Those interested in beauty products and skincare know there are many fantastic beauty products available in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea.
You probably would have noticed how fresh and naturally beautiful Japanese and Korean women look too. So what’s their secret? What are the important elements of skincare in Japan and South Korea that other countries might now know about? Is it easy for others to achieve the same look if they’re not in both these countries? Obviously yes! That is if you learn just how simple it is to keep your skin looking just as healthy. We have broken down the beauty secrets of both countries.
JAPAN
- Meticulous Moisturising
Moisturisers are important for preserving the beauty of the skin. Most women hope to maintain a healthy, youthful glow throughout their lives. While there are some who use a lotion for their hands in the winter, or for protecting their skin in the summer, some forget about the importance of moisturising the face daily. In Japan, most women use a lotion, moisturiser or cream in the morning and overnight after washing their faces. However, not just any moisturiser will meet your skin’s needs and keep it happily hydrated. Some products that Japanese women use are actually not exclusive to Japan and you can pick them up too. Although it couldn’t hurt to pick up the Japanese version during your next trip there. - Charming Makeup
Japan has a variety of popular makeup looks ranging from simple to more dramatic. The average girl normally likes to keep things pretty simple. Easy eye makeup looks, natural lips and of course, glowing cheeks. Fresh blush trends have been on the rise lately in Japan, making natural-looking skin an important focus for the face. - Maintaining Your Skin
It’s definitely important to keep your skin hydrated to achieve the smooth, bright look that is so popular in Japan. It’s easy to keep your skin looking beautiful if you use the right products in your routine! Great cosmetics go a long way to keeping you looking fresh and young without having to cover your skin up!
SOUTH KOREA
Getting ready for bed doesn’t just involve a quick rinse or brushing one’s teeth, it’s a precise Korean beauty art that requires attention and consistency. Let your nightly skin care routine be changed for the better with these K-beauty secrets.
- Double cleanse
This method begins by removing your make-up; this is known as prepping your face. Remove sebum and bacteria using a gentle oil cleanser and warm water. Oil eliminates impurities without drying out your skin. - Cleanse again
Thorough cleansing is the best way to keep your face radiant and acne free. So, follow up your double cleanse with a mild cream or foaming cleanser. Just remember, though, to apply it in soft, circular motions. - Buff and exfoliate
Keeping skin supple means scrubbing off dead cells often. But, you don’t have to buff your entire face each night. Just focus your efforts on areas that really need it, like visible pores on your cheeks or blackheads on your nose. - Tighten up your toner
Korean types of toners aren’t alcohol-based. Instead, they are hydrating and clarifying mild cleansers. This step removes any residue left behind after the first three steps. It also balances out your skin’s pH to further prepare it for the next steps in the routine. - Essences
This ultra-concentrated nourishing liquid is known to many as the ‘heart’ of Korean skincare regimens. It revitalises skin cells, making it firmer and more elastic. Tap it into the skin after a generous spritzing. - Add an ampoule
It’s a condensed, vitamin-rich version of essence with a much slicker consistency. Its purpose is to directly address any existing or potential anti-ageing issues, like dulling skin, uneven tone, or loss of collagen and elasticity. - Massage, patch, mask
Facial sheet masks are an integral part of the K-beauty nighttime routine. Use it for 2-3 nights a week. Alternate it with facial massages to boost circulation. You can also apply wrinkle-fighting collagen eye patches or a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips luscious. - Don’t forget the eye cream
It’s best to prevent wrinkles before they start to appear so dap on intensive eye cream around your eyes to reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles. Doing so ensures that the thin, delicate area stays super-moisturised so it won’t dry out and creates even more fine lines. - Emulsify
Going back to the first few cleansing steps, replenish your skin again with a lightweight emulsion, or what is known as a facial moisturiser. Use your fingertips to lightly massage it into your face to promote circulation and don’t forget your neck. - Apply a sleeping pack
This final step involves slathering on an ultra-rich night cream or sleeping pack to add a second layer of moisture for super supple skin. Think of it as a cream mask that locks in the emulsion and keeps your face hydrated throughout the night.
