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.

  • Astageddon Part 1: Graymelin Astastemcell Anti-Wrinkle Serum Review

    This product was provided for review at my request by W2Beauty. All opinions and recommendations in this post are my own unless otherwise noted. Learn more about my rules for store partnerships by checking out my sponsorship policy and sponsor list. “Anti-aging.” What even does that mean? No, but seriously. We see it in skincare marketing all the…

  • Five Flops at Fiddy’s: After Hours Mini-Review Party

    Some products in this post were provided for review by Fifty Shades of Snail sponsors and are individually disclosed below. All opinions and recommendations in this post are my own unless otherwise noted. Learn more about my rules for store partnerships by checking out my sponsorship policy and sponsor list. Let’s do something a little different today! I recently…

  • Review: Scinic Snail All In One Ampoule, Plus Two Bonus Snail Sheet Mask Mini-Reviews!

    I’ve never been particularly good at keeping up with trends. And that is not a hipster humblebrag. The truth is that I can barely dress myself, which is why I tend to stick to my basics and neutrals and classic styles. Harder to go wrong. I’m a lot more experimental and forward-looking with skincare, obviously,…

  • Propolis Ampoule Mega Battle: Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule vs. Graymelin Propolis 80 Energy Ampoule

    A product featured in this post was provided for review by W2Beauty. All opinions and recommendations in this post are my own unless otherwise noted. Learn more about my rules for store partnerships by checking out my sponsorship policy and sponsor list. Fiddy editorial note: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated that Graymelin Propolis 80 Energy…

  • Curology (formerly PocketDerm) Month 1 Update and Mini-Review

    Holy crap. I can’t believe more than a month has already passed since I received my first shipment of PocketDerm Anti-Aging prescription tretinoin. During that month, I finished off my first prescription, and PocketDerm became Curology, merging the anti-aging and acne offerings into one seamless prescription skincare service. I don’t have progress pictures to share just…

  • Scinic Aqua All In One Ampoule Review + All In One Ampoule 101

    The product featured in this post was provided for review at my request by Jolse. To learn more about my rules for accepting and reviewing press samples, please check out my sponsorship policy. A list of this blog’s current sponsors is here. Water! Often it seems like the most basic, boring, bland and banal resource,…

  • Review: Mizon Original Skin Energy Placenta 45 Ampoule

    The thing about skincare, which I’ve said before and will say again, is that there’s nothing universal about it and there’s nothing truly objective about it, either. A product that works amazingly well for 90% of people may work really poorly or not at all for the other 10% (and that’s not the product’s fault,…

  • Prevent UV Damage at the Beach (or Park or Trail) without Hiding in the Shade

    The running joke on Reddit skincare communities like /r/AsianBeauty and /r/SkincareAddiction is that the true skincare addict develops an extreme aversion to the sun. Humorous posts featuring beachgoers swaddled head to toe in towels and wraps are common, especially in the summer months. But do you really have to sacrifice the feeling of the sun on your…

  • Review: Skin Factory Real Honey Moisturizing Ampoule Mask

    So like…I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but I looooove sheet masks. (Also, hydrogel masks.) Masks aren’t just an occasional indulgence for me, but a staple of my daily skincare routine. In addition to their numerous hydrating, plumping, antioxidant-injecting skincare benefits (and the unspeakable pleasure of plopping a chilled sheet mask onto my…

  • Brand Spotlight Megapost: Tosowoong, with First Impression Reviews!

    So it looks like I won’t be getting much sleep tonight. Sucks for Near Future Me, but guess what? The peace and quiet (and the foreboding drone of Forensic Files in the background) provide the perfect conditions for me to finally open up and share my feelings about my new favorite brand, Tosowoong, and some of the…