin type.

Foundation for your Skin Type

Here’s a breakdown of the foundation you need for your skin type:

Oily Skin:  You need something that is light and free of all traces of oil. Your ideal choice is going for matte so that it doesn’t shine on your face and invite sweat.

Combination Skin: Your best bet will be the semi-matte foundation as it keeps your skin hydrated and gives it a smooth finish.

Normal Skin: Blessed are the women who don’t have to worry about a plethora of problems while choosing their foundation. You must opt for the satin foundation which will give your skin a smooth, velvety finish while keeping it moist and fresh.

Dry Skin:  Your foundation goal is to find that formula that will moisturize and hydrate your skin.

Sensitive Skin: If you have a highly sensitive skin, your struggle is real because there is no one solution or formula. You need to put yourself out there and find the perfect one. Only be sure to steer clear of irritants and heavy formulas that give a thick coverage. Mineral powder is ideal for such skin.

The Elusive Natural Look: Do you want to exude an aura of confident, poised woman by opting for a natural look? Sheer foundation is the way to go!

At the end of the day, when you walk out after paying the cashier with your new foundation safely lying in your handbag, you want something that will give your skin a fresh look all day long. You do not want a foundation that harms your skin, or clogs your pores to deny your skin cells much needed oxygen. Choose wisely, and remember, your skin deserves the best. 

Whether we’ve noticed it or not, most of us have adopted a 'signature look'. That is the look you’ll be wearing at least 5 out of 7 days. You could call it your comfort zone when it comes to makeup. Consider your everyday makeup look and the list below. Not saying that the descriptions below are 100% accurate, but they are usually the general perception.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Bold red lips
A woman who wear bold red lip colors wants to exude self confidence, control and sexiness. For me, this is accurate. I’m usually a lip balm (or at most, nude lips) kind of girl but when I want to go for an interview or any meeting where I would be a major focus, I reach for my red lipstick. It gives me a feeling of self confidence and I think it also makes me look ready for business, so I would grab respectful attention.

Natural look
It usually means you’re very comfortable with your features and know how to make them work for you. You also don’t have much to cover up and correct, but it could also mean that you don’t care if people notice the imperfections on your face. It could also mean you’re a minimalist, and apply those principles to your makeup, consciously or not.

Smokey Eyes
You have a dramatic flair and give off the air of confidence and belief in your sex appeal. You’re not all about being subtle, and have no problem with correcting anyone who tries to comment on that.

The just-mascara look
You’re not really interested in makeup. Your mascara wand was most likely a gift from a friend who wanted you to give makeup a try and you picked it up from there. You’re comfortable with showing your bare skin to the world. This usually means you’re very laid back or very invested in something, like your work.

The perfectly manicured nails
If you always have your manicure in tip top shape, that gives off a sense of being completely put together. It can even be intimidating to women who notice, considering how much effort it takes to keep your nails in perfect condition. It could also mean that you hardly do any work like house hold chores.

Do you agree with these points? What do you think your makeup says about you?

If you can relate to this, I’m sure there are makeup faux pas you’ve also made in your past.

Here are 15 makeup sins to dredge up old memories. My advice, instead of crying when you realize why all those cute boys never wanted you (shocker for me too), laugh at it and share with your friends.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

1. Using foundation that was too light
Buying foundation at the store where you buy groceries doesn’t usually come with an attendant that can give you advice on shades. Hence the reason why we looked more like unfriendly ghosts.

2. Using foundation that was too dark
I think as a dark skin girl this was easier on me. I was looking more like mud-in-the-face than someone-smeared-fanta-jelly-in-your-face.

3. Covering your lips in foundation
Thinking back, this had some sort of appeal. I think this was the birth of nude lips because, yeah. It was all the rage back then.

4. Using clear lip gloss
Every girl had this. You were extra cool if yours had glitter in them. Like whaaa? Finish off your foundation matted lips with a smudge of clear goo.

5. Going for the straight liner every time but always ending up with something else
My liner always turned into a smokey eye look. Every. Single. Time. Of course the smart thing to do was to smudge it all around my lid and then apply another layer, as the liner this time. Good old days.

6. The OTT bronzer
This fell everywhere. Using it literally meant bathing in a shower of gold dust. And that was exactly what we did.

7. The OTT blush
I always knew to apply this lightly, I wasn’t sure where exactly. Somehow I made it work. I hope.

8. The body glitter obsession
It was really awesome that we could afford all these cool make up products, which meant we didn’t use them sparingly.

9. Wearing all the colors of the palette
The bargain was finding an eye shadow palette with the most colors at the cheaper rate. Obviously, we didn’t stop to wonder why a palette with 24 colors would cost less than one with 4 colors. Oh well, we learnt why. Just not early enough.

10. Taming our eyebrows
We tried the works- shaving, plucking, even waxing. Somehow these 100+ something strands survived.

11. Cutting your hair in short layers
I still don’t understand how this was a trend. Having your hair cut into the shortest layers was the best look you could rock.

12. The nails of many colors
Bright, colourful colors were so attractive. Since our manicure was up to us, no one was stopping us from wearing as many colors as we liked. It was also a good way to show off your nail polish color collection.

13. Bright braces
Why go for subtle links when you could have them in your best, brightest color?

14. A wipe only skincare routine
If you were using face wipes at that point, you were living in luxury. A 100 sheet pack of baby wipes was the best bargain and you could use them forever. Slightly red, stingy skin was a small price to pay.

