a K-Beauty moment
Foreword
As I dive deeper into the alluring world of Korean skincare, I find myself discovering more new and exciting brands. In today's post we will be chatting about Beauty Of Joseon, specifically their bestselling Glow and Revive serums. Can affordable skincare be really effective?
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry/sensitive
About the Brand
The first time I heard about the brand was from my fellow beauty lover and friend Jillian (read her in-depth review here). We both have dry skin and after reading her review I knew that I wanted to try Beauty Of Joseon.
What attracts me about the brand is it's affordable pricing and dedication to using skin-loving ingredients and yet none of the nasties (artificial fragrance/color, parabens, alcohols, silicones etc.). The packaging is cute and simple - these bottles are made of mattified, see-through plastic and come with a pipette. You get precisely 30 ml/1.01 fl. Oz. per bottle. I must add that I love this minimal and apothecary-like aesthetic.
Clean Formulas 💧
Glow Serum
Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum (17 USD; Made in Korea) - is described as a secret weapon to "honey skin" (aka "glass skin"). The key ingredients here are Propolis (anti-inflammation), Niacinamide (hyperpigmentation, redness) and Turmeric (fights free radicals).
Thanks to its healing and calming properties, Glow Serum is actually geared towards people with acne-prone skin. Interestingly enough, when I got my hands on it, I was dealing with some flare ups on my chin (red, angry little bumps which were the result of stress and change in weather) so I thought it was the best time to test it. I was only using it as part of my AM routine, but even then I noticed that Glow Serum helped keep my skin bouncy and hydrated. Even with the simultaneous use of more skin-penetrating, at times drying formulations (like those with Retinol, AHAs, BHAs, Salicylic Acid) my complexion remained smooth and texture free.
Glow Serum has a gel-like consistency that feels cooling and instantly hydrating. I use a full pipette (which deposits enough product to cover my face and neck) and like to give it a minute to fully absorb before applying my moisturizers. It does leave you with a lovely dewy finish (not sticky or tacky). This formula has no discernible scent to it.
final thoughts
Two things that impress me the most about this serum are: a. my skin's hydration levels being more balanced and b. active spots healing reasonably faster. Although I don't have acne-prone skin and I did use spot-treatments and deep cleansers alongside with this product, I still feel that Glow Serum gave my skin an extra boost of hydration and nutrients that sped up the overall healing process. And it adds a nice layer of moisture, which makes it quite enjoyable to use. Overall, I give it A and think it will work best for beauties with dry, normal and combination skin types.
Revive Serum
Beauty Of Joseon Revive Serum (17 USD; Made in Korea) - claims to restore, even out and improve an overall look and feel of your complexion, making it clear, healthy and bouncy over time. Key ingredients here are: Ginseng (antioxidant-rich powerhouse that fights wrinkles and lines) and Snail Mucin Filtrate (hyperpigmentation and scarring).
I must say I purchased this serum on a whim and oh my my! I am so happy that I did, because I feel like I have noticed even more skin improvement with Revive Serum than I did with Glow Serum. Both are lovely, however! Since I have been exclusively using Revive Serum as part of my PM routine, I have noticed positive changes almost immediately as I would look at myself in the morning. All of the breakouts I have dealt with left little to no scarring (which is shocking considering my scarring normally heals for months) and my complexion was clear and smooth. No clogged pores, no dry patches.
Revive Serum has that same light, gel-like consistency and refreshing feel. It might have a slightly more "gripping" finish to it, but nothing that I would call sticky or gloppy. To me it is scent-free. I use a full pipette (face and neck) and follow up with a nighttime moisturizer.
final thoughts
If I had to choose between the two, I would say that Revive Serum is my number one. Mainly because it has noticeably cleared up and evened out my skin in places where I had some minor hyperpigmentation or redness. I find it to reasonably hydrating as well, which is an added bonus! Plus for the price, you really can't go wrong with it. I will definitely repurchase it and give it A+. This formula will be loved the most by those of you with dry, normal and combination skin.
More online:
stylevana.com (World)
sokoglam.com (World)
Purchased product; full disclaimer here