Mul-Gwang: 3 Steps To Achieve the Latest Korean Beauty Look

Have you heard of this? Literally "water-light," the Mul-Gwang look is meant to mimic the skin post-shower, where it looks almost wet, but with a glass-like perfection. Unsurprisingly, most of the heavy lifting is through skincare. Most Korean women have double the skincare steps of American women. Where we say, "I have two minutes," Korean women will spend an hour on their skincare regimen alone. 

Step 1: Double Cleanse the Skin

Start with an oil-based cleanser like Dermalogica's Pre-Cleanse or Maya Chia's Supercritical Cleansing Oil. This ensures that the majority of your makeup has been removed. Follow with a cream cleanser -- we like Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs -- to remove any leftover makeup and grime without stripping the skin. 

Step 2: Hydrate, Hydrate, Lock

Hydrate with an essence, not a toner, which tends to remove debris and leave skin pH balanced; an essence adds vitamins and hydrates the skin. We like Maya Chia's The Optimist. Spritz on and gently pat into skin. Follow with a hydrating sheet mask from Karuna or Patchology to supercharge your skin. Once removed, apply an intense hydrator like Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier or Dr. Gross Hydration Booster. Lastly, lock all that hydration in with an oil like Kevyn Aucoin's Neo-Elixir, which has illuminating properties.  

Step 3: Apply Illuminating Makeup

An illuminating foundation like Glo Minerals or Surratt Beauty in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. Yep, you heard right. Pale is shade of the day for this look, as though the sun has not spoiled your baby skin. To add the glow, use a highlighter with a pink under tone like Kevyn Aucoin's Starlight or Maya Chia's The Happy Hour. Dab this on the forehead, down the nose, the chin, and the tops of the cheekbones. Lastly, spritz with the essence again and let air dry.I have to say, after following these steps myself…I liked the effect. Who knows, maybe I'll be Mul-Gwanging from now on.