Unlocking the Secrets of Korean Celebrities: Their Favorite K-Beauty Products and Routines

Written by: Salil Gupte

March 21, 2024

Time to read 14 min

Unlocking the Secrets of Korean Celebrities: Their Favorite K-Beauty Products and Routines

Korean celebrities are renowned not only for their talent but also for their flawless, radiant skin. Ever wondered how they achieve such perfection? The answer lies in the world of K-Beauty – a treasure trove of skincare secrets that has captivated beauty enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog, we delve into the skincare routines of some of Korea's most beloved stars, revealing their favorite K-Beauty products and the steps they swear by for luminous skin.

1. Park Seo-joon: The King of Korean Skincare

Park Seo-joon, renowned for his impeccable skin, has shared insights into his favorite K-Beauty products that keep his complexion clear and radiant. Here are some of the skincare gems he swears by:

1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: This gentle gel cleanser is a staple in Park Seo-joon's skincare routine. Formulated with a low pH to prevent stripping the skin of its natural oils, it effectively removes impurities and excess sebum without causing irritation, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and balanced.

2. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner: Following cleansing, Park Seo-joon reaches for the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner to hydrate and prep his skin. Packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and various botanical extracts, this toner helps to restore moisture levels, soothe the skin, and enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products.

3. Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop: To brighten his complexion and combat dullness, Park Seo-joon incorporates the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop into his routine. This potent vitamin C serum contains 5% ascorbic acid to even out skin tone, fade hyperpigmentation, and promote a radiant glow while being gentle enough for daily use.

4. COSRX Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun SPF50+ PA++++: As a firm believer in sun protection, Park Seo-joon ensures he shields his skin from harmful UV rays with the COSRX Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun SPF50+ PA++++. This lightweight sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection while calming sensitive skin with its soothing green tea and centella asiatica extracts.

Here's a breakdown of Park Seo-joon's skincare regimen:

1. Morning Routine:

a. Cleansing: Park Seo-joon begins his day by cleansing his skin with a gentle yet effective cleanser. One of his favorite products is the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This cleanser has a low pH that helps maintain the skin's natural barrier while effectively removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities accumulated overnight.

b. Toning: After cleansing, Park Seo-joon applies a toner to hydrate and prep his skin for subsequent steps. He favors the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, which is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and various botanical extracts. This toner helps balance the skin's pH levels and enhances the absorption of skincare products that follow.

c. Treatment: To address specific skin concerns, Park Seo-joon incorporates targeted treatments into his morning routine. He may use products like the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop to brighten his complexion and fade hyperpigmentation. This vitamin C serum contains ascorbic acid to promote a more even skin tone and a radiant glow.

d. Moisturizing and Sun Protection: Hydration is key in Park Seo-joon's skincare routine, so he ensures to lock in moisture with a hydrating moisturizer. He then applies sunscreen as the final step to protect his skin from harmful UV rays. His preferred sunscreen is the COSRX Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun SPF50+ PA++++, which offers broad-spectrum protection while soothing and calming the skin with green tea and centella asiatica extracts.

2. Evening Routine:

Park Seo-joon's evening skincare routine focuses on cleansing away the day's impurities and replenishing moisture for overnight repair.

a. Double Cleansing: He starts with a double cleansing method to thoroughly remove sunscreen, makeup, and impurities. Park Seo-joon begins with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, ensuring his skin is clean without being stripped of essential moisture.

b. Hydration Boost: After cleansing, Park Seo-joon applies hydrating toners or essences to infuse his skin with moisture. He may opt for products like the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, known for its lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula.

c. Treatment and Repair: Park Seo-joon incorporates serums or ampoules into his evening routine to target specific skin concerns or provide intensive nourishment. He may choose products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or retinol for hydration, brightening, or anti-aging benefits.

d. Moisturizing and Overnight Mask: To seal in moisture and promote overnight repair, Park Seo-joon applies a nourishing moisturizer or sleeping mask. He may use products like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which provides intense hydration and leaves his skin plump and refreshed by morning.

