No can deny that Korean women nail the subtle art of natural, no-makeup look every single time! Though it isn’t easy to achieve that crystal clear Korean skin, Beauty Insider has gathered all the top Korean beauty hacks that Korean women swear by. Now, because unlike others, Korean beauty, in general, isn’t just about the products you use as it lies more towards how to eat, wash, and care for your skin. It’s just part of Korean beauty culture, where products aren’t at the core, instead, it is the skin-preserving methods and techniques that matter. 

Now, back to the most asked question about Korean skin, how do you achieve this effortless glow? Well, as we said earlier the answer lies in how they take care of their skin. According to many famous Korean makeup artists, singers and actors, they don’t use expensive makeup or skincare products instead it is all about how you prep your skin and how you apply the makeup products you already have.

So, to help you achieve that same Korean glow that you envy, below are the 13 Korean beauty hacks that can help you achieve radiant, dewy, and fresh as a daisy skin! 


1. Keep Your Skin Moisturised Like It’s A Religion

Hydration is the heart of Korean skincare and beauty. You need to hydrate even if you have oily skin, or even if it’s such a hot and sticky day! In fact, in a hot tropical country like Singapore, you should moisturise in the morning and at night. Moisturisers (not highlighters) are the secret to that natural Korean glow. Apply several layers of moisturiser until your skin feels supple and soft.   

This Guide Will Help You Find The Right Korean Moisturiser For Your Skin Type!

2. Mist Your Face Between Each Makeup Layer

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Here is one of those strange but highly effective Korean beauty hacks, misting face between each layer. Instead of blending makeup in one after the other, Koreans usually mist their face between each step. So, it’s BB cream or cushion foundation… Mist… Concealer… Mist again… Blush… Yup, mist again. That’s a lot of mist, but the fact is that those very sheer layers of moisture can help ensure each cream product blends in beautifully and naturally. And you get a very real dewy glow from fully hydrated skin.

Face Mists in Singapore To Hydrate And Protect Your Skin

3. May Sheet Masks Be Your Best Friend

Sheet masks are a major skincare essential if you are tryna get the Korean glowy skin. Almost every skincare store in Seoul sells them in bulk and they are available for all skin types. Many Korean models and actresses also swear by these hydrating wonders in a bag and they use them as often as they can to moisturize and brighten their skin. The good news is that there are plenty of skin-loving Korean sheet masks sold in Singapore.  

Here are the Best Korean Sheet Masks Handpicked by Top K-Beauty Experts. 

4. Contour Just One Facial Feature

One of the most basic Korean beauty hacks is less is more, when it comes to contouring. Overcontouring is a big no-no in K-beauty. Instead just pick one facial feature you want to define. Is it the cheeks, the eyes, the mouth or the jawline? If you’re going to bring out your contouring stick to give the sharp V face and cheeks then keep your eyes and mouth very soft and neutral. If you want a two-toned lip, then go easy on your blush and define eyes with a very natural brow pencil and two coats of mascara.

5. Make Sure to Use an Overnight Sleeping Mask

Overnight sleeping masks are a must in Korean beauty hacks list! We can bet all of your favourite K-pop stars include overnight sleeping masks in their night skincare regime. Overnight masks are extremely easy to use and they are super effective. All you gotta do is  throw them on before bed, sleep and wake up with radiant skin in the morning. Especially in hot countries like Singapore, it is essential to hydrate your skin. 

If you are looking for a Korean approved overnight sleeping mask, try the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask. Packed with skin-soothing ingredients, this mask can provide intensive nourishment during the night when the skin weakens due to moisture and oil loss.

6. Pick a Bright Blush and Go Thick With It!

Well, yes we did Korean beauty is all about less is more. That is true in all cases except when it comes to applying blush. While, Western makeup usually defines eyes or the mouth (think smoky eyeshadow or a very bright lip) but Korean makeup often focuses on the cheeks. If you notice most Korean artists, even the males have bright pinkish cheeks. They often go for bright blush  on the cheeks as it gives a very youthful flush. Try going pink with the cheeks and we bet you will be looking 5 years younger!

Our go-to bright pink blush is the Nars Orgasm Liquid Blush. Available in five different shades, the iconic blush can deliver the perfect amount of long-lasting color for sheer to high-impact looks.

