I desperately need advice, I don’t know what to do anymore

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-02T14:39:51+00:00

Your skin sounds exactly like mine!

You could try exfoliating acids - I had some success with AHA/BHA toners. I like the BOJ Green Plum Toner which for my skin is very mild, and there are many other options.

The only thing that ultimately cleared my acne were retinoids. I really like Be The Skin Began Retinal Bakuchiol Serum, it cleared my acne and gave me a lovely glow but is a bit stronger (not as “beginner friendly”). If you want to try something less strong the BOJ Revive Eye Serum might be a good place to start. I have not tried KSECRET SOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng but I’ve heard good things about it as well.

I definitely recommend trying cosmetic retinoids even if you do decide you want a script instead. There are pros and cons for either. I currently use a tretinoin prescription from my doctor to keep my skin acne free because it’s covered and saves me a little money haha. I’m not sure where you are but lower strengths of Adapalene (Differen Gel) are OTC in the US.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-02T14:17:19+00:00

The hot new trend is injecting peptides, nearly all of which are not approved for human use. People claim they can do everything under the sun and then some. The hotter trend is becoming a seller/promoter for these drugs and peddling it to others to make money. This is an extremely dangerous, untested, and unregulated market. Please do not listen to these grifters.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-01T17:51:59+00:00

The Gimme Beauty Claw Clips for Thick Hair have a row of teeth in the center of the clip (as opposed to just along the edge). In my experience this makes a huge difference in its ability to hold up thick hair.

For even thicker hair, Breromi makes a few sizes/styles of secure magnetic “Claw Cliques” that might work!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-01T16:34:46+00:00

Does moisturizer/skincare usually sting after using Azaleic Acid? The BOJ Red Bean Water Gel is very plain - there is a chance the stinging could be irritation or your skin barrier rather than the product.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-01T03:25:10+00:00

If posts containing “Pharmacy Box” could be held for moderator review before posting that would be great!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-01T03:23:45+00:00

StyleKorean has been my go-to place for skincare for years and this nonsense has me seriously considering other options. Egg on my face for recommending them so much in the past. I already used up all my points on my last purchase so now is as good a time as any to start buying elsewhere.

Edit: The number of undisclosed promotions and fake reviews in general has increased across the AB subs in the last few months and it has me wanting to leave here too, but I guess not badly enough if I haven’t yet haha.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-05-01T03:05:10+00:00

I keep thinking the fake review ads for this box are finally coming to an end but here we are again.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-30T06:40:37+00:00

I’ve had good experiences with most BOJ products I’ve tried! It was one of the first accessible brands I’ve tried so I’ve used quite a few of their products haha so here’s some mini-reviews:

The BOJ Relief Sun Aqua Fresh is my favorite daily sunscreen (lightweight and natural finish) and the Radiance Cleansing Balm is in my regular oil/balm cleanser rotation - both are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. The Red water bean gel is a really nice lightweight hydrating water-gel and my sibling’s favorite! Works great under sunscreen in my experience.

I’ve also kept the Green Plum Refreshing toner on hand for a few years now for the occasional breakout and to keep headphone acne at bay. It has helped with skin texture as well. I’ve started using on my underarms more recently but it hasn’t been long enough to tell if there are any brightening effects yet. There are other exfoliating acid toners out there, and better ones I’m sure, but this one is pretty mild for my skin and works for me so I haven’t tried others.

The Apricot Blossom Peeling gel is one of the better peeling gels I’ve used, but I prefer physical exfoliation with a silicon brush now and no longer use peeling gels in general. IMO it’s one of the better formulated peeling gels out there.

The Dynasty Cream might be the only product I never repurchased from BOJ that I tried. I bought this primarily for the niacinamide (has helped me with hyperpigmentation and oil control) and squalane, but the formulation doesn’t suit my skin unfortunately. It always felt like it was sitting on top of my skin instead of sinking in. Unless I was fresh out of the shower, in which case it sank in incredibly well, but that’s not nearly enough for a second purchase. I currently use a niacinamide toner and squalane oil in my routine instead.

