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K-Beauty Review: The Snow Queen Enzyme Powder Wash & Wash Up Deep Clean Pore Glacial Pack

May 8, 2015/in Beauty /by Tam Huynh

I don’t know about you, but I personally have two different skin care regimes for the calendar year: one for the brutal and dry winters and one for the intense humidity in late spring and summer here in the Northeast region of America. Since lady spring has finally decided to bless us with her presence, it meant that it was time to switch my skincare routine. I didn’t put much of an effort into taking care of my skin when I was younger but I’ve reached a pivotal point in my life where I’ve realize that there’s really no such thing as it being too early to take care of problems such as potential acne and its after effects, fine lines and wrinkles and something which is the core of it all, your skin type.

KultScene interviewed Glow Recipe, which is an online store based in the US that distributes Korean brands that are shipped to them from South Korea, a few months ago, so when I was looking for products I decided to go back to them. These brands and products are made accessible and readily available to be shipped out to not only those who live in the States, but also those abroad, such as in Belgium, Iceland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and many other countries.

Skin 411

Just to give you a brief history, I’m oily 95 percent of the year, especially in my T-zone and cheeks. That other 5 percent is when I’m in the middle of a blizzard and it’s minus 25 degrees out. Luckily, as oily as I am, I’m not acne prone; I’ll get random breakouts every now and then, but they usually disappear within a few days, and if they’re really stubborn, than a week max. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to notice I’ve developed larger pores, especially on my nose and cheeks. I’ve tried a number of different exfoliators, masks, cleansers, and toners, but due to the chemicals that are in the particular mainstream products that I was using, my skin would act up due and get red due to the irritation.

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The Journey Begins

Because my skin has been showing signs of sensitivity in the recent months, I decided to search the market for new products. Some important factors for me going into this search was that these products have to be lightweight, odorless and paraben free, paraben is a compound formed from acid and alcohol of p-hydroxybenzoic acid which helps extend the products shelf life; skincare products that contain paraben can be unhealthy for your skin. There are a ton of skincare products on the market that claim to be lightweight and free of harsh chemicals, a lot of them are American and European based companies. But this time around, I decided to go in a new direction and follow what’s been the rave lately and opted to try out Korean skincare products.

Cosmetic Hallyu

One might ask, why choose Korean skincare? What’s the difference, and why is everyone raving about it? As Glow Recipe explains on their website, in Korea, beauty equals healthy, youthful skin, therefore a lot of Korean women will try whatever it may take to keep their skin looking youthful and iridescent. Innovations such as BB creams, which stemmed from Korea, have now become a global staple. Many American and European brands have tried to make their own versions of BB cream but it’s really not the same:

The use of natural beauty ingredients in Korea dates back to ancient palace literature and many brands reflect this holistic approach to beauty. Rice water, kelp, honey, red bean…the list is infinite.

The Products

After much debate and trying to narrow it down from the large selection of serums, creams, masks, and cleansers, I was able to choose two products in which I felt fit my needs the best. The two items that caught my eye are the Dr. Oracle The Snow Queen Enzyme Powder Wash, retails for $25, which was recommended to me, and the Goodal Wash Up Deep Clean Pore Glacial Clay, also $25.

Powder face washes are up-and-coming with a few brands out there with a similar concept like the Enzyme Powder Wash, one being AMOREPACIFIC, retails for $60, which is also a Korean brand. I’m used to using powder to set my foundation and concealer, not on it’s own, so I was a bit hesitant with the thought of it being used as a cleanser. Although I had read and seen the 15 second clip about it on the website, I was thrown in for a surprise when I added the water to the powder and saw it dissolve from a grainy substance into a foaming cleanser. When mixed in your palm, the powder turns into a rich foamy texture but once applied to your face, the foams deflates and you’re left with a light coating of smaller bubbles. From afar, one would think your face was sparkling, but it’s just the residue from the cleanser.

For experimental purposes, I left the cleanser on for a minute, just to see if it would dry out on it’s own or stay semi-wet on my face. Surprisingly, even after a minute, the bubbles from the foaming earlier, was still on my face, and although it wasn’t 100 percent dry all the way, there was some tightening in my cheeks and forehead. I’m usually very sensitive to products that are scented, whether it be naturally or chemically done, especially when that product is going directly on my face. However, the smell was almost nonexistent, even though the powder is of pineapple and papaya enzyme.