15. Peeling off nail polish
Why spend extra on a remover when you could just peel them right off. By the way, it felt oddly satisfying to peel off a whole coat without breaking it anywhere.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

In an article by Vogue beauty writer, Monica Kim, we were taken backstage to the prep areas where 5 gorgeous Korean models were being prepared to go on the runway for one of the Seoul Fashion Week’s Fall 2016 shows. Their near flawless complexion and skin condition was what drew the most attention, as the makeup artists didn’t even have to do much on them. Luckily, each of them was generous enough to share one of their most trusted beauty tips with us.

Jung Sun Jin

According to her, hydration is everything. When washing her face, she takes half cleansing cream and half moisturizing cream, and mixes them together! It is very hydrating, clears out the pores and if oil cleansers don’t work well with your skin, this is a good alternative for you.

Ho-Yeon Jung

Her secret is to go light on her skin. When she’s not wearing any makeup, she prefers to wash her face with just water. Then carefully, she uses her fingers to pat her moisturizer in. This way, her skin absorbs it better.

Jinkyung Kim

She uses one product we are all familiar with- coconut oil. However, her method is different. She applies it right after her she washes her face and then does a quick massage. After that, she applies her cream and the rest of her skincare products. She has dry skin and this works perfectly for her. 
These are definitely healthy tips and for skin like theirs, I’m willing to try them out.

Gui Eh Park

She’s totally obsessed with masks, and for good reason! According to her, mask packs or sheet masks are the most important beauty secrets in her life. She uses one right before any runway show or shoot she has. She also uses one right before she goes to sleep to improve on cell activity like regeneration that happens only during sleep time. With masks, she has noticed that her skin becomes naturally bright and shiny. She believes this is a very normal routine, Korean girls use one before job interviews and even their weddings with no problem.

Pong Lee

She says she washes her face well, but only touches her lips when she does her makeup. That way they stay soft and healthy.

If you’re a working girl with a busy life, this might be unrealistic for you on some days. All the caffeine you drink during the day comes to haunt you at night and most times, you have to sacrifice hours of sleep to get things done. That shouldn’t stop you from looking your best though, which is why you’re about to learn to fake it. Yes, I mean fake the effects of a beauty sleep using the tips below:

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

 For your eyes

People usually notice sickness, tiredness, etc, first by looking into a person’s eyes. You need to give your eyes the shine a good night’s rest would have provided. The easiest way to do this is by opening them up.

• Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes. This way you pull them up and away from your eyes.
• Line your bottom waterline with white eyeliner. Keep it away from your lash line, but cover your waterline with it. It would give the effect of wider, brighter eyes.
• To cover your dark circles, use a hydrating and creamy concealer. Using a matte concealer can make you look even more dull, so stay away from those. Gently press the concealer into the skin, don’t wipe it around.

For your face

Stay away from products that would give you a matte look as your skin is most likely dehydrated already. Go for creamy and highlighting. Use a highlighter along your brow bone, the bridge of your nose and your cupid’s bow. You can also use it on the high points of your cheeks. On the apples of your cheeks, feel free to add a subtle but warm shade of blush. It would make your skin look very healthy.

For your lips

Wear a healthy color but remember to add a bit of gloss to it. I would advise not to go to with your exact nude shade, or colors that appear dull- it’s the trend now, but those shades would suck the appearance of life from your face. Instead, go with colors that bring an instant glow to your face.

The next time you’re running out of time for a complete beauty sleep, just plan your makeup routine for the next morning and you’re set to go. 

 There's a trend that's been picking up and it's totally been approved by our skincare gurus on Get It Beauty, one of our favorite Korean beauty talk shows. The show is a must-see, hosted weekly on the OnStyle network for all the beauty lovers. Sadly they stopped providing English subtitles back in 2015. This episode was hosted by actress and model Kim Jung Min, actress and former Miss Korea Honey Lee, special guest emcee Luna from Korean pop girl group F(X), and beauty editor Hwang Min Young.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

This trend is called beauty layering. Beauty layering involves two things; it could be your everyday skincare routine, where you have to understand what product comes first or goes after another and which ones you can actually mix for best results.  It could also mean using more than one of the same type of product at once. For example, if you have combination skin, it is possible to use two different types of masks at once. Your T zone (oily/acne prone parts) would generally require something different from the rest of your face.

The reason for product layering is to give you a chance to target multiple skin issues at once, and also focus strongly on stubborn skin issues.

On the show, Luna revealed that dry skin has been her stubborn skin issue. Kim advised layering smart, which is using two sheet masks if dry skin is a problem for you. This is because for people with dry skin, one mask may not be enough to keep their skin balanced especially if they have sensitive skin or go out in the sun a lot. Hwang encouraged her idea, but advised us not to assume that we would be getting twice the moisturization. Multi masking with sheet masks is supposed to be a hydration boost for the skin.

Quick beauty layering tips:

• Kim likes to multi-mask, she uses a clay mask on her T-zone and a calmer mask on the rest of her face.
• Honey Lee mixes coconut oil with her beauty balm or lotion, this mix is her go to moisturizer.
• Luna mixes honey with her face cream because it calms her oily skin
• Hwang advised us to mix body cream in our body scrubs to make the scrubs easier to spread and make the skin softer for the exfoliation process.

These are some major beauty hacks we've been provided with and personally, I hope Get It beauty starts with English subtitles again. We all need this weekly goodness in our lives! 

