COSMETICS IN KOREA
Korean cosmetics and skincare products have been dubbed "K-beauty". Golda Arthur of the BBC wrote: If you have never used a Korean face cream made from snail slime, then you may be missing out. Likewise you may be being left behind if you don't spend an hour or two each week wearing a Korean face mask made from seaweed. These are two products at the forefront of the latest big trend to hit the global skin care and cosmetics industry - the boom in such items developed and made in South Korea.”
“South Korean women spend twice as much of their income on beauty products and make-up than their American counterparts. Meanwhile, South Korean men spend more on skincare than those in any other country. In 2015, South Korea exported more than US$2.64 billion of cosmetics goods, according to the Korea Customs Service, compared with US$1 billion in 2012, and US$1.91 billion in 2014. One of the biggest export markets for Korean skincare products is the U.S., where the big rise in sales has been led by small firms, often established by young Korean-Americans.
Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, “Since checking out Seoul Fashion Week... we've become a little obsessed with the immaculate complexions of the K-Pop stars that populated the front row, and doll-like supermodels, such as the rainbow haired and cool AF Irene Kim. Smooth, poreless skin and with just the right level of dewiness, it's no surprise that bloggers & influencers everywhere are lusting for the Korean beauty look. [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs, Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
“Korean products have been influencing our skincare trends for years and you'll find one in the bag of every top skin & makeup expert. What are the best products to achieve this kind of dermatological perfection? And what do the weird ones actually do? We needed to know answers ASAP.
“South Koreans know their beauty products and are obsessed with skincare. We have South Korean super-brand Dr Jart+ to thank for the wonder of it's cult BB cream, which since its launch in 2011, has cut hours off our morning make-up routine and put Korea firmly on the cosmetics-industry map. Since then, brands like Tony Moly, Oh K! and Starskin have been making an equally impressive name for themselves, introducing new things like sheet masks and facial essence into our cosmetic vocabulary.
“Raiding the legendary pharmacies of South Korea on the hunt for scientifically advanced, charmingly packaged and relatively cheap skincare, we stumbled across a few eyebrow-raising ingredients (some quite literally). If you're not put-off and still curious, the good news is that the best of k-beauty is now available on our shores. Get ready to look gooood with our bizarrely awesome k-beauty haul:
Fast Beauty Formula of Korean Cosmetics Companies
Reporting from Seoul, Joyce Lee of Reuters wrote: “At an Innisfree cosmetics store in Seoul's popular Myeongdong shopping district, a saleswoman helps 21-year-old Chinese tourist Yang Hui carry her shopping baskets to the pay desk in front of a large display showing K-Pop star Yoona. "There's a lot to choose from," said Yang, confessing to having bought more than she'd planned from the store's range of around 900 products. South Korea's top cosmetics company Amorepacific Group launches some 400 new Innisfree branded products a year, about half of which are no longer available a year later. [Source: Joyce Lee, Reuters, Aug 3, 2016]
“It's one of dozens of Korean mass cosmetics brands with a short product development cycle - a "fast beauty" approach that is increasingly popular among Chinese and other Asian millennials, gaining exposure in the United States and Europe, and attracting high-profile foreign investment. South Korea has become a hot-bed for applying to cosmetics the "fast fashion" principles of shifting designs quickly from catwalk to Main Street to capitalise on new trends. Thousands of small cosmetics firms compete to get their new products to market, with third-party manufacturers cutting the time on testing and recipe alignment and providing the capacity for swift market launch.
“Korean brands have cut product development cycles to as little as four months, compared to over a year for global brands, industry experts say. "When we received an eyeshadow order from a major global client in 2004, it took us two years to begin production. Now it takes us one year from the word go," said Lim Dae-gyu, a director at Cosmax Inc, a cosmetics manufacturer with annual sales of close to US$500 million. "For South Korean mass brands, it takes less - just 4-6 months from planning to market launch is average," Lim added. "New ingredients, new packaging, new formulas come on the market continuously, and when something does well Korean brands respond quickly," said Jang Jun-kee, managing director of the Korea Cosmetics Foundation, an industry group. Amorepacific's 2008 hit product, the cushion compact - a multifunctional sponge applicator for anything from liquid facial cover and sun protection to make-up base and moisturiser - inspired follow-up products from global brands such as L'Oreal's Lancome and Estee Lauder's Clinique.
“Innovative, often cute, packaging also helps. The Face Shop, a mass brand from South Korea's second-ranked cosmetics firm LG Household & Health Care, said last month it sold out of its initial 130,000 cushion compacts featuring Disney characters - costing 20,000 won (US$17.82) - in just two days. It said it expects to launch about 600 new products this year.
Beyond popularising beauty trends such as facial cosmetic products "BB cream" and "CC cream", South Korea has a reputation for innovation and for using natural and Oriental medicine ingredients from flowers and tea leaves to donkey milk, snail and seahorse to differentiate its so-called K-beauty products. "Korean consumers are very sophisticated. Their interest in beauty and expectations of cosmetics are high and they are willing to try new concepts," L'Oreal Korea said in emailed comments to Reuters. "It's a market where new trends emerge before potentially going global."
Strange South Korean Beauty Products
Mizon Placenta 45 Anti Wrinkle Serum: Elle UK: you heard – placenta cream. As our skin ages, our cells do not renew as rapidly as they once did. This causes the skin to thin, lose elasticity and collagen. As gross as it sounds,, placenta contains powerful stem cells which are well regarded for their healing and repairing abilities. Using 45 percent placenta extract, this cream delivers the highest amount of nutrients directly to cells in order to stimulate skin renewal. £17.99 from Amazon. [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs, Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
Botanic Farm - Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet: dramafever.com: Any beauty expert will tell you that the first key to having beautiful, flawless skin is cleansing your skin properly! Completely removing your makeup from the day is an important skincare step that will help keep your skin looking beautiful even without makeup. Botanic Farm’s Grain Ferment Sherbet may sound like something you would eat, but it is specially formulated to thoroughly remove face makeup without irritating the skin. It contains only premium natural ingredients that help to effectively melt down and remove makeup while providing balanced hydration to keep your skin healthy and smooth. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Mediheal - Paraffin Foot Mask: Your face isn't the only part of your body that needs attention! You never know when a cute Korean man will offer to rub your feet and you want them to be extra soft and smooth just in case! Mediheal’s Paraffin Foot Mask contains shea butter, collagen, and urea, which are highly effective at exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. This foot mask gets rid of cracked heels and rough patches and softens and removes dead skin cells, speeding up the cell regeneration process to develop smoother and softer feet.
Skinfood - Coffee Body Scrub: You may think of coffee as simply something you drink, but did you know that coffee is known for its exceptional anti-oxidizing properties to promote better and healthier skin? Skinfood’s Coffee Body Scrub contains high-quality coffee beans perfectly granulated to be gentle on the skin. This coffee scrub also has a unique blend of brown sugar, salt, and natural sweet honey to fully nourish the skin while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.
Snail Skin Creams from South Korea
Mizon Snail Slime Range: Elle UK: According to South Korea's big selling beauty brand, Mizon, the high concentration of Snail 'secretion' (sorry) has significant protective and nourishing qualities. Slather the Snail Wrinkle Care Night Cream on at night and wake up to a plumped and lifted complexion. The texture is slightly tacky upon application (again, sorry) in order to create a protective barrier beneath which the active ingredients can work their rejuvenating magic. £21 from CultBeauty.co.uk [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: dramafever.com: Let's talk about snails! While snails may be one of the last things you want to put near your face, snail mucin (aka snail slime) is scientifically and dermatologically proven to be highly effective and beneficial when it comes to skin cell regeneration and repair. COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains 96 percent of snail secretion filtrate blended with other nourishing herbal extracts. The snail mucin can help repair skin from acne, sun damage and scars by promoting skin cell regeneration and giving the skin proper moisture and nourishment needed for its full recovery. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Benton - Snail Bee High Content Essence: If snail slime isn't strange enough for you, Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence combines snail mucin with bee venom to bring abundant hydration and nourishment to your skin. It is specially formulated to help the skin recover from damage while also promoting the development of healthier skin cells. You can expect softer, smoother skin texture and a brighter complexion. Bonus: Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence also contains antibacterial herbal extracts that prevent the skin from getting damaged or irritated. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Besolbo Royal Salmon Egg Sleeping Renewal Pack: Elle UK: If snail slime isn't for you, how about salmon eggs? The little pink pearlescent balls you'd normally find as a sushi accompaniment are used by South Koreans with skin troubles such as acne, fine lines, dark spots or rough skin. Besolbo claim their Royal Salmon Egg Sleeping Pack can regulate moisture and nutrition production with its high vitamin and mineral content. Repeated use enhances the skin's tone, texture, and overall condition. Hold the wasabi. £10.55 from Amazon [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
dramafever.com: Salmon eggs may be something you usually enjoy with your sushi, but apparently they can also help with skin troubles such as acne, fine lines, dark spots or rough skin! Who knew? Besolbo's Royal Salmon Egg Return Cream/Sleeping Pack uses salmon eggs as its key component and works to regulate moisture and nutrition production to enhance your skin's color, texture, and overall condition. Besolbo say their product is great for hypersensitive skin, aging/sagging skin, and dull skin as it has nourishing properties that can help eliminate skin imperfections. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Jelly Packs and Cheese Creams
Tony Moly Pure Farm Pig Collagen Jelly Cream: Elle UK: Any veggies reading this should probably skip ahead. We're all well versed on the face-plumping benefits of collagen, but apparently the 70,000 ml of topical pig collagen found in these 80g pots is almost as potent as any syringe-administrated version. The collagen is extracted from 'pasture-raised organic pigs,' said one in-store beauty consultant. Enhanced hydration, and significantly increased skin elasticity are the promises here. We'll leave you to decide whether you're game to try it though. £15.99 from YesStyle [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
J.One Jelly Pack: The Jelly Pack is a best-selling beauty staple in Korea. It's unique jelly-textured formula provides skin with a hit of moisture for a firm, plumped up complexion. Known as the 'corset mask', it has an immediate lifting and firming effect. It also contains a powerful antioxidant called fullerene, which helps to provide the skin with protection from environmental aggressors. Just apply two or three pumps in an upward sweeping motion until absorbed £42 from Cult Beauty
Emprani - Dear By Bounce Cheese Cream and Dear By Melted Cheese Cream: dramafever.com: Now, I love cheese. But putting cheese on my face? I'm not so sure... Still, the beauty masterminds at Emprani have two cheese-based skincare products that adventurous skincare lovers should definitely try! The first one is the Dear By Bounce Cheese Cream, which has a unique formula blend of cream cheese fortified with proteins that promotes skin firmness and elasticity while also tightening the pores to make the skin looking smooth, soft, and trouble free. If you are having problems with dry and dull skin tone, give the Dear By Melted Cheese Cream a try. The cream contains 10 percent of whey cheese extract, which is rich in proteins and vitamins A, B, and E to keep the skin radiant while also protecting it from the harsh elements found in the environment. This cream also effectively evens out skin tone, moisturizes it, and keeps it firm with its rich formula blend of adenosine and rice extract. This suits all skin types as it is formulated to be gentle to the skin. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Coconut, Tomato and Kale Masks from Korea
Kale & Grapefruit Juice Cleanse Mask: Elle UK: South Koreans are obsessed with sheet masks. Check out Rita Ora's sheet mask selfies on Instagram if you're not familiar with how ridiculous/scary they look on. Despite their odd appearance, they're worth the awkwardness of being caught wearing one as your skin will literally drink them up. This one uses the principle of a nutritious juice cleanse, with its mix of kale, grapefruit, broccoli, carrots and other fruits and veggies which brighten hyperpigmented skin. You might think Kale is just for eating but it's also great on your skin, Leave the sheet on for up to 40 minutes and simply massage in any leftover serum. £2.50 from peachandlily.com [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
Coconut Gel Mask with Tomato: dramafever.com: Coconut sounds like a lovely skincare ingredient, but tomato? Don't worry! This coconut tomato sheet mask smells only like coconut but contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes that gives the skin elasticity and resilience by keeping harmful environmental factors out and locking moisture in, thereby counteracting the effects of aging. Lycopene also reduces redness, minimizes pores, and revives the skin’s natural healthy glow. Leave the mask on for 20-40 minutes, or the duration of an episode of your current favorite K-drama, for maximum absorption. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Imselene Donkey Milk Holic Sleeping Mask Pack: I'm not sure who in Korea decided they would put donkey milk on their face, but it is very beneficial for the skin because it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Instead of going out and milking a donkey on your own, try Imselene's Donkey Milk Holic Sleeping Mask Pack. Other nourishing ingredients include taro alkali extract, whey protein, amino acids, and EGF. This sleeping mask pack has whitening and firming properties, which promotes softer and brighter skin. It also helps in keeping the skin properly hydrated to prevent roughness and damage from occurring.