Park Seo-joon's skincare routine exemplifies the importance of consistency, hydration, and protection for maintaining clear, healthy, and radiant skin. By following a similar regimen and incorporating suitable products, you can achieve a complexion that rivals that of the beloved Korean actor.

2. Song Hye-kyo: The Timeless Beauty

Song Hye-kyo, known for her timeless beauty and radiant skin, has revealed some of her favorite beauty products that contribute to her flawless complexion. Here's a glimpse into her skincare arsenal:

1. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum: This iconic serum holds a special place in Song Hye-kyo's skincare routine. Formulated with traditional Korean herbs, it enhances the skin's natural radiance and vitality while boosting the efficacy of subsequent skincare products. The Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum helps prepare the skin to receive maximum benefits from her other skincare steps.

2. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream: For deep hydration and nourishment, Song Hye-kyo turns to the Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream. This rich yet lightweight moisturizer replenishes the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it plump, supple, and radiant. Its unique formula locks in hydration for hours, providing long-lasting comfort and dewy glow.

3. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask: When her skin needs an extra boost of hydration and luminosity, Song Hye-kyo reaches for the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. Infused with SK-II's signature Pitera™ essence, this sheet mask deeply hydrates, brightens, and revitalizes the skin, giving it a radiant and youthful appearance. It's her go-to for achieving a red-carpet-worthy glow before special events.

4. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream: As a firm believer in the power of traditional Korean ingredients, Song Hye-kyo incorporates the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream into her skincare routine. Enriched with ginseng extract, this luxurious cream firms, smoothens, and brightens the skin, effectively combating signs of aging and fatigue. Its velvety texture melts into the skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and radiant.

Here's a comprehensive overview of Song Hye-kyo's skincare regimen:

1. Morning Routine:

a. Cleansing: Song Hye-kyo begins her day by cleansing her skin with a gentle yet effective cleanser to remove impurities accumulated overnight. She opts for a cleanser that doesn't strip away the skin's natural oils, such as a mild foam or gel-based cleanser.

b. Toning: After cleansing, Song Hye-kyo applies a hydrating toner to balance the skin's pH levels and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent skincare products. She prefers toners that are alcohol-free and packed with nourishing ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin.

c. Serum/Treatment: To address specific skin concerns or target signs of aging, Song Hye-kyo incorporates serums or treatment products into her morning routine. She may use a vitamin C serum to brighten the complexion, a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration, or an anti-aging serum containing ingredients like peptides or retinol.

d. Moisturizing: Hydration is key in Song Hye-kyo's skincare routine, so she ensures to lock in moisture with a nourishing moisturizer. She prefers lightweight yet hydrating formulas that leave her skin feeling plump and supple without any greasiness.

e. Sun Protection: Before stepping out, Song Hye-kyo applies a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect her skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. She opts for sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection and are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for daily use.

2. Evening Routine:

a. Double Cleansing: In the evening, Song Hye-kyo follows a double cleansing method to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. She starts with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and then follows up with a water-based cleanser to deep clean the pores.

b. Exfoliation (1-2 times a week): To promote cell turnover and maintain smooth, radiant skin, Song Hye-kyo exfoliates her skin 1-2 times a week. She may use a gentle chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.

c. Hydration Boost: After cleansing, Song Hye-kyo applies hydrating toners or essences to replenish moisture and prepare her skin for subsequent skincare products. She may use products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or botanical extracts to hydrate and soothe the skin.

d. Treatment and Repair: To address specific skin concerns or target signs of aging, Song Hye-kyo incorporates treatment products into her evening routine. She may use serums, ampoules, or night creams containing potent anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, or niacinamide.

e. Moisturizing: To seal in moisture and provide overnight hydration, Song Hye-kyo applies a rich, nourishing moisturizer or sleeping mask. She prefers products with emollient ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or shea butter to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

f. Eye Cream: Song Hye-kyo doesn't forget to apply an eye cream to the delicate skin around her eyes to hydrate, firm, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

g. Lip Care: To keep her lips soft and hydrated, Song Hye-kyo applies a nourishing lip balm or treatment before bedtime.

h. Occasional Treatments: Song Hye-kyo may incorporate occasional treatments into her skincare routine, such as sheet masks, overnight masks, or facial massages, to pamper her skin and address specific concerns like hydration, brightening, or firming.

