Written by Clémence Rubiella | Published on 15 July 2023 | Skincare | Haircare
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Dear Messieurs,
If you are new to the skincare world or just trying to improve your skin complexion without thinking too much about it, this article is for you. Do not worry, skincare and haircare do not have to be complicated to work. It is actually quite the opposite most of the time. I have seen so many of my male friends feeling overwhelmed to even just look into the skincare industry as there are so many options. To be honest, all products I am recommending in other posts can be used by anyone but if you want don't want to be scrolling through other posts, check out the products below for a simple and straight-to-the-point routine (which is also valid for everyone by the way, not just men).
Simple Skincare Routine Picks:
Cleanser: Etude House Soon Jung PH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($14)
Best Moisturizer: Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ($38) Best Gel Moisturizer: Dr.G Red Blemish ($17) Best Tube Moisturizer: Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream ($11)
Sunscreen: RoundLab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream ($20)
Simple Haircare Routine Picks:
4. Shampoo: Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo ($34)
5. Hair Gel: Grafen Pomande Sea Water ($21)
1. Cleanser: Etude House Soon Jung PH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Rating: 5 / 5
Product quantity: 150ml
Highlights:
Non-drying
Not irritating
Gentle
Non-scented
What we don’t like:
Nothing
Washing your face with a classic bar soap can be tempting as it is an easy thing to do, however, it is not really recommended for several reasons. Number 1, bar soap may not give adequate moisturization to your skin and hence have an abrasive effect, causing potential skin irritation. Number 2, all the good natural oils of your skin may be stripped away, which in turn disrupts your skin’s pH balance and potentially your skin barrier. Number 3, if some dye is present in your soap, it may potentially trigger allergic reactions. But not to worry, there are some Korean cleansers that are super practical to use and very affordable.
I came across this Soon Jung PH 6.5 Whip Cleanser by Etude House a few years ago. The concept of this cleansing foam is simple; instead of coming out in a gel or liquid form, it is coming out as a soft bubble texture. No need to add water. The feeling of this product on your skin is so soft and gentle. It has a hypo-allergenic formula and does not cause breakouts. It feels incredibly lightweight and calms down your skin gently due to its low pH level (6.5). It is totally free of parabens and fragrance but loaded with madecassoside, derived from centella asiatica, which repairs skin damage.
2. Best Moisturizer: Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Rating: 5 / 5
Product quantity: 75ml
Highlights:
Soothing
Intense moisturization
Non-scented
What we don’t like:
Price
The second step is moisturizing your skin. There is nothing wrong with using the Nivea creams (Nivea Creme or Refreshing Soft Moisturizing Creme) but we can do better. And this Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is exactly the “better” you need. Very versatile, works for all seasons, winter and summer. The formula of this cream is a delight. You can feel the intense moisturization sinking into your skin when you apply it, soothing and revitalizing your skin. A little amount goes a long way so one pot lasts you a long time. Its rich and whipped cream does not feel heavy at all on the skin and doesn't create a shine on your face. Absolutely not sticky.
Best Gel Moisturizer: Dr.G Red Blemish
Rating: 5 / 5 Awards: Glowpick 2023, OliveYoung 2021/2022
Product quantity: 50ml
Highlights:
Non-scented
Non-sticky
Soothing
Brightening
Gel-like texture
What we don’t like:
Small quantity
This Dr G Perfect Cream is everything you need when you don't want to put anything else on your face. It is non-scented and gives the perfect amount of moisturization without the feeling of stickiness on the skin. It is a quick-absorbing gel-like texture cream that possesses soothing properties with its main formulation ingredients; madecassoside and centella asiatica extract. Not much to say about this amazing product other than it gives this extra boost of complexion brightening that your skin needs day and night.
Best Tube Moisturizer: Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Rating: 5 / 5
Product quantity: 60ml
Highlights:
Travel friendly
Non-sticky
Not scented
long-lasting intense hydration
Improves skin barrier
What we don’t like:
The pump may get dirty
Another great moisturiser option is the Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream tube version. This one is a favourite of my dad that never ever did anything remotely close to skincare before and used to use the Nivea creams. This Etude House is particularly convenient for travelling as the format is a lot more compact compared to the other two creams mentioned above. It is a delight to apply to the skin as the creamy formula instantly penetrates and soothes your skin. It will give a long-lasting moisturization effect to your skin whilst restoring the oil and water balance of your skin. A great choice for any skin type.
3. Sunscreen: RoundLab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
Rating: 5 / 5 Awards: Glowpick 2023, OliveYoung 2021/2022
Product quantity: 50ml
Highlights:
Non-scented
Non-sticky
No white trace
Lightweight formula
What we don’t like:
Small quantity
It took me a long time before I finally managed to get my hands on one of those magical tubes as they are constantly sold out in Korea. But, let me tell you, the wait was so worth it. For the longest time, I kept on using the Huxley Sun Cream; Stay Sun Safe which is an amazing sunscreen however I never really ventured outside of my comfort zone. However, I kept on seeing advertising for the RoundLab Sun Cream at Olive Young and decided to give it a try. I will admit the lightweight liquid texture took me by surprise as most often sunscreens have a heavier and stickier formulation. This RoundLab sunscreen feels like a glow serum that sinks into the skin really quickly and doesn't leave any white cast. It has SPF50+ PA++++, so do not worry, your skin will be protected from harmful UV rays.
4. Shampoo: Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo
Rating: 5 / 5 Awards: OliveYoung 2021
Product quantity: 400ml
Highlights:
Free of sulphate and silicon
Exfoliate and nourish the scalp
Lovely scent
Recyclable package
What we don’t like:
Nothing
Free of silicone and sulfate, it is one of the best shampoos I have ever tried and I have tried a lot. I have naturally very thin hair that greases very fast (the struggle is real) and I have never found one shampoo amongst the Western brands that prevented my hair from getting oily fast. The few good shampoos are unfortunately very pricey or in small quantities. This Aromatica shampoo was the first one that didn't disappoint me. It is sulphate and silicon free. It strengthens and gently exfoliates the scalp by delivering rich nutrients to the hair root. Honestly, this shampoo is a no-brainer.
5. Hair wax: Grafen Pomande Sea Water
Rating: 5 / 5
Product quantity: 100g
Highlights:
Ocean flavour
Removes easily
Glossy finish
Stronghold
What we don’t like:
Nothing
Finally, if you are looking for a new wax that will keep your hair in place throughout the day, the Grafen Pomande Sea Water is for you. It is an oil-free water-based pomade suitable for all hair types even thick and rough hair. The formula is non-sticky and will keep your hairstyle sleek for a long time. The soft ocean smell comes from the Jeju seawater, which makes it a smooth formula that keeps the texture of your hair alive. The finish is a soft glossy one do not worry about the removal process, it can be completely removed with a single wash.
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