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Thank You, Next… The Best & Worst Asian Beauty Products I used in 2018

I actually tried more products in 2018 than I actually published in this blog. The reason, some products are so bad I really don’t know what to write about it, while some irritated my skin so I only used them for less than a week and I don’t think writing a review about it will give it justice. That is why, if you’re a regular reader, you’ll notice most of my reviews are either positive or neutral. But there are instances where I actually write a bad review. Like this Madeca Derma review, it’s one of the best Asian beauty products of 2018, according to sales. It has a really huge hype because a lot of people with photos and videos to prove that this product improved their skin tone and texture. However, there’s also misleading information that it’s an anti-acne product by some stores. And personally, I broke out so bad from it, I needed a dermatologist’s help after using the cream.

centellian 24 madeca cream review
This Madeca Derma is one of the best sellers of 2018, but it didn’t work on me

Of course, my reviews’ goal is always to inform you about the ingredients in the product to help you determine if it will suit your skin. After all, we have different skin types and some have allergies on some ingredients. So there will instances that some products that worked with me might not work with you, and vice versa.

Despite that, I found some really great beauty products here that blew my mind and received great reviews from other people as well, some are even from huge publications.

we have different skin types and some have allergies on some ingredients. So there will instances that some products that worked with me might not work with you, and vice versa.

Number one on my list is the CosRx Two in One Poreless Power Liquid. It made my skin really smooth, my pores were shrunk and my dark spots were lessened. It also significantly reduced my blackheads, the only thing left are those only seen by a professional facialist to extract. Yes, it’s that good! In fact, this was included in Refinery29’s Top Acne Treatment Products. Its main ingredients are 88% willow bark extract which fights acne and kills bacteria; and BHA, but instead of the usual salicylic acid, they used 0.1% betaine salicylate, a milder alternative used by brands if there are regulations in their country on the used of acids in skin care products.

And honestly, I like the CosRx better than the other best selling Asian beauty product, the Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Toner which as mentioned on the name already, it will improve your skin in just 30 days. It promises to get rid of your acne, lessen the dark spots, and even out the skin tone. Well, I was a skeptic when I first used the so-called “Miracle Toner” but it did improve, though not the way everyone expected. It did not really vanish all acne and dark spots, nor smoothen my skin texture in just 30 days. You will need more days. Plus, people with sensitive like one friend of mine, got a severe bad reaction to this product after using it in consecutive days, so YMMV!

Of course, this post will not be complete without mentioning a single mask. 2018 is the year facial masks became super in-demand, whether it is a sheet, wash off, overnight, clay, rubber, and jelly. I tried all of their types from many different brands, but only one stood out and it was the I’m From Mugwort Mask. It sounds like some magic potion from Harry Potter, but it does kinda feel it is because on how it soothes irritated acne-prone skin.

i'm from mugwort mask review
Photo from Wishtrend.com

I love to how the Mugwort Mask prevents my breakout. I actually rather use it than the uber-hyped Aztec secret Indian Clay Mask that made the salespeople of Healthy Options go crazy in early 2018. Honestly, I heard some costumers getting violent over it because they sold out fast in all of their local branches. So I didn’t even dare to visit their store, I just bought mine straight from Amazon US. But after using it, I just find it mediocre. Plus, I’m annoyed I have to DIY. I tried to store a pre-mixed one in a tight jar but it dried out, twice. But that’s just me.

Other products I love in 2018 is the Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, it really does cleanses my face without stripping off the moisture or leaving an oily feeling. It’s the only cleanser that I cut in half just to scrape off the remaining product. And the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence, Oh! It’s the best sunscreen for those who hate wearing sunscreen. It’s truly non-greasy and does not leave a white cast. A total game changer!

Lastly, I also discovered a lot of new brands in 2018 but one stand out to me the most. It’s called Purito, which is cruelty-free and made of natural products. I was able to try many of their products and my favorite is their Centella line. The Centella Green Level Calming Toner is truly hydrating and calms my skin especially when it feels irritated. While the Centella Green Level Eye Cream makes my tired eyes look bright. I can’t guarantee the anti-wrinkle promise yet since it’s too early for me to tell.

How about you? What are the worst and best beauty products you used in 2018? Does not matter if it is an Asian or western brand, share it all below!