From the Lab: How Are Your Products Tested to Ensure Safety?

Product safety is a huge topic of conversation among beauty consumers. And listen, I get it— there are so many products out there, it can be hard to understand how they’re all regulated. In addition, recent reports of the contaminant benzene being found in some sunscreen threw people for a loop.

In this post, I want to take some time to explain how your products are regulated, how they’re tested, and why you can ultimately rest assured knowing people are going to great lengths to ensure what you put on your skin is safe.  

How the FDA Regulates Cosmetics

There’s a lot of confusion about how the FDA is involved in overseeing the cosmetics industry. When it comes to cosmetics, the FDA focuses on regulation versus approval. This means that a cosmetic product doesn’t have to be pre-approved by the FDA before it’s brought to market, but it does have to comply with FDA laws and guidelines. Ultimately, there are two major criteria a product must meet in order to be sold to consumers:

  1. Packaging claims must be substantiated. Meaning, what it says on the bottle is what has to actually be in the bottle. And, if a product makes certain marketing claims, those have to be substantiated. This is enforced by the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, which requires your packaging and advertising information to accurately represent your product. 
  2. The product has to be safe. This one is pretty self explanatory—a product can’t be harmful to consumers in any way. This is enforced by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which states products can not be adulterated (contaminated), misbranded (falsely labeled or misleading), and otherwise are compliant with FDA guidelines. 

Aside from these laws, the FDA also has a set of guidelines called Good Manufacturing Practices. These are guidelines that need to be followed when manufacturing a product to make sure they’re safe.

Ultimately, the burden of testing lies with the brand or manufacturer. It’s their responsibility to prove their product meets all of the FDA’s criteria. This does mean a brand needs to know what they’re doing, so I think the ever-growing trend of brand transparency is great. It allows you, as a consumer, to make the best decisions about which companies you buy from.

That said, failure to comply with FDA regulations can result in a recall of a product or very expensive litigation, so understand that companies are very motivated to do the necessary testing so they can back their products. (In Europe, pre-approval is required in order for a product to go to market, and the governing body that approves it absorbs responsibility for any possible litigation.) Additionally, putting out something that hurts customers is bad for business! Most brands, manufacturers, and chemists have good intentions and work diligently to make sure the products they put out are safe. It’s almost unheard of for someone to put a product out without proper safety testing.

Speaking of safety testing, the cosmetics industry in the U.S. has developed a lot of its own standardized testing for proving safety and efficacy. Keep reading for what’s being done to ensure your products meet safety standards.

How Skincare Products are Tested for Safety and Efficacy Before Being Brought to Market

These are tests that can be performed on product formulas to ensure their safety and efficacy. We get our testing done through our trusted lab partners and stay in close communication with them to monitor results and make sure we’re always putting out safe, high-quality products.

Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)

PET is a one-time test done on cosmetic formulas to prove they can withstand contamination by microorganisms. The product is purposefully contaminated with six common types of microorganisms (three bacteria, fungus, yeast, and mold). A technician then measures the number of microorganisms left in the product over a certain period of time. Ideally, at the end of the test, there would be nearly nothing left. This test is required under the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.

Why It’s Needed

Cosmetics aren’t sterile when they’re produced, and once you take them home you might introduce contamination to the product when you use it or store it in moist conditions (like a bathroom or shower). To make sure harmful organisms don’t grow, preservatives are essential. This is one reason I’m not a fan of green or “clean” beauty, since it often means foregoing a traditional preservative system. 

Microbial Testing

Instead of a one-time test like PET testing, microbial testing is done each time a new batch of product is made. This is to make sure that, before products are sent to retailers or customers, there are no harmful microorganisms. This test is required under the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.

Why It’s Needed

Products can be contaminated during the manufacturing or filling process, and this test ensures they’re safe before being shipped out

Stability Testing 

Stability testing is essentially used to determine the shelf-life of a product. It ensures that, over a certain period of time, the product will look the same (i.e. no shift in color or texture) and that the chemical properties won’t shift. The most common type of stability testing is called “accelerated stability.” Over the course of three months, a product is exposed to several different temperature conditions. Three months of stability in the test translates to two years of stability in the real world, meaning the product will have a two-year shelf life. If it’s a product that’s considered a drug (like sunscreen), this test is used to determine the expiration date.

