Korean beauty products are everywhere—and for good reason. Korean cosmetics and skincare products are known for their comprehensive and effective formulations that create a long-term affinity with your skin's natural state. K-beauty products address a wide range of skincare concerns, and they often prioritise hydrating, soothing and calming ingredients. Innovation is top of mind too— South Korean skincare brands often prioritize research and development, resulting in unique and effective formulations. When it comes to makeup, Korean products are formulated with skincare ingredients, blurring the line between makeup and skincare and delivering a dewy, glowy base.
Plus, the pop culture factor is undeniable when you consider why products from Seoul got so popular so fast—the appeal of K-pop, K-dramas are a major reason. Here are some ultra-popular products you can add to your skincare and makeup cart now.
1. Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Clay Mask To Foam Cleanser
This cleanser starts as a mask and then can be emulsified into a cleanser to give you fresh-looking skin without drying it out. Talk about a win-win!
2. Beplain Cicaterol Spot Treatment
This K-beauty favorite offers a unique approach by gently soothing angry blemishes instead of relying on strong acids like other spot treatments. The fast-absorbing and fast-acting formulation is infused with centella asiatica-derived phytosterol and cica oil, known to calm inflamed pop-ups overnight.
3. Rom&nd Glasting Water Tint
This long-lasting water gloss is a must-have in everyone’s work bag. Available in blushed shades of reds, punks and nudes, the unique formula stains your lips and layers it with gloss for incredible shine.
4. Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule
It is highly unlikely that you haven't come across this bright green bottle on your FYP yet. Infused with LHA (Lipohydroxic acid) in a concentrated ampoule formulation, this serum delivers a potent dose of exfoliating action to your skin. It is gentle and suitable for people with sensitive skin, making it an ideal replacement for stronger acids like salicylic or glycolic.
5. Innisfree Jeju Life Perfumed Hand Cream - Tropic Sherbet
Lightweight, intensely moisturising, easily absorbed and never greasy, this hand cream is on every office desk, and it deserves that coveted spot too.
6. Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Browse any Reddit thread, and you’ll discover that this triple threat is known to be the mildest exfoliator out there, effectively achieving texture-free, smooth, and radiant skin in just one month.
7. ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Tint
The gel-like texture glides smoothly onto the lips, providing an even and buildable layer of color. You can achieve a subtle, blotted look with a light application or layer it for a more vibrant and bold appearance.
8. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
The OG snail mucin product that made people obsessed with the ingredient is this COSRX essence. Super hydration paired with potent antioxidants that offer anti-ageing benefits, this slippery superhero is a great way to prepare your skin for skincare steps that follow as well.
9. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA +++
While Korean makeup looks as if they have a minimal base, it is the feat of innovative formulations and tools that offer good coverage without ever feeling cakey or overwhelming. This includes cushion foundations, applicator spatulas and you’ve guessed it—BB creams. It covers up discolouration and imperfections while providing lasting moisture.
10. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
The most popular vitamin C among Koreans, this potent formulation could be the reason behind the bright and radiant complexion of your favourite K-pop star. The potent skin rejuvenator has become a mainstay in many k-beauty routines that so highly regards preventatives rituals over corrective ones.
Cover Image: Instagram/@somsomi0309
