Oh, the constant battle between the frugal self and impatient mind.
Any Korean beauty lover outside of Korea would know the struggle of choosing between price and convenience. Do I want to have something immediately, support a local business, and pay a little more for it? Or do I want to pay as close to Korean retail as possible but wait a little longer?
When I find sites like RoseRoseShop, it certainly helps the thrifty side win out. Their prices are great and being forced to pay for shipping makes me reconsider everything I lust over. As long as I don't feel like I am in dire, immediate need of any product in my cart I can handle the long overseas mail time. Just please don't get lost!
I ended up ordering various foot peeling masks, Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam, make p:rem UV Defense ME Blue Ray Sun Fluid, make p:rem UV Defense ME Blue Ray Sun Gel, Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Color Concealer in Mint, A'PIEU Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab in Intensive, and an Etude House eyebrow scissor.
The recent launch and raves for the make p:rem sunscreens instigated this haulage. RoseRoseShop's prices and discounts made it hard to resist when considering how much it sells for on Glow Recipe (make p:rem's only official USA seller).
Pyunkang Yul's oriental beauty line has been highly talked about on YouTube as well. I do want to try everything eventually but chose to get only the cleanser for now.
I couldn't believe how much cheaper all the foot peeling masks were on RRS, so naturally, I added one of each that they had out of curiosity. If it all works well, I will probably just stock up on whatever is the cheapest in the future.
The cotton swab exfoliator, eyebrow scissors, and color corrector were thrown in there either because I liked it, needed it, or just plain o' intrigued by it. Since those products are all light in weight, it didn't affect the total shipping price much.
Price & Stock
K-Beauty products offered on RoseRoseShop seem to be the lowest prices available online and in stores outside of Korea (even with additional shipping costs). Items are all listed with their Korean retail prices but most goods seem to be always on some kind of sale.
RRS offers a majority of the brands and products that are popular in Korea at the moment. Even if they don't have it, there is the option to try and request it via their "Request Form."
Something that makes RRS different is their wholesale option. If there is a product you absolutely love and they carry it, they usually list an "x10" option that is slightly discounted when compared to adding 10 of the "x1" version of the listing.
As if RRS couldn't be any more unique, they also sell sample sachets and mini-bottles. If you want to test smaller amounts first, you can. If you want a super travel-friendly version of your faves, you can get that too. Yes, those things are usually gratis in Korea but it is nice to have the option.
Requesting
For the hardcore K-Beauty fans, RoseRoseShop allows their customers to request items and brands. Requests could either become one of three things: regular listing, special request listing, or be rejected. The main difference between a regular and special listing is the latter includes an additional 8% commission fee and RRS purchases it after the order is placed versus having it in already stock in a warehouse somewhere. (Think personal buying.)
Judging from their Request Form section, it seems that those who ask for something from a brand that RRS already carries has better luck with the request becoming a regular listing.
It can be difficult to find the button to the actual form for making a request, but fear not it is there. Look for the small "Write" button at the bottom of the page next to the "Search" button. Having the "Search" and "Write" functions closer to the top of the site would have been more user-friendly, but I digress.
In my own experience, I received a comment on my request within a day or two, which said whether they could fulfill my request or not. (I asked for a specific make p:rem product and also asked if they could carry other make p:rem goods as well—in hopes that my item wouldn't be considered a special request and thus avoiding the commission fee.) After checking every few days, I finally saw my requested item about 2 weeks later along with a few of other products from the brand.
Communication
Email/Contact Form // Surprisingly quick (within a day or two). Perhaps the quickness would differ depending on the urgency of your inquiry, albeit they were responding to my non-urgent, mistakenly- sent product request.
Live Chat // Has set times on Monday-Thursday (10AM-5PM) and Friday (10AM-1PM). It is relatively fast as long as someone is available. If you see that the chat is live, I think it is more than likely to be first greeted by a "Customer Service" user who might say everyone is busy at the moment and to leave a message with an email address. I left the chat window bar opened for a bit and waited just in case someone freed up to chat. Within 5-7 minutes later a "roseroseshop" user answered my questions very promptly.
