Whenever I visit Seoul, I always wonder what my life would have been like there. Those defining 'sliding door' moments in your life. The idea of 'what is meant for you will not pass you' - it's something I spend quite a lot of my time thinking about. 

A few months ago I had the privilege of watching Past Lives. A love story, in part, as we ponder who Nora, our main character's soulmate truly is. But the story is also so much more than that, exploring themes of identity, connections, cross-cultures and destiny. 

The film introduces us to the Korean belief of 'inyeon' - the predestined bond between two people, the strings of providence that tie us together. Director Celine Song says: “I know that In-Yun is, and can be, a romantic notion, but at the end of the day it is more just about people's relationships …. the feeling of being connected and appreciating the people who enter your life— in this one, or the one before, or the ones to come."

Each time I visit Seoul, I always wonder if the inyeon that exists between my birth mother and I are at play. Are we destined to cross paths once again? I often look at my husband, Steve, and I think about all the coincidences that occurred in order for us to meet. “You and I are In-Yun as well,” Hae Sung tells Arthur at one point in Past Lives as they sit awkwardly next to each other, alone together for the first time. How else would these two strangers, from different worlds, end up together like this?

And as if you needed any more encouragement to watch this beautiful film, it stars Teo Yoo as well! I first discovered Teo Yoo when he featured in 'Seoul Searching' - a film about Korean adoptees returning to their motherland. You may also know him from the popular K-drama 'Love to Hate You'. He does not disappoint in this film. This stellar cast, poetic writing and beautiful cinematography has firmly made Past Lives my film of the year. 

Past Lives is out in UK cinemas on 7th September. You can watch the trailer here. 

Here is a round up of our favourite sustainably packaged skincare products: 

"THE ERA OF CONVENIENCE IS OVER.
NOW COMES THE TIME WHEN DISCOMFORT CHANGES THE WORLD."

Jun soo Park, TOUN28 Co-founder

Toun28 is a very innovative brand and I can totally understand why Amorepacific, Korea’s largest K-Beauty conglomerate, jumped at the chance to invest in them.

TOUN28 trouble Care for Sensitive Skin

Designed for sensitive skin to help control the appearance of pores and improve skin elasticity, this lightweight moisturiser will help soothe and improve your complexion. Key ingredients include Centella Asiatica, Chamomille, Rice Bran Extract and Panthenol. Plus, it is housed in this wonderful eco-friendly paper pouch!

TOUN28 pH Balancing Toner

Housed in a glass bottle with aluminium cap, this gorgeous toner helps maintain the balance of your skin’s pH as well as protecting the skin against external irritations. The key ingredient here is organic Hibiscus Flower extract that is enriched in Anthocyanin and Vitamin C to deliver rich nutrients to the skin. This toner will also help refine the skin texture and prep it for your serums and moisturisers.

SIORIS My First Essener 

ESSENER = Essence + Toner. An innovative concept from Sioris to help both prep and moisturise the skin after cleansing. The Essener is formulated with an impressive list of 14 carefully-selected ingredients such as Korean Mugwort Leaf Extracts and Damask Rose Flower Water to help nourish and revitalise tired skin. Polyglutamic Acid derived from fermented soybeans is also included for its moisturising properties.

Sioris is always looking for sustainable packaging ideas and this one is no exception. This product has a wash off adhesive label that dissolves in water and can easily be removed from the bottle for easy recycling.

SIORIS Make it Bright Sheet mask

Another entry from Sioris is their amazing biodegradable sheetmask! Made with 73% organic seasonal plum water which is full of vitamins and minerals sourced from Gwangyang, Korea. This 100% eco-friendly sheetmask (the first of its kind) also contains a wonderful mix of some of my favourite ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Ginseng, Niacinamide and Panthenol to calm, nourish and brighten skin tone. The sheet is made from eucalyptus extract and is highly absorbent. The packaging is housed in a paper pouch and is biodegradable!

THE VEGAN GLOW Shampoo & Conditioner bars

Say goodbye to half-empty plastic shampoo bottles piling up in your shower. The Original Shampoo and Conditioner Bars will not only do good to your environmental conscience, it will also provide a completely silicon- and sulfate-free treatment that nourishes and protects your hair.

The Shampoo Bar is formulated with key ingredients like nourishing Coconut Oil and purifying Green Tea. Vitamin E and essential fatty acids from Argan oil improve elasticity and restore shine to dull hair. The Conditioner Bar contains hydrating Camellia and Argan oils. Camellia oil is known to unblock pores in the scalp, stimulate hair growth, and control water loss which will leave your hair softer and more pliable.

The bars are also certified vegan and cruelty-free – yes please!

BEAUTY & SEOUL Re-usable Bamboo Cotton Pads

And last but not least, our newly launched re-usable bamboo cotton pads! Perfect for using with toners, essences, when cleansing or removing masks. Simply pop your used pads in to the washing machine and save throwing away those hundreds of cotton rounds.

One of the first events I want to in Seoul backin 2015 with Troiareuke, an esthetician spoke about changing up your routine at the turn of seasons and why it was important. I thought I would share a little bit of her wisdom as well as some things I myself am doing as we move from Winter to Spring.

Exfoliate

The winter season can wreak havc on your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle often causing dryness, irritation and skin dullness. To help stimulate that cell renewal process, it is good to use a gentle exfoliator such as Jumiso AHA toner. Don’t over-exfoliate though as that can damage your skin barrier!

Light weight formulations

Many people, especially with oilier skin types, will look to swap in a moisturiser with a lighter weight formulation. Moving from a thicker cream moisturiser to a gel-consistency moisturiser can help reduce clogged pores and feel lighter on the skin in the warmer months. For oily skin, our personal favourites are the Klairs Fundamental Watery Gel Cream or the Toun28 trouble Care for Dehydrated Oily Skin. Those with combination to dry skin would enjoy our new Heimish Moisture Surge Gel Cream or the Cosrx Propolis Light Gel Cream.

SPF

Whilst you should be using SPF daily, regardless of the weather or season, it is definitely worth using it now if you aren’t already! Be sure to re-apply your SPF throughout the day as well. The one I am currently using at the moment is the Troiareuke Acsen UV Essence which is lightweight yet soothing thanks to Centella Asiatica.

Spring Cleaning

Now is the perfect time to de-clutter your skincare collection. Had that moisturiser open for 2 years sat on your dresser? It’s time to say goodbye to it. As the weather gets warmer, bacteria can also grow faster, so it is important to ensure you are checking the expiry dates of products and throwing out any that have been opened for too long.

Maree: Hi Beibei, please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself.

Dr Beibei: My name is Beibei Du-Harpur, and I am a dermatology doctor currently undertaking a PhD, based in London. I am passionate about science, evidence-based holistic medicine and I love to share my knowledge of skin and dermatology.

Maree: As someone with dry skin, I think many people like myself will be struggling with the change in seasons. Is it normal to notice changes in our skin during this transition period? / What types of changes are common?

Dr Beibei: As the temperature cools, and the humidity drops, it is entirely normal to experience changes in your skin. There have even been some research studies investigating this phenomenon! In less humid environments, water is more likely to evaporate quickly from our skin. Therefore, our skin may feel dry; it may be particularly noticeable on your cheeks. Another incredibly common area for dry skin is the shins and lower legs. This reflects a weaker skin barrier, and it may be that we need to do a bit more to support it than in the summer.

Maree: What would you recommend to help combat that dryness? / What would be a good skincare routine to follow?

Dr Beibei: It is definitely worth increasing the hydration in your skincare for both body and face. Look for products contain a good mix of both humectants (such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and occlusives (such as petrolatum and shea butter).

It would be worth minimising any kind of exfoliating activity (whether this is chemical or physical) and using a gentle cleanser; milky cleansers are a good shout but obviously everybody has their own preference. 

With regards to body washing, I would avoid using too much soap or body wash. Soaps work by dissolving your natural oils; if you are becoming prone to dry skin on your body, I wouldn’t bother using soap in areas other than if there’s visible soiling, or in skin folds such as groin and under-arms as it may make your dry skin worse! Water alone is sufficient to cleanse most body areas.

Thank you Beibei for sharing your knowledge with us!

With that said, I thought I’d talk a little about my favourite products at the moment in my routine that are lightweight, soothing and suitable for all skin types.   

Jumiso All Day Brightening & Balancing Serum

This vegan-friendly Vitamin C Serum is a great option for those with sensitive skin or for those looking to introduce actives in to their routine. Designed to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of acne-scarring or hyperpigmentation, this serum will help soothe and even out your skin tone thanks to its vitamin complexes A, B, C, D, E and K.

iUnik Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask

Sleeping Masks (concentrated night creams) were a wonderful revelation to me when I began to get in to Korean skincare. This wonderful sleeping mask is enriched with Propolis extract which helps provide intense moisture and nourishment to the skin - all whilst you sleep. Not only will this mask hydrate skin, but it will also help brighten skin tone ensuring you wake up with clear, glowing skin!

Sioris Make It Bright Sheetmask

The Sioris Make It Bright Sheet Mask is formulated with 73% organic seasonal plum water which is full of vitamins and minerals sourced from Gwangyang, Korea. This innovative sheetmask is 100% eco-friendly (the first of its kind) also contains a wonderful mix of ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Ginseng, Niacinamide and Panthenol to calm, nourish and brighten skin tone. The sheet itself is made from eucalyptus extract and is highly absorbent. This is one of my favourite sheetmasks of all time!

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well. Take care of yourself! 

Fast forward to 2020 where I have managed to achieve a much more healthier work life balance, I thought I would share the top things that helped transform my skin. My skin is by all means not perfect, but it is possibly in the best state it has ever been and I put it down to these things: 

Double Cleanse… no matter tired or lazy you may feel!

