Korean Beauty has taken the skincare world by storm with its innovative products and holistic approach to achieving radiant, healthy skin. Rooted in a culture that values skincare as an essential part of daily self-care, K-Beauty focuses on enhancing the skin's natural beauty through gentle, nourishing and effective products. The core philosophy behind this approach lies in the belief that skincare is all about quality rather than quick fixes and trends that can be harmful to your skin. This beauty trend emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, premium products that are rich in natural ingredients and gentle on the skin. By following a consistent routine, Korean skincare devotees can achieve skin that glows from within.
In this noon guide to K-Beauty, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to get glowing, glossy, healthy skin. Keep reading to get the lowdown on the classic routine, trends, makeup products, brands, and more.
Korean Beauty Trends to Watch
Continually pushing the boundaries of skincare, trends are more about giving your skin the ultimate pampering with the help of premium products. Some of the most popular trends include dewy skin, glass skin and skinification of makeup, all of which focus on achieving a radiant, healthy complexion.
1. Dewy Skin
Dewy skin is all about achieving a hydrated, glowing look that is naturally refreshed, smooth and plump.
2. Glass Skin
Glass skin takes this a step further, emphasising a poreless, smooth, and translucent finish that resembles glass.
3. Skinfication of Makeup
The skinification of makeup trend highlights the fusion of skincare and makeup, where products are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that not only make your skin look good but also nourish it at the same time.
4. Cream Skin
Another trend to watch is cream skin, which focuses on a minimalist approach, combining the hydration of a toner and the nourishment of a cream in one step. This trend emphasises simplicity while still achieving a radiant glow.
All of these trends share the same goal - to promote glowing, dewy and healthy skin that looks naturally beautiful, without the need for excessive foundation, base and coverage.
10 Step K-Beauty Routine
The classic 10 step skincare routine involves the use of products that are designed to work together to help cleanse and nourish your skin. While this may seem like a lot, the results make it worth spending a bit more time on your daily routine.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Start with an oil based cleanser in either liquid or cleansing balm form, such as the Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm or the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, which effectively removes impurities like makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. This is the first step in the Double Cleansing process, which is key to maintaining balanced sebum production and healthy skin without stripping it dry. Gently apply the cleanser to a dry face and rinse with lukewarm water.
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Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
The second step in the Double Cleanse involves using a water-based cleanser made for your skin type. This step removes any remaining sweat and residue. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser with a low pH to ensure your skin remains balanced and prepared for the next steps in your routine.
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Step 3: Exfoliator
Incorporating a physical or chemical exfoliator helps slough off dead skin cells, promoting skin cell turnover and revealing a healthier, glowing complexion. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid are ideal for gentle chemical exfoliation. Exfoliate once or twice a week for best results.
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Step 4: Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, use a toner such as the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA Miracle Toner to restore your skin's pH balance and boost hydration. Toners also enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products. You can apply toner with your fingers or a cotton pad, and consider using 2-in-1 toner pads for added convenience and hydration.
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Step 5: Essence
Often considered the heart of Korean skincare, essences are lightweight, nutrient-rich liquids that absorb quickly into the skin. Choose an essence that suits your skin type, pour a small amount into your palms, and gently pat it onto your face and neck.
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Step 6: Treatment
Target specific skin concerns with a treatment step, which includes serums like the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum with Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide. These products are highly concentrated with active ingredients designed to address issues like acne, wrinkles and fine lines, redness, large pores or dark spots and other pigmentation, improving your skin tone and leaving your skin feeling nourished.
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Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are single-use face masks soaked in a serum or essence, delivering an intense dose of nourishing ingredients. They are an easy and relaxing way to pamper your skin, and they help with hydration and skin repair.
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Step 8: Eye Cream
Eye cream is essential for moisturising the delicate skin around your eyes, helping to prevent fine lines and signs of ageing. Apply it gently using your ring finger to avoid tugging at the skin.
