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korean beauty brand best purchases of 2020 left is a half used bottle with a green liquid called The Real Noni Energy Ampoule from Celimax next is a deep orange liquid in a glass bottle called Cold-pressed Rose-hip Oil from Aromatica. Next and slightly in front is a green and brown bottle called Time Revolution Artemisia Ampoule from Missha, behind and slightly to the left is a white tube with a black cap standing up called Squalane Desertica Moisture Cream from brand Neulii. On the far left is a yellow bottle with a pump action top called Pure Cleansing Oil from Manyo Factory
January 25, 2021 beauty•kbeauty•recommendations

Best skincare purchases of 2020

2020 was … a year. Pretty shite for things like travel, hopes, dreams, mental health… the list of things lost to last year is long, but 2020 was a good year for skincare. It was really interesting to see new releases geared towards new problems (hi maskne, you’re still not welcome) and even though scandalous, it was refreshing to see some of the cult, internationally recommended, beauty sunscreens be called in for SPF testing. I’ve also done a fair bit of skincare shopping this year, and found some really great products that I consider my best skincare purchases of 2020.

best skincare purchases of 2020 korean beauty
celimax the real noni energy ampoule

celimax The Real Noni Energy Ampoule

Oh my skin has loved this. Celimax isn’t a brand with as extensive product range as some, but what they have is *chefs kiss*. The Noni Ampoule was one that I saw being recommended fairly often on naver skincare blogs as a quick fix for dull morning skin (especially if you haven’t been hydrating well) and damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. Yup. It does that. Absorbs wonderfully, quickly, doesn’t leave a sticky residue and sits well under makeup. Honestly I was a little skeptical before purchasing (so I got it on coupang for about 10,000won instead of it’s usual 16,000), but I’ve honestly been so pleased with this purchase.

The packaging is also fab. It has a pipette style applicator, but you twist the cap to raise the bulb to draw in the ampoule, press, release, then screw down to seal the container. IT’S FANTASTIC.

My only criticism is that the bottles aren’t larger than 30ml.

Ingredients to note:
71.77% Noni fruit extract and Noni seed oil, containing high amounts of vitamins (especially A and C) and antioxidants. Like most plant extracts with high antioxidant levels, it also has skin soothing properties.
Adenosine helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, also has skin soothing properties.

neulii squalan desertica moisture cream

Neulii Squalane Desertica Moisture Cream

I’ve been slowly adding very small amounts of actives (Bha’s and Pha’s mostly) back into my routine now that the eczema on my face has cleared completely. Usually, my skin finds actives quite rough (sensitive skin problems) so it requires a good moisturiser to help keep the dryness away. I’m a huge fan of squalane as an ingredient, as it mimics your skins natural oils so is a great emollient.

The moisturiser absorbs well, is unscented, and doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky or slimy after use. It’s quite a creamy consistency, also not the thickest so probably would work best as a day cream rather than a night time moisture lock if you’re into thick creams or sleeping packs to really keep all of your skincare in. I’ve loved using it, and find that it’s enough for my skin even in the biting Korean winter cold.

It’s slightly amusing to me that years and years and years ago I would get neulli brand samples with kbeauty orders from roserose shop, and here I am actually buying their products, full size. 🙂

Ingredients to note:
Vegetable Squalane hydrates, balances oil production, has anti-inflammatory properties
Apple extract has anti-inflammatory properties to help sooth skin
Argan Kernel oil provides nutrients

manyo factory pure cleansing oil best skincare purchases of 2020 korean beauty

ma:nyo pure cleansing oil

ma:nyo (previously ma:nyo factory) have been topping the Olive Young charts of first cleansers with their Pure Cleansing Oil. It’s a lovely cleansing oil that melts away makeup, spf, and all the gunk that collects on your face during the day. It’s on the richer side, feeling-wise, but emulsifies well and doesn’t leave a filmy, slimy residue on your face after washing it off. It also isn’t stripping, so is great for those with dry skin.

I originally brought this for the boy to help with his acne, but ended up stealing it mostly for myself. It was my favourite cleanser throughout the time I used iit last year, so easily makes the list of best skincare purchases of 2020, and I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to DHC’s cult favourite oil cleanser.

Ingredients to note:
Olive, jojoba seed, and argan oils to cleanse and moisturise
Soapwort for a non-irritating foam to gently cleanse
Fermented rice to balance the skin for a supple feeling
Camellia oil and evening primrose extract to revitalise and reduce the appearance of tired skin

missha time revolution artemisia ampoule

Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Ampoule

This was my first skincare purchase from Missha for a long, long time, and I knew as soon as I tried it, it was going to be one of the best skincare purchases of 2020 for me. The Time Revolution Line is Missha’s calling card for skincare, and honestly I’m surprised I hadn’t hopped on the bandwagon before I purchased the Artemisia Ampoule. I guess I was caught up in cosRX and generally just trying to repair my skins barrier, plus Missha has always been the maturer ladies’ brand – and I love me some cutesy packaging.