7. Add Ginseng to Your Food, Drink and Skin!

Known as the king of all herb, Ginseng is most probably one of the best kept Korean beauty hacks. Loaded with anti-ageing and hydrating properties, ginseng has been used in Korean skin care for centuries. Koreans swear by the ancient root as it is also deeply integrated into local cuisine and tea culture. Try having Ginseng tea once a week as it can detox your body and flush out all the toxics. Also, add it to your diet as it contains a lot of antioxidants. 

If you are looking to incorporate ginseng into your skincare routine, try the Sulwhasoo Ginseng line and you will then understand why the Koreans love Ginseng so much!

8. Don’t Over Arch Your Eyebrows

If you are faan of Korean dramas, you will notice the actresses have very natural, almost undone eyebrows. This is because Koreans love natural brows that are just brushed up and defined with soft pencil strokes or a bit of powder. So, if you are tryna pull off the Korean glam try not to  over exaggerate your arch or stencil it into shape. Just go for a natural lift, or clean it up or shape it to flatter your face shape. Many Koreans prefer the straight brow, and pick a light brown powder so it doesn’t overwhelm the entire face.

9. Always Double Cleanse Your Face

Okay, this is one of those common Korean beauty hacks that you’ve most heard from many but we can’t help but repeat because double cleansing makes a huge difference! Cleansing your face is the most important step of every skincare routine. And Koreans always double cleanse as it can completely get rid of all the junk that blocks our pores. The first step in Korean cleansing routine is to use an oil-based cleanser to get rid of all the makeup. Then, wash your face again with a foam or soap to deeply clean your pores and remove any residue.

Here are the Best Face Washes in Singapore that Can Thoroughly Cleanse Your Skin Without Drying it Out!

10. Rinse Off Your Face With Rice Water

This is one of the old school Korea beauty hacks, that even till today many are incorporating in their daily lives – no matter what rank they had in society. Rice water can minimize your pores and tighten skin. It also works like magic to give you radiant and supple skin. Plus, it can also be used to treat acne as it has the ability to heal the skin and help control the outbreak. Now the next time you wash your rice, don’t drain away the water. Save it for your face later!

11. Dab and Blend Lipstick with Your Fingers

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Koreans are known for their plump lips and that’s thanks to this cool makeup trick. Just apply your lipstick to the center of your lips and brush it outward so it is blurred at the edges. By doing this, your lips will look naturally plumper and you don’t have to fuss over lip liner or meticulously blending colours into a gradient lip. This makeup look works really well with highly pigmented lipsticks or lip tints. For more intense colours, you can try applying it on your finger and dabbing it into your lip.

12. Apply All Your Beauty Products in Circular Motion

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Another one of those ‘say what’ Korean beauty hacks but trust us, it seriously works!!! Instead of just swiping all your skincare and makeup products try applying them in circular motion. It’s known that circulation is a great way to keep skin healthy which explains why Koreans like to apply their products with circular motions and light massages. This can also lighten up your skin and improve the blood circulation. 

13. Layer Your Toner Up To 7 Times

When it comes to Korean beauty, hydration is key! Therefore, a big trend that has been surging is to layer your toner for the ultimate skin moisturization. It is optimal to do 7 layers but going for 4-5 layers is acceptable as well. Can you imagine how fast you’ll go through your toner?

24 Best Toners for Combination Skin: Fight Redness, Ageing, and More

14. Learn Facial Massage Techniques

Many assume that to achieve beautiful skin is all in the products you use but Koreans have a beauty secret up their sleeves. They are taught to practice facial massages that promotes lifting and toning. There are a few benefits to gain from doing these massages such as depuffing, promoting blood circulation and firming your skin too!

15. Skip the Towel and Let Your Skin Air Dry

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Last but not least in our top Korean beauty hacks list is to skip your towel. You might be surprised, but our towel is filled with many bacteria and dirt. Even after washing and drying them, these bacterias can still be there. Plus, the harsh chemicals in detergents that you washed your towel with can also harm our skin. That’s why Korean like to simply air dry their faces after cleansing. Also, make sure your skin is completely dry before applying all your skincare products. Try this hack and we bet you’ll feel the difference.