The Beauty Files

Winter Skincare Routine For Oily Skin With Keep Cool

My first beauty post of 2021 is all about k-beauty, specifically, a winter skincare routine for oily skin with Keep Cool. I’ve already done two partnerships with Keep Cool and genuinely enjoy the simplicity of their products. (And their customer service and social media team is awesome!) 

About KEEP COOL

I’m grateful that I’ve been able to turn my interest in skincare into a new venture as a beauty brand consultant. But, when it comes to my personal skincare routine, sometimes I just like to keep it simple. Which is how I’ve come up with a winter skincare routine for oily skin with Keep Cool.

Keep Cool is one of the 5 K-beauty brands I tried in 2020. I have absolutely fallen in love with Keep Cool because of their simple and refreshing approach to skincare as well as their commitment to being a sustainable skincare brand.  The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of artificial dyes and fragrances, too.

The philosophy behind Keep Cool is “Sophistication in Simplicity.” Its products are based on a traditional formula consisting of 3 key natural ingredients: Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis), honeysuckle flower (Flos Lonicerae) and Forsythia fruit (Forsythia suspensa).

Together, these ingredients cool down the skin in order to prevent dryness, inflammation, and other heat-inflicted ailments. 

Since the products have a “cooling” effect, you may think that they’re better suited for the summer/warmer temperatures. But, our skin can definitely benefit from a cooling formula, even in the winter. 

Just think of all the time you spend indoors during the winter months (and especially in the time of COVID-19). You’re likely indoors, with the heat blasting 24/7, meaning that your skin is likely susceptible to heat-related dryness, along with the dry winter air outdoors!

Even oily skin isn’t immune to winter dryness. In fact, oil skin may even be caused by winter dryness because the skin’s sebaceous glands go into overdrive to protect the skin.

And, that’s where my winter skincare routine for oily Skin with Keep Cool comes in!

This post contains affiliate links. 

Winter Skincare Routine For Oily Skin With Keep Cool 

PRODUCTS

Keep Cool has three skincare lines: Ocean (to moisturize dry skin); Shine (to brighten dull skin) and Soothe (to calm sensitive skin). My winter skincare routine with Keep Cool is a simple nighttime routine that uses:

1. Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner

2. Keep Cool Ocean Deep Blue Oil Self Ritual Kit

3. Keep Cool Ocean Hydrating Gel Cream

Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner

After washing my oily face with an AHA foaming cleanser (like Cleansing Research Wash Cleansing b) I apply a generous amount of Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner to my face.

The star of Keep Cool is a product in its Soothe Line, Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner. In August 2019, Business Insider dubbed their Soothe Bamboo Toner as the best Korean skin-care product you don’t know about.” Pretty impressive, but why the high praise?

The formula is 85% bamboo water, an ingredient that adds intensive hydration to the skin. There’s also hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and Phyto Green Shower Complex (a blend of bamboo, cyprus, pine, and thuja) to combat irritation and redness. 

It’s very watery, so I sometimes use MUJI cotton pads to make a DIY sheet mask or follow up with the Keep Cool and Soothe Sheet Mask (after a long soak in bath.)

Try it: Available on Amazon

Keep Cool Ocean Deep Blue Oil Self Ritual Kit 

Once the Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner is partially absorbed, I go for the Ocean Deep Blue Oil Self Ritual Kit. I’ve been using this set since December and it’s the perfect addition to any #selfcareSunday routine. 

The Ocean Deep Blue Oil Self Ritual Kit comes with a full-sized Ocean Deep Blue Oil and rose quartz gua sha. 

When it comes to the Ocean Deep Blue Oil, a few drops go a long way! During my first (failed) attempt at filming a skincare Reel for Instagram, I applied an entire dropper of oil to my face — way too much! 

I’ve since learned that a drop on my forehead, and one on each cheek works perfectly with my skin type. This bottle will surely last me for 1-2 months, even when used daily.

To hydrate and lock in moisture, the Ocean Deep Blue Oil is rich in natural and organic oils. (Jojoba Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cyperus Esculentus Root Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosa Caninia Fruit Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil.)

The deep blue color definitely reminds me of the ocean and the oil itself has a marine-ish, sea breeze + seaweed scent. The color is ALL NATURAL and comes from a blend of botanical extracts and oils like turmeric and eggplant fruit extract. 

After applying the drops to my face, I gently rub them in with my fingers. Then, I use the gua sha to massage my face and neck. Then I apply Keep Cool Ocean Hydrating Gel Cream.

Try it: Available on Amazon

Keep Cool Ocean Hydrating Gel Cream

The final step the Keep Cool Ocean Hydrating Gel Cream. It’s a pale blue cream with a gel-like texture. Like the Keep Cool sheet masks, this product has an immediate cooling and refreshing effect on the skin.

Its formula uses Keep Cool’s 3 main ingredients: Chinese Skullcap, honeysuckle flower and Forsythia fruit (Forsythia suspensa). There’s also Keep Cool’s original moisturizing complex called  “Hydrating Ocean’s 5,” a five-component ingredient that nourishes and hydrates the skin. There’s no funny afterfeeling, nor does it feel heavy, like it’s sitting on top of my skin. It’s the perfect way to finish a nighttime skincare routine 

Try it: Available on Amazon

Winter Skincare Routine For Oily Skin With Keep Cool 

Overall, I’m pleased with the results of my new nighttime winter skincare routine. My skin is definitely changing as I get older and rather than trying to achieve drastic results, I’m learning to monitor my skin and adjust my skincare routine accordingly

Here’s to a new year with more K-beauty and J-beauty finds!

For more winter skincare products, be sure to check out this J-beauty post as well:  

25 Skincare Items From Japan To Beat Winter Dryness

Winter Skincare Routine For Oily Skin With Keep Cool

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