Summer is my favorite time of year, filled with sundresses, floppy hats, beach days, and dreamy vacations. There's something about this season that makes time stretch for lazier mornings and balmy evenings. A Korean concept that perfectly captures the essence of this time of year is “mulgwang,” which means a luminous, hydrated, and dewy glow (think: fresh misted skin.)
Achieve the Korean “mulgwang” juicy complexion and also a dewy, vibrant soul."
At Savor Beauty, we believe our skin, the largest organ, mirrors our emotional, spiritual, and physical states. It's deeply interconnected with our overall well-being, so I’ve put together four easy summer tips to help you achieve not only a “mulgwang” juicy complexion but also a dewy, vibrant soul.
Table of Contents
1. Start Your Day with Mulgwang Hydration
Tip: I like to begin my mornings with a tall glass of water infused with freshly squeezed lemon. Lemon water is rich in vitamin C--essential for collagen production--maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. The natural acids in lemon also aid in digestion and help flush out toxins for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Soul Connection: Your skin thrives on hydration, and your soul flourishes with positive energy. Think of setting positive intentions for the day as hydration for your soul, keeping it youthful and vibrant.
Start by taking a few deep breaths, focusing on what you are grateful for, and setting a simple, positive intention such as "Today, I focus on joy and kindness." This practice helps cultivate a positive mindset and sets the tone for the day ahead.
Skin Radiance: Savor Beauty's Neroli Floral Mist is perfect for a balancing facial spritz throughout the day. Neroli is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, giving you with that fresh “mulgwang” boost of hydration. Just as your morning lemon water hydrates your body, this mist keeps your skin radiant and revitalized.
2. Nourish with a Balanced Brunch
Tip: Intermittent fasting from 7 PM to around 11 AM keeps me feeling energized. I like to have a cup of cottage cheese with cashew butter and sautéed raspberries or blackberries in vanilla ghee. This protein-packed brunch provides essential vitamins and minerals that promote skin health and overall wellness.
Soul Connection: Eating mindfully and enjoying each bite can be a form of meditation. It’s easy to eat during a Zoom meeting or while working, but if you take a few minutes to savor the flavors and textures, the act of nourishing your body becomes a reminder to also nourish your spirit with moments of mindfulness and presence.
Skin Radiance: Savor Beauty's Red Raspberry Nourish Serum is rich in antioxidants from raspberry seed oil, which helps to protect your skin from environmental damage. Just as the brunch nourishes your body, this serum deeply nourishes your skin, providing essential nutrients for a radiant and healthy “mulgwang” complexion.
3. Pamper with a DIY Facial
Tip: Set aside time for a DIY facial at nighttime. Start with a gentle enzyme exfoliation cleanse to remove dead skin cells. I love adding a dollop of the Yuzu Lemonade AHA Peel to my Jasmine Cleansing Milk two times a week in the evenings. The micro-exfoliation followed by a serum and moisturizer tailored to your skin type helps deliver the nutrients deeper into the epidermis.
Soul Connection: As you pamper your skin, use this time to reflect on your week. Release any negative thoughts or stress, and focus on the positive moments. Just as you exfoliate away impurities, let go of any emotional baggage that may be weighing you down.
Skin Radiance: Savor Beauty's Jasmine and Yuzu Lemonade Cleansing Cocktail kit offers a deep cleanse and exfoliation that brightens and revitalizes your skin. The Yuzu Lemonade AHA Peel contains natural fruit acids that gently dissolve dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant “mulgwang” look.
Paired with the Jasmine Cleansing Milk, which soothes and purifies, this duo ensures your skin is thoroughly cleansed and nourished, preparing it to absorb the benefits of your subsequent skincare steps.
Further Learnings
→ Radical Radiance: 12 Weeks of Self Love Rituals by Angela Jia Kim
4. Step into a Shower Spa Sanctuary
Tip: On hot summer days, there’s nothing like a cooling and relaxing shower with a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the shower floor. The aromatic steam will help open your pores, allowing the essential oils to soothe tired muscles and draw out toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Soul Connection: While enjoying your shower, practice deep breathing exercises or a short meditation. Allow the warmth of the water and the steam to envelop you, washing away any remaining stress and filling you with a sense of calm and tranquility.
Mulgwang is a Korean term that translates to "water glow" or "dewy glow."
Skin Radiance: Savor Beauty's Silk Body Oil is perfect for a calming and nourishing shower experience. Apply it to damp skin to lock in the “mulgwang” moisture and enjoy its soothing effects as you unwind, elevating your shower experience into a spa sanctuary.
By infusing these skin-to-soul practices into your summer days, you'll find yourself glowing with a "mulgwang" dew from the inside out.
Angela Jia Kim, founder of Savor Beauty and author of "Radical Radiance", lives in New York City with her teen daughter, mini golden retriever, and philanthropic partner. She embodies a radiance lifestyle through mindful skincare, Kundalini Yoga, mat Pilates, and chakra cleansing rituals. 💞
