If you’re looking to add new variety to your makeup bag, consider looking into K-beauty products! As someone who has been an avid user of Korean skincare and makeup for years, I love seeing my favourite products gain a cult following outside of Asia. Popular products from Korean makeup brands are often inexpensive and unique, and can be great dupes for higher-priced products. We’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the essential K-beauty products. They can all be found on the website JOLSE, or can be sourced through independent shops in your area!
1. Moonshot micro correct fit cushion
This cushion foundation is a holy grail product if you want a long-lasting cover that’s easy to apply. Cushion foundations have been a staple of Asian beauty products for years, and it’s about time that they become more accessible in North America. This cushion is lightweight yet has full coverage, and also includes SPF and beneficial skincare ingredients like niacinamide. However, a downside of this product is that it only comes in three shades, which are best suited to East Asian skin tones.
You can read more about this product or purchase it here!
Pro Tip: Mix it with a sticky primer for a glowing, glass-skin effect.
2. ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eye Brow
This brow pencil is great for when you want to accomplish a soft and defined brow look. It has two sides—one being a flat triangle pencil that allows you to fill in any gaps, and the other being a spoolie brush that allows you to blend out your work and fluff up your brows. It’s a simple, yet reliable product and also comes in a range of shades!
3. ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Tint
Lip tints and stains are great choices if you want to go for a cute but low-maintenance lip look. This Etude House lip stain will make your lips look luscious and juicy while complimenting them with a bright colour. This lip stain is very thin in texture and feels like you’re wearing juice on your lips. The formula is hydrating and it also comes in a range of shades.
Pro Tip: Wipe off the product after five minutes to reveal a soft and subtle shade on your lips that stays on for hours!
4. BBIA Lip Oil
If you want supple and glossy lips but also want to add the softening effects of a lip balm, lip oils are a great choice! This BBIA lip oil makes your lips super soft and gives them a glassy effect. The oils contain skincare ingredients so they’re hydrating for your lips yet are non-sticky, and they also come in three shades that give a subtle pop of colour. This lip oil also a great dupe for more expensive lip oils on the market. I like to layer them on top of a lip stain for a soft and bright lip look.
5. Etude House Play Color Eyes
This series of eyeshadow palettes from ETUDE HOUSE has long been a staple in my makeup routine. Unlike other eyeshadow palettes, the intended effect of these is to add subtle and warm tones of colour to your eyes. The neutral shades are great for layering, and the glitters add a sweet detail. The themes of the packages are also really cute, with themes like rose wine, cafe, autumn closet, and wine party.
Overall there are a lot of great options if you’re looking to learn more about K-beauty, and these products are a great way to start! We hope that this list makes it easy to explore the world of K-beauty and hopefully will help you find your new favourite products!