tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post6119395673326114693..comments2024-03-27T10:48:56.520-07:00Comments on Snow White and the Asian Pear: The Painful Path to K-Beauty Wisdom: 7 Mistakes Beginners MakeCat Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-41426998826577382192016-12-23T07:37:11.203-08:002016-12-23T07:37:11.203-08:00Hello Cat! About 2 years ago I started getting int...Hello Cat! About 2 years ago I started getting into AB products and skincare philosophy. I was quickly spiraling into the rabbit hole, with all it's Oil cleansers, essences, serums, sheet masks, ampoules, mists/water/toners, sleeping packs, cure all lotions and anti-everything's creams. The list goes on and on and on (not to mention the make up!). But somehow, mysteriously, I just stopped. Never even got past the all research and review hunting to actually buy a single product. And now, just as suddenly, here I am. Although this time (I hope!) with a clearer mind. Your blog posts, are a godsend for a dizzy K-beauty newb like me! So very informative, backed with all the powers of science, clear and concise, clearly full of wisdom and experience. But also very enjoyable to read. Your entry's have taught me more about ph levels for the skin, skin triggers, skin types, AHA/BHA, and product line up in a few days, than I have EVER learnt in 2 years! Thank you Cat so very much for being my chesire cat guide in this fantastical world. Maybe someday I'll be able to stare right back into the abyss, with finally beautiful clear skin ;) <br /><br />-Lexi =^.^=Lexihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03639941523231865444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-17033127396034055202016-07-06T06:25:02.061-07:002016-07-06T06:25:02.061-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03075898630674454832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-4837362318811960542016-07-02T18:07:36.013-07:002016-07-02T18:07:36.013-07:00So do you use 1 product for 2 weeks? And the next ...So do you use 1 product for 2 weeks? And the next day (on the 3rd week) you use another product? Do you need to wait in-between a few days to use the next product? And do you stop using the first product as soon as you start the second? I'm sorry, I'm kinda confused with that part. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02815135872822822719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-17169760445084876872016-05-22T23:29:54.221-07:002016-05-22T23:29:54.221-07:00Hi Cat,
I have been into kbeauty since a couple of...Hi Cat,<br />I have been into kbeauty since a couple of years ago, and then stopped due to pregnancy (not because I was avoiding some ingredients or anything, it's just that pregnancy turned me into Gudetama: sooo lazy), and now I'm trying to get back on track. I don't think I'm a total beginner but I am definitely acting like one! I buy all the things, test all the things at once, hoard samples and full sizes, and I have waaay more products than I'm even able to wear because let's face it, sometimes you just don't have any time! Not to mention the sad sad wallet syndrome. Sigh. I'm just so lucky my face hasn't gone berserk yet because I do always try to buy stuff that suit my skin. <br /><br />I do know I have a problem but re-reading this post kinda slaps me in the face and makes it really sink in.. So...just wanted to say thanks for the (long-distance) intervention lol. Cheers :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03599330131750463697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-55889891269665675282016-04-16T14:02:00.903-07:002016-04-16T14:02:00.903-07:00Alas, there are some hard lessons that can only be...Alas, there are some hard lessons that can only be learned the hard way, eh? ;)Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-77097855814775763782016-04-13T17:45:07.354-07:002016-04-13T17:45:07.354-07:00I probably should have read this before I bought a...I probably should have read this before I bought all the things. I fell down this rabbit hole of interesting products and cute packaging! It's like being hypnotized... !(◎_◎;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11793059887190171604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-66340246789035622082016-04-09T11:37:56.572-07:002016-04-09T11:37:56.572-07:00Wooo, skin twins are the best! :D Not everything ...Wooo, skin twins are the best! :D Not everything works for everyone, but it's still a relief to find someone who is similar to you. :)<br /><br />Take care,<br />-CatCat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-31953837622144197062016-04-07T01:22:51.003-07:002016-04-07T01:22:51.003-07:00Finally found a skin twin and a blog that I can fi...Finally found a skin twin and a blog that I can finally read that makes me say "omg is this me?" TwTTinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16297648403950198339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-39720478624990499662015-12-06T10:19:23.119-08:002015-12-06T10:19:23.119-08:00Hi Maria,
Knowing what products to try is the har...Hi Maria,<br /><br />Knowing what products to try is the hardest thing for sure. If you have dehydrated skin that is non-reactive, in your shoes I would go for hydrating products first (you can find some suggestion on my Beginner's Guide to Dehydrated Skin Type, which is in the Recommended Reading tab at the top of my blog) which I suspect you may have read ;) <br /><br />By focusing on hydrating your skin, you can remove the dehydration from the equation and uncover your 'real' skin type- you could be dehydrated-oily, dehydrated-dry, or dehydrated-combo, but with the dehydration throwing it all off, you will have no idea which until things settle down.<br /><br />Samples are a great idea, as are travel sizes, and even sheet masks are a great hydration option and you can really explore what does or doesn't work for you quickly.<br /><br />Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. :)<br /><br />All the best,<br />-CatCat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-83251994951741656882015-12-06T10:13:59.353-08:002015-12-06T10:13:59.353-08:00That's how I got started in AB, actually! I f...That's how I got started in AB, actually! I first heard about BB creams on an unrelated forum (this was probably 2011 or earlier,when BB creams were not yet available in western brands and the hype was still building) because people were complaining that they felt great on the skin but that the shades were all too fair for anyone to actually use. That immediately caught my interest (and I'm just an NC10 or so) and started me on this ~magical journey~ and now I have several base options in #13 and I'm quite happy.Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-26403876452413755712015-12-06T10:10:52.477-08:002015-12-06T10:10:52.477-08:00Hi Kristina,
