Top Korean Beauty Summer Picks - How to Beat the Heat this Year

The weather's picking up in Australia and we've all been warned that this year is going to be a hot one! 🥵So, how on earth are we to enjoy the fabulous sunshine, whilst also keeping our skin clear and calm? Fear not, the latest releases from South Korea promise scientific and incredibly cool solutions to our skin concerns. So, what is the secret to keeping your skin cool & calm as the hot weather approaches? Let's break down the best secrets to keeping your skin cool + the hottest new releases for the summer times 😎

It might seem obvious, but picking the right outfit and prepping your day helps prevent you from overheating throughout the day. Start with breathable clothing and fabrics that allow airflow (such as cotton or linen). Pick clothes that have a loose fit, to allow air to circulate past your skin and wick away moisture to keep you feeling great all day. 

This is because your face has a higher concentration of sweat glands compared to the rest of your body, meaning your face will suffer first

Perhaps you've heard of the genius tip of putting your face masks in the fridge (for that extra cooling and destressing of skin). However, this applies equally to aaaaaall your favourite skincare! On a hot day, applying a delicious cold moisturizer to your skin feels amazing and it's 100% a perfect way to start (or finish) the day.

If you need some advice on how to lighten up your skincare routine, we made a blog just for this purpose! ☀️ Check it out below:

It simply helps eliminate products that might make your skin feel cloying/obstrusive and trap sweat in your pores (which is incredibly unpleasant). Summer is the time for lightweight formulas, gels and mists - to optimise your skin gl0w.

Don't betray your poor skin by only relying on SPF+ in a sunscreen bottle. You need to be sunsafe in a variety of ways - including long sleeves (breathable of course!), keeping to shade and remembering to relayer your SPF+ every 2 hours when you're being active. 

The number 1 way to get red and blemished skin is over-dosing in the sun, so make sure you are being kind and careful to your whole body.

Remember redness and heat is your body's ✨inflammatory✨ response. So, try to keep away from things that can trigger inflammation. This includes irritating skin agents (such as aggressive AHA/BHA, retinoids or powerful microneedling). Instead switch out for your anti-inflammatory agents (from Vitamin C to glutathione) to keep skin clearer and calmer.

Actively cool with hydrating ingredients (that are also lightweight and reduces natural redness) from green tea, aloe vera and centella asciatica extract 🪴

After a sensitive, cooling boost to skin moisture that is also incredibly lightweight and has a gel base? Abib has outdone themselves with the power of nano-sized hyaluronic acid that expands with your skin temperature to release actives and plump your skin as you use it! It cools your skin by 4.7C when using, yet is lightweight so as to not trap any excess heat whilst you get on with your day.

Nothing says cooling like a gentle seaweed-based gel patch infused with aloe vera, soothing chamomile and calming xylitol. The Tocobo Icy Cooling patch is an all-over face patch that helps soothe skin and drop temps by 6.5C. It delivers an instant spot treatment that you'll love (whilst vanishing inflammation from your skin).

Want to hydrate your skin, get SPF+ protection as well as tone down red blemishes and flushed skin? Beauty of Joseon, certified sun serum gurus, have released their toned sunscreen that is designed specifically to reduce skin heat and tone down redness by +10% in one use. Infused with lightweight ceramides and centella asciatica extract, this is probably the no.1 sun serum on the market to ensure you are giving lightweight UV protection to your skin everyday. Wear it seamlessly under make-up (it's incredibly lightweight) or on it's own for a glowy tone-up effect.

Locking in for a humid summer and traditional moisturizers breaking out your skin? Check out Anua's carefully formulated moisturizer, designed to soothe even in hot weather and with acne outbreaks. Carefully infused with ML3 precursors (phytosphingosines and glycolipids), it's designed to repair a damaged barrier without triggering spots and irritation. It's the perfect summertime companion to continue your skin healing journey, whilst keeping your skin glowing and hydrated.

If you lean towards dryer skin, you can check out the Anua Intense Cream version, for a richer formula.

Our top pick for this summer is the delicious looking Fwee Shaking Synergy Mist (Slushy Cooling edition, specifically if you are after that cooling nourishing effect). It drops the temperature of skin by 5.4C, but flexibly can be used under make-up and on top to instantly cool and refresh the skin. It can be adjusted to either a jelly serum (for soothing hydration) or as a mist, for on-the-go cooling.

It's the summertime secret to keeping your make-up seamless and glowy even through the heat. Just apply a fine mist to the top of your look as needed and enjoy the instant cooling, hydration and glow all in one. It's an exciting edition to any make-up lover to keep your look locked through summer.

However you like to celebrate the summertime, beat the heat with these tips / products to keep the redness from your face and have confidence in all your outdoor activities. Don't forget to stay hydrated and follow sun-safety protocols! ☀️

If you want to explore the power of Korean beauty in keeping your skin cool and perfectly dewy, check out the range at Arktastic!

Want to know one of our favourite gel moisturisers (to keep your skin glowy without the heat?) Check out the Medicube Hyaluronic Ceramide Jelly Cream review to see the before-and-after. Or check out our guide to soothing skin redness (for all the in-depth secrets to reducing natural redness). 

How do cooling K-Beauty products help reduce skin redness in hot weather?

Cooling K-Beauty formulas use anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, centella asiatica, and aloe vera along with light gel textures that physically lower skin surface temperature by up to 6.5°C. This rapidly calms heat-induced flushing, minimizes excess sebum, and prevents heat-triggered breakouts without clogging your pores.  

Can I use cooling mists and gel creams under sunscreen or makeup?

Yes! Lightweight mists and water-gel creams (like the FWEE Shaking Synergy Mist or Anua Barrier Reboot Gel) absorb almost instantly into the skin. They prep your skin barrier with deep hydration without leaving a heavy or sticky layer, making them the perfect lightweight base for your daily sunscreen and makeup.  

Why should I switch to a lighter moisturizer during Australian summer?

Heavy, thick creams can trap sweat and heat in your pores during warmer months, leading to clogged pores, irritation, and unexpected breakouts. Switching to gel-based or water-light moisturizers provides essential barrier-repairing hydration while allowing your skin to breathe.  

How often should I reapply SPF when using cosmetic sunscreens?

Cosmetic K-Beauty sunscreens are ideal for daily indoor use, commuting, and office environments. For continuous protection during days with sun exposure, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or after heavy sweating