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Although K-beauty products are much more easily available today, not all of our favourite Korean skincare and makeup products are stocked up in every part of the world.

Some hyped-about Korean skincare brands like Guboncho and makeup brands like Jungsaemmool have yet to land at retail stores in Singapore.

What’s more, doing your shopping in Korea is not quite the same as getting your favourite beauty products online, as stores in Korea often give out loads of free samples and offer 1+1 deals!

Fret not, because we’ve rounded up a list of the best beauty products to buy in Korea that aren’t available in Singapore, as this thriving beauty destination is the best place to stock up on skincare and makeup that will give you that coveted glass skin glow.

Guboncho

Guboncho is a well-known skincare brand established in Korea in 2003, and it is famous for its use of ginseng in all of its products. You can find this skincare brand in Korean departmental stores like Lotte and Hyundai.

1. Guboncho Recovery Night Cream

This legendary recovery cream is formulated with some of the best traditional Korean herbs, such as red ginseng and cordyceps.

It has the ability to boost your skin regeneration process so that your skin reforms better and faster. Over time, your wrinkles and pores become less visible, your complexion looks visibly fresh, and your skin becomes firmer and more lifted!

Guboncho Recovery Night Cream (120g) retails for US$339.99 (~S$456.03) on Strawberrycoco Online.

AmorePacific

You may or may not have heard of AmorePacific, but it’s actually the parent company to most Korean beauty brands you’re familiar with, including Etude House, Innisfree, Laneige, and Mamonde!

Besides doing research and development for the 30 brands under them, AmorePacific has also developed its own line of beauty products that can only be purchased in South Korea and a few other countries like America, but not in Singapore.

2. AmorePacific The Essential Creme Fluid

skincare products to buy in Korea

The Essential Creme Fluid has been raved about by many beauty bloggers and YouTubers. It is said to be one of the best moisturisers in the market, and every cent spent on this K-beauty holy grail is worth it. 

This skincare must-have has gotten stellar ratings (an average of four out of five stars) from users on Influenster and Sephora USA, with reviews saying it makes their skin “glow”.

Reviewers have also commented on its strong green tea scent, likely because its main ingredient is baby green tea leaves. Do be cautious with this product if your skin is sensitive to fragrance!

AmorePacific The Essential Creme Fluid (90ml) can be purchased at AmorePacific counters in Lotte Department Stores for KRW120,000 (approximately S$140). It also retails for S$112.93 on Shopee.

3. AmorePacific Sun Protection Cushion

Another bestseller from AmorePacific is their Sun Protection Cushion, a multi-tasking makeup and skincare product!

Many Korean users have raved about it as a summer essential, as it is a very convenient way to touch up on your makeup and SPF coverage throughout the day.

AmorePacific Sun Protection Cushion, which comes with a refill, retails at AmorePacific counters in Lotte Department Stores for KRW65,000 (approximately S$75). It also retails for S$109.93 on Amazon.sg

A’Pieu

A’Pieu is definitely one of the most affordable beauty brands in South Korea, with most of their makeup and skincare products costing less than KRW50,000.

The brand’s audience is teenagers and young adults who have just stepped into the working world, evident in the cutest collaborations they’ve had with cartoons like Doraemon and Rilakkuma.

This relatively young brand has been expanding furiously in Korea. You can find its beauty products in renowned shopping districts in Korea, such as Ewha and Myeongdong.

4. A’Pieu Milk One Pack Mask

Have you ever been tempted by the idea of doing a sheet mask every day, but thought it was too expensive and extravagant a habit to keep up?

A’Pieu’s Milk One Pack Mask allows you to do just that – at an affordable price! You can now pamper your face daily with sheets soaked in serum infused with the nourishing goodness of milk.

Each pack of A’Pieu’s Milk One Pack Mask (21g x 3) is priced at KRW1,000 (~S$1.06). It also retails for S$28.17 (21g x 7) on Amazon

5. A’Pieu Cover Pang Cushion

This cushion foundation is housed in a compact that’s so luxe and sleek, you wouldn’t believe that it only costs KRW19,800 (approximately S$20.96).

The foundation is available in two variations: Glow and Matte, which you can differentiate by checking if the packaging has either a Rose Gold or Black casing.

While pretty packaging can sometimes be deceiving, A’Pieu Cover Pang Cushion lives up to its looks. The Cover Pang Cushion is loved by beauty junkies and YouTubers, who have raved about this K-beauty product’s great quality, superb lasting power, and non-cakiness throughout the day. 