Granted, this was only my first time using it, but I did notice a subtle difference soon after washing the cleanser off and drying my face. The redness that surrounded my nose and cheeks had lightened up and wasn’t as prominent. Not only can you mix this powder into a thicker consistency, but if added with a smaller ratio of water than powder, it will also work as an exfoliator; it’s like getting a two in one deal!

glow recipe, enzyme powder wash, korean beauty, korean skincare

After applying the cleanser on

In the past, I’ve tried a number of clay masks, but this was the first time I’ve seen a mask as light, in color, as the Deep Clean Pore Glacial Clay wash-off pack. Clays can be hit or miss for some people. The one’s that seem to work are occasionally drenched in chemicals, which you can smell once you open the jar or tube that it’s in, while the ones that have minimal smell, don’t have much of an after effect. Due to my past negative experiences and reading up on other people’s stories, I was nervous yet excited to try something new.

glow recipe, deep clean pore glacial clay, korean beauty, korean skincare

The clay had a smooth and velvety texture.

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What drew me in and sealed the deal with the glacial clay mask was the fact that it has green tea extract. Although I knew there was a chance it might’ve been fragranced, I also knew green tea is suppose to be good for you, whether it’s being used externally or being consumed internally. The mask comes with mini spatula meant for you to scoop the product out, but because it’s a clay mask and bound to get messy anyway, I scooped the product out with my fingers since I’ll be using them to spread out the product on my face later anyway. The texture is very velvety and smooth, like a clay mask should be. There’s very little fragrance, if any at all, which makes me wonder if all the other products on Glow Recipe’s website are fragrance free or if I’ve just been lucky and purchased an odorless batch.

I allowed the mask 10 minutes to dry.

I purchased the clay mask in hopes of minimizing and purifying my pores, and because my more problematic areas are on my nose and cheeks, I focused more of the product on those areas, whilst I spread a thinner layer on the rest of my face. It could’ve been that I added an extra layer to my nose because that part of my face took the longest to dry. The instructions said to leave the mask on for anywhere between 5-10 minutes, or until dry, but I’ve read somewhere that it’s not good to leave a mask on for more than the allotted time, since that may cause premature wrinkles, and as if I don’t have enough problems going on as it is on my face, I definitely don’t need lady lines visiting me anytime soon.

Like the cleanser, as the clay dried, my cheeks and forehead tightened. The clay itself felt very light and gentle on the skin. In the past, if a clay mask was infused with a number of ingredients, my face would get a tingling sensation and I’d also get a slight burning sensation. But because the glacial clay isn’t loaded with as many chemicals and ingredients, my face felt fine. Once I washed it off, I noticed the pores on my cheeks and forehead had visibly gotten smaller, my skin was brighter and my complexion was more even than before when I had used just the cleanser. My face had a nice elastic bounce to it and felt very refreshed.

glow recipe, deep clean pore glacial clay, enzyme powder wash, korean beauty, korean skincare

How my skin looks after using the cleanser and clay mask.

Overall Thoughts

Glow Recipe offers free shipping on purchases over $50, which can be easily spent, especially when the website has such a wide selection of great products. I placed my order on a Sunday night and received the package that very Tuesday. Because they’re shipping from the US, you can rest assure that you’ll be receiving your order relatively quick. If you’re an avid online shopper, you know that great feeling of getting a package fast, right? Not only was I impressed with the speedy delivery, but along with the items that I purchased, Glow Recipe also threw in a few samples! Everyone loves samples! What’s great about them being a US company is if you were to have any questions or concerns, you could just reach out to them through email and expect an email back in English. Communication is key, especially if you need assistance and input with something that’s eventually going on your face! I was hoping to get more use out of these two products before I gave you my two cents, but I wanted to share these great finds with our readers at KultScene ASAP! I’ll be doing updates in the following weeks, so make sure to stay tuned!

Interested in the products that I mentioned? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Cosmetic Hallyu: Glow Recipe Helps Understand Korean Skin Care

February 2, 2015/in Beauty /by Tamar Herman

First thing’s first- cleanse, toner, serum, moisturizer. At least, that’s what Christine Chang, the co-founder of Glow Recipe, says is the secret to great skin. Based out of New York, Chang sat down with KultScene to discuss how their natural Korean products are exactly what everybody needs to get dewy, radiant skin.

