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EXCLUSIVE Behind the scenes in Trump's transformed Mar-a-Lago that's so exclusive even money can't get you in Officials, supporters and the curious are making a beeline for Trump's home Insiders say it could not be more different to the atmosphere in 2016 By ROB CRILLY, CHIEF U.S. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN PALM BEACH. FLORIDA Published: 20:34 GMT, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 21:08 GMT, 22 November 2024 e-mail 26 shares 214 View comments The terrace is packed every night with politicos looking for a post or people simply looking to party. The opportunistic and the merely curious are offering members thousands of dollars to land a seat at dinner. And since November 5 Mar-a-Lago has become 'the most exclusive place' on the planet,' according to one regular. Every night is like a party, as guests throng the pool deck waiting for the man who will become the 47th president of the United States to make his grand entrance. 'It is the hottest ticket in town,' said one veteran Palm Beach socialite, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing out on invitations if he was seen as a gossip. 'It's full every night.' It is all a far cry from Donald Trump 's 2016 election victory. In the weeks and months after he took office, dozens of charities canceled their annual fundraising events at Trump's Florida home as they sought to distance themselves from his polarizing presidency. Trump spent most of his transition in Manhattan, at Trump Tower, as he put together his first Cabinet. Donald Trump with House Speaker Mike Johnson at Mar-a-Lago last week. Trump's Florida home has become the only place to be for Republican officials and supporters Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's health supremo, takes a selfie with fans Read More EXCLUSIVE Gaetz says he'd be in prison if sex 'smears' were true in first interview since withdrawing This time around, world leaders and hopefuls seeking administration jobs have descended on Trump's 'winter White House,' packing out the terrace each evening. Instagram is filled with fans snapping pictures alongside the world's richest man, Elon Musk, or more established Trump world figures such as Roger Stone, longtime Republican provocateur, or the new wave of bro influencers who made such an impact on the campaign. While Trump spends his days building an administration, evenings become a never ending victory celebration. Trump's social media guru Dan Scavino posted video on Wednesday of Trump breaking out his familiar dance moves to the sound of the Village People's 'Y.M.C.A.' much to the delight of whooping supporters. Last week, Trump and Musk joined opera star Chris Macchio for a rousing rendition of 'God Bless America' in a video that went viral. 'It's not a different vibe. It's a different planet,' said Palm Beach doyenne Lexye Aversa, who will be holding her annual charity holiday gala at Mar-a-Lago in two weeks time, as she compared this transition with 2016. 'There's been such an evolution through COVID and people wanting to re-emerge after the pandemic shutdowns, and then the political climate sort of piggybacked onto that with Mar-a-Lago as a Mecca for events ... helping to catapult its visibility to another dimension.' His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe will co-host her gala which features Italian tenor Franco Corso, all in aid of the charity 'A Safe Haven for Newborns.' Trump and Elon Musk put on a show, teaming up with opera star Chris Macchio for a rousing rendition of 'God Bless America' at a Mar-a-Lago party on another night Influencer Melissa Rein-Lively posed with Republican strategist Roger Stone as she launched a outsider bid to land the role of White House press secretary Matt Gaetz, center, was tapped to be Trump's attorney general before dropping out Tucker Carlson, Cheryl Hines, Robert F Kennedy Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr, Tulsi Gabbard share a table at dinner Aversa said attending an event was the only way any non-member could get a glimpse of Mar-a-Lago. 'You can buy tickets for those but to pick up the phone and get yourself a seat at the table or go to dinner ... no, absolutely not,' she said. 'This is the most exclusive place on Earth right now.' Two sources told DailyMail.com they had been offered money for seats at dinner. Both demurred when asked if they accepted. The other way in is to be a guest of Trump himself as an administration hopeful or adviser. Spotted in the past fortnight have been Steve Bannon, recently released from prison, and punchy podcast host Sebastian Gorka, who has been tipped for a spot on the National Security Council. Former Trump spokesman Sean Spicer and Kari Lake, who lost her run for the Senate in Arizona, both held talks about possible roles last week, according to sources in the know. And, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was photographed playing with his three children on the estate's sweeping lawns. Some wannabes have made themselves a constant presence in the hope of landing an unlikely post. Online influencer