The K-drama actress believes Korean-inspired beauty routines need not be long and laborious.
Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics (AHC) Skincare held its first-ever virtual press junket last month. AHC’s live press tour was a move to advocate a holistic lifestyle centered around self-care, especially when dealing with uncertainty. The event was to jumpstart the brand’s #21daystoglow campaign that aims to guide patrons to rediscover beauty regimens steeped in Korean heritage.
When the opportunity came up to meet and interview, albeit virtually, the Love with Flaws Korean actress and AHC global ambassador Oh Yeon-seo, I couldn’t help but get excited. I am still no K-drama expert, but K-beauty? This one had been easy to depend on. During a lockdown and pandemic, it gives pure joy to look forward to something that uplifts in any way.
Oh Yeon-seo, with her dewy and immaculate skin, radiates that classic innocent beauty punctuated by understated elegance, something utterly enviable in most Korean stars. A self-confessed beauty lover, the host of popular Korean show Get It Beauty, is no stranger to beauty products and routines.
In the AHC Self-care virtual press tour, held live from the brand’s flagship store in Myeongdong, South Korea, she gamely shared her easy-to-follow skin and self-care routine, and answered beauty questions from Southeast Asia media attendees.
What is your self-care routine?
My self-care routine is quite simple, to be honest. That includes working out regularly to make sure I keep my core and immune system strong, a balanced and healthy diet in order to have all the necessary micro and macronutrients, and if I have the time, I meditate in order to clear my mind. It’s also important for me to have time to follow and create a skincare routine. I make daily beauty rituals a priority because I know that this benefits my mental and emotional wellbeing, just as much as my skin.
What do you think Filipinos can learn from traditional or modern Korean skincare about self-care routine?
People think that Korean skincare is complicated with so many steps, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you find the right product for your skin and make it a part of your everyday self-care routine, it will do wonders for you and your wellbeing in general.
Can you share with us your skincare routine for day and night?
My day and night beauty rituals are almost the same, but I put a little more attention at night, especially when my skin looks really tired coming from a whole day of shoots. For me, a skincare routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated, rather it has to be simple and effective.
I usually have to double cleanse. After washing my face thoroughly, I put some AHC Aqualuronic Toner to remove all the makeup residue, and apply a super hydrating serum. Then I apply my Real Eye Cream for Face Pure both on my eyes and face. If I’m not too tired, I also put on a sheet mask to keep all the nutrients in. It sounds like a lot but it’s only about five steps and takes less than 20 mins!
How do you prefer to apply AHC on your eyes or skin for optimal relaxation and effectiveness?
After morning and night cleansing, prime skin with toner, then dispense an appropriate amount of The Real Eye Cream for Face Pure and lightly spread and dab around the eye area—or your whole face until absorbed by the skin.
Can you please share with us your favorite “go-to” AHC products?
On top of my list is AHC’s Real Eye Cream for Face Pure as it helps prevent wrinkles, dryness, and other signs of skin aging. I also like the Peony Bright spot corrector with its brightening effects, Red Serum for that effective skin-lifting effect, and the Aqualuronic toner, which hydrates my skin and makes it glow. When I don’t have time to do a full routine, I use the Hydra Gold Foil Mask that I really love since it nourishes and takes care of my skin so well. Plus, it’s so handy that I can bring it when I travel.
What essential ingredients do you look for in skincare products? Why?
Aside from hyaluronic acid for my skin’s ultimate hydration, I prefer natural ingredients because it assures me of the efficacy of the skincare products I use.
As a busy actress, can you share with us your beauty on-the-go hacks?
My advice for everyone is to find the right skincare routine perfect for their skin type. Always make sure that you test the product first to ensure that it suits you. Once you have that routine, don’t get tired and fully commit to it so you get to experience its full effects. My skincare hack is that I find an all-in-one product that I can use during busy times to avoid complicated and time-consuming routines.
While this concept of self-care has gained much attention in recent months, it has always been the underlying philosophy in the beauty landscape. To put it simply, the objective of any beauty product, brand, or service for that matter, is to make a person feel better about themselves! These daily self-care rituals can improve one’s wellbeing immensely. You see, there’s actually a purpose to all that pampering.
To those late in the game—welcome! Glad to finally have you with us.
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