Some beauty favourites are just too good to keep to ourselves—and when it comes to Korean skincare, the hype is almost always worth it. Rooted in gentle skin-first philosophies and backed by some seriously impressive ingredients (think snail mucin, fermented rice, cica and more), K-beauty isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-on ritual. One that’s equal parts effective and indulgent.
But here’s the thing: some of the best formulas don’t always go viral. They fly under the radar, quietly doing the work without any fanfare. So, in the spirit of no gatekeeping, we’re spotlighting the underrated heroes—the ones that deserve way more attention.
Whether it’s a serum that gives glass-skin glow, a sun stick that glides like silk or a toner that’s basically hydration in a bottle, these are the formulas we keep reaching for. They work quietly, consistently and always make skin feel just a bit better.
A cushion foundation that does more than just even out your skin. This lightweight, breathable formula glides on smoothly and delivers a natural, semi-matte finish that controls oil without dimming your glow. SPF 50+ PA+ adds serious sun protection, while the mesh coverage helps blur out tone and texture. The result? Skin that looks polished, not covered. It’s especially great for humid days when you want something that holds up but still feels like skin. And the refill makes topping up way less of a chore when you inevitably hit pan.
A cream-blush hybrid that goes on sheer and builds beautifully. The finish is glowy, never greasy—and it blends like a dream without disrupting your base. It leaves behind a warm, just-pinched flush that stays put and looks like your skin, only better. What sets it apart is how wearable it is—neither too dewy nor too powdery, and flattering even on bare skin. The shade Fig Fog is that sweet spot between rosy and bronzy, perfect for a natural everyday lift.
When one layer is all it takes. This high-coverage concealer blurs dark circles, redness and blemishes without looking like makeup. It blends effortlessly, wears comfortably and stays crease-free from morning to night. It also has that rare ability to cover without caking—even if you go in with fingers. Bonus: it doubles up as a lightweight base on rushed mornings.
A palette that does it all—this multi-use duo blends balm, powder and shimmer in soft, buildable tones for lips, lids or cheeks. The formula melts into skin with a creamy, velvety finish, leaving just the right amount of glow. Handy dual mirrors make touch-ups easy wherever you are. It’s compact enough to slip into the tiniest of bags and versatile enough to create a full face. Whether you want a subtle flush or a glazed-lid moment, this palette gets it done.
Stressed skin meets its cool-down. This two-step rubber mask brings the calming power of cryotherapy straight to your routine, delivering a refreshing chill that soothes, hydrates and calms on contact. With each use, skin feels less reactive, more balanced and visibly at ease. It’s especially helpful after too much sun or when your skin just feels “off.” The ampoule step preps your skin beautifully, and the rubber mask locks everything in—no slipping or sliding involved.
This isn’t just another brightening cream—it’s your shortcut to a more even, radiant glow. Powered by a high concentration of mulberry grape extract, the formula works gently to target dark spots, smooth texture and boost luminosity without overwhelming your skin. Lightweight yet potent, it melts in seamlessly, leaving behind a hydrated, fresh-faced finish. It plays well with the rest of your routine, including actives, and doesn't pill under sunscreen or makeup. Over time, you’ll notice your skin looks clearer, more even and just a bit more alive.
Easy to use and carry, this roll-on clay mask by popular K-beauty brand Skin1004 is the quickest pick-me-up. Formulated with five types of clay, it absorbs excess oil and leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed. It’s also enriched with red bean, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and get rid of blackheads. The result is smooth and soft skin, sans any blackheads or whiteheads.
How to use: After cleansing, apply the stick directly to dry skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use 1–2 times per week.
“My job involves trying a lot of products, but few have made it into my weekly routine like this clay stick mask. It’s quick, mess-free and actually works. With kaolin clay to clear pores and red bean powder to exfoliate, it manages oil without over-drying my skin. The added centella and aloe help reduce redness and keep everything balanced. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-impact product I rely on to reset my skin when it’s feeling congested,” shares Shrishti from the content team.
You’ve probably heard of their Centella ampoule, but this clay stick is another one worth trying—especially if you deal with clogged pores. It has five kinds of clay to gently absorb oil and clear gunk, and red bean powder for light exfoliation. The best part? It rinses off easily and doesn’t leave that dry, tight feeling clay masks sometimes do.
You might know them for their Centella ampoule, but this clay stick deserves just as much attention—especially if congested pores are your main concern. It blends five types of clay to draw out excess oil and buildup, while red bean powder offers gentle exfoliation. Bonus: it rinses off clean without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight. The twist-up stick format is both mess-free and travel-friendly, making it easy to use even when you’re short on time. Just swipe, wait and rinse for clearer, calmer skin.
Too much sun? This serum is your skin’s emergency cool-down. Green tea leaf water fights UV stress, mugwort extract soothes irritation and redness, while panthenol hydrates and repairs your moisture barrier—all in one lightweight layer. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and works whether you’re fresh off the beach or just melting in the city heat.
Think of this as a cool compress for sun-stressed skin. Lightweight and calming, it’s infused with green tea and mugwort to soothe irritation and help bring your skin back into balance. Panthenol adds a hit of hydration while supporting your moisture barrier—making it a go-to on hot, humid days or whenever your skin needs a breather. It absorbs fast, doesn’t leave a film and layers effortlessly with other serums or moisturisers. If your skin’s feeling cranky or overworked, this is the reset it needs.
This glow-giving essence does more than just hydrate—it smooths, softens and subtly exfoliates for skin that looks instantly more radiant. The fermented formula feels cushiony on application and layers beautifully under makeup or skincare. Think of it as your skin’s reset button when dullness kicks in. The texture is somewhere between a serum and toner, which makes it ideal for layering. Use it consistently and you’ll notice your skin feels bouncier, brighter and just a little more refined.