Admittedly, I’m hooked to K-Beauty. I find that K-cosmetics brands produce high-quality products at affordable prices, thus the majority of my skincare and cosmetics products are created in Korea. I’ve tested a lot of Korean skincare and cosmetics, from creams to repair my skin barrier to cutting-edge serums that increase my skin’s firmness and radiance. I’m so excited to see what’s fresh in the K-Beauty world that it’s also one of the first things I buy when I go to Seoul.
As a thirty-something, my major priorities at the moment are staying hydrated, maintaining a strong and healthy skin barrier, and balancing out my skin tone (including erasing dark spots). If any of those seem like objectives to you, I’d suggest checking out some of my favourites below.
Best K-Beauty Skincare and Makeup
VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 Essence
This Reedle Shot Essence, one of the newest products in Korean skincare, is made with minuscule microneedles that pierce your pores to improve the absorption of both the serum and the rest of your skincare regimen. Despite the name seeming a little scary, it’s actually not that bad—your skin will tingle and feel somewhat exfoliated. Using this essence has been essential to helping me with my huge pores around my T-zone area and dark spots that I suffer with.
I apply it at night and wake up with soft, glowing skin. After using it for several months, I can tell that my skin has smoothed out, that my dark spots are fading more quickly (due to my other products being applied more quickly), and that it feels tighter overall. The 100-level essence is the best option for new users, however Amazon now offers versions up to 1000.
Purito Centella Unscented Serum
Since Centella is the best lotion for soothing your skin, I adore everything from them. Have trouble being red? Centella. Irritated skin from too many product tests? Centella. One of the newest centella-based skincare products I’ve introduced to my routine is this Purito Centella Serum, and I’m definitely running out of it. Although the serum is thicker than I’m used to, your skin will feel nourished after a few seconds. It’s excellent for summertime, particularly for people who spend a lot of time outside, as it helps soothe your skin from outside influences and sunburn. In addition, it is currently discounted at just $16.
Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot
In recent months, this Fwee product has become increasingly popular in Korea due to its remarkable colour payoff and unusual soft, bouncy texture. This texture isn’t what you often associate with makeup in a pot; instead, it’s thick and creamy with a hint of heaviness. When you apply this Fwee Lip and Cheek on your lips or cheeks, it blurs out like a powder and feels like a light yet dense mousse. Sincerely, it’s difficult to describe, but all you really need to know is that there are thirty tones available that offer a silky, matte texture without feeling at all dry on the skin. These shades range from light nudes to deep berries and pinks.
For greater saturation, you can apply it with a silicone brush or your fingers.
EasyDerm Quick Calming Microneedle Pimple Patch
I’ve learnt the technique of treating those painful, under-the-skin pimples that take forever to go gone after battling adult acne. I haven’t found another pimple patch that targets cystic acne the way these EasyDerm microneedle patches do since I found them a few years ago. Every pimple patch is made with completely dissolvable microneedles that distribute product to the desired location. It will thoroughly distribute relaxing and healing components to deeper regions of your skin when used in conjunction with the supplied Cica serum (simply apply a drop onto the needle-side of the patch). These patches nearly completely eliminate my discomfort if I start feeling it before the lump even appears, but keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50
Speaking about K-Beauty would be incomplete without discussing Korean sunscreens, which are, in my humble view, the best in the business. Together with two other sunscreens, this Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is ranked #1 in my personal sunscreen rankings. Those with sensitive skin can also use this product because it contains moisturising hyaluronic acid, soothing Centella Asiatica extract, and no perfumes. I never feel greasy with this, even though I have oily-combination skin.
It leaves a dewy, delicate finish that is ideal for everyday wear on its own. I would describe it as a sheen rather than a glow. However, this also doesn’t budge or pill beneath my foundation and concealer on the days that I do wear a full face of makeup. Best part? It doesn’t sting your eyes and doesn’t leave a white tint on your skin.
I constantly have my nose stuck in K-Beauty, researching the newest products and doing trial runs to determine which ones will assist soothe my inflamed skin and minimise the appearance of ageing. See more of my top picks for K-Beauty skincare and cosmetics to moisturise, soothe, and improve your skin below.