Website Design
The website's design has a very typical Korean e-commerce look. (i.e. Global Lotte, Gmarket, etc.) It isn't the most beautiful to look at but it works.
Certain categories are very general (ex: "Makeup - Eye" instead of Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Eyebrow, etc.). There is basic filtering according to Price, Name, and Rating. However, there isn't a way to further filter pages results by skin type, concern, ingredient, etc. If their offerings weren't so plentiful, I wouldn't as bothered. But because RoseRoseShop has so many products available it takes ages to click through every page.
At least there is a search bar, right? Yes and no. When it works, it does its job. But it is very picky—if the name of the brand or product is slightly off, there won't be any results.
Ex 1: "make p:rem" works but "make prem" without the colon will give no results.
Ex 2: "eyeshadow", "eye shadow", "shadow" will give varying results (2 pages v. 3 pages v. 10 pages)
On the topic of search bars and filtering products, there is no way to find all the "Free Shipping" products RRS has at once. It isn't listed separately under their "Hot Sale" tab. It also isn't a searchable term in the search bar.
The listing information for each product is fairly bare-bones. On rare occasions, they will include a product's infographic made by the brands. One thing I wished they have is the ingredient information.
Account
An account is required in order to check out. I believe creating an account on RoseRoseShop will give new users ₩2,000 credit.
Sign-ins via Google, Yandex, and PayPal are also an option for those who don't want to create a separate account via RRS. I am not 100% sure if the ₩2,000 credit is available for 3rd party sign-ins.
They do not have a points/reward system.
Check Out Process
Quick and simple. No new windows or tabs to overwhelm your computer. All the basic info inputting occurs on the same page and is easily modifiable. A click of the "Continue" button takes you to their PayPal checkout page. Once the payment is complete the page will redirect right back to RoseRoseShop site and say "Your Order Has Been Processed!"
Payment
RoseRoseShop accepts payment via PayPal only—within PayPal you can choose to pay with your linked bank account or a credit card.
Even though the site has the option at the top right corner to view prices in Korean Won and USD, payments are done only in USD at their specified exchange rate. I contacted their customer service and they said it is because PayPal doesn't allow transactions in Korean Won. This seems a little weird since I have shopped on other international sites before where I have paid in a foreign currency via PayPal. So who knows?
As of now, I believe the only function of having the option to switch between the two currencies is so they can easily add new listings in their native Korean Won and then have their site's coding automatically convert the listing to USD for international customers to see.
RoseRoseShop's exchange rate isn't terrible. But it definitely isn't the most current rate at the time of purchase (ex: RRS's USD $1 to ₩1,120 versus actual ₩1,154). In reality, it will usually only be a few dollars' difference. Those few dollars could potentially add up for larger hauls with shipping in consideration.
Shipping
The most important aspect of RoseRoseShop that needs to be spelled out is, there is no "Free shipping with minimum purchase." Shipping prices are calculated by weight—the more you buy, the more you pay for shipping.
With that said, they offer a bunch of options: K-packet (has a weight limit), EMS, Air Parcel, DHL, etc. There are price tables for every mail courier.
It is a difficult system to "cheat" in the sense that it requires patience and a lot of adding and subtracting items from the cart. I found that this really helps curb my impulse purchases.
Sometimes RoseRoseShop offers "Free Shipping" for certain products or all products of a specific brand. This means that the shipping for each product is $0. If an order consists of only products that are labeled "Free Shipping" they will require the purchase of a tracking number for a few dollars.
Delivery
The estimated shipping time for K-packet (regular Korean Mail) packages to the USA is 2-5 weeks. This seems pretty normal for an affordable international shipment option.
7/7 Placed order.
7/9 Order processing. (Received no email, just saw the status on my account & order history)
7/12 Order shipped with tracking number. (Received email and on account)
7/17 Package arrived.
