K-Beauty 101: The Simple 4-Step Routine + What’s Actually Worth Trying | EP204
The real K-Beauty philosophy has less to do with 12 steps and more to do with how you treat your skin every day.
Korean skincare routines often get labeled as complicated, yet Elle Choi Son reframes it as disciplined consistency rooted in culture. Skincare in her world starts early and centers on hydration, layering, and protecting the skin barrier. Healthy skin is the baseline. Everything else builds on that. From winning Miss Korea Washington at 18 to carving out a niche as a Korean American makeup artist, Elle learned early that great makeup begins long before foundation ever touches your face.
Amy and Elle cut through the noise of viral trends and overflowing bathroom shelves with a return to basics: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen. Build the habit first. Then explore Korean beauty products with intention, whether that means testing some of the best Korean skincare brands or trying newer categories like PDRN skincare. They also talk honestly about trend-driven products such as at-home micro-needling formulas and why more product does not equal better results.
The takeaway is calm and practical. Let skincare absorb before applying makeup. Protect your barrier. Keep it simple when life gets busy. Glowing skin rarely comes from one miracle product, instead, it comes from consistent care you can sustain.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 K-Beauty 101: Why Korean Skincare Is Different
04:13 The Korean Skincare Routine Philosophy and Cultural Roots
09:37 K-Beauty for Beginners: The Essential Starter Routine
11:34 Elle’s Real-Life Korean Skincare Routine and Favorite Products
23:19 Skincare Ingredients Explained: PDRN, Actives, and What to Avoid
26:12 Viral K-Beauty Trends and Influencer Myths
34:26 Five-Minute Makeup Routine That Starts With Skincare
About Elle Choi Son:
Elle Choi Son is a Korean-American content creator with a background in professional makeup and social media marketing. Drawing from her Korean heritage, deep connection to K-Beauty, and passion for storytelling, she shares beauty, food, and travel content that’s both informative and relatable.Through her content, Elle helps her community explore wellness and self-expression in an approachable, modern way.
Listen To Episode 204:
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CNP Laboratory Aqua Soothing Toner
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Goodal Vita C Dark Spot Care Eye Cream
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics)
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz
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About Wellness Junkies:
Wellness Junkies is a relatable wellbeing, beauty, and lifestyle brand founded by sisters-in-law Amy Sherman and Katie Chandler. They explore and explain beauty, skincare, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and more with an approachable style aimed at helping everyone achieve a lifestyle to help you feel your best.
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