Holika Holika - Pig-Collagen Jelly Gel Mask: Oink oink! Rich in nutritious elements, this pig collagen gel mask is made with 10,000 ppm collagen from pig skin. Why pig collagen you ask? Pig collagen, much like human collagen, helps to keep your skin hydrated skin and enhance it's elasticity. This mask can help diminish fine lines, increase your skin’s luminosity, and promote supple, baby soft skin. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and catch up on the latest episode of Twenty Again!
Lip Gel Patches and Apple Stick
Etude House Cherry Lip Gel Patch: Elle UK: If you thought the sheet masks were ridiculous, these novelty-looking lip masks are genius; we've included them for their humorous appearance over their unusual ingredients. Snapchat gold aside, if you don't mind looking silly for 10-15 minutes, the Etude House Cherry Lip Gel Patch offers targeted lipcare by eliminating dead skin cells and regenerating new, healthy cells for for firmer, softer lips. Unlike scrubs which are actually pretty harsh on the lips, these are formulated with cherry extract, and are rich in nutrients that will repair chapped lips and leave an added layer of moisture film to protect them from further damage. Once removed, lament your Jessica Rabbit pout momentarily, then softly tap onto the lips to soak in any excess serum £2.35 from etudehouse.com [Source: Gillian Brett and Zoe Dubs. Elle UK, April 4, 2016]
dramafever.com: Our favorite K-drama leading ladies always seem to have perfectly soft and smooth lips. Harsh lip scrubs can be damaging to your lips, so if you don't mind looking silly for 10-15 minutes, give the Etude House Cherry Lip Gel Patch a try to get the same supple lips as your favorite K-drama stars! This lip gel patch offers superior care for your lips by eliminating dead skin cells and regenerating new, healthy cells for for firmer, softer lips. Formulated with cherry extract, this lip patch is rich in nutrients that repair chapped lips while leaving an extra layer of moisture film to protect the skin from further damage. [Source: KD Bonbon, dramafever.com, September 29, 2015]
Peripera - Tint Jelly 005 Apple Stick and 006 Sky Stick: After you repair and protect your lips with the gel patch above, you need the perfect K-drama lip tint! Don't be afraid of the bright green and blue colors of these Peripera tint jellies — these lip products will change color on your lips and give you that perfect, long-lasting K-drama lip color. Formulated with argan oil and grapeseed oil, your lips will be coated in a hydrating lacquer with a jelly-like finish.
South Korea's Skincare Success
South Korea has long been obsessed with skincare and, according to the BBC, it is“at the forefront of research into new skincare products, and its exports of such items are soaring. And the ingredients aren't ones traditionally found in American or European products. Snail extract, for example, is supposed to stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin, is used in moisturisers and spot treatments. [Source: Golda Arthur BBC News, January 28, 2016]
“BB cream is a hybrid moisturiser and foundation that Korean women had been using for years. Still, there are some major differences between the Korean and the western approach to beauty. For example, while in the west it is typical for women to follow a three-step facial regime of cleanse-tone-moisturise, in South Korea there are 10 different steps, including the use of "essence" and "ampoule" creams, and a "sheet mask".
Male Cosmetics in Korea
Male beauty became a big thing in South Korea in the early 2000s. Television commercials show men compliment each other for their nice skin. Sometimes it seems like all the make actors in Korean dramas wear lipstick and all male singers in K-pop groups have dyed hair. Entire lines of cosmetics and skin lotions have been introduced exclusively for men. One line of skin care products was pitched by Korean soccer superstar Ahn Jung Hwan
A South Korean cosmetic company boss told the Los Angeles Times, “Why shouldn’t men want to look beautiful and take care of their skin? Especially as they get older, they have to wear make up if they don’t want to look shabby.” A salesman of Ester Lauder told the newspaper that the link between men and make up has always existed. “Men would wear a little of their wives’ or girlfriends’ makeup. It is just that now it’s in the open and respectable.”
In the early 2000s, almost all the commercials for make up were geared for young men but the cosmetic companies found that most of their customers were older men. It is quite common for men over 50 to dye their hair. Many South Korean politicians — including Nobel-Peace-Prize winner Kim Dae Jung — have done it. Kim Young Sam’s hair suddenly became gray when he became president. In the early 2000s, young Korean men started streaking their hair with copper highlights. These days a wide variety of hair styles and colors can be found on Korean men, especially in the K-pop world, but not in the chaebol, salaryman world. By the 2010s, Korean male college student were routinely using black eyebrow pencils to lengthen and accentuate their eyebrows. Salarymen were using skin conditioners and less obvious high
History of Male Beauty and Cosmetics in South Korea
Hye Soo Nah of Associated Press wrote: “ The ideal South Korean man used to be rough and tough. Things began to change in the late 1990s, when the South Korean government relaxed a ban on Japanese cultural goods, exposing South Koreans to different ideas on male beauty, including popular comics featuring pretty, effeminate men. [Source: Hye Soo Nah, Associated Press, September 17, 2012]
“James Turnbull, a writer and lecturer on Korean feminism, sexuality and popular culture, said the economic crisis that hit South Korea in 1997 and 1998 also played a role in shifting thinking. Struggling companies often fired their female employees first, angering women who had already seen their push for equal rights take a backseat to protest movements against Japanese colonizers and the autocratic governments that followed. "The times were ripe for a sea-change in the popular images of men in the media," Turnbull said. Women, as a result, began questioning the kinds of men society told them they should find attractive.
“In 2002, large numbers were attracted to a hero of South Korea's World Cup soccer team, Ahn Jung-hwan, who became a leading member of the so-called "flower men" — a group of exceptionally good-looking, smooth-skinned, fashionable sports stars and celebrities who found great success selling male cosmetics. Men everywhere began striving to look like them, with the encouragement of the women around them, and a trend was born. A decade later, ads featuring handsome, heavily made-up male celebrities are an unavoidable part of the urban scenery.”
Male Cosmetics in South Korea in the 2010s
Hye Soo Nah of Associated Press wrote: “This socially conservative, male-dominated country, with a mandatory two-year military conscription for men, has become the male makeup capital of the world. South Korean men spent US$495.5 million on skincare last year, accounting for nearly 21 percent of global sales, according to global market research firm Euromonitor International. That makes it the largest market for men's skincare in the world, even though there are only about 19 million men in South Korea. Amorepacific, South Korea's biggest cosmetics company, estimates the total sales of men's cosmetics in South Korea this year will be more than US$885 million. [Source: Hye Soo Nah, Associated Press, September 17, 2012]
“The metamorphosis of South Korean men from macho to makeup over the last decade or so can be partly explained by fierce competition for jobs, advancement and romance in a society where, as a popular catchphrase puts it, "appearance is power." Women also have a growing expectation that men will take the time and effort to pamper their skin.
“Evidence of this new direction in South Korean masculinity is easy to find. In a crowded Seoul cafe, a young woman takes some lipstick out of her purse and casually applies it to her male companion's lips as they talk. At an upscale apartment building, a male security guard watches the lobby from behind a layer of makeup. Korean Air holds once-a-year makeup classes for male flight attendants.
“While U.S. cosmetics companies report growing sales in male cosmetics, American men are often wary of makeup. "Men Wearing Makeup a Disturbing Trend" was how American columnist Jim Shea titled a recent post. In South Korea, however, effeminate male beauty is "a marker of social success," according to Roald Maliangkay, head of Korean studies at Australian National University. Amorepacific Corp. offers 17 men's brands, with dozens of products to choose from, and operates two Manstudio stores in Seoul that are devoted to men's skincare and makeup.
South Korean Men Who Use Cosmetics
Hye Soo Nah wrote: “ Cho Won-hyuk stands in front of his bedroom mirror and spreads dollops of yellow-brown makeup over his forehead, nose, chin and cheeks until his skin is flawless. Then he goes to work with a black pencil, highlighting his eyebrows until they're thicker, bolder. "Having a clean, neat face makes you look sophisticated and creates an image that you can handle yourself well," the 24-year-old college student said. "Your appearance matters, so when I wear makeup on special occasions, it makes me more confident." [Source: Hye Soo Nah, Associated Press, September 17, 2012]
Cho's meticulous efforts to paint the perfect face are not unusual in South Korea. "I can understand why girls don't like to go outside without makeup — it makes a big difference," said Cho Gil-nam, a tall, stocky 27-year-old insurance fraud investigator in Seoul who starts important days by dabbing on makeup after finishing his multistep morning cleansing and moisturizing routine. He carries a multicolored cosmetics pouch so he can touch up in public bathrooms throughout the day.
“South Korean men are barraged daily with messages in popular media suggesting that flawless skin is a crucial part of any plan to get ahead at work and romance. "In this society, people's first impressions are very important. A man's skin is a big part of that impression, so I take care of my skin," said Kim Deuk-ryong, a 20-year-old student.
“Kim Jong-hoon, a 27-year-old tech industry worker in Paju, said the endless media exposure to famous men with perfect skin helped steer his progression from soap and water to an elaborate regime that includes as many as eight steps, from cleanser to eye cream and lotion to a small amount of makeup powder. "My skin wasn't bad, but the media constantly sends the message that skin is one of the most important things, so I wanted to take care of it," Kim said.” Make up s also a good source of conversation, said Kim Ae-kyung, 35, a female office worker. "I feel like I have more to talk about with guys who use makeup — we have more in common," Kim said.”
K-Pop and K-Drama Help Spreads Korean Beauty Products
K-pop and K-Drama stars frequently are the faces for top South Korean brands and simple using a product in a drama or music video can earn the star and the sponsor big money. Hideo Shinada of Nikkei Entertainment wrote: “The Korean wave has a ripple effect beyond the content industry. TV shows and movies feature a wide array of South Korean home appliances, cars and cosmetics, creating demand for those products among overseas audiences. A growing number of consumers have likewise developed an interest in South Korean food and fashion through entertainment, and many of them shop at South Korean chains. [Source: Hideo Shinada, Nikkei Entertainment, January 8, 2015]
Ryan General of Nextshark wrote: “A huge part of the world has collectively embraced two of South Korea’s main exports: K-pop and K-drama. Their influence has so far transcended into fashion and even beauty standards in many countries, creating a huge market for Korean beauty products and fashion brands. International companies, including top luxury brands, have started pouring investments into Korean products after realizing the enormous market potential brought about by the “Hallyu” phenomenon, according to Asia One. [Source: Ryan General, Nextshark, September 4, 2016]
“TV drama celebrities and K-pop artist endorsements have played huge roles in Korean companies’ international success in the cosmetics and fashion industry. L Capital, a subsidiary investment bank of LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Fendi and other brands), for instance, invested US$50 million into Korean brand CLIO, according to Reuters. The brand, which was founded by Han Hyun-ok in 1997, had its products initially manufactured in Europe before moving its production to its own manufacturer. When Korean actress Kong Hyo-jin wore CLIO eyebrow liner in the movie “The Producers,” the company earned a record sales of 100 billion won, or about US$90,485,000, in 2015, registering more than double of what it sold from the previous year. The movie was an international success, especially in China where it was a huge hit.
“Similarly, Goldman Sachs Group and Bain Capital Private Equity have made some significant Korean investments by acquiring a stake in Carver Korea, a popular cosmetics firm in South Korea, Reuters reported. Carver Korea owns several cosmetic brands, including Vivito, Dr. MJ, Shara and A.H.C., selling over 1,000 products sold through various channels. Since 2013, company earnings have surged from 27.3 billion won (US$24 million) to 156.5 billion won (US$140 million) in 2015.
“South Korean company Have & Be Co. Ltd, the parent company of cosmetics-maker Dr. Jart which produces the hugely popular BB cream, is also set to get a huge investment, this time from renowned cosmetics brand Estee Lauder, according to The Telegraph. Founded by young entrepreneur Lee Jin-wook, the company will get international exposure through Estee Lauder’s global network. Lee currently owns 66.7 percent of the company, which is worth around 17.8 billion won (US$15.9 million).”
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons.
Text Sources: South Korean government websites, Korea Tourism Organization, Cultural Heritage Administration, Republic of Korea, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Library of Congress, CIA World Factbook, World Bank, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, “Culture and Customs of Korea” by Donald N. Clark, Chunghee Sarah Soh in “Countries and Their Cultures”, “Columbia Encyclopedia”, Korea Times, Korea Herald, The Hankyoreh, JoongAng Daily, Radio Free Asia, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, BBC, AFP, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Yomiuri Shimbun and various books and other publications.
Updated in July 2021


