K-Wave Hits Beauty
Don’t know your Innisfree from your Sulwhasoo? Never fear, Talk is here to give you the lowdown on the best Korean beauty products.
From Gangnam Style to BB Cream, Korea has been at the epicentre of many recent trends. The influence of K-Pop culture in China, because of its proximity, is even more pervasive than it is in the rest of the world. The realm of skincare and cosmetics, in particular, has seen a recent surge in interest from the Middle Kingdom.
Compared to many Western beauty brands, Korean brands are their equal in technological advancements, as well as more affordable. They also have a better reputation than domestically produced cosmetic brands, which often use lower quality ingredients or are tainted by safety scandals.
Many Chinese people also believe Korean products are specifically formulated to suit Asian skin types, though the áreas of efficacy often promised by Korean products – intense moisture, even skin tone, whitening (read: sun protection) and ingredients sourced from nature – can benefit all skin types.
Particularly for those on a budget, Korean brands offer great value, though brands and products run the spectrum
from entry level price points, right up to the luxury strata.
Mamonde BB Cream
This “beauty balm” is supremely popular in China, and it’s not hard to see why. Mamonde’s Total Solution Mineral Moisture BB Cream (with SPF 30 PA+, thanks very much) is so light and nourishing for your skin you don’t even have to remove it to sleep if you don’t want to.
The formulation is surprisingly non-greasy (given the level of moisture), but it’s very thin and covers nothing in terms of imperfections. Its effect is brightening rather than concealing or covering the skin. Unfortunately, it only comes in one shade, so those with darker skin tones won’t find it an appropriate BB choice.
Price: RMB 165 for 40ml.
Mamonde is also available at Shanghai Parkson, as well as Yaxin Life Square, 401 Changshou Lu, near Changde Lu. Web: www.mamonde.com.cn
Sulwhasoo Serum
For those who wish to take skincare beyond the three step basics, your fourth step is a serum. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is a good choice for most skin types. It’s a little hydrating, but not too much as its ingredients – drawn from Korean traditional herbal medicine – are more focused on skin regulation leading to a more radiant face with continued usage.
A Sulwhasoo consultant warned us that some people suffer breakouts when they first start using this product because their skin is unfamiliar with the herbal ingredients. She assured us, though, that all should be settled within a fortnight, and visible results will be revealed within a month.
Sulwhasoo is marketed as a premium brand, so it’s not cheap, though it is competitive with similar products from Western brands, such as Lancôme and Japanese brand, Shiseido.
Price: RMB 500 for 60ml. Sulwhasoo counters can be found at high-end malls and department stores around town, including Shanghai Parkson, 918 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu.
Tel: 6467 7006. Web: www.sulwhasoo.com
Innisfree Face Masks
The “It’s Real” line of facemask sheets from Innisfree includes a few of our favourite things – delicious scents and intense moisture – for a very affordable price. Apply the sheet evenly to your face and leave it for ten to 20 minutes a couple of times per week for softer, more dewy-looking skin.
The highlights of this range are the amazing scents – from acai berry, which brightens the skin, to avocado, an intense moisturiser, and kiwi fruit, which lessens dullness, plus many more (we are on a mission to try them all).
Price: RMB 8 each or RMB 40 per pack of six. Flagship store: 139 Wujiang Lu, near Shimen Yi Lu.
Web: www.innisfree.cn
