Written by Clémence Rubiella | Published on 24 July 2023 | Skin care | Hair care | Makeup
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Dear readers,
Let me ask you a simple question, why would you choose a Korean beauty product over your around-the-corner drug store or online products? Finding a new product that would actually work for you, is always a struggle. And it can be stressful, to say the least. What truly bothers me the most personally is the unjustifiable price tag of some products. Not only that but your initial excitement of getting a new product may rapidly turn into a huge disappointment the moment you realise the product is not performing the way you would have wanted it to. I have been there so many times and yes it is part of the fun/process but this trial-and-error philosophy can become very costly over the long run.
K-beauty stole my heart in 2017 when I moved to Korea and discovered a complete approach to beauty. What is it that attracted me to K-beauty? Simple! The K-products are just a combination of cuteness, innovation, uniqueness, refreshing, gentleness and effectiveness for a third of the price of most Western brands. So my question is, why shouldn't you try it?
What is K-beauty?
It is fascinating to see that the Korean wave has gained momentum over the past few years thanks to Netflix shows, movies and K-pop idols that exposed Korean culture to the world. And the beauty industry has beneficiated and been an active player in exposing Korean culture internationally. In essence, K-Beauty serves as a comprehensive term encompassing the influence of South Korea on skincare, beauty routines and products. Perhaps you have come across some of the terms such as 10-step beauty routine, glass skin or sheet masks? Well, they all come from the Korean beauty world! K-beauty standards are rather different from what we see in the Western world. A softer and fresh, younger-looking makeup look with perfect porcelain-like glassy skin is the ultimate goal.
In order to nail the makeup look, light pigments and glitters (eyes) are used for eyeshadows, blushes and contour whilst a gradient lip is favoured from the inside-out, to give the face a fresh look. As for obtaining this flawless glass skin base, the key is skincare, and let me tell you, that is a big deal in Korea.
What is better about K-beauty?
Well, so many things are better. Let’s make a list shall we?
First of all, the K-beauty industry operates tirelessly, maintaining a continuous stream of innovation and leveraging advanced technology to consistently bring top-notch products to the market. This results in a steady influx of new offerings throughout the year. While some may argue that such a fast-paced environment could compromise product quality, Korean beauty brands excel at combining both aspects.
The Korean beauty market is highly competitive, with each brand showcasing its unique selling point. Some focus on incorporating distinctive ingredients sourced from nature, while others emphasize extremely adorable and eye-catching packaging. This diversity allows consumers to target products with ingredients that suit their individual needs.
The formulas developed by Korean beauty brands are renowned for their gentleness and efficacy. They are designed to satisfy a wide audience, accommodating various skin types and concerns. Although specific products may target particular purposes like skin brightening or soothing, most products are suitable for all skin types.
K-beauty products display impeccable quality and demonstrate remarkable efficacy. However, it's essential to note that due to the gentle formulation, visible results may take some time to show.
Packaging plays a crucial role in the K-beauty industry. Korean brands have understood the strong connection between skincare and makeup as a personal experience and leverage the selling power of appealing packaging. For a younger crowd, adorable and cute packaging can significantly increase the likelihood of purchase.
And last but not least, what sets K-beauty products apart is their remarkable cost-effectiveness. It is truly astonishing to find high-quality products at such affordable prices, allowing consumers to take care of their skincare, hair care, and makeup needs without spending a fortune.
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