Author: Iskra Banović

I recently met up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in two years, and after catching up and freaking out the details we’d picked up about each other’s lives from Facebook stalking, she said she was excited to show me something. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and revealed that her ears were significantly larger than I’d remembered them. She had giant gauges, probably big enough to shove a quarter through them, and she was beaming. “Do you like them?” she asked. I started at her ear lobes for a second, thought about it, and ended up…

Would you get white ink tattoos? Join in on the discussion! Even if you love to show yours off, the decision to get a tattoo is still really personal. Other people get to look at the artwork your wear around, but at the end of the day, it only belongs to you. No one else’s opinion matters all that much (unless you’re getting something racist or homophobic or otherwise awful etched into your skin, but you totally deserve the criticism if that’s what you’re up to!), but it’s still fun to talk about tattoos. What we like, what we don’t, what we’d…

The world of K-beauty is much like Mary Poppins’s magical bag, from which she miraculously pulls out way too many items to count. Similarly, there are countless products from Korean skincare brands, beautifully packaged and boast innovative ingredients. Each brand carries various lines, and each line features an array of products, from toners to massage creams to sleep masks. It can all be quite overwhelming to both K-beauty newbies and veterans alike. But we believe figuring out the basics is a major step to better skin, so we’ve compiled a list of FAQs that we’re often asked and ones that…

At the heart of K-beauty is diligent maintenance, and it all starts with 기초화장 (“gi cho hwa jang,” literal translation: basic makeup). It refers to the fundamental skincare steps, i.e., cleansing, protecting, and maintaining the health of your skin. Although the idea of calling skincare “makeup” might sound a little dramatic, the Korean concept of skincare being synonymous with makeup is smart because it’s based on the notion that skin should be made healthy before creating the illusion of it. Further evidence is found in the rapidly surfacing beauty articles featuring THE Korean skincare regimen. We have observed, researched, and…

Hyaluronic-what? Saly-who? If these are the questions that pop into mind as you try to understand (let alone pronounce) the multi-syllabic ingredients on the labels of your skincare products, you’ve come to the right place. Although they can be downright intimidating, knowing which elements work for your specific skin type and using beauty products accordingly can make a world of difference for your skin. We totally understand that with so many products being pumped out and all the marketing hype around innovative ingredients, finding the best for your skin can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve broken down…

Are you embarrassed by your dry, brittle nails? With beautiful nail art being the trend these days, you may be looking for ways to upgrade your nails. We have made a list of how to have healthy nails in five easy steps. You will love showing off your beautiful nails in no time! 1. Supplements The most common supplement when it comes to maintaining strong and healthy nails is biotin. Biotin is a B Vitamin that can be found on its own or in a multivitamin supplement. Biotin is often referred to as “The beauty supplement.” Those who take biotin…

The key to any successful trip is planning. The Boy Scouts were on to something with their motto, Be Prepared. We bring you the Ultimate Checklist for your Glamping trip. Simply print this out and check, check, and triple check before you go to ensure you have everything you need for the most glamorous camping trip ever! GLAMPING GEAR: Tent (preferably solar powered)Poles & PegsTarpRope, zip ties & duct tapeHammer/Mallet & an AxeRug for tent floorHand-held broom/dustpanDoormat for tentScented LED CandlesTent fan/heater (depends on the season)Tent organizers (shelves, collapsible storage bins, etc.)Air mattress or cotAir pumpSleeping bags and liners, down-filled…

The cold winter weather can turn your skin into a dull, lifeless mess. Here are tips on how to brighten your skin. When you look in the mirror, do you think your face looks glowing and healthy? Or do you have a pallid complexion that is a few steps away from resembling a Game of Thrones White Walker? It’s been ages since the sunny days of last August, and we haven’t seen the sun in a long time. Add in frigid winds, moisture-sucking heat, and it is no wonder that your complexion is looking a little lifeless. You don’t need to wait for…

It isn’t just about products. Facial massage is an important technique you should be doing as part of your skincare regimen. Everyone focuses a lot on the different skin-perfecting products on the markets, from cleansers to masks to Korean essences. However, when it comes to application, most of us just slap the products on and go. You could be using one of the best skincare products, but it isn’t going to make much of a difference if you do not have the correct application. Facial massage is often overlooked, but it can make all the difference to your daily skincare regimen. The best part is, it…

Want to try the Korean skincare regimen but don’t know where to begin? Here are the steps and basics you need to know. The Korean skincare craze is one of the biggest things happening right now in beauty. It has almost eclipsed our love affair with bold eyebrows, and we know everyone is addicted to statement arches. You have probably tried a sheet mask, but if you want to try the multi-step Korean skincare routine, it can be overwhelming, considering it takes about ten different steps. We asked Angela Kim, the founder of the popular Korean beauty site InsiderBeauty to break down the routine and give us…

Double cleansing is a relatively newish skincare phenomenon that’s commonplace in the East and it seems the U.S. market has caught wind. Even though I know much better, I admittedly wash my face in the shower. To my credit, I use actual facewash (not regular soap), but I’m pretty sure a little extra skincare TLC wouldn’t hurt. Hence my fascination with double cleansing—a relatively newish skincare phenomenon that’s commonplace in the East. It seems the U.S. market has caught wind and embraced the system. What is it exactly? First, cleansing oil is applied to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum…

I tested out Chosungah 22 Wonder Juice in Sugar Juice to see if it made a difference to my skin in our Korean skincare review. There are a lot of amazing Korean beauty products that have been making their way over to this side of the world. When you start looking at them, you can feel happily overwhelmed, like a kid in the candy store. A good place to start it with the Korean skincare regimen, which means adding things like sheet masks, ampoules, and essences to your routine. (Related: Forget Sheet Masks, Korean Modeling Masks Are the Next Big Obsession) Essences are usually liquid products,…