Make Your Own Skincare @ VIC’S LAB, Hongdae

As if K Drama and K Pop weren’t taking the world by storm already, K Beauty is the newest global trend. It is no secret that Korea has some of the best skincare in the world, sharing new products and creative innovations of pre-existing cosmetics. Speaking of which, ever wanted to make your own skincare?

K Beauty

Perhaps you’ve heard of the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine that went viral a few years ago. It consists of cleansers, toners, serums and sheet masks… to name just a few. While its generally acknowledged — both in Korea and abroad — that 10 steps is not necessary, I personally believe you should have at least 1 self-care ritual per day. What’s more, perfecting your skincare routine could fulfil that ritual.

Everyone’s skin is different and it is important to recognise that what might work for one person, won’t work for the next. In Korea, you are surrounded by all things K Beauty. You can find an Olive Young or Innisfree on almost every corner in Seoul. However, how do you purchase what is right for you? One option is to research like crazy — or, make your own…

Why Make Your Own?

Not only is making your own skincare super fun, but many skincare companies seek cheap, low quality ingredients in order to maximise products. Moreover, sometimes a pretty bottle and flashy commercial is all that is needed to get customers wanting the products. By making your own, you can rest easy knowing only natural ingredients are touching your skin.

One Day Class

DIY classes — or “one day classes” as they’re known here — are increasingly popular in Korea these days. Couples and friends can make their own rings, phone cases and even attend cooking classes together. For anyone looking to personalise their skincare routine, you can make your own right here in Hongdae, Seoul.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hongdae sits a serene beauty lab. Walls lined with varying shades of pink lipstick, the gentle musk of essential oils in the air… Yes, you’ve just arrived at Vic’s Lab. Named after its proprietor Victoria, Vic’s Lab offers classes on making both skincare and makeup. As a Korean native and talented English speaker, Victoria’s classes are popular with both Koreans and foreigners alike.

VIC’S Make Your Own Skincare Class

Skincare 101

Do you call yourself a skincare guru? Well be prepared to get schooled. Victoria knows anything and everything there is to know about skincare. For the first part of the class, she will teach you about the different FDA-approved ingredients found in popular skincare products.

The most important take-home message should be that parabens, sulfates and alcohol should not be anywhere near your face. Conversely, many Western skincare products contain alcohol. Alcohol is essentially an anti-bacterial agent and can quickly remove oil from the skin, so its no wonder that alcohol skincare products are popular. However, while alcohol might cure your skin oiliness for a short period of time, it can promote both skin dryness and oil-production, leading to damage.

Alcohol is not a common skincare ingredient in Korea, partly because the “dewey” or “glass-skin” look is preferable to the matte look that is popular in the West. As such hydrating skincare and BB creams are more popular than anti-oil skincare and foundations.

Time to Personalize

Next, Victoria will ask you some questions about the products you currently use and what skincare issues you have. Additionally, she will do some physical observation of your skin, so I recommend coming to the class makeup-free for the best outcome. After that you will both compile a list of ingredients best-suited to your skin.

Part I: The Lip Balm

Now it’s time to bring out the beakers. Victoria will lay out many oils and 2 choices of scent for your lip balm: cream soda or peach. Seeing so many oils in the basket might look intimidating at first but don’t worry, she will provide you with a list of what goes into the beaker, along with measurements. Mix it all up and voila! You’ve just made your very own lip balm.

Part II: Toner and Serum

Next up is toner and serum, 2 of the most essential components of any skincare routine. Toner helps to balance your skin pH after cleansing, while serum provides hydration and can target specific skincare issues. Therefore, this is where your personalised ingredient list will come in.

There is something so satisfying about mixing potions from a myriad of colourful phials. What’s more, you’re creating a product with natural ingredients, rather than chemicals you’ve never heard of before. Once you’re finished, you will receive a giftbag along with a homemade perfume by Victoria. You’ll also get to keep the list of tips you were given throughout the class. This was a really nice touch and I left the class feeling really good.

Final Thoughts

VIC’S LAB skincare-making class is great value for money and ideal for people like me who don’t know much about skincare or K Beauty! I left the class with invaluable knowledge about skincare and I feel confident in what to look for — and avoid — on my next trip to Olive Young or Tony Moly.

This class is a 100% private and personalized experience. It would be a fantastic addition to a girl’s day. The host, Victoria is so warm and welcoming. She is an expert in her field and speaks excellent English. She will go over everything in the class step by step and give you a background on the products you’ll be making.

A skin- and self-care ritual for the ages!

Make a Reservation

The class costs approx. 65,000 KRW and is 1h 25 minutes long. The fee includes a welcome drink, skincare consultation and crash course, ingredients, packaging, making of lip balm, toner and serum, and a gift bag. I booked the class via Airbnb but you can also book easily through the VIC’S LAB website.

Location and Directions

Address: Floor 4, 248-2 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 1:00pm - 8:00pm everyday
Website: vicslab.kr