This is the largest single-brand purchase I have ever made beauty-wise. While the act of buying from JUNGSAEMMOOL's newly launched Global e-commerce site was planned, the products I had in my cart fluctuated all month long until I couldn't think about it any longer. It seemed the longer I waited to finally place my order, the more interesting new releases the brand made.
Wants definitely won out in the battle between what I needed in my routine and what I wanted just to have in my collection. The ultimate justification was to pick what would be difficult to get elsewhere officially (i.e. Peach & Lily, Global Lotte, and Global Hyundai H-Mall). While the pricing on JSM Beauty's US site is a few dollars higher, it does have the entire range of products currently out and GWP (gift with purchases) bundles others don't carry.
The finalists that made my cart:
- Essential Star-cealer Foundation Illuminous - 21 Medium
- Essential Skin Nuder Cushion (plus refill) - 21 Medium
- Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion Refill only - 21 Medium
- Artist Layer Concealing Base Limited Set (full-size plus mini) - Light
- Refining Edge Eye Pencil - Soul Brown
- Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm Set (headband plus cleansing mitt)
- Pre-tect Sun Extrem Set (3 sheet masks + travel toner)
- Pre-tect Sun Waterfull Set (3 sheet masks + travel toner)
- GWP for spending at least $170 (various samples they specifically specify in promotion)
Getting one of all her foundations in a single order is 100% overkill but I was fueled by the uncertainty of when the "Grand Opening - Free Shipping over $100" offer would expire. I became especially curious about her other base products after trying the original Essential Star-cealer Foundation in 23 Medium-Deep. I liked the coverage and finish but felt it a tad too dark and dry for the less humid winter months. The Illuminous version in a lighter shade seems like the most obvious option to get as it looks just like the original yet promises a dewier and more hydrating finish. Cushions are great just because it is so fuss-free. I have decision issues...I know.
I am not sure what possessed me to order another concealer when the Star-cealer compacts come with a large pan of cream concealer as well. My confidence in JSM's products must be through the roof because the Artist Layer Concealer found it's way into my cart. Hopefully, it is amazing and I won't regret my impulsiveness.
Finding a good retractable eyeliner is a struggle. I don't typically like to buy expensive liners, especially without testing, but reviews have said it is pretty budge-proof. Fingers crossed!
The cleansing balm and sunscreens are new releases. Price range nor ingredients in those products are what I would typically go for but the freebies included with those items, in particular, sucked me in. But hey, skincare will definitely get used up in the foreseeable future. No worries.
Account & Coupons
Accounts can be made via linking an existing Facebook or Google account or signing up with an e-mail address.
The homepage is well organized. There are a few foreign concepts for me as an American shopper.
Order Detail // Information for successfully placed orders is here.
*Coupon Detail // Lists expired and valid coupon details.
*Mileage Detail // Lists accrued "mileage" from previous orders.
*Deposit Detail // ???
*Your Wish List // ???
1:1 Inquiry // Forum-like section to communicate with customer service.
My Posts // Collection place for all the "posts" made anywhere on the website.
*Coupons are sometimes generated automatically (i.e. for signing-up during the promotional period). Other times, they have "Events" where you can qualify for a coupon by completing an action (i.e. follow and comment). There does seem to be a lot of fine print with the coupon system. Some expire quickly. Some do not. Only 1 coupon per order.
*There is no explanation on the website for what "Mileage" and "Deposit" are. I am going to assume Mileage is some sort of rewards system. Each product lists the mileage points, which seems to be 2% of the product price. JSM says the Mileage can be used toward a future purchase once you've reached a minimum of 20 USD; based on the 2% calculations it means having spent USD $1000 on past purchases. There is no indication of whether the "Mileage" ever expires. I have no idea what "Deposits" is.
*There has a wishlist page but no button to add things to the list.
**There are also Chinese and Japanese versions of JSM Beauty. The Chinese e-commerce seems to only be a translated version of the US site as the prices are listed in USD. The biggest difference is the option to log in via Weibo instead of Facebook/Google. The Japanese e-commerce seems to be the opposite where the description and text are in English but prices are in JPY. Log-in is available via Facebook, Google, and Yahoo for the Japanese site.