A’Pieu Cover Pang Cushion retails for KRW19,800 (approximately S$20.96) at A’pieu. It is also available for S$27.25 at Shopee.

LILYBYRED

This is a young makeup brand that was launched in Korea’s drugstores in recent years, and it has since been well-received by locals and tourists alike. LILYBRED’s lip products are its best-sellers, thanks to the affordable prices and gorgeous fruity colours!

6. LILYBYRED Bloody Liar Coating Tint

This lightweight lip tint has rich pigment that lasts all day, and many beauty junkies love how it makes their pout look juicy and glossy.

Smudge-proof and comfortable to wear on your lips, LILYBYRED’S Coating Tint is one of the top-selling products in Korea’s drugstores. You might even find that the shade you want is sold out!

LILYBYRED Bloody Liar Coating Tint retails for S$19.62 at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to view the updated price!

7. LILYBYRED Luv Beam Cheek

With a silky-sheer formula and micro-fine pearls, LILYBYRED Luv Beam Cheek makes your skin look radiant and luminous at once. The blush glides on smoothly and is long-lasting, making it easy to use even for beginners.

Plus, Luv Beam Cheek even hydrates your skin with rosehip oil and glacier water. Where else could we possibly find a blush that cares for our skin so much?!

LILYBYRED’s iconic blush retails for KRW11,000 (approximately S$12.70) in Korean drugstores. This also retails for S$12.55 at YesStyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

too cool for school

This Korean beauty brand is most famous for its coolest product packaging, powder compacts, and egg-formulated skincare products. We wish too cool for school would come to Singapore again, but at least we can purchase its beauty products in Korea! 

8. too cool for school Art Class by Rodin Blusher

Its contour counterpart tops the charts, but did you know that this blush is also an award-winning product that you must try?

The multi-purpose blusher not only allows you to add vitality to your complexion, but the lighter shades also let you subtly highlight and sculpt your face. It’s what Koreans prefer over the more obvious Western-style contouring and highlighting. 

too cool for school Art Class by Rodin Blusher retails for S$42.95 at Amazon.sg.

eSpoir

A mid-range K-beauty brand, eSpoir is recommended by professional Korean makeup artists for its high-quality products. 

9. eSpoir Pro Tailor Foundation (Be Silk)

This foundation is the brand’s best-selling product and was even crowned “best foundation product” in 2019 in Korea.

The Be Silk Foundation has a silk-fix texture that provides excellent coverage and lasts all day. It also comes in a shade spectrum that beats most other K-beauty brands, with 10 shades in different tones that run from Light 1 to Dark 4.

eSpoir Pro Tailor Foundation (Be Silk) (30ml) retails for S$29.32 at YesStyle

Innisfree

OK, you may be thinking: why would you need to go all the way to Korea to get Innisfree products when you could probably find an Innisfree store at your nearest shopping mall?

Here’s where you’d be surprised: Innisfree has some skincare products that are sold exclusively in Korea. If this sounds appealing to you, be sure to check them this familiar K-beauty brand during your next holiday.

10. Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum

beauty products in korea

To effectively control blemishes and exfoliate the skin, the Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum is infused with both vitamin C and Jeju green tea enzyme.

It treats melanin and blemishes on the skin’s outermost layer while brightening the skin up to four times.

Despite containining vitamin C, its hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for troubled and sensitive skin.

Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum (30ml) retails for S$47.74 on Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

11. Innisfree Super Food

Innisfree’s SuperFood skincare line has been around even longer than the True Care line, and it still remains worthy of attention.

The concept of this line revolves around using food-derived substances that are beneficial for your skin as key active ingredients in the products. These ingredients include blueberry, broccoli, oats, and fig.

Each of these ingredients addresses different skin concerns: blueberry for rebalancing, broccoli for clearing, oats for moisturising and fig for brightening.

This extensive line consists of 22 products so far, with prices ranging from KRW4,000 (approximately S$4) to KRW15,000 (approximately S$15).

You can find InnisFree SuperFood Blueberry Rebalancing Skin (150ml) at S$14.28 on Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

IOPE

IOPE’s premium beauty products are what you need to buy when you’re in Korea.

Famous for having been the first in the market to put out BB cushions many years ago, IOPE still remains competitive with its cushion formulas today.

Although they are well-known for their makeup products, IOPE also carries good skincare products too. You can even try out the IOPE Lab experience at the outlet in Myeongdong.

