LC Team’s Take On K-Celeb’s Beauty and Skincare
Unlock Korean beauty’s holy grail complexion codes
K-beauty is the gift that keeps on giving. The hype around K-beauty grows stronger year after year with beauty and K-culture fans gushing over the latest skincare trends set by Korean celebrities.
But before you immerse yourself fully in the world of multiple masks and innovative beauty products, discover some beauty tips from some of your beloved Korean celebrities to learn about their secrets, routines, and rituals coming from the place where it all begins – and how to work them into your skincare regimen with some product recommendations.
Read on for K-beauty tips to integrate into your own skincare routine
Song Hye-kyo
Cleansing with milk mixed with cleansing water
Are you envious of Descendants of the Sun’s Song Hye-kyo's youthful face? The actress gets her enviably smooth and bright complexion by washing her face with milk every night. While it may seem unusual, consider the last time you took a milk bath at a spa – didn’t your skin feel smooth afterwards? Song Hye-kyo revealed that she warms the milk up and applies it directly to her face as the last step of her beauty routine.
Pro Tip: Incorporate more milk-based products into your routine. Lactic acid and plenty of other nutrients and vitamins make it a powerful exfoliator and skin soother all in one - It is said to help remove dead skin cells and obtain clear skin.
Irene Kim
Soothe pimples after shower
Pimples are one of the first skin afflictions that can bother us from a young age to mature stages. South Korean model Irene Kim knows just the hack to help soothes those spots. After a hot shower where pores are widened with steam is the perfect time to get rid of pimples and calm them. Irene soaks a cotton swab with toner or face mist and places it on affected areas.
Pro Tip: You should never attempt to pop a pimple. Popping a pimple can delay your body’s natural healing process, meaning what is meant to be a “quick fix” ends up giving you a blemish that lasts even longer.
Song Ji-hyo
Sunscreen is never enough
Song Ji-hyo is one of the Korean actresses that have undoubtedly discovered the fountain of youth. Even when she’s already in her 40s, she still looks stunning as ever. One of her beauty secrets? Sunscreen! Being a Running Man member and an actress, her busy schedule makes it extremely crucial to protect her skin meticulously, especially with the need to film outdoors under UV rays frequently. Given the long hours of filming, it’s inevitable that SUNSCREEN WEARS OUT! She emphasizes the need to constantly reapply sunscreen every two hours for better protection.
Pro Tip: SPF does not affect how long you will be protected. Protection typically lasts two hours or less for all sunscreens, Look for a broad spectrum – blocks UVA and UVB rays – water –resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it frequently, especially after being in the water or sweating.
Kim Taeyeon
Apply moisturiser on damp skin
Yes, all skin types need moisturiser. But what is less apparent is the time when it should be applied to receive optimal benefits. Girls’ Generation star Taeyeon opened up for having dry skin. She then emphasises the importance of moisturising well. According to the idol, she also shared that she found it best to apply moisturiser while the skin is still wet for ultimate hydration. She wraps up her routine with sunscreen in the morning and madecassoside cream at night.
Pro Tip: The logic is simple: damp skin leads to optimal absorption of hydrating agents. To fully lock in the moisture, pat off your skin lightly after a shower, and immediately apply the moisturiser to secure hydration.
Amp up your skincare routine with our curated edit of Korean beauty picks
