It’s difficult to talk about beauty without mentioning Korean skincare products. Commonly referred to as “K-beauty,” these products have been trending in the US for a while now. So, what’s all the fuss about?
K-beauty focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients that contribute to overall skin health– not just a specific concern. Remember the glass skin trend? The whole point was to have skin so healthy, hydrated, and supple that it looked like glass. And what product was everyone using? Peach and Lily’s Glass Skin Refining Serum– a K-beauty product.
In the same vein, whether you’re patting product into your skin or formulating, K-beauty practices tend to lean into gentleness. Each of these gentle practices show a reverence for skin and its health that is a refreshing departure from the heavy exfoliation in the US. Fortunately for everyone, as long as cosmetics remain a significant export in Korea, we get to enjoy the benefits of K-beauty innovation.
Before you shop Korean skincare, take the advice my esthetician Chanel of Chanel Esthetics gave me: “No skincare is one size fits all because everyone’s skin is different. Approach Korean skincare the same way you’d approach any skincare– don’t expect your skin to magically change overnight. Find the right ingredients to address your skin’s specific concerns and be consistent.” Enjoy the hype of K-beauty, but don’t forget that not every product is for every skin type.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotic Sunscreen
The key to fading dark spots is wearing SPF every single day and reapplying throughout the day. This Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF uses rice extract and grain fermented extracts rich in vitamins B, C, and E, minerals, and amino acids to soothe and moisturize. The product feels like a lightweight moisturizer, and there is no white cast.
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
A holy grail product for many, CosRX’s Snail Mucin Power Essence uses low stimulation-filtered snail mucin to fade dark spots, improve texture, and hydrate the skin. I’ve recommended this product more times than I can count and have used it for years.
CosRX AC Collection Acne Patch
CosRX’s hydrocolloid patches are practically invisible on the face, absorbs discharge, and maintains humidity to help prevent further breakouts.
The best part about this collection is that the patches come in different oblong shapes and sizes to cover more area. They’re perfect for if you tend to break out in clusters.
Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream
Peach & Lily’s Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream looks like thick green pudding, but doesn’t suffocate the skin.Matcha, the peptide complex, adenosine, and cape lilac help fight premature aging, environmental stressors, texture, and hyperpigmentation.
Touch in SOL No Poreblem Priming Water
The No Poreblem Priming Water is like a big drink of hydration for your skin. Featuring Bulgarian damask rose oil and rose water help lock in moisture and add a radiance to the skin.
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer with Ceramides and Peptides
Another holy grail in the skincare community, Laneige Cream Skin is a milky toner loaded with ceramides and peptides to hydrate and prep the skin. Gently pat this into your skin in layers to get a radiant glow and long-lasting hydration.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha arbutin
Using rice bran water and alpha arbutin, Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Deep Serum helps remedy hyperpigmentation and texture issues.
Rice bran water, an amino acid, helps keep the skin hydrated. Alpha Arbutin 2% inhibits tyrosinase activity, limiting melanin production.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist
Peach & Lily’s Glass Skin Refining Serum is already popular, but I have to advocate for the Skin Veil Mist. Mists are great as refreshers during the day, and this mist will give you that freshly-done-skincare glow.
Cucumber water keeps your skin hydrated and refreshed, Peach extract helps with radiance, Reishi Mushroom fights inflammation, and Lotus Extract fights environmental stressors and brightens your skin!
