Choosing Skincare that Works (Not Hyped)

Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately — skincare that works versus skincare that trends.

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I was doing some research about Mumuso back when I bought a ton of products from them.

I found a local Reddit where one person was asking about their aloe vera products. The comments were like this:

> “Isn’t that pretending to be Korean? Isn’t that Chinese?”

>" I don't buy from that store because it's made in China."

>"Their aloe vera toner made me break out."

>"Their aloe vera moisturizer was so good that I told my friends about it."

Yes, a lot of Mumuso products are made in China. 

But here’s the thing — I’ve used these products for months now.

No rashes. No breakouts. No weird reactions.

And for someone with sensitive skin and MCAS, that’s a big deal.

My favorite makeup remover from Mumuso

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The Skincare Bias No One Talks About

There’s a growing bias online — especially in beauty spaces like Reddit — where people automatically dismiss Chinese skincare products.

Some even avoid brands like Mumuso just because they’re not “authentic” Korean. They feel “duped” if a product looks Korean but turns out to be from China.

But let’s be real for a second:

Have you seen the skin of many Chinese women?

Smooth. Clear. Glowing. Effortless.

You cannot ignore centuries of beauty traditions and formulation innovation just because it doesn’t come in your favorite influencer’s aesthetic shelfie.

My husband used this facial cleanser and I noticed that his face is less oily. 

My current hand cream that lives on my desk. So far, I'm satisfied. I sometimes forget to apply some after washing dishes, but since using this on and off, I've noticed that my hands aren't that dry anymore. 

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I've Used Many Brands Over the Years

If you browse through my archives, you'll see the range of products I use -  Clinique,  La Mer, Estee Lauder, The Face Shop, Innisfree, and Laneige to name some.

Yes, I own big name brand skincare and yes, some of my favorite staples are from Mumuso — no allergic reactions, no fragrance headaches, no fuss.

To me, it’s not about the price tag or where the label says it’s from.

It’s about how it performs on my skin. 

There's something one guy told me who was selling this high end moisturizer. He said that we Asians shouldn't use La Mer because that's formulated for European skin. That makes sense, actually. When I started using more The Face Shop, Innisfree, and Mumuso products, my skin calmed down. And I see faster and better results. 

A surprise product! 

Pretty and functional

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What Makes Skincare Work?

It’s not the hype.

It’s not the country of origin.

It’s not even the packaging (though I do love a pretty jar).

Here’s what I care about:

Does it calm my flare-ups?

Does it hydrate without clogging?

Does it nourish, soothe, protect?

If yes — welcome to my shelf.

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You Don’t Have to Choose a Side

Here’s your permission slip to stop choosing between “budget” vs. “bougie”.

You’re allowed to use a $2 serum from a cute store and a luxury cream from a department store. You’re allowed to glow your own way.

Working skincare doesn’t have to trend.

It just has to honor your skin.

Remember when this COSRX Snail Mucin was all the rage? I tried it and it worked and I finished a small bottle. I ordered a bigger bottle and that's when the problems started. Lots of breakouts, itching, and painful pimples. I haven't touched it ever since. I found a Reddit with a lot of people saying that this product was all hype and that they've experienced the same things I did. 

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What to Look For (Instead of Hype)

Here’s what I personally focus on when choosing skincare:

✅ Ingredients list

✅ Texture and absorption

✅ Scent (or lack of it)

✅ My skin’s reaction after 3 days

✅ Results after 2 weeks

✅ No breakouts, rashes, or stinging

I patch test. I observe. I take notes.

And if it works, it stays.

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Final Thoughts: Trust Your Skin, Not the Trend

The most powerful thing I’ve learned?

My skin doesn’t care about branding.

It cares about being cared for.

If something works for you, then it’s valid. Period.

Skincare is not a status symbol.

It’s a soft ritual — a moment of grace, presence, and self-respect.

Whether it’s from Sephora or the mall kiosk beside the food court, if your skin loves it — keep it.

Lady E Curates:

🛒 If you have super dry skin like I do, I highly recommend Clinique Moisture Surge 100H

🛒 This is another favorite moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Blue. This is what I'm currently using. When my face needs more moisturizing power, I turn to Clinique Moisture Surge. 

🛒 If you're in Europe, you can't go wrong with La Mer. It's worth a try, believe me. 

🛒 For eyes, I've been using Clinique All About Eyes for years. 

🛒 This is my alternate eye gel. I can't use the same product for a long time that's why I alternate between brands. Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask

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'Til my next post,

Stay soft. Stay strong. Stay Glowing.

LET'S GLOW.

With elegance and quiet fire, 

Lady E

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