The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin

by Charlotte Cho

The secrets behind the world’s most beautiful skin!

It all starts with your skin! In Korea, healthy, glowing skin is the ideal form of beauty, achievable by anyone—and this skin-first philosophy has taken the world by storm.

In The Little Book of Skin Care, Charlotte Cho of leading beauty and lifestyle website Soko Glam guides you through the celebrated Korean ten-step skin-care routine—and far beyond—for the clearest and most radiant skin of your life, with step-by-step tutorials, skin-care tips, advice on products at all price levels, and exclusive interviews with beauty experts around the world.

You’ll love pampering your skin at home and learning the secrets behind the “no-makeup makeup” look we’ve seen and admired on women in the streets of Seoul.

With the knowledge of an expert and voice of a trusted friend, Charlotte’s personal tour through Korean beauty culture will help you find joy in the everyday beauty routines that will transform your skin.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Reference, Personal Development, How To, Fashion

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

Charlotte Cho is a South Korean-American esthetician, author and entrepreneur. She is best known as the co-founder of Soko Glam, a company that specializes in Korean beauty products. She is considered a major contributor to the current K-Beauty emergence in the U.S.

Reviews

[Roya · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love skincare like I do, this book may prove to be helpful. The Korean skincare routine is something that's often talked about and many swear by. It's usually ten steps, but it really boils down to your skin type and its needs. The routine shouldn't take longer than ten minutes unless you're using a sheet mask or something along those lines.

I do have a few objections (because I'm a jerk). This routine is based upon layering. What that means is that you're basically going to apply your products from thinnest to thickest (consistency) so that everything gets locked in. This is supposed to make the the skin absorb everything more effectively.

My main problem with this is just personal preference. I have extremely dry skin, but layering so many products on top of each other makes my skin feel heavy and tacky to the touch. By the time you're ready for SPF, you look plain greasy. The same applies for my PM routine.

I am still going to try and implement an essence into my routine and see how I like it. I got the trial size for the May Coop Raw Sauce from Sephora. They're currently having their April sale, which I've been waiting for since the November sale because I'm weird.



My other reason for not loving this is because of the misleading title. I feel it's more about Cho's life than about her actually talking about skincare. Anyone who knows me knows I can't stand autobiographies. This is kind of worse because on top of that, there's barely a chapter that doesn't scream Korean patriotism.

To end on a happy note, I liked learning more about some key ingredients. The information on acids (a current interest) and sunscreen are useful. It's very intimate for a skincare book, but you can't have everything.

[Weronika Zimna]

I have no idea how to rate this book to be honest. It did give me some important information and I appreciate this. At the same time, there were parts that I found completely useless.

[Negin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former esthetician, I love anything about skin care. I always hear about the Korean skin care routine, but to be honest, ten steps is far too high maintenance for me.



My morning routine consists of three steps, and my nighttime is two if I’m good. I’ve tried some Korean sheet masks and decided that they really didn’t do much for me. The author has a website where she sells Korean products. I’ve tried some of them. The sunscreens are among my favorites. Some of the items are a bit gimmicky, but that’s to be expected with Korean and Japanese products it seems. They’re fun, but certainly not essential

This book was okay. It’s informative to those who know very little about Korean skin care. The graphics are cute and adorable. At times I felt that it was more of a travelogue of the author’s time in Korea, and not so much about skin care. It may be inspirational to those who love skin care or are in the mood for a change in their routine.

[Carlie K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
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This review is originally posted on The Bookish Girl
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You can get this book on Book Depository
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I discovered this book when I stumbled across a blog post titled "10 coffee table books you need to have". Since it was described as a coffee table book, I expected it to be fun, entertaining and beautiful instead of super informational. I guess this is why I wasn't disappointed in it.

Divided into various chapters which each focuses on one skin care step, like double-cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and sunscreen etc., this book provides you the basic information of skin care. The information is pretty sufficient and it encourages me to find out more about this topic. I really love how the author includes her own relating stories which make the book more personal and interesting. It's like you're learning tips from your dear friend!

Another thing I really like about this book is its cute layout! Especially those adorable illustrations at the beginning of each chapter (see the example in the feature picture on top). They are so cute that they make the whole reading experience more enjoyable. And be aware, time may mysteriously pass when you are reading this book (*wink*).

