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Have you ever wondered what the beauty / skincare routines are from around the world and how it compares to what we currently do? I’m certainly not one to talk about my beauty routine … aside from regularly washing my face in the morning and evening, moisturizing, and doing the occasional face mask, I’ve got nothing. Anywho, moving on…
The goal of this post is not to get too detailed but to rather briefly cover the general beauty routine of people from different countries, as well as adding a bit of commentary about my own experience with some products. Without further ado, let’s get started!
France
Photo taken from Vogue AU
Despite France being the home of many great beauty products like moisturizers and fragrances, this country is known for minimalist makeup and the “effortless” look, not heavily focused on anti-aging products. Micellar water, which has gained popularity worldwide as a makeup remover and cleanser, was developed in France in the 90’s and was aimed to counteract hard water, which stripped the skin of moisture and caused flaking and itching. If you don’t know what micellar water is, it’s a very gentle formula that looks just like water but contains tiny micelles, particles that lift dirt and makeup from your skin without drying it! Micellar water is affordable and can be bought in the form of wipes, gel cleansers, or just as the plain cleansing water. Some popular brands are from Garnier, Simple, and more.
South Korea
Photo taken from Vogue AU
Surely, South Korea is one of the countries when you think of beauty products and skincare routines?! From South Korea come thousands of different products for your skin, such as various sheet masks, moisturizers, essences, serums, toners, water-based cleansers, and more. Heck, South Korea has a 10 step skincare routine! I’ve always been curious to try it but I don’t think I have enough money allotted for all the products for a 10-step routine…!
- Makeup remover and oil cleanser
- Water based cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Toner
- Essence
- Treatments (boosters, serums, ampoules)
- Sheet masks
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sun protection
Essences hydrate your skin and contain anti-aging and complexion enhancing ingredients, such as rice extract, hyaluronic acid, and more. Boosters, serums, and ampoules are great. Like the name, they boost the skin and target specific problem areas such as areas of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. Ingredients commonly seen in these products are Vitamin C and tea tree.
My experience
I’ve just recently become a fan of Korean beauty products and have tried a few things but I will say this – if you get cracked and dry lips, the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask will be your SAVIOR! It is seriously such a game changer. You probably have seen other Lifestyle bloggers praise this product, and for good reason! It stays on all night and in the morning your lips feel hydrated and look nice and plump and smooth! I’m slowly running out of my trial size and I know I’ll end up buying the larger version of it because it is just that wonderful. Definitely give it a try, you won’t regret it! In case you’re not sure of getting the regular size (20g), Laniege packages the lip sleeping mask in a smaller size (3g), as well as a mini sleeping kit that includes their water sleeping mask for the face and eyes! I actually did a small review about that goodnight kit in my December Favorites post, so check that out if you’re interested!
I was also given a free product from a Korean beauty company based in Canada called Aspire Cosmetics (their shop will be officially opening soon), an active gel serum. It is SOO refreshing and makes my skin feel so nice. I talked about it a while ago on one of my Instagram posts but I’ll be following up with a more in depth review about it soon!
China and Japan
Photo taken from Journiest
China and Japan are both the same in that they focus on anti-aging and achieving a “pore-less”, light complexion. This means including high SPF products as well as Vitamin C serums and facial peels into their beauty routine. Since pollution levels are high in China, routine thorough cleansing and exfoliating is vital.
Turkey and Morocco
Photo taken from Journiest
Hot water baths, or “hammam”, is big in countries like Turkey and Morocco. Before indoor plumbing existed, people attended huge public baths like these in their village. Hammams were not only for relaxation and hygiene, but a place to be social. You sit in a sauna-like environment which helps with detoxification, in which afterwards you would exfoliate and do a full body clay mask and lastly, moisturize! In addition, you can use different healing herbs to make your bath more exciting and healing! Morocco likewise has been using Argan oil for centuries. Argan oil can give your skin a boost and makes for an amazing natural moisturizer. It can also be used for your hair and provide several benefits such as enhancing volume and thickness, as well as stimulate new hair growth!
OGX is an example that has an excellent Moroccan argan oil shampoo. I’ve tried it myself and I definitely remember having smoother, silkier, as well as more voluminous hair then. The only reason why I’m not currently using it is because I like venturing out and trying new things, otherwise that shampoo would be one of my top picks. For about $10 USD, it’s a really great product! What’s nice is that OGX also offers an extra strength penetrating argan oil for dry or coarse hair, so pairing those two would most likely do wonders!
Brazil
Photo taken from Journiest
It’s always beach weather in Brazil! In this country, full body exfoliation is very common, especially with the feet. It’s said that Brazilians see their dermatologists more than other people. Full body exfoliation, regular visits to their dermatologist, as well as a healthy diet with plenty of juices and smoothies high in antioxidants and ingredients to boost collagen and more are what make up their three-pronged approach to beauty.
