So you’re new to Korean skincare or you’re just looking to try out some new products… I bet you’re OVERWHELMED. When I first started looking into Korean skincare, I couldn’t believe how many options there were. Between the different brands, lines, and products, I didn’t know what to think! I knew I wanted to try some skincare products, but I literally didn’t know where to start. After months of researching, I was prepared! I knew what was popular, what people enjoyed, and what were considered “cult favorites” in the Asian Beauty World.
I then traveled the Seoul, Korea with my list in hand…
And, well, that list went out the window. I bought everything I could get my hands on. (If you want to see the haul of what I bought, here is Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Yes, I had to split it up into 3 parts!)
But for those of you who don’t want to do that, I complied a list of the Top 10 Korean Skincare Products that are notoriously popular in asian skincare. These are the products that I feel are the most raved about, and are a good outline of what to buy while in Korea! All of these products are tried, tested and true, and here are my honest opinions about them. BTW, if you have you’re own recommendations, please comment below and share with the rest of us! Again, this is what seems to be the most popular Korean skincare products in my own personal opinion.
So let’s get to the breakdown…
So I’m listing these products off in no particular order!
This one for me was difficult. I’ve heard so many good things about this product and I know a lot of people love it. However, it didn’t work miracles for me. This is just your average toner in my opinion. It does remove makeup residue, oil and dirt from my skin, but this didn’t change the appearance of my skin. But for some people, this is a Holy Grail type of product. That’s why I included it in this list.
I love this stuff when it gets hot where I live! It’s nice because it’s light and smells nice and fresh. It feels cooling and soothing when you apply it to your skin, which makes it great when it’s hot. Since it’s not super moisturizing, I usually only use this during the spring and summer, not really during the winter when my skin is more dry. Plus, you can use it on your face, skin, hair and nails so it has a ton of functions. It’s also super cheap.
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
This is something I use twice a day and love. It’s nice and light, absorbs right into the skin, and really preps the skin for your skincare routine. I’ve definitely noticed a difference since I started using this product! It makes my skin look brighter and smoother. It also lasts a really long time!
I love both of these cleansing foams. They have a nice, thick lather and really clean your skin. It also doesn’t strip the skin of its moisture. Therefore, it’s the perfect cleanser for me because it doesn’t leave my dry skin feeling drier, but it makes my skin feel super squeaky clean! I also love Innisfree products because they try to use more natural ingredients.
This stuff is amazing. You apply if after you’ve finished your skincare routine at night, leave it on while you sleep, and wash it off in the morning. It makes your skin look nice and plump and really softens the skin. This is a super famous product and Target has even started carrying this brand! So it’s much more accessible, which is nice.
This is the ultimate clay mask for me! Clay masks are a must-have in general, but this one is by far my favorite. It does a good job of sucking out all of the debris from your skin without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. I know a lot of people love and enjoy this product, and it’s definitely a cult-fave!
This is another one of those products for me that I have mixed feelings about. It does an awesome job of cleaning your skin and getting makeup and oil out of your skin without needing to wash it off after. However, for me, it does feel a little sticky after I use this. I almost feel like I want to wash my skin after I use it, even though I know technically I don’t have to. However, I know this is really popular in the Korean skincare world and people have compared it to the ultra-famous Bioderma. But personally, I’d take Bioderma over this any day. haha.
Boy, I love this stuff. It really makes my skin feels smooth and I love that you can dilute the sugar to your liking. Therefore, if you like a super abrasive exfoliant, you can apply a small amount of water or if you like a more gentle exfoliant, you can use more water to help melt the sugar granules. Either way, this stuff is great. Plus, my sister, who isn’t that into skincare in general, loves this stuff too. I think that shows how good this product really is!
Now, if you’re going to Korea and really any Asian country, stock up on sheet masks! In Asia, these things are so much cheaper than they are elsewhere. I personally really like the ones from Innisfree. They are a nice pick-me-up when you’re skin feels like it needs a little TLC, and a cheap way to treat yourself. They come in literally every “flavor” possible too!
Everyone who wears makeup uses makeup remover. So this is a definite must have if you’re ever going to Korea. I love SkinFood in general, but this stuff is awesome! It removes the most stubborn makeup with ease, even waterproof mascara. Plus, it doesn’t burn your eyes or delicate skin!
Anyways, there’s my quick list of the Top 10 Korean Cult / Must Have Skincare Products. Do you agree with this list or what would you add? It was definitely difficult to narrow down because let’s face it, I love Korean skincare in general. Who knows, maybe I’ll have a completely different list a year from now and need to make a new list. And yes, I am working on the Makeup version of this, however, it’s much more difficult for me to narrow down!
