Most beauty trends come and go quickly, but, one, in particular, is no longer just a ‘trend’ and instead is firmly here to stay.

K-Beauty (or Korean Beauty to you and me) is an umbrella term for skincare products that have derived from South Korea. Korean women are notoriously obsessed with achieving a flawless finish and tend to view caring for their complexion as the ultimate investment. Presented in a fun and eye-catching packaging and affordably priced too; the skincare products have been around for a long time but only recently become better known as it was introduced to other parts of the world like Asia and the USA plus it has become more easily accessible to get your hands on over the years.

It involves simple skincare steps to focus on helping you achieve good health; hydration and brightening effects to then create a super youthful and gorgeous complexion with or without make-up - sometimes known as ‘Glass Skin’ on social media. Here in the UK, we do love the magic of make-up and the instant results that it can give us, but when it comes to Korean Beauty it is all about taking the time to carve long-lasting results and a beautiful canvas with or without make-up.

There are 10 steps when creating a full K-Beauty routine, which may seem a little excessive compared to our current skincare routines right now however you have the option to pick and choose the steps you want to incorporate into your routine and trust us when we say, this routine is the go-to for creating a complexion which continues to look better and better over time...

 

1 OIL CLEANSE

The first step of the routine is to cleanse your skin and the delicate eye area with an oil cleanser. Oil has been proven to be very effective when it comes to easily break down oil-based impurities and all kinds of make-up (even waterproof!). Simply apply Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil to the skin using small circular motions and watch the day melt away.

2 WATER CLEANSE

Cleanse again! Double cleansing is a super important stage in any routine and even more so in a K-Beauty one. The second cleanse, using either water or foam-based cleanser, helps to remove sweat and general dirt. It’s important to use a pH-balanced cleanser to avoid disputing your skin barrier too. Dermaceutic Foamer 15 is a brilliant example.

3 EXFOLIATE

Next up in line is exfoliation - We all know how important exfoliating is when it comes to achieving the ultimate glow however Korean women aren’t a fan of over-exfoliating their skin so traditionally it’s a step that they only undertake twice monthly. PHAs (or Poly Hydroxy Acids) are great as they are effective while also being ultra-gentle and less likely to irritate the skin. Medik8 Press & Glow is a firm favourite for those with sensitive skin types for this very reason.

4 TONER

Toners have been around for many years – the majority of people still swear by the traditional ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ – but what does it actually do? Best selling Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner helps to prepare the skin for the next steps in your routine, rebalance and being immersed in Hyaluronic Acid it provides the complexion with a beautiful glow. Ultra sensitive skin should opt for the Unscented Supple Preparation instead to prevent the chance of any irritation.

5 ESSENCE

Halfway between a hydrating toner and a serum and of course originating from South Korea, essences are the new kid on the block but have risen in popularity within the past few years along with Korean Beauty. They are absolutely vital in a K-Beauty routine as they soothe the skin while also healing it at the same time. Hydropeptide HydraFlora Essence contains pre & probiotics to keep your complexion balanced and healthy.

6 SERUM

Hydrate your skin further with the use of the ingredient Hyaluronic Acid within Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum – known for its ultra-hydrating properties and ability to retain over 1000 times its own weight in water – you can expect plump and youthful-looking skin immediately. It’s like a drink of water for your skin. Pair with MZ Skin Gua Sha which is designed to help relieve tension within the facial muscles, boost blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage to banish bloating and sculpt facial contours.

7 SHEET MASK

This next step has also taken the industry and social media by storm and again – it originates from South Korea! Sheet masks are soaked in serum to further lock in moisture and are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They are brilliant for a quick boost of hydration. AQ Skin Solutions Repair Mask is loaded with growth factors to stimulate collagen production. This step doesn’t have to be a sheet mask though – You could opt for an alternative cream mask if they are more your preference.

8 EYE CREAM

Eyecare is taken very seriously in K-Beauty routines. It is a step definitely not to be missed especially when the fragile eye contour is always the first area to show any signs of ageing. Due to the lack of sebaceous glands and constant movement, it requires special care. Attack common concerns such as dark circles, puffiness and fine lines with MZ Skin Soothe & Smooth Eye Complex. Jam-packed full of all the good stuff - Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Ceramides - to increase collagen production and protect the skin from glycation damage. Don’t neglect the lip area here – apply a little around the lip border at the same time.

9 MOISTURISER

Next, seal in all your hard work with a great moisturiser. Continue to strengthen your skin barrier and calm any inflammation with the global best selling Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream. Suitable for everyone and ideal all year round.

10 SUNSCREEN

The final step! Korean women have always glorified fairer skin and so for centuries have without fail worn sunscreen daily and stayed out of the harsh sun to prevent skin damage. A perfectly even skin tone without pigmentation marks is highly prized in K-beauty. With that in mind, PCA Skin Daily Defense SPF50+ works perfectly as it is the highest sunscreen factor you can buy. Alternatively, PCA Skin Weightless Protection SPF45 is another great option if you require a flattering oil-free, matte finish.