If you’re interested in reading more, here are a few articles out there that also cover even more of what other countries do:
Skincare Secrets From Around the World – Refinery 29
5 Beauty Routines – Prevention
What is your current beauty routine? Definitely give your thoughts below. Thanks for reading! ♡
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This was so interesting to read, I’ve never thought much about other cultures skin care routines but I’m so curious now! The South Korean products sound great and really refreshing for your skin, especially the lip balm- my lips are constantly dry. I never knew In Brazil that feet were so important and kept in good condition 😂 makes sense though with the weather. Great post Geraldine 😊 xx
Thank you so much Chloe! It really was interesting to read when I was researching those! The Korean lip sleeping mask is such a dream, and that is something I never knew either about Brazilians! It makes me think most are walking barefoot? Haha. Thanks for reading lovely! 💗
This was so interesting! And definitely not something I’ve thought about before. Goodness me a 10 step skincare routine? That’s take some commitment for sure!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Thank you so much! Definitely a 10 step process takes notm commitment 🤣
I love this post, it’s not something that I have thought about looking into before but it’s so interesting to learn about different cultures from around the world regarding beauty! I’m a big fan of the sheet masks that South Korea do, I always buy a load and it keeps me going for a good while, but they’re really great at looking after your skin. I love how focused France are on having make-up that is minimalist, I always feel like I can’t do it though, I have to hide my face with lots of make up hahaha.
Chloe xx
I have to try more of south Korea’s face masks, I think I only had a chance to try it once?! Haha yes Francis method not appeal to all! I definitely think I would fit in well there 😂
Wow i never thought about looking into beauty from Brazil turkey or even china.
I was really only aware of Korean beauty because of kpop lol!
I really want to learn more about natural beauty but also be able to wear non toxic makeup. My skin is too sensitive for any toxic chemicals 😭
My routine these days is just cleansing, toner, moisturizing and masks twice a month!
Girl that sounds like what I do(but I gotta get on those face masks haha)!! I love the minimalist style. Haha I’m glad you learned something new! 😁
This is really interesting, I hadn’t realised the variation between different countries. The 10 step one sounds a bit complicated! I like the sound of the overnight lip balm. Although currently I use plain old Vaseline at night which seems to work too! I’m of the cheap and cheerful school of beauty usually 😀 I do buy an argan oil treatment for my hair though.
It definitely is a bit much, for sure !! 😭🤣 Vaseline is another great alternative 😁
Hi lovely
What an amazing read I do love skincare and found your post do interesting
Thanks so much Kelly!! It was an interesting read for sure 🙂
This was so interesting, Ger! Shoutout to France for brining us Micellar water because I don’t think I could live without that now! Also, a 10-step skincare routine is INSANE! I can barely manage with my three step one, haha! I’m also right there with China and Japan, daily SPF is so important! Great post as always! x
Hahaa yesss I know right?! Micellar water is great! I still have to get on board with the daily SPF protection! I’m glad you enjoyed girl 🖤
It is interesting to learn about how people deal with skincare around the world. Not all skins are the same and different methods work for some people better than others! Korean skincare routine comes with a lot of steps. I like it! Everyone else kept it simple, which makes sense because the weather is different as well. Thanks for sharing these results!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yeah, who knew how much it differed from other countries eh? I still have yet to try the 10 step but it is interesting to see how it would be after all that work lol! Thanks for reading Nancy!
I would love to give the Korean 10 step routine a go but I think I’m just too lazy! Though I am sat reading this with a sheet mask on! Great read.
Haha same Carly! I’m interested but it sounds like so much work. Thanks for reading! xx
This was so interesting to read, I didn’t really thought there would be different routines for different cultures. This was so lovely to learn more. Thank you for sharing Geraldine, I enjoyed reading this post ❤️xxx
Thank you Lauren! I never realized how different some cultures were from each other either, it’s so interesting to know that the things we may value are completely different in a neighboring country!
Definitely! ❤️
Being a skincare and beauty lover I find this so interesting! It’s crazy how different cultures and countries have such different standards of beauty- I don’t love Micellar water but do think the French generally have a lovely classic style!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
It is pretty fascinating to read how people hold beauty to different standards 🙂 Thank you for reading! xx
This is so interesting – It’s amazing how people have different beauty routines around the world! I use a lot of high-SPF products, mostly because in NZ the sun is really strong (we have the highest rate of melanoma in the world!), so it’s more of a skin safety kind of thing. I really love the French beauty routines because they are so simplistic.
It is isn’t it? 🙂 I honestly need to use SPF products as well. I didn’t realize you have the highest rate of melanoma in the world, omg!!
This was really interesting to read! I’ve never thought about how different places would have different routines! 🙂
Hope that your week is going well 🙂
Away From The Blue
Thanks so much for reading! We only usually think of the culture around us hehe 🙂
A 10 step skin care routine? That must take some commitment. This was a very interesting read, I’ve never thought of how other countries use beauty and skin care products before.
Haha yes a 10 step is pretty insane right?! It definitely does – I for one am not that dedicated so it sounds insane to me, although it’s made me curious haha. Thank you for reading Kim!
Ok this was super cool! I’m so fascinated by the South Korean routine, that’s so much to do!!! I feel like I can definitely get on board with that.
Thank you Lav!! It was so interesting to learn about how different cultures look at beauty and what their routines are. The SK skincare routine is so much but they all have such gorgeous skin so I agree with you!!