5 months of *unsponsored* empties for acne & texture | current holy grail korean skincare products

So excited to share all the kbeauty skincare products I've genuinely been using over the last 5-6 months! These are my new holy grail products I can't live without, and I recommend them if you're looking for hydration, minimizing acne breakouts, or healing scarring and hyperpigmentation. Hope you enjoy x

IN THIS VIDEO //
00:00 intro
00:23 before/after skin update
00:42 skin type & changes in the winter
01:05 double cleansing
02:11 toners
03:57 serums & actives
06:52 moisturizers
07:43 sunscreen
08:42 face masks
09:20 cushion foundations
10:18 shower head filter!!
11:13 final thoughts

PRODUCT LINKS //
Some of you asked for trusted sites to buy from, so I've tried to include a few options for each! Also including my affiliate codes if you'd like to support me with your purchases 🤍

Banila Co Clean It Zero Ceramide Cleaning Balm

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum
* didn't really work for me but vitamin C doesn't usually make a difference for my skin

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule

A313 Vitamin A Retinol Cream

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Some BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

Ole Henrikson Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer

Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (this formula specifically)

Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mask

Axis Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack

JUNG SAEM MOOL Essential Skin Nuder Cushion (dewy finish, medium coverage)

Shower Head Filter (few options below)

ABOUT ME //
Hi! My name is Cynthia and I'm based in Toronto! I make videos about sustainable and ethical fashion, conscious consumption, self care, vlogs, etc. Thanks for stopping by!

DISCLAIMER //
This video is not sponsored. All thoughts are my own. Some of the products linked above (marked with a *) include affiliate links where I get a teeny tiny commission from each sale. I appreciate your support if you ever decide to purchase with my affiliate links, but there's never any pressure!

#koreanskincare #skincareroutine #acnejourney

[Emmie]

We have very similar skin: acne prone, oily/combo that dries out in winter (I wish it would pick a struggle! 😭). I've also experienced the same thing where supposedly non-greasy sunscreens still feel greasy to me and Biore is the only one I've tried so far that wasn't greasy. It seems like Anua products work well with your skin. I'll have to try them out in my next haul.

Also, I found that my results with vitamin C varied from product to product. I got great results with Timeless (although it took 6 months to see), but little to none with Paula's Choice, The Ordinary and Melano CC. I've since switched to TXA which gives me faster results and it seems like a more consistent, stable ingredient across the board since I've tried 3 different brands with similar results.

[Ana-vcuj]

girl I was about to cry when I heard your skin type
It's exactly the same as mine and I struggled A LOT finding someone with this specific combo 😭😭
love the vid btw

[LaisOliveira-gutt]

Vitamin c is good on the long run!! It's supposed to prevent aging, you would only notice if you used on half of your face for like a year. But it does work really well, is one of the most researched compost 🧡

[mirandap]

I also love the jsm cushion, I’m the same shade medium! I tried the next shade medium deep, which would work better for summer. Their foundation powder in Sand was great too!

[ohdear]

Thank you for this, bless your sweet heart for making this honest review

[sarahthreadgill]

Great empties! Really love this video!

[MoriMuri-ti]

Wow, such a useful video!! I like BLACK PEARL creams, great effect, although they can be hard to find. I personally get them from Dead sea shop, where the discounts are nice.

[katiedrake]

The way you were raving about that some by mi moisturizer- I had to try! Thank you❤ so excited to give it a shot
Something I LOVE as of late, super hydrating is Jin Jung Sung soothing moisture skin essence you should try it!

[Maddy-bo]

My skin type is quite similar to yours and I’ve had the same experience with vitamin C, my skin doesn’t react well with it. Also, if you struggle with dry skin in the winter try the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA serum, it’s actually an oil-serum. I love it!

[PearlDeFloreOfficial]

You are so so gorgeous omg, I will def try out these products!!🌹🌹🌹

[_tania_silva_]

Love this video Cynthia! Most of the products I use them myself as well!
Thank for brightening up my Tuesday

[renzeluvu]

IMPT QUES !!!! Can ask what skincare routine (AM and PM) will you recommend for oily, acne-prone, clogged pores and inner deeply dehydrated skin with all products u mentioned in the video? And can i ask there are so many serums and ampoules that u showed in the video, how often do you swtich to a different serum or ampoule and how do you incorporate in your skincare routine? and how can I restore or repair my weak skin barrier too?🥺

[florazhang]

my skin type is the exact same as yours! thanks for sharing!

[sarahnajmuddin]

Totally agree with the goodal! I’m trying to finish it off😭

[anthonywu]

great video, I have the same skin type as you. I've been seeing the SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream everywhere. Does it pair nicely as a moisturizer along with the 30 day miracle toner? Also, im just curious-- what is your stance on paulas choice 2% bha?

[dekaeptastudios]

Korean brand skincare powder, apply before bed. Which brands would you suggest?

[pushkar]

Can you please share how you treated your acne scars? I have many scars on my cheeks and I'm not sure how they got so bad. Maybe cuz I've tried numerous products, which might be the reason. However, I have been using the same gentle products for the past 2 months.

[Naemin-nj]

Would definitely try these.. I am currently having acne problems.. but I have a question, have you stopped using axis y dark spot serum? How was it? Thanks 😊

[donghaoliu]

How do you balance the actives with the somi products with the bha/pha/ in the toner and moisturizer?

[bindingself]

USE SERUM RETINOL N NIACIN, USE EXFO TONER PAULAS CHOICE, PERFECT FOR OILY/LARGE PORES, THANKS ME LATER.