A $20 viral skincare product from the K-beauty brand Medicube has reportedly replaced a more extensive and costly $100 routine for one commerce journalist. The Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm Stick is described as a versatile product that simplifies daily skincare.
Victoria McDonnell, a commerce journalist and content strategist for the New York Post, detailed her experience testing numerous Medicube products. She identified the PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm Stick as the most versatile. McDonnell stated that while she still uses a cleanser and sunscreen, the multi-balm stick has eliminated the need for separate eye creams, lip balms, overnight masks, and hydrating serums.
McDonnell's routine involves applying the balm directly to areas prone to moisture loss, such as under the eyes, around the smile lines, on the forehead, and around the lips. She also uses it on her lips and can reapply it throughout the day over makeup for a hydration boost. The formula is described as leaving a hydrated finish without greasiness, providing a glow effect.
For nighttime use, McDonnell applies a generous layer of the balm instead of a sleeping mask, waking up to skin that feels soft and hydrated. She notes that this single product consolidates steps previously requiring multiple specialized treatments, saving time and reducing clutter while being significantly more cost-effective than purchasing individual high-end products.
McDonnell has a background in beauty product testing and has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021. She has also held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored and holds a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology.