Lauren Miller – AKA Wee Ghost Beauty – is opening Scotland’s first Korean skincare store

Where did your fascination for Korean skincare products begin? 

I first discovered Korean skincare in 2020. I was working in the operating theatres at a busy hospital during COVID and my skin really suffered from wearing PPE all day. I saw an advert for K-beauty and thought I had nothing to lose, so ordered a couple of products and I’ve never looked back. My acne improved, my skin was softer, and my redness and irritation were gone. It changed my life, and I wouldn’t use anything else on my skin now. It’s almost addictive, with so many brands and products to choose from – but with ingredients to treat so many skin problems, there really is a product for everyone.

What made you decide to open your own K-beauty store? 

Simply, I love these products, and I believe in the benefits of using them. In Scotland, we can have all four seasons in one day and our skin can really suffer. I believe Korean skincare is the answer we’ve all been looking for. I was always recommending K-beauty to friends and colleagues and one day my husband said: ‘Why don’t you sell it?’ And that was it. I set up the website and found a wholesaler, and I’ve been building the business since then.

Living in Scotland, there isn’t the same access to these amazing products. By attending shows like the Ideal Home Show, I’m able to offer something that you can’t find anywhere else in Scotland: the chance to try and buy these products in person. Access online is amazing, but I like to feel the products, smell the products and be able to speak to someone face to face for advice and recommendations – and I can’t be the only one who thinks like this. All going well in the next couple of months, Wee Ghost Beauty will be opening Scotland’s first Korean skincare shop in the heart of Glasgow city centre, offering Scottish customers access to the biggest and best K-beauty brands. 

Lauren Miller, founder of Wee Ghost Beauty

What starter product would you recommend as an all-round star for all skin types?  

If you are brand new to Korean skincare, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. The product that started it all for me, and one that I recommend to all newcomers to K-beauty is COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Not only is it suitable for all skin types, but it can also be added into an already existing skincare routine with ease. Snail mucin provides deep hydration, helping to repair a damaged skin barrier and soothe irritation. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and therefore is acne safe and fragrance-free, plus it won’t irritate sensitive skin. With its lightweight texture, it absorbs effortlessly into your skin without greasiness, leaving your skin glowing. It’s a great introductory product, from one of the most well-known K-beauty brands, and my personal favourite.

Is there anything that particularly links the brands you’ve chosen to focus on?  

I try to be all-inclusive when I decide what brands to choose. I want products that are suitable for everyone and have ingredients that target a range of skin issues or desires. There should be something for everyone. I focus on brands that use mild, non-irritating ingredients that hydrate and repair, so my customers can really get the best out of their skin. Wee Ghost Beauty isn’t about achieving perfect skin, it’s about being the best version of you, and that can mean different things to different people. I also look for value when I’m choosing my next big brand to add to the store. I want my customers – no matter what their budget is – to be able to buy from Wee Ghost Beauty. Quality skincare should be accessible to all, and I believe that is where Korean skincare stands out from the crowd. Even in the less expensive brands you will still find the best ingredients and a huge range of products, so it appeals to beginners and enthusiasts of all ages and budgets.

Why are Korean beauty products always seemingly so ahead of the game? 

Clear, glowing skin is highly valued in Korea, for both men and women, so there is a constant need for innovation. This pushes the skincare companies to continually improve their formulas and technology. Korean skincare companies conduct constant research into new delivery methods and the best ingredients to use, with products going from the research phase to being on shelves in a matter of months. In Western brands this can take years. It’s also all about the ingredients. What would not be considered mainstream ingredients were often first utilised in K-beauty – think snail mucin, centella asiatica, fermented ingredients, ginseng and rice extracts. Korean skincare is a multi-step approach, focusing on layering hydrating products that deeply nourish your skin, and it’s this that gives you the desired glow.

First we had the trend for ‘glass skin’. Now it’s ‘mirror skin’. Can you fill us in on the hype? 

The ‘mirror skin’ trend is the next evolution of the ‘glass skin’ aesthetic in K-beauty. It focuses on a more intense level of glow, with ultra-reflective and almost wet looking skin. Where it differs is that not only is it focusing on clear, smooth, intense hydration but it incorporates a high shine, reflective finish, free of texture and dullness – almost as if your face has a natural highlight. This is desirable because not only does it look incredible and photograph beautifully, it signifies a certain level of skincare mastery involving toners, essences, ampoules and balms to really enhance your glow and take it to the next level.

What’s the next big Korean skincare launch we should be looking to get our hands on? 

The next big thing in Korean skincare is the inclusion of PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) as an ingredient. Extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm cells, it is biocompatible with human cells and can be utilised in many ways, from injectable skin boosters to serums and creams. It benefits skin in multiple ways – the most desired being its ability to boost skin regeneration through enhanced production of collagen and elastin, which will reduce fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging. It enhances your skin’s ability to retain moisture leading to plumper, radiant-looking skin with an improved skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation. With its anti-inflammatory properties it reduces redness and irritation, meaning it is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Its popularity is growing in K-beauty and with these results, its easy to understand why. 

Catch Wee Ghost Beauty at Ideal Home Show Scotland at SEC, Glasgow this May. The Ideal Home Show Scotland brings together hundreds of brands to shop from, live talks from top celebrities, the latest technology, and fresh ideas from our team of experts. Tickets also include free entry to The Eat & Drink Festival. For more information visit: idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk