Gen x Taste is a lifestyle blog and newsletter for those who still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up (even if they’re over the age of 40).
Earlier this summer I read
’s book Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital which was a very thorough (but also entertaining) education into all things K-Culture, from soap operas to K-pop to of course, skincare.My jaw was on the ground pretty much every chapter. It had me re-examining standards of beauty and feminism in a way I haven’t really done since reading The Beauty Myth in college for WMST 101. From the Escape the Corset Movement to kids cosmetics, there was so much I had no idea about — so much I’m still processing.
I am by no means an expert in Korean Beauty, which should be clear to anyone who has watched a video of me smearing on sunscreen confused about the difference between Innisfree and Isntree. Also, in general, my relationship to aging and definitions of beauty (especially as it pertains to Asian women) is ever-evolving.
All of that said, please read Elise’s book — she knows what she’s talking about. I’m just here to tell you what products I’ve loved using in the past/present. Also, Elise has a Substack:
Elise is also doing a guest post over at my Asian/AAPI culture Substack, The Yellow Pages soon! Make sure to subscribe there so you don’t miss it.
K-Beauty Products I Use and Love
Sheet Masks - I try not to buy too many sheet masks because they aren’t environmentally friendly, but they were my gateway into K-Beauty so I am including them here. I feel like LAPCOS is the brand I’m most often using since it’s always in gift bags (pictured above) but when I purchase my own, I get Mediheal’s Collagen version (apparently they are Korea’s #1 Sheet Mask, according to them).
COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence - I was late to board the snail mucin train, so late in fact that my first bottle was purchased from the discount shelf at Marshall’s. So I’m not grossed out or appalled that this stuff comes from snails. It feels glorious and hydrates so well.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch - Another great product from the same company. I think this may be the first K-beauty product I ever bought? Revolutionary. Stick in on a whitehead and it prevents you from picking at it, while it heals at triple speed.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner - I pour this straight on my hands dab onto my face right after using an actual toner on a cotton pad. (Use code SHOPLYNN for 10% off.)
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Juice Moisturizer - The long names for these products is kinda ridiucous, but “pink juice” is an apt description for this product. I love how lightweight it is for summertime.
Innisfree and Isntree SPF - Honestly, I cannot tell the difference still. I love them both.
Etude House Lash Curl Perm Fix Mascara - Not surprisingly, the only mascara that keeps my stick-straight Asian lashes curled is made by Asians!
Peach and Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream - I really wish they didn’t use the words “matcha” and “pudding” because whenever I open this I want to eat it! Very luxuriously rich and perfect for colder/drier weather.
Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask - Don’t let the word “sleeping mask” mislead you. This isn’t something you only put on at night and wash off in the morning. It’s basically the best-smelling lip balm you’ll ever put on. I also apply it to my cuticles religiously.
Are you on IG? I’m @genxtaste. My aim is to keep these posts sponsor-free, so if you’d like to support me directly with a paid subscription, that would be very helpful. Please note: I do use affiliate links via ShopMy and Amazon and may earn a commission when you purchase something. If you’d like to read my other Substack publications, check out Trying So Hard (monthly news/updates) and The Yellow Pages (Asian/AAPI culture).
I don’t believe animals should suffer especially for beauty which is why I skip laneige.