Uwu Tofu, a 29-year-old beauty content creator, has integrated Korean skincare and wellness into her life to an extent that influences her travel plans and monthly expenditures. Driven by a desire to enhance her features and maintain skin health, Tofu estimates spending between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly on K-beauty products and treatments.
Her fascination with beauty began in her youth, stemming from insecurities related to acne. "I remember in seventh grade, when I felt my ugliest, I thought, ‘I’m going to make a business plan on aesthetic improvements so that by the time I hit college I’m going to be the hottest person ever,’" Tofu recalled. This early ambition has evolved into a focused pursuit of aesthetic enhancement.
Tofu's routine involves a wide array of treatments, including Rejuran injections, radiofrequency microneedling, ultrasound lifting, and facial contouring. She described a salmon sperm facial, a procedure using the DNA of salmon during microneedling, as intensely painful, comparing it to getting a tattoo on the face. Despite the discomfort, which led to tears and clenched hands, she reported satisfaction with the results, noting improved skin tone and reduced redness.
The content creator, who has amassed over 575,000 followers on Instagram, prioritizes protecting her skin from UV rays, viewing it as crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance. Her current favorite affordable products include Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45, Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream, and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. She adheres to a practice of finishing products within six months to avoid waste and prevent potential adverse reactions from expired items.
Tofu's dedication extends to Korean wellness practices, particularly her visits to Wi Spa, a 24-hour Korean spa in Los Angeles. For a $35 day pass, she engages in a comprehensive routine involving hot tubs, a cold plunge, various saunas, and body scrubs. Her ideal spa day also includes Korean cuisine, such as kalbi, followed by relaxation in specialized rooms like the jade and ice rooms, often concluding with several hours of napping.
Her pursuit of K-beauty aesthetics is deeply rooted in her upbringing as an Asian-American, where standards influenced by K-pop idols were aspirational. Tofu continues to explore new treatments, with plans to try Thermage next, further demonstrating her commitment to her beauty regimen.