Planning to upgrade your Korean skincare routine? Then, you would need the right tools to get you to your glass skin goals. There are a lot of tools and devices out in the market. They can be just simple, practical things that you would tend to look over while some seem a bit over-the-top luxury items. But, which one do you need? Here are some of the skincare tools and accessories that will assist you with your skincare routine. (Disclaimer: We earn affiliate commissions [without added cost to you] when you buy through our website.)
1. Vanav Facial Massager
Want to give yourself a spa-quality treat right in the comfort of your home? Then, get one of these multifunctional facial massagers by Vanav! Vanav is considered a game changer in home skin care. The device mainly has six modes:
- Clean up mode
- Eye zone mode
- Lifting mode
- Vitamin c mode
- Mask Mode
Overall, it’s a versatile device that uses micro-galvanic ions and 3d vibration technology to promote skin health. Using 3D vibration technology, the device carries microgalvanic ions into the inner part of the skin, pushing the nutrients of cosmetics deep into the skin to promote full skin effectiveness. With the device’s powerful features, users can effectively treat various skin concerns, including dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
What beauty secret do Son Ye Jin and Seo Ji Hye have in common?
Give your skin some good massaging five minutes a day with this popular skincare device, and you will have ageless beauty like Son Ye Jin. The lovely Yoon Se-ri used the Vanav UP6 in episode 10 of the hit Korean Drama, Crash Landing On You (2019). This device has since then become one of the most purchased skincare tools in South Korea. It claims to rejuvenate your skin, reduce wrinkles, firm and lift the skin, and treat acne.
Crash Landing On You (2019)
It seems that it’s not just Se-ri who is a fan of Vanav Facial Massagers. Seo Ji Hye, the Korean actress who played the second lead, Seo Dan, has been using it even before the hit series.
Follow Me 8 (2017)
In episode 9 of Follow Me 8 (2017), she demonstrated her morning routine where she depuffs her eyes and face using the Vanav Hot & Cool Skin Fit Massager. She gently glides the device over her sheet mask to help her skin absorb the product better. She then further used the product on targeted areas of her face such as her forehead and eye area. You can watch the full video here:
With Seo Ji Hye’s skincare routine, she looked like she never aged a day. She still looked as young as before when she appeared as the strong, independent Dan two years later. A lot more reason why Seung Joon (played by Korean Actor, Kim Jung Hyun) fell in love with the lovely Dan.
Are you Team Yoon Se-ri or Team Seo Dan? You can buy these Vanav massagers in Amazon:
2. LED Masks
Our next skincare tool is definitely the most luxurious of all listed here: the LED mask. Koreans are definitely channeling the future of skincare with this seemingly out-of-this-world device.
What are the benefits of LED masks?
Different branded LED masks have made several appearances in different Korean dramas since its launch. Fans are getting curious than ever as to what this contraption can do. Depending on the brand, there are a variety of skin benefits that they are claiming to provide. Some even claim to provide all-around solution to all your facial worries like excessive oil production, wrinkles, dry skin, and many more.
Big Korean celebrities like Lee Min Ho, Kang Sora, and Park Seo Joon are brand ambassadors of one of the popular LED masks, Cell Return.
How much do LED masks cost?
While you can buy an LED mask in Amazon at around $50, branded ones cost around $200 and can even be as expensive as about $1500! But, outside Amazon, there are ones that cost almost $2700 or more.
If you ask me if it’s worth buying? I wouldn’t know. I’m poor. m’kay, thanks. Bye.
CellReturn Premium LED Mask
But, if you want to try this trendy product for yourself but don’t want to break the bank, you can try the cheaper options in Amazon:
3. Silicone Face Cleansers and Brushes
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, it would be best to scroll down to the next as experts say that this tool might be too harsh for you. But, if you have normal skin or if your skin can take it, give your skin a good massage with these cleansing tools. Facial brushes are great in deeply and gently exfoliating your skin. These will help exfoliate your skin and also improve your blood circulation in the process. Don’t forget to give your brushes a good cleaning every after use so these will not harbor gunk and bacteria.
Which silicone face cleanser should I buy?
Some of these silicone brushes are used manually, like these cuties from our favorite Korean brands:
But, you can also choose from electric ones with a variety of other cool functions like these tools from the Swedish brand, FOREO.
FOREO UFO Smart Mask Treatment
If you are a K-drama addict with eagle-eyes, you might have seen Jung Gal-Hee (Korean actress, Jin Ki Joo) sporting this device in episode 14 of the K-drama series, The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019).
The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)
This tool also came out on episode 16 of another K-drama, The Beauty Inside (2018), where Han Se-gye (Korean actress, Seo Hyun Jin) gently massages Seo Do Jae’s (Korean actor, Lee Min Ki) face with the device.