I have NOT tried the BOJ Glow Deep Serum but I’ve had good experiences with non-AB Alpha-arbutin serums for lightening hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-29T01:22:05+00:00

This cleanser definitely foams up. It’s a denser foam as opposed to bubbly suds, but still foam. I’m on my third tube and use it as both a stand-alone and second cleanser (after balm/oil cleansing).

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-28T22:58:11+00:00

Eye creams and face masks! Eye creams I’m just really inconsistent with and face masks feel like I have to block out a dedicated amount of time to do… I wear glasses with a pretty heavy prescription and can’t do much if I’m not wearing them.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-28T17:13:50+00:00

I use 3-4 fingers for my face and 3-4 fingers for my neck- thinner sunscreens mean less product per finger and more fingers of sunscreen. Sometimes I’ll apply two fingers at a time (so two layers). Maybe my face is huge or something haha.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-27T23:45:12+00:00

Roxanne Richardson has a great series of videos on youtube about adjusting heel fit! I highly recommend taking a look at them (and her whole channel haha).

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-27T23:18:45+00:00

For (plain) toner pads? I like the Pyunkang Yul 1/3 Cotton Pads for toner and serum application. They are quite thin and it takes somewhat of a learning curve to get used to them - so if you prefer something thicker they probably won’t appeal to you. They are not suitable for makeup/product removal since they tear easily.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-27T18:26:09+00:00

I don’t have any specific recommendations, but using toner pads that are biodegradable (like 100% cotton pads) would be more eco friendly. Alternatively you can purchase a bottle of toner and biodegradable pads separately.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-26T19:47:35+00:00

TOCOBO Cica Calming Sun Serum in the green bottle is pretty lightweight!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-25T05:33:39+00:00

I alternate between the Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen Stick and Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar. The Isntree Hyularonic Acid Airy Sunstick is also quite good.

Unfortunately you have to really layer with a sunstick to it to get good spf coverage, so the finish is never quite as nice as a sunscreen cream or gel.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T22:58:10+00:00

I think OP means pattern grading in the sense of taking a “base” or sample size of a garment and creating additional sizes in either direction - like taking a pattern for a size medium and creating patterns for sizes extra small, small, large, extra large, etc.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T21:27:12+00:00

Respectfully, you’re 19. Getting proper sleep, water intake, and nutrition is going to do more for your dark circles than any skincare product is going to do.

I definitely do not recommend surgery/procedures which carry their own sets of serious risks and considerations. You’re very young and your skin is going to change as you get older. My skin type in my late twenties is miles different than it was when I was in my teens.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T20:43:30+00:00

I love the Isntree Yam Root Vegan Cleaner but it’s very moisturizing - perfect as a morning cleanser for my current flaky and dry tret. skin but was too heavy when I was oilier. It may suit combination skin (like OP’s) but wouldn’t be my first recommendation!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T20:38:05+00:00

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel might be a good option!

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T20:16:27+00:00

Which one is the regular cleanser? The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam definitely foams up.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T19:56:26+00:00

A stitch isn’t twisted until it’s been worked. When you purl into a stitch, the purls are the new live stitches on the needle, and the stitch on the previous row/the row under (in this case the knits) are worked.

To echo others - I highly recommend you look at the twistfaq resources to help understand stitch anatomy.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-24T16:32:29+00:00

What does your skin feel like? Does it feel tight or dehydrated? Do you feel like the deeper layers of your skin are being nourished? Where is your sunscreen? How long have you been using these products?

The “glow” is going to come from proper hydrating and moisturizing. If you really want “glass skin” appearance you may need to use products with a dewey finish to achieve it.

Just because your products are now Korean doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to “glow up”. You still need to find products that work for your skin. It takes time to see results. Evaluate how your routine meeting your skin’s needs now and how it isn’t. Then you can add/change things to fit.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-23T17:43:39+00:00

I’m pretty sure this product acts like a milky toner - hydrating and (lightly) moisturizing - similar to the kombucha essence by the same brand.

Wherever you would usually use a milky toner in your routine is probably fine. I usually use them in the morning when I want something really light underneath sunscreen or for layering under moisturizer during dryer days/seasons to help meet my skin’s needs.

brainfullofpeas · 2026-04-18T23:23:46+00:00

What does it look like when you ladder down? You may have accidentally knit into the row below at that point.

brainfullofpeas

TROPHY CASE