Hello everyone! I wrote this while getting ready to return to the Philippines, so I was essentially paring down my Korea collection and packing up what can be brought back. This means saying bye to underwhelmers, sharing extras to friends and possibly decanting faves.

Six months through a daily practice of at least 3 hours has allowed me to rotate through quite a number of products both on myself and others. Here are the unforgettables!

• 식물나라 꼼꼼 쌀겨수 클렌징 워터 (Sikmulnara Perfect Rice Bran Cleansing Water) - I've previously raved about micellar water but in time have found that rave unwarranted. Many micelle waters leave me with such an itchy and tight feeling. Oftentimes too, I'll see a lot of residue on my cosmetic cotton pads later on in my skincare. This one though, is a game changer. The Sikmulnara Cleansing Water leaves my skin clean and conditioned. I can drown my face in it and not have any itchiness at all. I have my remnants decanted in a smaller bottle, and am seriously considering buying a backup.

• In Her Element Cleanse and Nourish Balm* - This has been a dream. It got me through the shittiest of my Special Effects and Art (i.e. paint) classes, which were done in the peak of winter. My suffering skin condition was never helped by harsh materials and industrial removers required for these classes. Thankfully, Liz sent me a sample of the IHE CANB just a few weeks before they started. I have barely any left, but at least Skin Hell is officially over.

• E-Mart No Brand Cosmetic Puffs - This seems really cheap and dumb to bring home, but I love how cheap they are! I've never understood makeup artists who reused puffs on paying clients, but whatever.
• LOHBs Sponges - LOHBs is a drugstore and they have these generic sponges. But generic, they are not! The sponges come in great shapes (diamond, house shape, triangle) and have a really dense but smooth texture. I bought my leftover half-pack and was thiiiis close to buying one more spare.
• Skinfood Eye Makeup Remover - No personal experience here, but my fellow students rave too much about it to be ignored. I wanted to pack one home but I seriously didn't have much time nor space!

• Hada Labo Skincare Set - I frickin love Hada Labo! My Salon du Chocolat day 1 model asked about it too, she was like "Oh god what is that, it feels great!" I had remnants decanted and some personal backups shipped. This set is perfect for me because the texture forces me to do the secret Korean massage, which I otherwise neglect to do with other skincare products.

• Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose - This isn't exactly revolutionary for me, but I'd love to keep having it in my pro kit for male grooming. Filipino men always freak out about gloss and shine regardless if they have the cracks of El Nino forming over there. This milky lip balm is great because it has decent moisture but way less shine.
• Smith's Rosebud Salve - On the other hand, this balm is LOVE. It softens even the hardest shingles off my lips. Leaving it on the model's lips while I make the face makes even the worst lip workable.

• Make Up For Ever Star Powder - I'd always thought MUFE was famous for their waterproof line, and while that can be true, it shouldn't be forgotten how MUFE does an amazing job at shimmer and glitter! The Diamond Powders are not my ultimate faves, but these Stars are soooo good I hoarded them during the Pro Sale. They're perfect for bridal looks, which I plan to get into in the Philippines.

• Make Up For Ever Primer - I have a love-hate relationship with this one. The texture is dreamily moisturizing but I hate how strong a white cast it leaves behind! When used correctly, and paired with a good enough foundation, it is sometimes the only option for severely dry-skinned people like me. I didn't buy a backup during the Pro Sale though, and that should speak of volumes about how conflicted I am about it.

*The In Her Element Balm is a gift from my friend Liz Lanuzo, creator of ProjectVanity.com and In Her Element. I strive to be unbiased talking about friends' and acquaintances' products.