YOUR 101 GUIDE TO FRENCH BEAUTY VS K BEAUTY VS AMERICAN BEAUTY

Whether it is was Cleopatra’s milk and honey bath or Nefertiti’s talismanic use of kohl, women were always intrigued by beauty rituals, which were often used to shape their identities. Cut to more than 1000 years later, it became a vehicle of self-expression – with each approach different, each method unique. While there are never any ‘fixed approaches’ to skincare and beauty, the cultures that have created buzz over the last few years have undoubtedly been from America, France, and Korea.

There is always a certain amount of cultural appropriation that comes into the picture, especially when we describe a woman from these three terrains. Statements such as “French women are effortlessly cool” and “Korean women have glass skin” regularly crop up when we describe them. While cultural stereotypes affect women of all ethnic backgrounds, we are particularly interested in these three countries that have changed the way we look at skincare and beauty. 

Just imagine – we wouldn’t have known the effects of CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturising) if American skincare brands hadn’t told this to us. The world wouldn’t have known the concept of ‘less is more’ if French pharmacy brands wouldn’t have emphasized on skincare over makeup. We wouldn’t even have known the benefits of BB/CC cream if we were not exposed to Korean skincare. Sure, the approach to all of them is different but every ritual guarantees the same result – a flawless skin! 

While American beauty ritual highly relies on attaining perfection, French beauty is about minimalism and accentuating the natural features. At the same time, K-beauty is a lifestyle with its extensive 10 step ritual (Oil cleansing, foam cleansing, exfoliating, toning, essence, moisturizing, eye cream, face cream, lip balm). So really, it comes on ‘you’ to decide which one suits the best – whichever you do, here’s a list of our favourite French, K-beauty, and American products that will bring a sea change in your skin texture. Thank us later!

FRENCH BEAUTY

Eclat Du Regard Radiant Eye Treatment | Buy now
Eye cream is an essential part of the French beauty routine and this one from Eclat is the best one from the lot. Enriched with glycerine and Aloe Vera extract it helps the delicate skin around the eye retain its moisture and gives it youthful freshness. Believe us,  this luxurious eye serum will ensure your eyes are shadow-free always!

Photo credits: Net-a-porter

Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum | Buy now

There is a reason why Allure magazine has awarded this as the most potent anti-dark spot serum amongst many. Often regarded as a celeb favourite, it is touted to be more effective than Vitamin C serums and is powered by vinifera, a natural ingredient from grapevine sap that corrects dark spots, acne marks, and even melasma.

Photo credits: Sephora

By Terry Rose Lip Protectant | Buy now

French beauty products are well known for its multipurpose benefits and this one is no different. The lip balm can be used as an eyeshadow, overnight lip treatment, and even a handy lip-gloss topper. Now need we say more?

Photo credits: Net-a-porter

AMERICAN BEAUTY 

Creme De La Mer Cleansing Foam | Buy now

Creme De La Mer skincare relies heavily on reclaiming your skin’s youthfulness through a gentle ingredient list that would suit even the most sensitive of skins. This luxurious cleansing foam enriched with a miracle broth and deconstructed water, which is known to draw out skin impurities while efficiently nourishing it.

Photo credits: Crème De La Mer

Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum | Buy now

Founded by a stay-at-home mom Tiffany Masterson, this buzzy skincare brand has media moguls like Leandre Medine as its loyal clientele. The Vitamin C serum is amongst their top-selling products that not only suits all skin tones but also firms and brightens the appearance of the skin while reducing the subtle signs of ageing.

Photo credits: Sephora

Kiehls Buttermask | Buy now

Infused with fairly traded coconut oil and wild mango butter, this overnight is a kiss of moisture for intensely chapped and dry lips. It can even double up as a great lip primer, especially under matte lipsticks!

Photo credits: Kiehls

KOREAN BEAUTY

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm | Buy now

Even YouTube guru Michelle Phan swears by this oil cleanser! Since most of the K-beauty rituals start with an oil cleansing balm, this one from Then I Met You is like a mini treat for your skin. The sorbet soft emulsion melts away oil-based impurities, such as sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum while getting it ready for the double cleansing rituals that follow after.

Photo credits: Then I Met You

Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence | Buy now

Did you know that Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence is made after a 24-hour slow extraction process? Touted for its anti-ageing properties, this facial essence is made by carefully fermenting green tea leaves which improves skin clarity, texture, and elasticity, leaving you with the most beautiful skin ever.

Photo credits: Amore Pacific

Sulwhasoo Ginseng Renewing Creamy Sheet Mask | Buy now

The Sulwhasoo Ginseng Renewing Creamy Sheet Mask is the first-ever cream-based mask that comes with concentrated ginseng renewing cream that improves skin’s luminosity by gently firming and moisturising the skin. The indulgent mask comes with a double wrapping sheet, ensuring easy absorption of the cream without leaving any residue on it.

Photo credits: Sulwhasoo

French? American? K-beauty? We’d suggest to try with all three expressions of skincare and pick the one (or two) that makes you feel confident about your skin.