I know it seems like a faff at the end of a long day at work but double cleansing rids your skin of impurities and excess oil, creates the perfect canvas for subsequent steps and simply making this change will result in fewer breakouts.

My favourite oil cleansers at the moment are the sensitive-acne prone cleanser from Troiareuke – the Troiareuke Oil Cut Cleanser and the blackhead-reducing Hanskin PHA Cleansing Oil. For a sensitive skin option, you cannot beat the Enature Moringa Cleansing Balm which feels delightfully luxurious on the skin.

Reguarly sheetmasking

I was at a skincare talk in Korea once when the dermatologist asking us how often we sheetmask. I thought I was pretty good at my twice-a-week habit so I was shocked to see many Korean girls sheetmasking daily. I always said to myself ‘I never have time to sheetmask in the evening’ but how often do you lay in bed at night on your phone when you could be doing that whilst giving your skin a treat?  Now everyone’s schedule is different and many will not be able to sheetmask every evening but doing so really helped clear and brighten my complexion.  

I like to have a range of sheetmasks at my disposal depending on how my skin is feeling.

My holy grail sheetmask is the 100% eco-friendly and recyclable Sioris Make it Bright Sheetmask. My go-to moisturising ones are the Hanskin Real Complexion Sheetmask and Jumiso Rich Nourishment Sheetmask.  My favourite brightening ones are the Dr Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Sheetmask and the Shangpree Illuminating Sheetmask. Finally, my favourite soothing ones are the Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Soothing Pack and Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Mask. 

Don’t over exfoliate!  

Bit of a controversial one as acids do wonders for people, but it’s very easy to go overboard with them. In an attempt to combat my breakouts, I was using several products with AHAs and BHAs but it was actually damaging my skin’s natural barrier, resulting in more impurities getting trapped in my pores – the exact opposite result of what I was trying to achieve. Acids in your routine is a great step, just don’t get carried away and use too many! As soon as I stripped back my routine and returned to more hydrating products, my skin began to clear. People often think when they’re breaking out they need to ‘dry them out’, but don’t forget your skin also needs hydration and sometimes dry skin can impair your skin’s barrier resulting in breakouts.

I tend to only use acids in the evening and if I do, I’ll only use for one step. For oil cleansing, I’ll use the Hanskin PHA Cleansing Oil or for an exfoliating foam cleanser the Cosrx Salicylic Cleanser, a great option for those with acne-prone or oily skin. For toner, we have the cult-classic Cosrx AHA BHA Toner for oilier skin types or the Benton Aloe BHA Toner for drier skin types. 

Getting your zzz’s in

I know it sounds so cliché but getting my 7 hours of sleep in has meant I’m more productive during the day, my mind is in a better headspace and consequently my skin seems a lot happier. It wasn’t until I realised I was surviving on 3-4 hours sleep that it can’t have been a coincidence that my skin was in such a bad place. Whilst you catch those vital Z’s, why not multi-task and use a sleeping mask? Designed to nourish the skin whilst you sleep, I would recommend everyone to use one! My favourites are the Cosrx Ultra Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask or the Klairs Freshlhy Juiced Vitamin E Mask. Prioritise yourself, and don’t neglect things like diet, exercise, sleep and mindfulness!

Using a SPF Daily

When I was younger, I was all about that tan. Growing up in Australia and spending most of my childhood outdoors and on the beach, I would ignore my mum when she would tell me to put on SPF. Oh how I regret that! It wasn’t until my 20’s when I became more in to skincare that I realised how important using a high factor SPF is. Not only does it provide protection from the sun’s rays, but it also helped brighten my complexion. Korea has produced some wonderful formulations that absorb easily and leave no white cast. My personal favourites are the Troiareuke Acsen UV Essence Sun Protection and the Purito Comfy Water Sun Block.

Thinking about what tools I use

I’ve introduced a few tools in to my routine lately and changed a few methods of cleansing. I spend a longer time emulsifying my oil cleanser (breaking it down and really cleansing before rinsing) and taking my time rinsing off and if my skin is feeling dry, I’ll leave my face to drip dry and go straight in with a toner. I sometimes use a cotton pad to do a ‘point’ sheetmask (i.e. soaking the cotton pad in an essence of choice and putting on areas that feel irritated or dry – this usually works best with a Korean layerable cotton pad). I love doing this in the morning – I will leave these on for a few minutes when I’m making a coffee or blow drying my hair to give skin a boost of hydration all whilst I get ready for the day. I’ve also started miconeedling twice a week and using a jade roller on my face as often as I can. As a result, my skin looks plumper and healthier - yay!

What has worked to improve your skin? Let’s share our tips!

Our top present pick

When one of my favourite brands Shangpree told me they were coming out with a limited edition holiday set I was so excited. The Shangpree Holiday Sheet Mask Heroes Limited Edition Set contains all of their sheetmasks, from their bestselling Marine Jewel range to their beautiful Aroma range. Plus, it also includes some extra goodies in there as well such as a sample of their premium Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask – all for £32! Packaged in a beautiful box, you can guarantee that any skincare lover will absolute adore this present!

Stocking Fillers

The first thing I open on Christmas morning is my stoking which is usually filled with useful, little gifts. Here are some of my favourites for a skincare lover’s stocking!

What’s better than washing your face at the end of the day? Washing your face with cute cat ears. The perfect accessory when washing your face, keep your hair out the way with this cute kitty headband by Etude House.

It’s not secret that I love any skincare that comes in a miniature variety. Not only because they look insanely cute, but they are also so practical and useful for either trialing a new brand or for traveling. This gorgeous Sioris Travel Kit contains some of their bestsellers and some of my personal favourite products – a cleanser, mist, day cream and hand and body milk.

Sheetmasks are the ultimate stocking filler! Useful and the perfect size for a stocking, you can’t go wrong with these ultra-cute Jumiso sheetmasks. Not only do these look cute but they have such impressive quality for the price, I always recommend these fantastic sheetmasks for regular usage. My personal favourite is the Rich Nourishment.

Gifts for Him

Trying to introduce your male friend, boyfriend or brother to a Korean skincare routine? Here are a couple of ideas. These products are the bestsellers with our male customers who look for basic skincare that is effective, hydrating and soothing on the skin.

Our most popular cleanser, the Cosrx Low pH Cleanser, is great for all skin types and feels refreshing on the skin. The low pH means it won’t disrupt your skin’s natural moisturier barrier, plus the inclusion of tea tree helps to soothe and calm skin.

Post shaving, it's great for men to use soothing and hydrating products to help balance and repair the skin. For this reason, I asked Steve, my husband, to pick the two products he reaches for the most post-shave - the Purito Centella Green Level Calming Toner and the Enature Birch Juice Hydro Cream. The Purito toner contains Centella, Hyaluronic Acid and Witch Hazel to soothe skin and repair the skin's natural moisture barrier. Following the toner, sealing all the goodness in with a soothing cream such as the Enature Birch Juice Hydro Cream makes for a great, simple, skincare routine. Both these products are great for sensitive skin as well.

Gifts for Mum

Mums are always tough to buy for but how about introducing your mum to a 15 minute self-care skincare routine? She deserves it! Here are some of my best picks for mums (chosen by my mum and based on what she uses!)

The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule is considered a dupe for the highly popular Estee Lauder Night Repair Serum and is one of our most popular anti-aging products. A gorgeous texture, the secret ingredient for this anti-aging serum is Bifida Ferment Lysate, a fermented yeast that helps to reduce the signs of ageing and also visibly improves skin elasticity.

Another treat for mum is the Shangpree Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask which are enriched with active botanicals and concentrated essence. These soothing eye masks nourish the delicate eye area and contain gold to help accelerate the rejuvenation process, fight fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Since launching, the Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter has been so popular – and for good reason. This beautiful textured eye cream is great for those wanting to brighten and nourish the sensitive under eye area. No frills, just super effective skincare!

Still overwhelmed? You can also purchase a Beauty & Seoul gift card here and let your loved one choose their own products!

What am I looking for in a facial? 

• Cleanliness & hygiene 
• Reputable products 
• A lasting glow 
• Friendly staff
• Relaxing / ideally inclusive of a massage

S Energy Facial – Shangpree Spa, Cheongdam 

Who is it good for?

This is the facial for those looking for a touch of luxury and class! With hundreds of awards, this is the spa that consistently wins at the CIDESCO Esthetician awards each year. 

What does it entail? 

You will be offered a lovely cup of tangerine tea or similar as you enter this female only spa. Considering the reputation that Shangpree has, everyone in this spa is so friendly. Their S Energy facial uses the skincare line in the same name as well as their infamous Modelling Masks, Aroma Mask and concentrated serums to give your skin the ultimate glow. 

Why I love it 

I have had 4 facials now with Shangpree so you can probably see why this is my go-to’s. The lasting effects of this facial is way up there with the best, I can totally see why they have won so many awards. All the products feel and smell divine and you’ll be shocked at how chok-chok your skin is afterwards. 

The details 

Shangpree is one of those brands that I am so proud we carry. Not only was the brand founded by the ultimate girl boss Jun Hee-Hyoung who was merited the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit by the Korean President (a serious accolade which is made even better when it’s to a female-run business), but the fact that all estheticians are trained for 3 years before they can even lay hands on a face is testament to the high standards of Shangpree!

Address:

32, Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea

서울특별시 강남구 도산대로51길 32

Reservations: Email appointment@shangpree.com

Sulwhasoo Mix & Match Facial / Body Care – Balance Spa, Sulwhasoo 

Who is it good for?

This is the facial for the gram! Beautifully decorated and sophisticated, this spa situated in their flagship store is stunning. 

What does it entail? 

For this particular mix and match package, you can choose between: Vitality or Calming Facial Care, and Back & Shoulder or Foot & Leg care. I usually opt for the Vitality which leaves skin feeling nourished and plump with a hit of hydration and the back and shoulder care (who can resist a shoulder massage?)

