Here’s a recent rediscovery: COSRX, the super popular South Korean skincare brand. I have tried a few of the products a few years ago, but nothing particularly stood out until now. I have to say that I am deeply impressed by the Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap). It said on the English instructions printed on the packaging that I should apply it before moisturising and so I was expecting another one of those wishy-washy post-toner/pre-serum thing that has been created to make us more time-strapped and poorer. I’m not certain what this brilliant concoction technically is — I’m sure this isn’t a “lotion” in the Japanese sense (which is a toner/softener) and I doubt this is a serum/treatment, but apparently this isn’t a moisturiser either. (Can any Korean speakers help?) But regardless, I applied it after serum and boy was it rich! I didn’t need a separate moisturiser.
I have absolutely no complaints, despite the fact that initially I thought that it would be too rich for my normal skin, and I was a little taken aback by the scent. The smell of lemon-tea tree (from essential oils) is incredibly uplifting, but it’s far more potent than most Japanese skincare products. This worked very, very well for me — a nourishing feel and no issues with its richness. It takes a little longer to fully sink in than some moisturisers, but I don’t mind that so much, and after 2 minutes or so there’s no residue at all. No heaviness to the finish, no greasiness. My skin felt completely taken care of in the moisture department.
Anyway, COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap) is unexpectedly nice. Good go-to “simple” moisturiser if you have normal to dry skin and want to look fresh-faced and moisturised. The scent is refreshing, the pump-action bottle is practical, and the price is fair. A 100ml bottle is US$17.56+ from Amazon.com HERE.
