6 K-beauty brands that will level up your skincare routine

I think it’s safe to say that K-beauty has changed the skincare game with its unique blends and out-of-the-box (and extremely effective) ingredients. It has found its way into most of our skincare routines. Some of us have adopted double cleansing and stocked up on cleansing balms and milks, while others have introduced their skin to layers upon layers of hydration through a technique called skin flooding. These are just two examples of how K-beauty has revolutionised the way we take care of our skin. Let's just say that the Koreans know a thing or two about having the dewiest skin!  

K-beauty products are known to have the most gentle, lightweight formulas. They do their job in silence without any fuss or muss. They hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the moisture barrier to combat concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation before they even creep up on the skin. If you’re new to the world of K-beauty, keep an eye out for products with ingredients like—red ginseng, peptides, snail mucin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and licorice root extract. 

If this seems too much (we get it, stepping into the world of K-beauty can seem daunting) and you don't know where to start, our round-up of some of the best brands you should include in your skincare routine will sort you out. 

Laniege    

Laniege rose to cult-favourite status when its Lip Sleeping Mask shot to fame and trust us, it's worth all the hype. The brand was founded in 1994 in Seoul and despite its French name, it houses some of K-beauty’s staple products. More recently, the brand has branched into products like moisturisers, toners, essences, and much more. If you’re looking for a gentle cleanser try Laneige’s Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser and if you’re looking for a product that leaves you with supple and hydrated skin, the brand’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream should be on your beauty shelf. 

Sulwhasoo   

Founded in 1966, Sulwhasoo  (pronounced “Suhl-ha-soo”) blends natural ingredients with innovative skincare practices. A lot of products from this luxury brand feature Korean ginseng as the hero ingredient. They also use several other botanicals to deliver moisturising benefits without the products feeling sticky or greasy. 

Innisfree   

If you’re a beauty junkie, chances are that you’ve heard of Innisfree. Its products work hard to deliver on their promises while still being incredibly lightweight. They not only use natural ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, volcanic cluster, and soybean, but also include powerful actives in its formulas to cater to your skin’s needs in the cleanest way possible. 

Missha  

Founded in 2000, Missha is known for its ingredient-led products that are powerful and effective. They provide hydrating skincare options for all your skin concerns. Whether you want to prep your skin before make-up or want a spot-correcting serum infused with Vitamin C, this brand has something for everyone. 

Cosrx  

The ‘cos’ in Cosrx stands for cosmetics while the ‘rx’ stands for the unique, scientifically backed technology used in the products. The brand is known for its use of innovative ingredients like snail mucin, cica, and yeast ferment (don’t scrunch your nose until you’ve tried it out!) blended with active ingredients to give the products that extra boost. If you haven’t tried their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or their Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream, we highly recommend you to, if you want to achieve that hydrated, dewy, glass skin-like look. 

Saturday Skin    

Have you ever noticed how your skin looks and feels better after a relaxing vacation or a day at the spa? If you’re looking to achieve that effortlessly glowing skin every day, get some Saturday Skin products into your vanity. With formulas rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes, these products work hard in silence to combat everyday stressors (your skin’s, not yours), replenish, renew, and give your skin all the R&R it needs.