Why I love it 

The Amorepacific brand, Sulwhasoo, is one of my favourite premium skincare lines and from the welcome ginseng drink to the room you’re taken to at the end to test out all of their products, this is a beautiful spa and such a treat. Furthermore, you can shop for Sulwhasoo products afterwards at their gorgeous Flagship Store. 

The details 

Sulwhawsoo has two spas at their flagship store at this address. One is their premium traditional herbal spa and the other is their Balance Spa. Both have a wide range of facials available ranging from 130,000 won (roughly $130 for this particular program of 60 minutes) to 650,000won ($650) and I have tried facials in both spas (previously I tried their White Ginseng and hade Brightening Treatment for 210,000). This was in a nicer room, included a ginseng foot bath and extra mask etc. That said, I think value for money this mix and match program is better. The massage is wonderful and you still leave with the same level glow!

Address:

18 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Reservations: http://www.sulwhasoo.com/int/en/spa/programs/programs.html

Troiareuke Dry-Mela Facial, various locations inc. Dongdaemun, Sangam

Who is it good for?

This is the facial for the purists! This tailored programme based on your skin’s needs is great for those looking for the real deal when it comes to facials.  

What does it entail? 

I had the Dry-Mela facial with also included face and back therapy at their small Sangam treatment room. My esthetician was wonderful and does facials for some TV presenters as Sangam is where all the broadcast stations are!

This was a very thorough facial that included various ampoules and masks but most impressive was the care taken by the esthetician. The massage was exceptional and my skin felt amazing for days after this facial. The best part however was the porcelain facial massage which helped to lift, firm and also assist with lymph drainage. 

Why I love it 

The quality of Troiareuke products is what makes this facial amazing. Troiareuke was one of the first brands I discovered when I moved to Seoul and years later, I always have back ups of their products – why? Because they WORK. The facial incorporates some of my all-time favourite skincare products such as the Oil Cut Cleanser, Skin Complex Formula and AGT Hydro Essence. The aftercare is also great – my facial finished with SPF and a thin layer of the famous H+ Healing Cream.  

The details 

Troiareuke have several clinics however the main one is at the Skypark Hotel in Dongdaemun which has 55 concept rooms. I went to their ‘one-room only’ clinic in Sangam at their Areukesien Beauty Salon as the esthetician here came recommended by the Troiareuke staff. They also have a branch in Myeongdong as well. Considering this was a 90 minute treatment with a phenomenal massage, $100 is great value for money considering the quality of the skincare products used. 

Address & reservation phone numbers:

http://mk-corp.co.kr/en/aesthetic-center/troiareukeseoul/

Dongdaemun Branch: Skypark Hotel King's town 14th floor - 20, Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

 

Myeongdong Branch:  139 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea. Seoul Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station Exit 9.

서울 중구 퇴계로 139

Sangam Clinic: 1653 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

상암동 1654번지 3층 304호 DMC 이안상암1단지아파트 마포구 서울특별시 

 

Skin Lab L Face and Body Treatment, Cheongdam 

 

Who is it good for? 

This is the facial for those skincare geeks that want to keep their finger on the pulse on up-and-coming skincare trends and techniques. 

What does it entail? 

As soon as you enter the Lab L Spa, you are greeted by the friendly staff and taken to what can only be described as the most impressive chair you’ve ever seen in a spa. Your face is analysed and the esthetician talks through your hydration levels, pigmentation levels, early-set wrinkles etc. Next, you are taking to a room where a variety of skincare techniques are used – some included a gold facial, facial ball pilates and a water jet to help clear skin and infuse it with goodness. 

Why I love it 

If you want a thorough skincare analysis and experience innovative techniques during your facial, this is the one for you. From gold plated masks to facial pilates, this facial incorporates many different techniques and tools to achieve the ultimate glow. 

The details 

The Eco Your Skin spa is situated in trendy Cheongdam and is a members only spa so possibly more suited for those staying a longer time in Seoul, unless a member can get you an appointment. Facial and body treatments cost around 100,000 won and take approximately an hour. More information on Skin Lab L or their skincare brand Eco Your Skin can be found on their website and social media. 

http://www.skinlabl.com/

https://www.instagram.com/skinlabl_official/?hl=en          

Thank you to all the spas that allowed me to film! Thank you To Shangpree and Skin Lab L for kindly gifting me my facial treatments.

We get asked many questions at Beauty & Seoul around product recommendations and the first question I always ask in return is ‘what’s your skin type?’ It struck me the other day whilst talking with my friends that many people don’t actually know what their skin type is, and when I put this to a vote on my personal Instagram to friends, it turns out nearly 60% are in this clueless section.

Low and behold, when I switched to a more balanced, hydrating routine, my skin cleared, looked brighter and felt smoother. Looking back, it was probably my fierce use of exfoliators, stripping toners and alcohol-containing moisturisers that led my skin to be dry as a desert. And there was me thinking I was keeping my ‘oily’ skin at bay. Thankfully, I’ve seen the light now! Thinking about my own skincare journey, I realised that years back I was also in this pool of people. I had always presumed, like many, that I had combination skin verging on the oily side. Combination skin sounded like it covered all bases, right? But it wasn’t until I had my first facial back in Seoul in 2014 that the esthetician turned to me and said ‘wow, you have super dry, sensitive skin’. Well, that’s news to me lady!

Your skin’s base state

Knowing your skin type is important in crafting your own routine, and it is also important to note that it can change over the years due to environment, hormones etc. My experience has also been that those with oily skin shy away from oil, and those with dry skin can sometimes drown their skin in oils and highly moisturising products. And whilst this can be at times effective, balance is key. Adding too much oil could lead to a decrease in natural oil production; and conversely, using stripping products can dry up your skin to the point where the skin’s barrier is impaired.

These days, I would class my skin as normal / dry. And over the years, I have found out what works for my skin and what doesn’t. You too, can build up this profile of your skin but it does start with understanding it’s ‘base state’.

The four skin types

Fundamentally, there are four common skin types. Oily, Combination, Normal and Dry. Please note this differs from skincare concern – more on that later.  

Oily Skin – refers to the state of the skin that produces excess oil. Usually, this oil will be around the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Oily skin will often look shiny and greasy. The build-up of oil can often lead to breakouts and blemishes due to the fact that pores can become clogged and congested.

Combination Skin – As the name suggests, combination skin contains both oily and dry patches. Usually, combination skin types have greasy t-zones and normal to dry skin on their cheeks.

Normal Skin – The promised land of Normal Skin means that your skin is well-balanced and contains the right amount of oil. You are usually not prone to breakouts or flakiness of the skin 

Dry Skin – dry skin can feel rough to the touch, red, irritated or sometimes even itchy. It too can be prone to blemishes and breakouts due to the skin’s barrier being impaired.

How can I tell what my skin type is?

There are usually two ways in which you can test what skin type you have – The Blotting Sheet Method and the Bare Face Method.  Personally, I find the Bare Face Method the best so you can actually feel what the base state of your skin is like rather than assessing how much oil is on a blotting sheet (can be somewhat subjective) so that’s what I’m going to talk about.

Start by washing your face with a foaming cleanser, then pat dry or leave to dry naturally. 20 minutes later, without applying toner or moisturiser, examine how your skin looks and feels.

• Is there any redness?
• What areas feel tight?
• Does it appear shiny?

If there are any areas that appear red, this likely means you verge on the dry side whereas if your skin doesn’t feel tight, then you may have normal to combination skin. Oily skin types will feel fine and still appear a little shiny. Try smiling and if you feel any tightness in the cheek area, this likely means you have combination to dry skin.

How do I find products based on my skin type?

On our website, we have changed our categories to skin type and skin concern. Skincare concern may be things like – acne prone, anti-ageing and sensitive and as such we have separated these on our website. For example, you may have dry skin that is acne prone, oily skin that is sensitive. Depending on your base state, and what skin issue you are trying to tackle, you can filter on what products you are interested in.

And as always, if you have any questions about routines or any of our products, you can email me on maree@beautyandseoul.co.uk

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At Supreme Creations, we manufacture tote bags, makeup pouches, reusable packaging and other textile products that are produced in ethical and sustainable ways, which are supplied around the world, in the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Germany and the US. Our label Bags of Ethics^TM ensures that we recognise the people and the planet behind the product. We believe that the farmers, designers, tailors, packers and artists behind the product should be remembered and respected. We believe in fair wages, good working conditions, and making every person along our supply chain feel important and empowered. Our ethical factory in Pondicherry, South India supports a production team which is made up of 90% women, all of whom we celebrate and admire. Many of these women are the main breadwinners of their families, and pillars of their communities.

We also believe in supporting the planet. We go to great lengths to ensure that at every stage of the manufacturing process we do as much as we possibly can to make the production of our bags as sustainable as possible. All of our bags are capable of being reused over 5,000 times, meaning that they help with the issue of single-use plastic. We believe that in every industry, single-use plastic usage and wastage needs to be reduced. The beauty industry is notorious for unnecessary plastic packaging and therefore wastage; however these reusable makeup pouches can be reused over 5,000 times, meaning they won’t just be disposed of instantly like a lot of product packaging usually is. We also have some more tips that you can implement into your beauty routine which will mean that it is more sustainable, and uses less single-use plastic.

Some of the changes that you can make are:

• Buy products in recyclable packaging, and properly recycle them once empty instead of just disposing of them.
• Use shampoos and soaps that are in bar form instead of liquid form. When in a bar, they require no plastic packaging unlike their liquid counterparts which are encased in a large amount of plastic which will get thrown away once the product is used up.
• Use a bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste tablets in a metal tin. Your plastic toothbrush and toothpaste, once thrown away, will never completely biodegrade, and will therefore have a negative effect on the planet. Instead, use a bamboo toothbrush which is fully biodegradable, and toothpaste tablets which are plastic free.

