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Move Over, BB: These Asian Beauty Innovations Are The Next Big Thing

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    You know the BB cream craze? It started in Asia. 3D nail art? Asia, too. These days, it seems like anything remotely related to Asia's beauty (or entertainment!) market is going to make it big here in America. On the skin-care front, we're inclined to think that Japan and South Korea are way ahead of the curve, so we're highlighting some of the most innovative products to come from both countries.

    We're not just talking about liquid eyebrow pencils and sleeping masks. Think outside the beauty box: snail slime, collagen supplements, and a gel that'll melt your clogged pores. (They may sound odd, but hey, we're definitely willing to try anything that'll make our blackheads disappear.)

    Read on to find out what we've got stashed in our shopping carts — think we should pull the trigger?

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  • Sulwhasoo
    Formulated with Korean medicinal herbs, this gentle exfoliating mask promotes the skin's natural circulation and hydration.

    Sulwhasoo White Ginseng Brightening Mask, $60, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
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  • Snail-Facial
    Thought escargot was gross? Try applying a snail's guts and slime on your face. Believe it or not, snail slime has been an ingredient in many South Korean beauty products since the mid '90s. Once you get pass the ick factor, it turns out the creepy crawlers' ooze contains glycolic acid and elastin, which helps protect its own skin from UV damage, cuts, and bacteria. This secret ingredient, combined with baobab tree extract and deep sea water complex, provides an abundant amount of hydration to the skin without adding excess weight.

    Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream, $49.99, available at Missha.
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  • ORG-Mineral-Peel
    In Korea, bathhouses called jimilbang draw people in with heated mineral baths infused with ginseng, iris, peach flowers, minerals, and antioxidants. After a deep soak, the dead cells and impurities are then scrubbed away, leaving only the healthy, glowing skin. After (literally) centuries, this beauty ritual has been bottled and is now available to enjoy at home. With a spritz and a rub, dull skin and deep-rooted dirt residues and be removed instantly.

    O.R.G. Skincare Organic Mineral Peel, $34-$44, available at O.R.G. Skincare.
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  • Collagen supplements aren't exactly a new trend in the beauty industry, but this product — a favorite in Japan — contains the highest concentration of ingestible collagen currently available in today's market. With regular consumption, this product promises to improve skin's elasticity, smooth its surface, and revitalize freshness from within.

    Lac Taut Premium Collagen Replenishment Formula, $110, available at Renew Alliance.
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  • Instead of using those painful pore strips that yank oil and dirt from your nose, some Asian women use a pore melting gel for their "strawberry noses." Not a lot of brands have pore-melting products, and Laneige has by far the most popular and effective one. The gel formula heats up when it comes in contact with skin, and you just wash it off after 20-30 seconds. See you later, blackheads.

    Laneige Blackhead Melting Ges, $22.89, available at Amazon.
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  • Made from the roots of the konjac plant found in eastern Asia, konjac sponges are much more than your average washcloth. The all-natural sponge gently exfoliates, helps balance pH, and even helps clear acne. Fun fact: You can also make yam cakes from the root of the plant!

    My Konjac Sponge 100% All Natural Fiber Konjac Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sponge, $10, available at Amazon.
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  • Know how Botox "freezes" your muscles? Synthetic snake essence has similar (if less long-lasting) anti-aging effects. The ingredient has been incorporated into creams, serums, face masks, and even makeup.

    The Face Shop Sseal Syn-ake B-Tox Cream, $78, available at Yes Style.
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  • Many Asian women think that a bright face is beautiful. Instead of using the SPF method to measure UVB ray protection, Asia uses the PPD method to measure UVA rays, which are the long-wave rays that cause premature aging and are responsible for tanning the skin. According to the Asian method, PA+ indicates a low level of protection, while PA +++ indicates the highest. Because some Asian women want to avoid tanning, many sunscreen products, and even makeup, bear the PA +++ label.

    Skinfood Tomato Wrinkle Sun Cream SPF 36 PA++ (Anti-wrinkle and Sunscreen Cosmeceutical), $15, available at Yes Style.
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  • Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page!
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