Hello! It’s your skincare obsessed bestie. I am so glad to be back with you this week. We are back to our regularly scheduled programming from now on, and I’ve got some really exciting things planned. Here is a sneak peek at what’s in store this week.

• ICYMI: news, trends, and things to chat about over brunch

• WAY TO GLO: authentic skincare secrets

• GLO ABOVE+BEYOND: sharing my beauty haul from the Japan trip!

• GLOSSIP: sales events you won’t want to miss

ICYMI

• TRENDS🤟 

  - Miley Cyrus on the origins of “Flowers”

  - The first CRISPR-edited salad is here

• BUSINESS🤝 

  - Montana becomes the first state to ban TikTok

  - Sadly, Disney will close the Galactic Starcruiser

• RANDOM🙌 

  - When ChatGPT claims it wrote your paper

  - The largest cosmic explosion ever witnessed

• FOR FUNSIES 😁💖 

  - A cooking marathon record

  - Check out The New Yorker’s book recs for this week

WAY TO GLO!

Take a stroll through the Shibuya or Shinjuku districts of Tokyo, and you will be amazed by the sheer number of beauty stores. These establishments rival the likes of Sephora in size and selection, and they are a testament to the Japanese people’s devotion to skincare. In fact, Japan is so obsessed with beauty that Tokyo boasts the highest number of beauty stores in the world! It is truly a cosmetic enthusiast’s paradise!

Central to Japanese skincare culture is an unyielding focus on prevention and hydration. Japanese women firmly believe that it is far more effective to ward off wrinkles and other skin issues before they emerge, rather than attempting to rectify them later. Moreover, they believe that well-hydrated skin holds the key to a youthful and radiant appearance.

Embracing these principles, typical Japanese skincare routines encompass a series of meticulous steps aimed to preserve and protect the skin from the ravages of time and elements. With great anticipation, let us now delve into the key steps that underpin Japanese skincare.

1. Cleanse:

   Japanese skincare emphasizes on double cleansing, which is the process of using two different cleansers to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin. The first cleanser is typically an oil-based cleanser that dissolves makeup and oil, while the second cleanser is a water-based cleanser that removes any remaining dirt and debris.

2. Toner:

   Toners are typically used in the first step of the routine, and are used to remove any remaining dirt, oil, or makeup, and to restore the skin's natural pH balance. Toners can also help to hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve skin tone and texture.

3. Serum or Essence:

   A serum or an essence is typically applied after the toning step. It is designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, sun spots, or acne.

4. Moisturize:

   This is typically the final step in the routine. Moisturizers helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin looking plump and radiant.

5. Sunscreen: apply in the morning, rain or shine

   Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is essential in Japanese skincare. It is a critical step in the prevention of photo-aging and forming of wrinkles and sun spots. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Like this stuff? It would mean the world to me if you can share with your friends and family! Your support is the best kind of motivation 😃 😃 😃 😃

GLO ABOVE+BEYOND

As you may have guessed, I spent a considerable amount of my time in Japan exploring the many beauty stores in Tokyo. It was an exhilarating and delightfully overwhelming experience! Now, I can't contain my excitement as I share with you the treasures I discovered for each step of my newly adopted Japanese skincare routine!

Moreover, if you find yourself curious about the rationale behind my product choices, don't hesitate to let me know in your reply. I would be thrilled to provide a special highlight, shedding light on the allure of these specific items!

CLEANSERS: CLAYGE Cleansing Balm + THREE Clearing Foam Face Wash

TONERS: SK II Treatment Essence + IPSA Time Reset Aqua+ Albion Skin Conditioner Essential

SERUMS: DECORTE Liposome Serum + HABA Deep Moist Serum

MOISTURIZER: Orbis U Moisture

SUNSCREENS: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen + &Be UV Milk

Finally, you might be curious as to why I went to such lengths to purchase an entire skincare routine during my trip. Well, the truth is, buying these products in Japan is significantly more affordable compared to America. The reason behind this lies in the savings on an import premium by purchasing them domestically in Japan. Additionally, by presenting your passport at the check-out counter in stores, you can enjoy an instant 10% tax reduction.

All in all, when I buy these products in Japan, I save approximately 40-50%, depending on the item. Isn't that an incredible deal?

GLOSSIP

• CASHBACK

  Rakuten 6% cashback on Sephora online, 6% cashback on Ulta, use my referral link to receive $30 when you sign up.

• SALES EVENTS

  Soko Glam 30% off on special Memorial Day offerings 05/24 - 05/31

  Embryolisse 20% off sitewide, 05/26 - 05/29

  Vegamour 25% off sitewide (code: SUMERSALE) until 05/30

  Eve Lom 20% off sitewide (Code: SUMMER20) 05/26-05/28

That’s it for today friends! Will see you again next week~