Four Easy Steps to Getting Perfect Pores

My infatuation with Asian beauty and skincare started a couple of years ago. So it was a dream, A DREAM, you guys when Peach & Lily reached out to me about this amazing product launch from Caolion. (I may or may not have teared up while reading their email because I’m a freak like that.) 

I still have not ventured out to Flushing to visit their first brick & mortar store but plan to in the very near future (i.e. tomorrow). Although it’s a bit of a trek, I would totally go for their skin analysis machine and the ability to test out cult beauty favorites they carry from Korea and Japan. Try before you buy na mean. After shopping, I’d obviously dine in that neighborhood too since the cuisine is so bomb - but that’s a post for another day.

Peach & Lily curates and sells some of the most innovative products on the market. So, it’s no surprise they’re teaming up with Caolion (my favorite) to sell their Perfect Pores Kit (a total of 3 masks) at a special price with a cleanser included for free. If you want to be daring you could buy each separately for a total of $35ish or be shop smart at Peach & Lily for $84 (was $106).

“But what exactly are pore packs?” 

GOOOORL, I am so happy you asked cause we about to get into it.

Pore packs (essentially masks) work to clear your pores of all the dirt and grit that creep into skin. At the same time, these masks are so heralded because they don’t strip your skin of hydration.  If you’re looking to tighten and “de-clutter” your pores, these are a better (& less painful) solution compared to rip-off strips.

This pore pack set comes with a Freshly Chitosan Foam Cleanser, Premium Blackhead Steam Pore Pack, Premium Original Pore Pack, and Pore Tightening Memory Sleeping Mask. This might sound like a lot at once but I gotchu and we’re going through this one by one – get your shopping cart ready boo.

Freshly Chitosan Foam Cleanser
Before applying any mask, you got to get rid of that top layer of grime. (Taking this opportunity to remind everyone to always wash your face before bed – even if it means using a makeup remover wipe). I tend to use a makeup remover wipe before a cleanser but to put this to test, I bypassed that step and used this instead to see how effectively it removed everything. It did. Although, my face did feel a little tight after use it did leave my face feeling a little tight but refreshed nonetheless.

Premium Blackhead Steam Pore Pack
Alright, I’m going to be totally honest here and say I’m fully stocked on this and the Original Pore Pack for the next three years. I’ve already known of this cult classic, tried it, and fell in love with the powerful duo. The Premium Blackhead Steam Pore Pack is a bubbling self-heating clay mask that works to deeply cleanse your skin. It’s made of 100% natural sparkling water, charcoal powder, and natural oat grains, which gently buff dead skin cells while keeping you hydrated. In the end, you’re left with firmer-looking skin.

Premium Original Pore Pack
After you get the gunk out, you slather on the cooling Original Pore Pack, which tightens up enlarged pores, calms, and revitalizes your skin. This purifying mask is made with Glacial clay, Alaskan glacial water, and menthol.  I absolutely love using this solo on a hot summer day for the cooling sensation alone – so good! After one use (or at least on me), your skin is left with a luminous healthy glow.

Pore Tightening Memory Sleeping Mask
The last and final step, and only before bedtime, is applying the Pore Tightening Memory Sleeping Mask. Sleeping masks are generally used to intensely hydrate your skin, as you guessed it, sleep. These masks are not messy and won't leave stains on your pillow. Think of it as a heavier night cream that gets massaged into your skin. (P.s. No needs to use your moisturizer when using a sleeping mask.) You will, however, wake up with soft, dewy skin. I tend to use one twice a week, but when the temps drop so does my usage. This product is new to me so I was extra-excited to sleep in this. It’s advertised as using a shape memory technology, but if we’re being honest I have no idea what that means. I do know that I woke up with brightened and tightened skin and went barefaced to work because of how amazing my skin looked.

My general consensus after trying out Caolion’s Perfect Pores Kit – obsessed with the results. For those of you looking to tighten pores or add masking to your regime, I’d highly recommend diving head first into this kit. And yes, the kit was gratis but like I said before – I already own loads of the Pore Pack duo because it does work.

Skincare Addiction: Asian Finds

Skincare, my new addiction. I've never had the best skin and always deal with the same pesky zit (sound familiar). Every now and then I'll randomly find myself on /r/AsianBeauty - a forum dedicated to making your skin look and feel its best with the help of Asian products.

It's been a good steady seven months of checking in, interacting, and trying new products either recommended or raved about by other users. Ladies, these are my precious finds:

For reference, I have combination skin with occasional hormonal flare-ups along my jawline. My skin is not sensitive in the slightest - it can handle a lot besides hormones. If your skin is sensitive, I recommend doing a patch test or introducing one product at a time and slowly (1-2x a week to daily) to see if there's a reaction. 

1 - Toner: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
In search of a toner to replace my Caudelie, I instead came across this. This is different from American toners since it doesn't dry out your skin but instead helps your skin stay moisturized and absorbs anything else you layer on after (i.e. moisturizer serum or sheet masks). My face feels more plump and hydrated - overall healthier. I apply it to my skin right after I hop out of the shower when my skin is still moist.

2 - Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Smooth Watery Gel Spf50 + / Pa ++++
They say that when you decide to build your skincare regimen, the first thing you should add (and apply everyday) is sunscreen. And for sunscreen you need to go abroad. Our domestic sunscreens will never rival those found around the world mainly because the FDA moves at a snail's pace. But I did the research on finding the best sunscreen that doesn't add to my summer sheen (grease-face) and is safe - and this Biore UV Gel is phenom. Great for face and body!

3 - Mask: TonyMoly Sheet Masks
Sheet Masks are buzz words right now and for good reason. When Tony Moly opened it's first stateside store the first thing I did was buy a ton of these: mainly to try them out (finally), it's great price points, and cute packaging. Once I tried them on it felt like a mini spa date (even if I was just sitting on the couch watching Netflix). They started stocking these masks at Sephora and Urban Outfitters. FYI: each mask has a specific treatment to target certain skin concerns - I love using their Rice masks for acne.

4- Face Mist: TonyMoly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist
I'm a mister. In the summer I'm even more hardcore about misting - it helps me stay cool and my skin hydrated. I use over or under my makeup and spritz throughout the day. Writing about it made me mist. Do you need to have this in your regimen? Probably not. However, if you have dry skin it might be something to consider adding to your everyday purse.

5 - Snail Recovery Gel Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Yes, this is composed entirely of snail mucus but hear me out. This gel has transformed my skin and my boyfriend's skin. My skin looks more even toned and the mucus actually (and rapidly) helps acne healing and scarring. It's also extremely moisturizing and banishes redness. Got sunburned? You can use this too! There's a reason this product is cult favorite when it comes to Asian skincare - it works and it's so affordable. If you're going to try any one of these five - try this one first!

Are you also into Asian skincare or skincare in general? Let me know if there's something I need to try in the comments.