Actives: 2% Titanium Dioxide / 17% Zinc Oxide
Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyester-8, Polysilicone-15, Behenic Acid, Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Iron Oxides, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Extract, Silica, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Vaccinum Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Shake well. Apply evenly to sun exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, after towel drying, sweating or swimming.
Luxurious sun care formula that helps repair and protect every inch of skin, from your head to your toes. Naturally derived and safer mineral UV protection helps reduce the risk of photo aging and skin cancer. Unique blend of biomimetic moisturizers, ceramides and humectants help replenish skin’s moisture barrier.
Antioxidants: Vitamin C, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit & Pomegranate Extracts
Non-Comedogenic — Won’t Clog Pores
Water-Resistant Up To 80 Minutes
Oil & Fragrance Free
Gentle Enough For Kids 6 Months & Older


Adorn Your Soul by Grech & Co. are handcrafted crystals created with our own unique custom design that captures the natural and baroque beauty of mother earth's gift to nature.
With 24k gold plated sides, natural polished stone on the bottom, and gorgeous druzy cluster points that shimmer and shine, Adorn Your Soul has everything you want.
Given as a gift with a special phrase engraved on the side, or as home decor to bring a lovely energy to any room, each piece is truly one of a kind.
These pieces are truly stunning. The shimmer and depth of each point is remarkable and the richness in color exudes its true beauty and energy. These pieces are approximately 5 cm wide, 5 cm long, and 3 cm high. *One piece per order
Amethyst is a natural stone that carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.
Known to aide with anxiety, fidelity, addiction, and for healing of the mind, body and soul, Amethyst was once as valuable as diamonds are today.
Gorgeous for any room in the house, amethyst is said to promote better sleeping patterns when placed in the window of your bedroom (outside of direct sunlight).


