Admit it. Anytime you hear the words Korean and beauty product in the same sentence, you start to drool a little bit. What is it about the Korean beauty routine that makes us all feel like we westerners just somewhat inferior? Are we just lacking that bit of Asian discipline that drives the Korean women beauty perfectionism? Is it the concept of superior Eastern wisdom which makes us believe the Korean women hold the secrets to great beauty? Or is it simply that the Korean women just look so darn good? Whatever it is that makes us westerners go so crazy for any information beauty related Korean women have to offer, get ready for some more of it. Here are some secrets to flawless skin from the women who wrote the book on it.
Steam Your Face In the Shower
Korean facial massage parlors are as commonplace in South Korea as Starbucks Cafes are in America. Use circular motions with your fingers and also light tapping in rotating patterns starting on the forehead, then continuing to the cheekbones and cheeks, eventually ending at the jawline. Use an oil cleanser for an added benefit.
Use A Charcoal Sheet Mask
The charcoal sheet mask is all the rage in Korea. Simply apply it to your face for 15 to 20 minutes and let it work its detoxifying and exfoliating powers.
Exfoliate with A Warm Damp Wash Cloth
Soak a washcloth in hot water, and massage your face using circular strokes. It’s a known Korean youth booster.
Layer a Facial Essence between Two Moisturizers
If you’re not Korean, you may not even use two moisturizers, much less a facial essence between them. Essences are mild solutions with nutrients to hydrate your skin after cleansing. Follow with a serum, and then add a moisturizer for elasticity and hydration.
Blurring
Apparently, it’s not all perfect when it comes to Korean skin. The Korean blurring trick involves using one or more coverage products with a makeup brush to camouflage unwanted perfections. An air cushion foundation is the signature Korean cosmetic for blurring like a pro because it allows you to go from very sheer to very opaque coverage without looking heavy.
Use an Ampoule
Koreans describe the ampoule as a “serum on steroids.” It has the highest amount of active ingredients needed to do their work in the shortest amount of time. Apply a few drops before the essence to treat dullness, acne, and hyper pigmentation.
Use an Overnight Sleeping Mask
You know that your skin is working its hardest at cell recovery while you sleep, which makes it the best time to moisturize. Just apply an intensive sleeping mask before bed, and wake up to skin rejuvenation.
Mouth Stretches
Perhaps you can multitask in the car, by saying A-E-I-O-U in an exaggerated way three times on your way to work. It may improve circulation and brighten skin tone.
What tricks of the trade are you borrowing from the Koreans for flawless skin? Let us know what you think of the sage Korean beauty advice, and how much of it you’re willing to incorporate into your daily routine.
Vine Vera 