K-Beauty or Korean Beauty, is one of the most lauded beauty trends of the past decade. It prompted a shift in beauty that put skin care first and introduced the rest of the world to trends like double cleansing, sheet masks and snail mucus. There are a number of reasons why K Beauty has skyrocketed in popularity and if you’ve yet to hop on the K beauty train, we’re here to tell you why you should.
What is K-Beauty?
K-Beauty is an umbrella term for skin care and beauty products that emerged from South Korea. A K-Beauty routine consists of products like ampoules, serums, essences, and masks, which are all designed to work together to nourish your skin. These products often contain traditional herbal ingredients such as ginseng root, sacred lotus and rehmannia, which boast anti-aging and regenerative properties, as well as innovative ones like bee venom, donkey milk and snail mucin.
Why is K-Beauty so Popular?
South Korea has really hit the mark on everything beauty. Loved for its innovation, simple ingredients and aesthetic packaging, it’s no surprise that the rest of the world has fallen hard for Korean skincare and beauty products. K-Beauty is based around pure hydration and natural, calming ingredients that have proven to be highly effective again and again.
Many K-Beauty products have gained a cult following in the beauty world, especially among beauty bloggers, Youtubers and makeup artists, which has highly influenced the everyday consumer. Not to mention, the rise of Korean culture over the past decade, including K-pop stars like BLACKPINK and BTS, and Korean shows and films like “Squid Game” and “Parasite”. On top of that, K-beauty gained even more popularity during the coronavirus pandemic as people were on the hunt for innovative products to add to their lockdown beauty routines.
7 Best K-Beauty Products
1. Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
This 2-in-1 pore cleansing oil removes makeup leaving your skin feeling smooth and purified, and also lightly exfoliates and keeps blackheads and dead skin at bay with naturally derived plant oils that melt off dirt and sebum from pores. Infused with salicylic acid, and a soothing blend of olive oil, jojoba oil and fruit extract, your skin will be hydrated, smooth and clear.
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Face Toner
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Line is a fan favourite and this facial toner is one of the best sellers. The star of this product is hydrating watermelon extract that delivers essential vitamins and amino acids and helps soothe skin and minimize pores. It’s also infused with cactus water and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and deliver antioxidants and electrolytes to the skin. Use it after your cleanser for a youthful glow.
3. Innisfree Clay Mask
Innisfree is a natural, South Korean beauty brand. Their pore clearing clay mask, which features finely ground volcanic clusters from Jeju island and resurfacing lactic acid, is deep cleaning, exfoliating and minimizes the look of pores. All you need is 15 to 20 minutes for this mask to work its magic.
4. Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream
This hydrating, anti-aging eye cream reduces fine lines and wrinkles, moisturizes the skin around your eyes and brightens your complexion. It’s formulated with super-hydrating avocado protein extract to provide maximum moisturization and protect the skin from free radicals, as well as fruit jujube seed extract to enhance vitality with plenty of antioxidants.
5. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sleepair Ampoule-in Mask
This fragrance-free gel treatment mask is amazing for soothing sensitive skin, but is beneficial for all skin types. Dr.Jart+’s Cicipair line is formulated with tiger grass (or cica), which reduces redness, calms and repairs the skin. The mask offers an instant cooling, refreshing and calming effect that treats your skin while you sleep.
6. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50
This all-around sunscreen is creamy and moisturizing, yet lightweight and won’t leave a white cast or greasy feel on your skin. It provides SPF 50 protection and should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure on its own or under makeup. Made with aloe vera, it soothes irritation and helps even out your complexion.
7. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Formulated with active botanicals, hot springs water, and vitamin E and C, this cleansing balm covers both steps in a double cleansing routine, removing makeup, cleansing skin and keeping your complexion hydrated. It won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture due to ingredients like glycerin and centella asiatica extract and if you needed more proof this is a stand-out product, it sells every 3 seconds.
3 Korean Makeup Tutorials We Love
1. Full Face of K Beauty | Natural Clean Girl Makeup Look | Haley Kim
This K-Beauty look is inspired by the “clean girl” makeup look and features skin-first beauty in a Korean way. She only uses K-Beauty products like the rom&nd Blur Fudge Tint, the BBIA Last Auto Gel Eyeliner and the JUNGSAEMMOOL Skin Nude Cover Layer. Watch as she applies the products to get the gorgeous, natural look.
2. My Korean Makeup Tutorial | Natural Glowing Look | Sia Ree
If you’re looking for a natural, glowy K-Beauty look, look no further. Watch as her skin shimmers from using products like the Etude Glow On Base Oil, the Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara, and the BBIA Last Blush in Peanut Blossom.
3. Jeon Somi’s Guide to K-Beauty and Eye Liner | Beauty Secrets | Vogue
K-pop star Jeon Somi shows us how she creates her “Anymore” music video look, so if you’re looking for a little more edge, check out this K-Beauty Tutorial. She uses products like the Mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum, the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner and the Sidmool Jojoba Lip Essence and the final look is stunning!
K-Beauty has made and continues to make huge waves in the global beauty world. If you haven’t tried K-Beauty products yet, let these products and tutorials guide you!
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