Why It’s Needed

It’s important to understand the integrity of a product over time. Selling an unstable product means consumers might not be getting what they paid for. This is especially true for active ingredients, like vitamin C or retinol, that might be unstable on their own. They need to be properly stabilized in a formula otherwise they won’t be effective or give consumers the benefits they’re meant to.

Human Repeat Insult Patch Testing (HRIPT)

This test measures whether or not people are likely to experience an allergic reaction or irritation from a product. Subjects with varying skin types have the product applied to the same patch of skin over and over, and someone analyzes their skin each time for possible irritation. For an extra fee, a dermatologist can review the data to get their stamp of approval. This allows a brand to market the product as “dermatologist tested” or “dermatologist approved.” The HRIPT test is also required if you want to label the product as hypoallergenic. 

As you can see, a lot of the claims that come from this test have to do with marketing. Learn more about marketing terms in skincare and what they actually mean.

Why It’s Needed

Though this test isn’t required, it’s a good idea if a brand wants to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction for their consumers. As I mentioned, it’s also necessary if they want to make certain claims about their product in regards to sensitive skin. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as “zero risk,” and a product might cause irritation for certain consumers even if it’s been through HRIPT. Again, this test simply minimizes the risk. 

Claims Testing

A “claim” is what a company says a product does. This may seem obvious, but it’s important because of the FDA law requiring that products live up to their claims. This type of testing is more about efficacy than safety, and the exact type of test or study depends on the claim being made. For example, if a product claims to improve dark under-eyes, they need to substantiate that. 

Why It’s Needed

Failure to substantiate product claims violates FDA guidelines and can result in a warning, fine, or even litigation. 

Ophthalmologist Testing

This is usually done at a third-party facility that specializes in this type of testing. A product is applied in or around the eye under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. This is how tear-free testing is done on baby shampoo, for example. If a product doesn’t undergo this type of testing, the packaging simply has to carry a warning that says if it gets in your eyes to rinse them thoroughly. 

Testing and Safety of Individual Ingredients

So far we’ve only touched on how cosmetic products are tested, but before that even happens, most of the ingredients themselves have been tested and studied at length. The reality is there aren’t a lot of truly new or groundbreaking ingredients being used in skincare, so the safety data we have for most ingredients goes back decades. 

Ingredients are extensively tested by their manufacturers, and in order to be used in cosmetic products, they have to be vetted through the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR). This is a board of independent scientists who review safety studies from both academic and industry sources. They also review toxicology testing and how ingredients are being used in formulas (especially the percentages at which ingredients are used). Toxicology testing isn’t required in the U.S., but some manufacturers will still do it. It is, however, required in the E.U., and the CIR takes the E.U. reviews and recommendations into consideration. In the end, the board assigns each ingredient a safety rating.

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into ensuring the efficacy and, most importantly, the safety of your products. I hope this post gave you a sense of all the work going on behind the scenes.

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2021 Year in Review — Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

Hey friends! Hard to believe 2021 is about to wrap up and that we’re already headed into 2022. Is it just me, or have these past couple of years felt like a bit of a blur? Crazy times!

As some of you already know, I own 100% of my company and have chosen to remain directly direct-to-consumer instead of selling through other retailers. One reason for this is that I want to be able to oversee the production and distribution of our products to maintain quality control. Another reason is that it makes me feel closer to our amazing customers! I love being able to give you all candid insights. So, without further ado, a recap of 2021 (and a sneak peek into 2022). 

2021—Where We’ve Been

Renée Rouleau Skin Care Celebrates 25 Years of Business

This past August, my team and I kicked off the celebration of Renée Rouleau Skin Care’s 25th anniversary with another great annual sale. Twenty-five years in business—I literally can hardly believe it! It’s difficult to put into words how much this milestone means to me. I am truly grateful. 

