What is J-Beauty?
J-Beauty is short for Japanese Beauty. The term encompasses the traditional and modern skincare techniques, routines, products and beauty culture from the land of cherry blossom.
It is a holistic approach that emphasises simplicity, minimalism and a focus on natural ingredients. J-Beauty aims to achieve and maintain healthy and beautiful skin at any age. To achieve this, only a handful of products are used and as few ingredients as possible, only what the skin really needs to bring out its natural beauty.
The J-Beauty routine in just a few steps
The Japanese beauty routine is characterised by minimalist simplicity, which requires fewer steps than most other routines and is therefore much easier to integrate into everyday life.
In contrast to other beauty regimes, J-Beauty focuses on high-quality products with few but effective ingredients. Avoiding excessive product application and focussing on high-quality, multi-functional products saves time and yet achieves optimal results.
1. Cleanse
Thorough cleansing removes impurities that have accumulated during the day and prevents them from clogging the pores and causing skin problems. This step can consist of one or two parts and can be done with an oil or balm cleanser, or a foaming cleanser.
Oil cleansers effectively remove make-up, sunscreen, excess sebum and impurities. A foaming cleanser can be used instead or in combination, depending on your individual needs.
Oil cleanser application
Pour some oil or balm cleanser into your clean palms, spread it gently and warm it up. Apply to dry facial skin and massage in circular motions, including around the eyes to remove make-up. Then moisten your hands with water and continue massaging until the cleanser takes on a milky consistency. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry your face with a soft cloth.
Foaming cleanser application
First lather up the product in your hands or with a foam net until a thick foam forms. Then gently massage the foam onto your face in circular movements to remove dirt and impurities. Then rinse off the foam thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry your face with a soft towel.
2. Tonify
Toners are regarded as an important intermediate step in Japanese skincare. They optimally prepare the skin for the intensive care of the subsequent steps. Toners restore the skin's pH value after cleansing, moisturize and improve the skin's ability to absorb further skincare products. Toners therefore play a central role in maintaining and improving skin health.
Toner application
Toners are usually watery and are best applied with cotton pads or a gentle cloth. Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad, a soft cloth or your palms. Gently dab or press the toner onto the skin until it is completely absorbed.
3. Provide your skin with nutrients
Serums are highly concentrated skincare products that provide your skin with important nutrients. They also address and prevent skin problems such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or loss of elasticity.
They contain active ingredients in high concentrations and penetrate deep into the skin. Among other things, this step is often referred to as ‘sealing’ because it is dedicated to locking in moisture so that the skin remains better hydrated and the subsequent steps (masks and moisturizer) can increase their effect.
Serum application
Apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips. Gently spread the serum over your face by lightly patting or massaging it in until it is completely absorbed. Be sure to focus on areas with specific skin concerns.
4. Intensive care (optional)
In the Japanese skincare routine, the regular use of masks is a luxury that is reflected in the quality of the skin. They offer deep nourishment that goes beyond what daily products can provide and thus make a significant contribution to healthy, radiant skin.
This is why they are usually only used 1 - 2 times a week. Sheet masks are very popular in Japan as they effectively deliver the active ingredients to the skin. However, there are also creamy or gel-like masks.
Application of sheet masks
Carefully remove the mask from the packaging and apply it evenly to your face, making sure it fits snugly and covers all areas. Leave the mask on for the time recommended on the packaging. Then remove the mask and gently massage the remaining serum into the skin until it is completely absorbed. It is not necessary to wash your face afterwards.
Application of cream or gel masks
Spread an even layer of the mask over your face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. Leave the mask on for the time recommended on the packaging. Then rinse the mask off thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry your face with a soft towel.
5. Moisturize
The final moisturizing step in Japanese skincare is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. By locking in moisture and nutrients, protecting the skin barrier and promoting skin elasticity, moisturizers play a vital role in skin health. Moisturizers can be applied with a cosmetic spoon or spatula, a Gua Sha stone or with your hands.
Applying the moisturizer
Use a cosmetic spoon or spatula, or your clean fingers, to take a small amount of moisturizer hygienically. Apply the cream in small dots to the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Then use the spoon, the Gua Sha stone or your fingers to gently work the cream into the skin in circular motions until it is completely absorbed. Always make sure to clean the spoon, your Gua Sha stone and your fingers well before use.
Application with a cosmetic spoon or spatula
We recommend using a metal cosmetic spoon or spatula (usually stainless steel or zinc alloy) to remove and apply the moisturizer. This has several advantages. If you use it for a long time and repeatedly, you will create less waste and protect your cream from external contamination, which means it will last longer. If you also use it to apply to your face, it can have a pleasant, cooling effect. It is important that you clean it thoroughly after each use.
Application with Gua Sha stone
You can also use Gua Sha stones for application. They offer a versatile and effective addition to skin care, as their cooling effect can promote blood circulation, reduce swelling and improve the absorption of skin care products. Their regular use can contribute to a more radiant, healthy and relaxed complexion.
Uncomplicated for every day
Experience timeless beauty with a routine that is easy to integrate into your everyday life. Discover how a skincare routine that focuses on simplicity and quality can give your skin a new dimension of health and youthfulness. Immerse yourself in a world of gentle textures and inspiring rituals - for a fresh complexion and radiantly beautiful skin.
