G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review

G2Cell

As most of you know, I like to simplify my routines whenever possible.  As far as beauty goes, I take care of my own blonde, I leave the K-Beauty treatments to the professionals, and my nightly skin care routine has to be easy and effective.  I’m over the novelty of buying a gazillion skin care and beauty products in an attempt to find the next best thing in Korea.  Now, if I find a product I love, I’ll invest in the set in the hopes that I can save time and money.  When I went to Ruby Plastic Surgery for the Eunogo influencer open house, I was gifted a product which had immediate hydrating results on my dry, often sensitive skin. G2Cell’s Intensive Hydrating Capsule Cream was my gateway drug into the entire line.  I think the 12-step Korean skincare regimen is kind of absurd, but these 7-steps have made all the difference.  I’m high as a kite (on compliments, of course) and my skin has never felt better!

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review

Sticker Shock

The price per item might shock you, but consider how long each product lasts.  When I was buying my masks, moisturizers, ampoules, and essences at places like Olive Young or Etude House (I know, I know), I’d be lucky if they lasted longer than a month.  I’ve been using G2Cell products daily since the beginning of October, and the bottles are still about 3/4 full.  Investing in products like G2Cell’s means that you won’t be forking over more each month or having to go out of your way to replenish frequently.  The ultimate revival line is designed to simulate the effects of botox (cha-ching) by using technology designed for a lifting effect.  G2Cell is designed for low-irritation and high-function using ingredients like:

  • Biometric Water: This water is designed to activate tired cells.  It uses natural ingredients with minerals, phospholipids, amino acids, proteins, and peptide solutions.
  • SYN-COLL: This ingredient generates collagen in the skin.  It’s designed for skin regeneration.
  • Plant-Cell Extracts: Lotus flower callus culture extract rounds out the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

G2Cell: DTC Examination

These skincare products have been created with research based on genetics.  The idea is that your clinic can test your skin and recommend the ideal line for your skin type.  I can’t speak to that as I haven’t done the test, but going into the fall/ winter months the Intensive Hydrating line seems to be the best bet.  For more information on the examination, contact C&D Blue Company (info@cndblue.com or visit their website here).

 

 

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Cleansing Gel

G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Cleansing Gel

인텐시브 하이드레이팅 클렌징 젤

49,000원

This is the first product I use after removing my make-up.  It helps to remove any residue from cosmetics or remover, especially around the eyes.  Just a bit of the silky cleansing gel goes a long way.  It lathers well and leaves my skin feeling clean without the dry or tight feeling of other cleansers.  I keep this bottle right on my sink and use it before bed no matter what!

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Cleansing Gel

 

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival First Essence

G2Cell Ultimate Revival First Essence

얼티메이트 리바이벌 퍼스트 에센스

105,000원

The G2Cell Ultimate Revival First Essence reminds me a lot of the clarifying lotion (toner) from Clinique.  After cleansing, I’ll pop this on a cotton pad and gently wipe in a natural direction (remember to avoid the eye area).  It’s amazing just how much dirt, grime, and gunk remains even after double cleansing.  The first essence is what prepares your skin to absorb other hydrating products, so it’s a pretty important step!

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival First Essence

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Ampoule Essence

G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Ampoule Essence

인텐시브 하이드레이팅 앰플 에센스

125,000원

$ 91 (101,310 원)

Once I’ve finished with the first essence, I move onto the G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Ampoule Essence.  A couple of pumps are all you really need to get your entire face and neck.  This is a very quick drying formula to prepare your skin for further moisturizing.

