Korean beauty is having a moment.
Stores like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily are becoming household names, and for good reason: Korean skincare products are some of the best in the world. But what makes Korean beauty so special? Why do Koreans find beauty such an essential part of their culture? Why is this unique culture adored by so many around the world?
What about this industry makes it worth over $12 billion?
Today's guide will explore the answers to these questions and more. We'll take a look at what defines beauty in Korea, the different styles of Korean beauty, and how Americans can get involved in this growing trend themselves.
Let's get into it!
What is Korean Beauty?
Korean beauty, also known as K-beauty, is the term used to describe the beauty trends and products that originate from South Korea. In recent years, Korean beauty has taken the world by storm, which should come as no surprise, with the rise in K-pop, K-dramas, Korean popularity, and interest in the culture in general.
Focusing on beauty specifically, the K-beauty industry is overflowing with innovative skincare products and interesting application methods that help propel and advance the beauty trends adored by millions worldwide. From sheet masks to snail mucin, there's no shortage of unique ingredients in Korean beauty products.
However, the obvious focus on skin health makes Korean skincare so special.
Rather than simply masking blemishes or providing temporary hydration, Korean skincare products are designed to nourish and revitalize the skin from the inside out. This is achieved through a combination of gentle ingredients, effective formulation, and thoughtful packaging, more of which we'll get into later in this guide.
Korean beauty products are also known for their unique textures and application methods. For example, Korean sunscreen often comes in the form of a gel rather than a traditional cream, making it much easier to apply and absorb into the skin, which is very interesting for Westerners to try for the first time.
And instead of using cotton pads to remove makeup, Koreans often use cleansing oils and balms that melt away even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.
However, the actual depth of the K-beauty industry comes in the form of the beauty standards, and if you wish to achieve them yourself, or even just to understand them, if this is all new to you, then we need to start with the basics. Let's talk about the physical self.
What Defines Beautiful in Korea?
In Korea, beauty is much more than just skin deep. It is a reflection of one's health, lifestyle, and attitude. For Koreans, beauty is an integral part of self-care and is often used as a way to relax and de-stress.
One of the most important aspects of Korean beauty is taking care of your skin. Koreans believe that healthy skin is the foundation of a beautiful complexion. As such, they emphasize skincare and often follow elaborate skincare routines with ten or more steps.
After that, comes a choice in fashion styles, most of which we’ll cover later. If someone wanted to take their beauty journey further, whether that was through surgery, then there are plenty of options available to the country.
Female Korean Beauty Standards
In Korea, beauty standards for women are incredibly high.
From a very young age, girls are taught that their looks are important and that they should take care of their skin. This pressure to be perfect can be pretty overwhelming, but it also drives the Korean beauty industry.
Moreover, it matches the level of respect Koreans are taught to have for themselves. By looking after themselves, they show respect for their bodies and take pride in their appearance.
Korean women are expected to have flawless, glowing skin, a slim figure, and long, straight hair. They are also expected to dress well and wear lots of makeup. In fact, it's not uncommon for Korean women to spend hours doing their makeup before going out in public.
While these standards of perfection may seem unreachable, they're actually quite achievable with the help of Korean beauty products. Thanks to the wide range and worldwide availability of skincare and makeup products, anyone can achieve the perfect Korean look.
In terms of physical figure, you only have to look at a range of Korean fashion pictures to gain a clear idea of the standard.
Whereas in the West, the focus tends to be placed on curves, wide hips, and a large bust (think Beyonce, Rihanna, and the Kardashians), in Korea, the ideal female body shape is long, petite, and slim.
This is often achieved through dieting and exercise, but many cosmetic procedures exist to help women achieve the desired look.
However, breaking it down a little further, four main elements form the foundations of Korean beauty standards. These include;
- Small faces: small noses, full lips, straight eyebrows, and pointed, v-shaped jaw lines.
- Pale skin: the whiter and more flawless your skin can be, with as few imperfections as possible, the more aligned you'll be with Korean beauty standards.
- Large, wide eyes: Korean women often go for double eyelid surgery to achieve this look, but it can also be achieved with the help of false eyelashes and heavy eye makeup.
- Thin figure: Korean women are expected to have slim figures with long, slender legs.
Undoubtedly, the core female Korean beauty standards revolve around the concepts of small and innocent. This is reflected in both makeup and fashion styles.
In terms of makeup, Korean women often go for a 'no makeup' makeup look. This means using a light foundation, concealer only where necessary, and a light dusting of powder to set everything in place. The focus is on looking natural rather than caked in makeup.
When it comes to fashion, Korean women often dress in cute and girly styles. This includes a lot of pastel colors, pretty prints, and feminine details like ruffles and lace.
Of course, not all Korean women dress or wear makeup this way. Many women prefer a more edgy or alternative style. However, the vast majority of Korean women dress and style themselves in a way that adheres to traditional Korean beauty standards.
Korean Men's Beauty Standards
While Western media often portrays Korean men as K-Pop idols or athletes with perfect physiques, the reality is that the average Korean man doesn't look like this. However, it's certainly a goal for many.
However, that's not to say that Korean men don't care about their appearance. In fact, many Korean men are just as concerned about their looks as women are.
The main difference is that Korean men tend to focus more on skincare than they do on fashion or makeup. As you may have already seen, this is because Koreans see having good skin as the key to being attractive.
Korean men often follow a strict skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing. They also regularly use sheet masks and other facial treatments to achieve clear, bright skin.
You'll most commonly find them using a process known as a 'double cleansing regimen.' This routine uses oil-based and water-based cleansers, each with its own benefits, to cleanse the skin thoroughly.
Korean men also tend to have very defined eyebrows and use products like eyebrow pencils and gels to achieve this look. They also often use eye treatments to help reduce dark circles and puffiness.