For further information, I'd rec...Hi Kristina,<br /><br />For further information, I'd recommend checking out kindofstephen's post about SPF. :) The key point is that an SPF inclusive base isn't going to contain enough concentration of the SPF filter in the portion size that would be actually used. There are definitely concerns about layering different kinds of chemical filter-type sunscreens because they can degrade one another, but I don't use chem type suncreens as I'm highly reactive to them. I'd pop over to Stephen's site and see what he says about it; he's a cosmetic chemist. :)<br /><br />Take care!Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-58974933989005556332015-12-06T05:57:50.061-08:002015-12-06T05:57:50.061-08:00Hi Snow~ could u please further explain wearing a ...Hi Snow~ could u please further explain wearing a stand alone sunscreen under a SPF inclusive base? As I've been told many times it hinders the SPFs ability.. kinda like lowers the protection factor or something?<br /><br />Thanks!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00127461934115465798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-14340292311558616562015-11-21T12:32:55.439-08:002015-11-21T12:32:55.439-08:00Hi, I just found your blog, and already read so ma...Hi, I just found your blog, and already read so many posts! I love reading posts from people who know so much about a topic. I'm new to the whole Korean-Skincare-World, so I read a lot of articles, and blog posts and watched Videos, but I must say you are one of the best, because you're explaining everything so well, while a lot of people just remain on the surface. <br />I also like your blog, because you're similar to my skin type. I never knew there was a 'dehydrated' skin type until I got more into skincare :D But I'm still so unsure about which products I should try, and I must say, the packaging of some products make me really weak!! I also never really experienced breakouts to products or other symptoms, so I have no clue if I'm allergic to some ingredients, or which are the best for me. Or should I just buy samples, and try them?? ugh, everything is so complicated!! But I really want to improve my skin, because I hate wearing make up, somehow it's almost never my shade, even though I'm not that fair, and I don't like the feeling on my skin. anyways, I'm talking too much, I hope you have a wonderful day and greetings from germany! :)Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09896273178473789821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-51082897128866281802015-11-16T16:22:33.794-08:002015-11-16T16:22:33.794-08:00I'm an NW5. Given that I found one good match ...I'm an NW5. Given that I found one good match in Sephora (with two separate visits), I was stunned when I went to a local AB meetup and was handed a BB cream that was light enough for me. (Innisfree #13) It was too yellow, and now I've found Missha's #13 and it works great for me.<br /><br />So while AB makeup may not work well for darker skin, if you're light like I am, don't rule it out.Deirdre Saoirse Moenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00485588430368394604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-50526730996777931672015-11-16T05:58:07.511-08:002015-11-16T05:58:07.511-08:00It means only one new thing at a time. :) That wa...It means only one new thing at a time. :) That way, if I break out or my skin reacts, I know it's the only new guest at the party and it's the troublemaker. ^_^Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-19239737351180418572015-11-15T06:48:49.672-08:002015-11-15T06:48:49.672-08:00 Hi- Great Post- One question, when you isolate ne... Hi- Great Post- One question, when you isolate new products it means you only use 1 item in your routine? Or use the new item as part of the usual normal routine?<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04421239695570295284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-61974843705025975852015-11-14T12:09:07.096-08:002015-11-14T12:09:07.096-08:00Hahaha! It's like that meme of the little gir...Hahaha! It's like that meme of the little girl who is like "I don't know where this all came from either!"Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-50112315476250001652015-11-14T12:04:05.959-08:002015-11-14T12:04:05.959-08:00I'm with you on that - I was absolutely mislea...I'm with you on that - I was absolutely mislead by marketing and thought it was enough sun protection, and I know most people are the same way. It's quite disturbing in its own way, but I get that it wouldn't make sense for makeup to have a recommended portion (the way sunscreen does) amount so there's nothing stopping companies from claiming someone's light dusting of powder gives them SPF 50+ and PA+++ :(Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-19491327175920980092015-11-14T11:58:47.761-08:002015-11-14T11:58:47.761-08:00Fist bump! Thank goodness for skincare that less ...Fist bump! Thank goodness for skincare that less us wear less, because it sounds like your climate doesn't allow much else, eh?<br /><br />I find the projection of my testing review really helps me evaluate things I'm lemming after because I have to figure out where it would fit in my testing schedule and decide if it makes sense. If something gets me really, really excited though, I still have the flexibility to move things around and make room for it. :)Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-45562932873124444372015-11-14T11:47:45.921-08:002015-11-14T11:47:45.921-08:00Hi Astrid,