12. IOPE Golden Glow Facial Oil

If love gorgeous K-beauty packaging and are in the mood for fancy skincare products, check out IOPE’s Golden Glow Facial Oil!

This facial oil claims to be infused with four kinds of golden plants. The botanicals contain antioxidants to strengthen the skin and supply nutrients while moisturising the dermal layers at the same time.

IOPE Golden Glow Facial Oil retails for KRW42,000 (approximately S$50) in Korea. It also retails for S$56.58 on Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

13. IOPE Deep Care Tint Lip Balm

The Deep Care Tint Lip Balm was one of IOPE’s popular makeup launches when it first came out. Korean actress Lee Yeon Hee was filmed using the IOPE tint-in-balm in her drama, The Package and, since then, the lip balm has been selling like hotcakes in Korea. 

IOPE Deep Care Tint Lip Balm retails for KRW25,000 (approximately S$30) and comes in four shades. It also retails for S$79.85 at Shopee.

Jungsaemmool

Jungsaemmool is one of Korea’s most sought-after celebrity makeup artists. She has recently set up her own makeup school as well as developed her own line of products. You can find her store at 40 Apgujeong-ro 12-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Although Escentials in Singapore stocks some of Jungsaemmool’s products, the store in Seoul gives you a more comprehensive experience of the brand’s full makeup collections. 

14. Jungsaemmool Essential Star-cealer Foundation

what cosmetics to buy in korea jungsaemmool Essential Star-cealer Foundation

The JungsaemmoolEssential Star-cealer Foundation is a two-in-one makeup product that houses matching shades of foundation and concealer. It provides SPF30 PA+++ coverage, so you know you’ve got your sun protection covered.

Jungsaemmool Essential Star-cealer Foundation retails at KRW42,000 (approximately S$50). It also retails for S$42.67 at YesStyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

15. Jungsaemmool Refining Color-bony Brow

what cosmetics to buy in korea jungsaemmool Refining Color-bony Brow

Another show-stopper from this makeup brand and exclusively sold in Korea is the Jungsaemmool Refining Color-bony Brow, which has won numerous beauty awards since its launch in 2016.

It is an eyebrow all-in-one product which contains three parts: a pencil, smudging powder, and a brush. There are six different shades to choose from, so you’ll definitely be able to find one that matches your natural hair colour.

Jungsaemmool Refining Color-bony Brow retails for KRW18,000 (approximately S$22). It also retails for S$27.14 on Shopee

16. Jungsaemmool Lip-Pression Water Tinted Lip Balm

Any makeup brand worth its salt will have at least one signature line of lip products. For Jungsaemmool, the signature line of lip products in question is the Lip-Pression Water Tinted Lip Balm.

The smooth formula is designed to make it that much easier to blend out your lip colours and define your lips precisely. Many customers have raved about it on the official Jungsaemmool website!

Jungsaemmool Lip-Pression Water Tinted Lip Balm retail for S$31.61 at Shopee

Klavuu

Klavuu is a relatively new skincare brand that opened its first flagship store in Myeongdong just two years ago. These are its three best-selling skincare to buy in Korea!

17. Klavuu White Pearlsation Completed Revitalizing Pearl Cream

Pearl is an ingredient commonly used in skincare as a skin brightener, and it’s used as a key ingredient in the Klavuu White Pearlsation Completed Revitalizing Pearl Cream.

Besides brightening the skin, the mask also reduces the appearance of wrinkles with infused seaweed extracts.

Klavuu White Pearlsation Completed Revitalizing Pearl Cream (20ml) retails for S$40.40 on Amazon.sg

18. Klavuu Blue Pearlsation One Day 8 Cups Marine Collagen Aqua Cream

If you’re pondering over what skincare to buy in Korea, the Blue Pearlsation One Day 8 Cups Marine Collagen Aqua Cream is one that you can’t miss.

A multi-tasking sleeping mask that rejuvenates skin textures, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and tightens pores, this skincare product does it all at the same time!

It also helps to soothe skin that is stressed from environmental damage, leaving the skin looking youthful after every use. What’s more, the pack is infused with marine complex ingredients that work to deliver on its numerous claims.