At first, I was a little worried that my package took a few days from being processed to being shipped. I had read on forums and blogs that some people have experienced items going out of stock after placing an order. RRS seems to only notify after the order has been shipping. While refunds for the OOS item is a no-brainer, shipping costs seem to be non-refundable.
Luckily for me, the reason for the delayed shipping wasn't due to stock. Perhaps they just had a lot of orders to deal with at the moment? I was surprised by how quickly my package arrived since I was expecting it to come in a month's time. It didn't even take a full week for the order to be transported from Korea to New York.
Packaging
Everything was very well protected. Products that came in boxes were all individually wrapped in a double layer of bubble wrap. Flatter items (masks, beauty accessories, samples, etc.) were bundled together in a plastic pouch. Even the box my order came in was thoroughly taped on all sides.
I don't know if customs made a cut to the box or an untaped edge couldn't withstand the thrashing of international travel, my box had a small tear on one of the corners. Luckily, it wasn't bige enough for any of my items to fall out of.
Returns
Within 7 days after the delivery date with some conditions and limitations. Costs are the customers' responsibility.
Other Comments
Despite their product prices being the lowest available, I feel the possible hidden costs are in the Payment (exchange rate) and Shipping departments. But since all their items are Korean retail price, I'll let it go.
I am not sure how often their USD to Korean Won rate is updated to reflect the real exchange rate but as of now, summer 2017, the difference isn't too large. It seems that the RRS rate is maybe around ₩30 less than the live rate. Since when I ordered, I have seen the site's rate go from ₩1,120 to ₩1,100 to ₩1,090.
Since shipping costs are calculated based on weight, the final cost per item may potentially end up not being the cheapest available when considering Amazon and eBay sellers into the mix. (Still within only a few dollars difference.) However, what customers get in exchange is potentially better communication with RoseRoseShop and ease of mind regarding the authenticity of products.
They don't give a ton of samples but it is better than not receiving any at all. It is free aferall.
Shopping tips to maximize on shipping
Mix heavy and light items // The price tables are tricky to navigate. To summarize, shipping prices are based on some kind of weight tier system. If an order only has heavy items then the shipping fees will only be spread out between that. A few lighter items (under 100g) can usually be added without causing the price of shipping to change—in effect spreading out the cost of shipping to other items or getting free shipping of sorts for the lightweights.
Final price compare // If there is another site that sells the same/most of the same things as RRS, add everything to the carts first and see if there is an estimate for shipping. Gauge what the total price would be to see which ultimately has a better deal.
A sunscreen that promises broad spectrum protection while being jelly in texture and moisturizing in formulation sounds perfect in every way possible. Look At Me's Jelly Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ says it could do just that. It is a stark difference from the pasty and thick goop one typically associates with UV protection.
I was completely unaware of this brand and product before. There aren't even many reviews available on the internet. But since it was pretty affordable at oo35mm and it had a nice texture and finish, I was willing to give it a try. Plus, it didn't hurt that it seemed to be a mix of both chemical and physical sunscreens.
Look At Me's & TradeKorea's Descriptions:
Jelly Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA+++ cream with moisturizer is a broad spectrum protection and a light jelly type texture cream designed for daily use to keep skin protected against powerful UV rays. With its light texture it feels comfortable with no stickiness or greasy residue it keeps skin not only protected but hydrated, soothed wherever your day takes you.
Water Holding System
It moisturizes your skin first and protects the moist of your skin. Oil and moist of your skin is to balanced perfectly.
Outstanding Sun Protection
It creates a protective layer on your skin and it functions as a sun protection.
No Stickiness
It is not sticky at all since it is made of gel type and rather makes your skin smooth. Recommended for men and oily skin type.
For Sensitive Skin
Its main ingredients are natural ingredients so that it is suitable for acne, pimple skins.
Directions
1. After basic skin care, apply a good amount to areas that need intense care, such as the face, the neck and then make it absorbed into the skin by tapping it lightly.
2. Applying 30 minutes before going out is recommended. Apply additionally in case of being exposed to sun for long hours.