Hi five for being a skin twin! Althou...Hi Astrid,<br /><br />Hi five for being a skin twin! Although I cannot recommend specific products for you for the reasons I outlined in this post: http://snowwhiteandthepear.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-quick-plea-i-am-not-medical.html I do have a lot of resources on here that cover what I use and when I use it, and you can find it under the Routines tag and also under the tab at the top titled "Routine & Spreadsheet" :)<br /><br />I hope that helps! :)Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-9783374076988263072015-11-14T11:08:29.241-08:002015-11-14T11:08:29.241-08:00I apologize if it's not clear to due to my wor...I apologize if it's not clear to due to my wording, but I did not mean that the 'natural look' refers to wearing less makeup, it's that the makeup that is worn is more subtle than western makeup ideals, not the volume of makeup being worn. :) It is possible to wear full base foundation, contour powder, highlight, brow liner, 2 kinds of eye liner, several shadows, mascara, and blush, and still have a 'natural look' style makeup. <br /><br />Although it may not be 'natural' in that it's not a minimal amount of makeup, it's a reference to how it's applied vs how it's applied in western makeup. This can be seen in the tutorial channels of makeup artists such as Jung Saem Mool, who I mentioned above, but also on countless beauty shows such as Get It Beauty- a recent example would be Park Tae Yun's appearance at the NYC Sokoglam event, where he discussed and demonstrated this as a typical K-Beauty look.<br /><br />It's similar to how the 'Instagram' makeup look is the western trend right now- very heavy, made-up brows, strong eyes, bold lips, full contour. Although this is the current trend, that doesn't mean that every western woman wears her makeup this way. :) If someone was to ask what's the current fashion in western makeup, however, this would absolutely be the trend to discuss.<br /><br />I hope that clears up the confusion! :)Cat Cactushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052704885218633917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-71318273416663664572015-11-14T04:08:39.674-08:002015-11-14T04:08:39.674-08:00OMG.. Thanks God i found this blog!! You're so...OMG.. Thanks God i found this blog!! You're so wise and you're my twin skin blogger!! Except, we live in different location and climate. I live in indonesia, its humidity is high. Can you recommend good akin care for me. Im so desperate looking for the right skin care. Hiks. Sorry for bad english. Oh i'm 28yo btw. Skin color.. Humm.. Like southeast asian woman. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08108980530751444824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-20666801106892486712015-11-11T16:50:18.189-08:002015-11-11T16:50:18.189-08:00That second to last one. No no no no. Koreans do n...That second to last one. No no no no. Koreans do not favor a "natural" look, they but they almost universally favor a "soft" look for girls (which has not always been the case, look at photos of 90s Korean pop stars)--so pinky pink lips and sheer sparkly shadows. However lately brighter lips have been in vogue. As for heavy foundations, there have always been Koreans who used them. I'm not sure where this idea that Koreans favor a natural look comes from. Many Korean girls won't even leave the house without makeup on.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12506811144422511250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-56773534688331716642015-11-11T13:04:36.488-08:002015-11-11T13:04:36.488-08:00This post is everything I went through when I fist...This post is everything I went through when I fist got into K-Beauty about a year ago. I bought All The Things and while I was fortunate enough that only two or three products didn't work for me, I shudder to think of what may have happened if I had less resilient skin. Now, I have a pretty solid routine, but my desire to experiment is still strong, and I have to write up a testing schedule for new products that I want to try and review. Also, them samples. I don't even know what to do with them anymore, they're just sitting all by their lonesome at the bottom of my drawer. TnT<br /><br />On the plus side, you are actually my skin twin! We are similar skin tones, and I also have dehydrated combination-oily skin. *stalks blog* <br /><br />Sheer light products are my friend, because I live in a really humid part of Florida (isn't all of Florida humid, though?) and I have yet to master a full face of makeup without it positively melting off of my face within the hour, primer be damned. K-makeup was a lifesaver for me in that respect. Good post, I enjoyed reading!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16226679379929722654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541982013000251431.post-2778497297058611052015-11-10T10:06:11.483-08:002015-11-10T10:06:11.483-08:00Great post as usual :-) I love how you shed the sp...Great post as usual :-) I love how you shed the spotlight on people relying on their makeup to provide adequate sun protection! I hear it all the time at work! I have so many patients tell me "oh...my foundation has sunscreen in it" and it makes me cringe :/ I use it as a moment to education patients that you need at least 1/2 a teaspoon in order to get the correct protection! I PDXBEAUTIFULhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11857460072837746483noreply@blogger.com