While Korean women focus on looking small and innocent, Korean men focus on looking strong and masculine, but in a more sleek and professional kind of way. This is reflected in both their skincare routines and their fashion sense.
Korean men often keep their hair short and neat and dress in simple, well-tailored clothes. They also tend to stick to a more neutral color palette of black, white, and gray.
Of course, it seems that female beauty trends are more in the limelight of the K-beauty industry, just as in most other parts of the world.
K-Beauty Styles
There are four main styles of Korean beauty: clean, natural, girly, and trendy. While there are certainly more styles out there, variations of these individual styles, and those who will blend between them, you can usually break down most styles into one of these.
When you're working on your own styles, bear these words in mind to direct how you apply your makeup and choose your outfit.
Let's break them down a little more.
The Clean Style
This style is all about minimalism. It's simple, sleek, and fuss-free. The focus is on a natural look with clean, well-groomed skin. This means minimal makeup, or at least applying makeup that looks as though minimal makeup has been applied, and monochrome-type colors for clothing and accessories.
The Natural Style
Similar to the clean style, the natural style is slightly more relaxed. It's still minimal and fuss-free, but there's more emphasis on looking like you're not wearing any makeup. The clothes are more casual and will have less of a professional vibe.
The Girly Style
The girly style is all about being cute and feminine. It's playful and innocent, with lots of pastel colors, pretty prints, and girly details. This style is seen commonly in K-pop, especially when girl groups meet with fans, with fashion choices that include frilly knee-length skirts, baggy jumper sleeves that cover the hands, and either bright, childish colors or pastels.
The Trendy Style
The trendy style is the most fashion-forward of all the styles. It's experimental and edgy, with bold makeup looks and unique fashion choices. This is the style for you if you want to stand out from the crowd. A trendy look may include bold, dark colors, berets or some kind of hat, or very oversized clothes.
Of course, these are just four of the most popular styles. There are endless possibilities when adopting a Korean beauty aesthetic, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find a look that suits you.
How to Get Started with Korean Beauty
If you're interested in Korean beauty, the best way to get started is by doing some research. Read articles and watch videos about Korean skincare and makeup. This will give you a good understanding of the basics and help you figure out what style of Korean beauty you're interested in.
Once you have a general idea of what you want, start slowly by incorporating a few Korean skincare products into your routine. For example, if you're interested in Korean sheet masks, begin by using one once a week. Once you're comfortable with that, you can add more products to your routine as you see fit.
Don't be afraid to experiment until you find a skincare routine and style that works for you. And remember, there are no rules when it comes to beauty. So have fun and enjoy the process!
Your Nine-Step Korean Skincare Routine
While a nine-step skincare routine may seem daunting, it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. And trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
Step #1 - Start with a Cleanser
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. This step is important because it helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Koreans typically use two cleansers: a water-based cleanser and an oil-based cleanser.
The oil-based cleanser should be used first, the oil of which breaks down any makeup, dirt, or sunscreen you have on. Rub in circles for 2-3 minutes.
Then use the water-based cleanser to cleanse once again, removing all the dirt, germs, and oil-based dirt that may have built up on your skin.
Step #2 - Exfoliation
Exfoliation is essential in any skincare routine as it helps remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. Koreans typically exfoliate 1-2 times weekly using either a physical or chemical exfoliator.
Physical exfoliators are scrubs containing tiny beads or particles that help slog away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, contain acids that work to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed.
If you have sensitive skin, start with a physical exfoliator and use it no more than once a week. If your skin can handle it, you can increase the frequency to 2-3 times a week.
Step #3 - Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, it's important to use a toner to help restore the skin's pH balance. Toners also help to remove any remaining dirt or makeup on the skin. Simply apply toner to a cotton pad and swipe it all over your face.
Step #4 - Essence
Using essences is a crucial step in Korean skincare routines as they help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Essences are typically applied after toning and before serums and moisturizers. Simply dispense a few drops of essence onto your palms and pat it on your skin.
Step #5 - Serums, Ampoules, and Boosters
Serums, ampoules, and boosters are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns. Common concerns include wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and pigmentation.
Simply dispense a few drops of product onto your palms and pat it on your skin. Be sure to wait a few minutes in between each product so that they can fully absorb into the skin.
Step #6 - Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a Korean beauty staple and are great for giving the skin a quick boost of hydration. Simply apply the sheet mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Once the time is up, remove the mask and gently pat the remaining essence into your skin.
Step #7 - Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to fine lines and wrinkles. To help combat this, it's important to use an eye cream that is specifically formulated for the eyes. Simply apply a small amount of product to your ring fingers and gently tap it into the skin around your eyes.
Step #8 - Moisturizer
The final step in any skincare routine is moisturization. This step helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Koreans typically use a light lotion or gel-based moisturizer.
Just dispense a small amount of product into your palms and rub it all over your face. Be sure to give extra attention to any dry areas.
Step #9 - Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important step in any skincare routine, but it's crucial in Korean skincare routines as Koreans typically use products that contain active ingredients that can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
To use, simply dispense a small amount of sunscreen into your palms and rub it all over your face. Be sure to give extra attention to any areas that are prone to sun damage, such as the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
And that's it! By following these simple steps, you can easily create your own Korean skincare routine that will help to improve your skin health and give you a glowing complexion.
Summary
And with that, we conclude our deep dive into the world of K-beauty. We hope you found this guide helpful and that you now feel more confident in your ability to create your own Korean skincare routine.
Remember, the key to success is finding products that work for your skin type and concerns. With a little trial and error, you'll be on your way to achieving healthy, glowing skin in no time, and you can be sure you're using some of the best skincare products in the world. Who knows, you may even find yourself becoming a K-beauty convert!