essano Collagen Boost Oil contains Schisandra Chinensis Berry and Rosehip Oil to deliver intense moisture to the upper layers, giving your skin a firmer and more elastic appearance in only 8 weeks.
These ingredients are clinically proven to:
• Improve the elasticity parameter and firmness of the skin by up to 28%*
• Reinforce dynamic cohesion between the dermis and epidermis.
• Increase Collagen XVII synthesis by up to 6x**
New to Collagen Boost? Find out more here.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Isoamyl Laurate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Parfum (Fragrance), Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.
99.7% of the total ingredients are of natural origin.
*95.9% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.
how to use +
After cleansing and toning, add a couple of drops to your essano Collagen Boost Day Crème or Night Crème. Or, massage several drops into face and neck, focusing on scars, dryness or sun damage.
Patch-test before use.
Review for collagen boost facial oil
Essano collagen oil is fantastic. I massage it into my face and feels so smooth for old skin. 😌 Using a range of your products my skin is looking radiant. 👌
Love this product.
I mix a couple of drops with my moisturizer each night, my skin feels soft and hydrated.
Beautiful facial oil
Collagen Boost Facial Oil is a beautiful oil that hydrates and smooths my skin. It applies easily and absorbs fast. I use it morning and night. I find it plumps my skin and softens lines. It has a lovely fragrance. It is also affordable. I am now on my 3rd bottle and will be continuing to use it in my daily skin care. I love that it contains mostly natural ingredients.
Love this oil
Mix with foundation to give natural glow
I have oily skin and thought it would be a bad idea, I was wrong! I love it! I can't complain at all


One Direction are expanding their global brand by launching a cosmetics collection.
The “What Makes You Beautiful” hitmakers released a perfume for girls and a jewelry line last year and they are now capitalizing on their international success by creating a line of makeup.
Just had a great meeting about 1D make up! it's that good im gona start wearing it myself pic.twitter.com/XKqZW45Buc
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) June 23, 2014


How to order the best lip gloss online is one of the most common questions asked on Twitter, and one that is best left to the experts.
While it is easy to buy lip gloss on Amazon, it is much more difficult to buy them online because it is typically too expensive for a small business to make a profit.
So, how can you order the cheapest lip gloss for your lips without breaking the bank?
Luckily, we have found a few simple steps to help you get started with ordering online.
Read on for our picks for the best online glosses for your favorite lip gloss, and if you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.


Here is a sneak peek at a commission I completed a couple of months ago for a beauty blog! I was inspired by the whimsical, boho-chic wedding looks that I had been seeing this year. Who doesn’t love a flower crown?
This beauty was a commission done for a chic customer in Washington, DC. Coincidentally, I am babysitting a Maltese for two weeks, starting yesterday. She seems to want to sit at my drawing desk in my chair at all times. Maybe she is secretly a little artist?
Last weekend was my good friend Jessica and (my cousin) Danny’s engagement party. I just had to share these photos I took of her style that night, it was all so fabulous! Her dress was a floor length Max Azria covered in sequins and her hair had a 1920’s flair to it. Oh so elegant!


In the wedding day, every bride dreams to be a princess waiting her prince charming. She wants to look elegant, simple and sexy. That’ why; a great number of brides to be prefer the designs of Mori Lee. This designer is described by understanding the real desires and hopes of all the brides. His gowns are regarded for being special, stunning and radiant. Moreover, bridal dresses are always fitting your style and your budget. At the same time, Mori Lee’s main technique is designing fashionable dresses without any sophistication at all. Thus, all you have to do is to choose your most glamorous gown to your body shape with the most suitable color to your skin along with the smooth fabric. Mori Lee bridal gowns have a great variety of colors, fabrics, cuts and embellishments. The available colors are either white colors or ivory or champagne. The embellishments can be floral patterns, simple belts or even added crystals or mirrors to shine. Furthermore, the used fabrics can be satin, silk, chiffon, tulle, lace, organza and taffeta. The cuts are also can be a-line, ball gown style or mermaid. The dresses can be pleated, voluminous, strapless, sleeveless, with fitted waist, sweetheart neckline, v-neckline or rounded neckline, flared, fluid and some dresses can be affected by the Greek style and the Roman goddess.


Over the years, i have dabbled into a few things including hairstyling and design.
I am pleased to share some of my work with you.
The following are images of some of my creative hairstyles and customised wigs. They’re all made by yours truly.
On this note, I am thankful for my siblings who have been very supportive of my crafts.
My kid sister is the face of my hair brand, she models for me without stress. She believes that art is fashion and fashion is art. She’s a happy soul ❤
Wigs and it’s perks.
In the last two decades, you’ll agree with me that the world has greatly evolved and it’s amazing how much we’ve come to achieve. From simbi’s hairstyles to the amazing Ghana cornrows braids, and now, there’s the protective styling of crochet braids.
All is these are achieved by exploring and paving ways for a new fashion sense, which is solely dependent on the effectiveness of the mind’s eye.
Fashion is art that’s crafted for beautification.
Automatically, wig wearing is a good way to switch your style, protect your hair and it even gives room for hair growth and other hair-care routines to be achieved.
As you part your hair into cornrows, you’re good to go. There are no more;
- Sweating scalp.
- Smelling hair and weaves.
- Rough and thin edges.
- Split ends and dryness.
The above hair problems are eliminated because, wearing a wig allows you to apply your hair products and treatments as you please.
Once you are done for the day, take out your wig, flip it inside out, and hang it to dry.
Here are some valuable tips on how to keep your wig after use.
- Let it air dry after each use.
- Don’t keep it tied up inside a nylon
- If you don’t have an old weave pack, find a zip lock bag, insert some eyelets (holes) in it and put the wig in it.
- If you swim with your wig, make sure to rinse it properly with conditioner and hand it to dry naturally to avoid tangled hair and shredding.
- Do not keep it in the bottom of your box of clothes.
- For restyling and treatment, visit a professional stylist.
Visit this page for weekly posts on how to maintain your hair.
Don’t forget to like and share with friends.Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more....


