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Category: Beauty Hits

Beauty Hits/

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Review

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: A Staple for My Stubborn Dark Marks

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum bottle – a Korean skincare product designed to brighten and hydrate skin, fade dark spots, and give a healthy glow.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own, and I paid for everything with my own money!

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by skincare serums, I get it. I’ve tried my fair share of trending products that promise to fade dark marks, brighten your skin, and give you that effortless glow, only to end up irritated, break out, or just disappointed. But Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Deep Serum was different. It didn’t just look pretty online; it worked for me.

This serum is from Beauty of Joseon, a Korean skincare brand that blends traditional ingredients like rice bran water with modern formulas. Their Glow Deep Serum is renowned for addressing dullness, uneven tone, and hyperpigmentation, all without the heaviness or harshness associated with more aggressive treatments.

🌿 First Impressions

This was one of the first serums I tried when I got serious about skincare, and it immediately felt like an upgrade. The formula is lightweight yet nourishing, neither greasy nor sticky, and has no unpleasant scent. It sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t mess with anything else in my routine.

More importantly, it didn’t break me out, which, for me, is rare with K-beauty. My skin can be picky, and I’ve had to toss a lot of “gentle” products that triggered reactions. This one passed the vibe check.

💁🏽‍♀️ What It’s Supposed to Do

The Glow Deep Serum is made to:

  • Brighten the skin
  • Even out the tone
  • Soften dark marks
  • Soothe and hydrate

Its star ingredients are:

  • 68% rice bran water – rich in antioxidants, calms inflammation, hydrates
  • 2% niacinamide – helps fade hyperpigmentation and strengthen the skin barrier
  • Panthenol + allantoin – help the skin retain moisture and stay smooth

It’s also fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and works well under makeup or layered in multi-step routines.

✨ What It Did for Me

This serum gave me a consistent, low-maintenance glow that didn’t feel fake or forced. My skin looked smoother and brighter over time, not in a dramatic overnight way, but with steady, visible improvement.

It made my dark spots less noticeable, especially the newer ones, and left my face with a light sheen that looked healthy, not shiny. I have some stubborn scars that take forever to fade, and while they’re not entirely gone, they’re softening.

And let’s be real, no one product is going to make your skin “perfect.” But this one genuinely made my skin feel better. That’s a win in my book.

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 5/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Smooth, light, and non-greasy hydration
  • Glow Factor: Leaves a soft glow, not a fake shine
  • Stoner Friendly: Layers well, fast-absorbing, and doesn’t require a 20-minute wait.
  • Repurchase Worthy? Already have
  • Price Point: Usually around $17–20 on Amazon, fair for what it does

Final Verdict:

This isn’t the end-all, be-all serum for hyperpigmentation, but it’s a solid, gentle option that’s earned a permanent spot in my skincare drawer. I still have a whole routine I’ll share later, but this product is an anchor in that process, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Try Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum on Amazon here if you want something calming, brightening, and beginner-friendly. You might find your skin looking a little better every day.

Beauty Hits/

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Review: Is It Worth It?

A set of Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters in three different scents, known for their rich hydration, long-lasting moisture, and skin-loving ingredients.

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Review: Is It Worth It?

No affiliate links or sponsorships for this post. I bought these products myself and I’m just sharing my actual experience with them.

I am always looking for body products that smell good, actually keep my skin moisturized, and do not disappear five minutes after I put them on. I love a good lotion, but if I am buying something called a body butter, I want it to feel richer than a basic moisturizer and leave my skin feeling soft for more than the first few minutes. That is what made me try the Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters in the first place.

I grabbed a few of the smaller sizes because I wanted to test out different scents before committing to a full-size jar, and that ended up being the right move because I definitely had favorites. I also realized pretty quickly that the minis are kind of perfect if you are picky about fragrance, because something can sound amazing online and then smell completely different once it is actually on your skin.

What the Buff City Soap Body Butter Feels Like

The first thing I noticed was the texture. This is actually a thicker, richer body butter, not one of those lightweight lotions that gets called a body butter just because it sounds better on the label. It feels creamy going on, melts into the skin pretty easily, and leaves everything soft without making me feel like I need to stand around waiting for it to absorb before I put clothes on.