Contains:

  • INOSITOL: Excellent hydrating ingredient
  • NATURAL PROTECTOR: Quickly calming irritated skin with 7 natural mixed substances
  • DEXTRAN: Supplying moisture to skin

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Ampoule Essence

“This ampoule provides long-lasting hydration and absorbs into the skin quickly. It will also helps the balance of the skin tone, giving the skin a more healthier look.  This ampoule retains the moisture balance of the skin and creates a non-sticky moisture barrier which is very smooth.  Because of the enhancing skin barrier, it helps provide nutrition and increase the skin’s elasticity.  “

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Emulsion

G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Emulsion

인텐시브 하이드레이팅 에멀젼

79,000원

I have a couple of gripes about the packaging of this line.  I find that the tough plastic makes the G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Emulsion difficult to get out of the bottle.  You really do have to hit it to your hand almost like ketchup.  This step involves a light cream which absorbs quickly.

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Emulsion

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Capsule Cream

G2Cell Intensive Hydrating Capsule Cream

인텐시브 하이드레이팅 캡슐크림

80,000원

$58.00 (64,570원) 

G2Cell’s Intensive Hydrating Capsule Cream has got to be my favourite part of the entire line.  This is the first product I tried and is what made me fall in love.  The week I started using the capsule cream I starting getting compliments on my fresh, glowy, soft skin.  The design is to retain “an optimal moisture balance to treat rough and dry skin”.  This is a thick moisturizer which signals the finale of your evening skincare routine.

Contains:

  • INOSITOL: Excellent hydrating ingredient
  • AGAVE TEQUILANA LEAF EXTRACT: Outstanding moisturizing and abundant nutrition
  • FUCUS VESICULOSUS EXTRACT: Supplying moisture to skin and helping moisture barrier creation

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Intensive Hydrating Capsule Cream

“This blending hydrating cream provides moisture and essential nutrients to the skin. The skin absorbs the cream quickly to prolong the moisture and helps in activating the moisture circulation.”

 

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

G2Cell Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

얼티메이트 리바이벌 아이크림

115,000원

$84.00 (93,520원)

I’m a kindergarten teacher, so by the end of the day my eyes are pretty puffy from staring at a screen, drawing on a boards, and chasing around my rugrats.  I’ve used an eye cream since I turned 20 and find I prefer a less viscous formula like the G2Cell Ultimate Revival Eye Cream.  Again, the packaging is a bit of a miss as it keeps falling down from its shelf in my medicine cabinet.  I also can’t tell how much or how little I’ve used, so I probably won’t know when you re-order until it’s a bit too late.  Regardless, I love the fact that it has a pump as well and I only need a pump or two to completely cover the Balenciagas below my lids.

Contains:

  • ARGIRELINE (ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8): Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing skin aging
  • OLANUM LYC OPERSICUM (TOMATO) FRUIT EXTRACT: Helping to maintain skin firmness by antioxidant
  • GLUTATHIONE: Maximizing Whitening Effect (Cartier note: whitening = brightening – not bleach!

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

“Improving skin texture to leave it soft and smooth with a healthy glow, especially eye contour area.  Restoring cream which highly concentrates on wrinkle improvement.  Additional lifting effects will improve the wrinkle and tighten up the muscles from beneath.  It also prevents skin tissue damaging with antioxidant ingredients within the product.”

 

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival Draw Mist

G2Cell Ultimate Revival Draw Mist

얼티메이트 리바이벌 드로 미스트

59,000원

Is the Ultimate Revival Draw Mist absolutely essential to my nightly routine?  Probably not.  I finish up with the final step of spraying the mist in a circular motion.  The directions say I can use this before or after applying my make-up.  It didn’t really make much of a difference for me as a setting spray, but I haven’t had much luck with those either.  If you’re on a budget, I’d probably skip out on the mist.  If you’re looking to dramatic change the overall look and feel of your skin, I’d invest in the entire line.  I have always had rough patches (even in the humid summer months!), but this year has made all the difference.  We’re into the frigid cold of November and I don’t have a dry patch in sight!

G2Cell: The Holy Grail of Korean Skin Care - ThatGirlCartier - Genoheal Review - Ultimate Revival Draw Mist

G2Cell Skin Care products are available at several cosmetic & plastic surgery clinics throughout Seoul, the official G2CELL site, the GENOHEAL website, or the Entas Duty Free Shop.   For special discounts, follow @ThatGirlCartier on instagram and send me a direct message!