Shipping Options
I thought their "Grand Opening Free Shipping over USD $100" deal was only available from January 26 to March 31, 2018. But it seems to still be available right now and it is about a week into April already.
Otherwise, there is no indication on the website on what kind of shipping they use, what options there are, or a breakdown of how the cost is calculated. After playing around with various sized shopping carts, the shipping cost does seem to vary by weight. From order experience, JSM Beauty shipped via DHL Express to America.
Payment
The site accepts a bunch of different payments: Eximbay and PayPal.
The entire process is very smooth. Buttons lead to pop-up windows. Once everything in the pop-up completes, it auto-closes and refreshes the page.
Check Out Process
The most confusing part of the check out is with the addresses. Rather than the standard "Billing Info" and "Shipping Info," jsmbeauty.com asks for "User Information" and "Address Info." It seems that "User Information" would equate to "Billing Info" and "Address Info" to "Shipping Info". Do not think that choosing a different shipping address in PayPal will work because JSM only considers what went into their system via their form, not PayPal's.
Typical of most Korea-based e-commerce websites, there are a ton of pop-up windows. Applying coupons brought up a pop-up. Payment brought up a pop-up. GWP qualifications brought up a pop-up.
I thought it was a little strange that the site only asks about the "Gift Selection" after I went through the entire action of PayPal payments because that seemed like it would have been the end of the check out process. But it is neither here nor there.
Delivery
Extremely fast for an international delivery and for a new company. I placed my order on 3/28 around midnight NYC time and the package arrived via DHL Express on 4/3 around noon.
I contacted customer service twice because of the shipping address issue that I thought I created and received responses within 24 hours.
Customer service said it normally would take 3-5 business days to prepare the package and another 3-5 for shipping to destination.
It seemed like my order only took a day or two to prepare and was already in the air from Incheon to America on 3/30. If it had not been the weekend following, I probably could have received the package even earlier.
Packaging
Kind of flimsy for an international delivery. The box was on the thinner side and only the top and bottom of the box was padded with bubble wrap—the contents weren't entirely wrapped by bubbles on all sides. My box was delivered partially wet and so were many of the items inside. Luckily it wasn't soaked enough to get through the individual product boxes.
Returns
Not specified on the site.
March Madness has a completely different meaning to me. I am no sports girl or basketball fanatic. Madness in my case refers to the obscene amount of spending simply because of the words birthday and sales. The endless list of brands who's newsletters I subscribe to offer such enticing coupons and deals for that special month of the year that is supposed to be all about me. As it is also the corner of a new season, there is also a slew of sales and new releases dropping left and right.
I know, I know. That is how they get me and all my monies. But a good deal nonetheless.
The luxury impulse purchase: Jo Malone's Poppy & Barley Cologne (USD $70) from their recent limited edition English Fields Collection. I am not one to get sucked into fragrances. The price tags of most scents keep me far far away. I've heard great things about Jo Malone though and felt this was a great excuse to finally dip my toes into the vast pool of perfumes they offer.
If money was no issue, I would have bought the entire English Fields range purely for the aesthetics. The mostly pastel bottles with touches of "stone" are a beauty. Good thing I took a whiff of all five scents at Bloomingdale's because I definitely favored Poppy & Barley, which was light and sweet, over the others. If I remember correctly...Oat & Cornflower gave me a bakery feel, Honey & Crocus had a deep sweetness, Green Wheat & Meadowsweet smelled of grass, and I have no recollection of Primrose & Rye.
Since the English Fields collection only comes in the 30ml bottles and is limited edition, I probably will be using my new perfume very sparingly.
The K-beauty birthday reward purchase: Olivarrier's Fluid Oil (USD $40) from Peach & Lily during their "Best of K-Beauty Awards" promotion. All orders with at least one item from their Best list would receive free shipping.
I ran out of The Ordinary's 100% Rosehip Oil months ago but never got around to trying anything else. Squalane is another facial oil that received a lot of attention in the beauty world the last winter season. Since I had purchased the entire Olivarrier range minus the oil during the Peach & Lily sample sale, I thought I'd give the brand's version a try.