Over time, she believes her skincare routine has evolved and she now understands just what her skin needs and the best way to use her beauty products. Some of her methods are a bit unconventional, but that’s why we love Suzy in the first place. 

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Let's look at some of the her special tips:

1. How she uses her serum

One of her best methods is putting on serum right after washing her face. She believes that this way, her pores are still opened up and the serum can soak into the skin properly for better results. Serums are a very important part of your skincare routine, they are loaded with anti aging ingredients that help prevent and fix skin aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage.

2. How she applies her BB cream/foundation 

Also, when applying coverage products- BB creams or foundations- she mixes them with her whitening essence. Whitening products are a big part of her routine, one of her best kept skincare secrets. This way she is improving her skin tone, moisturizing her skin properly and providing good skin coverage with the BB cream or foundation.

3. How she applies her lip products

She always keeps her lips well moisturized and according to Suzy, instead of the glossy tint, she prefers a matte look. To get this, she finishes her lip care with a powder to give it a matte finish.

4. Whitening her skin tone

Her main target though, seems to be her skin tone. She confessed that although she has a naturally bright skin tone, she still prefers to include moisturizing and whitening products to her routine. She uses this to maintain her bright skin and as a preventive measure against issues like sun damage that could lead to age spots.

Suzy believes that beautiful skin should start from the inside, after all, your skin is a reflection of what you put in your body. Though she started quite late in Korean standards, it is obvious she is going all in and is intent on feeding her skin with all the right things it needs.

We can say that because of the number of brands available for us to choose from, it can be difficult to make accurate judgement or decide to stick with a particular trend.

South Korean women are known as the gurus of skincare. Long before science labs could come up with solutions for skin issues, they already had age old traditions, being passed down from one generation to the next, helping them fix skin problems with the oddest (but most amazing) natural ingredients.

If you think snail slime is weird, try horse oil or animal placenta. However, from the number of women making the change to Korean skincare every day, it is obviously worth it.

 A major strategy K-beauty lines used was presenting their K-pop and K-drama stars as the face of their cosmetics lines. This didn’t just affect their South Korean market, but the whole world considering how many people are addicted to Korean entertainment and their gorgeous stars.

For the sake of this discussion, let’s introduce some imaginary friends.

K enjoys Korean beauty trends, she lives in Seoul and is addicted to boy bands.

W enjoys western beauty trends, she lives in NZ and is newly obsessed with all things beauty and skincare.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Skin texture and makeup

K loves a dewy but very natural look. Her main focus is building her natural beauty, she prefers making her skin look as flawless as possible, that way she can confidently go out barefaced.

W loves playing with colors and creams. She goes all out when doing her makeup- contouring, highlighting, strobing. She has no problem with simply covering up her blemishes with makeup. She also enjoys playing with colors on her eyes and cheeks.

Skin tone

K keeps her skin as fair as possible. She goes out of her way to avoid direct contact with the sun. She loves investing hugely in lightening products, sun blocks and facials.

W loves sunbathing. She prefers the bronzed glow her skin gets when its sun kissed. If K sees this, she would be appalled.

Skincare

As W gets older, she begins to see the importance of starting a good skincare routine. She has started following beauty blogs and vlogs to learn about the next best thing for her skin.

K has had a skincare routine since she was 16. Beauty is a big deal to her and she loves going through her 10 step skincare routine.

https://www.buymik.com/skincare/moisturising.html

We can see that both W and K have had different experiences with beauty. This doesn’t have to be the case anymore, because these days, you can get whatever you want, wherever you are. Due to the high interest in Korean beauty coming from all parts of the world, major western companies are beginning to produce skincare and makeup products mimicking popular K-beauty concepts. In America alone, many of their cosmetics companies now produce BB creams, serums and sheet masks.

Even with the differences, I believe your skincare choices shouldn’t be based on where you live. Take advantage of both markets available to you. Think of it this way, you have twice as much options now. 

 Want to learn what they are? Keep scrolling.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store - over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

1. Exercising with makeup on:

This is a big no for anybody. Makeup blocks your pores, trapping oil, dirt and the makeup itself in your skin. When you exercise, you sweat and the sweat and oils that build up in your skin need to be let out. However, if you have makeup on, your pores are sealed, which means that the sweat and oils are trapped in your skin. This eventually leads to bacteria build up resulting in acne breakouts. Overtime, these breakouts will also leave blemishes and scars on the skin.

 2. Touching your face often:

This is a habit most people are not even aware they have. Yes, that pesky pimple on your chin has been bothering you, but picking at it all day long wouldn’t help it, instead, that would make everything worse. First off, your hands are filled with bacteria all day long, everyday. When you consider all the places you touch during the day that should come as no surprise. Touching your face is only introducing new bacteria to your skin, infecting other parts of your face and leaving you even more miserable. Also, when that pimple you’ve been worrying finally pops, it’s going to infect the surrounding skin and even more pimples will sprout. Your best option? Leave your face alone.

 3. Leaving your pillows unwashed:

One of the places that build up the most bacteria is your pillow. The major reason for this is your hair. You basically rub your hair into your pillow all night long. If you are a regular female with an average hair care routine, you hair is going to have at least one type of cream or oil in it. Now imagine introducing this oil, with all the natural hair oils produced by your sebum gland onto a surface and then rubbing your face in it every night. Icky right? But that is what happens when you don’t wash your pillowcase. Many people have acne just because of that and they can’t seem to find a solution to their skin issues when it’s right in front of them. My advice? Try to change your pillowcase at least twice a week. If that’s too much and you want to pull a lazy girl move, flip it over in the middle of the week and use the other side the remaining days.

