If you’re a Korean skincare fan, you need to know Cindy, aka LazyGlow, her Instagram account for her thorough reviews that are as honest as they are entertaining. Recently we caught up with Cindy to talk all things K-beauty; advice for starting a skincare routine, the one product that’s helped her combo-oily skin, and her absolute favorite place for facials in LA. Read on.
OHLOLLY: Hi Cindy! LazyGlow. How did you come up with this name?
CINDY: Honestly, 'lazy' was the one word that kept coming back to me time and time again. A lot of people have asked if it's because I prefer a lazy approach to skincare and nothing could be further from the truth! No matter how tired I am I will go through a routine that includes a double cleanse, toner, serum, eye cream and a moisturizer. But I'm definitely one of those people that can lounge all day, with intermittent naps, and never get bored of it. I always do my evening skincare routine while lounging on the couch and since glowing skin seems to be the ultimate ideal in skincare, the two fit perfectly!
When did you start diving into the world of Korean skincare?
I remember this moment exactly! I had just turned 30 and was noticing some lovely fine lines around my eye area that I had never seen before. I ran over to Sephora during my lunch and picked up the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream, which introduced me to Asian skincare for the first time. I used that as a launching point to learn about the Korean skincare ethos and I've been hooked ever since.
Who first taught you about taking care of your skin?
My mom! She's always focused on the importance of skincare and definitely led by example with her dedicated morning and evening routines. Skincare was something she saw as an investment and I would tag along whenever she visited the department store beauty counters. We would leave with a few products for both of us and I was always so excited to use them later that night. And she still loves trying new products. I recently got her hooked on the Mizon Snail All-in-One Cream and the Pyunkang Yul Oil!
What’s your favorite skincare step?
First and second cleansing! No question about it. There isn't anything more relaxing to me than "taking the day off" and prepping my skin for a deluge of other products!
What are some of your must have K-beauty products?
Oh, I have so many!
The SRB Enzyme Powder Wash is a fantastic low pH, no-frills second cleanse that will clean your skin without stripping it. Depending on how my skin is feeling, I'll add more water for a light foam or less water to keep some of the grits for light exfoliation.
The Mode Blancs Birch Moisture Emulsion feels like whipped butter but soaks quickly in to provide some intense moisture without any heaviness. I found this brand at KCON 2017 and was astounded at how it made my skin feel! (Note: OHLOLLY needs to bring this brand Stateside!)
The Medicube Red Cream is my favorite moisturizer when my skin is feeling a bit irritated or inflamed. It absorbs remarkably quickly given how thick it is and my skin is always a bit plumper the next morning. Plus, I'm a sucker for anything tea tree scented.
The Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk might be my perfect SPF. It has a creamy gel texture that doesn't leave a white cast or leave me greasy, which are my biggest complaints with a lot of sunscreens. I can't remember how many times I've repurchased this and I even have my boyfriend using it now... and he's the biggest grease-phobe around!
Favorite budget skincare item?
Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6!) is my ride-or-die lip balm and I'll keep buying it as long as they keep making it!
What are your best tips for dealing with your combo-oily skin type?
It's been difficult because I prefer products that I can slather all over my oiler t-zone and normal/dry u-zone. Thankfully, I've recently figured out that gentle exfoliating toners have helped tremendously to normalize my skin. I also favor layering a few light layers of hydrating products rather than a single, heavier cream that might clog pores and cause unwanted congestion.
In addition to your daily routine, do you do anything special for your skin?
I may have a minor addiction to facials and try and get one every four to six weeks. Partly because my skin benefits from it and partly because I love having my face pampered without having to do any of the work. My favorite place is Sejeong Skin Therapy in Los Angeles! Her facial massage technique is magical.
Since beginning your K-beauty journey, what’s one thing you’ve learned about your skin?
I never knew how much hydration my skin needed or how important it was to healthy, supple skin! I think perception is beginning to change now, but I don't ever remember hydration being a big concept in western skincare, especially if you had any oiliness to your skin. The notion that a toner could be used to add hydration to your skin, as opposed to an alcohol-based product that was designed to strip your skin of oils, was life-changing for my skin.
Do you have any advice to those new to the world of K-beauty?
Start slow! There is a lot of temptation to jump into the whole 10-step routine but that could cause havoc on your skin if you go in too fast. If your skin immediately improves that's great, but you won't know which product made those results! And if your skin goes in the opposite direction you won't know the culprit. I definitely understand the urge to throw a bunch of new products on your face all at once (something I'm still guilty of from time to time) but I think it's better to assess your current routine, look to see what's missing or needs to be changed, and start from there. Your skin and wallet will thank you.
What’s your top skincare tip everyone should follow?
Consistency. Cleansing and hydrating your skin, using targeted treatments, applying sunscreen every morning... everything really comes down to consistency for me. Skin won't change overnight, and a lot of products do take time to show their results. I've been really focusing on my skin for almost two years and only now am I seeing changes that make me go "WOW!".
Lastly, what K-beauty product have you been dying to try?
There are so many! If I had to pick just one it would be the Urang Blue Oil Serum. It brightens, heals, and protects? Sign me up.
Thanks Cindy. We really appreciate your time and support for Ohlolly!
This was not a paid nor sponsored interview. Follow Cindy HERE!
Shop products mentioned/seen in the interview:
Pyunkang Yul Oil
SRB Enzyme Powder Wash
Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk
Urang Brightening Blue Oil Serum
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Urang Natural Cleansing Oil
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum
