Korean Beauty and Cosmetics Vocabulary — K-beauty Words You Need to Know

<h2>K-beauty: More Than Just a Trend</h2> <p>South Korea is THE global reference for beauty and cosmetics. After 12 years in Seoul, I can tell you that skincare here isn't a luxury — it's a way of life. Men and women, young and old — everyone has their routine. My Korean wife introduced me to the famous 10-step routine as soon as I arrived, and honestly, my skin has never looked better.</p> <p>Whether you're a K-beauty enthusiast or simply curious, this vocabulary will be essential for shopping in Myeongdong, understanding Korean product labels, or simply talking about beauty with your Korean friends.</p> <h2>[Basic Vocabulary](/en/korean/100-essential-words) — 기본 뷰티 단어</h2> <table> <tr><th>Korean</th><th>Romanization</th><th>English</th></tr> <tr><td>화장품</td><td>hwa-jang-pum</td><td>Cosmetics / beauty products</td></tr> <tr><td>화장</td><td>hwa-jang</td><td>Makeup</td></tr> <tr><td>피부</td><td>pi-bu</td><td>Skin</td></tr> <tr><td>얼굴</td><td>eol-gul</td><td>Face</td></tr> <tr><td>스킨케어</td><td>seu-kin-ke-eo</td><td>Skincare</td></tr> <tr><td>메이크업</td><td>me-i-keu-eop</td><td>Makeup</td></tr> <tr><td>뷰티</td><td>byu-ti</td><td>Beauty</td></tr> <tr><td>피부 관리</td><td>pi-bu gwan-ri</td><td>Skincare / skin management</td></tr> </table> <h2>The 10-Step Skincare Routine — 10단계 스킨케어</h2> <p>The famous Korean 10-step routine is known worldwide. Here's each step with its corresponding vocabulary:</p> <h3>The 10 Steps and Their Vocabulary</h3> <table> <tr><th>Step</th><th>Korean</th><th>Romanization</th><th>English</th></tr> <tr><td>1</td><td>오일 클렌저</td><td>o-il keul-len-jeo</td><td>Oil cleanser</td></tr> <tr><td>2</td><td>폼 클렌저</td><td>pom keul-len-jeo</td><td>Foam cleanser</td></tr> <tr><td>3</td><td>각질 제거</td><td>gak-jil je-geo</td><td>Exfoliation</td></tr> <tr><td>4</td><td>토너</td><td>to-neo</td><td>Toner</td></tr> <tr><td>5</td><td>에센스</td><td>e-sen-seu</td><td>Essence</td></tr> <tr><td>6</td><td>세럼</td><td>se-reom</td><td>Serum</td></tr> <tr><td>7</td><td>마스크팩</td><td>ma-seu-keu-paek</td><td>Sheet mask</td></tr> <tr><td>8</td><td>아이크림</td><td>a-i-keu-rim</td><td>Eye cream</td></tr> <tr><td>9</td><td>수분크림</td><td>su-bun-keu-rim</td><td>Moisturizer</td></tr> <tr><td>10</td><td>선크림</td><td>seon-keu-rim</td><td>Sunscreen</td></tr> </table> <p>In Korea, <strong>선크림</strong> (sunscreen) is considered THE essential product. Rain or shine, winter or summer — Koreans never go out without sun protection. It's practically a religion here!</p> <h2>Makeup Products — 메이크업 제품</h2> <table> <tr><th>Korean</th><th>Romanization</th><th>English</th></tr> <tr><td>쿠션</td><td>ku-syeon</td><td>Cushion compact (foundation)</td></tr> <tr><td>파운데이션</td><td>pa-un-de-i-syeon</td><td>Foundation</td></tr> <tr><td>립스틱</td><td>rip-seu-tik</td><td>Lipstick</td></tr> <tr><td>립틴트</td><td>rip-tin-teu</td><td>Lip tint</td></tr> <tr><td>마스카라</td><td>ma-seu-ka-ra</td><td>Mascara</td></tr> <tr><td>아이라이너</td><td>a-i-ra-i-neo</td><td>Eyeliner</td></tr> <tr><td>아이섀도</td><td>a-i-syae-do</td><td>Eyeshadow</td></tr> <tr><td>블러셔</td><td>beul-reo-syeo</td><td>Blush</td></tr> <tr><td>컨실러</td><td>keon-sil-reo</td><td>Concealer</td></tr> <tr><td>프라이머</td><td>peu-ra-i-meo</td><td>Primer</td></tr> </table> <p>The <strong>쿠션</strong> (cushion) is a 100% Korean invention. This compact foundation soaked in a sponge revolutionized makeup worldwide. Amorepacific invented it, and now every major brand offers one.</p> <h2>Skin Types — 피부 타입</h2> <table> <tr><th>Korean</th><th>Romanization</th><th>English</th></tr> <tr><td>건성 피부</td><td>geon-seong pi-bu</td><td>Dry skin</td></tr> <tr><td>지성 피부</td><td>ji-seong pi-bu</td><td>Oily skin</td></tr> <tr><td>복합성 피부</td><td>bok-hap-seong pi-bu</td><td>Combination skin</td></tr> <tr><td>민감성 피부</td><td>min-gam-seong pi-bu</td><td>Sensitive skin</td></tr> <tr><td>여드름</td><td>yeo-deu-reum</td><td>Acne</td></tr> <tr><td>주름</td><td>ju-reum</td><td>Wrinkles</td></tr> <tr><td>모공</td><td>mo-gong</td><td>Pores</td></tr> <tr><td>미백</td><td>mi-baek</td><td>Whitening / brightening</td></tr> </table> <h2>Famous Korean Brands</h2> <p>Here are the brands you'll find everywhere in Seoul:</p> <table> <tr><th>Brand</th><th>Korean</th><th>Specialty</th></tr> <tr><td>Innisfree</td><td>이니스프리</td><td>Natural products with [Jeju](/en/blog/jeju-travel-vocabulary) green tea</td></tr> <tr><td>Etude House</td><td>에뛰드하우스</td><td>Affordable, colorful makeup</td></tr> <tr><td>Laneige</td><td>라네즈</td><td>Hydration and sleeping masks</td></tr> <tr><td>Sulwhasoo</td><td>설화수</td><td>Premium, traditional medicine</td></tr> <tr><td>COSRX</td><td>코스알엑스</td><td>Affordable skincare, simple ingredients</td></tr> <tr><td>Missha</td><td>미샤</td><td>BB cream, great value</td></tr> </table> <h3>Beauty Shopping in Myeongdong</h3> <p>The <strong>명동</strong> (Myeongdong) district is THE beauty shopping paradise. Every street has dozens of cosmetics shops. Here are some useful phrases:</p> <table> <tr><th>Korean</th><th>Romanization</th><th>English</th></tr> <tr><td>이거 얼마예요?</td><td>i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?</td><td>How much is this?</td></tr> <tr><td>샘플 있어요?</td><td>saem-peul i-sseo-yo?</td><td>Do you have samples?</td></tr> <tr><td>제 피부 타입에 맞는 거 추천해 주세요</td><td>je pi-bu ta-ib-e man-neun geo chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo</td><td>Please recommend something for my skin type</td></tr> <tr><td>세일 중이에요?</td><td>se-il jung-i-e-yo?</td><td>Is it on sale?</td></tr> <tr><td>1+1</td><td>won-peul-won</td><td>Buy one, get one free (very common promo)</td></tr> </table> <p><strong>Nicolas's tip:</strong> The <strong>1+1</strong> (원플원) deal is everywhere in Korea. It means "buy one, get one free." You'll see it in every cosmetics store!</p> <p>K-beauty is a fascinating window into Korean culture. Knowing this vocabulary will help you not only shop smartly but also understand everyday conversations about skincare — a universal topic in Korea.</p> <p>🌸 <strong>Want to go further?</strong> <a href="/en/signup">Join Seonsaengnim</a> and [learn Korean](/en/korean) with K-pop, smart flashcards, and a teacher available 24/7!</p>