Artemisia, or mugwort, as an ingredient is something that I have loved for skincare in 2020, it has great anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe irritated skin, as well as anti-bacterial to help fight acne and it’s also a great moisturiser. So basically an all-around ace ingredient.

This ampoule feels so luxurious. The packaging has that apothecary feel with the dark green bottle and pipette dispenser. The product itself retains that decadence with a silky texture, that absorbs quickly into the skin. It does have a slight scent of mugwort but it isn’t particularly noticeable when the product dries down. It makes my skin look immediately plumper after using, an effect which fades throughout the day, but it does help to keep my skin nice and hydrated and supple looking.

Ingredients of note:
Artemisia (mugwort) extract for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and hydrating properties

aromatica cold pressed rose hip oil

Aromatica rosehip cold press organic face oil

It took me forever to find this product in stores. As a vegan, cruelty free Korean beauty brand, Aromatica has become increasingly popular and I have a number of their products in my beauty supply. Their cold pressed rose-hip oil was recommended to me by a makeup artist I had on a photo shoot in 2019, and I had been searching for it ever since. Finally, I managed to pick up a bottle – on sale no less! – in the huge Olive Young at Seoul National University Station. It’s not the cheapest product (25,000W for 30ml) but rose-hip oil is a wonderful ingredient for your skin. It’s got linoleic and linolenic acids, essential fatty acids for your skin, so is wonderful at soothing irritation. It’s touted as a wonder-product in the beauty world, and I’ve often heard people say its the only thing they use.

The Aromatica cold-pressed rose-hip oil is deep orange in colour (if your rose-hip oil is very pale, it could be a sign it’s processed), and feels lovely on the skin, very hydrating. If you don’t like the feeling of oil, then cold-pressed oils probably aren’t going to be your cup of tea, but once it’s patted in gently it absorbs well with only a slight sheen left. Honestly I’ve loved using it so much I’m on my second bottle. 🙂

Ingredients to note:
Cold-pressed rose-hip oil has high concentrations of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, and K, it has great regenerative and healing properties. Also containing vitamin C to help with evening of the skin tone and fight free radicals

So those were my best skincare purchases of 2020! I thoroughly recommend them, as they really have improved the overall appearance of my skin, in my opinion. I know that I’m very lucky not to have deep acne scarring or a lot of hyper-pigmentation, but I do have some surface texture issues and discolouration that these products are helping I feel. Everyone’s skin is different but I hope that if you try these you enjoy them as much as I have!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these products and how they’re going for you! And don’t forget to catch me on instagram for daily doses of my life in Korea on stories. I’m also loving tiktok at the moment so if you have that you can find me there too 🙂

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fiixii

Seoul - fashion & skincare
f2 Visa
freelance model (published)
한국어로 괜찮아요 contact/ 촬영 문의: DM or email

Fii 🐶 style inspo & kbeauty
#협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin ty #협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin type is *drum roll* actually very important -- and I'm not just talking about SPF levels for different skin tones. 

Choosing the right sunscreen helps to avoid irritation, breakouts, and makes you more likely to apply it regularly, which gives your skin the best chance at avoiding things like melanoma (skin cancer) and premature aging. 

Determining your skin type >>
For me, finding my skin type was super easy. S E N S I T I V E. I'm horrifically eczema prone (have a whole series on my blog about this), and lean towards a routine that is simple but hydrating, staying away from too many actives. It's the reason I take forever to put up skincare reviews, because I have to check for reactions, or develop contact dermatitis from different ingredients. 

BUT - that's not all. See, I lean towards Sensitive-dry, which is why my skin care, and my sun care, focuses more on hydrating products. 

What determines your skin type? How much oil (sebum) your skin produces daily. 

Dry >> 
Does your skin feel tight? Less elastic?  Does it become rough or flaky easily? Dehydrated? Not a lot of shine in your T-zone? Then your skin type is probably dry. 

Oily >>
Do you get really shiny during the day? (Especially in your t-zone) Do you suffer from (manageable*) breakouts, blackheads and/or whiteheads? Then your skin type is probably oily. 

