We have finally launched our very first collaboration k-beauty box with the stylish seoul sisters Q2HAN. To commemorate this, we thought we would give a few tips on how to use and make the most out of the products.Don’t sweat it; the librarians and Q2Han have got you covered!
BEAUTY OF JOSEON CLEANSING BALM
Cleanse the dirt away with this Joseon cleansing balm which has a smooth sherbet texture with ingredients like Chrysanthemum extract and brightening rice water that soothes while sweeping dirt and makeup away with ease. Just simply rinse away with lukewarm water. Alternatively, Q2han have a different approach to cleansing.
Q2HAN TIP
“Wipe off oil cleansers by using a soft sponge rather than just using water alone. It is quicker and more efficient at removing the oil cleansers fully whilst also giving a deeper softer assistance in removing more stubborn sebum and makeup. So after emulsifying the product onto your face simply swipe away with a dampened sponge. This is a technique often used in spas when there is limited access to a sink. So for that spa like treatment, use a cleansing sponge whilst also gently removing the oil cleanser from the face without tugging at the skin which can cause premature wrinkles. Not sure what sponge to use? Use the Coshine Makeup Removal Cookie Puff: – Never use alone as it will irritate the skin."
LIBRARIAN TIP
“Try a 2 step oil cleansing on those heavy makeup days: First Massage the balm onto dry face for about 30 seconds, this helps to breakdown makeup, dirt sebum, pollution and sunscreen. Then after rinsing off, dry face and then massage the balm for a second time for another 30 seconds concentrating on your acne prone areas, this helps to reduce clogged pores and blackheads. Don’t forget to use a water base cleanser afterwards!”
BENTON MY DEAR BEST FRIEND BAR
A truly nourishing soap bar (water based cleanser), exceptionally formulated with natural ingredients such as Oatmeal and Cacao powder, which help to control excess sebum as well as promotes smoother skin by removing dead skin cells, whilst also containing Calamine which soothes irritated skin.
Q2HAN TIP
“To lather the foam using the net, simply follow these steps:
- Wet the net and cleansing bar with water and then put the cleansing bar inside the net
- Next, add a bit of lukewarm water and rub the cleansing bar with the net for about 30 seconds,
- Then set the cleansing bar aside and work the remaining product onto your hands with the net
- Once a creamy foam has formed, remove any foam from the net onto your palms and put the net aside
- Finally, work the rest of the foam onto the hands before gathering it into a pile, ready to be massaged into the face"
LIBRARIAN TIP
“Keep your soap bar in the net hanging to dry in a dark, dry and cool place in your bathroom.”
It is best to store the soap in the net whilst it is hanging to help drain any water left on the bar and to let the bar dry out and harden up, this in turn will prolong the shelf life of the soap. It is also best to keep the soap bar away from direct sunlight as the natural ingredients in the soap may disintegrate. Ideally, it is best to store the soap in a dry and cool place as the humidity from your showers/baths may cause growth of bacteria on the soap bar.
KEEP COOL AND SOOTHE TONER
With 85% Bamboo water, this toner is effective at rebalancing your skin back to a healthy PH 5.5, while firming and providing deep hydration that lasts. Not only that, it is a toner that also works effectively at removing excess stubborn dirt and sebum that may still linger after double cleansing. This toner is also great for soothing irritated skin and the ingredients in the toner help to lower the temperature of the skin, leaving a cooling sensation.
Q2HAN TIP
“You can also make this toner into a DIY mask, soak a few cotton pads with the toner and then apply it onto the face, as you would with a mask, for no more than 5 minutes. Then once you remove the cotton pads, pat in the remaining toner to promote absorption of the product.”
LIBRARIAN TIP
“Make sure you soak the cotton pads completely so that the cotton pad is dripping with toner and for those summer days, why not store it in the fridge for a more cooling sensation.”
COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE
Essences as part of a skincare routine step is very popular in Korean skincare and is used after toning and before you put your heavier layers on due to its thinner watery consistency which is more effective at absolving into the skin. This essence by Cosrx is a cult favourite due to its effectiveness. It contains snail secrete filtrate which has shown to improve skin elasticity and also helps reduce breakouts. Not only that its cocktail of ingredients are also formulated to target hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
LIBRARIAN TIP
“Instead of rubbing, pat your essence onto your entire face: try rubbing it into your palm first and then gently pat it around your entire face, this helps to promote plump and moist skin.”
KEEP COOL AND OCEAN SHEET MASK
This sheet mask contains an essence-cocktail of super ingredients found in deep sea water great at restoring moisture levels so your skin is supple and hydrated. Some of the ingredients include:
CHLORELLA and SPIRULINA - Both fresh water algae that pack a big nutrient punch. They contain proteins, vitamins and antioxidants, great for anti-pollution and anti-ageing.
GLASSWORT - This fantastic deep sea extract helps retain water in epidermal cells to provide skin with the highest-level of moisture and hydration.
Q2HAN TIP
“Sheet masks are also refreshing refrigerated as this gives an additional cooling effect, which also helps reduce the appearance of pore size.”
LIBRARIAN TIP
“Why not keep the packet once you have used the sheet mask, place 1 or 2 cotton pads into the packet to soak up the remaining essence and leave it in the fridge overnight sealed. In the morning, pop them on your face as a “Cotton pad Mask” or use it like a toner.”
23 YEARS OLD BADECASIL CREAM
Badecasil is a skin trouble solution cream, containing betaine salicylate 2% which helps to improve skin texture and appearance of trouble skin. This cream has undergone many upgrades and this version by far, tops them all. It removes dead skin cells, balances oil production, controls sebum production and repairs and hydrates the skin. As it is a cream that contains betaine salicylate, it is advised to use once a week, just like an exfoliator.
Q2HAN TIP
“For the 23 years old Badecasil Cream, it is recommended to use in the evening at the end of your night time skincare routine and to use it no more than once a week, especially if you have sensitive skin. If there is any remaining product from when you apply this, simply use it on your elbows or knees or where any dead-skin cells can build up easily and where the skin appears dull, waste not want not!”
LIBRARIAN TIP
“In the morning, make sure to wash your face thoroughly to remove any residue from the cream and make sure to end your skincare routine with a good sunscreen to prevent any damage to the skin, be generous as we want to prevent any signs of aging!”
With these tips and tricks your skin will be thanking you ‘cause skin don’t lie, if you have any questions, fret not #justaskthelibrarian.
SHOP THE Q2HAN BOX NOW!