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Dry Shampoo Showdown: amika vs. AROMATICA
Whether you opt for amika or AROMATICA, understanding how to use dry shampoo effectively can enhance your hair care routine and keep your locks looking fresh and voluminous between washes.

Kristine Ohkubo
4 days ago4 min read


Sleek Mode Activated
My hair stylist and I often found ourselves at a total loss when it came to remedying my damaged hair. I had spent hundreds of dollars on salon products that promised results but only ended up burning and irritating my scalp. The UNOVE Frizz Calming Sleek Leave-In Conditioner is priced at $26, which is a bargain compared to the salon leave-in conditioners that typically range from $20 to over $40 for professional-grade bottles, with luxury brands sometimes exceeding $70.

Kristine Ohkubo
5 days ago4 min read


Unpeeling The Truth Behind exfoliators
Regrettably, contrary to what is often showcased on platforms like TikTok, the Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot does not effectively address concerns such as blackheads, acne, sebaceous filaments, or hyperpigmentation. It appears to be yet another product that has been excessively promoted by paid influencers, which ultimately fails to deliver on its promises.

Kristine Ohkubo
Apr 143 min read


Battle of the Frizz
If you are like me, you step outside on a humid day and immediately feel the transformation into one of those troll dolls that were all the rage during the 1990s, with their wild, frizzy hair standing on end. This phenomenon, known as frizz, occurs primarily due to a lack of moisture in the hair. When hair lacks adequate hydration, the cuticle—the outer layer of the hair strand—lifts up, creating an opportunity for moisture from the air to be absorbed.

Kristine Ohkubo
Apr 23 min read


Top Korean Hair Treatment Products
The Unove Deep Damage Repair Shampoo functions similarly to a clarifying shampoo but is milder, offering a gentle fruity-floral musk fragrance with hints of citrus and sweet berries. It effectively cleanses your hair and scalp, eliminating dirt and residue without leading to dryness, flakiness, or itchiness. My main concerns with my long, color-treated hair were split ends and breakage, but after just one use, I discovered that this shampoo fortifies damaged strands.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 313 min read


K-Beauty
Qyo Qyo is a skincare brand inspired by Jeju Island, known for its unspoiled beauty and unique fruit known as Jeju tangerines. These nutrient-rich tangerines are praised for their vivid color and superior quality. Qyo Qyo utilizes this fruit to develop a gentle and effective skincare line aimed at nourishing, revitalizing, and enhancing the skin's natural glow.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 294 min read


Best Cleansers for Dry Skin: Restore Hydration and Glow
By now, we all understand the importance of using appropriate products on our skin, particularly when it comes to facial care. Regular soap, while effective for cleansing the body, should not be used on your face due to its high alkaline pH level.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 254 min read


Is Niacinamide toothpaste worth the Hype?
In summary, if your aim is to get a bright smile, niacinamide probably isn't the best choice.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 233 min read


Beyond the Face: The Importance of Full-Body Skin Care
The skin is the body's largest organ and serves as the primary defense against bacteria, UV rays, and pollutants. Body care holds the same importance as facial skincare—ignoring it can result in dryness, texture problems, and premature aging in areas such as the neck, chest, and hands.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 182 min read


Seeing IS BELIEVING
This eye cream is formulated with a blend of powerful ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and linseed extract, which work synergistically to provide optimal hydration, reduce puffiness under the eyes, and diminish the appearance of dark circles.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 52 min read


Sleep On it
It is a widely recognized fact among dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike that the skin's natural collagen production reaches its peak during the night, specifically between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. This critical period coincides with the body's entry into a restorative phase, during which it actively engages in cellular repair and regeneration processes. During these hours, the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are significantly lower, while growth hormon

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 43 min read


Coming Clean On Cleansers
Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean offers a multifaceted approach to skincare, addressing various skin concerns while ensuring a clean, balanced, and hydrated complexion. Its blend of ingredients works synergistically to provide not just cleansing, but also nourishment and protection for the skin, making it a staple in any effective skincare regimen.

Kristine Ohkubo
Mar 33 min read


Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum
The moisture barrier is essential in maintaining skin hydration by preventing the essential moisture from evaporating into the environment. This function is vital for keeping the skin looking supple and youthful, as it helps to prevent issues such as dryness, flakiness, and itching that can be uncomfortable and unsightly.

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 284 min read


Boscia Super Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm
The product typically retails for around $26, and in my opinion, it is worth every penny of the investment. The efficacy of the key ingredients, combined with the refreshing experience it provides, makes it a valuable addition to any skincare regimen. Whether you pack it in your makeup bag for travel or keep it readily available on your makeup tray at home, this balm is your go-to solution for achieving that fresh, “I had a full night's sleep” look, even when the reality is q

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 253 min read


Drug Store Creams:
Moving away from the high-priced, high-end face creams that often come with a hefty price tag, I wanted to explore the world of drug store brands to determine whether they could deliver comparable results for a fraction of the cost. This decision was driven by a desire to find effective skincare solutions without breaking the bank, especially considering the myriad of options available in the market today.

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 244 min read


Exposing the Truth Behind Mall Skin Care Consultation Scams
Malls serve as convenient centers for professional skin care consultations, usually available at major department stores and specialized clinics. However, there's an increasing number of mall skin care consultation scams to be cautious of.
These scams involve aggressive, high-pressure, and often deceitful sales tactics, primarily targeting women and elderly individuals to sell products and devices worth thousands of dollars. These kiosks, often located in busy malls, use "fr

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 234 min read


Is the Estée Lauder Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II Worth the Hype After Discontinuation?
One aspect I find particularly frustrating about cosmetics and beauty product companies is their frequent tendency to discontinue or replace beloved products that I have enjoyed and relied on for an extended period. This phenomenon is especially prevalent in trend-driven categories, such as lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and foundation shades, where changes occur at a dizzying pace. It seems that just as I discover a product that works perfectly for my needs, the company deci

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 235 min read


Flore de Rose
Skin creams are available in a wide range of price points, and while many boast miraculous results, it is essential to recognize that purchasing the most expensive product does not guarantee the best outcomes for your skin.

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 213 min read


Resurfacing polish
I have been using their Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Face Polish with AHAs for some time now, and I wanted to take a moment to share my personal experience with this remarkable product. Typically priced between $17 and $30, it strikes a perfect balance between effectiveness and affordability. After using this micro face polish, my skin feels not only refreshed but also incredibly smooth to the touch.

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 204 min read


CeraVe: Resurfacing Retinol Serum
You have likely seen the ads and the before and after photos touting the numerous benefits of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, which is priced between $19 and $21 for a 1 oz bottle. This product has gained significant popularity and acclaim as a dermatologist-developed serum specifically formulated to address common skin concerns such as post-acne marks, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture.

Kristine Ohkubo
Feb 195 min read

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