Reclaim Your Glow
Acne scars can be more than just a skin concern; they often affect our confidence and self-esteem. The journey to clear and radiant skin begins with understanding the causes of acne scars and discovering effective treatments.
Yes, getting rid of acne scars is now possible through acne scar treatment. As suggested by the best skin doctor in Hyderabad; don’t try to treat acne scars on your own. Instead, see a dermatologist who can figure out your skin type and recommend the right treatment. This way you’ll get the results you want without any unwanted side effects.
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars happen after pimples get all red and swollen because your pores are blocked. When your skin doesn’t heal properly, it can leave the following kinds of scars:
1. Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are like tiny holes caused by really bad acne. They’re deep and kind of narrow, making them a bit tricky to deal with. Fixing them needs special treatments because of the type of scar they leave.
2. Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are those with broad dents and clear edges, often from bad pimples. They make the skin look a bit uneven. Treating them needs a careful approach because of their specific characteristics. Knowing and understanding boxcar scars is important for getting smoother skin.
3. Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wavy texture on the skin due to damage beneath the surface. This kind of scarring makes treating them a bit tricky and needs special attention. Understanding their unique features is key to fixing rolling scars effectively.
To treat acne scars effectively, knowing the type you have is crucial. Dermatologists create customised strategies, taking into account the specific features of each scar for effective and personalised reduction. This emphasises the importance of consulting the best skin doctor in Hyderabad.
The Role of a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is crucial in creating a personalised acne scar treatment plan based on the patient’s unique skin type and scar characteristics. They consider factors like skin colour, age, and overall health. When seeking the best acne treatment in Hyderabad, prioritise someone with a proven record in successfully treating acne scars.
If you’re in Hyderabad, Avah Skin and Hair Clinic is a great place to start your journey to clear skin.
Best Acne Treatment in Hyderabad
As the lead doctor and founder of Avah Skin Hair Aesthetics, Dr. Neena Kondapally, MD DVL is one of the best skin doctors in Hyderabad. Over her 14-year career, including 11 years as a specialist. she has gathered a wealth of knowledge expertise and passion. All of which she brings to her clinic making her one of the best dermatologists in India.
Dr. Neena completed her MD in Dermatology Venereology & Leprosy from Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, and her MBBS from Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences Andhra Pradesh. Her dedication to dermatology makes her the best skin doctor in Hyderabad. She & her team of highly trained professionals have helped thousands of patients achieve their ideal skin and hair requirements while always focusing on their well-being and comfort.
Innovative Treatments for Acne Scars
Gone are the days when acne scars were considered irreversible. Advancements in dermatological treatments offer a range of innovative solutions. At the forefront of these advancements is Avah Skin and Hair Clinic, utilising state-of-the-art technology and US FDA-approved equipment.
Avah Skin and Hair Clinic goes beyond traditional approaches, offering a spectrum of following innovative solutions for acne scars:
- Laser Therapy: This groundbreaking technique employs focused laser beams to target and reduce the appearance of acne scars. The precision of laser therapy stimulates collagen production, promoting skin rejuvenation and gradually improving overall texture.
- Chemical Peels: A controlled application of chemical solutions aids in the removal of damaged skin layers, unveiling fresher and smoother skin beneath. This method is particularly effective in treating superficial acne scars, providing a revitalized complexion.
- Microneedling: By creating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling triggers the skin’s natural healing process. This results in increased collagen production and enhanced skin regeneration, diminishing the appearance of scars over time.
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers offer a non-surgical approach to filling and smoothing acne scars. These fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, plump up depressed areas, restoring a more even skin surface.
In order to provide the best acne treatment in Hyderabad, dermatologists may recommend a combination of these innovative treatments for optimal results. The synergy of these techniques stimulates collagen, promotes skin regeneration, and effectively smoothens the texture, providing a comprehensive solution to acne scar concerns.
A Path to Clearer Skin
Acne scars don’t have to be a permanent concern. With the guidance of the best skin doctor in Hyderabad and advancements in acne scar treatment, achieving clear and smooth skin is now more attainable than ever. Whether you’re considering treatment at Avah Skin and Hair Clinic or another skin care facility, the key lies in taking that first step towards understanding and addressing your unique skin needs.
By unveiling the secrets of acne scar removal, you’re embarking on a journey towards renewed confidence and self-love. Don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified dermatologist to explore the personalised options available and pave the way for a brighter, scar-free future.


Airport expenses not only involve flight cost, but also the commute to airport, the snacks or shopping done in the airport add to the cost. There are ways to avoide these expenses.
Morocco, the country of Casablanca! but don’t restrict yourself to one city, Morocco has many more beautiful places and surprises to offer.
Looking for must-visit places in your lifetime? Chile must be in that list.
Why? Keep on reading to know
India is a must-visit foreign destination owing to its natural beauty, seashores, and cheap cost of stay.
There are many places where everything is very cheap and it offers good tourist attractions as well. This post lists the places I find cheap and best to travel to.
Nepal Travel is one of the cheapest options for International travel. Nepal is among the few countries where you can enjoy nature’s beauty without breaking the bank!
Botswana, is an African country with maximum elephants. Elephant Experience Botswana
Planning for Bhutan Travel? Great choice! Bhutan is a beautiful country in the great Himalayas, full of natural beauty.


The above picture is exactly what I got. It's the gray one (box says it's for men but I think that's only because of the color) that comes with a little tube of cleanser, and a travel case. Right now, Nordstrom has the Keith Haring Silver limited edition one, which I must say is pretty cute. But the main reason I got the gray one is because of the travel case it comes with. I think it's just really useful to have one since I try to travel as much as I can. It does come with a lid for the brush head as well, which you can use solo, but I just really like the full case.
My first impression with the Mia 2 was 1. how cool is the charging system (the charger snaps onto the handle of the Mia 2 as if it's magnetic), and 2. why do I have to wait 24 hours for the first charge?? Hahaha. I was impatient! But I had to wait a whole day to use it for the first time. When I was able to use it, I read instructions which tells you that the cleansing process divides your face into 4 parts: you use the brush in a circular motion, and start at the forehead for 20 seconds, then nose and chin for 20 seconds, then 10 seconds on each cheek. So that is 1 minute total, and the system beeps at you at each time interval. Even to this day, I just can't wrap my head around 1 minute being enough time to clean my whole face! Sometimes I restart it. One cool tip that my facial girl shared with me about the Clarisonic is that you can only use the inner portion of the brush head. So you just take the whole brush head off, and then screw back on only the smaller inner portion. That way it is more direct and great for a closer cleanse of the T zone.
So the first week or so of using the Mia 2, I did get a couple break outs on my face. I read that this happens to some people who have more sensitive skin. I guess I'm one of those people. But in my case, it wasn't nearly as bad as some reviews I've read. I really only got a couple here and there. So I went easier when that happened, by using it only every other day or every 3 days. Once my skin calmed down, I started using it everyday. I think this took about 2 weeks.
Do I think it does a good job cleaning? Yes, I think it definitely cleans my skin better than my hands alone. The reason I can tell is actually very simple. I always use a cotton pad to apply toner to my face after cleansing. If I wash my face using my hands, after I apply toner, I turn the cotton pad over and still see a bit of makeup residue left on the pad. However, if I use Clarisonic to wash my face, then I don't see any makeup left over on my cotton pad at all. So I know for sure that it does a better job. But, is it worth $150 for a little bit of a difference? That's definitely subjective. To me, I think the more dirt or makeup I can get out of my skin, the better my skin will be when I get older. So if you see it as an investment to stay looking youth a little bit longer, then $150 doesn't seem to be much at all haha. But honestly other than what I see on my cotton pad, I don't think there is any other obvious change to my skin that I can see.
As a side note, Clarisonic tells you that you can use the brush directly onto your face even if you have makeup on. But I do not do this. I tried it once and didn't like it. I didn't like my brush head getting makeup stains, and I just couldn't believe it was actually taking off all my makeup in 1 minute. So my process for cleaning my face is as follows:
- Use my trust Shu Uemura cleansing oil all over my face to remove makeup. Use as directed. I really do believe Shu makes the best cleansing oil on the planet. I've used others that have good reviews, but they just do not compare to Shu. Shu is amazing and takes off even the toughest eye makeup. It is a MUST HAVE! More than the Clarisonic for sure.
- After washing off the cleansing oil and while my face is still wet, I then wet the Clarisonic brush head and put facial cleanser onto it, and go over my face for the prescribed minute. Note, I tried putting the cleanser onto my face first, then going over with the brush head. But it created a mess with water and cleanser splashing everywhere. So I can only do that in the shower. Otherwise it is cleanser on brush head, then face.
- Then I proceed with the toner, serum, and lotion (still using Skin Food Peach & Sake line and loving it).
- Lastly, I put on my eye cream, and Latisse every other day.
Ok, speaking of eye cream, it brings me to the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I just think this product is amazing. I got a sample of it a while ago when I was still using the Shiseido eye cream. I loved it so much that I bought the full size after the Shiseido was done. The bigger of the 2 full sizes too! It's a better deal. =)
Even though I love Shiseido as a brand, and their eye cream has great reviews, I just never liked it that much. I only bought it a couple times for lack of a better choice. I felt that it was just too heavy and oily for me. The eye cream seemed to always sit on top of my skin and never really get absorbed. The Kieh's avocado eye cream is the total opposite. If you use the Kiehl's Creme de Corps lotion, then you know how effective it is at treating dry skin issues. It just gets absorbed immediately into your skin. This eye cream is the same. It never feels greasy or oily. It has a slight cooling effect when you first put it onto your skin, then it just gets absorbed. Can't say enough good things about it!
Another awesome product that I recently got is the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I've heard for years about how great this product is but this was the first time trying it out!
My lips are not usually dry, but ever since I started my Invisalign treatment last week, they have been parched. So that's the reason I bought the Kiehl's lip balm. So far I really love it! It's unlike any other regular chapstick I've used. The consistency is a lot more liquid, and it is very spreadable. I would say it feels more similar to having vaseline on your lips than a regular chapstick. It lasts for hours, and makes your lips moist. It looks slightly shiny on the lips, which looks like you might have some lip gloss on. It also doesn't give you the nasty white residue as normal chapsticks would after a few hours. It is more expensive than a chapstick, but you only need to use a tiny bit of product each time, so the little tube will last forever. Also, it comes in flavorless, mango and mint - I prefer flavorless, which is not an option that is always available in other chapsticks.
So these are my recent 3 beauty finds! As usual, I am always trying out new things, so I'm sure I will post about more products later!


February 14, 2015 – Unfortunately, Sammy P Salon has closed. Wild Orchid Salon + Spa has opened in the same location and a few of the stylists from Sammy P Salon have joined the Wild Orchid team. We are happy to have Melyssa Abernathy, Kristi Null and Rachel Saxon as stylists.
To book an appointment, please call 512-263-1726 or click the “Book Appointment Online” link above and be sure to then click the Wild Orchid logo for our Bee Cave-Lakeway location to schedule an appointment.
We have made some updates to the salon and added additional hair care products. We have opened a private skin treatment room which offers Rhonda Allison facials and peels, eyelash extensions, sugaring and waxing services. We look forward to seeing you in the salon soon!


