Revealed: Korean actress Kim Hee-sun's timeless beauty secrets

Time of India

16-07-2025

49-year-old Korean actress Kim Hee-sun's effortless styling and natural beauty routine has young Indians buzzing about her age-defying skincare secrets
You know that feeling when you see someone who just seems to have cracked the code of aging gracefully? That's exactly what Korean actress Kim Hee-sun has been serving consistently, and honestly, it's giving us major life goals.
At 49, she's proving that some things really do get better with time, and her approach to beauty is making waves among young Indians who are tired of complex routines and over-the-top styling.
What makes Kim Hee-sun's approach so refreshing is how she's completely flipped the script on what we think beauty should look like. In a world where our Instagram feeds are flooded with contouring tutorials and 12-step skincare routines, she's gone completely against the grain with her "natural and simple" philosophy.
It's like she's saying "less is more" but actually making it work in the most effortless way possible.
The actress has consistently been praised for her natural wave hair and sensual tone-down makeup. Her styling choices remind us that authenticity trumps trends every single time. When she opts for minimal makeup with pink lip colors and natural brown shadows that added a little life, she's creating a look that's both sophisticated and achievable - something we can all relate to when we're rushing to college or work.
Kim Hee-sun matched a beige inner and pants to create a calm yet luxurious atmosphere, and maximized the elegant atmosphere by naturally creating long wavy hair.
The Skincare Routine That's Actually Doable
Here's where it gets really interesting for those of us who are constantly bombarded with expensive beauty products and celebrity endorsements. Kim Hee-sun's skincare secrets are surprisingly simple and, dare we say, budget-friendly. Her most talked-about trick? Using carbonated water to wash her face instead of regular tap water.
This isn't just some quirky celebrity habit - there's actual science behind it.
Carbonated water contains an acid-neutralizing effect that helps remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanses pores. For Indian youth dealing with pollution and humidity, this could be a game-changer. The anti-inflammatory benefits help reduce facial swelling and make skin look flawless - something that sounds pretty appealing when you're dealing with Delhi's air quality or Mumbai's monsoon humidity.
Another one of her well-kept secrets is drinking honey water three times a day - morning, afternoon, and evening.
During days when she feels bloated, she combines this with intermittent fasting. For a generation that's always looking for natural alternatives to expensive supplements, this feels incredibly relatable. Honey contains antibacterial and antiseptic components that can treat oily and acne-prone skin, plus it's a natural humectant that keeps skin moist and supple.
What's particularly impressive is her commitment to consistent skincare routine and setting a positive mindset.
She never forgets to apply hydration cream and face oils, but more importantly, she believes that enjoying rather than stressing out about anything is essential. This philosophy resonates deeply with Indian youth who are often caught between academic pressure and social expectations.
The Effortless Styling That's Actually Genius
Kim Hee-sun's fashion sense is what Indians would call "simple but elegant" - and it's exactly the kind of styling that works in our climate and culture.
Her recent looks have been a masterclass in sophisticated casual styling. She's been spotted in beige-toned tone-on-tone styling with comfortable elements like loose black jogger pants and sporty caps, creating looks that are both trendy and practical.
What makes her styling particularly relevant for Indian youth is how she layers thoughtfully. In cooler weather, she matched beige-colored inner and pants to create a calm yet luxurious atmosphere, adding a brown long coat to emphasize the classic mood, and comfortable sneakers to complete an elegant and practical style.
This approach to layering is something that works perfectly for India's varied climate zones.
Her natural wavy hair styling has become somewhat of a signature. She maximizes the elegant atmosphere by naturally creating long wavy hair with a soft image emphasized by natural down style of bangs. The neatly arranged brown color harmonized with warm lighting creates a refined impression that doesn't require expensive salon treatments.
One of her most talked-about recent looks featured a white bow tie blouse with a black bustier dress, showcasing how she mixes classic elements with modern touches. The see-through sleeves with subtle patterns maximize feminine sensations while maintaining elegance - a balance that's perfect for Indian occasions where you want to look put-together without being overly formal.
The Minimalist Makeup Approach That Actually Works
Having a good time with daughter.
Kim Hee-sun's makeup philosophy is refreshingly honest about aging and natural beauty.
She's known for her clear and transparent skin without makeup, often sharing no-makeup selfies that have fans praising her "skin going backwards". This confidence in her natural skin is something that resonates with young Indians who are often pressured to hide imperfections.
Her professional makeup looks focus on natural feeling that was not excessive. She completes sophisticated moods with pink lip colors and natural brown shadows, while her skin expression has a velvet-smooth finish rather than a glossy glow.
This approach creates a luxurious atmosphere in the overall look without looking overdone.
What's particularly inspiring about her beauty routine is how she embraces a carefree and relaxed mindset as her crucial beauty know-how. She admits to worrying about drinking but enjoys and takes full rest after those occasions. This balance between enjoyment and self-care is something that speaks to young Indians navigating college life and early career pressures.
The actress has also been spotted with black smokey makeup that highlighted her charming sultry eyes for special occasions, showing that she's not afraid to experiment when the moment calls for it. But it's her everyday natural look that has become her signature - proving that consistency in simple routines beats occasional elaborate treatments.
From an Indian perspective, Kim Hee-sun's approach to beauty feels particularly relevant because it mirrors our own cultural values of natural beauty and simplicity. Just like how Indian women have traditionally used natural ingredients like turmeric, honey, and oils for skincare, her focus on honey water and natural products feels familiar and accessible. Her styling philosophy of adding one thoughtful element to elevate a simple look is something that works perfectly for our diverse occasions - from college to family functions to professional settings.