Song Hye-kyo's skincare routine exemplifies the importance of consistency, hydration, and targeted treatments for maintaining a radiant and youthful complexion. By following a similar regimen and using suitable products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve skin that glows with health and vitality, just like Song Hye-kyo's.

3. IU: The Queen of Youthful Glow

IU, known for her youthful charm and radiant complexion, has shared some of her favorite beauty products that help her maintain her dewy glow. Here are the skincare essentials IU swears by:

1. Belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm: IU starts her skincare routine by thoroughly removing makeup and impurities with the Belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm. This gentle yet effective cleansing balm transforms into a lightweight oil upon application, melting away even waterproof makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Formulated with nourishing herbs, it leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and hydrated.

2. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: After cleansing, IU reaches for the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner to hydrate and rebalance her skin. This lightweight, gel-like toner is packed with nourishing ingredients like milk vetch root extract, which helps soothe and moisturize the skin without any sticky residue. It preps the skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products, leaving it soft, supple, and glowing.

3. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: IU swears by the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to give her skin an extra boost of hydration overnight. This cult-favorite sleeping mask is infused with hydro ionized mineral water and patented Sleepscent™ technology, which deeply moisturizes and revitalizes the skin while you sleep. IU wakes up to dewy, refreshed skin that feels plump and radiant.

4. Cremorlab O2 Couture Oxygenic Peeling Mask: For gentle exfoliation and brightening, IU incorporates the Cremorlab O2 Couture Oxygenic Peeling Mask into her skincare routine. This innovative mask contains tiny oxygen bubbles that gently lift away dead skin cells and impurities, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Formulated with botanical extracts and minerals, it leaves the complexion looking revitalized and luminous.

Here's an overview of IU's skincare regimen:

1. Morning Routine:

a. Cleansing: IU starts her day by cleansing her skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities accumulated overnight. She prefers a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip away the skin's natural oils.

b. Toning: After cleansing, IU applies a hydrating toner to balance the skin's pH levels and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent skincare products. She chooses toners that are alcohol-free and packed with hydrating ingredients to soothe and moisturize the skin.

c. Serum/Essence: IU incorporates a lightweight serum or essence into her morning routine to provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. She may use products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C to brighten the complexion and improve skin texture.

d. Moisturizing: IU ensures to lock in moisture with a lightweight yet hydrating moisturizer. She prefers formulas that are non-greasy and absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and nourished.

e. Sun Protection: Before stepping out, IU applies a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect her skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. She opts for sunscreens that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for daily use.

2. Evening Routine:

a. Double Cleansing: In the evening, IU follows a double cleansing method to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. She starts with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and then uses a water-based cleanser to deep clean the pores.

b. Exfoliation (1-2 times a week): To promote cell turnover and maintain smooth, radiant skin, IU exfoliates her skin 1-2 times a week. She may use a gentle chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.

c. Hydration Boost: After cleansing, IU applies hydrating toners or essences to replenish moisture and soothe the skin. She prefers lightweight, watery textures that absorb quickly into the skin and provide instant hydration.

d. Serum/Treatment: IU incorporates targeted treatment products into her evening routine to address specific skin concerns or target signs of aging. She may use serums, ampoules, or overnight masks containing ingredients like retinol, peptides, or botanical extracts.

e. Moisturizing: To seal in moisture and provide overnight hydration, IU applies a nourishing moisturizer or sleeping mask. She chooses formulas that are rich in emollients and humectants to prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier.

f. Lip Care: IU doesn't forget to apply a hydrating lip balm or treatment before bedtime to keep her lips soft and supple.

IU's skincare routine emphasizes the importance of hydration, gentle nourishment, and consistency for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By following a similar regimen and using suitable products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve a complexion that radiates youthfulness and vitality, just like IU's.

