Korean Beauty Secrets: 10 Must-Try Products

Jan 18 2015

Have you ever noticed how so many Koreans have flawless skin? I’ve been surrounded by this ever since I moved to Asia and I’ve been dying to know the secret. Seriously, they look as if they’ve been blessed by unicorns.

On my recent trip to South Korea, I couldn’t wait to stock up on the best beauty products. Korea is way ahead of the rest of the world in the cosmetics industry. They aren’t afraid to try new things – from snail guts to placenta – and the payoff shows.

After much research, trial, and error (oh the hardships of blogging ☺), I’ve compiled my top 10 must-have Korean beauty goods. These products are great on any skin tone or ethnicity, and can be purchased in-store or shipped internationally.

1. BB Air Cushion Compact by Laneige

BB cream (also known as blemish balm or beauty balm) has been perfected by the Asian markets. BB cream = moisturizer + primer + sunscreen + foundation + anti-aging. I’m not kidding. So needless to say, if you had to pick one item – this would be it.
The air cushion compact is the newest evolution of the BB cream. It has a light and dewy finish while still providing full and even coverage. My favorite thing about this product is that you can continue to apply it throughout the day and it will never cake.

US $37, available at Aritaum stores or online here
Similar: Air Cushion Compact by Iope (US $43) and Color Control Cushion by AmorePacific (US $89)

2. Age Recovery Super Anti-Aging Essence by O HUI

Everyone I talked to in Korea listed this product as an absolute must-have for anti-aging. They also looked about half their age, so I’ll take their word for it. O HUI apparently spent years developing this special formula using baby collagen, which is supposed to return your skin to a childlike elasticity. So far, it’s been magical.

US $75, available at most Korean department stores or online here

3. Water Sleeping Pack EX by Laneige

This intensive moisturizing mask has won a multitude of awards and Korean locals swear by it. After a long night of traveling and jet lag, this is the only thing saving me from some serious puff-face and dark under-eye bags. I’m in love.

US $31, available at Aritaum stores or online here

4. Sun Science Powder Sun Block SPF 50 by O HUI

I’ll be honest, I totally missed this one while shopping in Korea. I just came across this product while finding the online purchase page for O HUI anti-aging essence, and I was intrigued! I hate putting sunscreen on my face because no matter what it says, it always turns out oily and shiny. Not cute. This seems to offer protection while keeping your face matte and preventing breakouts. Sold. Stay tuned for a review!

US $44, available at most Korean department stores or online here

5. Face It Concealer Dual Veil by The Face Shop

This 2-in-1 concealer is one of The Face Shop’s best sellers. The stick consists of a creamy, cover-stick on one side and a liquid concealer on the other. I use the liquid concealer for under-eye circles and uneven skin coloring, and save the cover stick for hard to conceal blemishes. I chose #NB21, which I think is great for fair to medium skin tones.

US $28, available at The Face Shop or online here

6. Silk Intense Lipstick by Laneige

I’m not a huge lipstick wearer, but this particular product is so light and smooth that I was willing to make the switch. The color lasts for hours, and it doesn’t dry out your lips at all. The most popular shades are Beige Chiffon and Pink Garden.

US $25, available at Aritaum stores or online here

7. Small Face Case in All That Face by VIDI VICI

Korea’s most well-known makeup artist, Lee Kyung Min, created this cosmetic line after seeing a need for a compact all-in-one solution. The case has 4 sliding layers consisting of face powder, highlighter, cheek blush, and a shading blush. Besides the high-end quality, the best part about this product is consolidating 4 different items and saving a ton of room in your makeup bag!

US $95, available at most Korean department stores or online here

8. Snail Recovery Gel Cream by Mizon

I know that snail mucus sounds gross, but this ingredient is life-changing. Too dramatic? Try for yourself. I have highly sensitive skin with slight rosacea and this stuff works wonders. It brightens your skin, gets rid of acne scars, and slows down aging. I’m not quite sure if there’s anything it can’t do. You can apply it before bed, or wear it underneath your makeup during the day.

US $9, available at Lotte Mart or online here

9. Big Eye Volume Mascara by Mamonde

Mamonde is a lower priced Korean brand, but this mascara is a hidden gem. I love it because it holds a curl and lasts for the entire day without any smudging or flaking. The quality mirrors that of Chanel or Bobbi Brown, but at a slightly lower price point.

US $25, available at Aritaum stores or online here

10. Konjac Cleansing Sponge by My Konjac Sponge

I actually first heard about konjac in Japan, after learning that this root-based sea vegetable is a common detox and dietary staple. Recently, it has become a popular ingredient for exfoliating and cleaning sensitive skin. The sponge is all-natural, made from the konjac root found on Jeju island in Korea. It’s hard in its natural state, but becomes a baby-soft sponge once you add water. Think about it as the all-natural, delicate alternative to Clarisonic.