Normal >> 
Is your skin neither oily throughout the day, and doesn't feel dry, or tight, or often irritated? Your pores aren't too noticeable, and you rarely have breakouts? Then your skin is probably normal! Lucky you :) 

Combination >>
Are you oily in your t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry or normal skin on your cheeks? Then you have combination skin <3. It's a little harder to care for, because you're often trying to battle with contrasting products 
(my tip: you're gonna want a sunscreen that's suitable for 'all skin types' ;))

So, now you know more about skin types, scroll through for my picks for each, and my current favourite sun screen <3 

Let me know your skin type AND your current sun screen in the comments below, and don't forget to #applysunscreenaddprotection <3
벛꽃 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

📍 @seoulism_official 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#벛꽃🌸 #seoulkorea #seoultravel #서울벚꽃 #잠실 #visitseoul
#협찬 Q: what’s the most important skincare s #협찬  Q: what’s the most important skincare step?
Fii’s answer: SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!!!!!! 

This is a question i get asked quite a bit, and my answer has been the same for ages. The step in my skincare I absolutely never skip is: sunscreen. 

So I’m really excited to be taking part in @wishtrend ‘s #ASAPchallenge: #applysunscreenaddprotection 😊 This challenge is to help build the habit of applying sunscreen DAILY for 5 weeks. It takes 28 days to form a habit.. so let’s do this together ^^ 

There are some great perks for wishtrend users for taking part with me too! For everyone who posts content during this challenge, you get 1,000 wishtrend points and 3 promo codes to pick up your favourite wishtrend products 😊 And!! we get to protect our skin from sun damage and early signs of aging 😚

what do you say? 
Also what’s your ‘never skip’ skincare step? 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#wishtrend #koreansunscreen #sunscreen #spf #nurilounge #선케어 #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
월요팅 💪🏻 감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 월요팅 💪🏻 

감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 

⛅️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore #seoulfashionweek #styleinspiration #y2kaesthetic #softaesthetic #서울패션위크 #스타일 #여자스트릿패션 #외국인모델
lol but ghostly 

감사합니다 @_inho.w 

☁️ ⛅️ 
#서울패션위크 #외국인모델 #촬영문의dm #seoulfashionweek #whatfiiwore #styleinspo
when will my prince return from war 🙃🥲

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 
#한복스냅 #한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복촬영 #외국인모델 #seoultravel #seoulkorea #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #공가는여우 #패션위크 #촬영문의dm #촬영모델 #whatfiiwore #princesscore #princessaesthetic
hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if y hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if you like cafes with cute mascots 🙌🏻🤭🤭🤭 

then i have a cafe recommendation for you~~ 

this cute (deceptively large) place is @for_tourists_dotori_garden by Anguk station, and i had a great afternoon enjoying the atmosphere with great company and great baked goods and i’m not at all noting the aesthetics for my own future cafe 🤭

꿀팁 - if you search 분좋카 on instagram then you’ll find a bunch of very aesthetic cafes around seoul that all have a great atmosphere (분•위기 좋•은 카•페 = 분좋카) ❤️❤️ 

📌 dotori garden // 도토리가든 
🗺️ 서울 종로구 계동길 19-8 1층

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ ⛅️ 
#2023GlobalSeoulMate #2023GSM #VisitSeoul #SeoulYouniverse #Seoul #Korea #SeoulTourismOrganization #2023글로벌서울메이트 #서울관광재단 #서울 #분좋카 #분좋카추천 #seoulcafe #서울카페
changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bea changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bear. 🐻 

(yay for no winter coat weather) 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#패션룩 #whatfiiwore #패션코디 #패션모델 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #룩북모델 #룩스타 #룩스타스램 #옷스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타그램daily #패션블로거 #촬영문의 #데일리룩 #데일리룩코디 #외국인모델 #stylehunters #stylefiles #ig_korea #fashionkorea #stylebloggers
{ #ad #협찬 #gifted } Vegan skincare is on the r { #ad #협찬 #gifted }
Vegan skincare is on the rise, and I received these beautiful Vegan Lip Butters from @melixirskincare_kr ❤️
Melixir is vegan, sustainable, and cruelty free, that has a range of products that are great for sensitive skin like mine :) 

I’m absolutely loving the easy wearability of “04 Dewy Rose”, and the agave infused formula is great for my lips (guess who doesn’t drink enough water…). 