Welcome. You’ve just opened the doors of a lovely old home in the historic center of Queretaro. Come on in to its beautiful patio, and its showrooms of Mexico’s best handcrafts.
Quinto Real is so beautiful; you’ll want to live here. Or at least stay long enough to relax and appreciate its charm, then select furniture or something decorative for your home -- or maybe that perfect gift for a special someone.
The harmony, good taste and quality found throughout will take you on a journey to the loveliest places in our country, where you will feel the richness and admire the beauty of each work of art created by the prodigious hands of Mexican artisans.
Come in, feel at home, and welcome to Quinto Real.


My last round of botox has finally worked itself out. I am due for more but I haven't found anyone I trust to inject me other than my dear friend and med spa owner back home in Oklahoma. I don't go back for another month, so I decided to try out some other at-home skincare rituals and get a better idea of their impact.
My friend Erica is an esthetician in Denver and she always shares fantastic skincare tips and tricks. Last year, she started talking about jade rolling and gua sha so I looked into it. I bought both items but I hadn't been consistent with them until recently.
First, let's understand the details of a gua sha facial and rose quartz roller. Gua Sha is great for manual lymphatic drainage, relieving facial and jaw tension, and lifting and contouring the skin. Facial Rolling is great for reducing puffiness, applying products such as serums or oils, and soothing the skin.
Here is the rose quartz roller and gua sha bundle I bought from Amazon
Rose Quartz vs. Jade
Both facial rollers and gua sha come in a few variations of stone or material. The most common two are rose quartz and jade. Rose quartz is best for calming and soothing while the jade is best for toning and defining.
Prized for its ability to relax muscles and provide balance, jade symbolizes beauty, prosperity, and grace. And in some cultures, jade is known as the stone of eternal youth.
Rose quartz has inherent minerals- silicium, magnesium, iron, sodium and oxygen- that skin can topically borrow and benefit from when rolling. Rose quartz stays cool whereas jade is adaptive in nature and tends to warm with skin contact. Rose quartz is better known for its wrinkle-reducing benefits. Because jade is a soft stone and can encounter wear and tear with repeated use, a rose quartz roller may last you longer
What is Gua Sha Gua Sha started as an ancient Chinese healing technique. A whole-body experience undertaken to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Practiced as a natural alternative facial therapy, it involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve circulation. The sweeping action stimulates blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage. They say with regular practice, facial tension is relieved, your jawline becomes more defined, fine lines are reduced and your skin is lifted and de-puffed. It’s even been reported this facial technique can help decongest the sinuses. Overall, the goal is to improve the look and feel of your skin.
What is Facial Rolling Facial Rolling is not a new modern beauty trend. In Style magazine reports, that they have been in use since the 7th century in China to improve health and circulation. As well as balancing the chakras, detoxifying the body, and encouraging harmony and prosperity.
Chakras aside, the act of rolling a jade stone over your skin will aid in lymphatic drainage and support an increase in blood flow. If you’re not familiar with the lymphatic system, according to Live Science, it is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. And it lies just beneath the surface of our skin.
Stimulating the lymphatic system, under the skin helps to flush out waste, eliminate puffiness, encourage a natural glow and smooth wrinkles.
5 Ways Facial Rolling Benefits your Skin Care Routine
The main benefit of facial rolling is to encourage drainage of the lymphatic system’s natural detox process. Often noticing an immediate improvement of reduced swelling and puffiness.
And the massaging by the facial roller leads to increased blood circulation – making your skin glow while releasing tension in the facial muscles, and improving skin elasticity. Over time you may notice your cheekbones look more defined.
Facial rolling Immediately cools and calms. Perfect for use after an at-home facial steam!
Additionally, facial rolling helps to erase dark under-eye circles and brightens the complexion.
Last, but not least, the massaging effect of facial rolling also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by tightening pores and stimulating facial muscles.
How to Gua Sha Gua Sha can be a combination of mindfulness, skincare and self-care. The idea is to slow down and be mindful in order to relax the nervous system.
I prefer to utilize the tool at night. Not only do I like the way it makes my skin feel, it also promotes relaxation as I am going through my nightly routine. There is a prescribed routine to get the most from the technique. I think it’s best described as starting at the neck and working your way up. Upwardly stroking each area around 3-5 times. Be sure to finish each stroke with a satisfying little massage wiggle in the hairline. The Gua Sha facial tool I received came with a helpful guide to the strokes, detailing which side of the tool to use for each area. It's really helpful to watch videos of professionals completing it in order to fully master the technique. I found the tutorial below helpful.
HERE IS HOW YOU DO IT STEP-BY-STEP: (Starting with the right side)
Neck: With the large inner curve towards the neck, work the tool upward towards your chin – 5-10x
Under the chin: Use the large inner curve to sweep from the middle of the soft under-chin (where a double chin would show up) out to the bottom of your earlobe. 5-6x
Jawline: Using the small inward curved section, from the middle of the chin, under the lower lip, sweep out to the earlobe. 5-6x
Cheeks: Using the small outward curved section, sweep from the corner of the nose out to the middle of the ear 5-6x. Switch to the big outward curved section and starting from the corner of the lips, sweep under the cheekbone towards the earlobe. 5-6x
Under-eye: Be especially light and slow here. With the small outward curved section of the tool, starting from the under-eye area, where "eye bags" would show up, sweep out towards the temple, all the way to the hairline - 5-6x
Brow area: Using the small outward curved section, sweep from the inner corner of the brow out to the temple. Avoid any pressure on the eye or eyelid itself and stay on the brow bone. 5-6x
Third eye (lower forehead): Use the large inner curve. Stroke from the center of eyebrows up to the hairline. This one is especially relaxing for the nervous system and great for insomnia and migraine, so do more strokes if it speaks to you! 5-10x
Upper forehead: With the large inner curve, starting from the center of the upper forehead, trace down the hairline, over the temple, then curve behind the ear, and down the side of the neck. 5-6x
Repeat Repeat the whole routine on the left side!
How To Facial Roll
Jade Roller Skin Care Routine Steps:
1. Always start with clean skin. Use my popular DIY aloe vera face cleanser for a clean start!
2. Then apply facial toner to lift impurities and balance the PH of the skin with reusable cotton round (learn how to make one here).
3. Next, apply a tightening eye cream under your eyes and below the brow bone, this my homemade version that works so well!
4. After that apply 3 to 5 drops of your favorite glow serum just before you start jade rolling.
Start at your collarbone and gently roll upward toward your jaw using the large jade stone. Stop when you reach it and move the jade roller over to the next section on your neck. (Rather than rolling back downwards.) Repeat until you’ve covered the neck area – collarbone to collarbone.
Jaw and Chin Areas:
Continue with the large jade stone and start at the base of your chin at the jawline. Roll outwards and upwards toward each ear lobe. (Again do not roll back, downwards.) Then move the roller up higher on your chin and roll towards your temples and the hairline at the top of your ears.
Above the Mouth Area:
Flip the jade roller and use the smaller stone for this area. Start above your lip just under the nose and roll outward and upward toward your temples again. This area can often use the most lift anyway… Repeat for each side.
Return to the large stone for the large cheek area. Place the stone at one side of your nose, near the base and roll to the temples again. Can we say chiseled cheeks 3 times fast? Move the roller up a notch on the side of your nose until you’ve rolled out the entire cheek area, except for just under the eyes.
Under Eye Area:
Now for the under eye area, my favorite part! Use the small stone here and roll from the side of your nose just under the eyes ever so delicately (I always wanted to say that) pulling up to the edge of your eyebrow and on up to your hairline. You can roll the area under your eyebrows and your eyebrows if they are puffy or need lifting in the same manner.
My Results after 2 weeks of gua sha and facial rolling - My eyes seem to be more open and awake looking with continued use
- Smoother skin
- Slightly more defined and contoured jawline
- Relaxed facial muscles
- Better lymph and sinus flow/drainage
- Less puffiness
- Less redness
- Better product absorption
Let me know if you get a set and what you think!


Ms. Glen’s hours and days off are flexible. Please call for your appointment today.
A 24-hour cancellation notice is required prior to your appointment time, or a full service fee will apply. Ms. Glen thanks you in advance for your co-operation.
Ms. Glen’s Services
Hand & Foot Massage
Relaxing Foot Bath with Tea-Tree Oil
Warm & Soothing Paraffin Treatment
and much more…
The Perfect Gift
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special, a pampering from Ms. Glen is sure to please.


