Okay beauties, let's get into it. K-beauty (Korean beauty) focuses on achieving a natural, dewy complexion through a gentle yet effective skin care routine. The k-beauty approach to skincare is focused on cleansing, toning, clarifying and hydrating - not covering up.
There are five unique points to a Korean beauty skincare routine:
THE MULTI-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE: A defining feature of k-beauty is the multi-step skincare routine. If you're used to flying through with a cleanser/toner/moisturizer, this might be a bit of a shock. But WORTH IT. K-beauty routines include 10-steps or more - from cleansing oils and exfoliants to sheet masks and serums.
THE DOUBLE CLEANSE: Double cleansing means using two different cleansers, one after the other, to thoroughly cleanse the skin. The first cleanser is oil-based and is used to remove make-up. The second cleanser is used to tackle pollution and any left over impurities that sit on the surface of the skin.
THE ESSENCE: Another key component of K-beauty is essence. Essence is a liquid product that is applied after cleansing but before heavier serums or creams. Essence contains active ingredients that work to improve the appearance of the skin, and it also helps prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent products.
THE SHEET MASK: One of the most iconic aspects of Korean beauty is the use of sheet masks, which are thin sheets of fabric soaked in serums or other treatments. Sheet masks are designed to be worn for a short period of time (usually 15-20 minutes) and then removed, at which point the excess serum is massaged into the skin. Sheet masks are often used to target specific skin concerns such as dullness, dryness, or acne.
THE OVERNIGHT PACK: The final step in a typical K-beauty regimen is a seriously hydrating or detoxing overnight pack. Like a rich face mask you don't wash off, it's occlusive nature (slugging!) keeps in all the benefits from your nightly k-beauty skincare routine.
There's plenty of evidence to suggest that the multi-step skincare approach used in k-beauty does indeed offer skin benefits. Studies have shown that layering several light products is more effective at hydrating skin than using one single heavier cream.
Another major benefit of k-beauty is that it's suitable for all skin types. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin, there's a K-beauty routine out there that can help improve your complexion. And because k-beauty relies heavily on natural ingredients, it's often better tolerated by sensitive skin types than products that contain synthetic ingredients.
And finally, one of the best things about K-beauty is that it is affordable! Take a look at the k-beauty section on our website to shop my favourites.
If you have any questions at all about creating a k-beauty skincare routine for yourself and personal skin concerns, please reach out via Instagram. Always happy to answer any questions!!