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Korean dramas and Kpop and wondered how Koreans have such flawless skin. So when I saw this book in the library catalog I knew I had to check it out.

Charlotte Cho tells her personal story of growing up Korean-American in California. She neglected skin care in her youth and didn't give much thought to using sunscreen. A job opportunity took her to South Korea where she discovered the cultural obsession with looking good. Her co-workers and friends gave her advice on skin care (after teasing her a bit). Now back in the US, she runs Soko Glam with her husband.

I agree that Americans have a relaxed and unhealthy attitude towards skin care. We are obsessed with getting a tan, even though science has shown it can give you cancer. And most skin care products in the US are limited to acne treatments for teenagers and to anti-aging creams for older women (and little to nothing for men).

Cho provides advice to care for your skin and which ingredients to avoid. Throughout the book she mentions her favorite brands and products. Some of the products are hard to find in the US so most Americans will have to settle for buying them online. She also provides a mini Seoul travel guide in the last chapter. Overall, a great read for fans of Korean culture or anyone interested in taking better care of their skin.

[Denisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korean beauty is not about vanity, is about nourishing your skin and body. I should really start doing it. Fuck you laziness!



La segunda mitad del 2018 fue terrible para mi piel (grasa y con tendencia al acne). Me llene de espinillas en la frente y puntos negros en la nariz. Ahorita ya tengo eso controlado pero me quedaron unas marquitas feas y ahi es donde entra mi interes por la K-beauty.

No he usado muchos productos pero espero este 2019 encontrar una rutina no muy complicada que me mantenga feliz.

Les recomiendo el libro, esta bien explicado y trae buenas recomendaciones y tips.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more on the 3.5 side. Lots of useful information told in a really friendly and personal tone although I don't think this should have been labelled as a skin care book specifically. Theres a lot of stuff unrelated to skincare in this - which wasn't unwelcomed but the title is kinda misleading. Also didn't love the formatting of a few pages where paragraphs would be interrupted.

[jess]

Fine. I'm obsessed with Korean beauty secrets. Who are you to judge me?

This book is fine. It's a little basic if you have read a lot of kbeauty blogs, but the information is good and the delivery style is like hanging out with a cool friend. I enjoyed it.

[Rana Najjar · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful.

[Urtė Caspo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laikykitės dabar, sužinojau kaip nesent.

[Kristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to have around for reference. It definitely taught me a lot.

I've never been someone who liked wearing a bunch of makeup, but I've found myself wearing it more and more in recent years. My skin is a jerk: it's dry, oily, sensitive, prone to breakouts and shows scars easily. I started wearing foundation more to even my skin out, which tends to make me breakout more. So over the last few months I've been doing a bunch of research and trying a bunch of samples (birchbox!) to try to revamp my skincare routine. Turns out that in South Korea, skincare is taught from a young age. In America we're taught how to cover up our flaws with makeup, but not how to treat our skin so that makeup isn't as necessary. I've made a bunch of changes and my skin looks SO much better. More even, less dry, just healthier in general. This book teaches you the basics of that. I definitely would rather spend money on making my skin healthier instead of on makeup that I'm not comfortable in. And I actually find the self care aspects of it pretty fun. Recommended!

[aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me almost a month to read this book? What? Good to know goodreads!

[Aletheiia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hubiese sido una lectura más útil para mi "yo adolescente". 👀

En general ha sido una buena lectura con puntos útiles y me ha motivado a no ser tan vaga y cuidar mejor mi piel. Primer objetivo conseguido. 😂

Sin embargo, muchos otros puntos me han resultado demasiado básicos y no me han aportado nada. Encima se me ha hecho una lectura un tanto tediosa porque está bien que cuente un poco de sus vivencias si son algo útil, pero es que en cada capítulo había demasiado relleno y también muchísima información sobre la cultura coreana (y yo ya conocía todas esas cosas así que era aburrido). 🙄

Me hubiese gustado que se centrase en contar con más detalle la información de los "secretos de belleza". Aún así, me quedo con los tips novedosos para mí y con las recomendaciones de marcas. 🛍️

[ᴘᴀᴛʀʏᴄᴊᴀ ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dowiedziałam się dużo ciekawych rzeczy na temat pielęgnacji twarzy, które z pewnością wdrążę do mojej codzienności. Jeśli interesują was takie tematy, koniecznie zapoznajcie się z poradnikiem Charlotte! ❤️

[María]

Ahora entiendo por qué tengo la piel que tengo. Eso sí, sé que hay luz al final del túnel al menos... aunque demasiados pasos a seguir para alguien tan vago como yo.

