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It's no secret that Korean celebrities have the most beautiful skin -- dare I say -- in the world? It's becoming even more apparent as "Korean Fever" or "The Hallyu Wave" are hitting the globe by storm! Korean concerts are selling out in every country and dramas are being aired all over Asia as well as Europe and the US, causing Korean pop stars and actresses to gain more recognition and drawing attention to their flawless skin. I can't help but be in awe every time I watch Korean dramas in high def and can barely see so much as a pore on 30-something Korean actresses.
Kim Tae Hee
Lee Min Jung
Park Min Young
Shin Minah
What about the pop stars who've been in training since elementary school? How can they maintain flawless skin as they go through adolecesnse and debut? It's not like companies can predict their future skin when they're still kids. So how on earth do they control breakouts even with hours of training and practicing, barely sleeping, and wearing tons of make-up?
Boa
Ham Eun Jung
HyunA
Yoona
Obviously there's lasers and botox involved, as well as genetics, but there must be some sort of skin regimen for maintenance, right? A quick google search will bring up several articles regarding the multi-step Korean skin care system -- some with 5 steps and others up to 18 steps. Many Korean cosmetics actually come in large gift sets containing 5-8 products. My mom uses a ridiculous $500 skin care system that actually has all the steps numbered. For instance, the cleanser is referred to as "Number 1" and a serum is "Number 7."
Here in the States, harsh exfoliation treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels are popular. But in Korea, being gentle is key and tons of moisturizing is encouraged. Many women apply daily moisture masks and carry around facial spritzes to keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Cosmetics ads are everywhere and often endorsed by celebrities -- a commercial featuring an especially popular pop star has even caused certain products to sell out instantly. It's not uncommon for Korean women to spend $100-200 a month on skincare.
So here it is -- 11 steps to celebrity skin. Or at least make you feel like a celebrity. Or maybe just burn a hole in your wallet haha.
Step 1 & 2 : Double Cleansing
1: Make-up removal
An absolute staple in Asian skin care -- if you haven't jumped on the cleansing oil bandwagon then you don't know what you're missing! These amazing "oils" literally melt away make-up and provide a wonderful massage for your face. Rinses off clean with water while leaving your face moist and supple.
Suggestions:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Amore Pacific Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
An absolute staple in Asian skin care -- if you haven't jumped on the cleansing oil bandwagon then you don't know what you're missing! These amazing "oils" literally melt away make-up and provide a wonderful massage for your face. Rinses off clean with water while leaving your face moist and supple.
Suggestions:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Amore Pacific Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
2: Cleanser
If you have tried Korean/Japanese/Asian cleansers, you know they are big on super luxurious foam. The tiniest blob quickly lathers up and removes any remaining trace of make-up.
Suggestions:
Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
Dior Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Kracie Naive Peach Cleansing Foam
The History of Whoo Gong Jinh Yang Foam Cleanser
If you have tried Korean/Japanese/Asian cleansers, you know they are big on super luxurious foam. The tiniest blob quickly lathers up and removes any remaining trace of make-up.
Suggestions:
Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
Dior Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Kracie Naive Peach Cleansing Foam
The History of Whoo Gong Jinh Yang Foam Cleanser
3: Massage/Pack
This is a critical step which most of us in the US hardly ever practice. Koreans SWEAR by facial massage -- similar to what you might experience while getting a facial at a spa. Spending a few minutes massaging a cream or mask into your face increases circulation and stimulates the flow of oxygen. Any wet mask will work for this -- slowly massage into skin, let sit for alotted time, then rinse off.
Suggestions:
Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Massage Pack
Boscia Intensifying Moisture Pack
Dior Hydra Life Beauty Awakening Mask
Cellnique Intensive Soothing & Hydrating Masque
4: Exfoliation (1-2 times per week)
Going along with the "gentle is better" idea, instead of harsh scrubs, peeling gels or grommages are popular in Asia. These gels are massaged into the skin until dead skin cells form into balls and are gently buffed away.
Suggestions:
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Etude Magic Bubble Peeling Mousse
Sana Salon De Porejo Peeling Gel
Missha Super Aqua Detoxifying Peeling Gel
This is a critical step which most of us in the US hardly ever practice. Koreans SWEAR by facial massage -- similar to what you might experience while getting a facial at a spa. Spending a few minutes massaging a cream or mask into your face increases circulation and stimulates the flow of oxygen. Any wet mask will work for this -- slowly massage into skin, let sit for alotted time, then rinse off.
Suggestions:
Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Massage Pack
Boscia Intensifying Moisture Pack
Dior Hydra Life Beauty Awakening Mask
Cellnique Intensive Soothing & Hydrating Masque
4: Exfoliation (1-2 times per week)
Going along with the "gentle is better" idea, instead of harsh scrubs, peeling gels or grommages are popular in Asia. These gels are massaged into the skin until dead skin cells form into balls and are gently buffed away.
