f you have found yourself scouring the internet for a solution to skin imperfections, it is quite possible that you stumbled across a mention of “K-beauty.” This blanket term refers to Korean Beauty – a trend that has taken the cosmetic industry by storm.
South Korean culture puts a great emphasis on skincare and healthy, glowing complexions. The trending idea of “glass skin” comes from this beauty philosophy. K-Beauty often involves a multi-step skincare routine with an overall focus on preventative care rather than covering imperfections.
K-Beauty is also known for its extensive ten-step skincare routine, and the inclusion of products like sheet masks and snail mucin into such. The overall effect of this innovative routine is radiant, hydrated skin.
If you want to dip into the wide world of Korean Beauty, but are unsure where to start, don’t worry! Together, we will take on:
- The history and origins of K-Beauty
- K-Beauty products to try and add to your regimen
- An in-depth skincare routine
What is K-Beauty?
The Origins of the Korean Emphasis of Healthy, Youthful Skin
When we think of Korean Beauty, we think of the skincare and cosmetic trends that originated in South Korea. K-Beauty emphasizes glowy, natural skin – but where did this idea come from? Let’s get some historical context:
- Korean beauty traditions actually date back centuries, all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). This time period highlighted clear, bright skin as desirable.
- The modern K-Beauty industry began emerging after the Korean war (1950s-1960s). Local brands like AmorePacific were founded in this time.
- During the 1970s-1980s, the Korean economy rapidly grew, and beauty trends began to shift to a more structured routine
The real rise of K-Beauty, however, is in the 2000’s with the “Korean Wave,” or “Hallyu.” This is the term that refers to the phenomenal growth of Korean culture. Think of K-Pop, K-Dramas, and, yes, K-Beauty. South Korea is a major exporter of popular culture, which has allowed it to develop “soft power” as a means to extend its influence. The Korean Government promoted K-Beauty as part of the Korean Wave.
In the 2010’s, we see the 10-step K-Beauty skincare routine gain attention. This routine emphasizes double cleansing, hydration, layering, and sun protection. This popularity will continue to evolve well into the 2020’s, especially with the rise of Tik Tok and influencers as a means for people to discover trends.
K-Beauty is enticing for its ingredients and effectiveness, which makes it a trend that does not go out of style. Today, K-Beauty is a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues to influence the global beauty world.
K-Beauty Products
Before We Start Our Skincare Routine, Let’s Discuss Products
You may already have some skincare products you already use and enjoy, and that’s great! Or, you may be struggling with where to start. That’s great, too! Together we will review some budget-friendly options before we go further in depth into the multistep K-Beauty skincare routine.
First, let’s talk about cleansers. For the Korean Beauty routine, we will be using two different cleansers; oil and water-based. Your local drug-store, Target, Sephora, Ulta, etc will be the easiest places to find these products. Or, when in doubt, go online! Online you can compare prices and reviews.
Oil-based cleansers will almost always have the word “oil” on the label, which makes finding one a little bit easier than locating our water-based cleansers. Some of these products will be pricier than others, so it is up to your discretion to how much you want to invest in your skincare. A popular Korean cleanser is the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil. This is a bit on the pricier side, so a cheaper, alternative option is the La Roche-Posay Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil.
Water-based cleansers will oftentimes say something like “hydrating” on the label. There are so many options for these cleansers as well, so do not get too hung up on popularity or trendiness. The most important part of a good skincare routine is catering to your needs. You probably already wash with a water-based cleanser, so no need to immediately run out to the store!
One of the most popular K-Beauty products to hit the Western world is the CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Though putting snail-secretion on your face may sound odd, it is one of the key ways to achieve the coveted K-Beauty “glass skin.” This product leaves the skin feeling soft and looking radiant and dewy. Just as snail secretion keeps a snail from getting dry, it does the same for our skin! It also helps to calm red skin, and allows that skin to recover faster. Snail mucin helps to hydrate, plump, and lessen wrinkles. It is definitely a fad product that is worth the hype!
