Have You Heard About K-Beauty?

K-Beauty has been around for a while, but it still seems like there are new products and trends developing in the K-beauty world every day. If you’re not sure what k-beauty is, it is Korean beauty products. Korean beauty is known for their quality and being skin-first. Thanks to the use of ingredients that treat skin irritation, improve blood circulation, remove dead skin cells, and more, many Korean beauty products are known for glass skin results. Some of the most popular Korean beauty brands you might have heard of are Laneige, Dr. Jart+, COSRX, and Innisfree just to name a few. We’re diving into some popular K-beauty brands and some you might not have heard of yet, plus which products will help you achieve the glass skin that’s popular across social media. 

The Routine

Korean beauty routines are more than just routines, they’re a lifestyle. The 10 step Korean beauty routine emphasizes hydration, minimal exfoliation, and will help you get that glass skin effect you have seen all over social media. Don’t worry, this routine won’t be using fancy LED face masks or anything dramatic like that; although some of our favorite influencers swear by them. Most of these steps can be incorporated into an already existing skincare routine. 

Step 1: Oil Based or Balm Cleanser — Some of the brands we list below have products that are perfect for this step. Oil based cleansers can help remove sebum, makeup, and SPF. 

Step 2: Water Based Cleanser — Yes, this is a two-step cleanser routine. We know, you already cleansed, but this second cleanser will remove any impurities, like dirt and sweat. Go with a low pH cleanser for a gentle feel. 

Step 3: Exfoliator — This step might not be for every day, it depends on your skin type. Some people need a daily exfoliator, while others might just need a weekly gentle one. Either way, we suggest a chemical exfoliant over a physical one to prevent any tears in your skin. 

Step 4: Tone — We know toners have a bad rep, but we swear they aren’t all harsh and stripping. New toner products like INNISFREE’s Green Tea Enzyme PHA Toner are gentle toners that balance your skin. 

Step 5: Essence — You might think an essence is the same as a toner, but there is a slight difference. An essence focuses more on hydration rather than a toner, which focuses on balancing your pH. We recommend Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water. 

Step 6: Prescription Topicals — This step is optional and up to you. Check in with your dermatologist to make sure you’re using this product at the right time in your routine and that it won’t negatively interact with any other product. 

Step 7: Treatments — This is another step that is completely up to you and what type of skin you have. Serums and ampoules are products that will hydrate, brighten, firm, calm, or clear skin. Depending on your skin concerns, this will impact which product you use. Make a Beauty Session with one of our stylists to learn about the best products to use for your skin. 

Step 8: Eye Cream — Of course, the product you use depends on if you want to target a specific concern. Try to use a gentle product since the eye area is sensitive and a harsh product could cause milia. We recommend patch testing and lightly dabbing the product onto your under eye area. 

Step 9: Moisturizer — We knew this step would come eventually! There are many Korean beauty brands that moisturizers, so you can select a product based on your skin concerns or keep with the moisturizer you’re already using if you’re building onto an existing routine. Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Cooling Gel Moisturizer helps with redness, while AROMATICA’s Youth Glow Vita Cream is great for soothing and refreshing your skin.  

Step 10: Masks — This is an extra step that is optional, but it can be a nice treat for your skin. Like many of these steps, the mask you choose is entirely up to your skin concerns. LANEIGE’s Water Sleeping Mask is great for hydration and can be effective in treating mild acne. 

Our Favorite K-Beauty Brands

LANEIGE

Not only is this a cult favorite across the web on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, but Laniege is a well known Korean beauty brand. Known for their highest selling lip mask, Laniege is a great option if you’re looking to start exploring Korean beauty brands. Not only will the lip mask leave your lips feeling soft, but they also sell lip balms you can use everyday. They’re packaging is fun and bright, typically using pastel shades, and their products range from scents like sweet candy, blueberry, candy cane, and more!

Dr.Jart+

Known for their innovative skincare, Dr. Jart+ combines the best ingredients and new skincare innovations to create high-performance skincare. This brand, founded in 2005, inspires to bring skincare and makeup together easily, so anyone can use them at home. Their masks with targeted treatments and their Cicapair line are well known for treating redness, calming skin, and delivering both a soft yet concentrated solution to skin concerns. 

AESTURA

AESTURA is Korea’s #1 dermatologist recommended brand. The brand is known for their bestselling barrier repair skincare that utilizes clinically-backed studies to create its formula. Not only will their barrier repair products restore, hydrate, and protect your skin, but you can even use it if you have sensitive skin. 

PEACH & LILY

PEACH & LILY is known for their clean and potent actives that sensitive skin can handle. Typically, products with actives like Vitamin C, retinol, and acids can be too harsh for our skin, especially sensitive skin. PEACH & LILY products are carefully formulated, so these products will transform your skin without damaging your skin barrier. PEACH & LILY went viral this year for their Glass Skin Refining Serum, the perfect way to achieve glass skin that eliminates inflammation. 

Are you struggling to find some of your favorite Korean beauty brands in the US or somewhere else? Well don’t worry. Website like Yesstyle, Olive Young, and Soko Glam are known for having more hard to find Korean beauty products. You can also check out your local Sephora or Ulta for some of these brands, as more and more Korean beauty brands have been showing up at major beauty retailers. Of course, book a session with one of our stylists to help determine the best products to use on your skin.