Glow Recipe sells natural Korean facial products to international audiences. Rather than going for cutesy makeup, Chang and her fellow co-founder Sarah Lee carefully find the best skin care products in South Korea to bring to their audience, the kind of thing that would rival that seen in Aspect Dr reviews online. Everything that is sold on Glow Recipe is not only Korean, but also natural and good for your skin. And they don’t just sell anything that is popular in the Korean market. Glow Recipe’s staff carefully cultivates products for their audience and uses a multicultural panel of testers in order to match the multicultural U.S. market. Even though Glow Recipe is based in New York, the company has started shipping around the globe.

Why Korean beauty? Chang and Lee worked in the cosmetic industry for around ten years, and saw that a lot of innovation was coming out of Korea and that the people around them in both the industry and their personal lives were noticing. With their unique insight, having experience in both the U.S. and Korean beauty markets, the two started Glow Recipe to bring people the best that Korean technology, ingredients, and innovation can bring.

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“Korea has a really long heritage of natural beauty, dating back to palace literature, and a lot of those [ingredients and remedies] are present here with natural makeup. And a lot of those [things] are present in Europe but they weren’t coming over to the U.S. We wanted to bring those over to the U.S. to bring people great brands and teach really good practices,” explained Chang.

Is it another part of the Korean wave, Hallyu? “I think it’s hard to separate culture and music and pop culture and celebrity from beauty because they talk about it and use it and their fans around the world hear it,” said Chang. “And, if anything, I think the products going forward, will have more integration with Korean celebrities, Korean dramas, it’s almost like a seamless package… I can only imagine what will happen going forward.” She brought up 2013-14’s Korean drama, My Love From The Star, which caused a lipstick craze that led to Yves Saint Laurent selling out of a color worldwide; Korean skin care isn’t far behind.

The primary differences between Korean and American beauty routine? In Korea, beauty and skin tone are closely connected. The goal of Glow Recipe isn’t to give your skin the matte look that is often desired by America, covering up with makeup; the goal of Korean beauty is to treat the skin, to make a radiant, dewy look even before applying any makeup. Perhaps pairing it with a dark spot diminisher deal to promote a smoother base on which to place this makeup. Korean women are willing to try just about anything to get beautiful skin, so Korean products are much more adventurous than what the American market is used to. Because of this, Korean skin care may be daunting. But Glow Recipe makes it easy for even a beginning.

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Many people may have seen the fabled Korean ten-step skin care routine, one of which is on Glow Recipe’s website, split between morning and evening regiments. “To us, core steps are the cleanser, the toner to prep and hydrate your skin. Then you have the serum, which is designed to penetrate deeply into your skin to treat the concern, and then there’s the moisturizer to seal it in. Those four things are essentials when we talk about a basic routine,” said Chang, regarding women’s daily routines. And for men? Exfoliating, because of stubble, and using SPF are key.

Chang also suggested that people take off their makeup as you would change into pajamas: As soon as you get home.

Masks, essences, exfoliating ampoules, mists, etc. are also necessary for a regular routine, but hydrating and cleaning skin are the most important thing. Along with the four steps, Christine Chang said that SPF is essential for daily use. No matter how often you apply your City Beauty products or other Korean skincare products, you might want to apply them for at least 4-6 weeks so that your skin goes through a whole cycle of renewal.

I was so intrigued by Glow Recipe’s routine and products that Christine Chang showed me some things, and gave me a few testers to try at home. All this information might make us feel overwhelmed, but Glow Recipe makes the Korean skincare routine look easy with some links on their blog. Having spent half a year living in South Korea, I thought that I knew the Korean beauty industry. I was wrong. I tried out a sample of Glow Recipe’s products, and within a few days, I noticed how the natural products were doing much better things for my skin than my normal products.

No matter how often you apply your City Beauty products or other Korean skincare products, each time so that your skin gets a chance to rejuvenate itself.

: Glow Recipe Products for KultScene: Cleanser Powder, Hydrogel Mask, Toner Mist

: Tamar Trying Glow Recipe’s Hydrogel Masks for KultScene

Here are some things that Glow Recipe suggested specifically for KultScene’s readers, all of which you can find at www.GlowRecipe.com.Glow Recipe also makes custom sample kits for its customers, so that you can try out whatever you’d like. Added bonus: Use the code KULTSCENEGLOW to get $5 off on your first Glow Recipe purchase.

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Do you use Korean facial products? What other Korean products would you like to learn about from KultScene? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Thuctorials: Orange Caramel’s Nana “Lipstick” Makeup Tutorial

June 27, 2014/in Beauty /by Thucydides

There’s no doubt that Orange Caramel is always fun and colorful, but have you ever wanted to try their makeup style for yourself? I will show you how to Get That Look of Nana during the group’s Lipstick promotions!

As part of our very own Thuctorials series, this article will give you the full details on the colors and products that I used to imitate Nana’s makeup. None of these are exclusive products and you can get most of them in your regular department stores or online (online is recommendable especially as you can apply discounts like https://www.raise.com/coupons/kohls when you shop). When it comes to the foundation you might want to adjust to match your base skin tone but the brand itself you might want to stick with.

At the end of the day this is about having fun, so getting too stuck in the details of this brand and that product shouldn’t be on the agenda. If you feel a different brand or shade matches Nana‘s look then go for it!

Check out our video to watch a step-by-step tutorial of this look:

Prefer a written tutorial? Read on!

Prep

Before I put on my primer, I always make sure my face is clean and free of any dirt or oil. That way, the primer can stick onto my skin rather than the gross stuff! I used Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Primer:

I use my fingers for application because I feel like it’s the best method of making sure the primer is even and blended throughout my face.

You don’t have to use primer, but I prefer to do so because it helps smooth out my skin and pores, plus it helps my makeup stay on for a longer period of time!

Foundation

If you have clear skin, and you want lighter coverage, you can lightly powder your face. However, I like to cover my scars and blemishes with a liquid and powder foundation combination. I first applied Revlon’s 24 Hour Colorstay in medium beige with my fingers (MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE CLEAN), but a beauty sponge or likewise would work better. I didn’t have any in my possession at the time:

Afterwards, I used bareMinerals’ MATTE Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in medium beige with the brand’s Precision Face buffing brush for application. The instructions that come with the loose powder recommend a circular application, so I followed suit. Blend everything towards your neck for a smoother gradient.

Brows

I don’t have orange brow gel, so I used my bhCosmetics BH Day & Night eyeshadow palette, an angled brush from a dollar store pack of brushes, and eyedrops:

The eyedrops help intensify the eyeshadows and bring out their color! To tame my brows, I used a spoolie that you can buy at dollar stores, and then I drew a rough draft of what I wanted my eyebrows to look like with this orange color:

Then I went over my brows with this darker, orange-brown color to make it stand out a bit more:

I groomed and set the eyeshadow with my wet n wild’s megaclear Brow & Lash Mascara.

Eyeshadow

Instead of eyeshadow primer, I use my wet n wild’s idol eyes crème shadow pencil in Pixie as a base, covering my eyelid area:

I followed this up with NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk for my waterline, making my eyes appear larger. Try not to tug on your eyes too much, because it could stress them out!

For the eyeshadow, I used an eyeshadow brush, which came from the same dollar store pack as my angled brush, with the Day & Night palette. I went with this purple color first:

Covering up my eyelid area, I extended the shadow while following my crease and pulled the color under my eyes to connect the lines. You can do a little wing shape if you’d like!

After the purple, I chose a darker navy blue:

I covered the same area as the purple, as well as extending the blue past my inner tearduct.

To prep for my eyeliner, I used my angled brush and black eyeshadow:

If you haven’t noticed already, I like to layer my makeup! It adds more color, and I’ve found that it blends out really well. I made a guideline for my eyeliner with the black eyeshadow, following my lash line and extending it out on both sides.

Eyeliner

I’m a fan of marker-type liquid eyeliners, so L’Oréal’s THE infallible BLACKBUSTER 8 HR liquid eyeliner works great for me. Choose an eyeliner that you like and are most comfortable with using.

I basically followed the eyeshadow guideline:

Mascara

Nana may be using fake lashes, but my personal pair of lashes don’t match the dolly, fluffy ones that she sports. As a result, I forgoed the lashes and just went with mascara. I generally do multiple mascara products to make my lashes as long as possible, because I am just a sucker for long lashes. I started off with my clear mascara as a base and to separate my lashes:

I then went over it with one coat of my jordana’s BESTlength EXTREME Lengthening Mascara. I apply my mascara at this angle because it helps me not get any residue on my eyelids! Blinking while applying the mascara also helps me get the most product onto my lashes.

For volume and added length, I used my little sample of MAC’s ZOOM Fast Black Lash and applied it in the same manner.

As you can see, I like to put mascara on both my upper and lower lashes. If you’re not into that, you don’t have to do it!

Lips

For the base, I used wet n wild’s megaslicks lip balm in Rico Mauve, covering the shape of my lips.

To imitate Nana’s bright pink lips in the reference photo I used, I decided to go with my homemade carnation pink lipstick and a lip brush from the aforementioned brush pack.

It looks a little funky because it melts in hotter temperatures, but it works fine, don’t worry! I warmed up this lipstick using my breath for two reasons: (1) it was in an air-conditioned room for the majority of the tutorial, and (2) it helps make the lipstick workable. I applied it on the same area as the lip balm.

To make sure none of the lipstick got on my teeth, I sucked on my thumb for a little bit and pulled it out, wiping the extra residue. Do a final check on your own teeth and wipe any stains that you see before you go out!

Outfit

I don’t really have a stylish wardrobe like Nana’s, but you could pair a bright, fun dress or layered look with this! Here’s what Nana chose to wear:

Patterns with analogous or split complementary colors work very well with her makeup, and I’m positive they will work well for you if you choose to try this look out!

Hair

For hair, I personally would have liked to curl my bangs and do a curly-wavy hybrid of a ponytail; however, I needed to do more yardwork and consequently shower, so I felt no need to do my hair. Here are some hairstyles you could try:

That’s it for this Thuctorial! If you’d like me to do more of these, feel free to make a request on any of our social media sites or just comment below. I will also be doing Korean beauty product reviews, so request any products that you’d like a second opinion on!

[DISCLAIMER: All products are mine, bought with my own money. This tutorial was not sponsored]

Which idol would you like to be the focus of the next Thuctorial? Which Korean beauty products are you interested in? Share your thoughts with us, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

4 Female K-Pop Idols With Unique Beauty

May 31, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

There’s one image that comes to mind when we think about female K-Pop idols: super skinny and very feminine. And while we may like and respect the predominant image in the genre, there are also other women who stand out for their unique beauty and are equally loved and accepted by the public.

Of course, not all artists want to be role models for fans, but being an idol comes with responsibilities, given that they have influence over large groups of impressionable kids. Here’s a list of four women who set good examples in terms of embracing their unique and natural beauty:

In an industry plagued by the über feminine and lady-like image, f(x)’s rapper stands out for being a tomboy and one of the very few you’ll ever see in the field. You will always find Amber wearing shorts or pants with loose shirts and short hair, even when the rest of the group members wear short skirts and heels.

Amber not only stands out within f(x), but in all of K-Pop.

Coming from the same company that produced Girls’ Generation, I find it fascinating how SM Entertainment decided to show the llama’s personal style and personality as is, rather than overwrite it completely and sell us something generic. Amber goes against the conventional K-Pop female idol image, “what works,” and guess what? She’s one of the most popular members among international fans! She’s the perfect example that there’s a market for every style and that individuality also works.

This rookie group’s company also decided to go against the current and debut a group who dances, sings, and looks different than most. But the one who stands out the most is Nada, Wassup’s rapper. This girl was blessed with an S line even Western artists can envy. Moreover, she flaunts what her momma gave her with flattering, form-fitting ensembles that are also very badass.

And this might not be twerking per se, but she does make movements with her booty no other female group attempts yet.

Let them haters hate and eat their hearts out.

Sadly, WASSUP deals with the scrutiny of a culture that doesn’t fully embrace sexy images and is often slut-shamed. But just as one equally criticized and fierce diva once said,

Can’t nobody stop the fire. Let them haters sit n’ stare.

So grab your popcorn and pick a comfy seat because it doesn’t seem like the group’s stopping anytime soon. Curvy Korean girls can now be represented in the K-Pop sphere without having to turn to Western artists who might resemble them better.

Ga In has lots of things going for her, including a great body and being very sexy. In a country where getting double eye-lid surgery is equivalent to getting a new iPad in the West for good grades, Ga In embraced her small eyes by opting out of the procedure and showing off her iconic smokey eyed makeup.

Her eyes are adorable and convey as much emotion of those with double eye-lids.

While this woman is not shy in flaunting her sexiness, she joins Soo Hyun in promoting self-image acceptance, which is crucial for young fans who look up to them.

I fully understand that the K-Pop Star winner is only 15-years-young and she still has a lot of growing up (mentally and physically) to do, but it seems like she and her brother have a good idea or the route they want to embark within the music industry.

Akdong Musician revealed on an interview the plastic surgery clause in their contract with YG Entertainment. Chan Hyuk, Soo Hyun’s brother, commented that they amended their contract to include that they would not undergo any plastic surgery. And while there really isn’t anything wrong with K-Pop idols with plastic surgery, it’s really refreshing to see artists with enough self-esteem to accept how they look naturally. Soo Hyun’s super cute as is right now and she still has to finish puberty, but the fact that she’s taking precautions with the possibility of her agency making her alter her looks is commendable.