These are just a few of the small things which you can do that will have a big effect on the planet.

At Supreme Creations, we love working with new, innovative and interesting brands, and Beauty and Seoul are just that. We love the cruelty free aspect of all the brands which they stock, and as we are a business which believes in empowering women, Maree’s ambition and drive to set up a business that reflects her roots and heritage is something which we wholeheartedly encourage. We love the fact that we are able to create ethical, sustainable and reusable makeup bags for such a well-loved brand, and hope that they are used and loved by Maree’s customers.

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NOTE: I’d like to thank Supreme Creations and Bags of Ethics^TM for this blog and also for their kind words! I love working with such a reputable, ethical company and endeavour to work with more brands in Korea that support a more sustainable lifestyle. We know our customers love our travel bags and they are probably our most highly requested product so again a big thank you to Supreme Creations and Bags of Ethics for providing us with such a beautiful product. As many of you know, the Amazon has been on fire for around 3 weeks now and we’ve been thinking about what we can do to help. We are donating £1 for every sheetmask sold this bank holiday weekend, discounting some of our favourite ENATURE sheetmasks and pledge to donate and sponsor acres of the Amazon with Rainforest Action Network. For every one of our travel bags sold, we will also donate £1.

Using an SPF daily has personally really helped the condition of my skin and I think this is important to point out. It always seems as though using a daily SPF basically translates to: ‘I don’t want to get tanned and want to be as pale as possible’. That’s not the case. I just don’t want early wrinkles and using an SPF daily helped even out my skin tone leaving my skin looking and feeling brighter.

Why are Korean SPF's popular?

Korean women have a pretty demanding wish list when it comes to SPF and as such, many companies have invested a lot in to research and development to create the perfect formulations. Forget the thick, white and stinky sun creams of your childhood that your mum would slap on your face and leave greasy residues in the pool (ew) – I’m talking about suncreams that you barely even notice on your face.

So what do I want in an SPF?

• High SPF factor. In the words of Love Island, I want to ‘slap it on Factor 50’. The SPF Factor generally indicates how long the skin covered takes to redden in response to UV (usually the level of UVB protection offered).
• I want both UVA (long wave rays which penetrate skin deeper) and UVB (short wave) protection.
• I ideally want the maximum PA++++ (this is based on the PPD Test – Persistant Pigmentation Darkening test which measures the increase of UVA someone can be exposed to before tanning).
• I don't want it leave a white cast on my face. Never a good look.
• I want it to absorb quickly – I don’t want to feel any greasy or sticky residue
• I don’t want it to smell like suncream. You just know what I mean.

And then there’s another choice that some people are now looking in to. Whether to get a physical or chemical suncream. So, what’s the difference?

Chemical v Physical

Essentially, there are two ways in which suncreams can protect skin from the sun’s rays.

1. The physical REFLECTOR: Acts as a filter that blocks UV radiation by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin so rays bounce off it.
2. The chemical ABSORBANT: Absorb the sun’s rays and then destroys them by turning them in to heat.

It's entirely up to you! People usually shy away from the word ‘chemical’ but you’ve probably been using chemical suncreams for most of your life. Chemical suncreams are the most common and arguably offer more coverage against UVA and UVB rays. However, they can irritate those with extremely sensitive skin. Physical suncreams however, usually are the ones that create a white cast so brands have tried to improve these physical formulations through nano-technology (where the core physical ingredient, for example zinc oxide, is ground up so that it doesn’t leave a white cast but still gives the same protection.) That said, there are some people who are now opting for non-nano formulations safe in the knowledge that these ground up particles are not entering the bloodstream. An example of a physical non-nano suncream is our recently launched Purito Comfy Water Sun Block. It remains the best physical SPF I have tried.

So which should I be using?

A common question I get asked and one that I can never answer as that is entirely up to you, what works for your skin type, ingredients that work for you and your opinion on the physical versus chemical or non-nano debate. In my humble opinion, it depends on what sensitivities your skin has, what ingredients are more effective on your skin etc. For example, someone may opt for the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream but someone else may have a sensitivity to Aloe. Like I always say – WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR SOMEONE ELSE! As with any skincare product, it’s about finding the right one for you. Many people, especially for kids, will opt for a physical as well as those conscious about what goes on their skin or those with sensitive skin. What is important is that both types provide skin with suitable sun protection and whichever you choose – please use it daily!

Sounds great, where can I buy them?

Over the last few months we, at Beauty & Seoul, have fast tracked some excellent sun creams into our range, and we are really proud of the products we have to offer. You can explore our SPF range here and pick the perfect suncream for you.

As you can imagine, this is no easy feat and has been 6 months process. We met with several fulfilment companies until we agreed on the right one for us. Our chosen partner works with numerous other brands, including luxury fashion brands, plus are passionate about growing Beauty & Seoul as much as we are. They were flexible, enthusiastic and shared our ambition. We will be changing all our packaging as well which will all now be recyclable materials.

Although we are committed to minimising any problems, inevitably there will be some teething issues. To thank you all for your loyalty however, we will be having a celebration sale following our move to our new digs. 

I always aim to be fully transparent with you all and hope you share my excitement for future things to come.  The last two years have been incredible thanks to all your support and I really hope you’re excited about us entering this new phase. Thank you so much for all your kind words and support that has got us to this point! Here’s to the next stage. 

Maree x

*UPDATE* we have moved in now and all orders are processing as normal. Thank you so much for your patience :-)

I first met with Enature on my last trip to Seoul and was fortunate enough to try out their full range. At the time, I was quite stressed and my skin was breaking out as a result – it was probably in the worst state it’s ever been. I cracked open their products as soon as I got back to the hotel room and got the Cicaherb Restore sheetmask on my face. It remains one of my favourite soothing masks; we all know how I feel about Cica!

With their sleek packaging, and impressive ingredients list, Enature is a brand that, I know, will appeal to many. Their products are simple, yet highly effective and that is a trend I am seeing more and more of in KBeauty, gone are the days of cute packaging and excessive ingredients. My personal favourites are the cleansing range including the Moringa Cleansing Balm and Moringa Peeling Gel which is a super gentle, yet highly effective exfoliator.

I love how plump and supple my skin feels following the Birch Juice range, particularly their sleeping pack which is formulated with 74% birch tree sap instead of regular water to help boost its hydrating power. It also contains calming chamomile extract and plantain seed extract which helps strengthen skin and improve elasticity.

A great way to sample the Birch Juice range, as well as the Squeeze Green Watery range, is purchasing these handy travel kits (you all know I love a travel size!). In particular, the Squeeze Green Watery range is ideal for combination skin during these warmer months.

Finally, their sheetmasks are infused with highly effective ingredients, cater for a wide range of skincare needs and are extremely affordable at £2.20 each. So what product from Enature will you try first?

I owe it to my mum for enabling me to grow up proud of my Korean heritage. It was my mum who always encouraged me to search for my birth parents, who, when being teased at school, made me learn to appreciate my almond-shaped eyes.

My mum always supported the idea of me going back to Seoul as much as possible and learn more about my heritage and I’m forever grateful for that. She didn’t worry when I quit my job to embark on my birth search, she was on the other end of the phone when the search was unsuccessful. She didn’t doubt me when I quit my well-paid job in marketing to start a beauty blog and run a K-Beauty store. She remains one of my biggest allies, a massive support to Beauty & Seoul and a total KBeauty convert! For this reason, I wanted to ask her about her favourite products to help give you an idea on what to get your mum this Mother’s Day!

What was the biggest thing you noticed when you changed to Korean skincare?

Mum: "The products I chose suited my skin type (dry) so my skin felt really well hydrated and a lot softer after using them on a regular basis."

Talk me through your routine 

Mum: "For my morning routine, I wash my face with Benton Cleansing Foam, apply Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner which is lovely and hydrating. For my moisturiser, I use the Pyungkang Yul Oil. Then I apply my make up if I’m going out for the day.

In the evening, I remove makeup with Heimish All Clean Balm which is really gentle on my skin. I then wash again with the Benton Cleansing Foam and apply the Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner I’m now using the Commleaf Rose Sleeping Pack because I love roses.

What’s your favourite product that you’ve discovered?

Mum: "Probably the Heimish All Clean Balm  to remove makeup (especially great for removing eye makeup) and the Commleaf Rose Sleeping Mask – lovely – leaves skin really soft and it’s rose!"

What's one skincare tip you would give others?

Mum:"Always purchase products that are suitable for your skin type. It sounds obvious but not that many people actually know their skin type and so buy products that aren’t suited for it. So make sure you know your skin type."

All of mum’s favourite products will be discounted from 20^th March to 31^st March for Mother’s Day! I’ve also discounted some products that I feel would be suitable for all the mothers out there! What will you get your mum? The Commleaf Rose Sleeping Pack (whose mum can resist roses?!) or the Benton Cleansing Foam (an anti-aging face wash named after the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?!)

Yes, I know I go on about these a lot on Instagram but I truly believe for good reason! Plus, every person I have gifted these to or who has purchased them also raves about them. Containing Niacinamide and hydrating rose water, these handy little eye patches soothe and brighten the under eye area. Simply, place under each eye, leave on for 20 mins, remove and then pat in the remaining essence.

I use these when I'm tired, hungover or having a pamper sesh but honestly, now I keep them on my bedside table and the first thing I do when my alarm goes off is to put these on each morning. I’ll wear them whilst I potter around making my breakfast or drinking my coffee and then remove – the perfect start to the day!

When I was at the KBeauty Expo in Seoul in October 2017, I remember discovering the brand Jumiso. What struck me first was the packaging – I mean, the dog is just too cute plus the barcode is in the shape of a dogbone!

