K-Celeb beauty secrets revealed: Song Hye-kyo's milk-honey masks to BTS V toning routine

Luminous skin, glassy complexions, K-Celebrities have sparked a worldwide discourse on their smooth, flawless looks. While we might not know all their secrets, we have a few ideas. The good news, is that they are refreshingly accessible. 

Song Hye-kyo’s DIY glow-up

Award-winning actress Song Hye-kyo once revealed her favourite homemade face mask: A simple blend of powdered milk, honey, and egg. She applies the mix, leaves it on for 20 minutes, then rinses thoroughly — a nourishing treatment you can whip up in minutes.

Milk it like Song Joong-ki

Actor Song Joong-ki takes a more minimalist approach. He swabs his face with milk using a cotton pad — a ritual backed by tradition and now trending again. Milk contains vitamins and lactic acid, which may gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Pop star Han Sun-hwa even uses milk mixed with bean powder as a mask. Song Hye-kyo reportedly warms milk and applies it during her final cleansing step.

Moisturise like Hyun Bin and Nam Joo-hyuk

These leading men stress the basics: Never skip your moisturiser or sunscreen. Prevention is better than cure, and protecting the skin from sun damage is non-negotiable in any effective regimen.

Why K-beauty works: Science meets self-care

As the Hallyu wave soars, so does interest in Korean skincare. You may already know the skincare basics: cleanse, tone, moisturise. But K-beauty takes things up a notch with strategic steps and product layering.

Start with a thorough cleanse: The 4-2-4 method

Popularised by Bae Suzy, this method involves:

This double-cleansing technique ensures your skin is perfectly prepped to absorb all the nourishing layers that follow.

Apply toner like BTS’ V

Kim Taehyung (V) from BTS stays hydrated during long-haul flights by frequently applying toner and lotion. Toner balances your skin’s pH and preps it for the next steps — don't skip it.

Look for the right serums

Hydration is key. Use serums with humectants like hyaluronic acid — a powerhouse that attracts and retains moisture. When paired with niacinamide, it supports a strong skin barrier. Follow up with moisturisers and finish with a lotion or cream to lock it all in. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It behaves like a sponge, keeping your skin plump and hydrated.

Master the art of layering

K-beauty is all about how you apply your products. Layering allows each product to absorb fully without overwhelming the skin  especially important for dry or dull skin at night.

Always layer in the correct order. Start with water-based products, then move to thicker, oil-based ones. Understand what each product does. If unsure, consult a dermatologist. 

Humectants like hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin, while emollients like ceramides seal it in. Oily or acne-prone skin types may want to avoid overly thick products that could clog pores.

Don't forget to moisturise — strategically

Ateez’s Yeosang offers a quirky tip: “I apply toner all over my face, but I skip moisturiser on my forehead — otherwise, I get pimples.”

Mask up — daily, if you can

Park Min-young uses multiple sheet masks a day while filming, and her co-star Park Seo-joon also swears by daily masking. Sheet masks aren’t just indulgent — they’re deeply hydrating, relaxing, and a perfect end-of-day ritual.

Does washing with milk work?

Milk may not be a miracle elixir, but it contains vitamins A, D, E, and lactic acid — ingredients that gently exfoliate and nourish the skin. While there’s no hard evidence it beats regular cleansers, many stars swear by it for a reason.

K-beauty isn’t about buying a million products. It’s about taking the time to understand your skin, applying each layer with purpose, and sticking to a consistent routine. Whether you're inspired by Song Hye-kyo’s DIY mask or BTS V’s toner hacks, there’s something in the Korean skincare playbook for everyone.