5 Common K-Beauty Myths
In K-beauty, consistency is key—and this message is slowly starting to make its mark around the world. But behind the whirlwind of glass skin, lip tints, dewiness, and sheet masks, there are a few misconceptions surrounding K-beauty. Let’s take a look at what the world got wrong about Korean skincare, so you don’t get sucked into the myths yourself!
1. A ten-step routine is a ritual that cannot be missed
While it might be true that getting into K-beauty opens you up to a world of serums, essences, ampoules, and all sorts of steps you never knew existed in the Western world before, it’s incorrect to assume that these long routines are the standard in South Korea. Just like everywhere else, there are so many skin types, so many different tastes, and so many different perspectives on the right routine!
K-beauty is more about taking the time to actually care for your skin, and nurturing it just like you do with the rest of your body. It’s a philosophy, not a mandate. So don’t stress about all the layers, and their order—as long as you’re comfortable with what you’re using and it works for you, that’s what matters.
2. Everyone in South Korea has gorgeous skin
Thanks to the popularity of Korean beauty that has swept the globe, South Korea now has somewhat of a reputation of being a nation of skin-obsessed beauty addicts. Along with this reputation came the idea that ALL Koreans have glowing, beautiful skin thanks to their multi-step routines and their meticulous skincare habits. But skin is skin everywhere around the world, and there will always be skin that is dry, oily, acne-prone, dehydrated—you name it—wherever you go. South Korea is no different. Speaking of which…
3. Korean products are designed specifically for Asian skin
It’s obvious that K-beauty originates in Korea and the products are usually designed with Korea as the main market in mind. But, that doesn’t mean there are rules and regulations when it comes to who can use Korean skincare! Koreans have the same skincare problems as the rest of the world —pimples, pores, and pigmentation are concerns all around the world. So just because something is from Korea doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for you. The beauty of skincare is trying new things and seeing what works for your skin!
4. K-beauty is full of weird ingredients
Okay, it’s true. Snail slime—or mucin, if we want to be more marketing-friendly—does exist. But actually, Koreans weren’t the first to use this moisturizing, regenerative, and slightly odd ingredient. It was first officially discovered by a Spanish oncologist named Dr. Iglesias, who was testing the effects of radiotherapy on snails. He noticed their mucin helped their injuries to heal faster, then applied it to human skin to see what the effect was.
It’s true that the trend was certainly bucked by South Korea’s production of snail mucin skincare, but they weren’t the first to do it by any means. So-called ‘weird’ ingredients are everywhere around the world, from placenta to crushed-up beetles. The more you know!
K-beauty is more about taking the time to actually care for your skin, and nurturing it just like you do with the rest of your body.
5. Tony Moly, Etude House and Nature Republic are king
If you want the perfect mash-up of K-beauty and cute, Tony Moly’s the place to be. And there’s certainly no doubt that it sells in Korea. It’s just that you won’t find panda sleeping masks on many Korean vanities, or many keychains complete with a banana-shaped hand cream.
Just as the Western world goes crazy for K-culture, the opposite happens on the other side of the globe. Western brands are big business in Korea, especially when it comes to makeup. If you’re Korean and you don’t own anything from Chanel, Dior, or YSL, are you really doing this beauty thing right?
It’s true that any street in Seoul will likely have at least two of the big ‘road shop’ brands like Etude House or Holika Holika along it, but they mostly attract tourists these days. These stores are affordable, meaning they’re popular with Korean teens, but by the time they’re in their mid 20s, most Koreans gravitate toward luxury higher-end brands to drop their coin. Check out the department stores if you ever get the chance to visit South Korea, and you’ll see what I mean!
Did you believe any of these K-beauty myths? What did you find out wasn’t true when you started your K-beauty routine?
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