DasBear's Blog of Random

China is known for its herbal remedies and traditional medicine, but isn't widely known for its skincare brands. They mostly use foreign brands (American and European: Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Origins). I'm familiar with a Taiwanese brand called Naruko, it has a cult following and uses a lot of exotic ingredients and is completely organic.

Osiao: This company is pretty new in the terms of skincare and is a Estee Lauder brand from China (Basically part of the Estee Lauder Family). Its suppose to be a High-end skincare brand. I tried it and wasn't impressed with anything, simply because they didn't have a signature items or something that made them unique from other Asian skincare brands.

Naruko: Despite its Japanese name, this brand is Taiwanese. Its also a pretty new line... barely 5 years old I believe. Its also completely green! This brand is HUGE and they have so many different lines for your every skincare need. The products they offer is surprisingly affordable and pretty good. Sucker for packaging? Then you'll definitely love this brand. One of the most popular items they have is the Rose & Snow Fungus Classic Hydrating Night Gelly or the Rose & Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex. I think this line is best suited for the 15-25 age range.



Alright, now lets move on to Korean Skincare!

Korea is a skincare power house. With so many brands to choose from. I'll start with my favorite. [If anyone is interested in buying a Korean product PM me first, so I can point you in the right direction!]

History of Whoo (Hoo): This is definitely a luxury product. The formula was used to treat the royal Korean court and using this old formals, they were scientifically revived in 2003. The packaging is elegant and the scents are floral and medicinal since they don't use perfumes in their products from unique extracts from organic sources. The price range starts at $45 - $800 per product. Luckily, they do sell sets that can cost anywhere from $100 - $200. They usually contain 1-2 full size items and a bunch of fairly deluxe size samples (5-6). Though this product is targeted towards older women. I started using this product when it first came out and I was 19 at the time. They have mastered the art of 'baby face' Dongan (its a Korean term for someone who looks much younger than they actually are). I've used all their lines and the only one I wouldn't buy again would be the Jinyul line, which isn't compatible with my skin-type. So, what products do I recommend? Cleansing bar soap (if you suffer from acne, it will fade scars and dry it up. But you do need a moisturizer with this product), Brightening Cleansing Foam, Ja Saeng Essence, Inyang Sleeping Repairing Mask, Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon line. (Be very, very careful when trying to buy this product online. A lot of sellers try to scam people with fake products. They also have a men's line which is awesome!)

Sulwhasoo: This is another luxury skincare brand. I believe you can actually purchase this product from select Neiman Marcus's. I like this product and it is good, but I prefer History of Whoo over this one. I can recommend their Concentrated Ginseng Cream and First Care Activating Serum. The only con to this line is that some people can break out, especially if you're prone to acne.

Lineage: Just head right towards the Water Bank Line, don't look at anything else. This is what they're known for, this is the their most popular and most raved about product. Great for sensitive skin, but works on all skin types. It won't hurt the wallet either. Definitely worth the try. I recommend this product to 15-25. (It also works great for guys as well)

O HUI: Another Luxury skincare brand that is aimed to older women, since nearly all of their products is geared towards anti-aging and cell repair to damaged skin. I will note that they do use Stem-cells in their products, which is the #1 best anti-aging product in the world. But, morally some people might be again the use of Stem-cells in their beauty products. With that being said I would recommend the First Cell Revolution Essence, its amazing. They also have a pretty sizable men's line as well.

IHOPE: Retinol 2500 line, enough said. This brand made Retinol a household name in 1997. They also have a great men's line as well.

Hera: This brand likes to dabble in everything, but isn't very impressive in my opinion. I cannot recommend anything from this brand.

Amore Pacific: This brand has been around for 65 years. They specialize in Green Tea skincare. I would highly recommend their Time Response line for anyone wanting to start an anti-aging routine.

Skinfood: The entire brand believes that food is nourishment for your skin, that is why everything in their line is based on a specific food. They like to use fruits, vegetables and other eatable items from different parts of the world. Caviar from Russia, Salmon from Japan, Carrots from Jeju - Korea. There is like 75 different foods you can choose from to correct whatever skincare problem your having. Now, what do I recommend? The Black Sugar Foam Scrub, Black Sugar Perfect First Serum, Platinum Grape Cell Line, Black Raspberry Line, Egg White Pore Foam, Egg White Pore Clean Pad, Honey Sugar Mask, Lemon Brightening Cleansing Tissue, Winter Berry Line, I also recommend their cotton masks. They have a great men's line as well. You'll find that this brand fairly affordable as well.