 4. Sleeping with your face on the pillow:

My best sleeping position advice is to sleep face up. Sleeping sideways or on your chest (I really hope you don’t do this) pushes your face into the bedding, pulling on your skin. For some time the only evidence of this you might see is a few sleep lines that fade minutes after you wake up. However, prolonged pressure like this on your skin can lead to slacking and noticeable loosening in the texture of the skin. Try to train yourself to sleep on your back (mummy style). It would be difficult at first but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it.

5. Dumping sun protection during winter:

Protecting your skin from sun damage on the sunny days is not enough. In fact, your skin is just as vulnerable to the harmful UVA and UVB rays during the winter. These harmful rays can reflect off snow and pass through glass into your home. They can penetrate deep into the skin, speeding aging signs and sometimes, acting as a boost for skin cancer.

 6. Using makeup after it has expired:

I think this should go without saying, you have no reason to put expired makeup on your face. It can be hard especially when you shelled out big bucks for that makeup, but toss it once it has expired. The compounds in the product can start to change and become harmful to the skin, causing negative reactions like breakouts or even worse infections.  

Old habits can be hard to break, granted, but on the flip side, consider how much damage you are causing to your skin every time you do one of the things listed above. Hopefully, that should help you make the needed adjustments. 

She looks like she is just starting into her 30s when in fact, she is well into her 40s. She has openly admitted that her youthful looks have been a major reason for attention for her and even in school, girls used to flock around her awed by her skin. She also used to receive gifts from unknown people daily.

Lucky for us, she recently came on 'Get It Beauty' as a Talking Mirror guest and decided to grace us with two of her beauty tips that help her retain her youthful looks.

She uses her skincare products in an unconventional way. Let’s just say she doesn’t use products just for the purposes the manufacturer advices on. She has been able to study her skin and figure out what skin areas are similar and how she can use a product to maximum effect.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Tip 1: she uses her eye cream on more than her eyes. She dabs eye cream onto many places on her face and her neck especially her marionette lines (the lines at the lateral sides of your face). Because eye creams are infused with hydrating ingredients, this is actually a smart way to keep your skin looking plump and healthy. Dry skin can lead to a tightness that would make the skin looked pulled and brittle. Eye creams are very good moisturizers that can solve these skin issues easily.

Eye Cream

Tip 2: she mixes her mists with her ampoules using a 7:3 measurement. The secret to her ageless beauty obviously lies in how much emphasis she puts on keeping her skin hydrated. Face mists are generally carried around in our handbags for those dry, hot moments during the day when your face needs some cool refreshment. Now, add in ampoules which are known for their ability to revive the skin quickly, and you have a love potion for your face.

Face mist

In an article on Allkpop.com, she shared her secret tips to maintaining her slim figure and a healthy body. According to her, “You have to exercise with being healthy as the goal. When trying to lose weight, you need to set aside about six months and change your lifestyle. Rather than doing yoga or fitness, I try to move around a lot on a daily basis. For example, I like to mop the living room floor”.

Although Han Go Eun’s methods are a bit unconventional and our only proof of their effectiveness is her skin condition (which is very impressive), there are no obvious risks involved. The products she uses are products we know well (and love) so this could be a fun, and hopefully helpful experiment to try out.

Your hair is a big part of your physical appearance and whether people know it or not, it is one of the first things they notice when they see you. Apart from the basic purpose of hair which is protecting the body from the elements, having beautiful hair is a confidence boost as you are assured of how amazing you look to others.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

One famous celebrity I see as hair goals is Jeon Ji Hyun. Her beautiful locks are the envy of every girl. Even after she went for the big chop and traded her lengthy locks for a shoulder length bob (to film the movie Assassination) she is still the absolute hair goddess. Of course, her hair has grown back but her ability to transition between styles and colors and still keep her hair healthy and glowing is one of the reasons why we love her.

If you’re aiming for gorgeous, glossy hair like Jeon Ji Hyun’s, you should consider investing in some amazing products that would work to feed your hair with all the good stuff it needs.

Hair essences
If you have dull looking (maybe dry) hair, hair essences are a must for you. They work to moisturize your hair without weighing it down or greasing it up. They have a very thin consistency and will absorb into your hair almost immediately.

Hair serums
Hair serums are one-in-all packages for everything your hair needs. A good hair serum should prevent tangling, protect your hair from heat and sun damage, work as a styling product and give your hair a glossy shine.

Hair treatments
This is probably one of the best investments you can make for your hair. There are treatments for all hair issues and like breakage, brittleness, damaged hair and many others. Feel free to switch between treatments from time to time to get to all your hair issues.

Your hair is a big part of who people see you as, you must make sure it represents you well. The trick is to keep trying, everyone would have to go through that crazy phase where they consider cutting it all off at one point, just keep in mind that hair needs patience and good attention.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

According to an article on www.koreantimes.co.kr, AmorePacific has reported an increase in the sales of products from its male grooming brand, Laneige Homme, since 2007.

Euromonitor International reports that the domestic male grooming market has grown by an average of 13% since 2007.

Although statistics show that more men are beginning to invest in grooming products, their choices are still quite different from that of women. The marketing team of AmorePacific reported that most men prefer to buy all-in-one products that shorten the amount of time spent on grooming. Examples of these products are toner and aftershave in one and a sun BB cream which gives the one-in-all skin effect but also provides sun protection. Due to this, some men are still on a 3 step routine at most.