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Step 9: Moisturiser
This step seals in all the previous layers, locking in moisture and beneficial ingredients while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected throughout the day. Apply your moisturiser by gently patting it onto your face and neck. Always choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type, whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin or oily skin.
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Step 10: SPF (Sunscreen)
The final step is applying sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Daily SPF application is crucial for preventing skin damage and slowing the ageing process, ensuring your skin remains healthy and youthful. Try the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu Cica Water Fit Sun Serum for a gentle yet effective double-duty sun protection treatment.
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7 Step K-Beauty Routine
If you want to get the benefits of Korean skincare products without spending as much time, the 7 Step Routine is a good alternative. This step features most of the steps in the 10 Step Routine, with a more scaled-down approach.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Use an oil based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and other oil-based impurities. This step is essential for clearing away substances that water-based cleansers can’t fully remove, ensuring a clean slate for the rest of your routine.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. This Double Cleanse process keeps your skin clean and preps it for the next steps in your routine.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, giving you a smoother, brighter complexion.
Step 4: Toner
Apply toner or 2-in-1 toner pads to balance your skin’s pH levels and provide an extra layer of hydration, soothe the skin and prepare it for the absorption of more concentrated products like essences and serums.
Step 5: Essence
Use your chosen essence and tap it gently into your skin, allowing it to penetrate deeply and prepare your skin for the next steps.
Step 6: Serum or Ampoule
Apply a treatment that targets specific skin concerns like acne, wrinkles or pigmentation.
Step 7: Moisturiser
Seal in all the goodness and lock in hydration with a moisturiser that suits your skin type.
K-Beauty Makeup for Barely-There Looks
Korean Beauty Skincare
K-Beauty makeup trends focus on achieving a fresh, dewy look with glossy lips that give the appearance of fuller, plumper lips. Glossy lip products are key, often infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to add shine and moisture. For luscious lips, try the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. For a natural, radiant look, lip and cheek tints such as the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Lip Tint or the Peripera Ink Velvet Rosy Nude lip tint add a subtle flush of colour that enhances your natural beauty. The goal is to create a healthy, luminous complexion with just a touch of colour and shine, making the lips and cheeks appear effortlessly glowing.
How to Choose the Best Korean Skin Care Products?
Choosing the best Korean skin care products is essential to get the full benefit of this skincare routine. When choosing your Korean beauty products, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Look for Natural, Powerful Ingredients
When selecting Korean skin care products, it’s essential to focus on natural yet potent ingredients. Active ingredients like snail mucin, Centella Asiatica, green tea, ginseng, propolis, and rice water are known for their skin-healing and rejuvenating properties. These ingredients offer hydration, soothing effects, and anti-ageing benefits, making them a staple in achieving a natural glow.
2. Go for Trusted Top Brands
Choosing reputable brands is crucial in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of your skincare routine. Some of the most trusted skin care product brands include COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Skin1004, Rom&nd, Laneige, and Peripera. These brands have gained a strong following for their innovative formulations and dedication to delivering results.
3. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to must-have Korean beauty products, quality always beats quantity. Investing in high-quality products with proven results ensures that your skin receives the best care possible. Look for products that are dermatologically tested and free from harsh chemicals. High-quality products provide better results and also reduce the risk of irritation, making them ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
What Else to Know About K-Beauty?
The most important thing to know about K-Beauty is that it’s more than just a skincare trend. It's a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin. One common question is whether the multi-step routines are necessary for everyone.
The answer depends on your skin type and concerns. While the full routine can offer comprehensive care, many people find the shorter routine to work to their specific needs. Another point to consider is the emphasis on gentle formulations and natural ingredients, which make these beauty products suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Lastly, consistency is key. Regular use of high-quality Korean skincare products is essential to seeing long-term results.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that K-Beauty can transform your skincare routine, helping you achieve healthy, glowing skin with carefully selected products.
If you’re wondering where to buy Korean beauty products, noon is your go-to destination for a wide range of essentials, from cleansing balms to essence and more.