Klavuu Stress Care Sleeping Pack (50ml) retails at KRW28,000 (approximately S$32). It also retails for S$52.32 at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

19. Klavuu White Pearlsation Ideal Actress Backstage Cream

The Klavuu White Pearlsation Ideal Actress Backstage Cream is seriously doing some overtime here. It’s a five-in-one skincare product that claims to be a makeup base, primer, sunscreen, pearl base, and fixer combined. The product is highly recommended by beauty junkies for those with dry skin types.

Klavuu White Pearlsation Ideal Actress Backstage Cream (30ml) retails for KRW28,000 (approximately S$27). It also retails for S$27.06 at YesStyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!

Make P:rem

Make P:rem is another rising skincare brand in Korea. This Korean skincare brand is known for using safe ingredients that do not irritate the skin, which explains why the brand is a huge hit among those with sensitive skin types.

20. Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cream 12

skincare products to buy in Korea (3)

The Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cream 12 is made with safe and non-irritating ingredients, and it is even safe for children and pregnant women to use. This skincare product is one of the best moisturisers you can find on the market, and a lot of Korean beauty influencers back this up! 

Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cream 12 (80ml) retails for KRW28,000 (approximately S$27)). It also retails for S$36.89 at YesStyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

21. Make P:rem UV Defense Me. Daily Sun Essence

skincare products to buy in Korea (2)

Sun protection is a must-have in Koreans’ beauty arsenals, and the Make P:rem UV Defense Me. Daily Sun Essence is one that’s worthy of a spot on their vanity tables.

This SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen is lightweight and leaves no white cast, but most uniquely, it’s formulated with moisture retention technology to seal in your skin’s moisture.

By keeping your skin hydrated whilst protecting it against harmful UV rays, this sunscreen will keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible!

Make P:rem CICAPRO Revitalizing Cream (50ml) retails for US$20 (~S$26.76) on Stylevana. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

22. Make P:rem Hydrate Me. Micro Tension Cream

skincare products to buy in Korea

Not every moisturising skincare product is lightweight enough to feel comfortable on the skin and, at the same time, thick enough to lock hydration in, but the Make P:rem Hydrate Me. Micro Tension Cream does just that.

This Korean moisturiser is formulated with arctic berry to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, and hero ingredient ceramide to nourish the skin. It’s also known to be a skin-saver for those with sensitive complexions!

Make P:rem Hydrate Me. Micro Tension Cream retails for S$45.50 (65ml) at YesStyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

Neogen Dermalogy

Famous for its exfoliating pads and Canadian Clay Pore Cleanser, Neogen Dermalogy is a Korean beauty brand that’s been in the market for ages. You can easily purchase its well-known products through various online platforms in Korea.

We’ve compiled some of their best makeup and skincare to buy in Korea below!

23. Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence

skincare to buy in korea (2)

Made with four types of naturally fermented ingredients, the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence absorbs quickly into the skin to give the skin a deep dose of moisture.

A best-seller from the Korean beauty brand, the Real Ferment Micro Essence has garnered high praise from reviewers who say that their skin feels super soft and hydrated after using it!

Neogen Voluming Hair Cushion Tint retails for S$41.42 (150ml) on Shopee

24. Neogen Dermalogy Calming Cica Tree Pad

skincare to buy in korea

If you haven’t already heard, cica is the Korean hero ingredient that’s heralded for its skin-soothing properties! We’d only expect that popular Korean beauty brand Neogen has tapped into cica‘s powerful properties and created the Calming Cica Tree Pad.

This Korean skincare product is formulated with cica complex and tea tree leaf extract to calm irritated skin, whilst providing gentle exfoliating action. Just pick up one pad and sweep it over your skin, and you’ll see smoother, calmer skin in no time.

Neogen Real Cica Pad retails at KRW17,000 (approximately S$17) per container. It also retails for S$18.53 on Shopee

Piccasso

This Korean beauty brand is a favourite of South Korean makeup artist Pony. Pony is a popular makeup artist whom we’re almost certain you’ve heard of – her YouTube channel has over 5.9 million subscribers, and she frequently features makeup tools from Piccasso in her videos.

When you’re in Korea, check out the Piccasso Brush store, located at 10 Samseong-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul!

25. Piccasso Makeup Spatula with Ham Kyung Sik

beauty products to buy in korea

Makeup spatulas are the tool that’s trending in Koreans’ makeup bags this season, and the Piccasso Makeup Spatula is one that you have to buy in Korea.

Pick up the foundation using the makeup spatula, and then glide it onto your skin using the edge. The tool ensures that your foundation is applied in a thin and even layer onto your skin, so you can wear a natural-looking base and dewy glow with ease!

