StyleKorean x Some By Mi Perfect Routine for Glass Skin box

Where I got it

I was sent this by StyleKorean as part of their ambassador program.  This box includes two new products from the brand that is not yet for sale or on websites, so I was unable to search for more information. I believe this box will be for sale on StyleKorean very soon and the new products will also be up on their website something in mid to late October. I would have done a first-impression and unboxing reel on my IG, but this will be a more in-depth review after I have used these products for at least 4 weeks.

Some By Mi products are generally around USD$15-$30 on StyleKorean, so they are very affordable. You might know this brand by their famous AHA, BHA and PHA 30 days miracle toner in the green bottle. That range was my first experience with the brand and it worked wonders for my acne-prone skin back then. It was an effective exfolianting toner that is gentle as well, which was very fresh and new when all other brands were doing physical scrubs. Otherwise, I have yet to try any of their other products, so I am quite excited to try these out, especially their retinol products.

What I got

This is the StyleKorean x Some By Mi Perfect Routine for Glass Skin box with 4 full-sized products. It contains: Retinol Bakuchiol Bubble Toner, Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum, Retinol Bakuchiol Dual Cream, and Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream. This box has a focus on retinol and retinol alternatives to reduce post-acne pigmentation, improve texture, refine the pores, firm the skin and even out skintone. Retinol also has many other benefits to the skin, so even if you do not have blemish or texture issues, you can still benefit from retinol. The Some By Mi retinol products are often a blend of retinol with ingredients are reintal, bakuchiol, niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. I will go through each product and briefly go through each ingredient below.

First, let’s have a look at each product:

NEW Retinol Bakuchiol Bubble Toner (100ml). A functional bubble toner for the first step of skincare, with microbubbles infused wiht Bakuchiol and Retinol to smooth skin texture, refind pores and reduce blemishes. Non-comedogenic and dematologist tested.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, C12-14 Alketh-12, Methylpropanediol, Sucrose Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Polyquaternium-51, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Xanthan Gum, Bakuchiol, Caprylyl Glycol, Retinol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Arginine, Trehalose, Retinal, Sucrose Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Fragrance/Parfum.

Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum (30ml). This high-concentration pure retinol serum is tailor-made for preventing skin aging while being gentle on sensitive skin. It works wonders by smoothing out fine lines, boosting collagen production, and enhancing elasticity. The formula includes Plant-based Collagen for the skin’s elasticity and flexibility and Bio-Peptide to protect against UV rays and wrinkles. With star ingredients like Bakuchiol, known for stimulating collagen production and maintaining elasticity, this serum takes your anti-aging game up a notch. Bakuchiol is a non-irritating ingredient that synergizes perfectly with retinol. Additionally, the serum contains Glycyrrhiza Extract to suppress melanin pigmentation and provide vital moisture to your skin. It’s a 3-Active Synergy Serum that targets the four major aging signs often seen on sensitive skin, giving your skin the restart it deserves. 

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra [Licorice Yoot Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Retinol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Cetyl Alcohol, BHT, Collagen, Myristic Acid, BHA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ceramide NP Saccharomyces Ferment, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance/Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin

NEW Retinol Bakuchiol Dual Cream (50ml). A daily dual cream that improves texture, elasticity and pores all at once through the synergistic effect of two active creams with Bakuchiol and Retinol. Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

Ingredients: [1st ] Water/Aqua, Dipropylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ammonium Acryloyidimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyidimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Palyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Retinol, Disodium EDTA, Undecane, Tridecane, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP. Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Panthenol, Retinal, Squalane, Fragrance/Parfum

[2nd ] Water/Aqua, Dipropylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Methy|propanedio), 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Bakuchiol, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Dextrin, Ethylhexyiglycerin, Adenosine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Cyanocobalamin, Collagen Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Acetyl Нехарерtide-8, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-1 2, Tocopherol, Fragrance/Parfum.

Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream (30ml). RETINOL EYE CREAM has undergone six anti-aging tests and showed effective results in just two weeks. This daily eye cream also underwent a test for improving dark circles and contains Retinol and Retinal for wrinkle improvement. The eye cream is infused with plant-based collagen and peptide for skin lifting, while being non-drying and moisturizing. This Retinol cream is hypoallergenic and free of 20 types of unfriendly skin ingredients

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Niacinamide, Methy|propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree] Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, BHT, Cyclopentasiloxane, Steareth-21, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, Steareth-2, Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tromethamine, Palmitic Acid, Polyquaternium-51, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Retinol (0.1%), Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose Glycosyl Trehalose, Beta-Glucan, Glycery, Polymethacrylate, Laureth-7, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Adenosine, Raffinose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, BHA, Myristic Acid, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Collagen, Madecassic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Asiaticoside, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Asiatic Acid, Glutathione, Retinal, Madecassoside, Sodium Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, letrahydropiperine, Phloretin, Arginine, Fragrance.