That matters to me because I love moisturizing after a shower, but I do not want to feel sticky when I am trying to put on pajamas, get in bed, or move on with the rest of my night. The hydration also lasted much longer than I expected from such a small amount of product, which is probably the biggest reason I would buy these again.

The Scents I Tried

Narcissism

Narcissism was the warmest and earthiest scent out of the ones I tried, with a noticeable patchouli base. It was not my favorite for wearing out because it felt a little heavier than what I normally want on my body, but I did not dislike it enough to stop using it. It basically became my bathroom body butter, and I use it on my hands after washing them because it is moisturizing enough that I do not immediately feel dry again.

I would probably not buy the full-size version of this one, but I have definitely gotten use out of the mini.

Island Nectar

Island Nectar is much more my speed if I want something bright and fruity. It feels tropical and fresh without being too much, and this is the kind of scent that makes me think of summer, freshly shaved skin, a clean oversized shirt, a cold drink nearby, and absolutely nowhere important to be.

If you like fruity body products, this is probably one of the easier scents to try without overthinking it.

All Hail the Queen

This one won for me.

A coworker let me try All Hail the Queen during a conference, and I liked it so much that I immediately knew I needed my own. It is soft, comforting, and one of those fragrances that keeps making me smell my own arm after I put it on. The scent lingers without becoming irritating, and it feels like the easiest one of the three for me to wear regularly.

This is also the one I would actually buy in the full-size body butter. I went into this wanting to test minis so I would not waste money on a full jar of something I did not love, and All Hail the Queen is exactly why that strategy worked.

Is the Scent Strong?

Yes, and I actually like that about them. If you prefer skincare with almost no fragrance, these probably are not going to be your thing, but if part of the reason you buy body products is because you want to actually smell them after you put them on, I think these do that really well.

The scent hangs around without feeling like I sprayed perfume all over myself, which is exactly what I want from a body butter. I like being able to catch the smell later instead of forgetting I even put anything on.

Are the Mini Body Butters Worth Buying?

For me, yes. I think the minis make the most sense if you have never tried Buff City Soap before because scent is so personal, and I would rather spend a little more per ounce testing three smaller scents than commit to one big jar and realize I hate it.

I also like the minis because they are easy to throw into a bag, keep near the sink, or stash somewhere you know you will actually use them. For me, the point was not getting the absolute cheapest amount of body butter possible. It was figuring out which scent I liked enough to eventually buy in a bigger size.

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Pricing

When I purchased mine, the pricing was around $9 for a 2 oz mini, about $24 for a set of three minis, and roughly $16 for a full-size 8 oz body butter. Since prices can change, I would still check Buff City Soap directly before buying, but at the time I felt like the minis were worth it as a way to try a few different scents without overcommitting.

Pricing:

  • Mini Body Butter (2 oz): $9 each
  • Mini Body Butter Set (3 x 2 oz): $24
  • Full-Sized Body Butter (8 oz): $16

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

Hydration High: My skin stays noticeably softer for hours instead of feeling moisturized for ten minutes and then dry again.

Glow Factor: It gives my skin that healthy moisturized look without leaving me feeling greasy.

Stoner Friendly: Extremely easy to throw on after a shower or during a long night at home, and the lingering fragrance makes the whole routine feel a little more indulgent.

Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely, although now I would be much more selective because I already know which scent I really want.

Favorite Scent: All Hail the Queen, easily.

Final Verdict

The Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters ended up being one of those purchases that made me more interested in the rest of the brand. The formula is rich enough that it actually feels like a body butter, the fragrance lasts longer than I expected, and buying the mini sizes gave me a way to test several scents without committing to a full jar of something I might hate.

Narcissism was not completely for me, Island Nectar is a really fun fruity option, and All Hail the Queen is the one I would happily buy again in a larger size. I am also now curious about the soaps and laundry products because apparently this is how they get you.

For me, these are especially good for those nights when I have taken a long shower, moisturized everything, put on something comfortable, smoked, and officially decided I am not leaving the house again. If that is also your idea of a good night, the body butter fits right in.

You can browse Buff City Soap’s body-care products on their website here.

Beauty Hits/

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm Review Hydration & Shine

A set of ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balms in various flavors, providing hydration, glossy shine, and long-lasting moisture.