I spoke with Si Heon and the passion he had for the brand and the meticulous details in creating a great, affordable sheetmask were abundantly clear. I tried a sample of the sheetmask on my hand and honestly, for the rest of the expo I had one super bright left hand. The sheetmasks are made from a material called cupra that really adheres to the skin whilst ensuring the skin soaks up all of that lovely essence containing Black Ginseng and Argan Oil. This is my go to sheetmask if my skin is looking dull, before an event when I want to achieve that ‘glow’ or after a flight when my skin is feeling dehydrated.

I have long been a fan of the original Klairs Supple Preparation toner so when Klairs came out with an unscented version designed specifically for those with sensitive skin, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. If there’s one product that was a gamechanger for my skincare routine, it was toner. I previously wrote a blog about my experience with toners, my discovery of hydrating Korean toners and my favourites here. Deeply hydrating, this toner retains all the benefits of the original cult classic formulation but is also free from essential oils. The fragrance is also removed and the product has a lighter texture for faster absorption. WIN.

Pre-soaked toner pads were a big thing in Korea. Exfoliating pads such as the original Cosrx Clear Pad were a huge success, paving the way for this alternative – a hydrating version.

Quick and easy to use, these pads containing propolis extract and hyaluronic acid whisk away impurities, add hydration to the skin whilst acting as a very gentle exfoliant leaving skin feeling smooth and soft. I will either use these in the place of my toner post cleansing, post a gym workout, in the morning if I’m in a rush or on the plane.

Jumiso Have a Good Day Cream

Yes, it’s another Jumiso product. Fast forward to the KBeauty Expo 2018 in Seoul, I was so happy to see Si Heon again and the team and was lucky enough to receive samples of their new moisturiser. Still retaining the cute packaging of their sheetmask range, this cream contains centella, squalene and snail – talk about soothing! This was the moisturiser I found myself reaching for when my skin was distressed and needed help to calm it down. Super lightweight, this cream has a citrusy scent that really helps lift you up in the mornings! 

What were your finds for 2018? Any discoveries you'd recommend?

I was transferred to Seoul soon after I was born to Eastern Child Welfare Society where I was fostered by a lady called Mrs Yoon. My parents came to collect me and I was brought home to Australia. And just like that, I went from Jang, Ma Ree to Maree van Aken; from Korean to Australian.

Adoption in South Korea remains a topic of hot debate. Following the Korean War in the 1950s, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Many babies were sent to the United States for adoption, having been orphaned during the war. For the next 30 years, this trend continued until, having undergone huge economic transformation, the West criticised South Korea for not taking care of its own despite its prospering economy. South Korea, shamefully, became known as the ultimate ‘baby exporter’ and this played on their conscience.

Now the 11^th largest economy in the world, it seems as though whilst development has caught up, traditions and values haven’t. The shame the 80s brought with exporting ‘their own’ despite their wealth, meant that the Government put restrictions on international adoption. What wasn’t accounted for was the fact that ‘demand’ for internal adoption still wasn't there. Bloodlines remain hugely important in Korean culture, and ‘raising someone else’s child’ is frowned upon in Korean society. Therefore, very few Koreans domestically want to adopt. Having a child outside of wedlock is also frowned upon so consequently, babies are still being left at orphanages, and orphanages can’t shift these babies. It was as if South Korea developed too quickly; their customs had no time to catch up.

When I quit my job in 2016 and went to Korea in search for my birth family, I was fortunate enough to volunteer at the very same orphanage I was left in decades ago. These babies are all extremely well cared for and cuddles and love are given by the transient volunteers such as myself. But one can’t help but think what will happen to these children, and even more heartbreakingly, knowing that they probably will not be as fortunate as myself to be adopted in to a loving home. Once this dawned on me, wracked with emotions and guilt, I felt I could no longer volunteer there.

Two years later and back home in London, I received an email from my adoption agency a couple months ago asking for help. They were looking for money to help purchase powdered milk for the babies. Reading this, I know that people think as a wealthy country, it’s not our responsibility to care for these babies. And I agree. But until values move on and the government does something to help, the situation is that the future care of these babies relies on donations from others. 

To help do my little bit, I’ve curated a skincare bag where for every bag sold I will donate £1 and then will personally double the total amount raised. I have also created a Just Giving page for those that wish to donate directly – whatever is raised here, I will also double. I don’t like to beg people for money but as this is a cause that is so deep to my heart, I ask that you donate generously.

All my love, 

Maree x

Firstly and most importantly, it is an EU requirement that all products sold in Europe have not been tested on animals. So you can be rest assured that not a single product we sell, or have ever sold at Beauty & Seoul has succumbed to animal testing. Furthermore, I was delighted when back in 2016, the South Korean government implemented a law whereby all cosmetics must be cruelty free by the end of 2018! So that’s it right, blog over? Unfortunately not, things are about to get a little unclear right about now.

Why? China.

With its high demand for luxury products and very close geography, the Chinese market is extremely lucrative and a big draw for South Korean brands. The unfortunate conflict is that in order for a cosmetic product to be sold in China, animal testing is mandatory. It is therefore impossible to be fully regarded as cruelty free and sell your products in both China and Europe so Korean brands are forced into some tough choices.

Some of the larger brands can create two separate formulations of the same product – a Chinese version which has been tested on animals and a Korean version which has not. This is a permissible way in which a product can be legally sold in both China and Europe. However, at a brand level, it can never carry itself as truly cruelty free. It is quite difficult to get confirmed details on who does and doesn’t sell in China as many of the brands who do will not be forthcoming about it but there is evidence that Missha, Tony Moly, Clio, Son & Park and Dr.Jart all fall into this bracket. Pyunkang Yul are in the process of registering products on the Chinese FDA so they will be selling in China shortly

Thankfully there are some loopholes (there’s always loopholes)! Hong Kong and Macau, whilst still being governed by China, do not carry the same law which insists that all skincare products must be tested on animals. Therefore, by launching your products into the Hong Kong market and then using mail order / online channels for distribution further into mainland China, many Korean firms have found a loophole into the Chinese regulation without having to compromise their cruelty free status. At the time of writing (Jul 28, 2018), we have confirmation that the following brands use this tactic to avoid animal testing; Cosrx, Mizon, Whamisa, Thank You Farmer, iUnik, Heimish and Helloskin. 

  
Cosrx, Mizon, and Pyunkang Yul are all cruelty free brands on sale in Hong Kong and exploit a loophole whereby their products do not require animal testing

Finally, and most admirably, some brands forego the Chinese market completely, and often these are the brands which have been certified by official cruelty-free bodies. Klairs and Benton are all certified with various cruelty free organisations and do not sell in China. These are the brands that you can 100% guarantee have never tested on animals.

  
Klairs and Benton have all been officially certified by third party bodies as being cruelty-free

"So if some of your brands are certified as cruelty-free, are they the only ones which are cruelty free?" Some of the brands we carry have managed to get their products certified by KARA or have the leaping bunny certification. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest are not. Certification can be a long and expensive process and might not be a priority. Also, bear in mind that a lot of the brands we sell are relative newcomers and their effort and resource are currently best placed in marketing, product development and better distribution. 

I hope this blog helps give you the information you need to make an informed decision. South Korean skincare is on a journey to be completely cruelty free, the vast majority of brands already are following the principles but lacking the official certifications. I would expect that in the coming years we are likely to see a lot more certifications being awarded to South Korean brands and proudly displayed for complete transparency.

*Blog Updates*

Son & Park have confirmed that they do sell in China

iUnik have confirmed that they do not sell in China

Heimish have confirmed that they do not sell in China

Pyunkang Yul had initially stated that they were working on getting some products approved on the Chinese FDA so will start to sell in China. These plans were for the body lotions and have since been shelved. They still strongly claim to be cruelty free

The company who owns J.One have confirmed that they do not sell any products currently on the Chinese market. However, there seems to be a grey area in that there are some J.One products registered on the Chinese FDA but the company themselves do not know whether they ever came from J.One or whether they are duplicates created by a total different, unaffiliated Chinese company. There are no conversations or data passed between the company that owns J.One and this Chinese company.

 *The following brands all strongly claim to be cruelty free (Neogen allegedly is certified) but we are awaiting confirmation.

Touch in Sol

Neogen

Maree x

Considered by many as the least sexy step in your skincare routine, many argue that toners are a pretty pointless skincare product. But toners are possibly my favourite. We’re generally picky on our moisturisers, and we know we’re doing good by adding actives and serums to our routine. But toner? Isn’t that just one of those steps I just ‘need to do’? 

Why are toners important?

Toners have many benefits and as a result of this, on my dresser I usually have about 3 toners that I will rotate depending on my skin’s needs. Toners can do everything from re-adjusting the pH level of your skin, closing your pores after cleansing (and shaving for the boys!), moisturising and prepping your skin for subsequent steps.

Why Korean toners?

I remember when I used to use toners from western brands. I used to get a tingly sensation using them and naively thought that this must be ‘doing good’ by stripping my pores of gunk. WRONG. All they were doing were stripping my skin of moisture. Why? Because many contained high amounts of alcohol which can irritate sensitive skin and worsen acne. Many Korean toners use natural ingredients, some completely waterless as well, using aloe instead for more intense hydration. Korean brands have come up with wonderful multi-tasking toners, hydrating toners and mist toners. Some are thicker in consistency as well, not water-like, and therefore add that extra layer of moisture. Despite this, they absorb nicely in to the skin prepping your face for the next step in your routine.

Hydrating toners

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner and Klairs Supple Preparation Toner.

Dry skin? Hydrating toners are for you. Thicker in consistency, these hydrating toners work wonders to give your skin a boost and prep your skin for your routine. Simply dispense in to the palms of your hands and pat in – such is the hydration level of these toners, I wouldn’t waste them on a cotton pad! Treat yo self with the cult favourite Whamisa which uses aloe instead of water to provide maximum hydration or the affordable no fuss Klairs toner which gives you the perfect canvas for your serums and moisturisers. 

