A comprehensive summary of my opinions on all the Missha products I've tried. This will be updated sporadically to reflect any new products I have tried since the original posting. Enjoy!
BB CREAMS
M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ http://tinyurl.com/9l4tses
This is hands down my favorite BB cream from Missha and my favorite BB cream overall. I’ve tried over 20 BB creams and I always go back to this one. This comes in about 5 shades - I used both #23 and #27. I’m a MAC shade NC25-27. The #23 will adjust to my skin and results in a pretty good match, especially after I apply the rest of my make up. The #27 doesn’t really adjust to my color and just happens to be the right warm tone right when I apply it. The coverage is medium to almost full on me and I like the way my skins looks (dewy) and feels (moisturized) when I use this. I have normal to oily in the T-zone skin and this works well for me with a setting powder (Tarte Amazonian Clay, MUFE HD, LM Universal). This looks fresh for about 6 -7 hours on me with a dewy look since it is a BB cream. I wore this for 6 straight months and went from an NC30 to an NC25. I can attest to the whitening properties of this BB cream. It wasn’t an intentional thing, but more of a case of wanting a product with high SPF to wear in a hot climate.
M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25 PA++ http://tinyurl.com/pf882sa
I like this but I don’t love it. It has a lower SPF in comparison to the M Perfect Cover and leaves my skin feeling dryer (not sure why). I use the shade #23. I think the shades are not as easily matchable compared to the M Perfect cover either. While Missha does a wide variety of BB creams, the shades do not correspond to each other. For example, #23 in the M Perfect Cover is not the same as #23 in the M Signature Real Complete range. Even though the #23 is supposed to be a yellow tone, I still find it too pink for me. As with many face products, the wrong shade can make you dislike a product more. The coverage is medium and the wear time is a couple hours longer than the M Perfect Cover since I find it to be a drier formulation.
M Swirl BB Sun Balm SPF50+/PA+++ http://tinyurl.com/ou7blbo
This is hands down the most pigmented of the BB creams that Missha does. It has a very high SPF and gives a pretty full face look. I found it to look too makeuppy and liked it as a concealer. The product comes in a compact and is extremely emollient. Those with oily skin will hate this. If you can find a shade match I’d say give this a try. I used to be able to wear shade #23 when I was an NC30 - now it’s way too yellow/dark for me. This absolutely must be set with a powder and I would recommend this as a winter/cooler weather alternative to foundation.
MISA Cho Bo Yang BB Cream SPF30 PA++ http://tinyurl.com/pg5j8my
This BB cream is another one that I like from Missha. The coverage is medium and the wear time is good - somewhere between the M Perfect Cover and the M Signature Real Complete. Again, I can wear this in #23 but the #23 here is different from the other two. This one is good for normal skin and can be powdered or not depending on your skin type. I always recommend some powder in the T zone regardless of skin type.
FACE
This is ok for me. The color selection is pretty and I’d say in terms of cream blushes, this is better for drier skin. My personal favorite are the Stila Convertible Colors. The fact that you get two colors is a plus and the packaging is cute. I don’t find them to be particularly pigmented nor do I find them to be very long wearing. On the lips I’d say these work better than most dual purpose products do.
M Prism Bright-On Auto Powder SPF 35 / PA+++ http://tinyurl.com/oqtszpa
I really like this powder. I was on the hunt for one of the vibrating powder products and Missha happened to release a whole bunch of new products in the US and sent out emails regarding the launch. I purchased it when it was 50% and thought it was a really good deal. The vibrating motion gives an even and soft finish on the skin and you can really apply powder in sheer layers easily. There are only 2 shades, so you either go warm or cool. It’s a fairly translucent shade so I’d say there’s a decent option for those who are light to medium in skin tone.
I love this but I think it requires a light hand. Too much of it really dries out my normal skin. I like using this in the T zone. You can use it to set your under eye concealer but again, you must use a really light hand. Those with oily skin will find this a nice addition in their quest to look less oily. I wish this came in a loose formulation so there would be a bit more control in application.
This is the most pigmented concealer that Missha has. A teeny tiny bit goes a long way but it’s a very soft and creamy formula so powder is a must. It kind of reminds me of the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer but of course that costs way more and is more pigmented. As with many of the face products, this comes in two shades #21 & #23. So again, you’re either going warmer or cooler. I find this works for the undereye area as well as on the face. You get 10g of product which will last you forever.
I would say this is my least favorite concealer from Missha. It’s on the cheaper end of the spectrum and performs accordingly. I think this is good for younger skin that is fairly perfect. It’s a less pigmented version of the MAC Studio Finish Concealer. It’s a cream to powder finish that to me look pretty powdery, so I’m not too crazy about it as it can look a bit dry over time. I don’t find it very long wearing and would put the coverage level at sheer to medium.