Melissa Rein-Lively has peppered her Instagram feed with images from Mar-a-Lago, but failed in her effort to land the job of White House press secretary. Musk posted a picture with Trump and Argentinian President Javier Milie (center) Trump, in dinner jacket, addressed a political gathering at his Florida HQ British politician Nigel Farage posed with Barron Trump on election night Vice President-elect J.D. Vance plays with his three children beside the water Guests arriving for a party at Mar-a-Lago. The club is the hottest ticket in town Supporters have been a constant presence beside the bridge the leads to Mar-a-Lago Joining fees were reportedly raised to $1million this year with rumors that the Trump Organization is thinking of raising them again after the election victory. With membership limited to 500 by the town of Palm Beach, open slots are scarce. And for a big company looking for a chance to lobby the president-elect as he dines among members on the terrace, it is money well spent, according to Laurence Leamer, who wrote a history of the estate. He has also crunched the numbers. 'You want to be there when he's there so you probably go once a week for maybe three or four months, for four years, which means your dinner costs, what ... $18,000 each time,' he said. 'Now, if you if your company gets a billion dollar government deal, that's the best money you ever spent.' But for many other guests it is simply a chance to let go of four years of hurt since election defeat in 2020. 'They've just held this into themselves as they felt they were not appreciated and understood,' he said. 'And they just are crazed for it now,' Mike Johnson Elon Musk Politics Share or comment on this article: Behind the scenes in Trump's transformed Mar-a-Lago that's so exclusive even money can't get you in e-mail 26 shares Add comment
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The Public analyst, Nelson Adanna has expressed concerns over a recent article by Blessing Agbomhere, a Labour Party member, published in an online news platform that has stirred reactions within the Niger Delta community. According to Adanma, Agbomhere, whose party lost the recent election and who continues to express distress over the post-election fallout, raised serious allegations against the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Adanma noted that Agbomhere demanded that the NUPRC reverse the 2024 licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round for oil blocks in the Niger Delta region, citing a lack of inclusivity and fairness in the process. Nelson Adanma, who is a member of the Concerned Group of Indigenous Niger Delta Citizens, highlighted this claim as a potentially treasonable action, questioning the intent behind Agbomhere’s article. Despite these allegations, it is crucial to set the record straight regarding the fairness, transparency, and inclusivity of the NUPRC’s processes. Speaking on the matter, Adanna stated, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has consistently upheld its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in managing Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. In the face of recent accusations, the NUPRC is reaffirming its adherence to the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which governs the oil licensing and bidding processes. “The NUPRC’s operations are conducted with a clear focus on ensuring that all stakeholders are treated equitably, regardless of geographical or political affiliations. “The bidding processes for both the 2024 Licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round were carried out in strict accordance with the PIA, which was designed to ensure transparency at every stage. Independent observers monitored these processes closely to guarantee credibility and fairness. Every eligible stakeholder, including those from the Niger Delta, was given equal opportunities to participate in the bidding process. “The Niger Delta region’s central role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is well recognized, and proactive efforts were made to ensure indigenous participation in the bidding rounds. Several indigenous Niger Delta companies successfully met the eligibility criteria and actively participated in the bidding, securing opportunities to contribute to the sector’s growth.” He added saying, “Despite claims of regional exclusion, the NUPRC’s approach was designed to encourage local participation, ensuring that indigenous companies could compete on a level playing field. The NUPRC firmly believes that the success of the oil and gas sector hinges on the inclusion of all stakeholders, particularly those from the oil-producing regions. “The allocation process for oil blocks has been meticulously crafted to align with both environmental sustainability and economic growth. The NUPRC’s focus is to ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources benefit not only the host communities in the Niger Delta but also the broader Nigerian economy. “The process also considered environmental and social factors, reinforcing the NUPRC’s commitment to a balanced approach that promotes sustainable