The Beauty Inside (2018)
Here’s its mini version:
FOREO UFO Mini Smart Mask Treatment Device
Jin Ki Joo also used another FOREO facial cleanser, FOREO Luna 2, in the first five minutes of episode 15 The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019).
The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)
FOREO Luna 2
Here’s its latest version:
FOREO Luna 3
You can also try out the mini version, FOREO Luna Mini 3. Chaeryeong of the talented rookie girl group, ITZY, revealed that she cleanses her face with a cleansing device to avoid the dreaded maskne..
FOREO Luna Mini 3
4. Skincare Fridge
A fridge.. dedicated to your skincare products..? Hmm… Seems like a stretch, ain’t it? But, believe me, they are very handy and definitely help keep your skincare products happy, cool (literally), effective, and long-lasting. Just think about it: skincare products are expensive—especially if you are following the 10-steps Korean routine. You wouldn’t want any of it to go bad too soon, virtually throwing your money into the bin with it. This is especially true with serums such as those with vitamin C that oxidize quickly. Plus, you’d want your sheet masks cool and refreshing, right?
Even Michelle Lee, editor-in-chief of Allure, has her skincare fridge full of K-beauty goodies.
What are the benefits of having a skincare fridge?
Maybe you’ll say, “Why buy if I can just put it in the regular fridge?” Well, you are not wrong, though—if you have space. But, some people are very meticulous. Some would not want to mix skincare products with food while some just want to be more organized. Many have fridge that they share with others whether they are family or housemates, which might not be a polite move to store things other than food and beverages. Whatever the reason, this storage will surely be a stunner in your room! I mean, just look at these; They are so cute, not to mention functional!
Here are some of the popular brands in Amazon:
5. Cotton Pads
Let’s tone down a little bit (and let your pockets breathe) and talk about a simple but popular tool in the skincare world. The cotton pad is probably a staple in any skincare regimen, especially if you need to remove makeup or apply toner. While some opt to apply toner using their hands, many still prefer to use cotton rounds or pads.
Although choosing cotton pads should be a no-brainer, K-beauty gurus insist that not all cotton pads are made equal. Apparently, many cotton pads absorb too much of your skincare product, leading to wastage and less product on your face. Aside from pilling, many brands also use bleach and other chemicals that would irritate the skin. So, to maximize your beloved skincare products and make them last longer, choose the right cotton pads!
How to choose a good cotton pad?
Choose cotton pads that are thinner, unbleached, untreated stronger, and lint-free. There are a lot of Korean and Asian brands that meet the requirements. In fact, cotton pads are such a big deal in Korea that they have ultimately developed some of the best ones.
BONUS: You can even use these as substitutes to face masks. Just soak these in your favorite toner, put it all over your face, and let these rest for a few minutes. These will get your skin hydrated in no time. In fact, Jiwoo of KARD revealed this as her beauty secret in 2017.
A few years later, this practice is still a hit among skincare enthusiasts!
Here are some brands that many Korean skincare experts recommend:
6. Reusable Cotton Rounds
Worried about the amount of waste that you are making just to keep your skin pristine? Here’s a more sustainable product to getting rid of your makeup or applying toners: reusable cotton pads. Use it once, toss it in the laundry for a wash, dry it out, and it is good as new.
Here are some reusable cotton rounds that we found on Amazon:
7. Reusable Silicone Mask
Speaking of reusable, mother-earth-friendly products, here is another one that would help decrease trash. The sheet mask is surely a thing in the K-beauty routine. It is also, without a doubt, one of the many wastes that pile up in the dump—skincare-wise. So, Earth-lovers came up with a nice alternative single-use sheet mask: silicone mask. Silicone masks are slowly making waves in the skincare world, especially to those who are more conscious about the amount of waste that they are producing.
How do you use silicone masks?
Put them on top of your favorite skincare products like toner, essences, serums, and moisturizer then soak your skin with the skincare goodness for a few minutes like your usual sheet masks. They say that your skin will absorb the products more effectively because it traps the moisture in instead of letting it all evaporate. Wash and dry it up after every use.
Here are some affordable choices from Amazon:
8. Humidifier
Is your skin feeling dry or flaky? A humidifier will help your skin (and hair) moist and hydrated. Aside from its other health benefits like relieving colds and soothing sore throats, it helps regulate oil production and balance out moisture in your skin.
What skin type should use a humidifier?
It is best for people with dry skin to have a humidifier in the room to help maintain the moisture level of their skin, especially in the dry winter and hot summer. But, of course, a humidifier alone is not enough to keep hydrated. Be sure to drink lots of water and apply moisturizer regularly.