Suggestions:
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Etude Magic Bubble Peeling Mousse
Sana Salon De Porejo Peeling Gel
Missha Super Aqua Detoxifying Peeling Gel
5: Toner
You'll notice that Asian toners (also called refiners, softeners, and lotions) are thicker in consistency than those found in Europe or the U.S. They are almost gel-like and instead of using a cotton ball to wipe off your face, these toners are poured onto the fingers and patted onto the face -- this is to promote adding moisture rather than stripping skin of it.
Suggestions:
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener
You'll notice that Asian toners (also called refiners, softeners, and lotions) are thicker in consistency than those found in Europe or the U.S. They are almost gel-like and instead of using a cotton ball to wipe off your face, these toners are poured onto the fingers and patted onto the face -- this is to promote adding moisture rather than stripping skin of it.
Suggestions:
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener
Sana Hadanomy Collagen Lotion
Kose Sekkisei Supreme Refining Lotion II
Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner
6. Emulsion
Emulsion is a concentrated moisturizing gel that penetrates deeply into the skin, containing super hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These gels are essentially moisturizers that are just lighter in texture and are "emulsfied" or warmed up in between fingers, then patted into the skin.
Suggestions:
Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Emulsion
Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion
Sulwhasoo Basic Balancing Emulsion
Kose Sekkisei Supreme Refining Lotion II
Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner
6. Emulsion
Emulsion is a concentrated moisturizing gel that penetrates deeply into the skin, containing super hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These gels are essentially moisturizers that are just lighter in texture and are "emulsfied" or warmed up in between fingers, then patted into the skin.
Suggestions:
Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Emulsion
Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion
Sulwhasoo Basic Balancing Emulsion
| Skinfood Tomato Whitening Emulsion | |
| 7: Essence | |
Choose an essence with the benefit of your choice -- many include whitening or brightening properties. A popular way to apply essence is in the form of sheet masks.
Suggestions:
Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Essence
Kiehl's Ultimate White Intensive Whitening Essence
Laniege White Plus Renew Essence
Holika Holika Secret Source Hydro Essence
Suggestions:
Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Essence
Kiehl's Ultimate White Intensive Whitening Essence
Laniege White Plus Renew Essence
Holika Holika Secret Source Hydro Essence
8: Serum
Following a essence, you'll want an anti-aging serum to keep the wrinkles away. Again you can choose what problems you want to target -- there are whitening serums, spot reducing serums, anti-oxident serums, and wrinkle serums. These serums are super concentrated and wildly expensive -- averaging $50-150 per tiny bottle.
Suggestions:
Amore Pacific Line Modifier Intensive Wrinkle Treatment
Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Serum
L'Occitane Immortelle Dvine Extract Ultimate Youth Serum
Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Cream Serum
9. Eye Serum
Another concentrated serum for the eye area to go under the eye cream. A bit of overkill if you ask me and another added expense. But hey -- if you're going all out! Eye serums will contain stronger doses of ingredients and will penetrate more deeply than creams.
Suggestions:
Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum
Dior Anti-Fatigue Firming Eye Serum
Innisfree White Tone-up Eye Serum
Loreal Skin Genesis Eye Serum
Suggestions:
Amore Pacific Line Modifier Intensive Wrinkle Treatment
Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Serum
L'Occitane Immortelle Dvine Extract Ultimate Youth Serum
Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Cream Serum
9. Eye Serum
Another concentrated serum for the eye area to go under the eye cream. A bit of overkill if you ask me and another added expense. But hey -- if you're going all out! Eye serums will contain stronger doses of ingredients and will penetrate more deeply than creams.
Suggestions:
Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum
Dior Anti-Fatigue Firming Eye Serum
Innisfree White Tone-up Eye Serum
Loreal Skin Genesis Eye Serum
10: Eye Cream
After your serum pat on an eye cream of your choice. A thick cream is preferred to moisturize the eye area and compliment the eye serum.
Suggestions:
Skin Food Salmon Brightening Eye Cream
Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream
Kabebo Sensai Silk Moisture Supply Eye Cream
Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Suggestions:
Skin Food Salmon Brightening Eye Cream
Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream
Kabebo Sensai Silk Moisture Supply Eye Cream
Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
11: Moisturizer/Night Cream
Seal everything in with your favorite moisturizer!
Suggestions:
Suggestions:
Bobby Brown Hydrating Intense Night Cream
Holika Holika Snow White Cream
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight
Naruko Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Soothing Night Gelly
Holika Holika Snow White Cream
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight
Naruko Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Soothing Night Gelly
Whew! I know it sounds absolutely insane. I don't know if I could follow this regimen religiously, nor do I think product overload works. But at the same time, it doesn't necessarily seem to hurt? I guess prevention is key. As for the whole essence/emulsion/serum -- I think they are pretty much interchangeable and it doesn't matter which order you use them -- in fact I think using just one of these products should suffice.
Do any of you follow a skin regimen with this many products? What are some of your favorite items in the categories listed?
Do any of you follow a skin regimen with this many products? What are some of your favorite items in the categories listed?
Beauty Signs