If you’d prefer to purchase products in person, are a reader from outside of Korea, or for international distribution contact:
office #: +82 – 70 – 7402 – 9880
office address: 강남구 역삼동 641-20 Y&C 빌딩 4층 / 4th F. 641-20,  Y&C B/d, Yeoksamdong, Gangnamgu, Seoul, Korea
G2Cell “provides a gene based customized product to each person by having gene test, which analyzes the skin type. It’s much more convenient to choose a product before using cosmetic products because you will know which one will fit with your skin.”
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This article was written in unpaid partnership in exchange for an honest review of G2Cell products.  ThatGirlCartier.com only features products or services I genuinely adore and would repurchase again and again.

2017 Best Sheetmask Brands

 Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier Seoul Korea Botox Fillers Eunogo MH Clinic Ruby Plastic Surgery MVP Clinic VIP Plastic Surgery Whoo Spa Sinsa Facial
Photo: Robert Evans

My Top 5 Korean Sheetmask Brands

The #1 cheapest and most talked about Korean beauty product is the sheetmask.  You can find them in any Olive Young, Tony Moly, Etude House, Innisfree, The Face Shop, and more.  There seem to be cute new sheetmask options coming out every week!  From Star Wars to Pokemon to Placenta, there’s constantly a new Korean sheetmask gimmick.  Which masks actually work?  I tried a bunch last year, but it wasn’t until I found a brand from a plastic surgery company after an ultrasound hammer treatment that I actually felt a difference.  Check out my go-to brands when I choose from my big bag of K-Beauty sheetmasks!

Review Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Mask Pack G2Cell Genomics Code A Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

G2CELL (Genomics Code GenoHeal.com)

Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Mask Pack ($40 for 5-mask kit)

I was introduced to G2CELL at the Euno.go and Ruby Plastic Surgery event.  This is by far my favourite sheetmask of the bunch.  While the fit isn’t amazing, the results are almost immediate!  I had super glowy skin all afternoon and evening after trying it on a Saturday morning.

G2Cell uses Biomimetic Water (composed of minerals, amino acid, peptide) and milk protein from New Zealand milk phospholipid.  SYN-COLL is used to used to reduce wrinkles and increase firmness through collagen configuration and the promotion of Hyaluronan.  Palmitoyl Tripeptide is also included.  Aquaporin protects skin from moisture loss and improves elasticity.  Carob Extract prevents wrinkle creation and improves skin elasticity. Elderberry Extract acts as an anti-aging, polyphenol ingredient.

  • Phospholipid: Linoleic acids play an important role in the human skin’s own synthesis of Ceramide 1.  This is a a lipid that is important for intact barrier function.  Natural phospholipids contain relatively high amounts of linoleic acids thus resulting in soft, hydrated, and protected skin.
  • Hyaluronan: Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is found naturally in the body. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints. The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or created by bacteria in a lab.
  • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is used in a number of different anti-aging products because it can communicate with skin cells and boost collagen production.  The older your skin gets, the less collagen it produces.

 dr vip white pearl mask VIP Plastic Surgery Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

Dr. VIP Korea (VIP Plastic Surgery)

DR VIP White Pearl Sheetmask 

This sheetmask is super creamy, has plenty of essence, but doesn’t drip!  I love using this sheetmask before bed, especially if I’m about to fall asleep in a mask.  This is a luxurious home sheetmask facial made using the same ingredients you’ll find in a fancy facial treatment at VIP clinic itself in Sinsa!  Each sheetmask is used for different skin types and purposes: moisturizing, brightening, anti-aging, firm, and more.  VIP also has its own line of facial sheetmask called ‘DR VIP’ White Pearl Mask, which is effective in anti-wrinkle and whitening care.

It is a daily care sheetmask (although a little pricy for daily use) that consists of a soft and fresh essence that moisturizes the skin. It consists of ingredients, such as Glutathione, pomegranate extract and persimmon tree leaf extract, which enhance clean and lively skin. In addition, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Noni extract provide healthy and elastic skin.

