It’s been an oddly mild New York January. But ever since breaking up with humidifiers1, I’ve needed an extra layered approach to my winter skincare routine. Lately, I’ve purchased a ton of bland & boring skincare products. You know the type—most are drugstore staples. Most are affordable. Most I would have hated as a kid with eczema (hello Eucerin!) but can now appreciate for their value and effectiveness. And thankfully, cosmetically elegant Asian products are now readily available online. Here’s everything I bought in the past couple of weeks:
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
As much as I love my iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, I had to pick up a gentler face wash for winter. This one fits the bill: it’s non-foaming, gel-like and creamy. My face feels really clean and hydrated afterwards, but if I had to gripe, it’s that the bottle is way too big.
ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
I’ve been using SoonJung barrier cream in the winter ever since 2021. This cream is thick, creamy, and as “pure & mild” as its packaging claims. Other than an ingenious twist-to-open cap—which squeezes product out in an O-shape!—there is nothing unique or fancy about this $15 cream. It contains ceramides and shea butter, and sometimes, this is all my face really needs.
Hadalabo Gokujyun Lotion Moist Refill
This Hadalabo lotion (it’s really a hydrating toner) is so bland & boring that it’s literally water mixed with hyaluronic acid. While I’ve made numerous attempts to switch to something more fun and fancy, I keep coming back to the Hadalabo because of how effective and hydrating it feels. I’ve been using a big 13.5 oz refillable pump bottle for years by refilling it with these tiny refill packs, which honestly makes no sense because the pump is actually cheaper per ounce. Saving the earth comes at a cost!
MEDIHEAL N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Sheet Mask, 2-pack
A remarkably unremarkable sheet mask. I like to leave these on for half an episode of Bravo reality TV (lately Family Karma)-they are so relaxing and hydrating. I picked up a 2-pack (10 masks each) through Costco’s website. Thanks for letting me borrow your login, mom!
PURITO Dermide CICA Barrier Sleeping Pack
This is basically a thicker version of the SoonJung barrier cream. I’ll layer this on top of the SoonJung as the final step in my night routine. Like other Purito products I’ve tried, this sleeping pack has a certain je ne sais quoi about it that I can’t quite describe. Some days, I’m even tempted to use it in the morning—but the thought of walking out of the apartment with a Sleeping Pack on is kind of mortifying.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment 3-pack
At the end of my first Glowbar facial, my facialist applied a plush balm to my dry lips with a Q-Tip. Afterwards, I asked what kind it was, and she responded, “oh, it’s just Aquaphor!”
I immediately bought a 3 pack and have never looked back—during winter, I use this on my lips, cuticles, around my nostrils and even under my eyes. While this is literally the most bland & boring product, nothing compares to Aquaphor when it comes to healing & preventing dry skin. Unfortunately, at 41% petrolatum, it is not doing much for the planet.
Like Graza, Aquaphor is a product where the packaging really matters. A little really goes a long way, so definitely DON’T buy the big jar version at Costco! It will outlive you. This 3 pack of 1.75 oz tubes is perfect: I keep one by my bed, another in the bathroom, and the last one in my backpack.