Innisfree: If the Body Shop and Lush had a lovechild, it would be this. Its an all natural brand from Jeju Island Korea. They really have a top-notch men's line which I strongly recommend. Some favorites of mine. Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, Jeju Volcanic Clay Mask, Volcanic Pore Scrub Foam, Soy Bean Energy Essence. They make a great BB cream and Mineral powders. I also recommend their polishes as well.

Nature Republic: "Natural"....yeah. I wouldn't recommend this line to anyone. Go for Innisfree instead.

The Face Shop: Not really a fan, but some popular items would be the - CC Color Control Cream, Rice Water Brightening Cleansing Foam, Lovely Mix Pastel Cushion Blusher, Mango Seed Line.

Tony Moly: I think this one is the most recognizable because of its packaging resembles apples, tomatoes, oranges, eggs etc. Surprisingly, those items are not as popular in Korea and I agree. This is definitely product for teenagers and wouldn't recommend for women over 25. I don't really care for Tony Moly, except for their Foot Peel which is soooo good. A lot of girls in Korea like the Pang Pang Mascara, Aura Water Beam, Backstage Gel Liner.

Etude House: This is a another popular brand that is famed for its beautiful packaging. Another brand aimed at teens, but grown women like them too. I like the makeup they produce, definitely their strongest products. The two skincare lines that everyone loves (even my Mother) is the Collagen Moistfull line. The second line is the Wonder Pore/Baking Soda line.

Holika Holika: Like Etude House, this line isn't known for its Skincare and is more of a Makeup Brand. I think they're best selling skincare product would be the Before & After Mask Sheet. I tried to love their skincare products and just couldn't do it. This is another product that is aim at teens and young adults. What's popular in Korea? Snow White Cream, Bulgarian Rose Eye Cream, Snow White Foam Cleanser, Egg Soaps (Red Clay), Aqua Splash Cooling Mist, Pig Nose 3 Step, Snow White Intensive Serum, Aqua Splash Care Set, Honey Sleeping Pack (Blueberry), Aqua Splash Toner, Prime Miracle Snail Skin, Snow White Toner. They make awesome eyeliners, lip glosses and eye shadows.

I was out having coffee today and I saw this gorgeous thing walk in and just took my breath away. I quickly snapped out of my daze and looked around to make sure no one saw. I glanced down at my ring, then back at her and kinda just sat there for a while to stew in my own thoughts. My first kiss, my first relationship and first sexual experience had all been with women. In fact, I had zero interest in guys. I came out to my family when was 13-14? They never took me seriously, though I brought my girlfriend home and would attend LGBT meetings and Pride Parade. I even tried to be super butch, working out and wearing guys clothing....my results made me look like I came from sort of K-pop boy band. I was too pretty and my frame just couldn't pull off a realistic butch look without taking steroids. So, I stuck to being a lipstick lesbian. I ran into this lovely Chinese girl named Christine, she was the Asian legally blonde. She was straight and I converted her. We had a great relationship for several years and I even bought her a ring. But, she had super strict traditional Chinese parents....being gay was out of the question.

Then I had the sit down with my Mother who looked me completely dead-face and asked, "Are you really gay?"....I kind of looked at her like she had a third eye. I had only been saying this for years! But she and the rest of my family thought I was just experimenting. But, if I was actually gay...then that was an issue. I was kinda shocked. Now my family threatened to disown me.

So, I had the sit down with my girlfriend and we had to make some very important decisions. I thought about it and told her to forget me, since it would make her life better. I was trying to be selfless and put her happiness above mine. Little did I know, she had picked me over her family already. I had no idea when I broke up with her and she just left. A week later I went to chase her down, but her parents kept saying she wasn't home. I called her phone and no answer. I sent her like 20 e-mails. No response. I finally went to her firm and that is when I got the news.

She had accepted a job offer in Paris. My Heart sank. She was gone and I let her go. I never recovered from that break up. I couldn't fall in love with another woman again, no one could replace her, no matter how hard I tried.

Oddly, I ended up marrying a guy later on in life. But, I don't have the same love for him as I did with Christine. She's the reason why I went to Paris to further my training. I had hopes of finding her and apologizing. But, that never happened....I wonder is she's married now and if she even thinks of me.