  • Glutathione: Glutathione is a substance found in every cell in the body, where it acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage. Chemically, glutathione is a simple molecule composed of three protein building blocks or amino acids- cysteine, glutamine and glycine.
  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Acetyl hexapeptide-8 or acetyl hexapeptide-3 is a synthetic anti-wrinkle cosmetics ingredient. It is a peptide which is a fragment of SNAP-25, a substrate of Botulinum toxin (“Botox in a Jar”).
  • Noni: Noni juice is a dietary supplement extracted from the exotic fruit noni, and is commonly marketed as a general health tonic. Manufacturers promote noni for lowering cholesterol, promoting healthy blood sugar levels and for cancer fighting benefits.

Directions:

  • After you wash your face, apply skin toner.
  • Then, wear the mask for around 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the product).
  • After you remove the mask, pat the remaining essence so that it can be absorbed into the skin.
  • Voila, you’ll experience improved skin!
VIP Plastic Surgery Center Seoul, Korea 
For free consultation, please send email at vipps@vipps.kr
www.beauty-korea.com

 

Common Labs

My friends at GlamRecipe have really hooked me up over the past few months through their GlamRecipe StoreFront on Amazon.  Both the Vitamin B & C Honey “Ggultamin (Honey Vitamin)” Real Jel Sheetmasks offer tons of essence and actually feel like they make a difference for my skin.  I love the 2-step process including a finger peeling pad to remove dirt and dead skin.  Even when using a two-step cleansing process (make-up remover and either Banila Clean-It Zero or a foaming facial cleanser), this finger peeling pad always grabs more dirt I’ve not managed to remove.

The sheetmask itself is very wet and full of jelly essence.  Once you remove it from the packaging you’ll have plenty of leftover essence.  I usually put it on my neck, chest, and shoulders for additional hydration.  These masks are great because they hold really securely and you can actually feel the difference in hydration in the morning.  These masks I’ll typically use after a big night out to revitalize my tired skin.  My personal favourite is the Vitamin C for the mild, citrus and honey scent, but find what works for you!

Common Sheetmask Ingredients

Each sheetmask contains both AHA and BHA.   Alpha hydroxy acid products containing lactic acid, tartaric acid, gluconolactone, or glycolic acid are typically applied to sun-damaged and wrinkled skin twice a day. AHAs and BHAs as exfoliants can really change the look and feel of skin for the better!

  • TWO STEP MASK with FINGER PAD FOR MILD PEELING: for the best effect, dead skin cells should be removed before applying any type of sheetmask. The GGULTAMIN Vitamin C Sheetmask is an all-in-one sheetmask containing a finger peeling pad, which effectively removes dead skin cells and any dirt left on your skin. Containing AHA and BHA the sheetmask delivers a mild peeling effect.
  • HONEY AND PROPOLIS: each sheetmask contains 33ml of essence with honey and propolis extracts for intense moisturisation. Honey is one of the best natural ingredients to provide and maintain moisture in your skin. Propolis contains Flavonoid, a natural anti-aging ingredient that helps to protect vitamin destruction.
  • GEL TYPE ESSENCE (33ML): thick jelly texture delivers active ingredients deeply into your skin without drying up. The generous amount of essence allows you to also use it for your face and neck.

Review Common Labs Honey Mask GGULTAMIN (HONEY VITAMIN) B REAL JEL MASK Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

 Honey Mask GGULTAMIN (HONEY VITAMIN) B REAL JEL MASK 10 masks for $ 27 99 

by COMMON LABS

About the product
  • VITAMIN B: it contains Vitamin B5 to help stabilize the skin’s barrier, reducing the amount of water lost through the skin. Applying a provitamin B5 formulation to the skin will increase hydration and improve softness and elasticity for your skin.
  • LYOCELL SHEET: the GGULTAMIN sheetmask uses a natural Lyocell fiber mask that perfectly adheres to your skin. It provides extra softness and effective absorption of essence.

