Korean Beauty Trends That MZ Generation is Paying Attention To
In recent years, Korean beauty trends have been attracting attention worldwide, especially among the MZ generation (a term combining Millennials and Generation Z). With the spread of social media, the latest Korean beauty information is being shared in real-time, and many young women in Japan are adopting Korean-style beauty methods.
The MZ generation's view of beauty is shifting from pursuing "perfect beauty" to valuing "natural beauty that is true to oneself." Rather than heavy makeup or blindly following trends, they aim for healthy and radiant beauty using methods that suit their skin type and features.
This article will delve into the most popular Korean beauty trends among the MZ generation, focusing on four aspects: skincare, makeup, hairstyles, and lifestyle.
Skincare Routine for Creating Radiant Skin
Skincare is the foundation of Korean beauty and is considered the most important aspect. Korean women of the MZ generation tend to invest more time and money in skincare than in makeup. This is because no matter how skillful the makeup is, it won't look beautiful if the underlying skin isn't well-maintained.
How to Achieve Glass Skin (Mul-gwang Pibu)
"Glass skin," which is considered ideal in Korea, refers to skin that is full of moisture and glows from within, as if it contains water. To achieve this glass skin, thorough moisturizing care is essential.
Step 1: Double Cleansing
Thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen with an oil cleanser, then remove pore impurities with a water-based cleanser. This double cleansing is the most basic step in Korean skincare.
Step 2: Toner
Use toner immediately after cleansing to balance the skin's pH. The "7 Skin Method," which involves applying toner seven times, is also popular in Korea.
Step 3: Essence/Serum
Use a serum tailored to your skin concerns. Vitamin C serums are effective for addressing blemishes and dullness, while niacinamide serums are effective for pore care.
Step 4: Moisturizing Cream
Finally, seal in the moisture with a moisturizing cream. A heavier texture is recommended for dry skin, while a lighter gel type is recommended for oily skin.
Special Care 1-2 Times a Week
In addition to daily skincare, special care once or twice a week is essential. Sheet masks are synonymous with Korean beauty and can deliver various beauty ingredients intensively to the skin. Peeling gels that promote skin turnover and clay masks that absorb pore impurities are also effective.
CICA (Centella Asiatica) ingredient-based items are particularly popular among the MZ generation. CICA ingredients derived from Centella Asiatica soothe irritated skin and calm sensitive skin. With increased skin problems due to mask-wearing, CICA care has become an essential step.
Natural Makeup Aiming for "Kkuan-Kku" Beauty
The concept of "Kkuan-Kku (꾸안꾸)" is essential when discussing MZ generation makeup trends. This Korean term means "dressed up but not dressed up," referring to a beauty that looks natural but is actually carefully calculated.
The Secret to Base Makeup
The key to Kkuan-Kku base makeup is a natural, skin-like finish without a heavy feeling. Instead of applying high-coverage foundation all over the face, use concealer only where needed and finish with a light-textured cushion foundation or tinted moisturizer.
The point is to utilize the skin's texture. Rather than completely hiding pores and blemishes, it's important to even out the overall tone while leaving the skin's natural texture.
Eye Makeup and Lip Makeup
Eye Makeup: The MZ generation's eye makeup trend is a soft impression using brown eyeshadows. Instead of black eyeliner that emphasizes the outer corners of the eyes, choosing brown or burgundy creates a more natural and effortless look. Curl eyelashes thoroughly with an eyelash curler and apply mascara naturally without overdoing it.
Lip Makeup: "Gradient lips," with blurred boundaries, are a staple for lip makeup. Place a darker color on the inner part of the lips and blend it outwards for a natural and dewy impression. Recently, MLBB colors (My Lips But Better = colors that enhance your natural lip color) have become popular.
Blush and Highlighter
Apply blush lightly on the high points of the cheekbones to create a natural flush. Coral pink and peach shades give a healthy and youthful impression. Apply highlighter subtly on the bridge of the nose and cheekbones to add a glow, but be careful not to overdo it.
Change Your Impression with Trendy Hairstyles
Hairstyles are an important element that greatly influences the impression of the face. There are several characteristics of popular hairstyles among Korean women of the MZ generation.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, which softly frame the face, are the most popular bangs style among the MZ generation. This style doesn't completely hide the forehead but naturally parts in the middle, making it easy to suit any face shape. It covers the contours while avoiding a heavy look, creating an effortless impression.
Layered Medium Hair
Medium hair around the collarbone length with layers at the ends is also popular. This style has movement, and adding natural waves creates a more feminine and soft impression. It's easy to style and looks good both tied up and down.
Hair Color Trends
The trend in coloring is transparent ash and beige tones. Rather than jet-black hair, slightly lighter tones are preferred to create softness, MZ generation style. However, overly flashy colors are avoided, and color changes are preferred within a range that looks natural. Recently, styles that add highlights partially to create dimension have also been attracting attention.
Importance of Hair Care
In addition to styling, it is also important to maintain the condition of the hair. Using treatments and hair oils on a daily basis and maintaining glossy, healthy hair is the secret to making any hairstyle look beautiful.
Healthy Lifestyle for Inner Radiance
In the MZ generation's view of beauty, there is a noticeable emphasis on pursuing beauty not only from the outside but also from within. They understand that a healthy lifestyle affects the skin, hair, and overall atmosphere, and they make beauty-conscious choices in their daily lives.
Fitness and Yoga
Regular exercise promotes blood circulation and activates skin turnover. Yoga and Pilates, in particular, are popular exercises among the MZ generation. The focus is on balancing the body and mind rather than intense exercise. It is also effective for stress relief and can be expected to reduce stress hormones that cause skin problems.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for beautiful skin. In Korea, fermented foods (kimchi, miso, etc.) are believed to improve the intestinal environment and improve skin condition. It is also recommended to actively consume foods rich in collagen, berries with antioxidant properties, and vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C.
Sleep Quality
As the saying goes, "beauty sleep" is directly linked to beauty. Skin cells are repaired and regenerated during sleep, so it is important to ensure sufficient sleep time. The MZ generation is working to improve the quality of sleep by refraining from using smartphones before going to bed and incorporating relaxing bedtime rituals.
Mental Health Care
The MZ generation also emphasizes the impact of mental health on appearance. Stress can cause skin problems and hormonal imbalances, so it is important to have your own stress-relieving methods. They try to maintain a healthy state of mind and body by meditating, practicing mindfulness, and having time for hobbies.
Conclusion: The Essence of MZ Generation Beauty
What the MZ generation's beauty trends have in common is the attitude of valuing "individuality." Rather than chasing trends, they choose what suits them and enjoy beauty within a reasonable range. That is the foundation of the aesthetic sense of today's young women.
Beautiful while being natural, rather than aiming for perfection. Such a beauty philosophy of the MZ generation will have a major impact on the entire beauty industry in the future. Refer to the trends in each field of skincare, makeup, hairstyles, and lifestyle introduced this time, and be sure to find your own beauty routine.
The important thing is to be able to continue. Even if it's just a little bit every day, by taking the time to face your skin, hair, and body, changes will definitely come. Incorporate the Korean beauty trends of the MZ generation and get your own natural beauty.