D’Alba Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum
The D’Alba Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum is an opulent skincare product that uses the rejuvenating properties of white truffles grown in Italy. This serum, which is well-known for its anti-aging qualities, provides intense moisture that leaves skin glowing and smooth. Its thin mist formulation makes application simple and guarantees rapid absorption and equal dispersion. Enhanced with extra plant components, it encourages a complexion that is radiant and healthy. D’Alba’s serum is ideal for all skin types because it blends science and nature for optimal skincare outcomes.
Rovectin Aqua Cleansing Gel
The purpose of the mild, moisturising Rovectin Aqua Cleansing Gel is to effectively eliminate pollutants without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This washing gel, which is made with cutting-edge moisturising ingredients, leaves skin feeling soft and renewed without feeling tight. Its gentle composition makes it a great option for everyday use on all skin types, including the most sensitive. The lotion leaves the skin feeling clear, clean, and pleasant because of its deep cleansing properties without stripping the skin. For the best skincare results, use Rovectin Aqua Cleansing Gel to mix intense cleansing with vital hydration.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum
Rich in genuine Madagascar Centella Asiatica extract, Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum is a calming and restorative skincare product. This serum soothes inflamed skin and encourages a healthy, balanced complexion. It is well-known for its healing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Intense hydration and skin barrier strengthening are provided by its lightweight, quickly absorbing composition. It helps lessen redness and blemishes, making it perfect for skin that is sensitive to acne. Using Centella Asiatica’s inherent power, Skin1004’s ampoule serum provides mild yet potent skincare benefits.skin care.
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion is a deeply moisturizing lotion designed to soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin. Enriched with ceramides, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and enhancing skin resilience. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting hydration and comfort. Suitable for all ages, including babies, this lotion is gentle enough for everyday use. Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion combines traditional Korean skincare wisdom with advanced dermatological science to deliver exceptional skin nourishment and care.
Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum
Targeting indications of ageing and improving skin texture, Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum is a potent yet delicate skincare product. With retinol infusion, it encourages cell turnover to lessen wrinkles and fine lines. It is appropriate for sensitive skin types since it contains cica, or Centella Asiatica, which calms and soothes the skin. For a smoother, more luminous skin, its lightweight, non-irritating composition guarantees deep hydration and quicker healing. Strong anti-aging chemicals and calming botanicals are combined in Innisfree’s serum to provide balanced, efficient skincare.
Mediheal Madecassoside Cotton Facial Pads
Mediheal Madecassoside Cotton Facial Pads offer a convenient and effective solution for soothing and revitalizing the skin. Infused with madecassoside, a key component of Centella Asiatica, these pads help reduce inflammation and promote healing, making them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. The soft cotton pads are pre-soaked in a nourishing essence that provides deep hydration and enhances skin barrier function. Easy to use, they deliver immediate relief and long-lasting moisture, leaving the skin calm and refreshed. Mediheal’s facial pads combine the benefits of targeted treatment and hydrating care for a balanced, healthy complexion.
Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask 10-Pack
A skincare product called Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask 10-Pack is intended to reduce blemishes and calm inflamed skin. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of tea tree oil, which helps to lessen redness and stop breakouts, are infused into each mask. In addition to hydrating and soothing the skin, additional botanical components in the mild recipe support a balanced and clean complexion. These masks are ideal for frequent usage because they provide sensitive skin issues and acne-prone skin a spa-like experience. The 10-pack size of Mediheal’s tea tree masks offers simple blemish reduction and soothing hydration.
Numbuzin No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner
The reviving Numbuzin No. 4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner is made to provide skin with a healthy glow and deep hydration. This toner, which is enriched with minerals, regulates and restores the skin to bring out its inherent brightness. Its refreshing, light formula absorbs fast, leaving skin feeling highly moisturised, silky, and soft. It helps prepare the skin for the subsequent steps in your skincare routine and is suitable for all skin types. The hydration and radiance-boosting properties of Numbuzin No. 4 toner work together to support a radiant, healthy complexion.
Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
The high-performance makeup product Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion provides perfect coverage and a natural finish. This cushion foundation evens up skin tone, hides flaws, and delivers long-lasting moisture thanks to its hydrating formula. It is ideal for daily usage because of its lightweight texture, which guarantees pleasant wear. A puff applicator is included in the small design for quick touch-ups while on the go, guaranteeing a radiant, fresh appearance all day. With just a little effort, Jungsaemmool’s cushion gives you a flawless, radiant complexion by combining skincare and cosmetic benefits.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick SPF50
