If you follow the latest in beauty trends, you’ve probably read lots about Korean beauty. Due to the country’s knowledgeable consumers, the culture’s interest in healthy, youthful looking skin, and high-tech formulas, American consumers are now clued into the genius of Korean skincare innovations. But, there’s a big wide world out there with some awesome stuff coming from every corner of it.
The best part is, thanks to growing demand, and well, the internet, it’s easier than ever to get our hands on these goodies—even without the $1K plane ticket.
Travel The World of Skin Care Without a Single Flight
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Travel The World of Skin Care Without a Single Flight #1
By Sara Spruch-Feiner
If you follow the latest in beauty trends, you’ve probably read lots about Korean beauty. Due to the country’s knowledgeable consumers, the culture’s interest in healthy, youthful looking skin and high-tech formulas, American consumers are now clued into the genius of Korean skincare innovations. But, there’s a big wide world out there with some awesome stuff coming from every corner of it.
The best part is, thanks to growing demand, and well, the internet, it’s easier than ever to get our hands on these goodies—even without the $1K plane ticket.
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South Korea
Belif, a mid-range Korean skincare brand that's now available at Sephora (!) takes a (relatively) pared back approach to the steps in your ritual. There are four: cleanse, tone, nourish (i.e. serum etc.), and moisturize. Masks etc. are considered “extra credit,” but we can bet that after a long night, you’ll be super proud if you remember to slap on this sleep-mask (Belif First Aid Anti-Hangover Soothing Mask, $38) filled with a mix of apothecary herbs -- primarily chamomile (not only for your tea) and xylitol.
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Ireland
Pestle & Mortar’s Pure Hyaluronic Serum, $69, is in fact the young Irish skincare line’s only product. But, it’s a hero indeed. You’ve likely heard of hyaluronic acid, the substance occurs naturally in our bodies from a young age, making our skin look young and plump, but, sadly, the older we get, the less we produce. This fragrance-free lightweight serum delivers HA to the skin in a lightweight form, which is also extra soothing thanks to aloe.
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England
I discovered REN during a year living in England, the brand’s home, and in fact, they made the very first serum I ever added to my routine, but luckily, it’s easily found stateside too. If you have yet to try a micellar water, try their Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water, $25, which also tones and removes makeup.
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Japan
DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil, $42, is one of the Japanese line’s signatures. The finest hand-picked organic olives are used for this glow-creating, hydrating, lightweight facial oil, which is purified in state-of-the-art Japanese labs. Olives are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, plus they neutralize the effects of free radicals. So it’s safe to say adding this natural ingredient to your skincare routine is a win-win.
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Hungary
Eminence Organic, an organic Hungarian skincare line, is massive, and each offering sounds more delectable than the next. Try the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, $42, a powder exfoliant, which activates when combined with water.
The rice powder base absorbs oil while lactic and salicylic acids remove dead skin cells and soften skin. Strawberry and rhubarb cleanse and tighten pores.
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France
Nuxe’s Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse, $45 is a cult favorite for French women (whose pharmacy faves we always trust). A blend of six precious plant oils: macadamia, hazelnut, borage, sweet almond, camellia, and St. John’s Wort, the oil can be applied to your face, hair, and body for a dose of restorative moisture.
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Australia
Grown Alchemist’s botanical-based line is based on a philosophy of results without harmful chemicals. And our pick, the geranium leaf, bergamot and rosebud-infused Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser, $40, is built on that very principle.
Chamomile, bergamot and willow bark work to visibly reduce pore size, while rose petals tone and soothe the skin.
