I couldn’t quite remember exactly when was the first time I heard the hype on J.One Cosmetic. I only remember that many people were saying that it’s the super sticky primer.
After the success of J.One Original Jelly Pack, Ha Ji-won (the founder, a popular Korean actress, and trendsetter), launched another one into the line, Black Jelly Pack. Now this time, I was more intrigued.
Hey Glow was kind to sent me these two products for me to try. I’ve used them for the past few months and I’m ready to share my thoughts.
Let’s start with the original J.One Jelly Pack.
So what is it exactly? Is it a skincare? Is it a makeup product? I’d say it’s both. That being said, I prefer to use it in daytime only. I’ll explain the reason why later on. Looking at the ingredient list, it does have some nice composition to it. Niacinamide, Chamomile Flower Water, Rose Water, Black Tea Ferment, Hyaluronic Acid, Fullerenes, etc. The unique thing here is the way that it was formulated makes this product versatile to be used as a makeup primer, if that makes sense.
Let me tell you this first. I’d only seen a few testimonials about this product so I didn’t quite know what to expect. Least to say, once I have it in my hands, I definitely wasn’t ready for this kind of texture. The texture and viscosity remind me of a glue.
Known as the “corset mask”, this product gives an instant firming and lifting to the skin. I kid you not. Within 30 seconds of applying, I can feel a slight but noticeable tightening sensation, as if my skin was being frozen and lifted up. It’s such a peculiar experience.
How I use it: as the very last step after moisturizer, before sunscreen.
I use 3-4 pumps approximately. What I like to do is to spread the liquid evenly on the face, let it sit for a few seconds to absorb and settle. Then using both of my palms and start patting the product into the skin, slightly moving upwards. In the beginning, it did feel very awkward. I couldn’t get over at how sticky it is. I just wanted to wash my hands immediately! Truth is, I did, every single time. There’s a certain urge or slight phobia awaken in me. I need to get this off of my hands. Plus if I don’t, my hands will smudge the sticky bits to other products.
I don’t mind when my skincare is sticky. However, J.One Jelly Pack crosses my limit. I’m a side-sleeper too, regardless of how much I tried to sleep straight on my back. It will stick to my pillowcase, so is my hair. Ugh, the thought of it just puts me off. Hence, I only use it on daytime.
I like to leave the Jelly Pack for 5 minutes before applying sunscreen. Once everything is set, I’m left with a shiny (but not oily) finish on the skin. I guess, this is what the Koreans love and rave about. Glassy skin. And sticky. But the stickiness subsides a little after I waited 5 minutes. The skin looks smoother and plumper, hence smaller appearance of pores. It infuses extra moisture. And a bit more lifted. I think that it’s perfect to use to perk up the skin in the morning or before makeup. It is a true multi-tasker in that sense.
J.One didn’t call this Jelly Pack a “gripper” for no reason because everything sticks to it! I wasn’t convinced in the beginning, because I thought that any product I put on top might go patchy. It’s actually the complete opposite. My sunscreen applied beautifully and smoothly. I still remember I was using Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF 50 the sheer tint version. Usually, it just gave a slight tint to my skin. However, when I applied it over J.One Jelly Pack, I noticed my skin looked a lot more even. The overall finish was just gorgeous. Dewy and glowy.
Not just that, same goes with my makeup bases. If I were to wear a foundation, same thing. I also noticed that the same amount of foundation actually provided more coverage with J.One Jelly Pack underneath. So that means the pigment is spreading more evenly across the skin, therefore I only need less amount. Of course, the skin also looks smoother. The glassy skin is a lot more noticeable after a few hours after the oil starts to seep through and in photographs, the skin sort of reflects the light, making the glass-skin even more visible.
OH YEAH, LOVE THIS. Totally get it.
Clear liquid gel.
Gooey, super sticky.
As a makeup primer, I got to hand it, it really helps to make my makeup stay put together longer. Just so we’re clear, let’s be real here, nothing stays forever. But what’s making a difference for me is how the makeup wears off during the day. J.One Jelly Pack does the job, beautifully. Through usual wear and tear, oil and sweats, my makeup didn’t break apart or go patchy all over. Even though it was fading,it still considerably stays intact. Maybe the chin and mouth area weren’t as good as the rest, but substantially better compared to when I didn’t use it.
After numerous times of using, I came to a conclusion that this product is a very reliable makeup primer. I didn’t set a certain level of expectation but it delivers to my standards.
Now, the big question is, is J.One Jelly Pack a must-have? Hmm, not really.
