I hate that my sister's skin looks so good.
Here's every K-Beauty product she uses to look younger than me. B*tch.
Out of the two of us, my sister Joey is the one who should have a newsletter.
She obsessively curates lists of fashion, beauty, books and food.
She’s easily the most stylish person I know.
She’s the best cook I’ve ever met. (Have you seen her Hot Cross Bun Recipe?!)
And she looks 20 years younger than she is. Which, as her younger sister is…annoying.
If you’ve watched or read everything I wear on my face you’ll know I have no business having good skin. While Joey researches products, understands the ingredients and will actually try the products - I am a sceptic and who thinks we’re just getting marketed to. I don’t want to spend my money on gimmicks, so instead I use random beauty products I find in my bathroom.
So, if you’re going to listen to someone talk beauty and skincare, Joey is your girl.
Luckily for us she is also one of the most generous people I know and she’s written a comprehensive list (3000+ words!) of tried and true Asian and K-Beauty products (64 total!). It’s her chosen style of skincare for their elite formulations at an affordable price.
You will finish this newsletter knowing exactly what product to use when, what it will do, and where to buy it.
Oh, and there’s not one product over $50. Most are well below even that.
A little background on Flo (family nickname for her) - she hasn’t always had flawless skin. A few years ago she had some pretty gnarly breakouts (sorry sis) but she’s done the work (and research) to come out the other side with stunning skin and an envious sister (me!).
So let’s hear from the gal with glowing skin - my big sister Joey!
Take it away Flo…
One night, while I was checking out a K-drama for the very first time (True Beauty on Netflix) I slipped and fell down a K-beauty rabbit hole. While I’d heard mention of Asian beauty regimes previously via stores, magazines and marketing – having just hurt my skin and purse trying to follow the western way of things (with vitamin c and retinol) – I decided that I needed something different and that what works for a continent of roughly 4 billion people with some of the most exacting beauty standards globally, could be worth exploring. So, I dove in and incrementally began testing out various Korean and Asian beauty products and brands to see what was worth my time and money.
18 months later, I am now a permanent habitue of this wonderland - free from Mecca and the thievery of Western beauty brands. Even if I was filthy rich and won the lottery, I would still choose to use these products instead of many of my old western favourites. That’s the standard I judge a product by. (I’d just maybe spend a little of my new fortune on a few supplementary specialist treatments and lasers to help out the old lady that’s started looking back at me in the mirror…)
Personally, I love that Asian/Korean skincare focuses on prevention and taking long term care of what you have, rather than the western premise of trying to fix skin problems. The fact that they favour natural ingredients over actives is a big win for me. Instead of seeing ingredients like ‘Vitamin C’ or ‘Retinol/Retinal’ on product labels, you’ll commonly find heartleaf (hottunya cordata), galactomyces, centella Asiatic (cica), ceramide, ginseng, rice water, mugwort, soybean, propolis, snail mucin, various probiotics and fermented ingredients as well as the well known hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These do the same thing of hydrating, brightening, revitalising, calming or protecting your skin barrier but provide a gentler approach. And lastly, smugly, what’s not to like about getting quality for a fraction of the cost.
This list won’t be for everyone. The approach I like for my skin you might hate or cannot be arsed with. Which is fair enough. That’s kind of the whole point (of K-skincare and beauty) – work with your skin/face needs. But if you’re curious and don’t know where to start, here’s some things I’ve tried, liked and still use to this day. You may too.
Where to buy – Australian based stores:
Online:
The cheapest prices I’ve found in Australia. Free and quick shipping on orders over $49 Australia wide and reliable service.
On par with Lila Beauty in terms of price, range and service (free shipping on orders over $50). I shop here when I can’t get what I want from Lila Beauty.
In-store:
I shop here when I can’t get a product online or I want to test out the products before I buy. There’s 2 stores in Adelaide (bottom of the Myer building and also on Gouger Street opposite the Central Market redevelopment site) plus multiple stores in QLD, NSW, VIC and one in WA.
You can also shop W Cosmetics online but the prices are typically more expensive than at Lila Beauty or Nudie Glow.
Other: you can now also pick up a select range of K-beauty products at major retailers like Adore Beauty and Mecca which stock some the bigger or better known brands (like Beauty of Joseon, Cosrx, Laneige, Some By Mi, Sulwhasoo, Hada Labo, I’m From, Klairs, Innisfree, Banila Co).
Skin stuff
The products I use or have tried reflect my preferences and skin type – which is super sensitive. I cannot tolerate, and therefore do not use, any actives (like vitamin C or Retinol)…and honestly, I’d rather ingest my vitamins so they can help my skin inside out. I also avoid things that irritate my skin – like products with heavy fragrances and alcohol. While I’ve tested some Asian beauty products with these ingredients, you won’t find many in the list below because I don’t like them or find I need them.
I prefer hydration and products that are calming, hydrating and build up your skin barrier. I go in for lots of light layers (morning and night) with a gentle exfoliation maybe once a week. I use the layering as a chance to give my face a good massage too. Anything more than this and my skin gets angry and rebels.
The suggestions below reflect this. I’ve tried A LOT of products but these are the ones I am currently using, have repeat purchased or will return to. I hope you can find something that works for you too.