Using cosmetics correctly.

1) Choose based on ingredients rather than brand or price

Purchase a product after checking if it contains the ingredients necessary for your desired effects (whitening, wrinkle improvement, moisturizing, etc.). It is especially important to carefully check ingredient standards for foreign brands. Since ingredient standards vary by country and differ from those of domestic cosmetics, it is recommended to examine them thoroughly if you have sensitive skin. When purchasing a new product you haven't tried before, it is advisable to test it for about a week to ten days to see if it suits your skin. Also, many people believe that continuously using a single brand of cosmetics leads to tolerance and is harmful to the skin, but this is a misconception. If a product suits your skin, it is fine to continue using it. In fact, it is more dangerous to blindly use cosmetics simply because others recommend them, without knowing if they are suitable for your skin. Furthermore, the idea that you must use products from the same brand—from toner to essence to cream—to see results is also untrue.

2) Do not apply new cosmetics all at once.
It is common for people to buy a set at a cosmetics store and return everything at once if it doesn't suit their skin, simply because they think, "This brand just doesn't work for me," without even knowing the reason. Nowadays, when a single brand releases products with various concepts, the actual manufacturers are often different. When purchasing products, checking the main ingredients should be the priority. When I run out of a product I usually use, I go about two weeks without using it. If I don't notice any significant difference, I tend to switch to a different product, as it is not something I absolutely need.

3) It is more effective if you know the ingredients before applying it.

Once you turn thirty, the key to skincare is anti-aging. Products containing Vitamin C, a key anti-aging ingredient, are often found in light serum or refreshing lotion forms, making them ideal for use in the morning when you typically apply multiple skincare steps. In the evening, focus on regenerating tired skin. Use products containing retinol, which promotes skin turnover and revitalizes the skin; however, since retinol is sensitive to sunlight, it is more effective to use it at night rather than during the day. As most retinol (Vitamin A) products are cream-based, they are convenient to use as a substitute for a regular moisturizer before bed.

4) Cosmetics for morning and evening are different.

In the morning, I apply a hydrating essence and cream, pure vitamin C, and sunscreen. At night, I make sure to apply a nourishing cream and essence necessary for skin regeneration every day without fail.

5) Observe different amounts depending on the product.

Apply a generous amount of toner to a cotton pad, pump the moisture and firming essence about 2 to 3 times, apply sunscreen the size of a 500-won coin, and apply eye cream the size of a bean. Since good absorption is more important than applying a large amount, pat the product in thoroughly or apply it with time intervals to allow it to fully soak into the skin.

6) As I get older, I pay particular attention to neck wrinkles.

As you age, you need to pay particular attention to neck wrinkles. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach or using a high pillow. Consume plenty of water and vegetables, and avoid touching your face as much as possible during the day when sebum production is high. During the day, dust and pollutants adhere to the sebum, leaving the skin unclean. Naturally, touching such skin is a no-no.