Mist toners

Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner

The perfect companion on the go, on the plane or if you’re in a rush. Mist toners are handy to keep in your handbag for when your skin gets dry on the go. The luxurious Whamisa Damask Rose is a firm favourite and I’ll usually spray first thing when I wake up in the morning whereas the Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner I keep in my gym bag and is very refreshing.

Exfoliating toners

Cosrx AHA / BHA – Benton Aloe BHA - Son & Park Beauty Water.

My favourite. Exfoliating toners are great for those with combination, acne prone or oily skin types. Usually lighter in texture, they will work to combat clogged pores by including AHAs and BHAs (naturally derived acids) which work as gentle exfoliants. These AHAs and BHAs are oil soluble so can penetrate areas of the skin with excess oil (think around your T Zone). The result? Smoother and clearer skin. The Cosrx is great for acne-prone oily skin whereas the Benton is good for those with dry acne-prone skin. The Son & Park is great for those with sensitive skin and can also double up as a gentle cleansing water.

Multi-purpose toners

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner.

In a hurry? Shorten your routine with these multi-tasking toners. The Thank You Farmer Toner is an unusual consistency – almost like a creamy essence/emulsion. Deeply hydrating and nourishing, you could literally just slap this on your face and be done with your routine as it is a toner, essence and moisturiser in one. The hugely popular Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner doubles up as… you guessed it… an essence and toner providing hydration and helping to brighten the skin.

Please let me know what are your favourite toners and how you use them in your routine!

Maree x

We all know how tight your skin can get during flights due to the decreased levels of humidity, so I find doing a full on routine really helps soothe it. I’m also a nervous flyer so doing my little ritual helps to keep me calm!

As soon as I get on the flight

I don’t usually wear make up heading to the airport or if I do, it will be minimal. As soon as I get on to the flight I will wash my hands (or use anti-bac) and then use a cleansing water to prep my skin. For my recent flight to Korea, I brought the Thank You Farmer Back to Iceland Cleansing Water 30ml which is the perfect size for travelling! Using a cotton pad, I’ll wipe away any gunk that may have accumulated throughout the day so far. The Son & Park Beauty Water 60ml also works well. 

I’ll then spritz my face with a mist; on this flight I used the Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist which smells divine (this acts as my toner) and then I pack a load of essence, serum or ampoule samples in to my travel pouch which I will use after the mist. I’ll then seal it all in with a thick moisturiser (like the Thank You Farmer True Water Deep Cream) or an overnight mask. 

Throughout the flight

During the flight, I’ll continue to spritz my face with my mist when it feels a bit dry and also apply hand cream / lip balm as necessary. I really enjoy using my Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask on a flight as it is highly moisturising. I’ll also use eye drops to help soothe tired eyes (I can rarely sleep on a flight!)

Halfway through the flight

About halfway through a long haul flight I’ll repeat the whole process, this time using a moisturising sheet mask and sealing it all in with a sleeping pack. Again, I’ll use a cleansing water to provide my skin with a base (you’ll be amazed at how much gunk comes off in that short period of time!) and then put my sheetmask on. For this flight, I used the Cosrx Moisture Kit which included a Moisture Pad which I used as a toner before putting on the Holy Moly Snail Sheetmask for 15 minutes.

I’m not bothered that people look at me strangely whilst wearing this but others may feel a little more self conscious! If the latter is you, skip this part and just put on a thick layer of a sleeping mask. For this particular flight, I used the Glam Glow Thirsty Mud but I also have these dinky little samples of the infamous Laneige Water Sleeping Pack and the Huxley Goodnight Mask.

Before Sleeping

Not so much skincare, but to help relax me I’ll carry a few things that may help if you’re a nervous flyer like myself. I bring miniatures of the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and my Sulwhasoo Deep Relax Balm which I’ll put on my wrists and temples. I’ll spray my eyemask with the pillow spray, relax and try my best to get some zzzz’s. My eyemask is from Holistic Silk and I love it, it’s filled with dry lavender and it really does block out all light. The Kao Steam eye masks are also great on a flight!

Before I get off the flight

As we start to descend, I’ll use my cleansing water to remove the excess mask and then follow up with a cotton pad drenched in some of my bottled water. After another spritz of the mist and layer of moisturiser, I’ll pop on some under eye masks to help waken me up a little. These always leave me feeling refreshed as I get off the flight. I really like the Shangpree ones (which I will put in a zip lock bag).

I’ll keep make up light and to a minimum – using a hydrating BB cream like the Hera UV Mist Cushion or the Troiareuke A+ cushion (technically skincare). Browcara to groom my eyebrows and then a bright lip tint to help make me look more awake!

Final Thoughts 

Over the top? Perhaps! But I find this little routine helps me relax on long haul flights plus I definitely notice when I get off the plane that my skin feels super hydrated and not at all parched and dry. Do you do a routine on the plane? Let me know what you bring with you!

Maree x

One of the common misconceptions about Korean Skincare is that you must religiously follow the 10 step beauty routine but I can tell you, it’s very rare I have the time to do a full routine. Most mornings, I give myself 15 minutes to get ready before a busy London schedule. For this reason, I try look for multifunctional products that can help shorten my routine.

Korea has produced some wonderful multi-tasking products from oil to foam cleansers to the famous BB creams. The industry in South Korea is so innovative it continuously seeks to establish the next ‘wonder’ product. Here are some of my favourites:

Thank You Farmer Back to Iceland Cleansing Water

For those that follow me on Instagram, you will know that most mornings I will just use a cleansing water. I’d like to tell you that I double cleanse religiously every morning but the truth is I would rather gain those 10 minutes of extra sleep.

Easy to use, cleansing waters remove all excess residue left on your skin from the evening before – sleeping mask, sweat, bacteria etc can all accumulate overnight. Simply dispense on to a cotton pad and gentle swipe across your skin; your skin will feel clean and refreshed.

This Thank You Farmer Cleansing Water is one of my favourites as I find it is more thorough than some others that I’ve tried. It smells wonderfully herbal and fresh and will create a good base for the remainder of your skincare routine.

Son & Park Beauty Water

A cult favourite by many, this Son & Park Beauty Water is the King of multi-tasking products. It can be used as a cleansing water (although I would say is gentler than the Thank You Farmer Cleansing Water), a toner, skin refresher and a mild exfoliator as well. You could theoretically just use this in the mornings and then slap on a moisturiser and be done.

A few ways I like to use the Son & Park Beauty Water:

• An exfoliating toner after cleansing
• After the gym to cleanse skin and remove excess sweat
• Post sheet mask when I want to gently remove excess essence
• Swept across dry areas such as lips, elbows etc to soften them

 At a pH of 4.5, this product helps slough away dead skin cells whilst the inclusion of rose water, willow bark and lavender water helps leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. 

Whamisa Damask Rose Petal Mist

Whilst Facial Mists are still to hit the European market, they remain a huge business in South Korea. This mist is so luxurious to use it becomes addictive. With real Damask rose petals throughout, this mist helps hydrate and brighten skin on the go.

Ways in which I use this fabulous mist;

• As a toner
• I keep this in my handbag to refresh my skin during the day
• For fixing powder
• Post gym to freshen up my skin
• On holidays either on the flight or in hot weather

Let’s make facial mists a trend here in Europe!

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

Possibly the most famous category of multi-tasking product is the BB cream. The Germans may have originally created it to help post-burn victims but it was the Koreans who transformed the product in to what it is today. BB creams have numerous benefits – primer, anti-ageing, light foundation, SPF etc. And whilst the market may have moved on to cushions and other formats, the original cream versions still remain as popular as ever. (And the Korean versions are way better than their Western counterparts)

This Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream is perfect as it hides blemishes, is medium to high coverage, extremely lightweight, has both UVA and UVB protection as well as SPF 42PA+++ and brightening ingredients. I also appreciate that it comes in a darker shade 27. 

Cosrx Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask

No time for a sheet mask? Why not try a sleeping mask? Sleeping Masks are great as they work to target problem areas whilst you catch up on your Z’s.

This Cosrx Honey Overnight Mask contains 85% Bee Propolis and Royal Jelly meaning it not only smells divine, but also works to strengthen and moisturise your skin whilst you sleep! The mask also works to naturally clear skin and reduce redness. (And pssst, we will also be getting the rice version very soon!)

What’s your favourite multi-tasking product? I’d love to know!

During my time in Korea, blogging about K-Beauty products became a welcome distraction from the emotional rollercoaster that a birth family search brings with it. I threw myself in setting up Beauty & Seoul, very much a project from the heart, spurred on by a desire to connect with my birth country. Whilst my previous blog documented my birth story in full, I decided when setting up this new site that I would keep the two separate. But now when I consider the double meaning behind Beauty & Seoul, I wanted to share my story on here as well. So for those that didn’t get a chance to read my previous blog, here is a little piece of my story and the story behind this venture. 

Me and my foster mother, Mrs Yoon

I was born 6^th June, 1987 in a small town called Geumsan, just outside Daejeon in Chungcheongnam-do province. My birth mother as I know it, was 17 years old and had run away to her brother in Daejeon when she found out she was pregnant. Back then, and even now, it is considered shameful to be a young, unwed mother in Korea. She had broken up with her boyfriend, my birth father, under pressure from her parents. They were from different societal classes; my father, the son of a farmer and my mother from a middle class family. My records say my birth mother was a top student, whereas my birth father would often skip class. She was ‘shy, gentle with a sympathetic disposition’, whereas he was ‘popular, tall and handsome’. Both parents were very sporty with my birth father playing basketball and my birth mother representing her district in track and field.

United with my parents

I was transferred to Seoul soon after I was born to my adoption agency, where I was fostered by a lady called Mrs Yoon up until October when my parents collected me from Australia. I had a very happy childhood but hated being an only child; every Christmas top of my wish list was a little brother. We lived in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Tokyo, Amsterdam until I moved to Manchester for uni, then Birmingham for my Masters, Cardiff and finally London. As a result of this, no one can ever place my accent.

