Table of Contents

1. Reedle Shot

2. Torriden DIVE-IN

3. Murad

4. Frownies Facial Patches

5. Danahan Bonyongo

The Reedle Shot 300

(Amazon product link)

I purchased this on advice from a Korean beauty group, and I'm so glad I did! Currently, I'm using the 300 strength, but it also comes in 100 and 700. The Reedle Shot 300 is recommended for use three times a week, though I personally just use it twice a week.

It’s important to know that this product alone doesn't do all the heavy lifting; rather, it acts as a booster that allows the products you apply afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin.

• My Mask Night Routine: Once a week, I pair it with a moisturizing mask. First, I apply the Reedle Shot serum to dry skin and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then I put on some toner, followed by the mask. After I remove the mask, I apply some Murad Intense Recovery Cream to really lock everything in.

• My Retinol Night Routine: Once a week, I pair it with Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal line. I follow the same starting order, but instead of a mask, I apply the eye serum around my eyes, then the face serum on the rest of my face and neck, followed by the night cream. I’ve definitely seen a visible difference in my skin texture since adding this to my routine six months ago!

Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

(Amazon product link)

This is an amazing, lightweight moisturizer. I was honestly impressed with how well it kept my dry skin at bay, especially considering it feels like you have absolutely nothing on! It’s a lightweight gel-cream that I use during the day, and it is great for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types. It’s packed with five types of hyaluronic acids as well as calming botanicals. As an added bonus, this is also Don's favorite.

Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Amazon product link)

Just like the soothing cream, this serum feels weightless on the skin but packs a serious punch. I can see a visible difference whenever I use it; my skin looks much plumper and gets that coveted "glass skin" look without feeling or looking greasy. It contains low-molecular hyaluronic acids that absorb beautifully and deeply into the skin.

Murad Intense Recovery Cream

(Amazon product link)

This has been my absolute go-to nighttime lotion for about eight years now. I suffer from dry eczema patches on my face, and this rich cream is the best thing I have found that deeply moisturizes without causing acne breakout flares. A little goes a long way with this, so one jar typically lasts me a year to a year and a half.

I started out just using it on my eczema patches, but as my skin has aged, I’ve started applying it to the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes with amazing results. While it is a bit pricier than some of my other products, Murad will always have a permanent spot in my routine. They have been around for 35 years and are renowned for their high-quality ingredients. I also love that they are a cruelty-free, non-toxic, dermatologist-developed brand.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

(Amazon product link)

This is my favorite face wash! I only use it about twice a week, but it is exactly what my skin needs to gently clear away the buildup caused by everyday life. It leaves my skin feeling completely refreshed and smooth without stripping it or making it feel tight and dry.

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

(Amazon product link)

We first started using this mineral sunscreen when we went hiking. We wanted something 100% mineral-based that felt light on the skin and wouldn't cause breakouts, especially on backpacking trips when we couldn't always wash our faces at the end of the night. We have been using this for about 8 years and I still love it.

It’s my ultimate go-to sunscreen for backpacking, but I also use it every single day as part of my morning routine. It’s slightly tinted, so it doesn't leave any white cast. Honestly, it has just enough tint to blur slight imperfections on my face so that I don't even need to put makeup over it, but it's also light enough that I easily can if I want to. It's an all-around great daily sunscreen that actively nourishes your skin while protecting it.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Line (Eye Serum, Face Serum, & Night Cream)

Eye Serum Night Cream Renewal Serum

(Amazon link for the Murad Store to see their whole product line.)

I started using this anti-aging regiment a few years ago when I first began to notice some fine lines and sun spots, and I swear it slowed everything down. Because I have sensitive and drier skin, I only use it once or twice a week (now paired with the Reedle Shot 300), and that has been more than enough to see great results!

Frownies Facial Patches

(Amazon product link)

I honestly didn’t know what to expect the first time I ordered these. Botox is completely out of my budget, but I was really unhappy with the appearance of my "11 lines" (those pesky stubborn frown lines between the brows) and forehead wrinkles. Luckily, I found the instructions and product layout pretty easy to use, and after a year and a half of on-and-off use, the results are undeniable! This is a product I will officially be using for the rest of my life!

The best part about it is that I don't even have to use them every single night anymore. After about two weeks of consistent, almost daily use, I found the results really started to last. To be fair, this patch isn't magic. It works by physically restraining your muscles and not letting your face tense up unconsciously during the night. Over time, I found my face stopped naturally crunching up and causing deep wrinkles the way it once did. It also made me so much more aware of my facial expressions during the day so I can actively catch myself and stop. Now, every few months, if I notice my fine lines showing through again, I just bring back the patches for a few days and they disappear. It isn't quite full-on Botox results, but it is incredibly close and without the harsh chemicals or the massive price tag!

DANAHAN Bonyongo 6-Year Red Ginseng Vinegar Essence

(Amazon product link)

This has become a fantastic addition to my nighttime skincare routine. It is a gorgeous, nourishing night serum that is just a little bit thicker than the other daily serums I use. It is absolutely packed with potent, high quality ingredients rooted in traditional K-Beauty principles, making it perfect for reviving tired skin.

Danahan Bonyongo Red Ginseng Vinegar Cream

(Amazon product link)

If you need a heavy-duty moisturizer, this is a great, rich night cream. It goes on beautifully thick and keeps my dry skin completely moisturized until the next morning. Since adding this and the matching essence to my regiment I have definitely seen a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my fine lines. Korean skincare truly knows how to deliver deep hydration!

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Meet the Author

Hi! I'm Samantha Matthews-McCarty and at 39 I changed careers, moving from construction into travel blogging to follow my passion for exploring the world. Now I document our journeys through history, culture, food and outdoor adventures and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

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