So much more than just trendy, K-beauty has become the most influential segment in the beauty industry. Monopolizing on the successful sheet mask concept, many brands are now launching their own versions of Korean inspired formulas such as essences or sleeping packs. At the same time, the original imports are arriving stateside via curated online shops, making what used to be unusual, more attainable.
Fascinated by the innovative delivery systems, ingredient blends, and creative packaging, I have been exploring Korean skincare by taking chances on Amazon over the last few years. Most recently, ‘The Little Book of Skin Care’ landed in my hands and honestly, there is no better decoding tool to K-beauty that this witty and informative read. Lucky to lunch with Charlotte Cho, the book’s author and co-founder of Soko Glam in New York last month, I learned firsthand about some pretty clever steps and products, that are now new constants in my routine.
Treat yourself to a copy of ‘The Little Book of Skin Care’ first. Whether you’re a K-beauty enthusiast or have been curious about it for the longest time, Charlotte’s writing style is so conversational, the knowledge she shares feels like a catch up session with a friend. You’ll see a lot of yourself in her. Reading about her pre-Soko Glam days and the $80 toner splurge because obviously it just had to do something, took me back to my early twenties when I chain smoked and used the La Mer Face Mist thinking it was counterbalancing the damage I was causing. Through stories, interviews, relatable anecdotes and a-ha moments, you will realize that even if you are happy with your skin, there is always room for improvement.
Without divulging its entire table of contents, ‘The Little Book of Skin Care’ will help you understand the sheet mask phenomenon – how to prep your face and what to follow with to maximize the benefits. No, the ten step routine is not a myth and you should definitely get into double cleansing. However, there is no way you will need to perform all the steps daily. The SPF chapter will help you figure out what the PA and + signs mean when it comes to reading labels and which active ingredients protect against which rays. Finally, if you’re planning a trip to Korea, Charlotte shares her personal picks for the best places to shop, eat, and spa.
Guilty as charged, my initial outlook on Korean skincare would be described as ‘feel good’ beauty. Turns out there is much more to the cute packaging, alluring scents, and lovely textures. Actually, not only are most formulas driven by pore shrinking, glow inducing and damage fighting natural compounds, K-beauty goes beyond the familiar Alpha and Beta Hydroxies or Vitamin C. Equal parts exotic and odd, snail mucin is one of the most popular ingredients used in Korean skincare. The blend is rich in Hyaluronic Acid, glycoprotein, enzymes and copper peptides and delivers remarkable firmness and brightness. P.S. no snails are harmed in the process.
Visit sokoglam.com often as Charlotte’s curated selection highlights the latest and most effective innovations. K-beauty is not about brand loyalty as much as it is about improving and evolving with new trends. My current favorites are: Neogen Cereal Real Fresh Foam Cleanser ($19), Son & Park Beauty Water ($30), Missha First Treatment Essence Mist ($35), Benton Aloe BHA Toner ($17) and RE:P Nutrinature Ultra All-Night Moisture and Relief Mask ($41). Find ‘The Little Book of Skin Care’ on amazon.com
