Living in Karachi one can never really track the change in seasons; it may be chilly one morning, making you wonder if fall is finally knocking. But then, it might inadvertently turn into a glaring summer afternoon as the sun climbs the sky, soaking you through if you dare step out after 12 pm.
With this confusing state of affairs, it’s not a surprise that our skin may also find it hard to decide what to adjust to. And that is exactly why we need a carefully curated skincare routine to ensure the health of our skin barrier; from the perfect mild cleanser, to followups with a plethora of toners, essences, facial oils, moisturizers and skin treatments etc., you want to be on point with your routine, or you risk overdoing or missing the mark entirely.
With their perfect glass like skin, the Koreans burst onto the mainstream skincare scene some time around 2011. Mind you, they’ve been at their elaborate skincare routines for decades if not centuries! Double cleansing, facial oils, active ingredients, chemical exfoliants, sheet masks, bubble masks; you name it, they make it. Once the Korean’s way of living became popular, that highly coveted smooth and clear skin seemed very achievable. And we totally vouch for it!
I stumbled upon this specific page on Instagram selling authentic Korean skincare, and while skeptical at first, I took a dive in. And trust me when we say that Korean products are going to be your best friend if you’re looking to fix your routine. In that stride,we’ve rounded up some products that deliver what they promise, and can easily be incorporated into your newer, fresher, and better routine!
Cleansers
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX is one brand that creeps up in my wish-list a lot. With a strong range that caters to a plethora of problems, COSRX consistently comes out with star products to address these concerns. The Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, as its name suggests, is a gentle low pH cleanser that will not mess with your skin’s pH level. What does that mean? It means that your skin’s acid mantle isn’t disturbed with a high pH level (which is basic). For our skin to thrive, it needs to be slightly acidic, and that’s where the low pH is so important. If you’re looking for a gentle cleanser that will ensure the health of your skin, this one’s for you!
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
You have been warned, COSRX will pop up a lot! This Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is perfect for you if you struggle with problematic skin that breaks out at the slightest digression. Aimed at people with acne-prone skin, it contains the star ingredient, salicylic acid, as is obvious from it’s name. Salicylic acid is proven to target blackheads and whiteheads on your skin, unclogging your pores to uncover a brighter, fresher skin, and let me tell you, that is exactly what it did to my skin. My struggle with mild acne has been in full swing for the last 3 years, and this is one cleanser that leaves my face squeaky clean without stripping it.
Toners
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Now, toners have always been tricky for me. However, once I tried the bottle on the right in this picture, my world changed for the better (I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but trust me!) They also have an unscented version of this (left) if you prefer that, but the scent in the original version isn’t that overpowering as it is. Within two weeks, my skin felt so much more supple and healthy, it was unbelievable. All the redness on my cheeks from previous breakouts settled down noticeably, thanks to the hydration it delivered to my skin. It promises to enhance the effect of anything you use on your skin after this, and I totally vouch for that!
BY WISHTREND Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
This one is a bit tricky, because it seems intimidating, however, it is one of the gentler versions of all those chemical exfoliants on the market right now. That doesn’t mean it won’t do the trick; it will do the trick and more! This toner brings with it not just an ability to slough off dead skin cells off of your face, but it also provides respite from irritation that is usually a part and parcel of chemical exfoliation. This means that it gets rid of unwanted buildup on your skin, and also does what the Klairs toner does; prepare your skin for other products. Win-win, am I right?
Moisturizers
BENTON Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Irritated skin and you hear the word Aloe? You better jump on it. This soothing moisturizer is the answer to all your prayers if your skin is parched generally, or dry and irritated as a result of all those spot treatments and exfoliation. The first listed ingredient is aloe vera gel, making up for 80% of this tube’s contents, and while you may be tempted to just slice open an aloe plant, stop right there and order this. Trust me, you will love yourself for it. It may be 80% of its composition, but aloe is not the only star ingredient in this. It also contains 10% of propolis extract, which delivers the perfect kind of hydration as aloe works on the inflammation. It stays true to its name, delivers what it promises, and I love it.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense, straight to the point moisturizer, this one’s for you. It doesn’t boast of any extra added benefits, it is what it is; a soothing cream. It goes on smooth, settles in well, absorbs like a dream, and nourishes like a charm! Truly, no one does simple skincare better than Klairs in my humble opinion and this sweet tube is a testament to that. Take a small dollop and slather it on your face in the morning or at night after you’re done with all your other fancy skincare shebang, and the cream will do it’s job and do it mighty well at that!
It may seem like a hassle and a half to find these products in Pakistan, but it’s really not that hard these days with a number of Facebook pages selling authentic Korean skincare, you just need to be very sure of them. Some reliable ones include Mimo By M, KoGlam and The Skin MASKuerade. Have fun splurging!