    Common Labs Honey Mask GGULTAMIN (HONEY VITAMIN) C REAL JEL MASK Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

Honey Mask GGULTAMIN (HONEY VITAMIN) C REAL JEL MASK 10 masks for $ 27 99 

by COMMON LABS

About the product
  • VITAMIN C: the sheetmask contains Vitamin C complex to help brighten, boost collagen, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
  • CUPRA SHEET : GGULTAMIN sheetmask uses cupra mask that perfectly adheres to your skin with extra softness and effective absorption of essence.

xaivita dr. sheet mask review Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

XAIVITA Dr.

All XAIVITA Dr. sheetmasks have similar promises.  They aim to help “to nourish and improve elasticity on the skin, which is tired from the external environment and” relieving “skin trouble and due to the soft adhesiveness of the sheet, it makes soft and fresh skin.”  Whenever I get a new version of their 3-step sheetmask I’m wary of the strange ingredients.  I suggest you try them laying down as these sheetmasks are super wet and drippy. Your skin will feel intensely hydrated almost immediately, so make sure to use this brand before bed so you can let the essence really get to work without obstacles like makeup!

Directions:

  1. Ampoule: Using the toner after washing, take proper amount of the content and evenly put on whole face.
    Lightly touch the face so that the content can be absorbed.
  2. Mask: After cleansing, take out the sheet and apply it over your face.  Remove the sheet after 10-20 minutes.
  3. Cream: After the Mask, spread uniformly along skin’s texture and massage gently.
 XAIVITA Dr. Gold Spider Anti-Wrinkle Cellulose Mask Review Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier
Gold Spider Anti-Wrinkle Cellulose Sheetmask
Fine Dust Protector-Soothing and Moisturizing.  8.88% Gold Spider secretion filtrate helps to nourish and improve elasticity on the skin, which can become tired from the external environment.
xaivita dr. sheet mask Horse Oil Premium Cellulose Mask Review Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier
Horse Oil Premium Cellulose Mask
Fine Dust Protector-Moisturizing and Nutrition Supplying Horse oil.  Premium secretion filtrate helps to nourish and improve elasticity on the skin, which is tired from the external environment.  It relieves skin trouble and due to the soft adhesiveness of the sheet, it makes soft and fresh skin.

Wish Formula Review Blackhead & BlackMask Home Spa Kit Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier

WISH FORMULA

BLACKHEAD & BLACKMASK HOME SPA KIT (Black Sheet, Pore Tightening Serum & Black Stick) 10 kits for $ 9 99 

by WISH FORMULA
The blackhead sheetmask really does bring dirt and grime (blackheads and sebum) to the surface.  I haven’t mastered the black stick quite yet, so I’ve been using a peel away mask instead.  After that, I use the pore tightening serum which soothes skin quite well.  The next day I find my sensitive skin on and around my nose is incredibly soft and the pores appear much smaller!
About the product
  • BLACKHEAD REMOVAL KIT: a complete kit including a black sheet, pore tightening serum, and black stick work to gently take care of blackheads and pores.
  • 9 NATURAL EXTRACTS: ingredients from lemon balm, sage, witch hazel, mistletoe, peppermint, jack burdock, needle juniper, soapwort, and St. John’s wort work effectively to dissolve blackheads and sebum.
  • PORE TIGHTENING SERUM: consists of patented active ingredients to tighten pores and soothe skin, resulting in a silky smooth texture.

Korean Beauty Bliss: 2017 Best Sheetmask in Korea - ThatGirlCartier spa white towels tiles bench yellow rubber duck massage

Go ahead, set up the bubble bath and pour yourself a glass of wine.  These awesome Korean sheetmask options will have your skin silky smooth in no time!  What are your favourite K-Beauty quick picks?  Leave them in the comments so I can give them a try!  While some items on this list were gifts from friends, former clients, and current partners, all reviews are honest and opinions are my own.  Where to buy links are in pink however none of them are affiliate links.