How I find it

From first impression, the Bubble Toner seemed like a gimmick. It reminds me of foaming cleansers that was so popular back in the early 2000s. Nevertheless, this bubble toner pumps out like a soft foam and it is actually quite nice on the skin. You don’t need to use a cotton pad, and it doesn’t run and drip everywhere. I pump the foam directly onto my skin (half pump on each cheek, half on my forehead and half on my chin – that’s all I need). Then I just massage the toner into my skin. It is lightly hydrating and leaves no residue and no film on the skin. This toner contains niacinamide, bakuchiol, retinol, and retinal but in low concentration. It is the first step to add retinol into the skin with minimal irritation as it contains a number of extracts include centella asiatica, and chamomile extract to sooth and calm the skin. Generally, I do enjoy using the bubble toner, it is lightly hydrating, but that’s about it. I personally enjoy my milky toners, simply because I did not see any particular improvements from the retinol.

Once the toner is absorbed, I move onto the next step which is the serum. The Reactivating Serum is already a product in their retinol series (Retinol Intense) – and on the bottle it claims to have 0.1% retinol, 1ppm retinal and 5,000ppm bakuchiol. The word “intense” and the deep purple colour is consistent with their existing retinol range, and the lighter puprple colour and “retinol bakuchiol’ is consistent with the NEW products, which gives a less intesnse retinol concentration (in my opinon). However, I would expect the serum in a skincare range would contain the most concentration of the star ingredient and would be the most effective. So I would always purchase the serum in a range to try and determine efficacy of the range.

Anyway, let’s get back to the serum. After the bubble toner, I would use 1-2 pumps of this serum all over my face. This serum has a pale yellow colour and a gel-cream consistency. It also has a very light floral scent which is pleasant and not overpowering.

I started using this every second night, without the Reedle shot, then I gradually increase the every night, and then eventually with Reedle shot before this retinol serum. Overall I have not experienced any dryness, irritation, redness or burns while using this serum.

Following the serum, we have the NEW Dual Cream. As the name suggests, this is a dual-phase cream. On the bottle, there is a little circle with “press here” and “1 & 2” on  either side. Once I open the lid and rip off the protection sticker, I can see the 5-petal flower-like dispensing hole. There is a central openig along with 5 smaller openings in the “petals” and then openings between the petals (see photo below). This is such a cool design as there are two formulas within this one tube. Inside the outer tube, there would be an inner tube so when you squeeze the tube, both formulas come out at the same time. I am so intrigued to cutting this open when I finish the cream!

So, the cream squeezes out like you would see when piping buttercream – with a flower shape. The outer layer is a pale yellow cream (retinol/retinal), and the inside layer has a light blue/purple colour gel-cream (peptides). It actually looks very cute. This gel-cream is easy to spread and blend out, without feeling greasy. If you have dry skin, you might new to add something a bit more moisturising because I experienced a bit of tightness about 2 hours after I applied this at night.

Lastly, the Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream. I haven’t been much of an eye cream or eye serum sort of person. But I have been using one consistently and I do see some benefits that is targeted for my eye area concerns such as fine lines, brightness, etc. This eye cream contains retinol, retinal as well a peptides as a triple action to help with fine lines and dark circles. The eye cream has a very pale yellow colour and it is a lightweight cream for the eye area.

This spot cream can be used in other areas like around your mouth and forehead, not just the eye area.

Overall

Such a lovely range of retinol product, I can see that k-beauty is venturing more into retinol/retinal products for anti-aging and fine lines. No longer are they only about skin barrier and skin calming. I am glad each brand are bringing out retinol products because they are a gold standard in anti-aging and I can trust Korean skincare technology to bring us amazing formulations without the irritation.

This range is exactly the best of both worlds. I would highly recommend the serum and the dual-cream. While the bubble toner is fun to use and provides a first light layer of hydration, it’s still just a toner. I would prefer my toner to be simply hydrating, and they use a potent serum with the anti-ageing benefits.

As for the serum, even though I have yet to see dramatic results yet (I need to be using this consistently for at least 6 weeks to see significant results), but seeing the ingredients list, I know I will be getting the benefits of retinol, retinal, niacinamide, and peptides. These are all proven to work amazingly on the skin in the long run.