Original Article

Once relegated to if-you-know-you-know status, the best Korean skin-care products are becoming more popular stateside by the second. “The K-Beauty market is just on the cusp of hitting the U.S. big time,” Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of Landing International, previously told Vogue. Chung Park emphasized that “while Amazon and TikTok are leading the K-beauty sales, the category is sure to see major growth this year as American consumers discover new products via social media, Korean culture (think: K-Pop and K-Drama), and in-store launches at Sephora and Ulta.”

Park notes that “sheet masks and under-eye masks are easy examples of K-Beauty trends trickling to the West,” along with increased interest in serums and toners. More often than not, when beauty enthusiasts look to shop K-beauty here, they do so from leading brands like CosRx and Laneige. The former’s snail mucin serum has become a cult-favorite for its slimy texture, whereas the latter’s nourishing lip mask is known to provide instant relief to chapped lips.

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Best Sheet Mask: Mediheal The N.M.F Ampule Mask

• What It Is: A deeply hydrating sheet mask with a moisturizing factor consisting of hyaluronic acid and amino acids.
• Why We Love It: Consider this a moisture surge in a sachet. Leave on this sheet mask for 20 minutes (post cleanser and toner) to combat dryness and reveal a supple glow.
• Best For: A quick fix for dry, dull skin, this sheet mask lays seamlessly on the skin. Upon removal, skin feels soft and moisturized—be sure to massage the remaining serum in its package, too. Because of its conditioning hydrators, it’s also suited for sensitive skin types.
• Key Ingredients: Eight hyaluronic acids, seven amino acids, ceramide NP, niacinamide, glycerine, and squalane
• Size: 10 sheets

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The Ideal Korean Skin Care Routine

Now that you have the lowdown of the best K-beauty products, the next step is curating your ultimate Korean skin care routine. To do this, we asked Yoon for guidance. Her M.O.? Overall skin health and long-term results centered around gentle formulations, ample hydration, and of course, a personalized regimen.

• Step One: Oil-based cleanser: “Oil and water repel, so an oil-based cleanser is used to effectively dissolve and remove oil-based impurities from skin, like excess sebum, makeup and SPF,” she says. Another pro tip? “Massage onto dry skin for about a minute to thoroughly dissolve and remove impurities for sparkly clear pores.”
• Step Two: Water-based cleanser: A gentle, water-based cleanser to remove impurities like sweat and dirt is next. “Opt for a sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleanser to keep your skin barrier in tip top shape,” she says.
• Step Three: Exfoliator: Yoon explains that exfoliators come after cleansing. While she loves an enzyme powder, peels and liquids are suitable, too. Just steer clear of over-exfoliating and keep to a once or twice a week minimum.
• Step Four: Toner: Step four, toner, and step five, essences, can be combined or used separately. “A toner’s main job is to help balance the skin’s pH to keep the skin barrier in a happy place and also to help prep for next steps,” she says. “Meanwhile, an essence is meant to super-drench skin with hydration to optimize health and also to increase absorption of the products that follow.”
• Step Five: Essence: “In my experience as an esthetician, deep hydration is hard to achieve given external stressors and various micro-climates that can be drying—A.C., heat, travel,” Yoon says. “When hydration goes, many other skin issues can crop up. I think of essences as a hydration insurance-policy. Plus, they give skin a plumped up glow.”
• Step Six: Serums and ampoules: Per Yoon, this is where hyper-targeted treatments come into play. “Serums and ampoules are formulated to be concentrated treatments with active ingredients targeting specific skin concerns,” she says. “Depending on the formula, you can cocktail formulas together or use a single one.” But remember: less is more.
• Step Seven: Eye Cream: “The eye area is delicate and thin and can have its own set of issues – dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, dryness,” she says, so choose an eye cream with ingredients that target whatever concern you're after; our guide to eye creams is a worthwhile read if you don’t already have a go-to.
• Step Eight: Moisturizer: When it comes to picking a face moisturizer, dry skin types should opt for something more emollient while oily skin types should seek out formulas that are lightweight and oil-free.
• Step Nine: SPF: “An essential last step, Korean SPFs are able to incorporate more diverse filters than U.S. SPFs, and there are plenty of fantastic options that will look and feel great on skin making them more wearable,” she says.
• Weekly Bonus: Masks: While not necessary everyday, face masks can make it easier to achieve all your skin goals—especially if you incorporate them once a week. “Make your masking moment perfect for you whether that's leaning into an ambience of relaxation or a moment of fun while you treat skin with an extra boost of TLC to pick up skin and your mood,” Yoon says.
  

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