Almost all the domestic cosmetic companies have launched male grooming lines to cater to the growing demand. The market is now highly competitive, and the companies have started exploring marketing options to push the interest in their lines.

Most companies have signed up male k-drama and k-pop celebrities as the face of their brands to boost sales and interest in their products. Another reason for this strategy is to attract female buyers who will feel compelled to buy the products for the men in their lives, because of their admiration of those stars.

Song Jung-gi, the famous actor and host, is currently the face of the male grooming brand by AmorePacific. Ok Eun-jae, a brand marketing manager at AmorePacific, explained that “we believe not only that Song Jung-gi is the perfect role model in the world of male grooming, but that he will also increase brand awareness and create a positive image among women who are the potential buyers of skincare products for men”.

This rise in the interest of male grooming has made it easier for a lot of men to speak up on their skin concerns and look for remedies for them. It is no big secret that skincare is one of the major factors in the economic growth of South Korea as the world has been influenced by their very effective skincare products and routines.

This report on CNN Money shows that South Korean men are the world’s top per capita consumers of skincare and grooming products. 

These potions are honestly not so new, but for our girls who haven’t been let in on the secret yet- your skin is about to get a whole lot better. They come in the form of serums, essences and ampoules. Chances are, you’ve heard at least two of these names before. Now, you’re going to find out why they are so important.

SERUMS serums are concentrated to target a specific skin issue. They don’t have the fix-it-all quality you might see being marketed in moisturizers, they are specifically designed to fix a type of issue. For example, a serum might be to fight wrinkles, dark spots or sun damage. Also, the consistency of serums is quite thick, almost oil like, this means that they should be applied towards the end of a skincare routine. Serums usually come in small bottles that have droppers for easy use. Some brand package theirs in small pump bottles.

ESSENCES when you consider the functions of both serums and essences, the easy conclusion is that they are the same. This is true to an extent because it is still possible to point out differences between serums and essences. Essences are more lightweight and less intense than serums. They are more hydrating and were traditionally designed to be used after the toner to add another layer of hydration. This does not mean that they are any less effective; they still contain high concentrations of active ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. They feed your skin with all the good stuff.

AMPOULES they are basically serums with super powers. They have a higher concentration of active ingredients and are usually used within a time range. You can use ampoules if you have a specific skin issue you want to get rid of ASAP. Ampoules work much faster and can get rid of those crisis you never saw coming, like sunburns, or it could be something much simpler, like you’re hungover and need to look alive before you get to work.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

[IT'S SKIN] POWER 10 FORMULA EFFECTOR

The It’s Skin Power 10 Formula line have been best sellers for a long time and for a good reason, even better than good, awesome. Although they are called Power 10, there are actually 13 products in this line. Each contains a special ingredient that helps it target a specific skin issue.

They are-

• VC (vitamin C- brightening)
• CO (collagen- elasticity)
• YE (yeast- vitality)
• GF (grifola frondosa- moisturizing)
• WH (arbutin- whitening)
• Q10 (Q10- firming)
• PO (chameleon- pores control)
• VB (Vitamin B- sebum control)
• VE (Vitamin E- anti oxidant)
• WR (caviar- anti aging)
• LI (licorice- soothing and anti pigmentation)
• Propolis (brightening, fights acne)
• Syn-ake (anti- wrinkle)

Whatever your skin issue is, there’s a magical potion for it.

Yoojin, as a guest on Talking Mirror in 'Get It Beauty' introduced these awesome products. Also, many Korean celebs are quickly adapting to these new skincare products. 

When choosing a serum, essence or ampoule, remember to choose products that suit your skin type. Feel free to experiment with the textures, this way, you can find what you are most comfortable with. Your skincare routine shouldn’t be static, it should constantly evolve as your needs shift and change. 

With new seasons come new weather conditions that can be good or bad for our skin. Going from humid summer, to the dry air that comes with fall can take out the moisture in your skin, leaving you with a very confusing temporary dry skin condition.

We can’t prevent the weather change, but there are ways to work around it to make sure its effect on our skin is kept to the minimum. Your skin will need some help to get ready for the cold and dry weather to come.

One of our favorite Korean stars, Yoona, openly admitted that one of her major battles with skincare is her dry skin. It used to be a big concern for her until she devised a method that works wonders for her now. Thankfully, she was nice enough to share her method with us. This was at a press conference that was held before her concert with her girl group, Girls’ Generation. Those in attendance were blown away by how gorgeous her skin was looking. She appeared doll like with her glowing skin and was the center of attention as no one could take their eyes off her.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

How to get glowing skin like Yoona:

Yoona explained that even though she has dry skin, she still manages to keep her skin glowing with a method she devised when she was looking for a solution. Her secret method is to mix about two to three drops of her facial oil with a moisturizing cream and then apply it on her face. This way, she keeps her skin hydrated and glowing.

Also, before she goes out, she makes sure she applies rich amounts of facial creams. She does this layer by layer to make sure her skin absorbs as much as possible.

This routine keeps her dry skin looking healthy and supple and prepares her skin for dry weathers so it doesn’t take a toll on her appearance.

