What’s “cream skin”, you ask. Think beautiful skin – minus the 10-step Korean skincare routine.
“Glass skin” has been the gold standard for good skin in K-beauty for a long time, but it looks like K-beauty skincare trends in 2020 are getting an update – and we’re not complaining.
Glass skin, although highly sought-after, remains tedious to pull off and maintain. The transparent look is achieved by religious and meticulous care of the skin: exfoliating frequently to smooth, double cleansing, and not to mention all the serums that promise the glow of your dreams but put a hole in your pocket seams.
Korean skincare enthusiasts are now swearing by a new definition of good skin: cream skin, which can be attained much more easily.
Cream skin looks soft, moisturised, and supple. It still looks dewy, but it doesn’t “blind” you like how glass skin does.
The best part: a great lotion and an amazing moisturiser are all it takes to achieve this skincare result.
Lotions/Toners that help you achieve cream skin
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner: for all skin types
This is the product that started it all. Laneige explains that they use a unique technology to melt face cream into their toners to create the ultra-hydrating Cream Skin Refiner, so your skin is moisturised from the first step.
The texture is like a thicker version of a toner, yet light enough that it’s not uncomfortable for day wear, and it’s mild enough such that it won’t irritate sensitive skin.
According to Laneige’s website, 93% of users feel their skin is moisturised for a longer period, and 80% think their makeup looks dewier with the refiner. The Cream Skin Refiner can be used in several ways: as a regular toner for dry skin, for a toner pack, or a mist to help refresh your makeup throughout the day for long-lasting dewiness.
Laneige’s Cream Skin Refiner retails at SGD38, at all Laneige counters and boutiques, and on Sephora.sg.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin: for dry skin
All K-beauty fans will know Innisfree for its very affordable yet equally effective products. Recommended for the driest of skins, the Green Tea Seed line is Innisfree’s most moisturising skincare collection, and has a toner (or “skin”, as Koreans call it), that helps to relieve tightness caused by dehydration and re-balances the moisture levels in the skin.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin retails at SGD29, at Innisfree stores or on Innisfree’s website.
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Memory Shape Gel-in-Lotion: for matured skin
And it’s not only K-beauty brands that are able to produce lotions that can help you achieve cream skin. If you’ve always enjoyed the technologies by Western brands, consider the Lancôme Gel-in-Lotion, which has a similar formula to the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner. Apart from offering absolute comfort and hydration to skin, it also contains anti-ageing properties to help skin regain its original elasticity and youthful glow
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Memory Shape Gel-in-Lotion retails at SGD110, at all Lancôme counters and boutiques, and on Sephora.sg.
Pixi Glow Tonic: for oily to combination skin
Many beauty enthusiasts call this product their holy grail and we’re not surprised why. A toner that has gentle exfoliation properties, which helps remove dead skin cells so that healthy, glowing skin can be revealed. Over time, you’ll find that your skin look more refined.
The hypoallergenic formula is also loved by the Daily Vanity team. Read our review of the Pixi Glow Tonic to see what we think.
Pixi Glow Tonic retails at SGD48, at Sephora.
Moisturisers that help you achieve cream skin
dear, Klair’s Supple Preparation All Over Lotion: for dry skin
Have dry skin can’t be satisfied even with a hydrating toner? Try Klair’s All Over Lotion that is moisturising and imparts a sheen that gives you that “cream skin”, yet doesn’t feel heavy. If you’re looking for an effective option that doesn’t cause your wallet harm, this may just be the perfect product for you!
Buy dear, Klairs’s Supple Preparation All Over Lotion retails at SGD33, at Guardian.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Sebo-Regulating Moisturizer: for acne-prone and oily skin
If you think cream skin is impossible with oily, acne-prone skin, think again. This oil-free moisturiser counters your overactive sebum producing glands to reduce shine while maintaining moisture balance, so you, too, can achieve the same cream skin glow!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Sebo-Regulating Moisturizer retails at SGD38.90, at Guardian.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: for all skin types
This protein moisturiser from cult-favourite brand Drunk Elephant helps improve your skin’s tone, texture, and firmness. These benefits are made possible thanks to the concentrated array of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids, and pygmy waterlily in the formula.
The abundant proteins and nutrients in this product helps restore your skin’s strength. While it may sound like a heavy-duty product, you may be pleasantly surprised by how lightweight its texture is.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream retails at SGD96, at Sephora.
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream: for dull skin
This lightweight moisturiser is made with a concentrated blend of crushed citrus fruits and fruit acids. Together, these ingredients help to refine and smooth skin, while revitalising it so it’ll look healthier, softer, and brighter.
It definitely doesn’t hurt that it delivers instant glow, while offering an invigorating citrus scent that perks you up even after application.
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream retails at SGD77, at Sephora.
