Korean Beauty Focuses on Hydration and Prevention
Korean beauty products have been making waves in the worldwide beauty industry, and for good reason. One of the key aspects that sets Korean beauty apart is its focus on hydration and prevention. Unlike many Western beauty products that target specific skin issues with strong ingredients, K-beauty products are all about nurturing the skin with gentle ingredients that boost moisture and support the skin barrier.
Snail Mucin: A Staple in Korean Skincare
One of the star ingredients in many K-beauty products is snail mucin. While it may sound strange, snail mucin has actually been used in Korean skincare for decades. This ingredient, derived from the slime of garden snails, is packed with skincare benefits such as hydration, plumping, smoothing, and softening the skin. A popular product that contains snail mucin is the KRX Snail Mucin Essence, a jelly serum that provides an extra layer of hydration and a cushiony feeling on the skin.
Snail Recovery Cream: A Nourishing Moisturizer
Another standout product in the realm of K-beauty is the Snail Recovery Cream. This daily moisturizer is known for its nourishing texture, making it ideal for use at night to rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. The rich formula helps to replenish moisture and keep the skin looking soft and supple.
Double Cleansing: A Korean Skincare Ritual
Double cleansing is a skincare practice that originated in Korea and has since become a common ritual in beauty routines worldwide. This process involves thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove makeup, dirt, and pollution that may have accumulated throughout the day. Typically, a double cleanse starts with a cleansing balm, which is massaged into the skin to melt away impurities before following up with a foaming cleanser for a deep clean.
Living Cleansing Balm from Then I Met You
This editor favorite is a must-have in any K-beauty skincare routine. The amazing smell alone makes it worth trying. It effectively removes makeup and dirt, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Cleansing Oil
For those looking for a different cleansing option, a cleansing oil may be the way to go. This unique formulation has an oil gel consistency, making it thicker than your typical cleansing oil. When mixed with water, it transforms into a silky lather that effectively removes impurities from the skin.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a popular beauty trend in Korea, with claims that some people use them daily. Whether you believe that or not, the benefits of sheet masks are undeniable. They can target specific skin concerns such as brightening, anti-aging, or hydration. This particular sheet mask brightens and hydrates the skin, leaving behind a tingling sensation due to the mint in its formula.
Toner Pads
Toner pads have become a viral skincare trend from Korea, and for good reason. These calming pads from Aura are perfect for soothing stressed-out skin. You can either swipe them all over your face or apply them like a sheet mask, focusing on areas that need extra care.
K-Beauty Sunscreens
K-Beauty sunscreens are renowned for their superior formulas that not only protect the skin but also leave no white cast behind. Skin 104 is a top derm and editor recommended sunscreen that is silky smooth and lightweight, making it a favorite in the industry.
The absolute best K-beauty products
When it comes to K-beauty products, there are some absolute gems that stand out among the rest. One of these is the Prestige brand, known for its serum-like texture that blends seamlessly into the skin. This product wears beautifully under makeup, making it a must-have in any skincare routine.
But it’s not just the serum that makes Prestige a standout brand. They also offer a sunscreen stick that may look blue, but goes on completely invisible. This is perfect for touch-ups throughout the day, ensuring your skin stays protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Hydration and Natural Ingredients
Like many other K-beauty products, Prestige focuses on hydration and gentle, often natural ingredients. This commitment to quality is evident in brands like Sasu, which is known for its luxury skincare products. One of their most popular items is the First Care serum, which is lightweight and easily absorbs into the skin.
Adding the First Care serum to your nighttime skincare routine is a breeze, thanks to its smooth application and quick absorption. And for those willing to splurge a little more, Sasu offers an eye cream that comes with a price tag of nearly $300. While it may be on the higher end of the spectrum, users swear by its effectiveness and luxurious feel.