Do you dream of having clear skin? Using K-beauty products might be your solution. Spearheading the clean beauty movement and inventing universally renowned products, such as sheet masks and BB cream, K-beauty brands consistently prove to be highly developed and credible. In fact, K-beauty products are so effective that their market size was valued at $9.3 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $21.8 billion by 2026. Another major selling point for K-beauty products is that many brands have reasonable pricing, so you won’t have to break your bank account to achieve glowing skin! If you aren’t fully committed to starting the coveted 10-step skincare routine that many K-beauty brands and influencers advocate for, here are some products to help you ease your way in:
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is an extremely popular and basic K-beauty product. Retailing for only $10, this cleanser thoroughly removes oil and impurities from the skin without drying or stripping the skin. As someone who has oily and sensitive skin (a tough combination), even I’ve found this product to be extremely productive. Without a strong cleanser, impurities will remain on the skin and impede other components of your skincare regime. Despite having nearly 6,000 reviews, this cleanser holds a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.
2. Innisfree Hydrating Micellear Water
Suitable for all skin types, this $14 micellar water can remove any residual grime while also providing moisture to the skin. Given that overwashing the face is often associated with flare-ups and irritation, I also like to use some of this micellar water if I’m feeling a little extra sweaty or oily during the day.
3. Etude Moistfull Collagen Cream
Etude’s Moistfull Collagen Cream moisturizer will make your skin feel like a baby’s bum. Moisturizer is a critical step to having beautiful skin, as this helps keep the skin refreshed and protected. Etude claims that this $24 cream has “100-hour lasting long moisture” thanks to its key ingredient: collagen. Collagen has been scientifically proven to improve the skin’s elasticity and reduce fine lines.
4. Peach and Lily Glass Skin Serum
Peach and Lily’s Glass Skin Serum is a holy grail and award-winning skincare product. The aim of this product is to achieve “glass skin”, a K-beauty trend that embraces luminous, clear, and poreless-looking skin. Although a $39 serum may seem overpriced, serums are worth investing in because of their high concentration of active ingredients. In other words, serums are intended to serve a direct purpose, which is why this product contains peach extract and niacinamide – two ingredients that are particularly effective for skincare.
5. The Face Shop Smart Feeling Honey Black Sugar Scrub
Exfoliator is something I didn’t incorporate into my skin regime up until recently. It wasn’t until skincare TikTok informed me of the many benefits that are associated with exfoliating, including removing dead skin skills, preventing acne, and improving skin tone. I recommend this $17 exfoliator because of its natural ingredients. It is of utmost importance that you don’t over-exfoliate your skin, as this could cause further damage and irritation. Most experts recommend exfoliating the skin once to three times a week, however, it’s best to start conservatively and work your way up if need be.
6. Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask
It wouldn’t be right to make a list of K-beauty products to try without including a sheet mask. The Mediheal sheet masks provide optimal hydration and should be used once a week. They truly live up to their name – I often notice instant results when I use this mask. This product is $9.95 for five masks. For maximum benefits, each mask is for one-time use.
7. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
These award-winning hydrocolloid patches really are the best. I’m a particularly strong supporter of pimple patches because they help diminish blemishes and prevent picking. Like many of us, I often find myself trying to pop pimples, which usually do more harm than good. This item can be bought in bulk, with 72 patches for only $22.
8. Missha All Around Safe Block
Last, but not least, we have this high-quality $23 sunscreen. With SPF 50, I always feel confident that my skin is truly being protected from UV radiation with this product. The matte finish of this product is also ideal for those who want a clean canvas before applying makeup, as I find that some sunscreens can leave a peculiar shine or white cast. Applying sunscreen on a daily basis is essential to prevent your skin from aging prematurely, so find a sunscreen that you love!
Although it’s not absolutely necessary to purchase each and every one of these products, these are just some of my favorites. Some of my recommendations may not be suited towards everyone, as skincare routines are extremely personal and should be catered to your own needs and lifestyle. If you don’t know where to start, try and figure out what your skin type and go from there. Once I realized I had oily and sensitive skin, I was able to form a strong skincare routine that brought me results and joy.
https://www.preview.ph/beauty/k-beauty-term-glossary-a00193-20170608
By Gaby Pidoux
Seoul Searching 