South Korea has always enjoyed a pretty buoyant beauty industry. In 2023, the market for personal care and beauty products was worth more than £10.5 billion. However, it’s only in the past decade or so that the K-Beauty phenomenon has broken the borders of the Korean Peninsula and inspired trends in the West and elsewhere. Nowadays, you’ll find many Korean cosmetics sitting alongside familiar brands online and in your favourite stores. Wondering which K-Beauty trends you should be following? We’ve got you covered.
Don’t Be Afraid of Face Oils
If you’ve always wanted to incorporate face oils into your routine but were worried about acne-prone skin reacting to them, K-Beauty has the solution. With Korean beauty products, there’s a key focus on all-natural ingredients, with most face oils derived from plants. When delicately applied, they'll nourish your skin, leaving it hydrated and looking smoother. Not ready to brave the waters of face oils just yet? Korean brand Beauty of Joseon offers some incredibly effective moisturising gels that are perfect for oily skin.
Introducing Filter Creams
Feel like a fraud every time you reach for those filter effects after taking a selfie? If you want to be a little more authentic with your appearance, there’s always filter cream. A staple K-Beauty trend, this stuff does exactly what it says on the tin. Once used, your skin will be glowing, looking as though you’ve reached for your go-filter on a smartphone screen. Need more convincing? Far from being a heavy concealer, it’s actually a moisturiser that will nourish the skin. The fact that unsightly lines and pores are blurred is just a benefit.
Don’t Reach for Those Tweezers Just Yet
You probably spend far too much time perfecting your eyebrows. Whether you’re someone who favours barely-there eyebrows or have embraced the power brow, there’s a fair amount of maintenance involved to keep them looking their best. However, the Koreans like to do things a little differently. Slightly feathered brows with separated strands is the ideal here. What’s more, it’s an easy look to pull off.
Rethink Your Beauty Tools
Your cosmetic case is probably bursting at the seams with applicators and accessories you barely use. However, there’s one beauty tool worth adding to your repertoire. In Korea, spatulas are a staple. They’re perfect for applying thin layers of foundation, making them a must if you’re someone who struggles to achieve an even base. Furthermore, unlike pads and brushes, these trusty tools won’t soak up any of your products as you use them.
Make Life Simple with Multipurpose Products
Tired of spending a small fortune on skincare products? Perhaps you’re simply looking to cut down on the amount of time you’re spending in front of the vanity mirror. Once again, the K-Beauty phenomenon has the answer. In Korea, there’s a growing trend for simplification. As well as doing away with needless steps, K-Beauty skincare puts a focus on incorporating multipurpose products. When choosing things like toners and moisturisers, look for products that combine key active ingredients. As well as saving you precious time every day, your bank balance will thank you.