The Style Under Eye Brightener http://tinyurl.com/cn36k76
If you’ve watched my videos for a while then you know I absolutely love this product. For me it’s a fabulous under eye brightener as well as a pretty good concealer for the face. I can skip the whole color correction/brightening/concealer process with this product. I use Natural Beige and it looks good under the eyes and on the face. Light Beige only works for my under eyes as it looks too light/pink for my face. I find the coverage medium to full and it’s superior to the Maybelline Age Rewind line which I also really love.
I was really excited to try this product. There is a liquid and powder like substance in the bottle that you shake up and spray on to fix your makeup. I thought it was genius because then I could skip the whole powder/fixing spray step at the end of my make up application. Not so. This did absolutely nothing for me. I actually think it made my make up last less long :(
EYES
I love these eyeliners and have them in every color. I use Pearl Brown the most since it’s an easy add on to whatever look I’m doing. They are super waterproof and last all day on me. I love using them on the waterline, but would caution those with sensitive eyes or contacts since there is very fine micro litter in these pencils. As a regular liner on the lower lash line, they apply in a way that makes smokey eyes so easy to do. They have a smokey/smudgy look to them that requires little to no blending.
I’ve purchased these in a couple of different color combinations and find them nice but not amazing. I very rarely reach for them and have put them up in blog sales in the past. They are your typical shimmery shadows that you get with a lot of Asian brands. They’re good but not special. I do love the packaging though - quite luxe.
I’ve purchased 2 of these shadows and find they are pretty layered over other shadows for a sparkly look. I have swatched and played with other shadow finishes and they’ve all been ok. Missha eye shadows are not their best products. I find that in terms of make up: lip products and face products are the standout winners.
One of my absolute favorite products from Missha. For those that have issues with the curl holding or just want something to set/fix your mascara - this is for you. This is a must buy for me and I’ve got my mother hooked. For the top lashes, I apply this first, then some fibers (Love Alpha ones are my favorite) then a lengthening mascara, finished a with Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara. Of course one lazy days I could just use the Power Fix with any other mascara and it just makes my lashes look good not amazing. I also use it on the lower lashes finished off with the Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara and love the effect. This products serves as a primer or fixer depending on what you’re look for in terms of your mascara routine.
The Style Good-Bye Crease Eye Makeup Primer http://tinyurl.com/qf5dsub
This is a pretty good primer. For the price I’d stick to cheaper drugstore alternatives, but if you find this on sale I’d say to try it out. The primer is white/clear upon application and serves as a decent fixer of eyeshadow. I have normal lids and this lasted about 7 hours on me.
This is a pretty good primer. For the price I’d stick to cheaper drugstore alternatives, but if you find this on sale I’d say to try it out. The primer is white/clear upon application and serves as a decent fixer of eyeshadow. I have normal lids and this lasted about 7 hours on me.
The Style Perfect Eyebrow Styler Replacement http://tinyurl.com/owf68bx
I like the eyebrow pencils from Missha. They have the triangular head that I favor and there is a good color selection. My trick with these eye brow pencils is to swivel them out more than you would normally extend a regular pencil and apply it lightly and slowly to get the effect your want. As with other eyebrow products, this comes with a spooly on the other end to brush your brows out before and after. They also come in a refill which I also purchased to keep in my purse for random touch ups. If you’re like me, you’ve experienced the mid day horror of realizing a bit of your brow has disappeared or you’ve gone shopping and in the process of trying stuff on, realize that part of your brow may have been removed along with the shirt you just took off.
This works really well. I prefer this to other quick make up removers because it’s a solid. I dislike remover pens since they can be liquidy or a bit oily. I don’t want to remove the make up remover after it removes my make up, capiche?
LIPS
M High Glossy Pure Lip Rouge SPF13 http://tinyurl.com/qf5ztdm
I have this in the shade Over Joy - a nice medium finish orangey shade that was made for warm Asian skin. I wear it tapped into my lips or full on and like it both ways. The bullet is faceted and super sleek looking and the formula is smooth and smells nice but not obvious.
Scarlet Coral is the shade I own. The formula is light, sheer and hydrating. They don’t wear too long nor are they very pigmented (it is a balm after all). I love using it on top of other lip products.
These are really soft and are not my favorite lip liners. I have the shades nude and beige. While the colors are nice, they feel like they might break off as I’m applying. A high maintenance pencil that may require refrigeration - no thank you.
NAILS
The massive glitter craters in this polish are gorgeous. I feel it’s more confetti than glitter. They require a bit of work but the end result is flippin’ beautiful.
The Style Lucid Nail Polish http://tinyurl.com/b2ep546
This polish is amazing! If you want to wowed with the coverage and shine in one coat, this is for you. I have the shade PP03 - the site provides fairly accurate swatches.