“05 Red Velvet” is a buildable red, that isn’t too harsh or bright for those days you want a little colour, but don’t want to faff about with lip liners ❤️

📌 you can find melixir products at Amazon (worldwide), or if you’re in Korea, Olive Young and Melixir’s website ❤️

What’s your favourite lip product these days? 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#melixir_veganskincare #melixir #멜릭서 #veganskincare #veganlipbutter #crueltyfreeskincare #veganproducts #스킨케어 #skincarereview #beautyreview #koreanskincare #kbeautyreview #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
👸 👑 (hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec f 👸 👑 

(hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec for hanbok rental ❤️) 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복스타그램 #한복스냅 #whatfiiwore #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #palacefox #데일리원피스 #경복궁한복대여 #visitseoul #스타일 #여성한복 #visitkorea #princessaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirlstyle #궁가는여우
we went blonde 💅👸 ☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ # we went blonde 💅👸 

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore
#협찬 #광고 skincare for glowing skin when yo #협찬 #광고  skincare for glowing skin when you don’t have time for extensive routines? i’m loving the @klairs.global fundamental line :) 

named because it’s formulated to take care of your skin’s fundamental needs, this is a great line to reach for when you’re busy, or just need something simple to satisfy your skin. 

cream: 
the fundamental water gel cream is super light weight for easy absorption into the skin. it’s packed with green tea for vitamin e, antioxidants and calming, which with the way my eczema has been recently i def need.

mist: 
the fundamental ampule mist os a great product to have to top up when your skin is feeling dry, or as layered with 7 skins. it’s got so many nutrients to make your skin feel refreshed and hydrated. 

eye cream
i’m always a bit hmm over eye creams that don’t have actives (like retinol or derivatives) but i’ve been reading about the benefits of using peptides for the under-eye area specifically and i’m not saying the results are magic, but i’ve seen an improvement when i’ve been using peptide formulated products in that area. so. jury is still out but i’m not mad. 
#the formula of this cream is also super thick and creamy so it feels really nourishing 😇🫶 

overall it’s been a great experience so far, and it’s definitely made me remember why i liked klairs products way back when i started blogging ❤️

products courtesy of @wishtrend via @nurilounge.official ❤️❤️

#skincare #kbeauty #kskincare #skincarereels #veganbeauty #veganskincare #dearklairs #스킨케어 #dearklairs #klairs #skincare #kbeauty #kbrand #nurilounge #mynurilounge
✨ fiicore ✨ the princess / abandoned castle ✨ fiicore ✨ 

the princess / abandoned castle vibes are strong here

⛅️ ☁️ clouds

#reels #reelstrend #reelstrends #coreaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirl
things i carry on the daily: 💼 @marhen.j kai things i carry on the daily: 

💼 @marhen.j  kai bag in urban black 
beauty products 
@romandyou waterfit cushion 
@keepintouch_makeup jelly lip plumper in bloody wine 
@espoir_makeup water splash cica tone up sun cream 

ipad cover is from @from.pick 

not pictured: work badge -,-, lip balm, assorted receipts 😅

🐰 🐰 🐰 🐰 
#stylereels #whatsinmybag #whatsinmybagtoday #marhenj #마르헨제이 #스타일링 #가방스타그램 #패션블로거 #패션블로그 #패션스타그램 #fashionstyle #fashionreels #fashionreelscreator #fashionstylereels
새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 🐰 happy lunar 새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 
🐰 
happy lunar new year from me and the floof and the personal growth we’ve been doing so far this month ☺️😊😌

🐰 🐰 🐰 
#corgisofinstagram #웰시코기 #웰코 #웰시코기그램 #corgistagram #corgisrule #corgigram #corgipost #코기러브
i don’t do these challenges but this was one cut i don’t do these challenges but this was one cute 

☁️ #reelschallenge
#kawaikutegomen #고멘챌린지 #릴스댄스 #릴스챌린지
pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ tell pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ 

tell me a place and a time and i’ll come to hang out ❤️🥰 

📍 cafe seongbukro/ @seongbukro 
it’s beautiful~~~ 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#cafetour #cafétour #seoulcafe #seoulcafehopping #whatfiiwore 
#서울카페 #서울카페추천 #카페릴스 #retroaesthetic
finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me fee finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me feel like i’m about to go to barre again 🩰 

skirt @dollsattitude 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

 #whatfiiwore #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #cottagecoreaeathetic #softgirlstyle #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #wearingtoday #ootdpost #outfitblog #outfitidea #todayiwore #mystylediary #mylooktoday #discoverunder7k #dollsattitude
2022 was uh… a year (if u saw me trying to pos 2022 was uh… a year 

(if u saw me trying to post this already, no u didn’t 😂😂🤡🤡🤡🤡) 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ ☁️ 
#2022년 #2023 #2022roundup
when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christm when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christmas and also music show broadcasts bc i am that girl now 😌😌😌😌😌 u only live once and all ✌️ 
merry holidays i hope ur day is merry and bright ⛄️ 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 

#크리스마스 #크리스마스코디 #whatfiiwore #성북동카페 #데일리코디 #데일리룩코디 #일상옷 #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #stylehunters #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #whattowear #유튜버  #wearingtoday #ootdpost  #atinyselcaday #에이티니
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