What Is K-Beauty? We Got The Lowdown And Found The Best Products
Hello, glass skin
If you’ve noticed people on TikTok showing off their unusually long skincare routines or lathering unexpected ingredients on their faces (we’re looking at you, snail mucin), you probably have the rise of K-Beauty to thank for that. K-Beauty is nothing new; in fact, skincare fanatics have been all over it for years now. But the trend has officially hit the mainstream and it’s revolutionising the way we think about skincare.
So, what actually is it? Essentially, K-Beauty can be defined as innovative beauty trends and products that are straight from the beauty mecca of the world, South Korea, often utilising skin-loving, quality ingredients. To get the full lowdown, we chatted to the founders of Glow Culture to discuss all things skincare, how they incorporate K-Beauty standards into their brand, and if *that* viral 10-step routine really works.
@songofskin My 10 step skincare ritual ✨🩵 that gives me actual best skin 📌products listed at the end … #skincareroutine #glassskin #glowyskin #skincaretips #kbeauty #koreanskincare
How is the rise of K-Beauty changing the beauty landscape?
K-Beauty has always focused on skin health and addressing underlying issues rather than covering them up with cosmetics, such as the ‘glass skin’ trend. This ‘skin-first’ approach has permeated the beauty landscape in recent years and will continue to do so, which is great. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about the skin barrier and microbiome and are starting to embrace a more holistic view of beauty.
We’ve also seen the development of unique and interesting ingredients like snail mucin, as well as innovative fermented ingredients, underpinned by real efficacy in a gentle way – not to mention the beautifully delicate product textures. We will continue to see a stronger connection between skin and emotional wellness, along with advancements in beauty biotech across all beauty categories.
What is the secret to glowing, plump skin?
- Consistency. It’s tempting to experiment with many different products to achieve the desired result, but sometimes the simplest way to get great results is through routine. Cleanse, nourish, and protect – regularly!
- Quality. Finding skincare products with high-quality formulas can sometimes be challenging and confusing. Try not to buy products based on hype. Check the ingredients and know your skin. One of the easiest ways to gauge quality and compatibility with your skin is by using a product consistently and seeing steady, lasting results over time.
- Science-backed ingredients. Look for well-known active ingredients or those supported by studies. Additionally, a high level of active ingredients doesn’t always mean better results; in fact, it can cause more harm than good, leading to irritation and inflammation. It’s more important to have the right ingredients in the right combination to work with your skin, not against it.
- Hydration. Nothing is easier than drinking water to stay hydrated.
- Be gentle. Patch test first and introduce new products gradually. Don’t be tempted to be overzealous or aggressive with your skin by overloading it with too many actives or too much product.
What sets your formulation apart from other brands?
Fermented ingredients are at the heart of all our products. Over the last 3-5 years, we’ve seen products focused on ‘biotics’ (pre, pro, and postbiotics), which are closely linked to fermentation. While some products may contain one or two fermented ingredients, we haven’t seen brands truly single-minded about it, harnessing the benefits of fermentation in a big way.
Glow Culture formulations are developed with more than 15 potent fermented ingredients across the range. Each product is loaded with fermented ingredients, giving consumers high-performance formulas that are biocompatible, science-backed, dermatologist-tested, and deliver lasting results.
Do you recommend the 10-step skincare routine or is that a myth?
All steps can play a role in your skincare routine if you have the time, budget, or lifestyle; however, a 10-step routine isn’t essential to achieve glowing, healthy skin. It’s important to customise your skincare based on your skin type and concerns.
So, without further ado, find our top K-Beauty picks (that you can buy in Australia) below. Your skin will thank you later.
Header: @glowrecipe / @minsco_ / @laneige_us
