Why the K-Beauty Craze?

by Rebecca Kim

Hi Beauties 💜

If you’re reading this, you’ve most probably heard the term “K-Beauty” before, which is short for “Korean Beauty”. But have you ever wondered what makes Kbeauty so special enough to have a cult following and gain such influence over the global beauty industry?

Well, let’s see…

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CONSTANT INNOVATION

Koreans take their skin seriously. For them, good skincare is not just a luxury, but a necessary investment, and even regular visits to skin clinics aren’t uncommon. This has created high demand and expectations from consumers who know exactly what they want, and brands have responded. There are now many brands with great products, which means that competition is fierce. Brands are constantly looking for ways to stay on top, which leads to innovation, and it’s why new releases are always so exciting and highly anticipated.

You may not know it, but many popular products and trends that you see today actually started with K-Beauty. BB creams, Cushion pact foundations, the double/triple cleansing method, sheet masks, essences and ampoules – just to name a few!

This means that if you’re invested in K-Beauty, chances are, you’re already ahead of global trends. 💁

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  • The Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is one of the innovative products that has the consistency of a toner, but moisturises like a cream! It’s great for people who want an all-in-one, but it’s especially great for dry skin. It’s also safe to use on sensitive skin.

PACKAGING

First impressions are everything, and Korean beauty companies are obviously well-aware of this. From Etude House’s princess-themed products to 3CE’s simple and classy look – just take a walk inside a HIKOCO store, and there’s bound to be something that will catch your eye.

Some products are beautiful enough to be displayed as decorative interior pieces, and you know it’s good when you find it hard to throw away even the box!

UNIQUE INGREDIENTS

Over the years, K-Beauty has introduced and popularised some weird and wonderful ingredients into the world of skincare. From snail mucin to bee venom and I know we all love our kimchi, but how about fermented skincare?!

But don’t knock it ‘til you try it! While these ingredients might sound strange at first, they aren’t just simply fun gimmicks. Many people have raved about the effects and have grown to swear by them as miracle ingredients. 😲 

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  • The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of the all-time bestselling snail products. It contains 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate, which improves skin elasticity and prevents moisture loss. Snail mucin also helps to soothe irritated skin after breakouts and repairs scars. Suitable for all skin types.

EFFECTIVE YET AFFORDABLE

Possibly one of the best things about K-Beauty is that you can have your cake and eat it too. In other words, looking your best doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank!

Because of the ongoing competition between brands, prices are kept low, but quality is kept high. You can trust the effectiveness of the products, because the secret is that many brands combine centuries old knowledge with new technologies. However, it’s a good idea to figure out what skin type you are first, to pick which products will be work the best for you.

GENTLE FORMULATIONS

Many Koreans tend to have sensitive skin, so many brands try to develop products with a focus on more natural ingredients. Concentrations of stronger ingredients are often lower than those of Western brands, and harsh chemicals are usually avoided.

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  • The COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains betaine salicylate which gently exfoliates dead skin cells to reduce acne breakouts and control sebum production. It’s also got willow bark water to soothe and hydrate the skin. It’s a highly moisturising toner pad that is best for oily/acne-prone skin.

SKIN CARE = SELF CARE

Although the multiple steps in a typical K-Beauty skincare routine might seem overwhelming at first, once you’ve got your personalised routine down, it can really become a therapeutic part of your day to look forward to. It’s also a great form of self-care to know that you are taking time out and investing in goodness for yourself – you deserve it, Beauties!

 

With all these points laid out, I think it’s safe to say that K-Beauty is here to stay! 👏 💕

 

Title Photo Source: en.chuu.co.kr

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