Discover the Magic of Korean Skincare

Korean skincare products are taking over social media. A huge beauty community has formed on TikTok. Influencers show their sacred routines, their techniques, and their favorite products. Though many are not dermatologists or estheticians, they give advice and recommend what to use to treat different skin conditions. Although skincare is a universal ritual, Korea has managed to stand out from every other nation. Koreans are known for having very beautiful and plumped skin that ages at a much slower rate than Europeans or Americans. Their seemingly wrinkle and acne immune skin has created intrigue across social media, and everyone is begging to know their secrets.

At the beginning of March, the first store 100% dedicated to and specialized in Korean skincare opened its doors in Paris. After hearing so much about the phenomenon of Korean skincare, I decided to try it out for myself. So, I fell victim to this internet craze and allowed myself to be guided by TikTok, which led me to this brand new specialty store: La Bulle and Co.

Bloggers and influencers have gained popularity as they reveal their beauty rituals, sometimes consisting of more than 15 steps. The structure of their routines is formulated by layering dozens of different products in hopes of achieving their holy grail: glass skin. Although it comes from an ancestral Korean skincare tradition, its influences have nevertheless been able to transcend national boundaries. Women worldwide long to have a complexion as radiant as Korean women. The secret to achieving glass skin has been unlocked thanks to social media, and the answer is simple: layering numerous skincare products that each provide the skin with everything it needs. Some skin types have acne problems and must treat their combination to oily skin and regulate their sebum production using peelings and exfoliants. Irritated, sensitive, and dry skin types should be deeply moisturized with very rich creams. More mature skin concerned about wrinkles should also hydrate and treat their skin with regenerating products such as retinol.

Professionals assure that retinol is the most potent youth ingredient on the market today. It is the only active ingredient that is indeed proven to be anti-aging. This vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production and cell renewal. In the end, the result should be the same s: the kin is nourished, plumped, and glowy. If your skin burns, feels tight or has other abnormal reactions at the end of your skincare, check the concentration level of your active products; certain products should not be mixed on the same evening. You should start with low levels and use the products only once to twice a week at the beginning in order to get your skin used to it. You will be able to gradually increase the products' concentration rate and frequency of use.

Image Credit: Kiara Carrière

Here are the five essential steps to glass skin, according to Vogue:

1. Double Cleansing

Glass skin first requires deeply purified skin, and the benefits of each product applied are subsequently multiplied. To do this, start by removing makeup from your skin with a cleansing oil or balm, which are more respectful of the balance of the epidermis. Then proceed with a second gentle cleansing, this time to rid your face of all the impurities accumulated during the day while simultaneously moisturizing it.

2. Exfoliation

After cleansing, it's time for exfoliation. The purpose is to eliminate dead skin, refine skin texture, and boost cell regeneration. Forget grainy exfoliants or those that require mechanical action; these products attack and destroy the skin barrier. Instead, prioritize a peeling, which is gentler and respectful of sensitive skin.

3. Tonic Water

Once the skin has been thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated, it must be prepared to receive all the care provided by the glass skin routine. Tonic water is, therefore, ideal for subtly waking up the skin. Apply a thin treatment layer to clarify, plump, hydrate, and balance. There are countless variations of tonic waters, so choose the one that best meets your skin needs.

4. Moisturizing Serum

The immaculate effect of glass skin can only be achieved by hydrated skin at all levels. Bet on a serum with a concentrated formula for visible effects in minimal time. Regarding the key active ingredient, it's up to you to choose: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides all have beneficial properties for hydrating the skin. I recommend opting for a serum that combines several of these ingredients.

5. Moisturizing Cream and Sun Protection

Moisturizer! This step is essential and should never be neglected. It nourishes your skin throughout the day and helps you obtain a visible glass skin effect. After applying the day cream, use an SPF 50 sunscreen to protect your epidermis from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, which cause fine lines and signs of aging. Once these steps are completed, a shine and "glass" finish are almost guaranteed!

There are a few products that have been proven to have bad reaction when mixed, so be careful not to mix these products: Retinol, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and AHA/BHA/PHA. 

Following the international demand for Korean skincare, it wasn't long before Amazon began capitalizing. Given the scale and success that Korean skincare has obtained, the internet market has taken over the phenomenon. Many websites have started to sell the famous sacred products, which have subsequently resulted in worldwide shortages. This led to counterfeit products that appeared in the same packaging and bottle; everything was copied except the product itself. Amazon does not require seller verification, so a multitude of counterfeits have been found on their site that have reportedly caused allergic reactions and burns.

This is why La Bulle and Co. was created. The concept shop specializes in Korean skincare and is located in the Marais at 25 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris. The company's creators are both present on-site to advise you on how to best treat your skin problems and goals. Their products are fully authentic, directly imported from Korea, and reasonably priced. Many resellers of Korean products boost the prices of products due to their rarity.

Image Credit: Kiara Carrière

The shop also offers bubble tea prepared on-site with innovative recipes. They offer different ranges, from comforting to refreshing, with prices ranging from 5 to 6.50 euros, and dairy-free milk options are also available!

My experience at the new store, La Bulle and Co., was awesome. It's a place where people can find authentic skincare items and get advice on how to use them, all in a friendly and informative atmosphere.