Australian Native Flowers are not only beautiful but they are long lasting and resilient! Native flowers can happily last up to 2 weeks, along with the right care and spot in your home!
We recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight and drafts.
We also recommend looking keeping your flowers as fresh as possible by changing the water every 2 -3 days.
And if you are super diligent and keen to make those stunning Australian Native Flowers last, then you can also trim the stems a few centimetres every few days.
At Buderim Floral Art, we love native flowers and constantly have a range to choose from.
If I had to name a favourite, I would say the King Protea is it!
Featured here is our “Wilderness” a bouquet of native Australian flowers and wildblooms.


When Vero Kern died, I hadn’t yet been into fragrances long enough for her work to get on my radar. I saw the outpouring of love and interest on social media, but didn’t know anything about her or her work. Over the months following, I read more and mentions often popped up. I sought samples of her perfumes, and was able to get a few small vials from some of the decanting services.
In the past few months, I’ve gotten my hands on three full bottles: Naja EDP, Kiki Extrait, and Onda Extrait.
This week, I wore Onda Extrait in full for the first time.
Pure perfumes with no sprayer are an odd experience for me. The vast majority of my collection is in spray format, be they EDT, EDP or extrait. There’s a uniformity and familiarity in experience to a spray perfume. I can get a sense of how much liquid I’m applying to my skin and the spread of distribution by spraying.
Dabber vial samples of perfumes are mostly good for getting an idea of what the perfume smells like. It’s not reasonable to expect an accurate test of the performance of a perfume from a dabber vial. So, with a dabber sample, I tip the vial onto my skin, maybe five times, and then sit with it for an hour or so and try to pick up the evolution of the fragrance. While I’m smelling it, under the assumption that the experience of wearing the same perfume from a full size bottle with a good spray will offer better performance, I make some kind informed instinct/handicapped evaluation of how the fragrance will perform.
The Vero extraits are in small bottles. 7.5 mls. When I applied Onda Extrait earlier this week, I may have applied more than I should have. I always want to be sure to smell what I’m wearing, and, wrongly, applying perfume without a spray always makes me feel like I need to apply a lot. I tipped the bottle onto my skin as if it were a dabber vial. On both wrists, on the backs of my hands, and twice on each side of my neck. I did not see any visible reduction in the volume of the bottle after the application, which surprised me because it is a tiny bottle and I thought I put on a lot.
The perfume was soft at first. But within five minutes, my sense of smell had dialed into it. I knew how to recognize it, but it was also clear to me that this stuff had a presence. With the application, I got an enveloping scent cloud that hovered around me consistently for the whole day. Hours and hours. I smelled it strongly into the evening. I’m sure others could smell it on me in the course of the day.
I’m coming to find this experience more and more often, with pure perfumes that are not sprayed and, I believe have some synthetic or natural fixatives that provide longevity. Chanel No. 19 parfum and Kemi Tempest oil are two others that I’ve been wearing recently with similar experiences.
My resistance to non-spray pure perfumes and extraits has been diminishing over the past few months, as a direct result of my experience with them. Spraying perfume is what I know, and because I know it, it is more comfortable – a safer bet. But this whole perfume thing is supposed to be about exploration. And so I’m happy that Kiki Extrait was the only bottle of Vero Kern’s perfume left on Lucky Scent’s website by the time I got around to wanting to try her work. That’s why I ended up with it, and had I not bought and enjoyed wearing it, I wouldn’t have considered getting Onda Extrait when I had the chance.
On the smell itself: Onda wore to me like a spoiled tropical fruit. The passion fruit that is listed in the notes on the EDP version (and that I smell in my samples of the EDP version) was, to me, very prominent in the extrait, despite it not being listed as a note for the extrait. I struggled to identify vetiver.
This wore on me mostly like a honey perfume. Slightly animalic, with a vintage aura about it that I came to really enjoy. Liz did not like it, though she smelled it quite soon after application and I think the animalic qualities mellowed with time. It is unique and provocative. There is a clear point of view in it. But I need to wear it more to understand what that point of view is. I’m sorry that it isn’t still in production so that others can get this experience if they want to.
I’ve had the chance to enjoy quite a few (but only a fraction of what she offers) of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s DSH Perfumes in beautiful little vintage-style perfume bottles. Parfum de Luxe, in particular, is spectacular. She offers most of her perfumes in multiple formats.
I’ve also gotten to experience a number of attars, starting with a sample set by Sultan Pasha. Fougere Noire and Ambercuir are two of my favorites. Fougere Noire – an attar fougere – is shocking to me. I consider it one of my favorite in the genre, and am shocked at how such a perfect fougere smell can be delivered in this format. This is something to explore another time.
Some extraits and pure perfumes come in bottles with a roller ball. This offers easy application, but for some reason, I don’t like it. It’s functional, but it isn’t elegant. If you like them, great, and I wish you enjoyment with them.
I’m coming to really appreciate pure perfume format in bottles without sprayers. My experience wearing Onda Extrait has solidified this appreciation for me. Wearing pure perfume by dabbing and spreading is an experience that, as a new perfume enthusiast, wasn’t obvious to seek. It is, however, the method that delivered perfume to skin (and cloth) for most of history, and is worth trying to understand. It’s a window into the past and is likely to remain a large part of my perfumed future.


Find The Best Makeup Kits
Buying The Best Makeup Products For Your Needs
Makeup is great, and you are going to have a great time putting it on but what products should you buy?
There are many options, and each one is going to say it is the best, but what do the best makeup products actually look like?
Here are the tips that are going to make it an easier process for you.
1) Sample Everything
You are never going to get good results with makeup products if you are not sampling them. You could go to the local drug store and pick up foundation that works better than leading brands because it matches well with your skin tone. Yes, it is that simple sometimes!
Don't overcomplicate it and make sure you are sampling what you are buying.
It is always the way to go and is going to save you a lot of trouble or wasted money.
2) Understand Ingredients
Do you have dry skin? Well, you are not going to want additional acid in the products you are using then. This is why you want to be aware of what the ingredients have to say at all times. It is the best way to get quality products that work well in all situations.
3) Understand Your Usage Patterns
What do you use all the time? Do you use foundation all the time or do you use lipstick all the time? Always spend more on the one you use religiously. This is where you want to put the money as soon as you have the chance.
Why waste it on something you will use here and there?
Look at these tips, so you are getting the best makeup products as soon as you want them. These tips will make life easier for you as a woman.


Spring is a much loved season for many people and it is definitely easy to understand why this is so. Spring is when the earth awakes back to life after a long cold winter, when the first flowers begin to blossom and the green world is beginning to return from a winter starved of color.
There are countless varieties of spring flowers that you may feel overwhelmed when trying to decide the perfect additions to your garden. Most garden enthusiasts refer to annuals and perennials that bloom from the month of May through May, when talking about spring flowers.
Most early spring bloomers are bulb type plants. Flowering bulbs are the quintessential harbinger of spring. With their sturdy beauty, bulbs provide gardeners with plant-and-forget flowers. If you want color to your landscape immediately, incorporate spring bulbs to your garden design.
Tulips are one of the bulbs that personify spring. These bulbs have different, wonderful varieties. Tulips are considered to be ultimate visual spring tonic. Next to tulips, daffodils are amongst the best-loved spring bulbs. Daffodils are one of our most recognizable flowers. Daffodils are one of the most recognizable flowers. These plants produce fragrant, cheerful flowers in early spring. It is grown in full sun and in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Though Tulips may be the most popular spring bulbs, there are also a number of lovely, easy-to-grow bulbs. Some of these are Crocus and Snowdrops. Crocus is a delicate little bloom that is must-have bulbs for very early spring color. Crocus is the first recognized kind of flower that grows in the spring. Snowdrops are delicate, but tough harbingers of spring. The delicate white flowers often appear before the last snow melts, but they easily weather the chilly days of early spring. Snowdrops’ blooming is a sign that spring has finally arrived.
Below is a list of other spring flowers.
∙ Agapanthus- wonderful flowering plant typically produces funnel-shaped flowers, in various cues of blue colors with white flowering forms appearing.
∙ Amaryllis – has narrow, flat leaves and with lily-like flowers borne on separate, leafless stalks.
∙ Anemone – named the Wind Flower with elongated flower stem that bears one or several, white, red, blue or rarely yellow flowers.
∙ Iris-flowers are available in blue and purples white and yellow, pink and oranges brown and red, and even black coloring.
∙ Hyacinth -spring-flowering bulbs with long, narrow leaves that are folded lengthwise.
∙ Peony -hardy flowering plants that need little care and live through severe winters.
∙ Rose -perennial flower shrub or vine
∙ Orchids -one of the most adaptable plant groups, they are valued for a dainty appearance and uncommon structure.
There are different other species of springs flowers that provide alluring beauty, give nature instant boost of lovely colors, fragrance and aesthetic splendor.
Planning and setting up a flower garden may look as if like a difficult task, but acquiring the few essentials will set you firmly on the path to joy and beauty. For the gardener, spring is one of the most pleasant times in the garden. It is when the transformation of the earliest bulbs of spring into sparkling jewels of the garden takes place. Spring is when the garden year begins.