SKINCARE
Natural Konjac Cleansing Puff (Bamboo Charcoal) http://tinyurl.com/a7mj3y9
I am obsessed with this sponge. I came across it while browsing the Missha site during a sale and read up on konjac sponges and decided to purchase one. The sponge comes damp and you can wet the sponge and use it alone or add a cleanser to it as well. I personally like using this in the morning to cleanse the face. I often go without cleansing in the morning to utilize the natural oils that have formed overnight, but this cleans your face without stripping it of anything. It leaves your skin super smooth and over time you’ll just see brighter and better skin. As the sponge is considered “living”, you will have to pitch the sponge after a couple months of use since bacteria will form. I’ve read that many have trouble getting the sponge to dry completely after each use. I hang it on the doorknob of my bathroom door and it dries completely. I would recommend not hanging it in the shower even though it may seem convenient.
I thought this brush would be more of an exfoliating tool but the bristles are incredibly soft, almost make up brush like. I used this with a cleanser and it worked out ok. I then tried it with a scrub and that just made the bristles stick together with the grit from the scrub. If anyone has used this and found it to be purposeful or helpful, do let me know.
Not the oil for me. I know many enjoy the oil cleansing method but I didn’t like this oil at all. It felt like there was a film or residue left over after cleansing and turned me off to this method of make up removal. From other reviews I’ve found this is not very highly appreciated as a cleanser so for those who like Missha and wanted to try it I’d suggest against it.
This is following the snail extract rage the was all over Korea in the past couple of years. Skincare with snail extract is supposed to heal and renew skin. This particular cream contains 70% snail extract. I will go on the record to say that any snail extract product I’ve tried always smells divine. They tend to have a gel or mildly sticky texture to them and feel smooth going on. This cream was a bit too moisturizing for me in the summer but was fantastic in the winter. The mask in this line is also really good too. Under make up it creates a smooth finish and makes makeup application easy. I think the best results are in the morning when used overnight. Skin is bright and plump and smooth.
This is supposed to more affordable version of Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum. I have tried the EL version and didn’t see anything noticeable. It did no harm, but I didn’t see an improvement either. The same goes for this serum. I’ve decided that my skin is too young at this point to see the benefits of a lot of anti-aging serums. I’ve really liked the Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir and the Olay White Radiance Serum.
This is your standard peeling gel. It’s a gel that you squeeze out of the tube and apply to your face that will slow slough off dead skin to reveal smoother skin underneath. You can then rinse with water. I usually cleanse my face and then apply this, rub it out and jump in the shower to remove all the little peelies that have come off. Skin is always smoother and feels plump after a good peeling gel session and this is a good one.
This peeling gel is not for everyone. This one is different from the aforementioned in that you still apply it but you don’t rub it around your face. Apply a layer all over your face avoiding the eye area and wait about 5 minutes. In 2 minutes, you should start to feel tingling and depending on your tolerance for discomfort then you may want to remove it immediately. I leave it on for about 5 minutes and then I start to rub my face in circular motions and I’m not sure that it’s THAT much cleaner than your standard peeling gel but it definitely FEELS cleaner.
This was offered on promotion in the VIP Shop section of Missha’s site, so I picked one up to see if it could combat a bit of fine lining on my forehead. It seems mascara application face has turned into some lining up north. It did fill in the lines, as well as the pores on on either side of my nose. It’s FABULOUS! It’s essentially a face primer and may be my favorite blurring primer at
this point in time. I put some on my hand to blur out the lines there and it looks wonderful. Use over time is supposed to improve the fine lines, so we shall see.
TOOLS
A good eye brow razor - my previous ones have been longer, so the shorter blade works out well for harder to reach places such as between the brows. For those who like shaving their face with eye brow razors, this one makes is easy work in areas around the nose and along the temples.
I have a Brushabilities video dedicated to Missha brushes. http://tinyurl.com/obom564
I wanted to try some “luxury” cotton pads and these were ok. There is another version that’s a couple dollars more but I may or may not try them out. Everyone says that the more expensive cotton pads are worth it but I’m not sold. My current favorite cotton pads are the Studio 35 Deluxe Cotton Pillows: http://tinyurl.com/otttdhj
This really works! I’m a firm believer that vinegar can fix anything from stains to grime to smells etc., so when I saw this I had to try it. When I wear non leather shoes in the winter, this is a life saver. You just spray it on your feet and in a few seconds you should be good to go.
AVAILABILITY
There are free standing Missha stores in many countries: http://www.missha.net/. Various countries also have their own website. Asian cosmetic sites, Ebay and Amazon also carry Missha products. I buy from the Missha US website. Most of the products are always available and there are frequent promotions. New product launches will see items at up to 50% off. There are frequent 30-40% off the entire website promo codes that are offered via email. So again, I encourage you to sign up for their emails so you’ll know when new items arrive or if the whole site is on sale.
I will continue to update this post as I buy/try more products :)