Now, to be completely honest had it not been for the ability to buy just the one item whilst getting free shipping AND if I did not have 200 Peach points to redeem (i.e. USD $20 coupon, 50 points given purely for my birthday)...I most likely would have gone with a less expensive version of squalane.
The Peach & Lily brand masks came as GWP.
The Sephora birthday reward purchase: Sephora's Beauty Amplifier (USD $7) and BITE Lip Set.
Making a purchase isn't a requirement, when in-stores, to redeem Sephora's birthday gift. Yet that is a habit I can never seem to snap out of. I didn't particularly need anything full-sized and at full-price, but I didn't want to stand on their long lines with nothing to purchase just redeem a freebie. The mini Beauty Amplifier seemed to be a good compromise as I've missed the pearlescent base makeup look and it's a size I can see myself completing.
The miscellaneous purchase and gifts: Tonymoly's Dr. LOGY Blemish Pair Mist (USD $21) from Urban Outfitters and Clinique Sculptwear Lift and Contour Serum for Face and Neck (USD $120), a present from my Aunt.
Urban Outfitters isn't the first place that comes to mind when I want to purchase skincare. But when given a $5 UO Rewards coupon to use and a will to only get something I would definitely use well, the skincare section was where I found myself circling. I'm glad that UO is curating Korean brands as well as indie American brands. There were a few things that caught my eye but I decided to play it safe with the Tonymoly mist. Plus, UO's website listed it on sale at $14.99. I ultimately paid 50% of the listed price after in-store price adjustments, coupons, and taxes.
I am not sure whether to be thankful to my Aunt or be offended by her (extremely generous) Clinique gift. On one hand, it is a step into anti-aging...prevention is always better than treatment. It is also the most expensive skincare product I have ever owned. On the other, do I have a lot of skin to lift at 25? She told me she used it as a moisturizer and it was too lightweight for her dry skin during the winter. I'm still debating on if I should at least give it a try and if so when.
I think the last time I shopped at CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, or Duane Reade for beauty products was in 2014...a whopping 4 years ago! I hadn't found any beauty product I genuinely loved and would repurchase even once during that 4 year period. Yet it took me only one visit to the drugstore last year to find that item I would repurchase not just once but a total of six times thus far. A single lotion got me being a product loyalist for almost a year. Naturally, I grew curious about any other possible skincare gems the brand might have.
CeraVe has products in three main categories: cleansers, moisturizers (lotions, creams, and balms included), and sunscreen. Their entire brand is based on ceramides—3 to be exact...1, 3, and 6-II—claiming to "keep skin soft all day" with their patented technology. They want to help replenish the ceramides (lipids/fat naturally "gluing" our skin together) back to essentially re-strengthen the skin's barrier. It is a mighty claim to make but it seems to work well for many as I have found in the beauty subreddits.
I guess this isn't a true "Basics with CeraVe" post. I chose not to try any of their sunscreens. In my defense, I read reviews and searched swatch photos and many said the mineral-based UV protectors gives an unfortunately intense white cast despite the "InvisibleZinc" technology. But in terms of trying a different variety of skin care products CeraVe has, a Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and an Eye Repair Cream isn't a bad representation of the necessities.
***Testing this new combo-review format out. I am not sure I quite like how long it is, but couldn't figure out how to group things to logically make sense while being condensed for this style of post.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, effectively cleanses and hydrates without disrupting the protective skin barrier. This non-foaming lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, gently removes dirt and oil while increasing skin hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for 24 hour hydration
Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain skin's natural moisture
Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Fragrance Free
To avoid fragrance irritation
Type of skin
Normal to dry
Areas of concern
Dry skin, facial cleansing, itchy skin, National Eczema Association accepted, psoriasis prone skin care
Directions
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage cleanser into skin in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, CHOLESTEROL, POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM
Cleanser 355 ml / 12 fl oz
CVS & Walgreens: USD $13.99
Amazon: USD $12.39+
Target: USD $10.99
Packaging
Opaque white bottle with a pump. Nothing extraordinary, just gets the job done. I would prefer if the packaging was a tad more translucent if not clear so that I could physically see how much product is left in the bottle. The biggest gripe I have with it is when dried-up cleanser clogs the pump opening, it will cause the product to fly in unpredictable directions during the next squirt.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Translucent gel-lotion type cleanser that spreads very easily and doesn't have a scent. It is very lightweight and washes away with little to no effort on clean skin. This is not a foaming cleanser. There is no lather whatsoever so skin never feels tight or dry.
