Beauty Secrets from the East: The Ultimate Guide to Asian Cosmetics (For Men & Women)

WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EUROPEAN COSMETICS
WHAT ABOUT ASIAN COSMETICS?

The main difference is in the formulations. There are combinations of active ingredients

which work excellently and are rarely found in European formulations. Furthermore, Korean cosmetics often contain high concentrations of natural enhancing ingredients, such as niacinamide or Asian plant extracts/oils, which have been used successfully in skin care for centuries. Plant ferments from rice, ginseng or various types of roots also play a very important role. Asian products are generally considered problem solvers. Almost every product meets the requirements to "treat" a specific problem. The spectrum is very, very broad: from impurities or loss of elasticity, to damaged skin barrier.

It is difficult to answer this question in general terms. It depends on your skin type and some other factors.

Basically, there are 4 products that were invented in Asia and have set global standards in the cosmetics industry: BB Creams, CC Creams, Sleeping Packs and Sheet Masks. CC Creams even out the complexion, noticeably improve the appearance of the skin within a month and provide an excellent base for make-up. Korean BB Creams are the perfect combination of makeup and attention to your health, particularly suitable for light skin. Sleep compresses have triggered a real revolution in night care. Sheet masks are appreciated for their high concentration of valuable active ingredients and very pleasant application.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BB CREAM AND A CC CREAM?

WHAT ARE LIQUIDS AND ESSENCES? HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM CLASSIC SERUMS?

A liquid or essence is a type of serum that is applied before the face cream. The difference compared to classic serums lies in the following two points:
The formulation: the liquids/essences are based almost exclusively on natural or plant-based active ingredients. This makes them extremely well tolerated by even the most sensitive skin. Furthermore, the concentration of active ingredients is very high, almost like a pure (vegetable) extract. As a result, the results are quick. That's why the products are so popular.
The consistency: the liquids/essences have a fluid and ultra-light texture. This type of texture allows for much more complete and better absorption by the skin. The product is literally "absorbed", as no ingredients are applied that create a gel-like or creamy consistency.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NIGHT MASK ("SLEEPING PACK") AND THE NORMAL NIGHT CARE?

While conventional masks are enriched with more oils, night masks provide pure hydration and are specially designed to unfold their full effect during the rest phase. Especially during the night, the skin loses a lot of water during the regeneration processes. This loss is compensated for by a night mask. Furthermore, moisturizers are not needed in the morning because the skin is still nourished and hydrated from the night. However, night masks do not replace regular night creams. They should be used as a supplement 2-3 times a week or after particularly agitated days.

DO "WHITENING" PRODUCTS REALLY WHITE THE FACE?

Whitening care is one of the main pillars of Asian cosmetics. The pursuit of pure, balanced, radiant skin and an even, fine-grained complexion is deeply linked to beauty ideals in Asia. However, it is a big mistake to think that cosmetic whitening treatments "whiten" the skin or only fight pigmentation disorders. Products with high-quality formulas contain natural active ingredients such as plant ferments, arbutin, niacinamide and pearl extract. In reality, they are a real panacea for all those who want to give their stressed and dull skin perfect all-round care to make it really shine.

No, it is not necessary to change the entire range of skin products, on the contrary! You just have to integrate the individual products into your existing ritual. The "10 Step Korean Skin Routine" or The 10 Step Korean Beauty Routine is currently a much discussed topic. It seems new and interesting. This type of skin care has to do with the nature of the skin, climatic conditions, the ideal of beauty and even superstition. In Europe, however, such a routine would be completely useless. Only products that make sense should be used. The question is not how many products to use, but which ones and why.

ASIAN COSMETICS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR SOMETIMES BIZARRE INGREDIENTS. WHICH ARE THE MOST UNUSUAL?

The most bizarre are certainly snail mucus extract and sheep placenta extract. But they work wonders if the concentration is high enough. There are also many interesting combinations of active ingredients that do not seem unusual, but work excellently and are rarely found in European formulations.

All these active ingredients are of animal origin. In our opinion, animal cruelty during mining cannot be ruled out. Unlike the production of animal-free cosmetics, for which manufacturers are obliged to provide evidence, the extraction of some ingredients is a gray area. It is a personal decision whether or not to use products with such active ingredients. We love animals and believe that nature offers enough plant treasures for our skin care. No animal should be tortured or die for human beauty. That's why we only offer products that meet these beliefs.

WHICH BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE CURRENTLY POPULAR IN ASIA?

The Asian cosmetics market is much faster and more diversified than the European one. It's hard to talk about "hype"; it is better to look at general trends. Cushion textures are very popular in the make-up industry and more and more products are being made in this form. It started with complexion products, but now there are also primers and blushes. In the skin care sector, even more importance is given to natural ingredients, concentrations are increasingly higher and questionable ingredients are completely avoided. Many manufacturers print outer packaging exclusively with soy ink.

Discover our natural products in the Self-care section, and start your journey towards perfect skin!