They say all things must come to an end, and alas, we have reached the end of our Black Girl Guide Guide to K-Beauty. In part 1, we introduced you to the core aesthetics and philosophies of K-Beauty, specifically dispelling any myths that K-Beauty products don’t work for Black womxn. In part 2, we laid out the infamous full 10-step routine complete with details about what each step does and product recommendations. In part 3, we’re breaking down the K-Beauty terms to look out for and what exactly they mean. We know that K-Beauty terms can be a bit confusing and daunting, so think of this final part as a comprehensive encyclopedia filled with some key buzzwords that’ll catch you up to speed! Let’s begin..
Double Cleanse
Credit: theprettyhonest.com
This is essentially a two-step cleansing routine that involves an oil-based cleanser first and a water-based cleanser that follows. This is done to ensure all impurities, whether water-based or oil-based, are broken down and washed away. It’s an effective method that doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry and tight. So put down your cleansing wipes and get your double cleanse on!
Snail Mucin or Snail Secretion Filtrate?!
Credit: Soko Glam
Now, this may sound slimy and gross but it’s pretty much a K-Beauty goldmine. Naturally packed with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides and glycoprotein enzymes this product is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory hydrating powerhouse. Great for all skin types, it’s a great addition to your skincare routine. Don’t worry, it is filtered so only the best bits are used and no snails are harmed in the process!
Glass Skin
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Glass skin is the ultimate goal for most womxn in K-Beauty. Its name refers to the idea of dewy, poreless and glowing skin. Though having pores is completely natural and should be celebrated more, glass skin focuses on that luminous radiance that can be seen when light hits glass from an angle.
Chok-Chok
Credit: Tonymoly.us
This cute term is actually an onomatopoeia that describes bouncy, healthy plump skin. It mimics the sound of pressing into your finger into your cheeks. Korean’s aim is to achieve healthy radiant skin, so more and more products are having a ‘chok-chok’ written on the bottle.
7-Layer Method
This viral method caught traction online shortly after the 10-step routine transformed peoples skincare routines. The idea is to apply three-to-seven layers of toner, essence or ampoule on top of one another to allow your skin to deeply absorb into the skin for a deeply hydrating experience. This is done so to replicate the level of treatment product you would receive when getting a facial. You would apply a thin layer, let it absorb and then follow up leaving your skin with that post-spa-glow!
“Whitening” and “Lightening”
Credit: Sephora
As Black womxn, this word is not new to us and the weight that it holds makes us hesitant to spend our money on products that associate with a term that has been so damaging to our community. However, when it comes to K-Beauty the term whitening and lightening is not what you think. This is a result of a mistranslation, as whitening or lightening means brightening to Koreans. Prior to the international spotlight on K-Beauty, many companies were unfortunately unaware of the mistranslation. The ingredients and their percentages are not formulated to bleach the skin tone and harm one’s skin but to gently fade dark marks and brighten one’s complexion. There is a progressive conversation going on and many brands are taking feedback and releasing products with new packaging and new names but there is still work to be done. However, you need not worry, your K-beauty products are safe to use. But for any product anywhere always check your ingredients and don’t be afraid to google a product before putting it on your skin. You would do the same with what you eat, wouldn’t you?