While a humidifier obviously sounds like a thing for those who need hydration, it is also good for oily and combination skin, too. When an environment is dry and hot, the sebaceous glands produce more oil than normal to keep the skin hydrated. Since this device helps keep the skin moisturized, the glands will only produce enough oil needed to maintain the skin’s protective barrier. Hence, you will have a less oily face!
Here are some humidifiers from Amazon with good reviews:
9. Oil Control Film
It is 4 PM, and you had a very busy day—and apparently, that is not all you have got. You also got a greasy face! Need a quick fix without ruining your makeup? An oil control film will surely come in handy—especially during the hot, summer days. These films usually come in small packaging, making them easy to carry in your pouch or bag. These are thin but very effective in taking out that shine with just a few dabs.
Here are some of our selections from two trusted K-beauty brands:
10. Hairband
Going over your Korean skincare routine is a serious deal. You don’t want to miss any spot when you are putting on some products—especially when putting on sheet masks. But, you know what is annoying? Getting your hair stuck on your face while doing your routine. Ugh. Talk about nuisance! If you want to keep your face a clear canvas while applying your K-beauty products, a hairband will do the trick. It will also take care of those short dangling strands that your scrunchie can not gather. Plus, it looks so cute on too! I can wear these at home all day!
Look at Lee Sung-Kyung (as Kim Bok-Joo) and Cho Hye-Jung (as Jung Nan-Hee) wearing cutie hairbands while doing their skincare routine in episode 14 of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016).
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
Seo Ji Hye, our fierce second lead in Crash Landing On You (2019), also likes using a hairband to keep her bangs from her face while doing her skincare routine. She showed this in episode 5 of Follow Me 8 (2017).
Follow Me 8 (2017)
Here are two of our favorite designs from Etude House and I Dew Care:
11. Silk Pillowcase
Sleep is good for the skin. But, do you know what’s better? Sleeping on smooth, silky pillows! Some K-beauty influencers are advocating ditching cotton and using silk pillowcases instead. But, is it worth the hype? Silk might seem to be too expensive for a pillowcase, but they are surprisingly beneficial to the skin.
What are the skin benefits of using silk?
Silk is a slippery, smooth material that generates less friction, helping you avoid wrinkles, fine lines, and possible irritation that might cause acne. Also, unlike cotton, it does not hold much water, so it won’t absorb moisture and skincare products from your skin.
BONUS: Silk pillowcases are great for frizzy or curly hair, too.
What kind of silk should I choose?
Look for a Mulberry silk. If you are looking for the best quality, choose silk pillowcases with high momme (mm) or fabric weight—preferably 22 or higher.
Here are some bestsellers from Amazon:
Is there a cheaper alternative to silk?
If silk is really out of question, you can try satin or faux silk pillowcases instead. They are way cheaper. While nothing beats the slippery, smooth texture and quality of real silk, these pillowcases can do a good job, too.
Here is an Amazon bestseller:
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase
12. Crystal face roller and gua sha stone
Depuff your face with these traditional Asian tools. Gua sha stone and crystal rollers, particularly those made with jade crystals, have been around for more than a thousand years. These were said to be frequently used by ancient elites. But, up until now, these tools are still trendy and used as how it was intended: facial massage, lifting, scraping, and sculpting.
Are gua sha stones and crystal rollers effective in improving the skin?
Asian ancestors have constantly associated crystals with different health benefits. Today, face rollers are believed to help the skin absorb skincare products better, reduce puffiness, lift the face, release facial tension, and fade fine lines. A lot of people claim that these tools really made a difference and see visible results.
However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that these specific tools improve the skin condition in particular. Nevertheless, doing regular facial massages using your hands or using tools like these, can release tension in the face and promote better circulation. A lot of dermatologists do suggest that you can have the same effects using any other non-crystal roller.
Why buy a gua sha stone or crystal roller?
Among the most popular crystals used as facial rollers and sculpting tools are jade and rose quartz. These are naturally cool stones that help in relaxing your facial muscles, reactivating the lymph nodes, and promoting better circulation. While there are other non-crystal rollers and sculpting tools (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, etc.) out there, those might not give the same cooling effect. Plus, it gives you that feeling that you are an ancient royalty.
Here are some bestselling gua sha stones and crystal rollers on Amazon:
These are just some of the popular skincare tools out there that you can use with your K-beauty skincare products. There are lots of other tools that I have not mentioned here that you might have been using. If you know some, leave a comment or drop us a message on our social media channels! Perhaps we can feature those in another blog.
If you are a beginner in the skincare world, here’s a guide to choosing skincare products.
If you are looking for products that work well together, you can read this article.
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