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Video: Our makeup artist Iva loves these viral products from Korea

10/31/2024

Iva Davies

4-minute read

K-beauty is not a trend, but a life philosophy that does wonders for your skin. I've chosen the most famous Korean skincare products for you and tried them out to see if they are worth it!

Koreans have really great skin, and this is not just thanks to sheet masks. They work hard at it. Because you really have to be committed to have a ten to twelve step skincare routine. But even if you don’t have that commitment, you can still be friends with Korean cosmetics. You just need to think about exactly what your skin needs, and add a few things to your current skincare routine. Now I’m going to tell you which ones I can’t live without. 

A high quality make-up remover is absolutely essential

Your skincare routine definitely can’t do without precise make-up removal. You can of course keep your favourite micellar waters, but be sure to fall in love with makeup remover balms and oils forever. Banila Co. clean it zero original, dissolves makeup with miraculous speed, leaving only clean skin, perfectly prepared for your next skincare steps. 

Iconic Korean essentials you simply have to try

Treat yourself to acids

I discovered that you don't necessarily have to use an exfoliator with granules every time to get flake-free skin, thanks to K-beauty. This is because it introduced me to the world of AHA, BHA and PHA acids, for example in the Some By Mi AHA∙BHA∙PHA 30 Days Miracle toner, which will soften, smooth and brighten your skin. You will only need to use it a few times a week to find that you can never do without it again. 

Toners and essences which soften your skin

Do you know essences?

Skin essences are a Korean invention. They are somewhere between classic toners and facial serums. They provide an extra dose of what your skin needs, whether it's hydration or brightness, without weighing it down. For starters, try the iconic Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin essence which contains snail secretion and leaves your skin silky and 

More Korean hits which have conquered the world

Serum over gold

Every cosmetic shelf in Korea contains a myriad of various highly concentrated facial serums. They play a key role in the skincare routine, which Koreans are not afraid to adapt to the specific needs of their skin on a daily basis. Active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or vitamin C penetrate deeper into the skin through serums and keep it youthful. I really like the Erborian Skin Therapy serum! It contains chamomile and squalane so in the morning you can look forward to a radiant, hydrated face.

These Korean serums will spoil you

Strengthen your skin barrier

It can happen to anyone. You use too much retinol, lactic acid or glycolic acid, or it starts freezing outside, and a problem occurs. Your face is tight, itchy, peeling and red. You have most likely disrupted your skin microbiome. To pamper it again, stop using active ingredients for a moment, and call up another Korean hero – ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream. It hydrates, softens and restores the skin barrier.

Protect yourself from the sun

Avoid the sun

Were you getting worried that I wouldn’t mention sun protection in my skincare article? Don’t worry, I won’t fail you. High SPF creams are behind the Korean population’s eternal youth. Koreans just don’t leave home without SPF. And neither do I.

 This is why on my list of viral Korean products there has to be Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics protective cream, of which I personally consume at least six packs a year. It is not sticky, does not leave a white layer, you can’t feel it on your face, and that’s why you really won’t mind using it every day.

 You can never go wrong with Korean cosmetics. They are efficient, affordable, and they work. And if you want to fall in love with them like I did, watch our video.