How I Apply
Use mostly in the AM after I wake up (when I still washed with cleanser in the mornings). When in the PM, after a cleansing oil or balm.
With wet hands, pump 2-3 times. Rub the product around in my palms first. Then gently massage my face with my hands. Rinse well with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I don't think I am ready for non-foaming cleansers. I understand why the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is so beloved by sensitive and drier skin people. It isn't stripping and makes my skin feel soft after a wash. It isn't irritating to rub the product around either.
My brain's connection to "clean" is too strongly linked to lather and bubbles, even if just a little bit. Whenever I use the CeraVe cleanser as a second-step cleanse, I always feel the need to follow up with a cotton round and toner to wipe off "residue". I say in quotes because there isn't ever anything on the pad. Then again...cleansing oils and balms never failed me before; the second-cleanse is just to remove possible oil/balm residue.
Since switching back to a foaming facial cleanser, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating cleanser as a hand cleanser instead for the past few months. My hands get unbearably dry every winter. Using foaming soaps too often only exasperates the crackly tight skin. The biggest challenge I face with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is against water resistant (mineral) sunscreens. The gel seems to help to unglue the sunscreen from my hands but the lack of a foaming agent means the sunscreen doesn't really lift off from my skin and therefore doesn't wash away with water. If this makes any sense. It is like I rub something that doesn't sink in to my skin around (vaseline-lotion-esque) and then expect it to rinse cleanly. Just doesn't work that way. I always have to thoroughly wipe the remaining residue off with a towel.
That being said, I don't completely hate the product. It just isn't my favorite. I have found a use for it but probably won't run out to the store and stockpile if the bottle is gone.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion effectively moisturizes and helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the face and neck. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all night hydration
Niacinamide
Helps calm skin
Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Type of skin
Normal to dry
Areas of concern
Acne prone skin care, dry skin
Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDES, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARETH-20, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM, CARBOMER, DISODIUM EDTA, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN
Lotion 89 ml / 3 fl oz
CVS, Walgreens, & Target: USD $16.49+
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Packaging
Opaque white bottle with a twist-to-lock pump. I've bought a few bottles of these and some had a white neck and others had a blue one. I am not sure if that is because one is a newer packaging or not.
Again, like the cleanser bottle, it is impossible to see through the packaging (even when held up to the light). The pump dispensing tube doesn't fully reach the bottom either. The only way to find out how much is leftover at the bottom of the bottle when nothing pumps out anymore is to cut it open. Luckily the plastic isn't too difficult to hack through with a box cutter knife. Nonetheless, I am just glad this isn't sold in a jar format.
A bottle lasts me around 1-1.5 months with twice-daily usage.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
White cream straight out of the bottle; becomes clear as it is worked into the skin. It is very lightweight and has a slippery quality to it (possibly from the dimethicone). Once the lotion is absorbed, it leaves behind a matte-ish finish in the sense that there is no residue or tack but not in the sense that it is completely shine-free.
The lotion leaves skin wherever it is applied to immediately feeling soft. There isn't any scent to the lotion; the ingredients list doesn't show any added fragrance or essential oils.
How I Apply
Squirt 4-6 pumps' worth of lotion (more or less: a pump for each cheek, forehead, chin, and two for my neck) into my palms or directly onto my skin. Spread evenly and then pat.
Use as a hand lotion.
I apply the moisturizer both day and night. There doesn't seem to be any ingredients in it that are sunlight sensitive so I don't see why it can't be used in the daytime as well. Plus, I prefer to use a separate sunscreen so I know for sure I sufficiently cover my face with both cream and SPF.
Thoughts & Recommendations
CeraVe took me by surprise, 100%. Even though I bought it knowing it is a dermatologist recommended product, I have always felt a little indifferent towards drugstore-only skincare.