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm: A Stoner's Go-To for High-Drated Lips

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. However, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are mine. I personally bought and tested this product.

As a full-time worker and perpetually broke doctoral student, I always search for affordable beauty gems that fit snugly into my wristlet alongside my Buff City Soap mini, weed vape, and eyeliners. Enter ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm, a product with my stoner heart singing!

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, the texture had me hooked. It feels like a balm but shines like a gloss without that dreaded sticky sensation. Plus, it’s packed with peptides. Now, I had to refresh my memory, what exactly are peptides? They’re short chains of amino acids that help build essential proteins like collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin’s structure and hydration.

Long-Term Love:

After a couple of weeks, I noticed my lips were softer than ever. Those peptides were doing their thing, improving hydration and smoothness by strengthening the skin barrier and encouraging lip repair.

Packaging Thoughts:

The packaging is cute, but I wish it were more compact. I love my wristlets and prefer flatter items to maximize space. It may be time to upgrade to a mini bag and stop playing.

Flavor Faves:

I indulged in Vanilla Cake, Caramel Latte, and Strawberry Milk. Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all delightful. But ColourPop didn’t stop there. They also have Mango Sorbet, Watermelon Sugar, Cherry Glaze, Chocolate Milkshake, and Wildberry for even more flavor variety.

Since I’m saving those coins, I haven’t splurged on the Summer Fridays Lip Balm yet, but I’ve heard great things. Until then, ColourPop’s version at $10 (compared to Summer Fridays $24) is a fantastic addition to my collection. Is it really a dupe if I haven’t tried Summer Fridays yet? Who knows, I’m stoned.

Stoner Lip Struggles:

As a stoner, finding a daily balm that combats the dreaded dry, darkened lips from smoking (even without blunts!) has been a journey. I’ve tried countless products, and finally, I have something worth raving about.

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Leaves lips feeling moisturized and looking glossy without stickiness.
  • Glow Factor: Provides a natural, healthy shine that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Stoner Friendly: Easy to apply on-the-go, making it ideal for quick touch-ups during smoke sessions.
  • Stoner Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely. It’s affordable and effective, a win-win.
  • Price Point: At $10, it’s a steal for the quality, especially when compared to higher-end alternatives.

When compared to higher-end alternatives, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm stands out!

Final Stoner Verdict:

If you’re looking for a lip balm that provides hydration, shine, and affordability, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm is a must-try. It has become a staple in my beauty routine and fits seamlessly into my stoner lifestyle. It is best suited for daytime use. Are you interested? You can get it here for only $10! Try it out!

Beauty Hits/

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Review The Ultimate Hydration Fix

A jar of Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, known for its rich, hydrating formula that provides lasting moisture and a dewy glow.

The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Review: The Perfect Moisturizer (If You Can Afford It)

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.

I had to take this opportunity to write a Tatcha dewy skin cream review! I work full-time but am also a broke doctoral student, so I prefer small bottles, samples, and mini sizes for skincare. They are more affordable, save space in my skincare fridge, and a little usually lasts a long time when buying quality products. That said, Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream? Wow. I would keep the full-size one on hand if I could afford it, but for now, I cherish my little sample jar like it’s liquid gold.

From the very first use, this moisturizer felt different. I apply it at night, and by the next day, my skin still looks hydrated, glowy, and plump, as if the moisture didn’t evaporate overnight like with some creams. I keep mine in my skincare fridge for an extra luxurious touch, so it’s cold and refreshing every time I use it.

When this is in my collection, I use it every morning and night because the formula is thick but not heavy or greasy, and it sinks in beautifully. My only issue is the price!

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Easily one of the most moisturizing creams I’ve ever used. My skin stays dewy and soft for hours.
  • Glow Factor: Gives that natural, plump, glowy look without looking oily.
  • Stoner User Friendly: Yes. One step and your skin looks like you care about skincare.
  • Repurchase Worthy?: 100%… if I had the funds.
  • Price Pain: -0.1 points because $72 for 1.7 oz is insane.

Final Verdict: This is the one if you want a next-level moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated overnight. The only problem? The price is criminal. If you can grab a sample or mini version first, I highly recommend it. It pairs Best With a relaxing nighttime session, a cold skincare fridge, and pretending to be a rich stoner auntie while applying it.

Check it out on Amazon here.