From the luge, curling, and skiing, to snowboarding, hockey, and bobsleigh, the world’s focus was squarely on Korea in February.
The Winter Olympics gave Korean culture a global audience like it has never had before, something which continued with the Winter Paralympics.
It’s not just a land famed for Kpop, kimchi, and international tensions, though. It also has its own, distinctive grooming style.
When it comes to health and beauty, it’s all about looking well, hydrated, and with naturally-pigmented skin. Fake tan is out!
If you watched the Winter Olympics or Paralympics and were wondering why people were talking about Kbeauty, here’s our essential guide…
- ‘Chok chok’ skin is in. What does that mean? It’s skin that’s supple, bouncy and hydrated. Skincare is an important part of the grooming routine. Most Koreans – men and women - have a regime of cleansing, toning, and moisturising, and they take skin hydration seriously. There is the need to protect the skin from pollution and UV rays, in particular, so moisturisers containing sunscreen are seen as vital. For both men and women in Korea, a natural pigment is seen as beautiful, rather than skin which is darkened by fake tans. The ideal skin for men is sometimes referred to as ‘glassy’ because it has a glass-like sheen. In recent years, Korean women have all hankered after what they call ‘cloudless skin’ – a completely flawless complexion. You’ll often find that Korean women use double cleansers to help them get that.
- It’s not just OK for men to be into beauty, it’s expected! In Korea, men take care of their appearance as a matter of course. It’s simply a part of the culture that men, as well as women, want to look as attractive, healthy, and well as they can.
- Concealer is important. It’s all about looking well and rested, and Korean women and men know that concealer helps cover up dark circles under the eyes and any blemishes you may have.
- Coloured hair is everywhere…Korean men and women are unafraid of experimenting with colour in their hair. Some will dye all their hair blonde, neon or slice a dash of colour into their fringe.
- Pearl extract is huge. Its anti-oxidants and amino acids are used by many Korean women to help heal blemishes and give the skin a pearly sheen.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is the magic ingredient. This is a vitamin which Korean people say brightens skin, reduces pigment problems, and helps prevent wrinkles. It’s said to improve the moisture content of the top layer of the skin. Some scientific studies have also pointed to it helping reduce acne inflammation and oil production in the skin. Foods which are rich in B3 include broccoli, avocados, dates, almonds, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
- Nail art isn’t just for women! For Korean men, and women, stunning nail art designs are a way of life.
- Tremella mushrooms are magic…They have deep, hydrating properties and give the skin a boost in anti-oxidants. They’re found in many Korean beauty preparations.
What’s the best way of showing off that perfect, ‘chok chok’ skin? A white smile, of course! Get the basics right with your dental hygiene to show off the Kbeauty look – order our Brushbox subscription boxes here: www.brushbox.com