development. By prioritizing national development goals, the NUPRC seeks to harmonize the interests of the oil-producing regions with the overall well-being of the nation. “The NUPRC has stated that claims of regional exclusion are baseless and unfounded. The commission follows an impartial process, evaluating applicants based on objective criteria, such as technical expertise, financial capacity, and legal compliance. “While delays did occur during the bidding process, they were necessary to refine the framework and ensure that international best practices were adhered to. These delays were not meant to exclude any stakeholders but were aimed at creating a more thorough, fair, and transparent process.” Continuing, he explained that suggestions making the rounds that a new bidding round is required are unjustified, stating that the process has already been subjected to independent audits. “Moreover, the suggestion that a new bidding round is required is unjustified. The process has already been subjected to independent audits, which confirmed its fairness and compliance with the necessary legal and regulatory standards. Repeating the process would create unnecessary regulatory instability, potentially deterring further investment in the sector.” Concluding, he said, “In conclusion, the NUPRC remains committed to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. The commission invites all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address any lingering concerns and collaborate on solutions that will benefit all parties involved. “While the allegations raised by Blessing Agbomhere are without merit, they highlight the need for continued transparency and open communication in the sector. “The NUPRC values the contributions of the Niger Delta and is determined to ensure that the oil and gas sector serves the interests of all Nigerians. By working together, stakeholders can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and equitable oil industry that benefits the nation as a whole.
I don't like to look back on decisions I made in the past and think about how different things might be now if I had taken another path. For instance, I see little point in wondering how my life would have changed if I had attended a different university or not become a journalist. The same applies to economic policies. However, the timing of economic policy, as opposed to its content, is a different matter. In economic policies, timing is as important as, if not more important than, the content. We often see cases where well-designed policy measures fail to produce the desired effects, or even worsen the situation, because they are implemented too late or too early. Conversely, even poorly prepared measures can achieve better-than-expected results when implemented at the right time. Unfortunately, the Bank of Korea’s recent policy actions appear to fall into the former category. In October, the central bank lowered its policy interest rate for the first time in nearly four and a half years. This decision was based on inflation stabilizing, household debt growth slowing due to tightened government macroprudential policies, and risks easing in the foreign exchange market. The central bank also noted that, while the local economy was expected to continue its trend of moderate growth, uncertainties surrounding the growth outlook had heightened due to the delayed recovery in domestic demand. However, the effect of the rate cut on financial and economic conditions was very limited. Of course, market players agreed that the rate cut was better than nothing in the sense that policymakers were finally paying attention to weakening economic conditions. But the decision came too late to achieve its typical effect of encouraging people to invest more in riskier assets, such as equities, and spurring businesses to continue spending — even by increasing borrowing. In fact, most conventional indicators had pointed to the need for a rate cut much earlier in the year. Inflation was declining and poised to fall below the central bank’s 2 percent target, economic growth showed signs of missing expectations, and employment figures were disappointing. While acknowledging that the weakening macroeconomic conditions warranted a policy shift, the central bank refused to lower the interest rate earlier, citing concerns about rising real estate prices in Seoul and the surrounding region, high household debt levels and a volatile dollar-won exchange rate. However, these justifications were far from economically sound. First, real estate prices were not rising rapidly on a national level. Apartment prices were indeed climbing in the Seoul metropolitan area, but housing prices nationwide were largely flat -- or even declining when adjusted for inflation. Its concern over high household debt levels also appeared unfounded. While South Korea’s household debt is high by international standards and poses long-term risks to the financial system, it is not solely the central bank’s responsibility to address this issue. The underlying causes of high household debt include structural factors such as the country’s unique house