Ingredients
WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, ORCHID EXTRACT, CRINUM ASIATICUM EXTRACT, DENDROBIUM PHALAENOPSIS FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ZINC OXIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BETAINE, CARBOMER, POLYOXYETHYLENE HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ALLANTOIN, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, COLLAGEN, HYALURONIC ACID, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, 1, 2 - HEXANEDIOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MORUS ALBA BARK EXTRACT, PERFUME
Sunscreen 50 ml
Lookatmecos.co.kr (Korean e-commerce): ₩25,300
BeautyBoxKorea: USD $23.42
oo35mm: USD $10.99
Amazon: ~USD $8.49 + $5 shipping
Packaging
The product comes in a standard opaque tube with a twist off cap. Since the formula of the sunscreen is very light, it doesn't cling to the sides of the tube and I had no trouble squeezing the gel out until it was almost cleared.
Ingredients
This jelly sunscreen seems to be mainly water and aloe based. There are a bunch of other floral and plant extracts added as well. Witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, and fragrance are placed towards the end half of the ingredients list.
What isn't in the sunscreen: alcohol, mineral oil, and parabens.
The main UV protectors are ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Since Korean regulation doesn't require active ingredients be spelled out on its packaging, customers just have to trust companies when buying Korean made sunscreens. Some companies who have plans to market towards international/USA customers do print the sunscreen percentages on their package, but those are rare.
*I did find an Amazon review where one person claims to have gotten a reply from a seller of the Look At Me Jelly Sunscreen when inquiring about the percentages. The seller told the person that this product had 1% titanium dioxide, 2% zinc oxide, and 5% octinoxate. Whether it is true or not, I cannot say but just thought I'd share what I have come across.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The sunscreen has a cloudy translucent color straight out of the tube. Once it is blended it, like any other gel-type product, it becomes transparent and invisible to the eye. There is an aloe scent that goes away quickly after application. The product is unbelievably lightweight and easy to spread for something that is marketed to be a sunscreen.
Despite some e-commerce sites noting a "no stickiness" finish, I beg to disagree if applying a thick layer (which should be how it is applied). It isn't a wet/moist feel but there is an undeniable tacky feeling no matter how many hours pass by after applying—pressing a hand against it will result in some adhesion but there isn't any residue. I ultimately got into the habit of applying some translucent powder over top for good measure, but the feeling doesn't go away completely. It is almost like having constantly sticky skin due to sweat.
Unlike titanium dioxide- and zinc oxide-heavy sunscreens, this one is definitely very hassle-free in the sense that soap and scrubbing aren't necessary to wash it away. I do not have to spend a few extra minutes to thoroughly wash off my hands after application for fear of smearing creamy product everywhere. No sunscreen is waterproof, but this sunscreen is not even water resistant.
How I Apply
I prefer to apply a generous 4 finger lengths worth of sunscreen for my face and neck. I am not sure if this is the correct amount to get the most SPF benefits. Some websites say a nickel sized, some 1/4 teaspoon, some 1/2 tsp, some a full 1 tsp, and there are ones who say a whole tablespoon. I like to think the amount I use is about 1/4 tsp, at the very least; who has the time to actually measure in the morning?
Since it is so lightweight and the formulation seems pretty gentle, I have no problem applying it right over my eye area. Companies always say how only special products are to be used for the eye area. I have gotten to the point where finding a separate SPF for the eyes is a bother and needing to applying a separate product in my routine is one too many. I haven't noticed any major issues from applying non-eye products onto the eye area yet, but then again if what the beauty companies say is true the harm would be done for the long-haul.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Rather than thinking of this as a moisturizing sunscreen, I feel like the Look At Me sunscreen is more of a moisturizer with some SPF. I appreciate that the sunscreen seems to add extra moisturizing capabilities to my skin without looking oily or dewy. Not having to deal with a white cast makes switching to chemical sunscreens a real possibility. But the fact that it washes off so easily with water worries me a little if I choose to apply the Jelly Sunscreen on a very hot and humid summer day. I would definitely not wear this if I plan to get wet in any way or sweat a lot. I see it being a great product for low-maintenance types who can't be bothered with skin care, makeup, or (double) cleansing who need convincing that SPF is a necessity. It could also be nice for those who work mostly indoors and see limited sunlight throughout the day. Makeup wearers and people with very sensitive/agitated skin could potentially fall in love with its finish and texture.
