Photo Credit: CultBeauty
We’ve all heard of K-beauty but, why is it so popular? The experts obsess over Korean beauty because of its high-efficacy and the use of more natural ingredients. Korean skincare products are formulated with fewer chemicals ensuring they are gentler on the skin. Koreans take a different approach to skincare, where they look at the root of their skincare problems. Instead of looking for immediate results, they use products consistently. Beauty in South Korea is taken seriously and is something that is part of their culture. There is a lot of importance around appearance, which explains why K-beauty products work wonders. Due to this demand, some of the most innovative and never-seen-before products have come out of K-beauty. Always one step ahead, Korean skincare is continually ground-breaking.
The double cleansing trend came straight from K-beauty. Double cleansing begins with an oil cleanser and then finish with a water-based cleanser. Using an oil cleanser such as the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm works to remove any oil-based products on your skin, such as makeup that water can’t. This cleansing balm is the holy grail of all K-beauty oil cleansers with its ability to cleanse and exfoliate. Following this with a water-based cleanser such as the Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanse breaks down the sweat and dirt on your face. This Korean water-based cleanser doesn’t strip the skin; it removes impurities while moisturising simultaneously. After double cleansing, your skin will clean and glowing.
Toner is a vital part of the typical K-beauty skincare routine. Korean toners are often milder than others on the market as they balance the skin’s pH level alongside hydrating the skin. In the western world of skincare, toner does not have a good reputation. Some skincare gurus claim that toner dries out the skin. However, K-beauty brand COSRX has created the gentle AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. The AHAs unclog the pores and break down excess oils and dirt. This clarifying toner helps battle breakouts and protect against future spots.
Exfoliation is either physical or chemical. Physical exfoliators aren’t as popular as chemical exfoliators in K-beauty. Physical exfoliators don’t penetrate the skin further than surface-level. However, chemical exfoliators sink into deeper levels of the skin. Using a chemical exfoliator such as the Neogen Lemon Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling will be kinder to your skin. The peeling pads gently exfoliate the skin removing any impurities and dirt. The pads are soaked in vitamin C and antioxidants meaning the skin will appear brighter and smoother.
With Korean beauty, it’s all about keeping the skin hydrated. K-beauty aesthetic experts AHC have formulated their Aqualuronic Cream that locks in all the moisture in your skin. It is lightweight, but the cream is powerful enough to penetrate the deep layers of the skin. Sinking into the skin creates long-lasting hydration. There are three types of hyaluronic acid within this face cream which puts it above any other product that includes this ingredient.
Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Gold Eye Gel Patches contain snail filtrate. Snail secretion filtrate is full of nutrients that benefit the skin, such as antioxidants, allantoin and hyaluronic acid. Including this ingredient within an eye product, it can smooth fine lines and fade any hyperpigmentation. It’s a powerful ingredient that provides a lot of benefits for the skin. In the K-beauty world, snail essence is an essential ingredient for anti-ageing and achieving a youthful complexion. Keeping these patches in the fridge overnight will give them a cooling de-puffing effect when you put them on. Leaving them on for 30 minutes will instantly refresh under the eyes. The South Korean skincare brand Dr Jart+ are well known for their effective products. One of their bestsellers is the Ceramidin Cream which focuses on hydrating and repairing the skin barrier. The five-ceramide formulation supports the natural ceramides already existing in your skin. Smoothing and nourishing, this cream locks in moisture immediately. Using a small amount of this product in the morning and at night consistently will help the skin to feel deeply moisturised. The Ceramidin Cream sits comfortably underneath makeup, keeping the skin looking fresh and dewy all day long.
SPF is such a crucial step in a typical Korean skincare routine. A sunscreen such as the Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ moisturises while protecting the skin against the sun. The Aloe Vera in this product works to soothe the skin. This product absorbs quickly into the skin and will not leave a white cast. Therefore, this SPF sits well underneath makeup. In the summer, this SPF can be used as a moisturiser too. Although in the winter, as the skin is often drier, double up with a moisturiser.
Created in Korea, Holika Holika is a Korean cosmetic retailer well known for its popular sheet masks. The Pure Essence Mask Sheet Cucumber is cooling on the skin, reducing inflammation that may occur. Leaving it on for 20 minutes will help to heal any small scars and prevent wrinkles. Supercharged with moisture, this mask will increase the elasticity of the skin. This sheet mask is ideal for when your skin is having a bad day and needs something quick to calm it down.
Words By Eleanor Coleman
