The global demand for Korean beauty products is growing. K-beauty with its natural ingredients and ample hydration is a strong contender in the industry. New innovative products are being developed, and brands are vying for consumers’ attention. Discover the key trends worth following in 2021.
Top K-Beauty Trends
K-beauty brands emphasize cuteness, playfulness, and anti-ageing properties. They invest in thoughtful package design and effective marketing based on creative url gimmicks. Colour-changing cosmetics, unusual ingredients like tiger grass and endorsement from k-pop idols are common. Here are the top five trends to follow.
1. Mushroom Power
Have you tried mushroom serums or moisturizers yet? They contain plenty of antioxidants. Shroom skin care has dominated k-beauty this year. Mushrooms used to be relegated to alternative health and wellness stores, but they are now in the beauty spotlight. For example, chaga mushrooms neutralize free radicals and promote a healthier skin with a more even tone.
2. Carrot Seed Oil
This natural antioxidant has skin brightening and soothing properties. It can reduce redness, acne, and irritation. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects. Cold-pressed oil is a powerful rejuvenator for ageing skin. Such beauty products will also protect your skin from sun damage.
3. Acid Layering
In recent years, acids have become one of the biggest trends of the beauty industry. They are being promoted as hero ingredients in medical-grade skincare. These chemical exfoliators resurface the skin, helping you shed dead cells to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. Acids are effective for treating pigmentation, uneven skin tone and acne. They may also improve wrinkles and fine lines.
Top K-beauty products are based on a balance of AHAs and BHAs. The former are water-soluble, and they work by eliminating dead skin cells and promoting collagen production. BHAs are oil-soluble, which is why they penetrate deeper into the skin to unclog the pores and clear breakouts. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are recommended for acne treatment.
4. Tiger Grass (Asiatic Pennywort)
This is a herbaceous plant found in tropical and subtropical regions. The extract of its leaves and roots has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is an important ingredient of Korean cosmetics due to its nurturing properties. Tiger grass strengthens the skin, makes it smoother and helps it to regenerate.
You can find it in both skincare products and colour-corrector makeup. The ingredient is rich in amino acids, so it boosts hydration and elasticity. Research shows that tiger grass can also be used to treat photoaging skin, cellulite, and striae.
5. The K-beauty Skincare Routine
Most k-beauty products are designed to be combined into a single skincare routine. The following steps will help you achieve a glowing and youthful look.
Step 1. Oil cleanser
Remove bacteria and Korean makeup products using an oil-based cleanser. These products can melt away even waterproof cosmetics and full-coverage foundations.
Step 2. Double cleanse
Koreans like to make sure their skin is perfectly clean, so it is not uncommon for them to apply a water-based cleanser, too. It prevents bacteria from building up and helps with acne breakouts. These products remove sweat, dirt, and excess oil.
Step 3. Exfoliation
You can use a physical exfoliator or a chemical one. Massage your skin gently, buffing the dead cells away.
Step 4. Toning
Now, your skin is ready for nourishment. Use a serum, hydrator, or natural moisturizer. Toning balances that pH levels, alleviating redness and inflammation. Opt for products that minimize pores as well.
Step 5. Concentrated Serum
This beauty product will hydrate your skin instantly, providing an anti-ageing boost that improves complexion. Pat it gently into the skin with clean hands.
Step 6. Treat Imperfections
If you have acne, redness, wrinkles, or dry patches, now is the time for special treatment. Use a product created for your skin type to address these problems.
Step 7. Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are an integral part of every Korean skincare routine. They nourish the skin, counteract premature ageing, improve hydration and help relax the mind.
Step 8. Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and thin, so you need a high-quality cream. Eye beauty products reduce puffiness and dark circles, and they may also reduce fine lines. Tap them gently into the skin.
Step 9. Cream or Moisturizer
At this stage, you may apply an organic colour-correcting cream, night cream or sunscreen depending on the time of day. You could also use a moisturizer with a sleeping mask. Ingredients like snail mucin, aloe vera, bamboo, and hyaluronic acid are recommended.
Step 10. Sunscreen
Finally, regardless of the season, apply sunscreen to your face daily. It is one of the biggest Korean beauty hacks. Sunscreen prevents your skin from ageing prematurely, and it can also reduce the risk of skin cancer!