4. Lee Dong-wook: The Epitome of Elegance

Lee Dong-wook, known for his elegant appearance and glowing skin, has shared insights into some of his favorite beauty products that he incorporates into his skincare routine. Here are a few of Lee Dong-wook's beloved beauty essentials:

1. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam: Lee Dong-wook starts his skincare routine with the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam. This gentle foaming cleanser effectively removes impurities, excess oil, and debris from the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and plumps the skin, leaving it feeling clean, refreshed, and soft.

2. Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence: Lee Dong-wook swears by the Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence for its hydrating and repairing properties. This lightweight essence contains snail mucin and bee venom, which work together to nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin. It helps improve skin texture, fade hyperpigmentation, and promote a smoother, more youthful complexion.

3. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment: To calm and protect his skin, Lee Dong-wook incorporates the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment into his skincare routine. This innovative treatment contains centella asiatica extract, or "tiger grass," known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation, leaving the skin looking calm, balanced, and radiant.

4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: For soft, hydrated lips, Lee Dong-wook relies on the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. This overnight lip treatment is enriched with a blend of nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, which help moisturize, smooth, and plump the lips while you sleep. It provides long-lasting hydration and leaves the lips feeling supple and rejuvenated by morning.

Here's a breakdown of Lee Dong-wook's skincare regimen:

1. Morning Routine:

a. Cleansing: Lee Dong-wook starts his day by cleansing his skin with a gentle yet effective cleanser to remove any impurities accumulated overnight. He prefers a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip away the skin's natural oils.

b. Toning: After cleansing, Lee Dong-wook applies a hydrating toner to balance the skin's pH levels and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent skincare products. He chooses toners that are alcohol-free and packed with hydrating ingredients to soothe and moisturize the skin.

c. Serum/Essence: To provide an extra boost of hydration and address specific skin concerns, Lee Dong-wook incorporates a lightweight serum or essence into his morning routine. He may use products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C to brighten the complexion and improve skin texture.

d. Moisturizing: Hydration is key in Lee Dong-wook's skincare routine, so he ensures to lock in moisture with a lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer. He prefers formulas that are non-greasy and absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.

e. Sun Protection: Before stepping out, Lee Dong-wook applies a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect his skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. He opts for sunscreens that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for daily use.

2. Evening Routine:

a. Double Cleansing: In the evening, Lee Dong-wook follows a double cleansing method to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. He starts with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and then uses a water-based cleanser to deep clean the pores.

b. Exfoliation (1-2 times a week): To promote cell turnover and maintain smooth, radiant skin, Lee Dong-wook exfoliates his skin 1-2 times a week. He may use a gentle chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.

c. Hydration Boost: After cleansing, Lee Dong-wook applies hydrating toners or essences to replenish moisture and soothe the skin. He prefers lightweight, watery textures that absorb quickly into the skin and provide instant hydration.

d. Serum/Treatment: To address specific skin concerns or target signs of aging, Lee Dong-wook incorporates treatment products into his evening routine. He may use serums, ampoules, or night creams containing ingredients like retinol, peptides, or botanical extracts.

e. Moisturizing: To seal in moisture and provide overnight hydration, Lee Dong-wook applies a nourishing moisturizer or sleeping mask. He chooses formulas that are rich in emollients and humectants to prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier.

f. Lip Care: Lee Dong-wook doesn't forget to apply a hydrating lip balm or treatment before bedtime to keep his lips soft and supple.

Lee Dong-wook's skincare routine exemplifies the importance of consistency, hydration, and protection for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By following a similar regimen and using suitable products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve a complexion that radiates vitality and youthful charm, just like Lee Dong-wook's.

Korean celebrities serve as inspiration for skincare enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of K-Beauty products and routines. Whether you're aiming for a luminous glow like Park Seo-joon or timeless beauty like Song Hye-kyo, incorporating K-Beauty essentials into your skincare regimen can help you unlock radiant, healthy skin. Embrace the journey to discovering your own skincare routine, tailored to your unique needs, and let K-Beauty be your guide to unlocking the secrets of luminous beauty.

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