6 K-Beauty Trends to Try in 2021
Check out our 2021 K-Beauty trend forecast!
2020 was a year that changed us all, and for many of us, it also changed our approach to beauty! The year saw lots of trends come and go, while some stood the test of time. We predict 2021 will be another interesting year for beauty, particularly in the innovative space of K-Beauty. Today, we are giving you our 2021 K-Beauty trend forecast. Keep reading if you want to know more about the trends that could potentially define the beauty industry this year!
Transparency in ingredients
It is a common known fact that consumers are getting more and more educated on the products they use. People are more knowledgeable on things like ingredients and formulations, so we predict that there will be a big shift with brands in terms of transparency in both ingredients and formulations. There will be a focus on products with more minimal but powerful ingredients, and of course, there will be plenty of room for new superstar ingredients to make their mark on the industry. We hope brands like Sioris will stand out this year, as they really embody what transparency means in the beauty industry. Their products are minimal, yet super effective, with innovative, clean and ethically sourced ingredients. New to the brand? Consider trying out their Time is Running Out Mist, which is quickly becoming a cult classic!
Barrier repair/ calming products
People are also now more in tune to their skin than ever, and there has been a steady increase in products aimed at barrier repair or calming irritation to meet consumer needs. Heaps of brands are now opting for fragrance and essential oil free formulations, and we think this trend will continue into 2021. Ingredients like centella asiatica, mugwort, panthenol and madecassoside, which are all established pillars in the world of K-Beauty, will be making even more appearances this year, and we couldn’t be happier! Want to try the trend? Check out the Barr Cosmetics Centella Calming Barrier Cream, which is perfect for if you have a compromised skin barrier, especially if you’ve been overdoing it with the chemical exfoliants (we’ve all been there). If you need even more recommendations, head to this blog post filled with my top products for sensitive skin!
Maskne / stress-induced breakout treatments
At the moment in Australia, we seem to have a good handle on our COVID situation, but with inevitable spikes in cases and surprise outbreaks, it looks like mask-wearing will continue to be the norm. 2020 not only saw the introduction of the term ‘maskne’, but also the increase in stress-induced breakouts, or simply breakouts caused by drastic lifestyle changes. We think that brands will continue to come out with products geared towards these skin concerns, and we wouldn’t be surprised if specific treatments came out that were marketed as ‘mask friendly’.
Related article: Here’s How to Beat Maskne — Acne From Wearing Face Masks
Mirror skin
First there was glass skin, then there was cream skin, and now, there is mirror skin. You may be wondering how these trends are all different, and unsurprisingly, there isn’t a huge difference between them. Luminous skin is always going to be on-trend, it may just go by a different name every so often. Glass skin and cream skin originated from the aesthetic appeal of luminous skin, whereas with mirror skin, there has been more of a focus on the skin-loving ingredients that will give your skin that reflective glow. We suggest looking for a product that contains either vitamin c or niacinamide to help boost your glow. In my opinion, you can’t get much better than the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask- it is mirror skin in a jar. It has both vitamin c and niacinamide, as well as vitamin e and adenosine to plump up signs of dehydration and ageing.
Hanbang ingredients
Hanbang is traditional Korean herbal medicine. For many in South Korea, it is just a part of their daily life, but it has also been making its way into the beauty industry. While there are brands out there that have been incorporating hanbang into their products for a while, it is really starting to take off. You may see a lot of products with the buzzwords ‘balance’ and ‘energy’, and that is because hanbang is a holistic approach to healing that focuses on balancing the needs of the body, mind, and the skin. Want to dip your toes into the world of hanbang beauty? Try the gorgeous line up from Beauty of Joseon! They are known for their clean, herbal formulas that are all rich in antioxidants, as well as they’re super approachable price point!
Pre & probiotics
You may have seen a recent post on the Nudie Blog all about probiotics in skin care. We predict that this trend will continue into 2021. Probiotics have been found to improve the skin in a number of ways, from clearing up acne, fighting wrinkles, and reducing sensitivity. Now, probiotics have been used in beauty for years (like in Missha’s cult-classic serum), but they are definitely gaining popularity, as will prebiotics. Neogen recently came out with an entire line of microbiome-friendly skin care products that specifically target signs of ageing and dry skin. We think that it is only a matter of time until all the top brands in K-Beauty follow in their footsteps!
Contributed by Alice Falkai. Check out her Instagram & YouTube!