Missha The Style Beautiful Tint in Moist Red

I have loved Korean skincare for years now, the formulas are always miles ahead of western brands and they deliver incredible results. What I have not really talked about here before is my love of Korean makeup, but that is about to change. The typical Korean makeup look is one of my favorite: glowy skin, minimal eye makeup and bright lips. This is how I do my makeup most days as it flatters fair skin and in order to achieve the look, a great lip stain is necessary. The Missha The Style Beautiful Tint in Moist Red has been in my beauty bag for years so it’s about time I talk about it.

This lip stain has the perfect bright pink color, it’s not neon or Barbie looking but a beautiful berry-fuchsia shade that brightens your complexion instantly. The finish is satin-smooth and not sticky or drying. On my lips it lasts for most of the day and a bit of lip balm after lunch revives the color. It is the perfect color to wear during the day and adding a simple lip gloss over it can easily transition it into a great going out look. This works best on bare lips, but make sure they are not dry since this formula is particularly prone to cling to dry patches, making them darker than the rest of your lips.  

As much as I love the color, there is still one thing that could be improved in my opinion. The sweet-scented gel formula is nice and evenly pigmented, however the brush applicator is not best suited for its application. It’s quite small and thin so it is difficult to spread the product on your lips, a doe-foot applicator would be best I think. I usually use the brush to dot the stain on my lips and blend it in with my finger. Be sure to wash your hands quickly afterwards or you’ll end up with a pink fingertip.

The Missha The Style Beautiful Tint is available in four colors (here shown in Moist Red) and you can get it from the Missha website as well as in Asian beauty stores that carry the brand.   

Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam

I have previously mentioned that I am not the biggest fan of foaming cleansers. They tend to remove all the good oils from your face along with the bad which can leave you with unbalanced skin. There is however an exception in my beauty cabinet and it’s the Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam. 

First of all, excuse the beat up packaging, I’ve had mine for a while and need to buy a new one. You should also know that the packaging as changed since I got mine so don’t worry if you cannot find the exact same online. Amongst its ingredients, Missha claims sweet flag and willow bark extract as key, saying they help create bubbles and a massaging effect. 

To me this is a no non-sense cleanser that really does refresh the skin and leaves it clean. I don’t use it to remove my makeup, instead I use it either as a second cleanse in the evening or as a light morning cleanser. It doesn’t have magical effects (it doesn’t claim to either) but it feels lovely on the skin. Unlike the majority of foaming cleansers, the refreshing cleansing foam did not strip my skin, in fact my skin felt soft and well balanced after use. I would not go as far as to say it’s moisturizing but it’s certainly close. I can see myself repurchasing it again and again because it truly feels refreshing to use, smells lovely and is super affordable.

If you are on the lookout for a good basic cleanser I highly recommend the Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam. You can find it on the Missha website (they have different international versions) as well as in their stores. You can also find it online on different websites that stock Korean beauty brands.   

Missha Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel

Like many, I am still on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen. One that is not oily, has a high SPF and that will not clog my pores. The last one is my main concern because my skin is particularly sensitive to sunscreen. Being a fan of Korean skincare products, I had high hopes for the Missha all around Safe Block Sun Gel, after all Koreans are all about fair skin and take sun protection very seriously.

This particular product has an SPF 30/PA++ which is great for daily protection. The brand also offers other formulas with higher protection levels (SPF 45 and 50).

First of all, a special mention has to go to the packaging, a gorgeous patterned blue tube with a large silver cap that keeps it stable on your countertop. The design is gorgeous and the size of the tube makes it easy to carry when traveling or on the go.

Onto the actual sunscreen now, this is not a gel, but rather a lightweight white gel cream that blends easily into the skin. It did not leave a white cast on my face, however I do have very fair skin so I don’t know if it would be an issue on darker skin. Once it sinks in, it leaves the skin looking dewy, which can boost radiance under your foundation, and your face will feel slightly tacky (It goes away after a while). Also, the product is fragranced, but I personally really enjoyed light fruity-floral scent.

My only problem with the Missha Safe Block Sun Gel is that it did clog my pores after continuous use. This is a problem I have with most sunscreens (even with other popular ones), so I don't think this product is particularly, it could just be me. If you are sensitive to sunscreen I would recommend getting a sample before purchasing it.

At around 12$ of 50ml I think this is decent sunscreen worth trying out. I purchased mine from Ebay but you might be able to find in a local Asian/Korean beauty store. Also you can apparently now find it on the Missha website for 14$.