There are a lot of ways to patch yourself up after a bad day. Some people pull out their favorite book; others rush to the sanctuary of their bathtub. Some reach for a glass of wine, and others start digging in their beauty cupboards. Personally, I’m all about the “treat yo’ self” approach, and I find myself often reaching for a few key Korean products at the end of a bad day. Why K-products in particular? Because they’re fun.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a million times over: Korean skincare and beauty brands are all about giving the user an experience. A sensorial experience, a fun experience, a “dang, my skin looks gooood!” experience. So, to anyone out there who’s stressed-out, battling cramps, or just generally feeling down, I’ve rounded up some of the products that make me feel better on days when I need a pick-me-up.
Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
Not only does this mask leave your skin looking amazing, it is absolutely certain to make you giggle at your own reflection (and it’s pretty hard to be sad when you’re giggling). The mask starts foaming and bubbling right away, turning your pretty face into a bizarre-looking foam creature from another planet. And an Instagram-worthy one at that.
Tony Moly Strawberry Seed 3-Step Nose Pack
Few things are as satisfying as pulling off a pore strip and seeing all the gunk and goo that was once jamming up your poor pores. I love that this pack has three steps: skin prep, pore strip, and recovery treatment. The fact that it’s strawberry-themed makes it that much more fun.
Lindsay Modeling Rubber Mask Set
If you want to try a different kind of face mask that’s just as fun as the carbonated one, go for a rubber mask. It starts as a powder—just add water to turn it into a liquid. Apply it to your face, and the mask semi-hardens into a flexible rubber consistency that peels off in one fell swoop. Bonus: You might feel like Mrs. Doubtfire in that whipped cream scene.
NEOGEN Code 9 Gold Black Caviar Essence & Gold Tox Tightening Pack Kit
Want to super-duper pamper yourself? Use only the most luxurious ingredients. Whenever I want to channel my inner royal queen, I reach for this gold and black caviar essence and tightening pack. Pro Tip: I totally store it in the fridge for an even better application experience.
Etude House Cat Headband
I can hear you thinking, “Why would I need a cat headband?” The real question is: Why wouldn’t you need a cat headband? First, it’s adorable as heck. Second, it keeps your hair out of your face when you’re applying and rinsing all those face masks. Plus it turns you into a cute cat. Next question, please.
Help My Finger Nail Finger Pack
In an effort to pamper every inch of my body from scalp to toenail, I use these finger-moisturizing quasi-sheet masks from Etude House. They give my dry cuticles a reboot, and are the perfect pre-mani treatment.
Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lovely Lip Patch
Here’s another Instagram-worthy product: lip masks! Seriously, Korean’s think of everything, and I love that. There are various lip patches you can buy, but I like this one because it’s pink and because it does such a nice job moisturizing my lips.
A’PIEU Soft Foot Callus Cleaner
I always feel like I have the cutest set of toes after a good pedicure. One of my favorite parts of the process is getting all those hard calluses removed from my feet. So when I’m doing a DIY pedi, I reach for this little guy. It brushes away all the dead, crusty skin and is downright adorable to boot. Boom—instant happiness.
