Everyone and their grandma has heard of Kbeauty; at this point, there probably isn’t a person out there who hasn’t heard of this word. Honestly, it’s for a pretty good reason, too: top-notch quality. No, that doesn’t even describe how incredible Korean beauty products are; they’re just phenomenal, and while it seems as if these products circulating them are nothing but a trend, they’re truly not. Trends come and go, they die, and most trends nowadays are microtrends.
But it’s been close to a decade now since Korean beauty products became popular in the West, and it’s clear that it’s here to stay. These products are only getting more popular, and those 50 and beyond are just full-on embracing them, too. So why should you? Well, here’s exactly why everyone should try out these lovely Korean beauty products at least once (but more is better).
Why Are Some People Deterred By Korean Beauty Products?
You know how some people are a bit squeamish about trying food that they’ve never had before; it’s basically that but for products instead. It’s not bad to always stay in your comfort zone, but it’s also really not good either. Of course, it’s not just the fact that there’s a lack of familiarity with the country itself, but other things too, like the unfamiliarity with the brands, ingredients, or skincare routines, as well as concerns about cultural appropriation or the perceived complexity of K-beauty regimens.
It’s really going to vary from person to person, but it’s mostly summed up with the lack of familiarity. But you need to keep in mind that it’s essential to recognize that these apprehensions are often rooted in misconceptions or a lack of understanding rather than any inherent flaw with K-beauty itself.
There are a lot of products out there, some as simple as sheet masks and others that are basically a program. So there is literally something out there for everyone, and these have a much better reputation than the products in the West, too. It’s important to just try and embrace this because the effects are incredible, so don’t let misconceptions get in the way.
Innovation at its Finest
As was said above, Western products lack the “oomph” that Korean beauty products have, so that’s something to consider. Besides, one of the most captivating aspects of K-beauty is its commitment to innovation. You really need to keep in mind that Korean skincare brands are constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional skincare, introducing groundbreaking ingredients and formulations that promise transformative results.
Western brands aren’t exactly doing this; it’s basically the same thing but with different packaging. Having a whole bunch of repeats of something can get pretty boring. From snail mucin to ginseng extracts, K-beauty products harness the power of nature to nourish and revitalize the skin, offering unique solutions to common skincare concerns.
Major Emphasis on Hydration
While, yes, Western products have hydration, it’s not such a major priority or anything like that. Now, Korean products really buckle down on this. Hydration lies at the heart of K-beauty philosophy, and for good reason. It’s the Korean skincare routines that especially prioritize multiple layers of lightweight hydration. It’s not about using as many products as possible to make money; it’s really all about ensuring that the skin remains plump, dewy, and resilient.
Just think about products like essences, serums, and sheet masks, which are designed to deliver a burst of moisture deep into the skin, helping to maintain its moisture barrier and prevent dehydration. Again, yes, Western products do this, too, but they lack quality. Plus, they usually have smaller bottles and even bigger price tags.
Basically, Western products make hydration products almost seem like a luxury, while in Korea, they are more like a necessity. So, whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, hydration is key to achieving a healthy and radiant complexion.
There’s a Holistic Approach to It
In Korea, skincare is not just a routine; it’s a ritual—a moment of self-care and indulgence. So, this approach is slowly becoming more popular in the West. But what makes Korean beauty really stand out is the fact that it’s meant to be both good for the soul and for the skin. K-beauty advocates for a holistic approach to skincare that goes beyond simply treating surface-level concerns. It’s about nurturing the skin from within, addressing both external and internal factors that impact its health and vitality. In general, it’s all about wellbeing, inside and out.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