My parents always made me remember where I came from

My parents were always very open about my adoption and ultimately, it was them who encouraged me to go back to Seoul and attempt to fill in the missing pieces of my puzzle. During my time there when I was met with many frustrations, they were the ones on Skype encouraging me to keep at it. When the idea of starting Beauty & Seoul came about, they were excited about the prospect of me carving out this link to my motherland.

This October, I will be returning to Seoul and already I am feeling excited, anxious and overwhelmed. I will be dropping in on my adoption agency and orphanage, attending Seoul Fashion Week, meeting up with friends, fellow adoptees, suppliers and manufacturers. I will also be eating my way through Seoul at all my favourite restaurants, and of course, shopping all my favourite brands!

My plan is to document this series (maybe even vlog!) so you can follow me around Seoul. My goal is to open up this blog to include not only skincare reviews and blogs but also Korean culture, discussions, Q&A’s and more. I can’t wait to share my motherland with you and hope you’ll follow my series.

Maree x

Up your double cleanse game

You all (hopefully!) know the importance of double cleansing. I wrote a full blog on it that you can read here. In the summer months, sweat glands become more active and you may notice your skin becoming oilier. Unfortunately, an increase in oil levels can often lead to breakouts so this is something we all want to avoid! One way to do this is to ensure you are double cleansing every evening to help remove all traces of oil, pollution, dirt etc that can easily become trapped in pores. Remember, oil attracts oil but clashes with water so using an oil based cleanser will really help deep clean your skin. Shop our oil cleansers here.

Opt for multi-use, lightweight products

During winter, I layer several hydrating formulations to help keep my skin moisturised. However, in the summertime, I will opt for multi-use products that help shorten my routine. One such product is a lightweight essence which can double up as a toner to help close pores post cleansing. I am currently using the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence which after my second cleanse, I will pour in to the palms of my hands and pat in to the skin. This not only closes the pores after cleansing but also has the additional benefits of a skin essence to help nourish the skin and brighten skin tone.

During summer, I will rarely use foundation but opt for a lightweight BB cream. Possibly the most well-known Korean invention, BB creams (blemish balms) are wonderful multi-use products that include a moisturiser, primer, suncream and foundation all in one. What more could you ask for? My personal favourite is the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream or for on-the-go usage, the Heimish Artless Perfect Cushion.

Get rid of those dead skin cells

As mentioned above, hot weather often sees our oil levels increase which can lead to clogged pores. We may also see a higher turnover in skin cells so to help regulate our cell turnover cycle, it’s important to exfoliate once or twice a week. Personally, I opt for exfoliating pads that offer both a chemical and mechanical exfoliation. The Neogen Wine Gauze Peeling Pads are still my favourite (perhaps because they smell amazing and are made of wine). They leave skin feeling wonderfully clean and smooth. Prefer a more scrub type exfoliator? Why not try our newest addition the Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

We’ve all been there. Too much fun in the sun and the result is dehydrated skin. It’s very important to keep skin hydrated during summer months but equally to not overload the skin with heavy creams. Thankfully, Korean brands have produced some wonderfully lightweight, moisturisers that help keep skin hydrated. The cream I am using at the moment is the Thank You Farmer True Water Light Gel Cream which is incredibly lightweight and soothing. This has been a long favourite of mine!

Stay cool

What with the tube in London combined with living in a top floor flat, I'm often a sweaty mess when I come home in the summertime! There is nothing nicer than having a cooling facial as soon as I get in to unwind and cool me down. I'll often pop my sheet masks in the fridge and then pop one on after cleansing. Shop our range of sheet masks here.

Need to keep cool on the go? Why not carry around a refreshing mist. I love the Whamisa Damask Rose Petal Mist because it smells amazing and has real Damask Rose petals floating around. It feels like a real treat for the skin!

The importance of SPF

The last one is a pretty obvious one but it’s time to up your suncream game in the summer months! Personally, I use suncream every day even in the winter months as using an SPF daily will not only help protect your skin but also help even out skin tone and reduce any hyperpigmentation. Many people are often scared to use suncream on their face as traditional formulations in the west have been gloopy, thick, smelly and leave a white cast. Not so with Korean suncreams! Our range of suncreams are lightweight consistencies that absorb quickly in to the skin, provide a higher SPF protection and leave no white cast whatsoever! Shop our suncream range here.

So these are the changes that I’m making to my skincare routine in these summer months. What changes will you be making? Do you have a favourite product to use for these warmer months? I’d love to hear!

Maree x

PAT PAT PAT. A sheet mask is drenched in essence and therefore should be used after cleansing and toning. There’s no need to wash your face after, simply pat in the remaining essence and continue your regime as you would after an ordinary essence (with a serum and moisturiser). Learn more about the Korean 10 Step Skincare Regime here.

KEEP IT BRIEF. Some people like to keep their sheet mask on for as long as possible but I prefer to only leave on for the recommended 20 minutes (or whatever the package says). Depending on the material, the sheetmask can sometimes actually draw moisture back out from your skin in to the material.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT MASK. Whilst in Korea, there was a trend of using a sheet mask a day, however, simply using it as you would any other mask (recommended twice a week) is enough. There are so many variations of masks to choose from so choose one that suits your skins particular needs that day. Looking a bit dull? Opt for a brightening one. Dry patches? Pop on a hydrating one. I like to keep a selection of masks to choose from depending on my skins needs.

ESSENTIAL ESSENCE. Still a lot of essence in the sheet mask package? Don’t throw it away! Essences are great for the skin so be sure to pat it down the neck and chest area or even on to your arms as a super effective moisturizer. Or alternatively, pour the rest in a small container to use as a regular essence in your routine.

SPECIAL OCCASION K-GLOW. Got a big event and want your skin to look glowing? Use a brightening sheet mask the evening / few hours before to achieve that quintessential Korean glow!

SUPER CHILL. Living in hot weather and want to cool down? Keep your sheet masks in the fridge and use for a super relaxing and cooling treat.

FABRIC. Sheet masks now come in many different materials – hydrogel, bio-cellulose, microfiber. Find one that best suits your skin. You will find bio-cellulose masks will adhere to your skin more easily, whereas hydrogels have a tendency to slip. That being said, hydrogel masks are especially effective at ensuring all that essence seeps in to your skin easily. Microfiber ones are usually the most common.

IN FLIGHT ROUTINE. I love using a sheet mask on a flight. Yes, I may look freaky and scare people but your skin will thank you for it! With all that recycled air, a sheetmask will ensure your skin remains hydrated and plump allowing you to arrive at your desination with glowing skin!

BODY MASKS?! Sheetmasks are not only for the face. In Korea, there are now many types of masks available for your lips, nose, eyes, feet, hands and even boobs! 

Thank You Farmer's Miracle Age Repair Cotton Mask is one of our bestsellers - it's one of my favourite brightening masks!

Maree x

Shop our range of Sheet masks here!

THE FIRST CLEANSE

The first step is using an oil based cleanser. These come in either liquid oils, creams or balms and should be placed directly on to dry skin. In Korea, cleansing oils have been popular for yonks. The majority of women will double cleanse in the evening, sometimes even in the morning as well. Oil cleansers hit the Western beauty market a while ago but some people were sceptical – mainly those with combination / oily skin. More oil on my already oily skin? Are you mad?! But the reality is that these cleansers, containing good oils, are highly effective at removing all the bad oils that accumulate on your face throughout the day. Cleansing oils, such as the Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil, don’t sink in to your pores – they work hard to draw out all the impurities and then, when mixed with water, wash it all away without leaving your skin dry and stripped of essential moisture. Think about it – oil attracts oil, it repels water – this is why it helps draw out all those oil-based products and excess sebum from your skin. Hooray! 

Cleansing Balms have become very popular after the huge success of Banila Co Clean it Zero. The new kid on the block, however, is the Heimish All Clean Balm. Cleansing balms melt in your palms to become oils and when mixed with water create a milky emulsion that removes all impurities away from your skin. Like cleansing oils, they should go on to your face dry – a sensation that most people find strange but trust me, it is so satisfying seeing all your eye make up wash off so easily! 

See our range of cleansing oils & balms here

THE SECOND CLEANSE

So if cleansing oils are so amazing at getting rid of make up, then why do we need to go in again for a second cleanse? Whilst the cleansing oils effectively remove excess sebum, make up and suncream, a foaming cleanser will help remove any water-based substances like bacteria, perspiration or dead skin cells leaving your face feeling super clean! For this second step you will want to choose a cleanser that lathers up well but does not leave your skin feeling tight or stripped of moisture. Many people seek out a cleanser with a lower pH of around 5-6, such as the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, to help keep bacteria at bay and ensure that your skin isn’t stripped of essential moisture. Simply apply to your wet face, massage and rinse off. 

The double cleanse method may seem high maintenance but honestly it has helped my skin improve so much, reducing redness, evening out my skin tone and causing fewer breakouts. In typical Korean fashion, the double cleanse method keeps evolving. Brands are now coming out with formulas that go from oil to foam making the double step cleanse quicker and only requiring one product. Conversely, I am now a convert of the triple cleanse. Yeah, you heard me. I will use an eye make up remover to gently remove stubborn make up before going in for my double cleanse. Or, following my double cleanse will use a cleansing water like Thank You Farmer to remove any excess residue. Cleansing Waters are great as well for when you’re in a rush!

Shop our range of Cleansers and Cleansing waters here

Why not give the Korean double cleanse method a go and see how it can help your skin?