@dailyvanity

We didn’t have a makeup spatula, so we used a butter spreader instead 👩‍🍳😜 #foundationhack #beautytrend #kbeauty #kbeautymakeup #foundation #howtoapplyfoundation #foundationtools ib: @Soobeauty

♬ original sound – orenda

Piccasso Makeup Spatula with Ham Kyung Sik retails for S$31.61 on Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

26. Piccasso makeup brushes

Piccasso is most renowned for its makeup brushes, and many Korean makeup artists often use them on celebrities in demonstrations on TV.

That being said, they do come at quite a hefty price tag. Do take a look only if you are willing to invest! 

Piccasso makeup brushes are available at Olive Young.

27. Piccasso JAM Double Eyelid Glue

If you have single eyelids but don’t want to make a commitment as huge as plastic surgery, this might be a solution for you! The JAM double eyelid glue can help you create seamless double eyelids with just one swipe.

Don’t worry, it’s as easy to remove as it is to apply. Simply use a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover, and gently rub it onto the eyelid.

Piccasso JAM Double Eyelid Glue retails for KRW6,000 (approximately S$6). 

Tamburins

Tamburins recently released a campaign starring K-pop girl group BLACKPINK’s member Jennie Kim – and it went wild.

This Korean beauty brand hits the nail on the head hard for its unique, immersive in-store decor and bold marketing campaigns; products-wise, you can trust its chic packaging and delicious scents. If you didn’t already know, Tamburins is Gentle Monster’s beauty counterpart!

You can locate their flagship store at 44 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

28. Tamburins Nude H. And Cream

Tamburins Nude H. And Cream was the first to be released in its flagship store in Korea. If you entered the store then, you would have enjoyed the artsy-fartsy atmosphere and seen rows of this stylishly packaged hand cream – the only product that retailed at that time. 

The unique packaging alone makes this a skincare product you must buy in Korea, but that’s not to say this cream is attractive just because of how it looks. It’s infused with citrusy and woody scents for a luxurious skincare experience, as well as infused with shea butter and sandalwood oil to treat your dry skin!

Tamburins Nude H. And Cream retails for KRW26,000 (approximately S$26). It also retails for S$55.91 at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

Beauty of Joseon

TikTok’s skinfluencers have been raving endlessly about this Korean beauty brand. Its sleek, minimalist packagings are a draw, but they’re nothing compared to the gentle Korean skincare formulas infused with natural ingredients!

Despite its popularity, it’s still a challenge to find the full range of Beauty of Joseon’s skincare products outside of retail stores like Olive Young and drugstores in Korea.

29. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

This sunscreen is one of the brand’s bestsellers, with plenty of TikTok users raving about how comfortable it feels on the skin.

Everyone praises this brand’s sunscreen for its lightweight texture and natural, skin-like finish. It doesn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue on the skin, and it doesn’t leave a ghastly white cast too, which makes it great for all skin tones.

Its formula boasts 30% rice extract and grain-fermented extracts to give your skin moisture and nourishment on top of the SPF 50 protection.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) (50ml) retails for US$18 (~S$24.14) on BeautyofJoseon.com,  S$22.14 at Yesstyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!

Candylab

Previously endorsed by K-pop group, NCT Dream, and now endorsed by soloist and member of GOT7, YoungJae, this Korean beauty brand has gotten lots of attention for its partnerships and cute lippies.

Candylab used to be available at Guardian stores in Singapore, but they’ve since disappeared, making it tougher to get our hands on them when we’re not on a Korea holiday.

Round Lab

The adorable illustrations you see on Round Lab’s Dokdo range represent Ulleungdo’s seawater, where clean raw minerals are harvested and used in the formulas.

Packaging aside, each skincare product houses a gentle formula made of natural skincare ingredients that balance the skin. Trust the numerous TikTok reviews that swear by their lightweight textures!

30. Round Lab BIRCH JUICE Moisturizing Cream

Transport yourself to Korea each time you reach for this moisturiser. Its formula boasts 74 naturally-derived minerals from the waters of Ulleungdo Island.

It soothes skin that’s been irritated by environmental stressors as it nourishes and hydrates parched skin.

Since its formula is made of carefully curated skincare ingredients, this moisturiser promises to work for everyone, regardless of skin type.

Round Lab BIRCH JUICE Moisturizing Cream (80ml) retails for S$48 at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price!