I may not be a makeup artist or esthetician, but I consider myself very well versed in the world of Skincare and Makeup. I've tried it all, from blood facials to 24k gold masks. I can tell you what works and what is overrated. In most Asian skincare routines, we treat the inside first and then the outside. Our Mothers and Grandmothers make us eat and drink some crazy stuff, claiming its linked to softer skin or a clearer complexion. For my non-Asian friends, I'll share with you some of the diets, foods and supplements I was given to help with any issues I had. Yes, guys you can try it too.

Tea is a very fundamental part of the Asian diet. These Medicinal teas are not only great of healthier lifestyles, but can also help with some aliments. Yes, green tea is good for you...but, I won't be focusing on that right now. I want to share with you some of the teas that don't get enough spot light.

Ginger tea & Ginger: When sick or feeling like you're about to be sick, its great to take fresh ginger and add a few slices into boiling water and sweeten it with raw honey. It also works on a upset stomach. Ginger warms the body and can neutralize toxins in the body. Its also flushes toxins from the body. Pregnant women can drink ginger tea to help with morning sickness. Do you suffer from respiratory problems and allergies? It also helps with congestion. My Mother also gave me some for cramps, as its a very popular Chinese remedy for treating menstrual symptoms, just sweeten with raw brown sugar. Have a headache? Apply some ginger paste to the forehead. Its also great for clearing blemishes and acne, because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginseng tea & Ginseng: Feeling fatigued? Drink some Ginseng tea. Its a great energy booster and stimulant that is also linked to helping with healthy weight-loss. It's also has powerful anti-aging, rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle properties. This lovely root is also a UVB protector and helps with photoaged skin. It brightens skin-tone and can help with rosacea.

Green tea: Has very similar properties to Ginseng in the terms of beauty. But, its also a powerful anti-oxidant on top of all that.




Interested in Asian skincare products to purchase? Let me give you my thought on the different brands.

Japanese:
Shiseido is a hit or miss with its products. The stuff they make in the US and the stuff they make in Japan are different in quality I find. The stuff made in Japan is far better quality and I think its because the FDA regulations are different for either country and some ingredients and processes don't make it into the final product in the US. What products do I recommend? The facial sunscreen is amazing, but expensive (and worth it). I highly recommend anything from their White Lucent, Bio Performance and Beneficence line. I wouldn't recommend anything else from them. (This can be bought at Sephora)

Shu Uemura is great for makeup and not that great in the terms of skincare. They're only redeeming skincare product is the famed cleansing oils which they're famous for. I love their lashes, hands down thee best lashes on the market by far! Another great product is the blushes. I also enjoy their lip glosses, but cannot stand the lipsticks. Another great recommendation is their eye-shadows, definitely a highly pigmented product with lovely colors. Another claim to fame for this brand is the beloved eyelash curler!

DHC: Most of their products are very average. Their standout products would be the Cleansing Milk, CoQ10 Lotion, Eye & Lip Makeup remover, Moister Care Lipstick, Renewing AHA Cream, Deep Cleansing Oil. I wouldn't really recommend anything else from them.

SK-II: This definitely geared towards women 30+ and is definitely considered a luxury skincare brand ($75-350 dollar range). This brands claim to fame is the Facial Essence Treatment, not impressed with it and have used far better. I do suggest some of the older ladies of this board to try these items. Essential Power Moisture, Facial Lift Emulsion, Cellumination Mask-in Lotion and the Facial Treatment Repair C. (You can purchase this from Sephora)

Yu-Be: Popular among teenagers, think of Nivea. Nothing special to note here and its pretty inexpensive and can be purchased from Sephora now.

Tatcha: The creator of this product is ethnically Chinese, the product is Japanese Geisha inspired and made in Japan. The packaging is eye catching and sleek. What I like a about this brand is that you can buy a complete set according to your skin type. Now, I can only talk about the dry skin treatment, since that is what I used and I really loved it. Its definitely something to try...BUT once again, its pretty pricey. They do offer trial kits for anyone that is curious to try it out - http://www.tatcha.co...l-discovery-kit

Jill Stuart, MAQUillage, RMK. They're actually aimed at much older women with disposable incomes. To be honest, they have nothing you cannot find at your local Sephora. Dolly Wink, Kate, Miss Me Heroine, CanMake. Again, nothing special to note, except for the mascaras. Japanese have definitely conquered the world of mascaras. The only brand to come close is Benefit. A great product I almost forgot to mention is the Cure - Natural Aqua Gel.