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The BB cream craze ushered in our love affair with Korean beauty and skincare. And the cushion technology has definitely changed the world of beauty – now every brand has its own cushion foundation (and pretty much all kinds of cushion makeup products).

We know that Korean makeup and skincare have become a mainstay in our routines. Honestly, it’s not hard to understand its appeal.

If you’re looking to add more of them into your repertoire, here are 21 Korean beauty products that will transform your life – or at least, your skin. Trust us.

1. Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine

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This chemical and manual exfoliator may look strange but it’s a holy grail for exfoliation. Don’t let the deceivingly strange combination of gauze pads and purple liquid deter you. It does a fine job of exfoliating your dead skin while repairing your skin from sun damage.

2. Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask

What’s transformative Korean beauty without good old sheet masks? Introducing Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask. This range of sheet masks is an old time favourite in the community. On a plus side, it comes in a variety of flavours from cucumber to rose and blackberry so you can get ahead with your pamper routine.

3. Etude House Face Blur

You know how an Instagram filter can instantly give you flawless-looking skin? This product is inspired by that. It is a pore-blurring primer that brightens your skin, preps it for makeup, and gives it a dewy, filtered effect. It retails at SGD27.90, and is available at all Etude House stores.

4. April Skin Magic Stone

This bar of soap deserves all the raves it gets. It works as a deep cleanser and removes any makeup thoroughly, even waterproof makeup.

5. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

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A bestselling signature of Laneige. This sleeping mask restores moisture on your skin overnight so you can wake up to plump healthy skin in the morning. Here’s a tip: this sleeping mask is great for those dry long-haul flights. Get it here at SGD42.

6. Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner

In an intense black shade and a brush that’s easy to control, this eyeliner from Clio doesn’t just make drawing your winged liner a breeze, but also makes sure it stays on all day. If you’re looking for a more natural look, consider Kill Brown, which has the same amazing properties. It retails at SGD25.90 and is available at all major drugstores.

7. Mamonde Rose Water Toner

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Roses are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and this is why they’re soothing on skin. The beautiful flower also has anti-ageing and hydration benefits. The Mamonde Rose Water Toner is one of its bestsellers because it refreshes skin and also smells therapeutic.

It is available in two sizes: 250ml (SGD22) and 500ml (SGD38), and you can get it here.

8. Laneige Two-Tone Tint Lip Bar

This lipstick from Laneige has changed everyone’s makeup routine; you can now achieve perfect gradient lips with just one swipe of the lip bar. The newest Two-Tone Tint Lip Bar is extra moisturising and comes in eight gorgeous shades that everyone can wear. It retails at SGD34 and you can get it here.

9. Banila Co Clean It Zero

Double cleansing makes up a vital part of the Korean 10-step routine. The cleansing balm uses fruit extracts to cleanse your face and it is super travel-friendly. No spillage and convenient to bring everywhere. It is sure to become a staple in any Korean beauty addict’s routine.

10. IOPE Air Cushion Sunblock XP

 

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Do you recall the moment where Jun Ji Hyun pats the cushion foundation on her skin in My Love From Another Star? Yes, that was probably the pivotal moment that shot the cushion to its fame. The good news? Its long lasting and staying power has made it a classic in the community.

11. SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

 

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Want a natural DIY facial? This sugar scrub exfoliates your skin gently to achieve a nice peeling on your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. We recommend applying a pampering facial mask after the scrub to complete the ritual.

It is available at SGD16.50 at Guardian.

12. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

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If you have a huge pimple that refuses to budge for days, and an important day is coming up, this is your life-saver. It heals acnes and blemishes overnight, while preventing future breakouts.
Get it here.

13. CORSX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser

CORSX is a cult favourite in the beauty community, so don’t be surprised that another product from the brand has made the list. This gentle cleanser is designed to remove sunscreen, dirt, oil and all that icky residue without the need for double cleansing.

Retails on Guardian for SGD16.12.

14. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

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The First Care Serum is definitely one of the most raved about product from Sulwhasoo. Pat the serum onto your skin immediately after cleansing and feel the serum spread out nicely, and absorbed quickly. Functioning as a booster for the rest of your skincare routine, the First Care Serum is said to prevent first signs of ageing and leaves skin looking smooth and radiant.

It retails at SGD115 at all Sulwhasoo boutiques and counters, and you can also get it here.

15. J. One Jelly Pack

Celebrity Ha Ji Won is known for her flawless skin, and this has definitely increased the cred of her brand, J. One. If you are looking to try something from this brand, go for the Jelly Pack. This is a mask-and-primer combo to help you slash the time you take to prepare to head out in the morning, so you can afford to sleep in for longer.

16. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

Packed with ingredients such as aloe and salicylic acid, this toner hydrates and preps your skin and its a basic use case in your 10 Step Korean Routine.

17. Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist

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The Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist isn’t just adorable, it works like a charm for dry skin. Use it as a setting spray or as a perk-me-up in the middle of the day, and you’ll find your skin looking less dehydrated than before.

18. AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Oil

It has a thin consistency. The cleansing oil does a easy job of gently and effectively dissolving makeup and impurities to leave skin soft, hydrated and radiantly clean. Add a touch of water and the formulae transforms into a silky emulsion, removing your makeup and impurities in a breeze.

19. Erborian Elixir Au Ginseng

This may be a little pricier, but we can understand why. The essence by Korean-French brand Erborian is infused with Korean ginseng, which we know are precious herbs that help revitalise health when consumed (and skin when applied). The essence also combines other traditional Korean medicine and modern technology to make sure they give you the best anti-ageing results.

It retails at SGD149, and is available at Sephora.

20. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum

This serum is loved by users for its ability to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, and for brightening skin. It also contains vitamin C and other antioxidants, both of which are known for their anti-ageing beenfits.

21. Tony Moly I’m Real Mask Sheet Pack

In a variety of ingredients – from tomato, aloe vera to rice – that address different skin concerns, these masks fit snugly on our faces, and serve as a great perk-me-up, especially when we’re not getting sufficient rest.