Say hello to K-beauty

©iStock/DragonImages

The global beauty industry is experiencing a revolution driven by South Korea, who tends to be 10-12 years ahead of the rest of the world, helped by the expansion of Instagram, YouTube and beauty blogging.  Say hello to K-beauty, an umbrella term for skin-care products that derive from South Korea.

"The fascination with Korean cosmetics is due to how innovative they are," says Marie Claire's digital beauty editor Katie Thomas.

Before even putting any make-up on, Koreans put in a lot of effort to take care of their skin.  What are some of the unique ingredients in the products?  Brace yourself.

"Snail mucin for moisturizing, pearl for brightening, green tea for oil control and propolis from bees for soothing and nourishing," she [Karen Hong, the founder of K Beauty Bar] reels off.

Learn more about the rise of Korean makeup in the West and how K-beauty is a large part of it.