Two Cute Patches; One Purpose

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Some blush is cute. Harsh wind flush and post-workout ruddiness is not. On days I’ve been feeling a little too red, I reach for the Tony Moly Red Cheeks Girl’s Patch and Etude House Cherry Lip Gel Patch (two unrelated products that just beg to be used together). They're adorable, they target redness, and like more traditional masks, they moisturize deep.

The Etude House Cherry Lip Patch has helped improve the condition of my chronic dry lips tremendously. Infused with vitalizing cherry extract, it hydrates, repairs, and soothes for smooth, and what they call, “cherry-like” lips. The hydrogel patch sticks to your skin and helps hydrate the area around your lips as well. If your lips are as raw as mine are, you may feel a slight sting for the first few minutes as the patch works to moisturize as it picks up dead skin cells. The cooling effect helps to minimize any unpleasantness, though, and you’ll want to keep it on for longer. Upon checking the ingredient list, I noticed that artificial flavor is the last one listed. So for everyone's sake, I’ve gone ahead and done a tongue-tip test while having the patch on my lips, and I strongly advise you not to do the same. Aside from the bitter taste test, would I recommend this product to a friend? A big check next to “Yes.”

The Tony Moly Red Cheeks Girl’s Patch does the same, but for the cheeks. Calming ingredients work to relieve irritation and decrease redness, while others deliver moisture deep into your skin. It’s a bit of a task to keep the patches on your face (they'll fall off if you're sitting upright), so it’s best to use these when lying down. I've seen less of a difference with these than with the lips, but they're so cute I don't really care. Both products are, most definitely, Girls’ Night In- and selfie-friendly.

—Stella Kim

Photographed by Tom Newton. Read more of Stella's work here.