If you are a little grossed out by the thought of snail mucin, don’t worry: there are plenty of other serums you can try instead. One very similar product is the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Serum. This serum has similar sleeking properties to the snail mucin, making it a worthy alternative.
The best part about serums is that you can cater them to your skin’s needs. Spend some time walking the aisles of a makeup store, or scrolling online to find some serums that will be helpful to you. Do not just buy for the sake of buying! Serums can cater towards aging, hydration, acne, redness, etc. Have some fun with it!
The same goes for sheet masks. A big aspect of K-Beauty is sheet masks, and there are many to choose from. The best part is that you can typically buy these masks in bulk, and for a fairly reasonable price. From soothing to plumping, you can pick out face masks that cater to your needs!
The 10 Step Skincare Routine
Now that You Know the Origins and the Products, What are the Specifics of the K-Beauty Regimen?
This multi-step routine may seem a bit overwhelming at first. Don’t worry – the results are worth it! You can also start with as many, or as few, steps as you feel comfortable with.
- First, we start with an oil-based cleanser. This helps to remove oil-based impurities, like makeup, SPF, sebum, and, of course, excess oil from the skin. This is one of two cleanses you will do (referred to as the double cleanse). Gently massage your cleanser into dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
- The next cleanse you will do is with a water-based cleanser. Just as your oil-based cleanser removed oil-based debris, your water-based cleanser will remove sweat, dirt, and other potential grime. Apply this cleanser to a damp face (and neck!) and massage in a circular motion. Then, rinse with lukewarm water. This double-cleanse is essential to the K-Beauty routine. This is part of the preventative nature of Korean skincare. Double-cleansing helps to prevent breakouts by removing any impurities, both oil and water-based.
- Exfoliate! Now, this is a step to be extra careful with. Depending on your skin type, this may not truly be an every-day step. If your skin is not noticeably dry or flaky, it may be worth exfoliating weekly as opposed to daily. On the contrary, if your skin is dry, dull, and uneven in skin tone, you can probably safely exfoliate more often. If you are still unsure, it is always safe to just use a couple of times a week for visibly brighter, smoother skin!
- Next step – toner! Lately, the skincare craze has turned many people against the use of toners. Don’t let the recent negativity frighten you. Toners are excellent for prepping your skin and balancing the skin’s pH level. Lightly pat your toner into your skin.
- Next is Essence. Essences are hydrating to the skin. Some toners are hydrating on their own, which is why some people may combine steps four and five. Pour your essence onto your hands and lightly pat it into the skin.
- This next step is very customizable – treatments! This is when you will use your serums, like the ones we discussed previously. A simple rule of thumb is to apply your treatments in order from lightest to heaviest formula for maximum skin absorption.
- Sheet masks are an essential step to the K-Beauty regimen. As we discussed, this is a fun step that you can customize to your skin's needs. Feel free to mix it up over the week. The most important part of this step is to relax! Let your skin soak up the mask’s nutrients while you listen to music, watch a show, read a book, or etc.
- We’re almost there! Next up is eye cream. Eye creams have a multitude of benefits like:
- Reducing puffiness
- Reducing dark circles
- Tightening and firming skin
The skin around the eye thins and loosens with age. This, again, is the preventative nature of K-Beauty. This step will help reduce signs of aging. Remember to pat your eye cream in, rather than rub or pull.
- Next step is to moisturize. You probably already are familiar with this step. Here, the skin seals in moisture to hydrate and plump.
- Finally! The last step is to use SPF. You should be using SPF in any, and all, weather conditions. This is the most effective way to prevent clear signs of aging. It is also just an overall healthy habit to get into.
That’s all for our crash course in K-Beauty!
Phew! Now you are a total expert on the extensive K-Beauty skincare routine. Whether you choose to add one or all steps to your regimen, the results are undeniable. Cater this routine, and the products, to what your skin needs.