This lotion doesn't have a particularly captivating design and has a rather simple ingredients list; the standouts are obviously niacinamide and the variety of ceramides. But it also lists a silicone and a fair amount of parabens that we've been told are supposedly "bad". Some say those components are pore-clogging and/or could cause cancer. Some say they have received a bad rap and the quoted studies are old or not well supported. For me, I generally tend to avoid both silicones and parabens but I don't completely ban myself from them either.
Aside from the maybe "harmful" ingredients, I have nothing but nice things to say about the CeraVe PM lotion. My skin has never felt softer, even after I cleanse in the mornings with a foaming cleanser. That is saying a lot to how deeply the moisturizer works. I survived a nearly 2-months long cold, nose rubbed raw and all, thanks to the lotion.
I also think the niacinamide helps a lot with keeping my pores less clogged, especially around the nose and right below the lip. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my overall skin texture after the many months of using the moisturizing lotion. This isn't to say I am completely blemish-free though, but it is at a much better place than it has been in many years.
However, I don't feel like it is as good for dry skin as CeraVe describes it to be. People with very dry skin may find it too lightweight and the moisture not very longlasting. My skin does an ok job at holding onto the lotion for most of the day but once it gets later a night (6pm+) and/or I've been beaten by strong winds, dry patches really shows through and makes my makeup very cakey. I find myself having to layer other products to compensate, especially on my chin area where the flakes are the toughest.
Since I first bought this at CVS last year around May, I have noticed that the PM lotion has increased by USD $1 (USD $15.49 to $16.49) in my local stores. Target also used to list it at about half of CVS' price (~USD $9) but my most recent search shows it is only about ~70% less now. The brand is recently airing more TV commercials and expanding into newer markets (i.e. into the UK) so I guess it may account for some of the new marketing spendings. Luckily the stores that carry CeraVe has frequent deals and manufacturer's coupons.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the delicate eye area. This fast absorbing, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for brighter, smoother looking skin. Fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
Marine & Botanical Complex
Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness
Ophthalmologist Tested
Recognized as safe for use around the eye area
NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Type of skin
Normal to oily, normal to dry
Areas of concern
Dark circles, dry skin, National Eczema Association accepted
Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-LL, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, ZINC CITRATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (ALMOND) OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CHRYSANTHELLUM INDICUM EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, CARBOMER, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SORBITOL, TRIETHANOLMANIE, LAURETH-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM
Lotion 14.2 ml / 0.5 fl oz
CVS & Walgreens: USD $16.99+
Target: USD $14.99
Amazon: USD $13.99
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Packaging
Opaque squeeze tube with a twist off cap and a precision tip nozzle. I don't mind the lack of transparentness since the packaging is malleable. I easily can feel how much product is left by utilizing the tube squeezing contraptions.
I have come to appreciate the fact that an eye product comes in a tube format and not a jar. I also love the pointed tip as opposed to a typical blunt end found in other tubular container goods.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Following the theme of all other CeraVe products...their eye cream is also a bit white but the translucent stiff cream eventually blends out clear. There is no scent and is also very lightweight.
The cream can come out sort of curdle-y. Sometimes there are spots in the tube where the formulation is a little separated and bits of liquid squirts out along with the lotion.
How I Apply
Squeeze the cream directly onto my undereye area, following the dark circle U shape. Use my ring finger to lightly press down on the cream to break it down. Gently rub and tap the product in.
Thoughts & Recommendations
The Eye Repair Cream is, disappointing to say, just average. It is a very bare-boned eye cream and great for those who just want an extra layer of hydration under the eyes, but I don't think it does what the brand says it would do (reduce dark circles, brighten, and smooth). Granted, I did not decide to buy this eye cream because of the promised benefits. I just wanted something moisturizing for the under eyes. Even still the amount of hydration isn't mindblowing. Okay not great. Definitely not enough for very dry skin types.
For the price, I think the PM Lotion does an equally good job and costs the same if not less (depending on the vendor) while offering more product. The texture isn't the best either. The biggest thing it has going for it is the packaging. An overall pass from me.