[Natalinek3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dużo o pielęgnacji, trochę o kulturze koreańskiej. Nie spodziewałam się, że książka spodoba mi się aż tak bardzo. Oczywiście nakupiłam już tonę maseczek koreańskich w płachcie :)

[Natalia Błachut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bardzo przyjemna i łatwa do zrozumienia, wiec idealna dla osob które nie mają wiedzy z zakresu pielęgnacji, ale liczylam ze tych informacji będzie więcej i ze niektóre kwestie będą dokładniej omówione. Z kilkoma rzeczami tez nie mogę się w pełni zgodzić 🙁

[Phoebe A · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a misnomer because it involves Charlotte Cho's life in Korea and some unnecessary narratives. But, I do learn a lot about Korean skin care and some products. It's a start to basic know-how.


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edit review: I bought a lot of skincare products the moment I went to Korea because of this book. But now, I just realized that all you need is the basic stuff. The basic steps are cleansing, moisturize, and SPF. You don't need everything to put on your face. The toners and essence are the SAME. They can put water and some chemicals, then slap it with names. But, of course, if you need some products targeted to certain areas, you need to add some.

It makes sense that Charlotte Cho would list so many products because she's a businesswoman. I am not hating her but it makes more sense when you see it from this perspective. Companies make more products to bump up their revenues.

[Elena Druță · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin relatează povestea întâlnirii vestului cu estul, a două culturi total diferite, unde un subiect este tratat altfel decât în modul în care era obișnuită autoarea. În cartea de față, Charlotte își împărtășește experiența în ceea ce privește îngrijirea pielii, stilul de viață adoptat de coreeni, dar și ce produse fac parte din dieta lor zilnică, câte ceva despre obiceiurile existente, subiectele-taboo, iar la sfârșit vine cu câteva recomandări în ceea ce privește locuri de vizitat, magazine de cumpărat produse, restaurante unde se servesc cele mai interesante mâncăruri tradiționale.
Recenzia completă o găsiți pe blog.

[Mariana Quesada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought I'd give 5 stars to a book about skin care!? But wow this was so helpful and eye opening. It not only tells you what's good for your skin health but also why. So you can comprehend better the reason for all those products out there and use them properly.

This book targeted all my fear and doubts of using so many different labeled products and now I can walk into a store confidently knowing what I'm looking for!

At the end it also includes a guide to traveling to Seoul which I found interesting and informative.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the midst of mourning Carrie Fisher (and, like, the country) I checked this out from the library to distract myself and learn about the 10 step skin care routine which I've been curious about. Yeah I'm like 100 years late, but whatever. And I learned about it and found the book pretty helpful. So good job, book. Apparently random grief over a beloved celebrity death can lead us down untraveled roads to the land of skin care knowledge. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been thinking a lot about changes I want to make to embrace better habits when it comes to taking care of myself, and one of the things I want to really take more seriously is skincare. Have had this one on my shelves for a while, and I’m a little sad it took me so long to actually read it! It’s filled with helpful information that presented in an easily digestible way, and I definitely feel armed with an idea of the basics when it comes to improving my skincare.

[Eri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I took a tumble down the beauty section of my library and decided to pick up this gem. I feel so educated now lol and one of these days, I might try out this supposedly brilliant skin care routine (most likely when I have a job though bc investment)

[SquidneyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very excited for my new skin care products to arrive so that I can begin my regimen! Book was informative and the author used a great conversational tone to convey information.

[Emma M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and the information found in it has changed my skin and my life for the better. I think everyone should read it and then we should go on a field trip to Seoul to buy all the skin stuff.