rental system, underdeveloped banking practices and relatively limited household income sources beyond wages due to the underdeveloped local capital market. The central bank’s concerns about the volatile dollar-won exchange rate were also questionable. While some argue that lower interest rates could trigger capital outflows and weaken the local currency’s value, research shows that interest rates are just one of many factors influencing exchange rates. Eventually, the Bank of Korea decided to cut the policy rate at its October meeting. Yet this significant decision failed to alleviate public concerns or boost the economy as expected. As conditions deteriorated further, the central bank implemented another rate cut in November. It is highly unusual for the central bank to lower interest rates at two consecutive policy meetings in the absence of a crisis, such as the US subprime mortgage crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic. This move was clearly intended to signal to investors and other economic actors that policymakers were committed to supporting the economy. However, the financial markets reacted in an entirely unexpected way. Instead of increasing their holdings of stocks and other won-denominated assets, investors sold them off. Rather than conveying confidence that policymakers could turn the situation around, the successive rate cuts sent the opposite message -- that the economy might be in far worse condition than previously thought. Regrettably, the Bank of Korea’s monetary policy over the past two months will likely be remembered as a textbook example of well-intentioned policy implemented at the wrong time, forcing the entire economy to bear unnecessary costs. To make matters worse, the economy is now falling deeper into chaos due to political instability sparked by the president’s sudden failed attempt to impose martial law. The Bank of Korea may face no choice but to implement a third consecutive rate cut at its next policy meeting if the situation continues to hurt economic sentiment. It would definitely be a scenario the Bank of Korea could not have imagined when it continued to ignore signals from traditional macroeconomic indicators suggesting it was time to take action. The inconvenient truth is that someone will have to bear the cost. Yoo Choon-sik Yoo Choon-sik worked for nearly 30 years at Reuters, including as the chief Korea economics correspondent, and briefly worked as a business strategy consultant. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. -- Ed.For the past three months I’ve been learning about the most popular K-beauty products in Seoul, South Korea, including the best Korean face masks. As someone who's been covering it for years, I can tell you first-hand that the market has become intensely competitive, with over thousands of skin care brands available. So, to help you find the best Korean sheet masks, I tapped dermatologists and trusted industry experts (like veteran product developers who clued me in on their most-used masks). I found some that were so good, I bought a second suitcase to haul them all home. Below, we tried different types for every skin type and concern, including a tingly pore treatment to smooth texture, a vitamin C-soaked mask that helps treat wrinkles, a brightening one for targeting hyperpigmentation, and an overnight option that’ll help give you that coveted glass skin glow. Pro tip: For the full Korean skin care routine, I’d recommend pairing them with one of my favorite Korean toners , a depuffing Korean eye cream , and a great Korean moisturizer . The best Korean face masks, at a glance Best Korean Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin : Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Mask , $12 Best Korean Face Mask for Dry Skin : Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask , $13 Best Korean Face Mask for Oily Ski n : Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask , $17 Best Korean Face Mask for Wrinkles : Vitabrid C12 Dual Face Mask , $18 Best Korean Face Mask for Sensitive Skin : House of Dohwa White Rice Wash-Off Mask , $16 Your Korean face mask questions, answered Mediheal’s toner pads are all the rage in South Korea; just walk into any Olive Young (South Korea’s most popular beauty retailer) and you’ll see them flying off shelves. Turns out the Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Mask is just as effective, previously winning a coveted Olive Young Award in 2022. Y. Claire Chang, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, highly recommends this K-beauty sheet mask if you want to make blemishes go away faster. “It’s formulated with hydrating factors and tea tree oil to reduce inflammation in the skin,” she says. Tea tree oil is a common acne fighter because of its “known antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may help prevent and improve acne,” says Dr. Chang, who personally uses the mask when she’s breaking out. “It feels cool on the skin and helps soothe, especially when I have active breakouts,” she says. “It doesn’t clog pores, and you can use your normal acne medications afterward.” Key ingredients: Tea tree leaf water, lactobacillus ferment, tea tree extract and leaf oil Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Calming sheet mask, instantly soothes and reduces inflammation, recommended for acne-prone skin “Sheet masks and overnight masks dominate the [K-beauty] market right now,” says Hwang Wonuk, MD , a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. According to Dr. Hwang, sheet masks are “favored for their convenience,” while overnight masks have become “increasingly popular for their intensive hydration properties.” This Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, which falls under both categories, has been trending on both TikTok and Hwahae. (It took over TikTok as the sheet mask you wear while you sleep, although dermatologists and the brand both say you can remove it after 3-4 hours when the hydrogel turns from white to clear.) Dr. Chang says the ingredients ( hyaluronic acid , glycerin, and galactomyces ferment filtrate) are great for “deep hydration” and to “help repair the skin, brighten, and calm.” Collagen also helps moisturize, says Dr. Hwang, “but the effectiveness may be limited to superficial hydration.” If you’re looking for a mask that treats fine lines, he recommends looking for ingredients like “retinoids or peptides ,” but this is the one to pick for intense hydration. Grab this when your skin’s dehydrated or getting rough. “It leaves my face feeling plumper and softer for days,” says Dr. Chang. Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu also loves its impressive radiance-boosting effects. “I remember seeing people use this all over my FYP,” she says. “They’d take it off and have immediate glass skin. I can now confirm that’s not a filter; you leave it on for so long that it really traps the moisture in your skin. I rarely have the patience to do a three-hour long face mask, but the nice thing about the hydrogel is that it comes in two pieces that cling to my face. That means I can wear it while working and still chug coffee without the mask falling off. The most impressive thing about this is that by the time it turns clear and I take it off, my skin doesn’t even feel damp anymore but somehow still has that glassy glow.” Key ingredients: ultra-low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: TikTok-viral overnight hydrogel mask, turns from white to clear as it dries, great for dry skin, leaves visible glow Glamour editors and dermatologists agree that vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients if you’re looking for anti-aging, brightening benefits. Vitabrid’s C12 Dual Face Mask packs the ingredient into a single-use sheet mask, along with niacinamide. “ Niacinamide and vitamin C are staples in my beauty routine, and this one is great because it gives my skin a concentrated boost," says Christina Chung, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “The hyaluronic acid leaves my skin so dewy, bright, and hydrated.” “Be careful when you open this because each mask comes swimming in a full bottle of essence, and you’ll have a lot left over,” says Wu. “I highly recommend using the leftover essence on your neck and body; you don’t want any of this going to waste. Some masks feel very watery, but I’d describe this as more of a milky serum. It coats my skin and makes it feel so plumped and hydrated. I like doing this one before events because it’s speedy but has an instant brightening effect.” Key ingredients: Peptibrid (proprietary peptide), Vitabrid CG (proprietary vitamin C), plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Instant brightening effect, antioxidant-rich formula, the most essence-soaked Korean mask we tested, recommended for dry/dull/mature skin Rice extract is a popular K-beauty ingredient that dermatologists often recommend for its anti-inflammatory, brightening, and hydrating benefits. House of Dohwa’s White Rice Wash-Off Mask combines a creamy base made with rice bran extract with real, powdered rice grains for mild exfoliation. According to the brand, it’s the 21st-century version of washing your face with rice water (a common beauty practice among wealthy households during the Joseon dynasty ). “I first picked up this mask on an earlier trip to Seoul because the packaging looks like a fancy Capri-sun,” says Wu. “Since then, it’s become one of my favorites. I love the way it smells subtly like a creamy rice pudding and is one of the gentlest masks in my rotation—when my skin looks inflamed, this does a great job soothing redness and doesn’t cause any further irritation. The formula never dries out, so I just leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse off. My skin feels so soft every time I use this, I can’t stop touching my face.” Key ingredients: Rice bran extract, rice powder Fragrance-free: No Fast facts: Creamy rinse-off mask, gentle brightening and hydrating effect, makes skin feel soft and smooth Best Korean Face Mask for Dull Skin: Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask This pale pink jelly, flecked with real rose petals, is a Glamour editor favorite . Then I Met You’s Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask was made to give you the results of a full facial in 15 minutes. Formulated with chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, it gently resurfaces dead skin cells and helps your skin look smoother and glowier in a single use. “ Charlotte Cho , the co-founder of Then I Met You and K-beauty retailer Soko Glam, is the one who introduced me to so many of my favorite Korean skin care products,” says Wu. “She’s constantly trying all the best products to curate on Soko Glam, and it definitely shows in this mask. My favorite thing about the texture is that the rose petals make it feel like a luxurious spa experience. More importantly, it works. My skin’s on the sensitive side so I leave it on for 10 minutes and avoid my midface where I tend to get rosacea flare ups. As soon as I rinse it off, I notice that my pores look more refined and my skin looks overall smoother and feels softer. I do this mask twice a month and recently emptied another tub, which I think is my third one so far.” Key ingredients: AHA/BHA rose complex, resveratrol, damask rose petals, Coptis japonica extract Fragrance-free: No Fast facts: Jelly rinse-off mask, fast exfoliating treatment, visible smoothing and brightening effect Best Korean Face Mask for Skin Barrier: Roundlab Camellia Collagen Mask Roundlab is famous in South Korea for its Dokdo Toner , a household staple made with locally-sourced seawater. The brand’s most recent launch, the Roundlab Camellia Collagen Mask, is also worth adding to your routine. Dr. Hwang says this mask focuses “on hydration and elasticity” and is recommended for “dry or mature” skin. While he notes that topical collagen like this won’t “significantly change skin structure over time,” the ingredients are great for “immediate” hydration. Dr. Chang also likes the rest of the ingredients list, which includes “camellia extract, quercetin, and niacinamide to brighten, soothe, and hydrate.” “The first thing I noticed about this mask was how comfortable and cushy the hydrogel felt,” says Wu. Like the viral Biodance mask, it also comes separated into two pieces so I can get a perfect fit on my face. You can leave it on for up to two hours, but I usually do a shorter half-hour treatment, which is enough time to make my skin feel calm, plump, and hydrated. Hydrogel masks like this one often come with two or three extra circular patches. A lot of people layer them on their smile lines under the mask, but I chose to stick these on my neck lines. Whatever works for you!” Key ingredients: Low-molecular collagen, camellia extract, niacinamide Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Two-piece hydrogel mask that can be left on for 1-2 hours (or less), intensely hydrating, recommended for dry or mature skin Best Soothing Korean Face Mask: Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Heartleaf Fit Abib’s soothing heartleaf line is a steady seller at Olive Young; the Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Heartleaf Fit is so popular, it won an Olive Young award twice in a row in 2021 and 2022. Try this Korean sheet mask if you’re breaking out or need to rebalance your skin. It comes soaked in a full bottle of clear, watery essence (again, you should definitely consider repurposing the extra formula). The hero ingredient is heartleaf extract, which studies have shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties perfect for soothing, calming, and toning down redness. “I love how gentle and calming this sheet mask feels,” says Wu. “I had a stray forehead pimple while testing this mask and the last thing I wanted to do was dry my skin out and further irritate it. I recommend this mask to friends who are acne-prone or experiencing active breakouts, but also have sensitive skin. It feels incredibly refreshing as soon as I put it on, and I douse my neck and arms in the leftover essence while I wait for it to do its job. This and a dab of spot treatment over breakouts is my magic formula.” Key ingredients: Heartleaf extract, Centella asiatica extract, glycerin, rosemary leaf extract Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Immediate soothing and calming effect, contains anti-inflammatory plant extracts, generously soaked in essence Best Retinol Korean Face Mask: PRMR Vitatinol Serum Gel Mask Dr. Chang loves the hero ingredient behind this mask: Vitatinol, a “proprietary retinol-ingredient fused with vitamin C, my two favorite anti-aging ingredients,” she says. It’s “designed to deliver intense hydration and anti-aging benefits.” Dr. Hwang says this mask is a useful pick “for those looking to address early signs of aging,” although anyone with especially sensitive skin may want to do a patch test first. “I tested so many overnight gel masks recently, and this was one of the few that stood out,” says Wu. “I’m already a fan of PRMR’s Vitatinol Serum , and this mask feels like an even more concentrated treatment. I’m incapable of wearing sheet masks in my sleep, but I do love this for a shorter treatment during the day. I’m happy with the brightening effects even if I just leave it on for 30-40 minutes instead of the full three hours. My skin is so picky with