Nature’s beauty has long been a powerful source of inspiration for artists, designers, and creatives alike. Drawing from nature to create mood boards can infuse your projects with a sense of tranquility, freshness, and an organic touch. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to effectively create a mood board using nature as the guiding muse and offer tips on achieving a balanced color palette that harmoniously reflects the beauty of the natural world.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
To begin, take a moment to immerse yourself in the natural world. Explore gardens, forests, or coastline paths, observing colors, textures, and the emotions evoked by various landscapes. Allow these experiences to ignite your creativity and become attuned to the colors, patterns, and moods that resonate with you.
Curate Inspirational Imagery
Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can capture the essence of nature in photographs we’ve taken or discovered online. Create a curated collection of these images that reflect the desired mood or theme for your project. Incorporate elements like landscapes, plants, flowers, or even breathtaking skies, ensuring they align with your intended visual narrative.
Identify Dominant Colors
As you curate your nature-inspired imagery, identify the hues that consistently appear across your chosen visuals. These hues will form the foundation of your color palette. Pay attention to both obvious and subtle colors – the vibrant greens of lush foliage, the calming blues of serene waters, or the rustic oranges of falling leaves.
Achieving a balanced color palette is paramount when constructing a mood board. After all, nature is renowned for its harmonious blend of hues. To keep your color palette balanced, consider these helpful tips:
- Complementary Colors: Complementary colors lie opposite each other on the color wheel, creating an ideal contrast. For example, if your focal color is a vibrant green, pair it with a hint of red or magenta to create a visually striking yet balanced color pairing.
- Analogous Colors: Analogous colors are found next to each other on the color wheel and naturally create a harmonious blend. For instance, if your focal color is a soft blue, consider incorporating shades of turquoise and lavender to achieve a soothing and balanced palette.
- Neutralizers: Sometimes, the vibrant colors of nature can become overwhelming. Introducing neutral or muted tones like soft grays, beiges, or tans can help balance the overall color palette and lend a sense of tranquility to your mood board.
Experiment and Refine
Creating a mood board is an iterative process that involves experimentation and refinement. As you assemble your visuals, play around with different combinations of colors and elements. Don’t hesitate to remove or replace certain images that may not fit with your evolving mood or palette.
By drawing inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of nature, you can create mood boards that infuse your projects with a sense of serenity, vitality, and authentic connection to the world around us. Engage with nature, curate your imagery, identify dominant colors, and seek balance through complementary and analogous color pairings. Embrace the creative freedom to experiment, refine, and allow your mood board to come alive with the spirit of nature. Happy creating!


Have you ever wished for a more beautiful smile? Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dental care that can help you achieve all of your goals for how your smile looks. The goal of cosmetic dental treatment is to enhance the beauty of your smile and give you an appearance that you love.
To help you improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-esteem, we offer a number of cosmetic dentistry services.
Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. They become a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, with crowns or dentures.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used in molars or premolars, when the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a basic filling, but not so much damage that a crown is necessary. The key comparison between them is the amount and part of the tooth that they cover. An inlay will incorporate the pits and fissures of a tooth, mainly encompassing the chewing surface between the cusps. Whereas an onlay will involve one or more cusps being covered.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.Change your smile with veneers!
Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best.If you want to obtain a bright and white smile, teeth whitening may be just what you are looking for. Not only is teeth whitening effective, it can also drastically change your smile and improve your self-esteem at the same time.
Invisalign aligners are the clear alternative to metal braces. The clear aligners are virtually a clear way to improve your smile. Our office is a proud provider for Invisalign!


Skin glow improvement..my secret? Cleansing Milk!
What is Cleansing Milk?
If you have dry skin and are looking for a product that can effectively remove dirt and oil from your pores without drying it even further, try cleansing milk.
Face cleansing milk refers to facial cleanser that does not use soaps or chemicals to remove your makeup and clean your skin. They are usually formulated with all natural or organic seed oils as well as natural herb extracts.
The end result? Conditioning and moisturising effect and a much radiant looking skin.
I have used Arise Cleansing Milk since February this year and i am happy to share my results here:
- my skin feels "plumpier" - you know that baby-bottom-soft- skin feeling;
- putting on make up is so much easier nowadays with no blotchiness;
- i feel happier as i am slso taking care of our environment
Arise is organic skincare imported directly from Switzerland with Bio Cert and Eco Cert.
You must try it! I feel the effects within its first application and tje improvements becomes apparent within the month.
How to use it?
1. Have a dollop of Arise Face Cleansing Milk
2. Rub it in a circular motion on your face and neck (note: neck is where the most obvious tell-tale signs of aging with lines on the neck)
3. Do not rub it too hard, just a slight soft pressure will do.
4. Concentrate on the hairline region as well as the areas around your nose.
5. You cann remove make up, foundation and eye make with this product
6. Splash with slightly warm water until its clean
7. At the end, splash your face with cold water


MER Student in the Media Spotlight Again for Kidpreneur Experience
Skylar Wilson, fourth grader at Meramec Elementary, made another media appearance this week - on KTVI FOX 2 News in the Morning with her hair product line, Skylarlicious Naturals.
She is an aspiring Kidpreneur and is excited about empowering other girls to do what they love and to succeed.
When Skylar was just six years old, she started working with her mother to develop products that would make maintaining her hair less daunting. In addition to the hair products, her line includes soap, bath bombs and lip balm.


The rose geranium essential oil in this soap reminds us of dark, sweet Turkish Delights and the avocado stone makes the soap extra creamy and indulgent. The stone of the avocado contains more than 70% of the antioxidants found in the entire fruit, so we grate them and add them to these sweetly scented soaps to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It is even said that the antioxidants in avocado stones can help to rebuild collagen – worth a try?! We’ve finished this soap with a handful of Kaolin clay to balance the oils added by the avocado, and because we love the feel of this naturally occurring white clay on our skin.
Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, water, caster oil, rose geranium oil, British Kaolin clay, grated avocado stone, dried rose petals.


MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD – Beauty is present everywhere as it is rightly said “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” Our world is like a Pandora box full of surprises. More you explore it more you will be amazed by mother-nature. Once in a lifetime, you should discover the secrets of this universe.
Your heart will fill with joy to see the stunning and marvelous creations of our nature. Every country is unique having its charm and beauty that are distinguished from one another.
Here is the list of the top 15 most beautiful countries in the world ranked in the year 2019:
- New Zealand
- Italy home to
- South Africa
Heaven on Earth, Rank 15 is awarded to Switzerland which is a landlocked country with dramatic landscapes such as sparkling blue lakes, Alps, giant glaciers, ravishing hamlets.
Crystal clear lakes, mesmerizing archipelagos, wildlife dominate the beauty of Finland placing this country on 14th position.
In the list, India occupied 13th spot. This country is a land of rich culture and architecture, lively cities, grand palaces, glorious mountains, and beaches.
Land of vibrant colors, Mexico is placed at 12th position. It is a diverse country with ancient pyramids, remote deserts, fabulous beaches, and jungles.
Ranked 11, Slovenia, Earth’s paradise is the world’s first green destination having snow-capped mountains, turquoise-green rivers, picturesque beaches.
Unsurprisingly, Wales is at number 10 position. A dreamy country with heavenly landscapes, majestic castles and beautiful towns along the coasts is Wales in United Kingdom (UK).
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
Ranked number 9 is the epitome beauty of the United States of America. It is a very vast country composed of 50 states. Home to natural and human-made beauty.
At number 8, Iceland is placed. This county is exceptional as it is a land of both ice and fire. It has many active volcanoes, massive glaciers, beaches with black sand and picturesque villages.
The country that ranks 7 in the list of most beautiful countries in the world is England. From lush green forests to hills, gorgeous lakes to picturesque coastlines it has everything.
Indonesia ranks number 6. It is a land of breathtaking natural beauty having huge mountains, volcanoes, green forests, and amazing beaches.
South Africa holds a 5th position among the world’s most beautiful counties. It portrays the true beauty in every sense and leads in diversity.
Nature’s masterpiece, Italy is at the 4th place in the list. Snowcapped mountains, green lands, magnificent coasts, alpine lakes, heritage are few wonders of nature in this country.
New Zealand, the surreal beauty ranks at number 3. It is packed with natural treasures such as rain forests, peaks covered with snow, glaciers, fjords creating breathtaking scenery.
Canada holds the 2nd position in the list. The characteristics that differentiate the beauty of Canada from others are glorious mountains, forests, eye-catching coastline, vast pastures, and Arctic tundra.
Undoubtedly Scotland secured the number 1 position in this list because of its lively beaches, deep lakes, and romantic giant castles.