There’s a reason everyone keeps talking about K-beauty. It flipped the script on what makeup is supposed to do. Suddenly, a full face of makeup didn’t have to come at the cost of healthy skin. The industry didn’t just give us serums and sheet masks; it redefined makeup itself, turning it into something that could multitask as well as your favourite skincare.
Think about it: why settle for a concealer that only covers when you could have one that also hydrates? Or a setting powder that not only keeps things matte but actually soothes your skin? These clever tweaks are proof that beauty can evolve into something smarter, softer and kinder to your face.
That’s why these eight K-beauty staples have earned a permanent spot in our lineup. They slide seamlessly into any routine, delivering instant payoff and long-term benefits. In other words: they get you glowing now, while also keeping your skin happy later.
This 3-in-1 concealer works as a cover-up, contour and foundation to simplify your routine. The balm formula delivers high coverage for dark circles, blemishes and redness, while the water essence in it keeps things light, smooth and breathable. Enriched with squalane, it blends like a dream and stays put with no heaviness or cakey-ness. Expect a skin-like finish that lasts all day.
This trailblazing three-in-one concealer has taken the internet by storm. It doesn’t just cover blemishes, but actively treats them. Enriched with 47% water essence and squalane to moisturise the skin, the TFIT concealer feels more like a hydrating treatment. The formula helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while providing a smooth coverage. The lightweight, cream finish keeps the skin plump throughout the day, ensuring it stays comfortable even under heavy coverage. The versatility of the pick is what makes it extraordinary; use it as a spot concealer, a full foundation or a contour to sculpt your features. Additionally, the highly concentrated balm promises fewer touchups, reducing the risk of clogged pores from frequent reapplication.
The Innisfree setting powder is a Godsend for oil control. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine, centella extract and hyaluronic acid, it soothes the skin and keeps it grease-free throughout the day. And despite its oil-controlling abilities, the powder doesn’t feel heavy or mask-like. Just dust it over your T-zone with a fluffy brush or pat directly for a naturally matte finish. The skin-loving ingredients work better than any blotting paper, while the fine mineral particles create a soft-blur effect, making pores less visible. The mint infusion makes it especially refreshing on sticky days when your skin needs some rejuvenation.
Achieve that fresh, just-bitten lip look with this vibrant water tint. The lightweight formula provides a natural flush of colour that lasts all day, while the Cherry Ade shade—a juicy red—complements all skin tones. Perfect for creating effortless, everyday looks or layering under a gloss for extra shine.
Pro tip: Apply in thin layers for buildable colour, and top with a clear gloss for a plump, dewy finish.
Ever wondered what your lips would look like after a day of foraging for cherries in the countryside? ETUDE HOUSE’s lip and cheek tint has the answer. The fruity hue delivers the just-bit-into-a-cherry effect with a lightweight texture that stays put for hours without feeling heavy on the skin.
This bestselling water tint by Etude House offers a fresh burst of colour and hydration. The water-based, vitamin- and berry fruit-enriched formula delivers buildable pigment that never feels dehydrating. The genius lies in its watery composition, absorbing into the skin without leaving a tacky residue. For a great finish, line your lips with a liner before applying at the centre directly from the doe-foot applicator. Or blend around the edges for the iconic Korean gradient lip. On the cheeks, dot across the apples and blend outwards with the tips of your fingers.
With six stunning shades ranging from soft pastels to iridescent glitters, this versatile palette lets you create everything from subtle day looks to glammed-up evening looks. The blendable formula ensures a smooth application that stays put, while the glittery finishes add a touch of sparkle that's perfect for Sunday brunches and evening soirees alike.
The Rom&nd shimmer palette demonstrates that eyeshadow can be skin-forward while also carrying serious colour payoff. Refined with glycerin, this palette features finely milled powders that are designed to blend without tugging at the sensitive skin around the eyes. For maximum intensity, pat on the shades using your fingers; the warmth of your skin will help the pigment blend beautifully. For a softer blur-effect, use a fluffy brush and build the colour gradually. The paraben- and alcohol-free formula prevents creasing throughout the day.
TIRTIR earned a viral crown for its cushion foundation and for good reason. The formula has truly redefined what foundation can do for your skin. The breathable composition packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and botanical extracts provides buildable coverage that’s feather-touch on the skin. Add to it a unique cushion applicator that certifies even distribution that looks very skin-like. The lightweight texture means you can layer it throughout the day for touchups without getting the heavy, cakey feeling.
This Korean mascara reimagines lash volumisation with its gentle formula, supplying both length and C-curl. The seamless formula coats each lash from the base to tip, while the brush separates and lengthens for a fuller, more defined look. It also boasts smudge-proof and dust-free properties, promising no stiffness even after multiple coats.
Belif’s lip treatment marries intensive care with everyday colour. The luxurious, balmy texture dispenses the deep hydration of an overnight lip mask with the natural colour and convenience of an everyday lip balm. Enriched with raspberry leaf extract for soothing relief and shea butter for hydration, the treatment improves your lips’ appearance naturally. Apply as an overnight lip treatment, use as a layer under a matte lipstick or even on top of it for a glossy finish. It creates a protective barrier against environmental factors, offering some extra TLC to your lips.
This popular Korean lip gloss boasts supreme hydration with its waterproof formulation. The Icy Glow range is infused with hyalu peptides and refreshing watermint extract for deeper nourishment, while the High Shine Oil Complex gives a glossy, water-like sheen. The panthenol niosomes help moisture penetrate deeply and the collagen plumps and firms up the lips for a youthful appearance. Apply directly for a high-impact finish or dab slightly over other lip products for a dewy finish. The delicate, weightless formula makes it perfect for both every day and special evenings.