Korean beauty products have revolutionised the skincare world with their gentle and innovative products.
You might be asking, ‘Is K-Beauty worth it?’ or you might already be sold and have a collection in your bathroom. Either way, at Kiyo Beauty, we are here to answer your every question and are proud to bring to you a curated collection of K-Beauty essentials. And if you’re searching for ‘Korean skincare near me’ just know that you’re at the right place.
Why K-Beauty Stands Apart
What makes a Korean skincare routine so special? Korean beauty practices aren't about whether you're into makeup or skincare, nor are they tied to status, gender, or wealth. Skincare is an essential cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation as a fundamental aspect of self-care and well-being.
South Koreans are known to spend more on skincare than anywhere else in the world, not as a luxury, but as an investment in oneself.
But K-beauty is not just trendy; it is effective, with natural ingredients that nurture the skin and prevent damage, resulting in radiant, healthy skin that K-beauty is renowned for.
The K-Beauty Essentials You Actually Need
Double Cleansing Agents
Double cleansing is an essential step of Korean skincare. Firstly, use an oil-based cleanser to cleanse without damaging the skin. We recommend the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. It is suitable for all skin types (as most if not all oil-based cleansers are). This lightweight cleanser soothes the skin as it dissolves any makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin, leaving it prepped for the second cleanse.
For your second cleanse, we recommend a water-based cleanser like the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Cleansing Foam. This deep pore cleanser will gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated. It is great for all skin types, but specifically those with oily and combination skin.
Exfoliants for Brighter, Smoother Skin
Exfoliation is an important step to any Korean skincare routine, removing dead skin cells which will reveal a smoother texture and lead to better product absorption. At Kiyo Beauty, we have a wide range of K-beauty exfoliants, such as:
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Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder – this powder-to-foam exfoliant will gently remove any impurities from your skin without stripping away its natural oils. The key ingredient of rice extract moisturises and brightens skin, leaving it soft, smooth and nourished.
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Medicube Zero Pore Pad – These double-sided pro-soaked pads work to gently exfoliate the skin. Plus, they reduce your pores, leaving the skin clear and smooth.
Toners: The Misunderstood Essential of K-Beauty
Korean toners are nothing like the astringent, alcohol-heavy Western versions you might remember. In K-beauty, toners serve multiple crucial functions depending on their formulation, such as:
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pH Balancing
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Hydration
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Exfoliation
When looking for the right toner for you, look for toners based on your skin type and skin goals.
This k-beauty product Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is perfect for use after cleansing. It refreshes the skin and calms inflammation, as well as providing gentle hydration.
Serums: Concentrated Solutions for Targeted Concerns
K-beauty serums are concentrated skincare products that target specific skin concerns, such as brightening skin and feature ingredients like snail mucin, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and ginseng.
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum - this lightweight serum is suitable for those who struggle with hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone.
Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum - this serum delivers multi-layer hydration and simultaneously strengthens the skin barrier.
Moisture and Protection
Korean moisturisers focus on deeply hydrating and repairing the skin with their lightweight formulations:
Anua Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream - This trending cream has a rich texture, soothing irritated skin whilst providing moisture, helping you achieve that famous ‘glass skin’ glow. ```
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream - and if you're looking to tackle uneven skin tone, look no further. This innovative formula works by deeply hydrating and visibly brightening the skin, helping to create a more radiant and even complexion.
And no K-beauty routine is complete without sun protection:
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ -this fast-absorbing sun cream provides UV protection with SPF50+ without a white cast. Formulated with rice extract and vitamin B5 for skin barrier repair and added hydration.
Solutions for Specific Concerns
For acne-prone skin try COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch - these thin, clear hydrocolloid patches gently extract impurities while protecting blemishes from bacteria. These blemish patches are virtually invisible under make up and come in three sizes to address all types of blemishes.
And for Anti-Aging: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask - this overnight treatment restores elasticity to the skin whilst locking in moisture, leaving the skin clear and glowy.
Build Your K-Beauty Routine
The famous 10-step Korean routine isn't mandatory. Begin with the essentials, a cleanser, a toner,serum, moisturiser, and SPF. You’ll have glass skin in no-time.
And don't forget to incorporate sheet masks once or twice a week - these Korean beauty products deliver concentrated ingredients for an instant boost of hydration and nourishment.
At Kiyo Beauty, we bring you all your Korean Beauty favourites at accessible prices. Explore our full range and discover why Korean beauty has transformed skincare worldwide.