As for myself, I did like it but only for the specific situations mentioned above: indoor days, makeup days, and lazy days. If I were to be very picky and serious about my SPF, I would prefer something that is a little more water resistant and with better defined active ingredients for my own peace of mind.
Note 1 // I have gotten slightly sun-burnt (pre-tan, pinkish-red but not to the degree of itchiness and pain) on areas where I applied only a lighter layer of this sunscreen sat out in the blazing mid-day sun for about 20-30 minutes. It was long after my initial, and only, application of sunscreen. But I have done the same for other sunscreens before and don't think I have ever gotten burned then.
Note 2 // One tube lasted almost a month with regular use. I tend to be more generous with lightweight non-creamy sunscreens.
The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a great introduction to both The Ordinary brand and niacinamide as an ingredient. When companies throw around jargon like niacinamide, retinoids, vitamin C, extract this, extract that, the first thing that comes to mind is all the dollar signs it will cost. With this little bottle of serum, I was able to try a new specialty skincare ingredient without the worries of having spent an obscene amount of money on something that won't play well with my skin.
*This post is mainly based on my experience with the product after about 1.5 month of use—which is around how long a bottle lasted me and my brother when applying it once daily.
Deciem's description:
pH 5.50-6.50, water-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, & cruelty-free
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
Contraindications: If topical Vitamin C is used as part of skincare, it should be applied at alternate times with this formula (ideally Vitamin C in the PM and this formula in the AM). Otherwise, Niacinamide can affect integrity of pure-form Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid).
Note: While Niacinamide and Zinc PCA reduce the look of blemishes and balance visible sebum activity, neither is a treatment for acne. For persistent acne-related conditions, we recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Retinoic Acid. We do not recommend the use of Salicylic Acid. This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible skin benefits.
Directions
Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams.
Ingredients
AQUA (WATER), NIACINAMIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ZINC PCA, TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM, XANTHAM GUM, ISOCETETH-20, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, PHENOXYETHENOL, CHLORPHENESIN.
Serum 30 ml
Deciem: USD $5.90
I first saw this brand sprinkled throughout the Explore section of Instagram. I didn't pay much attention to it until Liah Yoo made a video on treating acne scars; it piqued my interest but didn't make me want to actively search it up. I just assumed it would be an expensive product and clicked away. C'mon the packaging and name makes it seem kind of fancy and clinical. Plus, I try not to click on everything YouTubers recommend so I don't overspend and hoard. It wasn't until Liah's follow-up The Ordinary review video, with "Best Skincare Under $10?!" in its title, did I become a tad obsessed and wanted to learn more about the brand and its products.
The Ordinary offers a ton of specialized products. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% stood out to me because Deciem markets this primarily for skin blemishes, congestion, and oiliness. Then a bunch of YouTubers and blogs noted it for being most beneficial to acne scarring and pores amongst a whole list of other concerns; all sounded like skin issues I have and wouldn't mind treating/preventing.
Benefits of topical niacinamide
Anti-inflammatory
→Good for acne, psoriasis, & rosacea
Reduces clogged pores
→Therefore improves oil production & the appearance of large pores
Stimulates cell renewal
→Evens skin tone (sallowness & dullness)
→Improves skin texture
→Reduces blotchiness & hyperpigmentation
→Repairs sun damaged skin
Increases production of collagen & ceramides
→Strengthens skin barrier
→Prevents moisture loss & dryness
→Feels more hydrated, soft, & supple
→Good for anti-aging (fine lines), skin elasticity
Packaging
Like with a majority of The Ordinary's products, the niacinamide serum comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. It allows for very precise control of how much product to dispense. If I could change something about the packaging it would definitely be the pipette; it doesn't reach the bottom of the bottle so getting the remaining product was a challenge. Deciem/The Ordinary, please source a pipette that is slightly longer and tapered towards one side!
