Since the pandemic started, I’ve been getting more into skincare and K-beauty. I fell deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole and I don’t think I’m going to stop anytime soon! The feeling of discovering a new skincare product, building and modifying my skincare routine, and helping my friends create their own is totally satisfying. I also love exchanging tips and discussing all things K-beauty with fellow enthusiasts.
Imagine my delight when I discovered Beauty Bar, a podcast focusing on all things beauty. It's hosted by Joan Kim, a popular YouTube vlogger, and Stefanie Michova, a German model and TV personality. Both of them are based in South Korea and they invite other beauty influencers to join them in some of their podcast episodes. What's great about Beauty Bar is you can also watch their videos on Dive Studios' YouTube channel. So, when I'm quite busy with work, I can just listen on Spotify but when I want to really visualize what the hosts are discussing, I can watch the video version. Watching and listening to Joan, Stefanie, and their special guests is like having a sleepover with your girlfriends and sharing beauty tips and tricks with each other! They also answer questions that Beauty Bar listeners send and give advice at the end of each episode.
I have compiled some of my favorite K-beauty tips that I learned from Beauty Bar which have been truly helpful for my skin:
Double cleanse to help prevent maskne.
For those who struggle with maskne, cleansing is a crucial step. The mask can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria on our faces so at the end of the day, we need to make sure to remove all that. Double cleansing simply means using cleansing oil or a cleansing balm first to gently melt away all the makeup and grime on our faces. After applying, wet your fingers and lightly massage your face in circular motions to break down the impurities before washing it all off. The next step would be following up with a mild water-based cleanser that has a low pH as a second cleanser. Your face should feel soft and clean after without feeling too tight and stretched.
Check out more maskne prevention tips in this episode:
Eat a minimum of five portions of vegetables and fruits a day for healthier skin.
I know. I know. We’ve probably heard this tip a million times before. But admit it: This is one of the hardest things to do. I eat vegetables and fruits but admittedly, I don’t eat enough. Stefanie shares how instead of reaching for a bag of chips, she would chop up a bell pepper or boil potatoes as snacks. Joan, who loves pizza, has the most relatable reaction as she proclaimed her respect for Stefanie’s healthy eating habits. I wish I had that self-discipline, too! The hosts definitely drove home the point here. What you put in your stomach is as important as what you put on your face for healthy and glowing skin. Also, being more mindful of what you eat and observing your body’s reaction to a certain type of food will help you avoid those that break you out and give you allergies.
Watch the whole episode for more tips on a healthy diet for your skin here:
Start skincare early and make it a habit.
For this episode, Ashley Choi of K-pop girl group Ladies’ Code is the special guest. Both Joan and Stefanie were shocked when Ashley revealed that she started her basic skincare routine when she was in elementary school thanks to her mom. Because of this, she grew up thinking that a skincare routine is an essential part of her life. No wonder her skin looks perfect!
I wish I could turn back time so I could start taking care of my skin earlier, too. But since that’s not possible, the next best thing is to be consistent and make it a habit. At first, it might seem a little tedious especially when you’re too lazy and sleepy at night. But once you think of your skincare routine as self-care and pampering yourself, it becomes a form of relaxation, and it will naturally become a part of your day-to-day life.
Check out some of Joan, Stefanie, and Ashley’s skincare product recommendations in this episode, too:
If you have several steps in your skincare routine, use just the right amount for each product so your skin will absorb all the products easier.
If your skincare routine consists of six to 10 steps, this one’s for you! Due to popular demand, beauty vlogger, Edward Avila, is the special guest for this episode. He shares a practical tip for those with several steps in their routine: Use just a small amount of each product (may it be a toner, serum, ampoule, etc.) so your skin will be able to absorb all the products faster. I love this tip because sometimes I make the mistake of putting too much on my face so I have to wait for several minutes before I can apply the next product. Moderation is key!
Watch this fun episode where you’ll see Joan, Stefanie, and Edward do a whole skincare routine. Now it really feels like a sleepover!
Consult an expert and listen to your dermatologist.
One of the best skincare tips, especially for those with acne and other skin issues, is to actually consult a dermatologist because they are the experts who would know the best treatments and products for our skin. Some of us (me included) would make the mistake of experimenting on all sorts of over-the-counter or drugstore products first before thinking of going to one. This might be bad for your skin especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. You might end up damaging your skin barrier and exacerbating your acne. So best to trust the experts and consult with them while building your skincare routine!
Check out this episode where Joan shares her acne journey:
Whether you’ve just started building your skincare routine or you’re looking for more advanced beauty tips and product recommendations, Dive Studios’ Beauty Bar podcast is the perfect skincare and K-beauty guide for you. Can’t wait for the next episodes!
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