Extra tips:

• You also need to hydrate from the inside out. Drink lots of water, your skin needs as much hydration as it can get.
• Avoid hot baths or showers as much as you can. If the weather is too cold for a cold shower, then try lukewarm water. Hot water is bad for both your skin and hair. For your skin, it pulls out the moisture, leaving you with a dry, tight (or pulled) feeling. 

Find Yoona's Innisfree oil + cream products at MIK

https://www.buymik.com/skincare/moisturising/cream.html?brand=74

Choosing the right blush for your skin can be quite confusing which is why some women avoid it altogether, because wearing the wrong shade can ruin your entire makeup look.

Mamonde Jelly Blusher

Popular K-drama star, Park Shin-hye is known for her effortless way of pulling off the rosy cheek look and still maintaining her soft, feminine glow. She works with her skin tone, avoiding dark colors and blending everything in to give a soft finish.

Two safe and fun options you can try on all skin tones are coral and pink. These are beautiful shades that could be pretty generic; there’s a shade for every skin tone. There is the perception that pink shades are better for fair skin tones as they would appear more natural and coral is warm for those with darker skin tones.

Of course, these colors come in different shades so using the guide below, you should be able to find the right match for your skin.

For fair skin tone: choose a very soft pink that won’t stand out against your fair skin. Your best bet would be to go for a classic pink blush. The color should be able to look as natural as possible but still bring warmth to your skin. If you are within the medium to fair skin range, go for a color with a bit more warmth, like soft coral with brown undertones.

For medium skin tone: with this skin tone, you can experiment a bit more. Try using corals ranging from a light to deep hue. You can also use a rosy pink shade and blushes that come in a deep peach shade. Warm colors work perfectly with your skin tone but be sure you are not going too warm that it begins to get dark.

For dark skin tone: you can go dark and bold, but still subtle. Try deep pinks and colourful coral shades. Avoid light shades, they would make your skin look washed out and the color would stand out against your skin color in an unnatural looking way.

Simple tips to applying blush the right way:

For powder blush: using an angled blush brush, lightly pound the brush into the blush. Tap the handle of the brush to make sure that any excess falls off the brush and then using light, swirling motions, apply to the cheeks.

For cream brush: using your finger or a flat bottomed brush, dab into the blush and using a swirling motion, blend the cream into your skin, working from the outside toward the center of the cheeks.

For liquid or gel blush: use your fingers to dot the product on your skin. Take a beauty sponge or blender (you can still use your finger), dab the blush, working it into your skin.

Make sure you blend the blush in with your finishing powder to give it a natural look.

The idea of adding blushes to your makeup routine might be a bit daunting but if done right, adding color to your cheeks would give your face a lot of warmth and instantly make you look younger and healthier.

You’re in luck then, because today, we have the cleansing routine that every girl needs, you won’t have these problems after following it. This routine was given to us by the one we all know as the “Nation’s first love”, Suzy from Miss A. She gained this name after starring in a 2012 melodrama, Architecture 101. She is the ‘maknae’ (youngest member) of her group. As the first female triple award winner in K-pop, K-drama and film, she is someone well respected and well loved.

Her upcoming drama, “Uncontrollably Fond” which she will be starred in alongside Kim Woo Bin, has fans waiting anxiously to view it, as it will not be released till summer. Recently, she collaborated with EXO’s Baekhyun on a song they titled “Dream”.

Suzy revealed her skincare routine to her viewers when she was explaining how to get her classic makeup looks. She wanted to teach them how to achieve the natural look she was wearing, but first, they had to learn how to keep their skin in its best condition so their makeup could be as minimal and natural looking as possible.

According to her, the trick is in the cleansing. This is why she dubbed her routine the ‘424 wash routine’. In total, she cleanses her face for 10 minutes.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

For this routine, she uses:

Cleansing oil + Foam cleanser

For her, much emphasis is on the time used to clean.This is how she does it:

This is how she does it:

• For 4 minutes, she focuses on removing her makeup with the cleansing oil. The oil is needed to remove any product clogging the pores. Oil solubilises other oil based products such as your foundation and mascara, so they come right off.

• For 2 minutes, she massages her face with the foam cleanser. Because ordinary water cannot wash off oil, this step is needed to remove the oil left on the skin and any traces of makeup left.

• For 4 minutes, she thoroughly washed her face with water.

After following this routine, don’t forget to moisturize your skin.

She stated that, “when I get older, I won’t have the skin that I do now, so I have to take good care of it. I don’t have troublesome skin though, so I don’t worry too much”. The importance of double cleansing is very obvious here. When you double cleanse, you take off all the sweat and sebum that has built up throughout the day. If you wear makeup every day, it is important to start using this routine. Constant build up of oil that doesn’t get properly cleaned out can eventually lead to uncontrollable breakouts. They can leave the skin with acne scars that would prevent a person from achieving a natural look, without pilling up so much makeup to cover the scars. 

Suzy's The Face Shop cleansing items at MIK

That my friends, is what the word ‘selfie’ means, according to the Oxford Dictionary. Selfies have become an important part of our days, whether we realize it or not. We see at least one selfie daily on our social media timelines and probably take more. You might see selfie taking as something easily done for fun but you would be surprised at how much technicality goes into taking the perfect selfie.

For those of us who love all things Korean, we know that selfies are called selcas, which is gotten from the two English words- self and camera. Everyone takes selcas these days, we all see at least one selca on our social media pages in a day.

Important tip:  Selfies aren’t that hard to take and Irene from Byrdie.com tells us that to get the perfect selfie, “natural lighting is key”. Natural light is the best filter slash photo editor you can ever have. 

