What a great highlighter does for your cheekbones, K-beauty formulas do for your skin—they make everything brighter, fresher, better. Get the right mix of Korean serums, toners and moisturisers in your vanity and you'd be cueing lit-from-within, dewy skin just in time for the celebrations.
But our edit of products—from skin-plumping essences to glow-boosting masks—not only provide the glass-like glow, but also nourish the skin. Packed with ingredients like bean essence, ceramides and calming botanicals, these staples are known to hydrate, soothe and brighten over time, giving you a festive glow-up without the extra effort.
When COSRX launched its now-iconic snail mucin essence, the internet had a collective moment—and for good reason. First, there’s the headline ingredient: 98% snail secretion filtrate (yes, really). Then, there’s the slime-like texture that makes applying it strangely satisfying. But what really caught people off guard wasn’t the snail factor—it was how nourishing it turned out to be. Packed with skin-forward hyaluronic acid, it sinks in fast, leaving skin feeling plump, bouncy and deeply hydrated. Bonus: it’s lightweight enough for summer days and delivers that dewy, glass-skin glow without feeling sticky.
This one’s a no-brainer. This viral Cosrx essence is a staple in so many routines for a reason—it hydrates, repairs and gives your skin a soft, dewy feel. The lightweight formulation is also known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe irritation. Besides, it helps enhance skin elasticity, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged or acne-scarred skin. Whether you're looking to smooth out rough patches or boost overall skin health, this is a product you'll want to keep on hand in multiples.
Whether you are looking for moisture retention, plumping or nourishment, this widely loved essence can do it all—and it doesn’t choose to stop there, either. By dialling up exfoliation and cell turnover, the snail mucin in this multipurpose essence helps get the upper hand on hyperpigmentation, as well.
Soothe, brighten, and rejuvenate with this ampoule, powered by pure centella asiatica extract. Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, this formula reduces redness and irritation while the encapsulated brightening beads burst upon application, delivering active ingredients directly to the skin. Lightweight yet effective, it offers long-term benefits for tired or stressed complexions.
Pro tip: Incorporate into your nighttime routine to wake up with visibly calmer, even-toned skin over time.