K-Beauty is an umbrella term used to describe skincare products that are derived from Korea and South East Asia. The K-Beauty style is based on a regimented layering technique, where one product acts as the enabling pathway to the next. Cleansers, exfoliators, serums and moisturisers all play a part in a bigger picture of daily skincare which aims to enhance and support a radiant complexion from within, by layering lightweight but high impact products.
Lisa de-la-Plain, Co-founder and Professional Beauty Therapist, of Beauty Flash tell us about Glass Skin a new K-beauty trend which promises a crystal clear, transparent complexion.
Referred to as ‘glass skin’, this latest beauty craze cares less about make-up and more about a series of hydrating skincare steps.
It’s all about cleansing and layering lightweight, hydrating products to create the appearance of glowing, dewy skin.
Beauty Flash breaks it down step-by-step for you, so you can achieve a ‘reflection complexion’ all year round.
Make it a double
A clean canvas is a must when it comes to your skin and the first step should be giving your face a good wash. To thoroughly cleanse without stripping, first, massage an oil-based cleanser into your skin.
There is a misconception that oil cleansers will add more oil to the skin, but they can be the most effective and gentle way to remove impurities. Rinse with lukewarm water, as it breaks down residue better than cold.
Next, it’s time to decongest and clarify, with a second cleanse. Follow with a nourishing cream cleanser to leave your complexion glowing.
Put the ex in exfoliate
Exfoliate twice a week, after cleansing to ensure you buff away dead, dull-looking skin cells from the surface of your complexion. This will enhance the healthy, natural glow you’re trying to achieve.
If you’re unsure about which products to choose, pick a formula like Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage, which is designed to suit all skin types.
This gentle gel exfoliator energises skin to boost its natural defences and removes impurities; leaving skin smooth, soft and fresh.
Remember, the goal with any scrub is gentle exfoliation that reveals a bright, fresh-looking complexion, not a red, irritated one.
Tone it up
The secret to getting glass skin at home is a hydrating toner to balance the pH of your skin – and lots of it! Look for one with a light consistency to awaken the complexion like Decleor’s Essential Tonifying Lotion, which contains Neroli essential oil to leave skin moisturised and radiant.
According to traditional K-Beauty rules, you’ll need to apply around seven layers of toner, to get a ‘glow from within’ look. The idea behind the 7 layers is the moisture level of skin can be increased in an efficient way, without creating a ‘greasy’ look to the skin.
This is usually caused by trying to enhance moisture through heavier oils and creams, which can make skin look worse.
Skin boost
After double-cleansing, exfoliating and toning, use a serum to boost your skin’s moisture levels, reverse signs of ageing and increase collagen production.
Look for serums which contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5. These ingredients both work like moisture magnets, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible and keeping your skin hydrated, plump and healthy.
Mask it
Sheet masks have become a staple in the beauty world. Providing high concentrations of specific ingredients, adding them to your routine is the ultimate way to supercharge the skin and impart that gorgeous, dewy finish.
Enriched with detoxifying minerals and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, Medkik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio Cellulose Mask, leaves your complexion looking supple, dewy and refreshed.
Once you’ve finished, don’t forget to massage any excess serum into the skin after removing your mask – you don’t want to let any of those miracle ingredients go to waste!
And finally…
To lock in the goodness of the skincare steps above, look for moisturisers that include botanical extracts, like Dermalogica Active Moist. Ideally, you want an oil-free lotion which offers daily protection, while smoothing the skin’s surface.
Along with the above, ensure you drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables so you can shine from the inside out.
Follow these steps and, in no time, you will be ditching the make-up and letting your flawless complexion take the spotlight.
