Fifty Shades of Snail
Finding the best skin care products since 2014. Started with a focus on Korean skincare and grew from there. Skincare tips and beauty tips that work, maybe some hamster butts too
recent posts
- Protected: Fluorescent bulbs and SPF
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- Sponsored: The Best of Skin1004
- How to Ask for Skincare Advice Online, Part Two: What Questions to Ask to Get Helpful Answers
- How to Ask for Skincare Advice Online, Part 1: What Not to Ask
about
Category: Ampoules/Serums
Da real MVPs of the Korean skin care lineup, ampoules and serums deliver high concentrations of actives in formulations made to layer. Unless they work as chemical exfoliants, apply ampoules and serums after any acid, toner, and light essence steps in your routine, then seal in with a moisturizing emulsion and/or cream. Don’t get too hung up on the difference between an ampoule and a serum. Technically, an ampoule is more concentrated and potent than a serum, but in practice, the terms are pretty much interchangeable.
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Lately I keep thinking about how long I’ve been using and writing about Korean skincare. It’s been a looong time. Almost ten years, to be exact. I wandered into Reddit’s Skincare Addiction community sometime in 2013 and very quickly followed the mysterious mentions of “Korean snail essence” to the much smaller but already fervently dedicated…
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It’s that time of year again! The clocks have shifted back an hour, darkness falls before 6pm, Mariah Carey has risen from her slumber to lay claim to her rightful season of power, and the days have begun their inexorable march to that date that basically every brand and retailer in the United States waits…
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9/16/2021 Update: NIOD CAIS2 is no more. It has been replaced by Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1*, which I reviewed on my IGTV here, and which I love just as much! If you still prefer to read a text-based review, read on. CAIS3 feels and performs exactly the same for me and contains the…
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Ingredient trends come and go (anyone else remember when starfish had a brief moment in the sun?). That’s why I’m so grateful when a trendy ingredient that works well for me ends up getting popular enough to stick around. Like propolis, the featured ingredient in the serums I’m going to compare today. I love propolis.…
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You know how I know 2021 is going to be a better year than 2020? Because it’s January and I not only remembered that I want to write a best of 2020 roundup, but am actually doing it instead of pushing it aside for so long that it becomes pointless to even publish it (who…
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How does the new COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence compare to the beloved Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence?
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After all the salt I spewed over the weekend, I’m glad to have something positive to talk about. The Year of the Dog is almost upon us, and that means Lunar New Year promotions and specials. Sulwhasoo’s LNY promotions feature several of my longtime favorite skincare products, which I’m already determined to get onto as…
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Find out why I detest Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix.
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Amorepacific Time Response Skin Renewal Serum is a high-end anti-aging serum that does have visible effects. The question is whether the effects are worth the price.
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Today I opened my skincare closet and a massive pile of empties fell out, so I decided to divert some time and energy from the reviews I’m working on and write (some of) those empties up.
Fifty Shades of Snail 