You’ve watched countless YouTube videos and scrolled through TikTok every night in preparation for your trip to South Korea, only to feel overwhelmed by the number of K-beauty product recommendations offered. What really works?
Take it from a former beauty editor who has cleansed, exfoliated, slathered and primed her way through a wide array of products to discern between the hype and the reality. From serums and masks to lip colours and sunscreen, these K-beauty must-tries work for Singapore’s heat and humidity.
Most of the products below are not sold in Singapore, but are easily available in South Korea at Olive Young or Chicor (Korea’s version of Sephora) stores. Note that some are only available at brand flagships, which have been indicated accordingly below.
Here’s the editor-approved list:
1. Primera Perfect Oil To Foam
Such a surprise find. This cleansing oil emulsifies into a rich, luxurious foam with water, effectively removing traces of dirt, impurities and even waterproof makeup. A little goes a long way. Skin feels so clean after and with its use of ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid, it also feels soft and supple, never taut, after. Plus, it has such a lovely refreshing scent, making it a pleasure to use every time.
2. Aromatica Glow Vita Facial Scrub Orange & Neroli
I usually don’t use physical scrubs, but this is so lovely as it reminds me of a pampering spa facial thanks to the orange and neroli essential oils. It has a thick texture that combines a blend of five different clays together with mandarin and lemon peel powders to gently slough off dead skin cells while absorbing all the impurities and even excess sebum, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. Skin feels super soft and looks instantly brighter.
Pro tio: You can get this at Aromatica’s flagship store in Gangnam, which stocks everything from the brand. Olive Young carries some Aromatica products, but mainly body and hair, and seldom skincare.
3. Celimax Ji Woo Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Combining physical and chemical (it uses salicylic acid) exfoliation, this toner pad is great for keeping skin smooth and clear. Use the rougher side on the T-zone area and the smoother side on the rest of the face. It’s also infused with hottuynia cordata and sodium hyaluronate to soothe and hydrate the skin. But just like any physical scrub, don’t be too zealous when using this toner pad, especially on the rougher side, as it can irritate the skin.
4. Cell Fusion C Cooling Pad
This is a godsend for those crazy hot days. These toner pads are drenched in a Cooling Essence Infusion that’s packed with glacial water to instantly cool and soothe the skin. And because it’s in a toner pad size, it’s also great at addressing specific dry patches or areas of the face that feel itchy or flushed.
5. VT PDRN Essence 100
Many might know VT Cosmetics for its somewhat controversial Reedle Shot serum (you either love it or you don’t), but if you’re looking for something with less potential for irritation, try this. Instead of fish derived PDRN, this serum sources its PDRN from Korean ginseng. Pairing it with a Cerasome Complex Plus and polyglucoronic acid (a polysaccharide with humectant properties), it nourishes the skin, reduces the signs of ageing while delivering a bouncy, K-glass skin glow.
A word of caution: while its milky texture is light, it can feel a little rich on the skin, making it better suited for drier skins or in your PM routine.
6. Acnon Cream
Available at most pharmacies in Seoul, this is great for pimple breakouts. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actives (ibuprofen piconol and isopropylmethylphenol) to tackle acne-causing bacteria, and reduce redness and inflammation. And unlike many pimple-fighting products that can leave the skin dry, this doesn’t. Not one bit. Plus, it costs just a few dollars so it won’t break the bank.
7. Medicube Age-R Booster H
This device uses a Glow Poration Technology, akin to electroporation technology that you can get at the doctor’s clinic. What it does is create temporary passageways in the skin, allowing the active ingredients of your skincare absorb better to work more efficiently. The key is diligence. It is not a miracle worker that will give you instant results with one use. You have to use it daily to reap the rewards.
I’ve tried the new and improved Age-R Booster Pro, which does include the Booster H benefits, but I still reach for the stand-alone Booster H as it’s lighter and more straightforward to use.
Pro tip: Do not use this with an acid-infused serum because it will irritate the skin. Instead, use it with either the excess serum/essence after your sheet mask application or with a hydrating, nourishing serum.
While the devices are available on Medicube’s official website in Singapore, I’ve added it to the list because you can actually try the devices for yourself before purchasing them at Medicube’s flagship store in Hongdae.
8. Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++
While many would opt for the TikTok-viral Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen, my vote goes to this Goodal sunscreen instead. Don’t be fooled by the “cream” in its name because it still offers a lightweight texture that works for Singapore’s humid weather. Plus, it has no white cast, doesn’t leave a tacky finish and won’t pill with foundation. It also contains Jeju heartleaf extract so it’s soothing and suitable for even sensitive skins.
Pro tip: This sunscreen often comes in a twin-pack, so you can share the love with a friend.
9. Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm
This tinted lip balm not only drenches lips with moisture, but also delivers a high-shine colour finish that instantly perks the complexion up thanks to the combination of vegan rose hip, evening primrose and argan oils. Its buildable colour also allows you to go from a subtle wash of colour to intense colour and shine to make your pout pop.
10. AOU Matte Floofy Matte Balm
Created by celebrity Korean makeup artist, Jo Eun Bee (she’s worked with K-pop idols like Aespa, NewJeans and BLACKPINK’s Jennie, as well as Queen of Tears’ Kim Jiwon), this balm delivers a matte finish that looks oh-so-natural. The cushion texture makes it fun to use, but what’s great is that it gives lips a smooth finish as it blurs away imperfections, such as lip wrinkles. It also feels so light on the lips, I forget that I’m even wearing anything, and the colour lasts pretty long too.
AOU’s products can be found in limited Olive Young stores, but for the full selection, do visit the Hemeko Lab flagship store in Hongdae.
11. SW19 Eau de Parfums
This cult K-perfume brand takes its name from the Wimbledon district postal code, SW19, in southwest London. It currently offers six scents, all inspired by different moments in the day, beginning from 6AM till Midnight.
My personal fave is 6AM with its notes of bergamot, grapefruit, clary sage, basil, cedarwood and musk. It has a fresh and delicate scent that is so easy to wear, and doesn’t feel too cloying in Singapore’s humid weather. Besides, it’s one of Joy from Red Velvet’s favourite scents: she’s a fan of the brand and her other fave is the 3PM Eau de Parfum.
You can pick it up at SW19’s flagship store at Apgujeong and in Chicor stores.
This article was originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.
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