There’s no doubt that it makes my makeup look very smooth, glass-like and provides longevity. I love it for that. But, I find that it’s quite high maintenance and time-consuming. Meaning, I don’t opt for this if I couldn’t spare the time. I probably need an extra 10 minutes just to apply this and let it set, including washing my hands LOL. And I can’t rush the process either. It needs to be applied evenly and properly to get the maximum result.
Since I don’t use as often, I can’t attest to the longer-term skincare benefits though.
Let’s move on to my favorite bit, J.One Black Jelly Pack.
This one is meant to be used as an overnight or sleeping mask during nighttime. This translucent black jelly is filled with good “black” extracts such as black truffle, black cumin, blackcurrant, blackberry, black pearl and black propolis. There’s also Niacinamide, red seaweed extract, sugarcane, hyaluronic acid, white water lily, peptide, fullerenes, etc. Filled with antioxidants.
J.One Black Jelly Pack is a lot more approachable in my book. It doesn’t take as much effort and it’s definitely more compelling for me to reach for. The “Overnight rescue mask for nourished, glowing skin by morning claim” is true on my skin.
How I use it: as a sleeping mask. I usually use it in lieu of a moisturizer. 2-3 pumps.
If I were to use a moisturizer, I’ll make sure the it’s lightweight and less occlusive, preferably in a similar texture such as BLITHE Pressed Serum Crystal Iceplant, Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel, or TATCHA The Water Cream. This way, the Black Jelly Pack will still be able to absorb into the skin nicely.
Similar to the original Jelly Pack, I spread the Black Jelly Pack first all over the skin first. And then using both of my palms, I started to make quick tapping motions, almost like half-slapping my face. This sort of acts to jump-start the blood circulations, making the skin look more radiant and lifted afterwards. It’s the best part of the night. I LOVE slapping my face, LOL.
The final finish is quite tacky but nowhere as intense as the original Jelly Pack. Still within the normal limit for me. It doesn’t make me rush into the sink immediately LOL. It also gives me that glassy, wet-look afterwards. But it will subside after a while as the product absorbs into the skin more and more.
The J.One Black Jelly Pack feels cooling upon application. The comfort starts from the moment I pump that lovely jelly out, dip my finger in, bring it over the skin, then slapping tapping it. By the time I was done, I feel better already! The jelly melts and fills the skin with instant hydration and moisture that last through the night. The plumping effect is also noticeable here. It’s even more apparent when my skin felt dehydrated.
It’s not as lifting or firming as the original Jelly Pack, but it makes my skin very supple and bouncy. It improves the elasticity and it’s such a great remedy when the skin is feeling taut. It cancels out the lackluster as well.
Translucent black jelly.
I am that indulgent that I actually don’t mind using it every night consecutively for a week, I’ve done that several times even. It’s one of those quick fixes when I need to boost my skin up. The lightweight jelly texture doesn’t make my skin clogged or acting up. Once I started using it, it was rather quite hard to set it down. I think the texture alone is already enough to make me keep using it 😀
But more over, I find that it actually works find for any kind of occasion. It calms and soothes any redness that I might have. It hydrates and moisturizes, also protect the skin. I have that affirmation that in the next morning, I will wake up to a healthier looking skin. J.One Black Jelly Pack goes into that category of no-brainer products for me. You guessed it, I live for skincare products like this!
From where I see it, this product can also be used in the morning as well, if I need to, why not. I just use less amount. However, I prefer to save it for nighttime use so I can really savor and cherish the experience.
Overall, J.One Jelly Packs aren’t just about hypes and words. The idea of a “multi-tasker” is there. The unique textures lend the user to a fun and sensorial playground. The formulas do offer skincare benefits. But in the end, the experience varies for one another. There’s another new one called the Red Jelly Pack, with Astaxanthin and other nutritious extracts. I may want to try that one eventually.
As a final word, If you’re quite adventurous and also a makeup junkie, the J.One Jelly Pack could be something interesting to be explored. My tip is try to find a sample first before going for a full-size bottle. I’m not kidding about how sticky it is – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
If you asked me, J.One Black Jelly Pack is more worthy to try. Considering they’re sold at a pretty much the same price points, I’ll go for this one. In my routine, it’s clear that I reach out for it a lot more often. The texture is just juicy. It goes well on my combination-dehydrated skin, whether it’s humid outside or in air-conditioned room. It just works, period!
Disclosure: products were sent for me from Hey Glow. All opinions, good and bad are 100% my own, as always.
