PRODUCT: Clean it zero 

COMPANY: Banila co

COST: ~20,000 WON ($20)

DESCRIPTION: This cleansing "sherbert" balm is super-popular and touted as a gentle make-up remover that moisturizes and tones the skin while removing dirt and build-up. It is an "oil-based" cleaner, meant to be used as a first step in the evening cleaning process, followed by a foam cleanser, exfoliator and moisturizer. Use the included spatula to scoop a small amount into hands and work into a gentle lather over face. Rinse off.

EXPERIENCE: I was excited to grab this one after reading so many rave reviews online. With a pleasing, silky texture and no tingling sensation afterwards, this cleanser is one of the more comfortable and mild ones I've tried, yet incredibly effective at taking off make-up.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Mineral oil is the lead ingredient, an excellent ingredient for removing make-up and blackheads. There are also some interesting plant products in there (mistletoe, papaya, raspberry), purportedly with antioxidant properties.

SMELL: mild and pleasant, almost fruity

TEXTURE: "Sherbert" is a good description - white and a little creamy, drip-free and smooth to apply.

YAY OR NAY: Yay if you wear a lot of daily make-up, this is a great step before a face wash. Plus, a little bit of this cleaner goes a long way.

LINK: banila co

PRODUCT: Jeju volcanic melting clay mask

COMPANY: INNISFREE

COST: ~15,000 WON ($15)

DESCRIPTION: If magma could be bottled into a face product, this would be it. The product is described as a "warm pore mask formulated with melting clay of Jeju volcanic clusters to gently break and melt away the excess sebum in the pores for clean skin." The thin brown cream gently warms the skin and never hardens. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. 

EXPERIENCE: I found this to be very pleasant and fun with the warming factor, and a nice 1-2x a week mild exfoliator.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Volcanic ash is the 6th ingredient and the mixture has some soothing and enriching fruit and plant extracts as well.

SMELL: None noticeable

TEXTURE: Fairly smooth and self-warming

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for being a nice, mild and comfortable exfoliator

PRODUCT: Rice Brightening Facial Cleansing Tissue
COMPANY: SKINFOOD (U.S. branches available!)
COST: ~7,000 WON ($7)
DESCRIPTION: I've been trying these as a quick way to wipe off the day's grim and sunscreen until a pre-bed face wash a few hours later.  From the label: "A cleansing tissue containing nutritious rice bran water from the pristine Cheorwon region that easily and quickly removes makeup residue while making dull skin bright and refreshed. Story of rice bran water: Rice bran is the thin shell that is produced when milling brown rice to white rice and contains rich proteins, vitamins and minerals. Unlike rice extracts, rice bran water contains the same rice bran ingredients that not only brighten but make skin radiant." Well!
-SMELL: Strange and hard to place. Is that the smell of rice bran?
-VERDICT: VERY cleansing, though leaves my skin a little red, tingling/tight and sticky. After a few tries, I've decided to stick with a gentler cleanser like Banila Clean It Zero. However, for someone who wears foundation or a lot of make-up, this wipe could be a good way to go.