WHY IS THE K-BEAUTY ROUTINE SO POPULAR?
Hi Everyone! Before we get into our lovely article for today, I wanted to let you know that we have a lovely guest writer to take teach us all about K-beauty, so get ready.
K-beauty, the nickname for Korean beauty, is a term I have been hearing on and on for a few years now. The occasional mention from a favorite influencer, countless praises by beauty gurus on YouTube, some lengthy articles in Cosmopolitan, Elle or Marie Claire urging me to try the k-beauty routine and yet I still haven’t given it the time of day. Well, this is about to change as I dive into this world of porcelain-like skin, flawless complexion, and routine that is bound to delay my lying-in-bed-scrolling-through-Instagram time. In this article, I will go on a journey to understand what makes the k-beauty routine such a hot topic and take a closer look at the routine step by step.
How did it all start?
The myriad of Korean beauty products stems from the Koreans being some of the most demanding beauty consumers in the world. The pursuit of “perfect” skin is what drives the Korean beauty market to continuously invest in research to discover new formulas. Consumers are willing to experiment and try new and unusual ingredients. This goal of achieving “glass skin”, is what motivates brands to be innovative. It is no wonder that Marie Claire named Korea the “skincare superpower” for it being years ahead of skincare innovation globally.
Numerous articles got me to jump on the bandwagon and order myself some k-beauty products and add them to my previously short skincare routine. While I was doing my research, I started to wonder, how did Korea become such a hub for beauty brands and why are they so famous worldwide.
I started my journey through the realms of Korean beauty’s history. In the past, Koreans believed that cosmetics had an effect not only on their external appearance but also on their inner self, something in the lines of “look good, feel good” mentality. Facial scrubs, lotions, creams, and oils were all a part of the beauty regimen in the past. It is also interesting to note that a lot of the ingredients that were used in the past are still playing a role in the production of k-beauty products. Even the order in which products were applied does not differ greatly from today’s regimen.
From an early age, Koreans are taught that flawless skin is the key to a beautiful appearance. You may have heard of the Korean 10-step skincare routine before? It is said to be the path to that glass-like skin that Koreans aim for. A skincare routine with 10 steps may sound like too much of a hassle, doesn’t it? That’s why the products usually come in fun packaging and are perceived as more of a self-care regimen, than your daily chore. With face masks that form hundreds of little bubbles the longer you have them on, to lip masks that celebrities like Emma Stone choose for special events. The strength of the products is in the experience they provide – enjoyable formulas, unique textures or flexible ways to use them. The k-beauty trend has expanded widely over the past few years and I want to know – what makes it special?
What sets the k-beauty routine apart from other skincare regimens?
Beauty innovation is almost synonymous with k-beauty. The cosmetics Korea produces are continuously evolving, from new formulations and textures to smart packaging that helps the application of the product. Remember the BB cream that was all the rage a few years ago, followed by the cushion foundation and today the huge variety of sheet masks that overflow our Instagram feeds. Especially during quarantine! Yes, all of those originated in Korea.
What makes the products so special is their ingredients. The most common skin type in Korea is said to be sensitive, so of course, they value gentle formulas and avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, they use ingredients that the Earth provides and has done so for generations. Some special ingredients that are the reason for the flawless skin that the k-beauty products promote are snail mucin and bee venom. The snail mucin, or slime, is especially popular and used in many k-beauty products for its ability to improve skin imperfections like scars, acne, and wrinkles. Bee venom is best known for its anti-aging properties. It can improve the collagen level in your skin as well as boost its production. Another benefit of bee venom in your skincare routine is to soothe acne, Essentially, what makes the k-beauty routine special is that it focuses on preventing the occurrence of these skin imperfections, rather than just treat them when they happen.
What is the 10 Steps skincare routine?
The 10-steps of the k-beauty routine can be simplified into cleansing, then prepping your skin for the products you are about to layer, nourishing the skin with creams, oils, essences and you finish it off with a protection layer (SPF or a night mask).
Let’s break it down a little further, shall we?
What Korean beauty products am I adding to my skincare routine?
Do you want to join the pursuit of flawless skin and beautiful complexion? I for one am filling up my online baskets with products to get me closer to having that glass skin. After all, the quarantine gives us the chance to focus more on our self-care and well-being. The additional few minutes to your skincare routine could benefit not only your appearance but also provide a quick escape from reality.
The items I am adding to my routine now are Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, as well as a few of It’s Skin The Fresh Aloe sheet masks.
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, $18.70
Image courtesy of Amazon
It’s Skin The Fresh Mask Sheet – Aloe, $2.00
Next on my list is finding the perfect foam cleanse, essence and serum. I have my eyes on the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam as I am eager to add a foam cleanser t my routine and remove any impurities like additional oils and make-up residue.
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, $12.00
Remember the snail mucin, the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence would be my choice when dealing with skin imperfections such as hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and repairing sun damage or acne spots. A serum that is highly praised is the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum, which features both of the special ingredients I mentioned earlier – snail mucin and bee venom, to provide complexion-boosting benefits. This product claims to repair skin, clear acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, while also brighten the skin and fight wrinkles. Sign me up!
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $26.00
Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum $26.00
And lastly, as I mentioned, hydration is key when it comes to k-beauty, which is why a moisturizer is an important step in sealing all the work we have done up to this point. A great suggestion is the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb Moisturizing face cream by Belif, which is especially hydrating and would smooth the skin’s texture, suitable for all skin types.
The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb Moisturizing face cream $38.00
Are you as intrigued as I am to test the k-beauty routine and get that perfect, dewy skin in time for summer? Let me know in the comments if you are starting this journey as well and which k-beauty products you swear by. Stay tuned for more insight into the benefits of the special ingredients I mentioned, as well as other Korean beauty ingredients that you need to look for in products. Until then, stay safe, pamper your skin, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen even if you are staying home all day.
About the Author
Hi, my name is Kristina Andreeva (or Krissi, for short). I am a fashion, beauty, and media enthusiast, with a strong affinity for creative expression. My ambition to express myself and write about the things that excite me is what sparked my love for copywriting and being active online. I am a self-titled digital creator, with a passion for photography, well-planned social media feed, curated wardrobe, and overflowing makeup cabinet.
