Beauty secrets from my Korean mom

When I’m out with my mom, people ask if we’re sisters.

Hi! Happy February. It’s freezing cold but I like turning up the heat in my room, sitting on my red chair by the window, and writing this letter.

My mom just started a beauty Substack called

JOOSY

, and I thought it would be fun to collaborate on a post where she reveals the skincare and makeup products that she uses every day. If you want to have perfect, glowy skin forever, keep reading…

The Korean genetics don’t hurt either.

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The Korean Beauty Routine

As told to me (Arden) by my mom (Jennifer).

SKINCARE

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel ($39) | Sisley Floral Toning Lotion ($125) | Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Emulsion ($105) | Purcell Pixcell Biom After Rebooting Cream ($44)

I use this Peter Thomas Roth cleanser¹ in the morning to brighten my complexion. Pro tip: Only use a tiny bit (less than pea-sized) and spread it on your face post shower. Rinse afterward. You’re supposed to leave it on to make sure the acid clarifies the skin.

After cleansing, I gently splash on this rose toner. The fragrance is delicate and heavenly and I feel like a princess. I press my face to make sure all the goodness gets into my pores. I rapidly pile on products while my skin is dewy from the shower. That is the only way you’ll get hydration that lasts all day. This Sulwhasoo emulsion is light and smells faintly of ginseng.

I got this Purcell moisturizer free from Boon the Shop during a Frieze Seoul party. It has some kind of fermentation going on, which can’t hurt.

GrandeLASH enhancing serum ($68) | Shiseido White Lucent sunscreen ($88) | Beauty of Joseon sunscreen ($18)

I put on GrandeLASH every. Single. Day. (Arden note: I also use this serum. It’s a miracle drug for my once-stubby-and-straight eyelashes.)

Sunscreen time. I love this one from Shiseido because it has a slight silvery shimmer, like a chic alien. Or I use this Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, which is light and doesn’t clog my pores.

BASE

NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette ($12)

Color correcting is your friend. I use this cheap (I use this word in the most positive connotation, save your bucks) one from NYX and it works. I use the green to tone down red areas and the yellow shade acts like a highlighter. The peach is good for your under-eye area.

Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream ($60) | Chanel Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation ($65) | Chanel Water-Fresh Blush ($55)

I love this Chanel cream bronzer. It isn’t too dark and if you forget to blend it carefully you won’t look like a fool, just a little sun kissed. I use this Chanel foundation during the winter when my skin looks a bit sallow. The pink undertones brighten it up a little. My favorite Chanel blush is coral toned and lasts all day without streaking or fading. There are tiny beads you pop to get the color. I pump a teeny bit on my hand, dab it on my cheeks and stipple with a short haired stiff blush brush. It works like magic.

A dear friend gifted me this Armani foundation brush that I use for contouring. I prefer using my fingers for foundation to really get the product to sink into my skin.

EYES

Sephora Collection Lip Gloss ($14) | Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow ($33) | Rare Beauty Shadow Stick ($22)

I love this Make Up For Ever brown eyeliner to tight-line. It stays mostly all day, I just have to reapply if I’m going out at night. The color is natural and the product glides on very easily. I like bronze/rose eye sticks because they make brown eyes pop. This Rare Beauty one is good for accenting. I’ve used the Laura Mercier eye shadow stick for years. It blends easily and stays on 24 hours or until you decide to take it off. Very quick and easy to use.

I love MAC brushes. They’re great for blending eyeshadow. I still have my original natural brushes from them—now they’re made of synthetic fibers. Invest in good brushes and wash them regularly. The pink eyeshadow palette I use is from Olive Young, but I can’t remember the name. I love how it makes my eyes pop without being too dark or overpowering. Patrick Ta makes a similar one.

Maybelline Curl Bounce mascara ($10.99) | Chanel Inimitable mascara ($40)

I use 2 mascaras. I first apply this Maybelline mascara after curling my lashes. They help hold the curl, and I prefer a curved brush. Then I apply this Chanel mascara, which is super black and dramatic and makes me look like I have false eyelashes on. Yes, I use a lot of Chanel makeup products—they’re kind of expensive, but they work. Pick up a tube next time you’re at a duty free shop.

LIPS

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine ($48) | Bobbi Brown Lip Color ($27.99)

I prefer rosy nude tones for lipstick. Ha, who doesn’t? This Bobbi Brown Lip Color is a solid choice for long lasting formula that won’t dry your lips out. I love this Chanel lipstick in Aventure. I apply it over the Bobbi Brown to add some shimmer. The Sephora Collection gloss is really good for plumping. It’s cheap, so if I lose it I don’t feel too bad. It feels like a luxe product.

Final Words

My morning skincare and daily makeup routine are designed to last me all day and night. I only keep a lip balm or gloss and eyeliner in my bag. I don’t have to retouch anything because of all the steps I took to reinforce the finished look. I genuinely enjoy the meditative time it takes for me to get my face ready.

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Big thank you to my mom, my first inspiration <3

1. Some of these links are affiliate, which means I may earn some money if you make a purchase.