With Korean beauty gaining traction around the world, we definitely do not have a shortage of information, advice, or tutorials on the Internet. However, we can find ourselves filtering through fluff before getting to the real deal. This makes it all the more important to find the right people who truly use their passion to scour the depths of the skincare world to provide us with nutritious K-beauty education. That’s why we spoke to Katherine Spowart, the mind behind Skinfullofseoul, about the world of skincare from a blogger’s eyes.

1. How did you first get into the world of Korean beauty?
I moved to Seoul, South Korea, in 2014 and fell in love with the beauty scene immediately. I stayed in Seoul for four years and was very fortunate that I had the time to fully experience and explore so much of K-beauty.

2. What do you enjoy most about running your blog?
I really enjoy when people connect with me and learn that my blog has been a really helpful source of information for them, whether for skincare or information about Seoul. That’s why I love doing it—when I see it serves a purpose and has helped or entertained people.

3. What do you consider to be the most important step in a skincare routine?
I think the most important step probably depends on your skin type. For me, it’s the hydrating essences and toners that have truly helped my skin’s health and have helped me to get a glowy, fresh feeling in my own skin. My skin was so dehydrated before and I didn’t even realize.

4. What are your holy grail products?
I’m tentative to say holy grail because I find my skin frequently changes and I reach for different things. However the Tiam My Signature C Source helped brighten my skin more than anything and was definitely a huge game changer. Also, the COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a classic go-to for me.

5. With skincare blowing up as much as it is, what advice do you have for skincare newbies?
Take it slowly and don’t get overwhelmed. Write down your goals and take others’ reviews lightly because everyone’s skin is so different. Bear in mind a skincare routine takes time and persistence to gain results too, so don’t be disappointed if your skin isn’t transformed quickly. It’s a journey. Also, have fun and enjoy the skincare experience!

6. Even though K-Beauty is growing pretty big around the world, the products we get access to are only the tip of the iceberg. What are some brands you love that aren’t quite as well known outside of Korea?
There’s a lot of brands I love that are only just starting to reach internationally—Purito, Tiam, Troiareuke, A by Bom, G9 Skin.

7. What is one thing you miss about being in Korea, in terms of skincare options and life in general?
In terms of skincare I miss the accessibility and ability to try products on my hand in store, to understand textures, and to directly compare. The beauty scene on the streets is so intoxicating because it’s everywhere and I love it. For lifestyle, I really miss Seoul as a city. It sounds cheesy but that city makes me feel so alive because it’s buzzing 24-7. It’s so busy and crazy, and I was always running around to go to events, launches, restaurants, rooftops, cafes, eating on the side of the street, cultural experiences, bars, shops—the list goes on. It’s also affordable and the public transport is fantastic. You never stop when living there and I thrive on that; I really miss that lifestyle.

8. Now that you’re back in the U.K., where do you see your K-Beauty journey going?
I want to continue to blog and work with the brands, but I also want to work on bridging the gap between Korea and Europe. It’s been a slow process but it is changing; I’m working with several European-based stores now, and I’m loving being part of that!

9. What are your biggest pet peeves about a product or brand?
My biggest pet peeve is brands using the word “natural” for marketing (and that’s brands worldwide, not just Korean brands). The term doesn’t really have a definition, and it should be known that chemicals can actually be helpful for skin...! “Natural” does not mean safer or better, and I dislike how the term is manipulated for marketing.

10. And lastly, as someone who lived in and immersed herself in Korean culture for an extended period of time, do you have any words of wisdom or advice for other people wanting to make a future in, or about to move to Korea?
If you’re thinking about moving to Korea, make sure to do your research before moving. Speak to people who’ve lived there and ask for advice. It’s not for everyone, and it’s definitely not like what you see on dramas or through the K-Pop world. There are incredible aspects of living in Korea, and there are very difficult, tiring aspects of it. Basically, as with everything in life, the more you know!

A huge thank you to Skinfullofseoul for taking the time to answer our queries! Be sure to check out her blog at skinfullofseoul.com for detailed reviews, or give her a follow on Instagram at @skinfullofseoul for bite-sized skincare and makeup posts!

Youtube: Skinfullofseoul (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv6hgHprF6REpl2pldhJhCw/videos)
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Blog: http://www.skinfullofseoul.com/