In 1996, I took a chance and moved to Texas where I didn’t know a single soul. I opened my first spa and started developing my skincare line, along with my proprietary 9 Skin Types. It was scary starting a business in a new place, but looking back on the friends I’ve made, the wonderful clients I’ve met, and the memories I now cherish, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

My team put together this amazing video to show the history of our company and how I got where I am today.  

Continuing to Expand Our Company’s Philanthropic Branch

Giving back has always been important to me, and there was a lot of need in our community after “Icepocalypse 2021.” For those who don’t know, Texas was hit with record-low temperatures that left many without water or electricity for weeks. During the cold front, there was an urgent need to get people warm and fed. Afterward, many faced expensive home repairs thanks to burst pipes and flooding. 

Renée Rouleau Skin Care made donations during and after the storm in an effort to help our community get back on its feet. Donations were made to Casa Marianella, Austin Area Urban League, Central Texas Food Bank, and Austin EMS Relief. In addition, I personally made donations to a few families in my East Austin community who were particularly affected by the storm and needed help with very costly home repairs. 

In addition to disaster relief, we proudly continued our philanthropic outreach with Tankproof, an organization that teaches underserved children who have limited or no access to a pool how to swim.

We also donated to Asian Americans Advancing Justice in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes.

Finally, I’m so proud to say that we partnered with Beauty Changes Lives to launch the Renée Rouleau Esthetics Scholarship! Two esthetics students were awarded $2,500 each toward their education. The first round of applications is closed, but keep an eye on our Instagram for round two to be announced! 

Completing Our Third Successful “Flovember” 

After Florian—my late husband and our former COO—beat prostate cancer, he and I started something called the “Burpee Challenge.” We did this as part of Movember to raise awareness for men’s health. Our entire team started training for the burpee challenge at the beginning of November, and at the end, we had a friendly competition to see how many we could do. For each burpee completed, the company donated a dollar to the Movember Foundation

After Florian passed away from bile duct cancer five years later, I decided to keep the tradition going and rename it “Flovember” in his honor. COVID forced us to adapt, so instead of doing burpees together everyone on our team chose a way in which to challenge themselves for the month of November. Some walked a certain distance each day, some chose to eat healthier, and I personally decided to work on stretching regularly to keep my muscles and joints strong. I’m so proud of everyone pushing themselves to be just a little healthier! I know Florian is very proud. 

Continuing to Grow Our Team

I’m so grateful for my amazing team, and I’m even more grateful that we’re in a position to continue to hire amazing employees who help us become an even better company! This past year we were fortunate to welcome three new team members:

  • Kaylee, in-house videographer
  • Kaitlyn, content editor 
  • Lexi, in-house esthetician and customer service rep

We’re now at 17 employees, and I love having a small team because it means we all get to know each other and collaborate.

Renée Rouleau Joins TikTok

That’s right, we’re finally on TikTok! In fact, the very first TikTok I filmed debuted on the jumbotron in Times Square—a real pinch-me moment. They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere!

Continuing to Have Award-Winning Products in Our Line

I created each product in my line to solve certain problems and help people achieve skin that makes them feel confident. When I see reviews or get messages from customers telling me how much our products have changed their skin, I remember why I do what I do and feel truly grateful. To have those products recognized with an award is just the cherry on top!

Here are some of the awards I’m proud to say Renée Rouleau Skin Care won this year:

Putting Out 44 New Blog Posts

I’ve always been about education, so my blog is very near and dear to me. I never want to just sell products to people, I also want to share what I’ve learned so they can better understand how to care for their skin. I think this is so important, especially considering how many options there are when it comes to skincare these days. It’s all about being a more informed consumer!

To get you started, here were the five most popular posts I published this year:

I Was Invited to the Marie Claire Power Trip

The Marie Claire Power Trip is an all-female networking event that’s held once a year, and I was honored to be invited this year. I got to meet so many amazing women including CEOs, executives, founders, and celebrities. It was two days of honest conversation and inspiring speakers that left me feeling re-energized and very excited for what’s to come. 

Our Warehouse Kept Things Running With 99.9% Accuracy

Anyone who’s ordered a package in the past year knows things have been…rocky, to say the least. Our warehouse team worked closely with our carriers to keep things running smoothly and continued to delight our customers with unparalleled speed and accuracy when it came to shipping their orders.

