Korean Beauty Routine 101: Your Guide to Getting 'Glass Skin'

Koreans, especially K-pop stars and K-drama actors are famous for their “glass skin” beauty.

Everyone probably wants to know the makeup, extensive skin-care routine, or any secrets to achieve pore-less skin. To see what the hype is about, a lot of Korean women invest time and money in cosmetics and beauty products.

The influence of Korean beauty routines has become phenomenal. Maybe some of you have already tried skincare brands from Korea endorsed by beauty bloggers, YouTubers, and celebrities, who hasn't?

To further explain, let’s talk about the culture of Korean beauty.

What is Korean Beauty or K-beauty?

This term was originated from South Korea which refers to Korean beauty influence through multistep skincare regimen. From snail slime to essences, almost everyone is obsessed with the supremacy of Korean products in the realm of beauty and make-up.

K-beauty is no longer a new concept, and it continues to step up its game by offering a new and sophisticated line of Korean products. While others remain doubtful about it, let’s discuss the difference between these products from other cosmetics available in the market.

What Makes Korean Beauty Routine Special?

According to an expert, there are three truths about Korean beauty and skincare products.

1. Korean beauty products are guaranteed to have a long-term effect

Designed with consistency, Korean skincare products are highly personalized to eliminate harmful effects on your body. Most of these skincare items don’t offer overnight results as they believe it only damages the skin or worsens the condition.

Using a gentle formula, Korean products help you to achieve bouncy and healthy-looking skin because it is suitable for different skin types from oily, mature, to sensitive. These products include ampoules, essences, serums, and all kinds of hydrating masks.

2. Korean beauty promotes flexibility through customized cosmetics

Cosmeceutical products are the new addition to Korean brands and will be offered to the global markets sooner or later.

Considering that everyone has different skin types and conditions, Korea allowed local beauty manufacturers to provide customized cosmetics based on the customer’s needs or personal preference.

On the other hand, consumers must know what products or ingredients are effective to them to avoid any allergic reactions. With this, beauty stores can identify the perfect formulation to help your skin be at its best.

3. Korean beauty uses natural ingredients

Inspired by nature, Korean skincare products and cosmetics innovate beauty from the properties of botanical extracts, green tea, marine solids, red ginseng, snail secretions, and starfish powder. It also helps experts to better understand how to incorporate these ingredients without compromising the user’s safety.

The 10-Step Korean Beauty Routine

The multilayered routine of the Korean regimen isn’t really necessary to be 10+ steps long, you can cut it down to five steps depending on your skin’s specific needs. We highly recommend conducting a patch test first before trying out these products, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Double Cleaning. Use Oil-based Cleanser

It helps draw out makeup, dirt, and impurities. As part of the Korean beauty routine, oil-based cleansers are mild compared to other cleansers and effective to remove water-proof products.

Cleanse Again. Use Water-based Facial Cleanser

The Korean beauty routine includes using two cleansers referred to as double-cleansing. This is done to ensure there’s no “plug” blocking the pores that might cause pimples or acne.

Exfoliate if needed

It is recommended to not exfoliate every day but if you do, use a gentle scrub that fits your skin type. Exfoliation removed dead skin cells which makes the skin appear brighter and helps improve the overall texture.

Apply Hydrating Toner

This helps balance your skin’s pH levels and promotes hydration. To keep your skin moisturized, use toners with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Refrain from using alcohol-based toners because they may cause dry skin.

Revitalize your Skin using Essence

It is one of the most essential parts of the Korean (and Japanese) skincare regimen. Dubbed as the “miracle water”, the essence is a concentrated formula mixed with toner, serum, or moisturizer. It has moisture deep effects that target fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin, improving the overall health of the skin.

Facial essences also come in gel-based or jelly texture which you can use cotton pads to apply onto your face.

Ampoules, Face Oils, and Serums

These products can target specific skin problems like dark spots, pigmentations, and help improve your skin texture and complexion to achieve a radiant glow.

Put on Hydrating Mask

Sheet masks contain a serum with umpteen vitamins and minerals to boost skin hydration. However, it’s not necessary to use a sheet mask every day because of the glycolic acid that can cause possible irritation especially, for acne-prone skin.

Apply Eye Cream

This could minimize signs of aging around your eyes while keeping them plumped and hydrated. This also prevents the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and wrinkles.

Moisturizer

Massage your skin in a circular motion using a cream-based moisturizer. Koreans believed that moisturizers serve as a seal or barrier to lock in the products you’ve previously applied.

Put Sunblock

Sunscreen products with high SPF help protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. You can use mineral sunscreen to avoid clogging your pores.