Precious and perfect just the way she is.

The siblings’ success goes beyond their looks, for they have just formally debuted and have slayed all of K-Pop with their hits “200%” and “Play.” Soo Hyun is the best example of how talent triumphs looks any day.

Who do you think stands out for their non-conventional looks? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

What’s Wrong With “Plastic” K-Pop Idols?

May 28, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Thucydides

Far too often have we seen a tabloid published about an idol‘s “shocking” confession of plastic surgery, whether it’s a full-on transformation or a tweaking of the nose. While some fans support their idols’ decisions, others resort to complaints and hate messages. Given that South Korea is one of the top countries in terms of the best plastic surgeons and the most cosmetic surgery procedures, why are people surprised when they find out about these “scandals?”

Granted, just because a country is popular for a certain practice, it doesn’t mean that such a practice is justified. However, when it comes to cosmetic surgery, people tend to have a negative perspective on the matter. But just what are their reasons for this negativity? Will it change if they had a look at the 2020 cosmetic surgery statistics? Or would it be the exact same?

In my opinion, plastic surgery should not be considered a crime. First of all, it is generally an individual’s decision. What they choose to do with their bodies should be their choice, not yours. There are loads of highly reviewed cosmetic surgeons in Costa Rica, to name just one place, that can help people feel better about the way they look. Different people have different levels of self-confidence and if surgery is one way they can increase it, why stop them?

As long as they make sure they’re aware of the risks involved such as potential leaks in breast implants, but even these can be easily rectified with local treatment like Breast Implant Revision Surgery in New York City. Second of all, unless they plan to go through drastic measures (like injecting cooking oil into their face) that may be life threatening, they should be allowed the right to change the way you look and change what you don’t like. Yes, some people may be able to live with their flaws, but self-esteem varies. Just because you can handle that your nose is a little flat, or your eyes a little uneven, doesn’t mean that your idol should be able to handle it too. They are not the same person as you, and they will never be, so why expect them to have the same rationality as yours?

Honestly, a lot of the work done on South Korean idols tends to improve their aesthetic appeal; in a country and career field where looks can mean everything, it should be no surprise that people fix some of their flaws. Sometimes they are persuaded by their agencies to get surgery, and sometimes they choose that road themselves. This does not mean that you should stop supporting their work!

Many K-Pop idols have no qualms about plastic surgery, and some even go out of their way to tell their fans that they’ve gotten work done. Just take a look at Kwanghee from ZE:A and Goo Hara from Kara:

They’ve admitted that they had a some help in the beauty department. Kwanghee himself occasionally jokes about his multiple cosmetic procedures, giving a lighthearted air to the touchy subject.

Does this mean that all idols need to get plastic surgery in order to be popular? No. But they should not be judged for trying to make a living out of their looks! Even extending from idols, there are many actors and actresses of whom have gone under the knife. Like I said, given that the entertainment business is highly focused on appearances, this should not be a surprise.

The plastic surgery trend branches out to high school students looking towards improving their looks for a better social life, more job opportunities, or just a plain old self-esteem boost. I myself have a friend who went through double eyelid surgery after our sophomore year (to set matters straight, she is Korean), and she perceived the ordeal as a perfectly normal thing to do. Did it change her appearance? A little bit, but her personality remained the same.

Some may argue that this may prove to be detrimental to the fragile self-esteem of young people, but I believe that a cosmetic surgery is just like more intense makeup, or a tattoo, or a new change in style. Everyone has their reasons for wearing makeup; to look pretty, to clean up their appearance, or to capture the attention of someone special. Those very reasons can correlate to plastic surgery all the same.

One of the issues I can see, besides the dangerous aspect of some plastic surgeries, is how certain idols are promoted as “all-natural” when it’s obvious that they have had work done. But, once again, that is how the industry works. What you see on the screen may not be who that person is in real life, and that’s reality. One of the functions of popular culture tends to be the advertisement of ideal people and values in a world that is far from ideal.

Am I saying that everyone should accept plastic surgery? No. If you have issues accepting it, then that’s ok. What’s not ok is forcing your belief on someone who thinks differently than you. If a friend decides to get surgery, and the result turns out pretty well, do not be a sour grape and tell them that they looked better before. Sometimes it’s better to just be a kind human being.

What are your thoughts on idols with plastic surgery? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Archive for category: Beauty

Skin 411

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The Journey Begins

Cosmetic Hallyu

The Products

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Overall Thoughts

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