We Launched a New SKU—the Barrier Restoring Kit

After the success of our Rapid Response Detox Kit for breakout control, I wanted to put together a kit for those who experience dryness, redness, or irritation, especially during these winter months. The Barrier Restoring Kit includes three products that give deep hydration and build up your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

2022—Where We’re Going

New Products in the Works

Product development is one of the most exciting parts of my job, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ll be working on in 2022! For now though, here’s a sneak peek.

Right now, I have two products in the final stages of consumer testing and packaging design, and they’ll be launching in 2022. One is a brand new type of cleanser, and the other is a gentle polishing scrub that includes a small amount of exfoliating acids. 

In addition, we’ll be reformulating two of our existing products. Like most businesses, we encountered supply chain issues this past year. We’re making some changes based on this and since I’m always looking for ways to improve, I thought this transitional period would be a good chance to re-evaluate and see if we wanted to update any of our formulas. After weighing all the options, I decided both Total Eye Repair Creme and Triple Berry Smoothing Peel could benefit from a little “facelift.” As many of you know, our triple berry peel has unfortunately been out of stock for a while now because our supplier no longer had access to one of the key ingredients. We’ve been working hard to get it back for you, and you can look forward to a new and improved formula in 2022. 

Launched Text Messaging

It hasn’t officially been announced yet, but we now offer exclusive content via text message! We’ll be ramping this program up throughout the year, but you’ll want to be sure to sign up to receive helpful skin tips directly from me. You’ll also be the first to hear about new product launches and sales.

To sign up, text GLOW to +1 (866) 848-0284.

Subscriptions Launching Soon

You asked, and we listened. We’ll be launching a subscription program on our site this year. This means it’ll be even easier to restock your favorite products before you run out, plus you’ll save a little money!

So that’s some of the things going on with me and my company. I want to thank each and every one of you for another great year. I love being able to share these updates with you and appreciate you being along for the ride. Cheers to what was, what is, and what will be!

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How to Perform an At-Home Patch Test to Avoid 3 Possible Skin Reactions

It’s exciting to try a new skincare product. However, if you dive right in without patch testing it first, you could cause a negative reaction. That’s why I always suggest performing an at-home patch test before using a new skincare product—especially if you have extremely sensitive skin.

In this post, I’ll share how I perform an at-home patch test to avoid three possible skin reactions. These include an allergic reaction, sensitivity (irritation), and clogged pores. I’ll also share additional insight from Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a Board-Certifed Dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

What Is a Patch Test?

Before we talk about how to patch test skincare products, let’s talk about what a patch test is and why it’s necessary. In dermatology, a patch test is a diagnostic test used to determine which ingredients cause an allergic reaction in a patient’s skin.

“Patch testing is a procedure where patches containing different allergy-causing ingredients are applied to the skin to determine which one causes a reaction,” Zeichner says. “Oftentimes, it is difficult to determine which specific ingredient you are sensitive to, so patch testing helps with the detective work. You may not be able to tolerate a product simply because of a single ingredient it contains.”

At-home patch testing is slightly different. It involves applying a small amount of a new product to a specific area of the skin to see if it causes a reaction. This is important since you can rarely tell if a product is compatible with your skin until you try it. The last thing you want is to use it all over your skin and experience a negative reaction. And while traditionally a patch test is used to test for allergies, it can also be used to test for sensitivity and even clogged pores.

Should I Patch Test Every New Skincare Product I Use?

Experts recommended patch testing every new skincare product. However, I realize this is quite cumbersome. Plus, statistically speaking, the risk for an allergic reaction is pretty low. The majority of the population doesn’t have allergies or sensitivities. So, at the very least, I recommend patch testing any product that contains active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and vitamin C. These ingredients are actively working on the skin and are more likely to cause reactions.

With that being said, sometimes there’s no shortcut. If you know you have super sensitive or allergic skin, I recommend patch testing every new skincare product. The last thing you want is to cause a full-blown allergic reaction!

