The are the best Korean beauty products you actually need in your regime
From sheet masks and essences, to cushion foundations and BB creams, we have Korean Beauty, dubbed K-Beauty for short, to thank for some of our favourite skincare and makeup products of all time. But ever since the influx of K-beauty innovation and knowledge burst onto the scene a few years ago, there has been wave after wave of new brands with vast arrays of new products, all promising to be essential additions to the renowned 10-step regime.
While we want it all, our skin often finds it hard to handle too many actives or an overload of potent formulas (enter the rise of so-called 'Skip-care'). Rather than forsaking the transformative powers and infinite benefits of Korean beauty products altogether, we thought it would be far better to cherry-pick the best ones that are sure to be a valuable asset to your skincare regime.
As for the 10 steps - there's nothing to say you have to incorporate every single one into your regime in order to see the benefits. In fact, being selective in the ones your choose can see far better results.
"Adopting a Korean-inspired skincare regime really helps to change your mindset of taking care of your skin as a chore into it being a pampering session you can look forward to," says Charlotte Cho, co-Founder of Soko Glam. Taking a few minutes every morning and evening can become a self care ritual and an opportunity to indulge in some much-needed 'me time'.
With that in mind, scroll down to discover the best Korean beauty products that are actually worth the hype...
Find out more about the 10-step K-Beauty skincare regime in this handy breakdown, and the best K-Beauty subscription boxes worth signing up to if you're new to the game.
Best for spots
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, £7, Beauty Bay
Perfect to pop over a particularly painful pimple, these clear patches protect skin from bacteria and dirt that can make the pimple worse.
Best for glass skin
J.One Jelly Pack Multi-Functional Gel Primer, £10, Look Fantastic
If you're a fan of the glass skin trend, you need to know about this hyaluronic-acid-packed primer. It infuses skin with long-lasting foundation as well as defending against pollution and environmental aggressors thanks to Chamomile Flower Water. Tempted? Use this LookFantastic discount code to save money on your order.
Best for a hydration hit
Leegeehaam Life Hyal B5 Moisture Mask, £11, Look Fantastic
Korea was the birthplace of sheet masks so it makes sense that they are top of the game when it comes to results-driven offerings. This nourishing sheet mask contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to plump and infuse skin with a healthy-looking glow. Use this LookFantastic discount code to save money when you shop.
Best for colour-correcting
Erborian CC Crème, £34.80, Feel Unique
Bridging the gap between skincare and makeup, Erborian is known for their CC cream. It's got all the radiance-boosting qualities of a potent skincare cream, but it's also enriched with colour correcting pigments. The result? Skin is hydrated and glowing, and any discolouration and redness instantly corrected and covered.
Best for sun protection
Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick SPF50+, £21.56, Look Fantastic
SPF should be a fundamental part of everyone's skincare regime, without exception. This sun shield stick is easy to apply and travel with, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. What's more, it contains Centella Asiatica and magnesium for lasting hydration without a greasy finish. Tempted? Use this LookFantastic discount code to save money on your order.
[button url="https://www.lookfantastic.com/holika-holika-less-on-skin-redness-calming-cica-sun-stick-spf50-14g/12569590.html]Buy It Now[/button]
Best for oily skin
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, £14, Look Fantastic
Containing a potent blend of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Water and 0.5% Salicylic Acid, this cleanser is a must-have for anyone with oily and acne-prone skin. We've found a LookFantastic discount code so you can save money on your purchase. You're welcome.
Best for chapped lips
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, £16, K-Beauty UK
This lip sleeping mask didn't win a GLAMOUR Beauty Power List Award for no reason. The deep conditioning balm melts away dead skin cells overnight, while simultaneously plumping.
Best for irritated skin
Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Mask, £16.80, Pure Seoul
A hybrid between a mask and a serum, sleeping masks are a crucial step in every Korean skincare regime. This soothing formula contains Dual Moisture-Rising Technology, which includes green tea seed oil known to be rich in repairing amino acids and antioxidants. Simply massage into skin after applying moisturiser, and wash your face in the morning.
Best for acne
Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule, £24.80, Pure Seoul
It may sound a bit gross but snail filtrate (ie snail slime) works wonders on acne and breakouts and is one of Korean beauty's favourite ingredients. This particular serum contains 80% snail filtrate and is heralded for its ability to clear up pimples, control oil production and soothe irritation. Plus, it also contains wonder ingredients hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump and hydrate.
[button url="https://pureseoul.co.uk/collections/mizon/products/snail-repair-intensive-ampoule-30ml]Buy It Now[/button]