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Makeup Looks That Are Perfect for Selcas

Winged liners

Winged liners make your eyes pop in pictures. You can go with pinkish lips or whatever colour you choose.

Smokey in Nude

Use nude brown tones to create a subtle smokey eye, you can also use bronzers to warm up your skin. Finish off with a pastel lip colour. Song Ji Hyo from Running Man, rocks this look perfectly in her selfies, and it works for her every time!

Bold Lips

If you really want to grab the attention of the camera, wear a bold lip colour. It immediately makes everything else pop. Make sure you pair it with strong brows, they go perfectly well together.

Barefaced

With the perfect lighting, you can appear most radiant in your selfies with a bare face. It’s a way to express confidence in your looks. 

Selfie Poses You Should Try

The hand to the Cheek

The palm laying on the side of the cheek is a classic selca pose. In the picture, it would give the face a slimmer look. You can also do it with both hands, but then you need to take that selfie yeah?

 Puffed Cheeks

This pose became very common and for a good reason- you instantly get ten times cuter. Just push air into your cheeks, laugh with your eyes and click!

The Wink

Wink at the camera, you look cute and seductive at the same time.

 Collaging

When you take several selfies and can’t decide on which one to post...just post all of them! You can use photo editors to make collages and add as many pictures as you want. 

If you want your selfies to stand out, you can go a step further by editing them. There are awesome free and premium applications you can use to do this on your phone like Camera360. Photowonder, Instasize (to resize your Instagram pictures), PicsArt and so many others! 

Enhance your selfie with some of Song Ji Hyo's eye shadow palettes at MIK! (Go for smokey eyes!)

Song Hye Kyo plays the role of a chest surgeon. She’s nonchalant about her physical appearance, and this adds to her attractiveness. Song Joong Ki plays the role of a very attractive army captain who just served in the military. Their on screen performance has made many hope for a real life romance between them. What many don’t know, is that Song Hye Kyo is four years older than Song Joong Ki.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

They both still look very youthful, especially Song Joong Ki who at 30, looks nothing like an army captain, and more like a fresh-faced college student.

After the launch of Descendants of the Sun, many women went crazy trying to find out what beauty products Song Hye Ko uses. She constantly had a flawless, but very natural look. They wanted to find out how she maintained her youthful look and all her secret beauty tips. It is obvious she keeps her makeup minimal, but everyone wanted to know how.

For her skin: when touching up her makeup before she goes into the public, she applies the Laneige BB Cushion on her face. This BB cushion cream is an all in one as it gives flawless skin, protects harmful UV rays with its sun block properties and holds everything in so the makeup look is long lasting. She uses it especially for outdoor shoots so if you’re my kind of girl and you spend a lot of hours outside, you should definitely try it out. 

For her lips: she uses the Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar. This lip bar quickly became everyone’s favorite lip color because of the perfect shade, the juicy pop shade, that Song Hye Ko wears.

For Song Joong Ki, he has explained that as an actor, it is very important to have good skin and keep healthy from inside out. Some reports say that he washes his skin with milk every night before he goes to bed. What we know for sure, is that in an interview, he stated that he believes in also taking care of the skin from the inside out which is why he eats an apple every morning.

His beauty secret: he shared his beauty secret and products with us. According to him, he wears sunscreen every day and uses a mask or pack each day.

This is obviously how he has been able to keep his adorable baby face up to his 30s. The trick is to start early. Many argue that these k-drama stars are Korean, so it is natural for them to have flawless skin and a youthful look. We can see though, that they put even twice as much effort into taking care of their skin than we do, including their men. So take a page from their book, it’s time to up your skincare game. 

The Laneige x Playnomore collaboration consists of 4 unique products

-Intense Lip Gel

-BB Cushion

-BB Cushion Pore Control

-Jet Curling Mascara

A must have item for all fashion lovers.

The gradation lip achieves a soft and alluring look.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

How gradation lips were done before
1. Apply lipstick to the centre of the lips.
2. Use a lip brush or your fingers to blend the colour out.
3. Apply lip balm.

How gradation lips are done now with the Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar
1. Apply the Laneige Two Tone lip bar and DONE you have your gradation lip!

See Two Tone Lip Bar products with the following link, https://www.buymik.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=laneige+two+tone+lip+bar

There are several masks available, formulated with different ingredients, for different purposes. The beauty of Korean skincare is that each product is designed to target an individual skin problem. This is one of the many reasons why they are very effective.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

The masks are usually sheet masks that come individually packed, which is great for hygienic reasons. The sheets are usually specially formulated to hold in the essences it is covered in. This way, it retains the strength of whatever ingredient it was packaged with till the time the user needs it. There are various masks for various needs depending on the user’s skin type. There are also masks that work to prevent issues like wrinkles, sagging, blemishes, etc.

Your options go beyond sheet masks though. You also have the option of multimasking, which is basically using more than one product on separate areas on your face to target individual problems at the same time. There are a lot more k-beauty masks that come with so many benefits.

Below is a list of must-haves for anyone who wants to take full advantage of all that k-beauty offers.

1. Capsule packs

These packs are basically sheet masks without the sheets. The product in the capsule is to be applied to the skin directly. After use, it can just be washed off. It is a very good option if you’re planning to multimask, all you need to do is to apply to your target areas.

How to use- after washing your face, spread the mask evenly on the face. Leave it to dry for about 10-15 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water.

