By: Ariana Tao
Thanks to the “Korean wave”, Asian beauty has become the world’s latest beauty obsession. It seems like everyone and their mother is sheet masking and highlighting their aegyo sal, and for good reason (who doesn’t want that glowy, poreless skin and perfectly kissable cherry lips?). To a newbie, it can be intimidating and confusing to try to figure out where to start (snail mucin and bee propolis?? HUH??), so before you inevitably fall down the rabbit hole that is Asian beauty and find half your room taken over by cushion foundations and lip tints, check out this breakdown of the basics and everything you need to know to look debut-ready!
Beginner’s Guide to Asian Beauty
1. Mask up!
Kbeauty is all about hydration, so next time you’re having a spa day, treat yourself to a mask pack! All you need is 15-20min in exchange for the plumpest, dewiest skin of your life!
Pro tip: When you’re done, squeeze the mask, you’ll be surprised how much more serum comes out! There’s usually a lot left in the packaging as well, so get your money’s worth!
2. Eat your skincare
Skincare doesn’t just stop at toners and moisturizers, it also includes the food you eat! Doctors from Baylor College of Medicine have found that avoiding foods like white bread or rice can help acne. To take your results to the next level, fuel up on plenty of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, and watch your skin glow from the inside out!
Pro tip: Green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which can improve the appearance of your skin.
3. Skincare first, makeup second
The secret to great makeup is great skin. Never skip skin prep, it is key to achieving smooth, long-wearing makeup. Make sure to remove all makeup at the end of the day, preferably with a cleansing balm and oil.
Pro tip: If you tend to rush in the mornings, check out skincare-infused makeup and achieve the same look in less time.
4. Break up with tanning
Trade in your tanning oil for sunscreen! As much as you may love a sun-kissed look, it’s not worth the risk of premature aging and worse, skin cancer. Sunscreen is not just for beach days, but every day, rain or shine. A lot of people struggle to apply sunscreen consistently because of the greasy finish, so if this is what’s keeping you from protecting your skin, try out a Korean or Japanese sunscreen! They are airy, lightweight, and sit beautifully under makeup, without that traditional “sunscreen feel”.
Pro tip: Look for SPF 30+ to get full benefits!
6. Embrace your natural look
No one has mastered the no-makeup makeup look like Asian beauty enthusiasts. Use makeup to enhance your features rather than cover or change them. For a natural everyday look, focus on brightening your skin for that healthy glow, light eyeliner, well-groomed eyebrows, and hydrated lips with a hint of color!
Pro tip: Instead of a traditional eyeliner wing, try straight or “puppy” (downward) liner to bring out your eyes while keeping it subtle.
7. Cute is the new sexy
Fellow baby-faced baddies: this is our time to shine. Youth and cuteness are celebrated in Asian beauty and seen as the pinnacle of beauty. Enhance your natural cuteness with aygeo sal (“cute eye bags”), under-eye glitter, and bright blush. If you’re feeling fancy, apply some glitter eyeshadow on your eyelid, inner corner, and/or under your eye for an ethereal look.
Pro tip: Try placing your blush right under your eyes and on the tip of your nose for an innocent, doll-like look!