Your no-nonsense guide to all the confusing K-Beauty products out there – and how to use them like a pro

Krazy for K-Beauty?

1/19

Here’s the thing. Korean women don’t just cleanse, tone and hydrate; they double- or triple-cleanse; prep their skin with multiple toners and essences before applying serums and moisturisers; treat their skin to thrice-weekly masks; and invest in top-notch products that nourish, repair and brighten. Phew.

If you’re aching to achieve the same flawless results as your favourite Korean star but aren’t sure where on earth to start, this manual will give you a primer on what products to blow your wad on, and why. Happy shopping.

 

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Cleansing oil

2/19

What is it? A light, non-mineral oil that dissolves makeup, removes surface and deeply embedded impurities, and clears away excess sebum

How to use it: Massage a small amount all over your face and neck, and remove with a damp washcloth or cotton pad

Who is it for? All skin types, including oily and acne-prone

 

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Foaming cleanser

3/19

What is it? This cleanser forms a rich lather when it comes into contact with water. It deep cleanses the pores of excess sebum and dirt and sweeps away makeup and surface impurities

How to use it: Mix a small amount with some water in the palm of your hand until you get a thick lather. Massage all over your face and neck, and rinse with water

Who is it for? All skin types, but especially oily and combination, and anyone who likes the sensation of cleansing with water

 

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Cleansing lotion

4/19

What is it? A lotion designed to remove makeup, excess sebum and surface impurities without stripping the skin of moisture

How to use it: Massage a small amount all over your face and neck to dislodge dirt and makeup, and remove with a cotton pad or damp washcloth

Who is it for? Sensitive, dry or combination skin types that require gentle, hydrating cleansing

 

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Toner

5/19

What is it? Toner is not essential for great skin, but fans say that the product preps the complexion for moisturiser or sunscreen, cools and soothes the skin, removes traces of cleanser, and refines the pores. Some toners have exfoliating properties

How to use it: Apply to the face and neck using a cotton pad. There is no need to rinse it off

Who is it for? All skin types, although if you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid formulas that contain alcohol

 

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Scrub

6/19

What is it? This product typically contains micro-beads, ground walnut shells or another, similar granular ingredient in a cream or lotion base. Scrubs slough off dead skin cells for a smoother, more polished complexion

How to use it: Massage a small amount all over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with water

Who is it for? All skin types can benefit from a weekly face scrub. It’ll help minimise dead skin build-up to keep your complexion smooth and clear

 

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Skin peel

7/19

What is it? A skin peel is formulated with gentle exfoliating acids or enzymes that encourage cell turnover to reveal a smoother and more even-toned complexion

How to use it: Apply to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for the specified amount of time to let the acids or enzymes go to work. Rinse off thoroughly with water 

Who is it for? If you love the effects of exfoliation but don’t like manual scrubs, a peel might work for you

 

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Hydrating essence

8/19

What is it? A cross between a toner and a lotion, this water-like product contains moisturising ingredients to give the skin an extra hydrating boost while it tones, refines and refreshes the skin

How to use it: Pat a few drops onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. A cotton pad is unnecessary; just use your fingers

Who is it for? All skin types, especially dry

 

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Serum

9/19

What is it? A concentrated, silky fluid designed to be used before moisturiser. Depending on their ingredients, serums can have hydrating, brightening, and/or anti-ageing benefits.

How to use it: Massage a few drops onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Pat into the skin using your fingertips to maximise absorption

Who is it for? Anyone who needs a skin boost

 

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Moisturising fluid

10/19

What is it? Lighter than a lotion, this product provides a sheer veil of moisture

How to use it: Massage a few drops all over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. For sun protection, choose a formula that contains an SPF of at least 15

Who is it for? Oily, acne-prone and combination skin types, or anyone looking for just a hint of moisture

 

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Moisturising cream

11/19

What is it? Thicker than a lotion, moisturising cream hydrates intensely and forms a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Some formulas have anti-ageing and whitening/brightening benefits

How to use it: Apply a thin layer to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area

Who is it for? Dry and combination skin, or anyone who wants intense hydration during the day or night

 

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Spot eraser

12/19

What is it? Spot erasers are formulated with powerful brightening ingredients to visibly lighten pigmentation (melasma), even out the skin tone and prevent the reappearance of dark spots

How to use it: As this is an intense, targeted treatment, use it where needed – on dark spots and areas that you feel need a bit of brightening

Who is it for? Women who want to lighten and brighten their skin and improve their skin’s texture

 

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Whitening essence

13/19

What is it? This product contains ingredients that claim to brighten the skin by minimising pigmentation and preventing the appearance of dark spots

How to use it: Pat a few drops onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. It is best used with other whitening products in the same range

Who is it for? Individuals who are concerned about excess pigmentation, skin dullness and uneven skin tone

 

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Eye balm

14/19

What is it? Eye balm has a rich, paste-like consistency. Formulated for the delicate eye area, it works to reduce puffiness, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate, soothe, and eliminate dark circles

How to use it: Dot a small amount under and around your eyes. Pat the balm gently into your skin using your fingertips

Who is it for? Ideal for women who need extra hydration for the skin around their eyes

 

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Lip mask

15/19

What is it? This product is made for dry, chapped lips. It has a thick consistency and contains ingredients that nourish and condition your pout

How to use it: Apply an even layer on your lips and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes

Who is it for? Anyone who suffers from dry or cracked lips

 

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Sheet mask

16/19

What is it? Typically made from cotton or some other fine material, sheet masks are infused with essence for an intensive skin treatment. There are masks for various purposes – whitening/brightening, moisturising/hydrating, soothing/calming, and exfoliating

How to use it: Remove the mask from the pack and carefully lay it over your face. Leave it for the recommended amount of time, then remove the mask and massage the leftover essence into your skin. There is no need to rinse off the essence

Who is it for? Anyone who needs a pick-me-up before a big night out or who wants a specialised at-home treatment to complement her skincare routine

 

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Rinse-off mask

17/19

What is it? This mask can be a cream, gel or clay formula; it can have hydrating, calming/soothing, deep-cleaning, anti-ageing or brightening benefits

How to use it: Apply a thin layer and leave on for the specified amount of time before rinsing off with water

Who is it for? Rinse-off masks are an extra treat for the skin, so it’s perfect for anyone who desires extra pampering

 

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Blackhead nose patch

18/19

What is it? This product usually contains purifying ingredients like charcoal, tea tree oil and/or witch hazel. It adheres to the skin, drawing out blackheads, dirt and dead skin cells from your pores

How to use it: Simply stick a patch or strip on your nose and leave it on for the specified amount of time. When you remove it, out come all the blackheads and impurities

Who is it for? Those with stubborn blackheads and enlarged pores

 

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Sleeping pack

19/19

What is it? This fine-textured cream-gel contains ingredients that attract and trap moisture. It also helps to refresh tired skin

How to use it: As the name implies, you have to use this product overnight. Simply apply a thin layer over your serum and/or moisturiser, and then rinse the product off the next morning

Who is it for? It works wonders for women with super-dry skin or skin that tends to look tired and dull in the mornings

 

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