#skinthusiast: The Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: KBeauty, Serum Wardrobes, Glass Skin, and Listening To Your Skin with Sarah Lee of Glow Recipe
Host: Amy Koberling
Guest: Sarah Lee, Co-Founder of Glow Recipe
Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of #skinthusiast: The Podcast, host Amy Koberling welcomes Sarah Lee, the co-founder of the renowned skincare brand Glow Recipe. The conversation delves deep into Sarah’s journey in the beauty industry, the philosophy behind KBeauty, the significance of real skin acceptance, and practical skincare routines.

Early Skincare Memories and Influences [00:00 - 05:30]

Sarah Lee opens up about her earliest memories of skincare, highlighting the bonding experiences with her mother. She reminisces about their family trips to public bathhouses and the use of natural ingredients like cucumber slices and spoiled milk for skin brightening.

[02:34] Sarah Lee: "I remember asking her, why are we putting food on our faces? Isn't this lunch?"

These early traditions not only fostered a love for skincare but also instilled the importance of self-care. Sarah emphasizes how these experiences shaped her approach to skincare as a form of personal empowerment.

[05:30] Sarah Lee: "Skincare is self-care to this day."

Career Journey in the Beauty Industry [05:35 - 10:10]

Sarah recounts her professional journey, starting with an internship at L'Oreal Korea after graduating from an all-women’s university in Seoul. Her time at L'Oreal was a transformative experience, exposing her to the strategic and rigorous process behind product development and launches.

[08:21] Sarah Lee: "Beauty is beyond self-care and bonding experiences. There's a lot of strategy and planning behind it."

After three and a half years, Sarah sought a global experience and successfully transitioned to the New York office of L'Oreal, becoming the first Korean expat there. This move was pivotal in expanding her understanding of diverse beauty markets and fostering her entrepreneurial spirit.

Founding Glow Recipe [11:23 - 14:18]

While at L'Oreal, Sarah crossed paths with her future co-founder, Christine, in Korea. Their shared passion for Korean skincare innovations and bilingual capabilities led to the creation of Glow Recipe in 2014. The brand was envisioned as a destination for natural Korean skincare tailored to the American market.

[13:33] Sarah Lee: "We wanted to create glowrecipe.com as a destination for natural Korean skincare innovations."

Philosophy and Core of KBeauty [14:37 - 19:24]

Sarah articulates the core philosophy of KBeauty, emphasizing its holistic approach and personalization. She distinguishes between the trend-driven aspects of KBeauty and its deeper, more preventative nature.

[14:37] Sarah Lee: "Korean skincare is very holistic. Everyone's skin concern type is different."

Sarah highlights the importance of understanding one’s skin needs and tailoring routines accordingly, rather than adhering to a rigid, multi-step regimen. She introduces the concept of a "serum wardrobe", allowing for flexibility and customization based on daily skin requirements.

Real Skin Acceptance and Social Media [24:18 - 30:45]

Sarah discusses Glow Recipe’s commitment to real skin acceptance and transparency. The brand deliberately avoids retouching images and features models with visible skin concerns to promote inclusive beauty standards.

[25:11] Sarah Lee: "Keeping things real and transparent was at the core of what we should be as a brand."

Glow Recipe’s initiatives, such as blind casting for campaigns, reinforce their dedication to showcasing authentic beauty. This approach has resonated deeply with their community, fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusivity.

Skincare Routine and Layering Tips [34:17 - 45:46]

Sarah shares her personal skincare routine, providing practical insights into effective product layering:

1. Double Cleansing: Emphasizes the importance of removing makeup and SPF thoroughly.

   [35:19] Sarah Lee: "Everything else doesn't matter as much as this is what I will say."

2. Toning: Utilizes products like the Watermelon Portite BHA and PHA Toner for pore refinement and hydration.

3. Eye Cream: Advises applying eye cream before serums to protect the delicate eye area.

   [19:24] Sarah Lee: "There’s a real reason for applying eye cream before the serum."

4. Serums: Highlights the use of multiple serums, such as Plum Plum Hyaluronic Serum and BlackBerry Retinol Blemish Serum, tailored to specific skin concerns.

5. Moisturizing: Recommends lightweight moisturizers that absorb quickly without feeling heavy.

6. Additional Steps: Introduces innovative products like Hue Drops as a substitute for foundation, promoting a natural, glowing look.

Sarah underscores the "light to thick" layering principle and the importance of patch testing, especially for sensitive skin.

[19:43] Sarah Lee: "Go from light to thick. Make sure each texture applies better and efficiently before you apply the next."

Insights on Young Users of Skincare [30:45 - 34:17]

The conversation shifts to the impact of skincare on young girls. Sarah acknowledges concerns about young individuals investing heavily in skincare routines, stressing the importance of parental involvement and education.

[32:22] Sarah Lee: "Are the parents involved? Right. Are the parents helping them and having conversations with them?"

She advocates for teaching foundational skincare practices, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF protection, without introducing potent actives prematurely.

[33:48] Sarah Lee: "Having a good fundamental skincare routine is great. You don't have to do anything beyond that."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts [45:03 - 48:31]

As the episode wraps up, Amy and Sarah exchange personal skincare tips and reflect on the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. Sarah shares a heartfelt message to her younger self, emphasizing that “you can do it all”, highlighting the significance of self-care and presence in her role as a mother.

[46:45] Sarah Lee: "You can do it all. You don’t have to compromise."

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

1. Sarah Lee [02:34]: "I remember asking her, why are we putting food on our faces? Isn't this lunch?"

2. Sarah Lee [05:30]: "Skincare is self-care to this day."

3. Sarah Lee [08:21]: "Beauty is beyond self-care and bonding experiences. There's a lot of strategy and planning behind it."

4. Sarah Lee [14:37]: "Korean skincare is very holistic. Everyone's skin concern type is different."

5. Sarah Lee [19:24]: "There’s a real reason for applying eye cream before the serum."

6. Sarah Lee [25:11]: "Keeping things real and transparent was at the core of what we should be as a brand."

7. Sarah Lee [32:22]: "Are the parents involved? Right. Are the parents helping them and having conversations with them?"

8. Sarah Lee [46:45]: "You can do it all. You don’t have to compromise."

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Heritage: Sarah’s Korean heritage profoundly influences Glow Recipe’s approach to skincare, emphasizing holistic and preventive care.

• Transparency and Inclusivity: Glow Recipe champions real skin acceptance, rejecting retouched imagery to promote authentic beauty standards.

• Customization Over Routines: Advocates for personalized skincare routines tailored to individual skin needs, rather than adhering to a fixed multi-step regimen.

• Empowerment Through Education: Emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about their skin to make informed choices, fostering a sense of empowerment.

• Balance in Life: Highlights the significance of balancing professional goals with personal life, reinforcing that one can achieve success without compromising personal well-being.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of KBeauty and Glow Recipe’s philosophy, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. Sarah Lee’s journey from a young skincare enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur provides valuable lessons for both beauty enthusiasts and industry professionals.