You should also patch test every new skincare product if you know you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, like fragrance. Even if a product is labeled as “fragrance-free,” it can still cause a reaction. That’s because, in the United States, fragrance allergens don’t have to be listed on the label. Plus, many products contain botanical extracts that contain the same potential allergens that fragrances do.

The same goes if you’re allergic to certain preservatives since there may be cross-allergies to other preservatives. Also, in the United States, brands aren’t required to list processing aids and impurities on the product label. In other geographies, like the European Union, brands are typically required to show sub-preservatives.

How Do I Patch Test for an Allergic Reaction?

To patch test for an allergic reaction, apply a small amount of product to the side of the face. I suggest applying it above the jaw or behind the ear. Make sure your skin is clean. This ensures there is no residue or oil impeding contact. It’s typically recommended to leave the product on for 24 hours. Then, observe your skin for another 24 hours. This is because it could take your immune system up to 48 hours to respond to the allergen. It can show up sooner than that, too; it all depends on your immune system and the severity of the allergy.

While 24 hours of contact is the standard, I only patch test new products for that long if they’re supposed to be left on the skin (like moisturizer or serum). If they’re wash-off products, like cleansers or masks, I only patch test them for as long as they’re supposed to be on the skin. So, for cleansers, I keep them on for about a minute. For masks, I keep them on for about 15 minutes.

After applying the product to clean skin, keep an eye out for 48 hours for signs of an allergic reaction. This could manifest anywhere, as an allergic reaction is a systematic (not localized) response. It could show up as a skin rash, severe itchiness, swelling, or burning.  It might go without saying, but if you experience any of these things, don’t use the product. I would also suggest consulting a dermatologist to determine which ingredient caused the allergic response.

How Do I Patch Test for Sensitivity (Irritation)?

To patch test for sensitivity, follow the same protocol as patch testing for an allergy. The difference is irritation will appear immediately, whereas an allergic response can take hours to days to appear. Also, irritation is localized, meaning it appears wherever you applied the product. An allergic reaction, on the other hand, is a systematic response.

It’s also worth noting that the skin’s barrier can differ in different areas. That means a product could cause irritation on your neck even if it doesn’t cause irritation on your face (or vice versa). While I suggest patch testing face products by applying them near the jaw, you might consider patch testing a product like a neck cream on the neck. Basically, when it comes to localized irritation, you want to patch test on the area you’ll actually be using the product.

Note: If you’re patch testing a product that contains exfoliating acids, it’s normal for the skin to appear pink. This should subside within 10-15 minutes, especially once a moisturizer is applied.

How Do I Patch Test for Clogged Pores?

This one is tricky since there’s technically no standardized way to patch test for comedones (clogged pores). There’s also no set timeline for when comedones will appear. It’s dependent on the individual, the product, the ingredients, and the skin’s microbiome among other things.

“Comedogenicity refers to the ability of a product to clog pores,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Traditional testing was performed on animal models like rats or rabbits. With a movement against the use of animal testing, many brands are now evaluating comedogenicity through its use on human skin. Some companies may even be making claims about comedogenicity based on the use of ingredients that do or do not block pores.”

With that being said, if you’re particularly prone to clogged pores (like a Skin Type 1, 2, or 3) you can still perform your own at-home test. The cheek (close to the nose) is a good place to perform this kind of test. That’s because there is a higher concentration of oil glands and pores in this area.

If a product is going to cause breakouts, it isn’t going to happen after one use. To truly test for breakouts and clogged pores, consider testing a small area for 7-10 days to be cautious. If all goes well, you can proceed to use the product on your entire face.

The Bottom Line

Performing a patch test is the best way to avoid an unnecessary reaction from a new skincare product. It’s worth noting that it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to something you’ve used before. The reason for this is unclear, but it’s certainly possible. If you think you’re experiencing an allergy to a certain product or ingredient, consult a dermatologist to get to the bottom of it.

It’s also possible to experience irritation from a product/ingredient you’ve used before if your moisture barrier is compromised. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re barrier is strong and intact before introducing any new products to your routine.

Next, learn how to quickly calm red, irritated skin!

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

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