Korean Beauty Tips!
I have a lot of issues with my face, typical redness, teenage acne, and a slew of other things. I've been keeping up with just face wash and a gentle exfoliating pad, twice a day. But if I miss one cleansing, havoc is unleashed on my skin. Maybe with some of the following steps, my skin will be a little easier to care for? That's my hope at least
Double Cleanse
Maybe you already do this, or it's brand new to you. I haven't heard of it until now. But after you've removed your makeup, use a gentle oil-based cleanser that'll hydrate, but won't leave a residue. This way, you're setting your skin up for the second round, instead of stripping it right away, and stripping it again. After your first wash, the second cleanser should be a mild cream or foaming cleanser. Never rub, use soft circular motions.
Facial Massages
Best. Thing. Ever! I'm in love after doing this just once. And my skin is thanking me for it! That's a first! Many K-beauty diehards do these massages daily when cleansing, and I can see why. It boosts your circulation, and adds that healthy glow we try to achieve through makeup most of the time. You can click here for full instructions.
Essences
Many Korean skin care routines have shelves full of products, but they all have a purpose. An essential is essences. An ultra-concentrated liquid or lotion that's packed with active ingredients, some for increasing cell turnover for firming, brightening, and increasing elasticity after cleansing. I prefer to use Witch Hazel with Rose Water, and I put mine in a spritz bottle, since it's a drugstore product basically. After spritzing it, I just tap the skin and call it good.
Blurring
If you've ever seen or used airbrush makeup, that's what blurring is trying to do. Using formulas that create a cloudy look disguises fine lines, uneven tones, patchy skin, and dark spots without being cakey. It won't completely hide all blemishes, but it will make you look more natural and human.
Sheet Masks
It's such a weird feeling! If you're unfamiliar with sheet masks, it's basically a piece of special paper soaked in a formula. Perfect for those of us lazy girls (I'm included) who don't want to be putting a bunch of time into face care. Just stick on, watch a few MVs or an episode of a drama, and peel off. And each formula has its own benefits. Some are for dry skin, oily skin, moisturization, and many others. One company, SokoGlam, has created a Seven Day Sheet Mask Challenge, all designed for those who want to jump right into using sheet masks. You can check out their challenge package here.
Gradient Lips
Ahh yes. The beautiful lips we see a lot of Idols rocking. I'm a hard-core fan of the bright red lip (years of dance to blame for it) but this can be cute as well. Gradient lips provide good contrast to highlight your natural skin tone! recommend using your finger as it's the way I've found that works best, but you can use a brush or whatever works for you. Dab your finger or brush in the lipstick and paint within your natural lip line or directly in the center of your lips. Blend to your preference, and voilà! You now have gradient lips!
Skin Diets
Ever heard the term you are what you eat? The truth in that statement is high. Greasy foods can cause breakouts, and general poor nutrition can cause redness and other things. Many Koreans eat a ton of Kimchi, and the health benefits are terrific! Kimchi is fermented, meaning it carries a host of health benefits, such as antioxidants and is a probiotic. But drinks are another topic. Try drinking a bunch of barley tea, packed with antioxidants and with a nutty flavor. And you can check out our other card on barley tea with a recipe and more health benefits!
K-Pop Cat Eyes
In America, cat eyes are wings coming off the corners of your eyelids with varying sizes. But in Korea, many women are going for thin eyeliner that follows the natural eye shape. It provides a small pop without being dramatic, and can be adjusted for different occasions.
