Background information
J-Beauty expert: «Skincare is taken very seriously in Japan»
by Natalie Hemengül
10 questions for K-beauty expert Lilin Yang
24.10.2022
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Skincare junkies swear by Korean products. Come to think of it, why is that? Expert Lilin Yang reveals what sets K-beauty apart from Western skincare lines – and what her personal secret recipe is for radiant skin.
Does the Korean beauty industry follow a different philosophy than the Western one?
I would say that it focuses more on preventing skin damage in the first place, rather than trying to mitigate or reverse it. This approach makes sense; for example, it’s much easier to protect yourself from the sun using the appropriate creams when you’re young, rather than getting rid of pigmentation spots as you get older.
What proportion of a product must be developed and manufactured in Korea to earn the K-beauty label? Are there requirements – similar to the «Swiss Made» label – that a manufacturer must fulfil?
There’s no official legal definition that governs when a product can be labelled Korean. But manufacturers are legally required to be truthful. So, if it says «made in Korea», you can trust that it is.
What feedback do you hear most often from people trying a Korean product for the first time?
We get great feedback every day on social media. What we typically hear is that people are thrilled with the light texture of sunscreens, or that their skin is already more radiant after just one week of double cleansing.
You published a book that’s been translated into four languages: «The Korean skincare bible: the ultimate guide to K-beauty secrets». What’s your personal secret to glowing, flawless skin?
Some say K-beauty is a lifestyle – one that encourages us to take 10 minutes a day, sometimes more, to relax and pamper ourselves. My personal recipe for beauty is making sure I go to bed early enough to get at least eight hours of sleep. And I never skip my skincare routine, not even when I’m very tired or travelling. Oh, and one more thing – I don’t smoke!
What is your personal K-beauty must-have?
I couldn’t stop at just one product. But I could never go without double cleansing, lots of sunscreen and plenty of moisturiser!
K-beauty is no-man’s-land for you and you’d like to give products from brands like Meisani a go? You’ll find a selection of Korean products you can test on-site at Beauty Lab by Galaxus & En Vogue on Kasernenstrasse 11 in Zurich!
In the short-form feature «10 Questions for ...» I interview interesting people about their expertise, their passion or their lifestyle. Different people, different topics.
Header photo: MiiN Cosmetics
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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