Local and international cosmetics experts gathered in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss South Korea’s burgeoning beauty industry and culture, dubbed “K-beauty,” at the “K-Beauty Close-up” event hosted by global skin care brand Artistry.

“Korean women are highly interested in skin care and hold strict standards in regards to choosing their skin care products,” said Kim Malewitz, Artistry’s global beauty marketing director.


“Such characteristics have enabled the Korean cosmetics industry and beauty culture to become globally recognized and spotlighted around the world,” she said.

The event invited Korean makeup artist Woo Hyun-jeung, Chinese designer Ye Mingzi, Artistry beauty trainer Park Jin-hee as well as K-pop star Sulli of f(x) to share their views regarding Korea’s cosmetics trends and standards.

“According to Artistry’s polls, Korean women are highly knowledgeable about skin care, putting a lot of effort into caring for their skin using different carefully-selected products, said Park.

“This has helped Korea grow into a testing ground for the world’s cosmetics industry as well as one of the world’s leading skin care markets,” the beauty trainer said.

The popularity of iconic, stylish Korean female celebrities was cited as the leading force in promoting Korean beauty excellence around the world.

“Led by hallyu (aka the Korean Wave), many people outside of Korea have become interested in beautiful Korean singers and actresses as well as their makeup and style,” said f(x)’s Sulli.

Meanwhile, the five key words defining “K-beauty” today are “self-beauty,” “high-end makeup tools,” “total beauty solution,” “beauty experience space,” and “signature lipstick,” according to makeup artist Woo.

The “K-Beauty Close-up” event was organized by Artistry to celebrate the brand’s continued sponsorship of the annual Busan International Film Festival, which runs from Thursday until Oct. 10.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)