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The serum has no scent and no color. It is a viscose liquid, almost gel-like, that is easy to spread. Application of the serum can be tricky. If it isn't rubbed in properly and instead let to sink in on its own, the serum will dry out and leave white streaks. If it is rubbed in too rigorously it also leaves a white film. I like to lightly rub it in and then pat it down to help absorption. I have read that some people experience pilling but I have not.
How I Apply
I am not any more liberal with the serum just because it is an inexpensive product; if I was then it would completely defeat the point of it being affordable in the sense that I would go through a bottle way too quickly. Effective products should work even if a minimal amount is applied. I do use this to treat more areas (i.e. applying to neck versus not) but I would not dispense more serum per area than necessary.
With that being said, I have used this in two ways: apply ~1-2 drops per area on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck (which comes out to be almost 1 pipette of product per use) or mix 3-4 drops with my moisturizer or oil.
Somehow I was able to persuade my teenage brother to test the product too. At the time, the both of us applied it at night only and directly onto our skin. When using the serum this way, one bottle seems to last about a month or so between the two of us. If using twice daily for 1 person, it'll probably last 1 month as well. If used once daily for 1 person then perhaps closer to 2 months. If mixed only a little with a cream or oil, it will obviously last much longer.
Me
Just my guess on what kind of acne I have via observation. I haven't been professionally assessed by a derm.
Have more pustules (pus-filled pimples), blackheads, whiteheads, and some papules (inflamed red acne with no pus).
Only applied at night after cleansing and toner/essence but before moisturizer.
Brother
Again, this is just my guess on his condition from observation. He usually doesn't give a darn about his acne so he has also never been assessed professionally. I wish I had taken true "Before serum" and "After serum" photos but I didn't. To be completely transparent about it, the pics are of him after a month's nightly use versus a month without after he got fed up with my nonsense. His acne condition, prior to using the serum, looked more or less like the right photo, possibly a little worse.
Has more papules than pustules, sometimes has cysts (deeper rooted, large, painful acne with pus). He also has a lot of blackheads and whiteheads.
Only applied at night without any other skincare products and only cleanses face with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Neither of us experienced irritations from using the serum. We didn't do a patch test nor did we slowly build up our routine. The main benefit common to the both of us is a reduction of inflammation amongst red bumps. Over the course of the month, the bumps seem to subdue faster compared to before using niacinamide. Since my brother has a higher concentration of red acne than I do, he looks to have had drastically better results. However, it didn't seem like the niacinamide is stopping new acne from emerging—just that whatever came up the serum would help to make it less severe and recover a little faster. I think this is what Deciem meant when they say niacinamide will "reduce the look of blemishes" rather than be a treatment for acne.
I benefitted more than my brother from niacinamide's declogging abilities. My skin feels a lot smoother and looks less congested (especially from whiteheads in the chin area). There is also a big difference in my facial congestions when I applied the Niacinamide 10% serum directly and when I mixed it with my moisturizer. Direct application is, of course, more effective.
My skin concerns aren't 100% fixed, heck it doesn't even look that much different without the photos. I would say it seems comparably better than before I used the serum though. My pores do not look smaller per say; they do feel a little more clear (I tested this without exfoliating). I am hoping the appearance of my pores will improve with continued use. As of right now, I cannot attest to how helpful it is for the oilies since my skin hasn't adjusted to the hotter & more humid weather yet.
One and a half months is definitely not enough time to see results for scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Given the skin concerns the serum has been helpful for already and the great price point, I am not hesitant at all to continue using and repurchasing it. I may up the dosage to both day and night application or I might continue the current nightly routine and look to add toners/essences/moisturizers formulated with niacinamide. If I do end up purchasing it again and see better results for hyperpigmentation, skin tone, and fine lines I will most likely share an updated post.
