Your Makeup Dictionary: Korean Cosmetics Part I

In the world on Korean cosmetics, companies have made like ten different products like just for your face and if you new to the world on Korean beauty, the names for these products can be confusing and you might not know the benefits of these products can do to your skin.  This post is dedicated to those lost souls who don’t know what the heck they’re buying.

Essence  This is an extremely common term when you’re getting into Korean cosmetic. Essentially, essence, like a serum, is jam-packed with ingredients beneficial to your skin. Essences are not as thick as serum, they have a water-liked texture to it. The packaging for essence is similar to toner, but the difference is essence is your first step in hydration in your skincare routine; toner is  an extra step in cleansing.  A popular recommendation would be the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

Oil Cleanser  Oil cleansers are extremely popular products in Asia.  In a skincare routine, oil cleansers, would be the first step.  Oil cleansers aren’t usually used like your typically cleansers.  People usually use oil cleansers as a way to remove makeup.  Personally, I find that oil cleansers are a more effective to remove makeup as it melts away your makeup in one go.  When choosing an oil cleanser, be careful.  Many oil cleanser can clog your pores and cause acne. TIP: go for a plant-based oil cleanser, as it’s your safest bet for not clogging your pores. I recommend the Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil.

Ampoule Ampoules fall under the same category as essence and serum, except, ampoules are even more concentrated than serum.  Think of ampoules like a super serum. Compare ampoules and serum to retinol and collagen.  Retinol is seen as a more concentrated version of collagen.  Same thing here with ampoules and serums.   Ampoules are still new in the cosmetic market, but whatever skin concerns you have, there will be an ampoule for it.  A popular recommendation would be the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II.

Cushion Foundation/BB/CC Cream  Cushions foundations have recently become a trend in the Western world.  To those who don’t, cushion foundations are compact foundations where in the inside of the compacts are a sponge fill with either foundation, BB cream, or CC cream.  Cushion compacts are made for touch ups. Cushion compacts can suits all different skin concerns and coverage.  I recommend the Etude House Precious Mineral Any Cushion for those just starting to get into cushion compacts or The Face Shop Oil Control Water Cushion which has a wider shade range.

To Be Continued in Part II…