Maree x

I believe the Korean 10 Step Routine is about having these 10 essential products at your disposal. The routine does not need to take a long time. In fact, mine rarely takes longer than 10 minutes (unless I'm using a sheet mask!)

step1: OIL BASED CLEANSER

The first step is an oil based cleanser. As soon as I started using an oil based cleanser to remove my make up, I noticed an immediate difference to my skin tone. Applied directly on to dry skin, not only do they effectively remove all traces of make up, but excess sebum and suncream as well. Many people with combination to oily skin types shy away from oil cleansers but they are good for your skin type too!

My favourite oil based cleansers are Banila Co Clean it Zero (balm), Troiareauke Oil Cut Cleanser (this one actually contains no oil so a good one for those with oily skin who are a bit hesitant using oil cleansers) and my holy grail – the Heimish All Clean Balm.

step2: WATER-BASED/FOAMING CLEANSER

As part of the double cleanse method, you must always go in for another wash with a water-based cleanser. Whilst the oil based cleanser will get rid of any make up, suncream and excess sebum, the water-based cleanser removes any water-based substances like bacteria and dust. It will also help remove any leftover residue from the oil based cleanser and leave your face feeling nice and clean. As mentioned before, you don’t need to do all 10 steps everyday but this one is crucial and one I personally do morning and evening without fail.

My favourite water-based foaming cleanser at the moment is the Whamisa Organic Flowers Foaming Cleanser. In the mornings, I will use the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser which smells delightfully of tea tree.

step3: EXFOLIATORS

The third ‘step' is using an exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliating helps regulate your skin cell cycle leaving your skin feeling healthy and glowing. It also helps minimise the appearance of pores and really helps get out all the gunk that gets trapped in them. Exfoliators usually come in gritty ‘scrub’ types although more recently, chemical exfoliators are becoming increasingly popular. Depending on your skin type, you should aim to exfoliate once or twice a week. As I have problems with skin cell turnover, I exfoliate 2-3 times per week.

My current favourite exfoliator is the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Exfoliator which leaves my skin feeling smooth and healthy. The addition of salicylic acid also helps soothe skin and is great for those with acne prone or sensitive skin types. I also love the black sugar scrub varieties that are popular in Korea such as the Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish.

step4: SHEET MASK

‘A sheet mask a day’ was a craze in Korea that I had heard about but wondered if anyone actually did it. At a skincare event I was invited to in Seoul, the dermatologist asked us if anyone did actually do this and I was amazed that 50% of people put their hand up! I should have known, I was in Seoul after all - of course they do! Sheet masks have long been all the rage in Korea and have in the last few years hit the Western market as well. Its a spa facial in a pack – it will leave your skin feeling super nourished. Plus, its great to use before an event as it will give you that infamous Korean glow immediately after use. They are also a must for me when on a long haul flight (even if you do look scary).  I usually use a sheet mask twice a week and pick one according to my skins needs – if my skin is dry a hydrating mask, or a brightening mask if it just feels a bit dull.

My favourite cotton sheet masks are the Tony Moly Its Real Rice Sheet Mask (brightening) and the Thank You Farmer Miracle Age Sheet Mask (brightening, nourishing). My favourite hydrogel is the Whamisa Organic Flowers – such a treat!

step5: TONERS

Not only does toner help close your pores after cleansing, it also preps your skin for everything else that you are about to put on it; think of it like a base. Without it, your products like serums and essences will not seep in to your skin as effectively. I always find toners from Western brands can be quite drying due to the high amount of alcohol they use. Korean toners are far gentler, are sometimes thicker in consistency and use some incredible inrgedients. Always pat in your toner – put a few drops in your hands and pat in or gently swipe over your skin with a cotton pad but be gentle so the product seeps in more effectively. Sometimes I will use two toners if I have the time – a gentle toner to close my pores and restore my natural skin pH level, followed by a specific toner like a thicker, moisturising toner if my skin is feeling a bit dry.

My favourite toners are the Cosrx AHA/BHA Toner (an exfoliating toner) and the cult favourite Organic Flowers Deep Rich Toner (hydrating, nourishing).

step6: ESSENCE

People always think that adding too many products on your skin can’t be good for it as it will just create one thick, oily layer but Koreans are masters at producing light formulations making layering super easy. Many Korean women consider essence to be the most important step in their skincare routine. Essences treat a particular issue and are concentrated formulations that help treat your skin at a cellular level; they usually have a watery, lightweight consistency. I have several essences that I will rotate according to my skins needs although on the whole, essences help brighten your skin and promote healthy cell turnover. Again, it’s best to use your hands to pat this product in – pat pat pat. That’s the Korean way!

My favourite essences are the holy grail Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (good for uneven skin tones), Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence (a cult favourite that has a lightweight, watery texture and using fermented ingredients) and the Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence (anti-ageing and great for acne prone skin). 

step7: SERUM/AMPOULE

Serums are like essences on steroids. They usually come in smaller containers and like essences, target a certain skincare problem. They will sometimes have a slightly thicker consistency and seep deeper in to your skin than any other skincare product. They are a great anti-ageing addition to your skincare routine. 

My favourite serums/ampoules are the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Activator Ampoule (a gentle ampoule that works magic on your skin whilst you sleep) and the Thank You Farmer Miracle Age Serum (super moisturising).

step8: EYE CREAM

Being honest, this is one step that I almost always forget which is awful because the skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your face and therefore needs its own skin care. It is also the first area to show signs of ageing so treating it is a must. My current favourite is the Benton Fermentation Eye Cream which is just chock full of amazing ingredients that help soothe and brighten that eye area. It’s an anti-ageing eye cream too! I also like the Missha Time Revolution Eye Creams.

step9: MOISTURISER / SLEEPING PACK

It’s pretty obvious what this step does. Moisturising is important, even if your skin is oily. Korean brands have come up with very lightweight gel moisturisers like the Thank You Farmer True Water Light Gel Cream that are great for those with oily and combination skin types as they seep in quickly but provide enough hydration to keep your skin healthy. Moisturisers help seal in all that good stuff that you’ve just put on yo’ face.

‘Sleeping Beauty’ is a big category in Korea too. Instead of using a regular moisturiser, why not use those 7 hours of Z’s by treating your skin to a deeply hydrating treatment? Enter the sleeping pack! These were a game changer for me and a lot of other people – you will wake up the next morning with glowing and hydrated skin.

My favourite sleeping masks are the Cosrx Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Sleeping Mask and the Too Cool for School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack.

step10: SUNCREAM

I never really gave sun protection much thought, which to be fair, was pretty easy to do when you live in a country like England. However, including a SPF in to your daily skincare routine is a must; even if it’s not sunny! Korea has produced some wonderfully fresh scented, light weight formulas for suncream which I adore. Using a SPF everyday has helped even out my skin tone and no doubt will help reduce the number of wrinkles I will get later in life. Since living in Korea, I am definitely more conscious about using SPF on my face now on a daily basis.

My favourite suncreams are the Thank You Farmer and Missha Sun Milk ranges.

A FINAL NOTE ON THE KOREAN 10 STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE …

I now look forward to coming home, unwinding and commencing my evening skincare ritual. It doesn’t need to be looked at as a chore but rather a good investment and a way to relax. Yes, I may now spend 10 minutes a day on my skin instead of 3 minutes, but what’s 10 minutes of your day? Trust me, your skin will thank you for it!

Maree x

My old skincare regime in the UK usually just consisted of face wipes; lots and lots of face wipes. They were quick and easy so they were my skin saviour. I would come home after a hard days work and the thought of washing my face just seemed too darn much. I slept soundly in the smug knowledge that I wasn't one of those girls that didn't wash their face before bed. I was good, I cleansed, I used a face wipe for goodness sake.

But looking back my skin tone was uneven. I used to love the feeling of using a stringent alcohol based toner thinking that if I could feel the burn then it must be tightening up my pores and clearing my oily skin. The thought of oil cleansers repulsed me. They must make my oily skin even oilier, right? And if I had a spot, well, that was what concealer was for. It was make up over skincare. And SPF? Pfft, give me that tan! 

It wasn't until I lived in Seoul that my whole perception of skincare changed. It is safe to say that Korean women are skincare obsessed; they spend more per year on beauty products than any other nation. In Korea, the motto is 'skincare first, make up second' which was the completely opposite mantra to the one I was living. Time well spent is time treating your skin, not hiding it with copious amounts of make up. The idea that if you have glowing healthy skin, then you actually don't really need much make up to enhance your features. I slowly figured out that the Korean 10 Step Routine wasn't about incorporating as many products in to your routine as possible but just having the right products to cater for any eventuality. 

Slowly, my three products, become 5 products, my 5 products became 10 until I had a full cabinet of products to choose from depending on my skin’s condition that particular day. To me, that is what KBeauty is about – knowing your skin and treating it accordingly. It's about the small changes. I started double cleansing and using an SPF daily and I never looked back.

Maree x

Why Korea? Well, in Korea, women (who spend more on beauty products than any other nation), are obsessed with skincare and work hard to attain that ‘glow’. KBeauty is all about maintaining flawless, glowing skin, therefore, minimising the need for heavy make up. Whereas a matte look is popular in the West, in Korea it’s all about that coveted glow. Because well hydrated and nourished skin = healthy skin! Plus, you will look younger and radiant as a result! #win

Given this nationwide dedication to skincare and beauty, the industry in South Korea is highly competitive; meaning companies strive to discover the next ‘it’ ingredient (snail extract anyone?) They invest huge amounts in research and development whilst keeping prices competitive for the consumer. Such is the popularity and faith in KBeauty that experts estimate Korean skincare innovation to be 12 years ahead of their American and French counterparts.

‘But I don’t know anything about Korean skincare’, you may say. But you’d be wrong! BB Creams? Cushion Foundations? Sheet masks? All Korean inventions. Ever evolving, the West is now looking to the East for all the latest trends and products. So why not join us at Beauty & Seoul and stay one step ahead of the curve?

Maree x