 2. Hydrogel masks

They are very similar to sheet masks, but in the place of the sheets, you have a slicker material. The difference is very obvious in the texture and once you apply it, it definitely feels slimier than your regular sheet masks. The advantage is that hydrogels lock in moisture with the product better.

How to use- clean the face properly. Place the mask on the face and leave on for 20-30 minutes. After removing the mask, just lightly rub in the remaining product into your skin.

 3. Partial nose masks

These masks are specially designed to work on the pores on the nose. It is very easy for oil to build up on the nose and block the pores. This can cause white heads and black heads. The nose mask absorbs the oil build up.

How to use- after cleansing the skin properly, apply the mask to the areas with the oil build up, white heads and black heads. Leave it on to dry (for about 10-15 minutes) and peel, pulling up from the opposite direction.

 4. Egg mousse pack

As the name implies, it comes in mousse form. It is made from egg whites and egg yolk extracts. It forms a fine lather mousse that can be washed off. It leaves the skin glowing and looking well nourished.

How to use- apply a ‘ball’ of mousse to your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth area. Rub it in gently and leave for 10-20 minutes, then wash off.

 5. Nature masks

It is usually packed with essences that are to keep the appearance of the skin pure. A good way to use them is for completing your skincare routine at night as they contain the serums and essences you would normally apply.

How to use- after cleansing face, put on the mask and leave on for 10-12 minutes. Take off mask and use your fingers to lightly rub in the remaining moisture.

There are different masks, with different formulations designed to target specific skin issues. For every skin issue you have, there’s a k-beauty product designed already. 

Korean beauty products are the rave now, and there’s a good reason for that. The influx of K-beauty has become a marvel to watch and so many women, not just in the US, but all over the world are rapidly making a transfer from their traditional brands to Korean cosmetics.

The fascination with the cosmetics lines comes from the age old tradition of Korean women regarding their skincare routines. We have hard evidence, given that they are able to keep their skin ageless, that their routines and traditional methods work.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Although, following the Korean beauty process can be time consuming sometimes, most of us are already adapting to it, and can’t afford to miss a step in our routines.

The skincare routines could involve a 10-13 step regimen. Alicia Yoon, who is the founder of Peach and Lily, tells us that the term “10 step skincare routine” is not a real thing. According to her, from a Korean person’s perspective, it could be seen as funny because Korean women do not consider the number of steps they go through to complete their beauty regimen. Their routines are usually aimed at getting flawless, beautiful skin as it is a sure sign in Korea of healthy living. Most of the products included in these regimens are products we are already familiar with, but from a more traditional approach.

 The beauty of Korean skincare is that they are not believers of the one-size-fits-all rule. The products come individually for individual purposes. The aim of this is to target skin problems and treat them specifically. For example, a woman battling oily skin and a woman battling dry, tight skin will have different products infused in their skincare regimen. They might have some similar products which are necessary for all women (like sunscreen) but the products they use will be specifically aimed at targeting their individual concerns. This is the reason why the beauty regimen contains so many steps. Each product is used to target a specific issue. A basic Korean skincare routine would include these products: a cleanser (some people even prefer to double cleanse), a toner, exfoliating scrub or leave-on exfoliant, essence, sheet mask, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and very essential, sunscreen. 

Sunscreen is a very vital part of a day skincare routine. It is common knowledge that sun is the number one aging factor. Centuries ago, the Korean noble class women never went out in the sun. The result of that is that they had porcelain like skin that was very healthy. It is amazing that they had these awesome beauty secrets tucked away for centuries, even before we started to learn of them.

K-beauty is something to enjoy they are focused on feeding the skin just what it needs. Everyone should tap into this trend, there is no downside to it as far as your skin is concerned.

On Korean dramas, beauty is one of the highly advertised factors. An example of this is the very popular Korean drama, “My Love from Another Star”. It features beauty products and beauty essentials so much that a viewer would consider it as part of their way of life. The actors and actresses focused so much on their skincare that after a while, it seemed like the normal thing to do.

Tracey E. Robey, who is an avid blogger on Korean skincare, revealed that she only started using Korean products because she was a fan of k-pop. Her favourite boy band members had flawless skin and constantly endorsed Korean skincare products, so she decided to give it a try.

MIK: largest Korean beauty and cosmetics online store in New Zealand- over 40 brands, 5000 products available with new updates every day. We have Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Hera, Sulwhasoo, Banila Co and much more.

Of course, the rave can’t be for nothing. Korean skincare products are formulated with very effective ingredients which are foreign to us, or were considered foreign a few years ago. For example, snail extract is a major ingredient in some K-beauty products. It is supposed to stimulate formation of collagen and elastin. For a woman who wants to start an anti-aging skincare routine, products like these would be priceless to her. Other unusual ingredients that have been introduced to us by the Korean wave include seaweed, donkey milk, cheese, sherbet, bee venom and tomato. There are quite a few more but judging from the response of the international market, these products are exactly what men and women have been waiting for.

A major success was the introduction of the BB cream and the cushion pact, or BB cushions as many choose to call them. BB means ‘Blemish Balms’ or ‘Blemish Base’. This product became so widely used that international brands had to start producing their lines of them, to prevent losing customers.

The K-beauty wave has definitely opened our eyes to a lot of new things and we have been benefiting from them. The K-beauty market is not just restricted to the US anymore. Many countries are already seeing huge imports of the products and many South Koreans who live in foreign countries have made this their major trade.