Mochi Skin Is the J-Beauty Trend You Need to Know About

It’s safe to say that K-beauty and J-Beauty have set the bar when it comes to skin care. From glass skin to cream skin, we’ve been taking notes from Japanese and Korean skin care trends for quite some time now. The latest Japanese skin care trend to hit the beauty scene? Mochi skin! Read on to learn more about mochi skin care and how you can try it for yourself.

WHAT IS MOCHI SKIN?

You’re probably wondering—how does mochi skin differ from other skin care trends out there? Well, as you may have guessed, mochi skin is inspired by the dessert it’s named after. The trend involves creating a complexion that appears smooth, plump, and free of lines. It’s also referred to as “rice-cake skin” and can be thought of as J-beauty’s take on glass skin. The big difference between glass skin and mochi skin is that the latter is all about a matte complexion instead of a dewy one.

Mochi skin is supposed to resemble the plump, juicy appearance of a mochi ball. It’s ideal for those who prefer to keep their skin care routine simple and to the point since mochi skin care is centered around a regimen with minimal products. Glass skin, on the other hand, tends to utilize a laundry list of K-beauty essentials. This is in line with the differences between Korean and Japanese skin care routines: K-beauty routines often have a lengthy list of steps, while J-beauty is all about paring down.

HOW TO GET MOCHI SKIN

Want to give the mochi skin care trend a try? It’s easy! In fact, the regimen calls for under five steps. Follow the steps below to put together your very own mochi skin care routine.

STEP #1. CLEANSE

Instead of using an exfoliating cleanser, mochi skin calls for a cleanser that won’t take away from your skin’s natural oils. Consider using a cleansing oil or cream cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser.

If your skin in on the oily side, you may even want to use a combination of the two for a doubling cleansing session. To do so, first use an oil cleanser to remove any buildup of makeup, oil, and impurities. Then, use your rinse-off cream cleanser to remove any excess impurities that may have been left behind.

Editor’s note: Exfoliating cleansers aren’t the only thing you should pass up if you want to give mochi skin a try. Exfoliators in general, including chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and mechanical options like face scrubs, are left on the shelf when it comes to mochi skin care.

STEP #2. BRING ON THE MOISTURE

Next, give your skin some well-deserved moisture. Now is a great time to apply an essence or serum—or both, since an essence acts as a primer for the skin care products to follow, helping them absorb better.

To continue on your quest for hydrated, plumped skin, smooth on the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which quickly absorbs to replenish hydration immediately and visibly reduce wrinkles for visibly plumped, youthful-looking skin.

STEP #3. CONTINUE THE HYDRATION

We aren’t done moisturizing yet! Now is your cue to reach for a lightweight moisturizer that will help lock in hydration. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin, based on your skin type.

STEP #4. FINISH WITH SPF

It’s no secret that when it comes to Japanese and Korean skin care—and truly any skin care regimen—sunscreen is a must. Apply your favorite SPF or combine two steps into one by using a moisturizer with SPF. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, which contains broad-spectrum SPF 30 along with popular anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Pro-Retinol, and vitamin C.

Next up: Now that you’re familiar with the mochi skin care trend and how to achieve it, you may want to give another Asian skin care craze a try. To do just that, head on over to our article, What Is Cloudless Skin? Here's What You Need to Know About the Latest K-Beauty Trend.