Korean Beauty Takes the World by Storm

From BB creams to a 10-step approach to skincare, there is no doubt that that Korean beauty is taking over the beauty world by storm. Alfiya Saifuddin, Managing Director of Cosmetics and Beauty section at Fakhree Al Hindi group of companies (Exclusive Distributors of Missha in GCC) explains what gives Korean beauty its edge over the others. 

The Difference 

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Korean skincare differs from Western skincare in many ways – from the use of innovative and natural ingredients to the formulations, designs, approach, and purpose, all the way to product packaging. Korean skincare routine focuses on prevention and perfecting the skin—not just spot treatments to hide flaws. Generally, Korean beauty products focus on skincare to fix any underlying skin problems rather than covering them up, while Western cosmetics tend to focus on using makeup and application techniques to cover flaws. The Korean philosophy is that beauty begins with great skin. 

The Ingredients 

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The Korean beauty philosophy is to use natural ingredients that align with “hanbang,” Korean medicinal theories using herbal ingredients such as ginseng, Yuja (a type of Korean citrus fruit), green tea, sparkling water, pearl, rosehip oil, rice, and even gold and traditional processes like fermentation, a new trend in processing ingredients to allow for better absorption. Unlike most Western beauty products, Asian skincare tends to emphasize natural and botanical based ingredients over harsh chemicals. A lot of the ingredients that the Koreans come up with may sound crazy to Westerners, but everyone is blown away by how effective they are. One example is the Snail Mucin, which created a wave from Korea as it firms and restores the skin by replenishing moisture and supporting cell regeneration. This helps reduce acne scars, smooth uneven complexions, and reduce hyperpigmentation. 

Five Korean Trends to Look Out For: 

  1. Filter Creams
    They are basically a pretty Snapchat filter for your face. A filter cream is a regular moisturizer, which blurs imperfections and makes your complexion look luminous and dewy. Missha Bridal Cream contains diamond powder, which helps give you smooth and transparent skin by reflecting like a reflector. 
  1. The 10-Step Scalp Routine
    Now after following the 10-step Korean skincare routine, the next huge Korean beauty craze will be a 10-step routine focusing on the scalp. The steps are similar, like exfoliating and using a hair essence, specially formulated for your scalp. It’s been said that a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. 
  1. Tension Pacts
    After the cushions have taken over the world, Missha recently launched The Original Tension Pact, which the company says is “the first of its kind and the next generation of cushion compacts.” Densely woven tension nets filter foundation evenly for light and superior coverage. Keep an eye out for other products that are focused on the actual cushion as much as the formula inside. 
  1. Facial Mists
    Not just a regular makeup setting spray, Korean facial mists are a bit more complex. These spritzes are super-popular in the K-beauty community because they work to hydrate the skin, set makeup, nourish damage, control sebum production, and cool down the skin at the same time. Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Mist contains fermented yeast moisture which helps recover the skin’s moisture balance while calming the skin. 
  1. AquaPeels
    As the name suggests, these are at-home treatments combining the exfoliating benefits of a peel with hydrating and moisturizing properties. The mix of Natural Peeling Complex, O2 Plantox (purifying), hyaluronic acid (moisturizing), Propolis extract (nourishing) in Missha’s Super Aqua Mild Peeling Gel removes dead skin cells, resulting in a natural glow while also minimizing the look of fine lines.