[Paula ❤️🥰 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sekrety urody Koreanek są zapowiedzią niezwykłej przygody, poznania tajemnic, odkrycia czegoś dotąd nam nieznanego. Sama treść dla mnie bardzo przydatna, czy odkrywcza i inspirująca? Nie bardzo, przez pierwsze 50 stron autorka podkreśla miliardy razy, że przeniosła się z Kalifornii do Seulu i to na zawsze zmieniło jej życie. W zasadzie, nic w tym dziwnego. Zderzenie kultur, mentalności, stylu bycia …. Nie narzuciło by mi to do głowy innych wniosków. Faktem jest, że gdy pomyślę o Azjatach - w głowie mam śliczne, błyszczące, promienne buzie, które są niewątpliwie pożądane przez każdego człowieka. Mimo, że poznałam dosyć sporo nazewnictwa, które było mi obce, to jestem lekko rozczarowana. Wiem co to ceramidy, niacynamidy oraz inne nazwy stały się trochę jaśniejsze i przystępne. Plusem jest to, że książka jest bardzo ładna ilustracyjnie. Czcionka jest spora więc nie powoduje przemęczenia oczu. Jego efektem jest ilość dodatkowych treści, które w mojej ocenie są nudne. Książka mogłaby być cieńsza o 20-30 stron gdyby nie dygresje autorki. Na przykład o ulubionych kosmetykach, miejscach a tym bardziej 20 stronach na temat poruszania się i dojazdu do tych miejsc. W dobie internetu, totalnie niepotrzebne. Jednak rozumiem i doceniam chęci i dobre zamiary. To nie tak, że nie powinno być przykładów kosmetyków, ale mogłoby być ich dużo mniej. Książka mimo powagi tematu, pisana w dozie humorystycznej, jednak z mizernym skutkiem. Żarty nie w moim guście. Pozycja do przeczytania, w sam raz na raz jak to się mówi :) Nie przepadałam nigdy za tego typu książkami, może stąd ta surowość. Choć staram się być obiektywna i profesjonalna w swych ocenach. Dotarłam na fora trychologiczne i dowiedziałam się, że nie umiem myć głowy🤎. Przeczytałam elementarz pielęgnacji, okazało się, że nie umiem nawet dobrze umyć twarzy. Kolejna pozycja książkowa - Jak mniej myśleć. Czy dowiem się, że nawet dobrze myśleć nie umiem ? Jestem bardzo ciekawa :)!! Zapraszam Was do obserwowania moich książkowych recenzji. Ja jestem zajawiona i to totalnie ! ❤️

[Marina · Rating 1 out of 5]

A penas habla de skincare y lo poco que dice es más que sabido por la cultura general y las redes. Podría servirle a alguien que no tenga ningún conocimiento del tema, pero poco más.
Este libro es más una autobiografía. La autora estadounidense de padres coreanos criada en california, narra como fue trabajar en Corea cuando acabo la universidad. De pronto pasó de ser una bronceada californiana amante de los gloss a una coreana de piel jugosa y brillante.
Habla de sus compañeros de trabajo, que cuando la vieron se asustaron porque pensaron que era una persona del sureste asiático (lo dice como algo gracioso y a mí no me ha podido parecer más racista y clasista). Esta misma gente, según ella, era muy maja porque le decían a la cara que tenía una piel horrible y le regalaban skincare... 🥴
Corea es un país con una tradición de cuidado de la piel impresionante, un lugar donde han sabido usar los ingredientes naturales desde la época Joseon. Pero esta autora lo afronta todo desde la perspectiva más capitalista y superficial posible.
Por último como apunte:
1. Un niño pequeño en ningún caso debería de exfoliarse la cara, los niños tienen que protegerse la cara lo máximo posible! Dañarse la barrera cutánea en la infancia antes de la adolescencia y la producción de sebo es un error.
2. Los niños deberían de reírse con tranquilidad, sin miedo a las arrugas que les vayan a salir cuando sean mayores.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5

[ania · Rating 3 out of 5]

wszystko spoko ale po co mi informacje z 11 rozdzialu jakie sa ulubione dania autorki i jak dojechac do jakiejs restauracji???

[Abby Chu]

Wear your SPF, guys.