retinol and can’t tolerate high concentrations, but I’ve never had any irritation with this formula.” Key ingredients: Vitatinol (proprietary retinol and vitamin C blend), glycerin, ceramide NP Fragrance-free: No Fast facts: Overnight gel mask that can also be worn for three hours, turns clear when dry, derm-recommended for its powerful combination of vitamin C and retinol Best Gentle Korean Face Mask: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask Here’s another mask inspired by the Joseon-dynasty practice of washing your face with rice water. Anyone who’s scrolled through KBeautyTok already knows this brand for its viral Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Prebiotics sunscreen . If you’re already a fan (or if you’re new to the brand), we recommend adding the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask to your collection. It’s infused with rice powder and extracts, along with makgeolli lees (upcycled ingredients from Korean rice wine). You’ll also find honey in the formula (a known anti-inflammatory ), along with kaolin clay , a gentle ingredient for treating acne, pores, and sebum levels. “This mask contains so many things I love, like honey, rice extracts, and clays,” says Wu. “It’s a do-it-all formula for days when I know my skin needs an extra boost but don’t have one specific concern. It feels like a thick paste, so I definitely scoop it out over my bathroom sink to avoid mess. I’ll leave it on for around 20 minutes —I personally recommend using a cleanser to rinse it off because it’s so thick. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and balanced and never dries it out or causes irritation.” Key ingredients: Kaolin, honey, rice hull powder, rice extract, bentonite, makgeolli lees Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Thick rinse-off mask, non-irritating formula, gently addresses multiple concerns from pores to dryness Best Korean Sheet Mask: Numbuzin No.3 Tingle-Pore Softening Sheet Mask Numbuzin’s No.3 Tingle-Pore Softening Sheet Mask is one of Olive Young’s best sellers and also won a Hwahae 2024 mid-year award, which is where we discovered it. “It’s formulated with bifida ferment lysate and galactomyces ferment filtrate to hydrate, and brighten,” explains Dr. Chang, who also loves the inclusion of “other hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, brightening antioxidants like niacinamide, and anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel and Camellia sinensis.” She recommends it for a range of skin types including “acne-prone skin.” Dr. Hwang is also familiar with the mask’s popularity in South Korea. “It offers a cooling sensation while targeting pore refinement,” he says. According to Dr. Hwang, the mask’s signature tingling sensation makes it “refreshing for some,” but he says it might not be the best pick for “sensitive” or “more reactive skin.” “I definitely noticed the tingle right away, so I can confirm this mask lives up to its name,” says Wu. “I was worried it would be too much for my sensitive midface area, but it didn’t cause any irritation and I’d rank the tingling sensation as mild. If you compare it to something like an acid peel that actually stings, this is low on the scale. I did notice that the pores in my T-zone looked slightly less noticeable, but the more noticeable results for me were the overall smoothing, brightening effect.” Key ingredients: Niacinamide, witch hazel, bifida ferment lysate, galactomyces ferment filtrate, hyaluronic acid Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Mildly tingly sheet mask designed for pore care, gives a subtle smoothing and refining effect, sensitive skin types should patch test first Best Korean Collagen Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask If you want to know how popular Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is, the brand says it’s been counterfeited so many times, they’ve recently updated the packaging from translucent to opaque to avoid fakes. (If you have an old version, don’t panic: Just check that it matches the brand’s official product images.) Dr. Hwang says this collagen-based mask is “suitable for dry or aging skin,” since it contains multiple hydrators. These “powerful” hydrating factors include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide, says Dr. Chang. Unlike other overnight masks, Medicube’s formula goes on as a clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes, “wrapping” your skin in moisture as you sleep. “It should be applied with a brush or spatula,” advises Dr. Chang. “You can peel it off in the morning and rinse your face. It’s comfortable to sleep in and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.” “TikTok got me again with this one,” says Wu. “The effect when it dries reminds me of Pat McGrath’s porcelain doll makeup at Maison Margiela. It balls up as I peel it off so I don’t feel like I’m taking a layer of my skin with it and makes my skin look more hydrated and glowy the next morning. Sometimes I leave it on overnight—you really can sleep with this one without noticing it since it dries down—and sometimes I peel it off after half an hour. It’s definitely the most fun face mask I own.” Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, vitamin E, niacinamide Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Goes on as clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes, meant to be worn overnight and peeled off the next morning, visible brightening and hydrating, nourishing effects Best Korean Face Mask for Oily Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask If you’re not a fan of overly messy clay masks, it truly doesn’t get more streamlined than this one. The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask lets you apply your mask as a swipe-on stick that you rinse off after a few minutes. Dr. Hwang recommends it as “an excellent choice for oily or acne-prone skin” because the clay base helps “absorb excess oil.” Dr. Chang confirms that the “five types of clay help cleanse clogged pores.” Who should avoid it? Anyone with very dry or dehydrated skin, since clay masks can be drying. The formula shouldn’t feel stripping on any other skin types, especially since it pairs clay with hydrating aloe and Centella asiastica (also known as cica), an ingredient “known for its soothing properties,” says Dr. Hwang. “I have combination skin, so I swipe this on across my T-zone like an extra-large glue stick,” says Wu. “It’s great on my nose, forehead, and chin. It’s so easy to apply and target specific areas that I start questioning why I used to mix my own clay masks. It only takes a few minutes to dry down—no more than five—probably because you apply it in such thin layers. I can feel it immediately soaking up all the excess oil on my T-zone and my pores look less noticeable as soon as I rinse it off, especially on my nose.” Key ingredients: Five types of clay (kaolin, bentonite, illite, montmorillonite, calamine), aloe, Centella asiatica extract Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Swipe-on clay stick mask, recommended for combination/acne-prone/oily skin, immediately refines pores and soaks up excess oil Best Korean Overnight Face Mask: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask This Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask’s claim to fame is that it packs six whole yuja fruits into every tub, an ingredient commonly used in Korean skin care because it’s “rich in antioxidants and vitamins,” says Dr. Chang. “This Hanyul mask was all the craze a few years back in Korea,” says Dr. Chung. “I particularly like this mask because I can leave it on overnight and get excellent coverage over the face and neck.” Dr. Chung loves applying this overnight mask for “brightening and moisturizing at the same time.” Dr. Hwang recommends it for targeting “uneven skin tone” or dark spots , although he adds that those with dry or dehydrated skin should layer it with an additional moisturizer. This is another sleeping mask that’s actually easy to snooze in; it feels like a thicker moisturizer, so you won’t notice it after it sinks in. “It really does smell like fresh, juicy yuja,” says Wu. “I always incorporate some form of vitamin C into my skin care routine for the brightening effects, and this is one of my favorite ways to get glowing skin. Once or twice a week, I apply it all over my face and neck before I sleep. It’s truly pillow-proof; as long as I let it sink in before I pass out, it doesn’t leave any residue on my bedding.” Key ingredients: Yuja-derived vitamins C and P, hyaluronic acid Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Moisturizer-like overnight sleeping mask, rich in fruit-derived vitamins, recommended for addressing uneven skin tone and dullness Best Korean Cleansing Face Mask: Belif Super Knights Soothing Hydration Cleansing Mas Is it a cleanser or is it a mask? Technically, Belif’s Super Knights Soothing Hydration Cleansing Mask can do both. “It’s a great two-in-one cleanser and hydrating mask,” says Dr. Chung, who finds the formula “interesting and luxurious.” To use it as a mask, she likes to “apply a thick layer, leave it on, then lather and massage and rinse” for skin that feels “well-cleansed but still soft and moisturized.” All skin types can use this one, including “teens and young adults,” she says. Dr. Chang says you only need to leave it on for one minute to get the benefits of skin that feels “cleaner and moisturized.” The ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalane, and madecassoside—help “hydrate, repair, and soothe,” she says. “This might be the prettiest mask I tested,” says Wu. “It’s a vibrant blue that actually makes washing my face feel enjoyable. You don’t need to leave it on for long to get the soothing, moisturizing benefits, so it’s a great mask for days when I’m in a rush but want to do a little treatment. Even when I just use it as a regular cleanser and rinse it off right away, I notice that it leaves my skin feeling seriously soft.” Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, madecassoside Fragrance-free: Yes Fast facts: Moisturizing cleanser and mask, only takes one minute to work, recommended for all skin types, leaves skin feeling calmer and softer
Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83