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30 Game-Changing Korean Beauty Products That Are Too Good To *Not* Be On Your Radar
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. A color-changing primer, jasmine oil hand wash, and sun-curing nail wraps? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30! Promising review: "I have rosacea, and it’s often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked by how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I’m so happy I found this!" —S. K. Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. My hair is softer and doesn’t seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair, and then after it’s dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I’ll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value too; I’ve been using it pretty consistently since purchasing and I’ve barely made a dent in it. Love it!" —Noley Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and four other formulas). Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation. Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product, and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer, so if you're older, that's something to keep in mind. Overall, beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go-to foundation from now on." —AJ Bond Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and a mini). Btw, the word on the street is that Rhode's Pocket Blush is actually manufactured in South Korea (so do what you want with that info). I got my eyes on Banila Co.'s shade Chill Teddy; it's giving Toasted Teddy. 👀 Promising review: "LOOKS like Rhode on the outside BUT the formula is all K-beauty. Gorgeous. Feels lighter and more powdery. Looks amazing! Lasts well. (Brutally honest confession: My teen and I will try any brand that Seventeen Jeonghan and BabyMonster use. Any. Full stop. We adore THEM and want to support them. BUT shockingly, everything we've tried by Banila Co. has been a delight.) This blush/lippie is such a must-have that we went from 'let's try and share' to each needing our own and in several colors." —Quaketoys Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in 14 shades). Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair, so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa Get it from Amazon for $17.60 (available in three versions and a refill) . Promising review: "Let me tell you, I have awful blackheads, and this helped clean them out and made them a lot smaller. I love this stuff. I pair it with the oil cleanser (from the same brand and line), and they did wonders for my skin! I recommend it if you have clogged pores and blackheads." —Nabi This set includes: 28 strips, one prep pad, one nail file, and one wooden stick. To apply the strips, just use your palm to warm them up. Once the strips are warmed, they can be easily pulled into place for a perfect fit on your nails. Note: If you live somewhere that doesn't get sun often, you can still use a UV lamp. You only need to pop your nails in for about five seconds! Promising review: "These looked great and I got some compliments. I didn’t have any issues with them lifting as I have had with other brands. I hate the feeling of running my hands through my hair and then pulling out a few strands that got stuck in my nail sticker. I wore these for about 2.5 weeks. The only reason I took them off was that my nail had grown out so much. The nail strips are awesome! Buy them!! I have already ordered another set and am converting from my old brand to these!" —Holly M. Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 12 styles). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "This is one of my fave new everyday lip products. I have it in Tangerine Red, and the color is soft and subtle — I like that I can take it out and apply it without having to look in a mirror, like you would with lipstick — but at the same time, it makes a huge difference, making my lips look hydrated and my whole face more ~alive~ (especially on no-makeup days)." Promising review: "Best lip balm I ever used! The color development is subtle, so it's good for bare-face makeup, and I think it would be good as a base!! As far as moisturizing power, it has good retention, and it's hypoallergenic. I recommend it to those who don't wear heavy makeup, those who are looking for a moist, colored lip balm." —Y.Lee Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in six shades). Korean skincare never ceases to amaze me — there’s always something new that tops the last big thing! When I first received this product and saw how thick the gel was, I thought, "There’s no way this will actually spray out." But, hello?? It does! And it’s a super fine mist. It keeps my skin so hydrated, and when I wear makeup, it applies evenly and smoothly. Plus, since it’s hydrating, it prevents my makeup from peeling or cracking, which is perfect for cold weather. Bonus points for being able to spray it throughout the day to give your makeup a little boost of dewiness! Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (I have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90. This formula is intended for curly and thick hair types! Promising review: "This hair mascara is very easy to use and gives a strong hold. It keeps baby hairs and flyaways down without making my hair stiff or sticky. I like that it dries fast and doesn’t leave white flakes. The brush is perfect for detailed areas, and the size is convenient to carry in a bag. I’m very happy with this product." —Sunny Jang Get it from Amazon for $16 (also available in a fine/thin hair version). Promising review: "Disclaimer: I went on Accutane five years ago, and this product is one of several other products in my day/night skincare routine. I first picked this up at an Olive Young store during a trip I took to South Korea. It was listed as one of their best-sellers, and I 100% can see why. I mist my face before applying a few drops and it absorbs really quickly. Almost immediately, my skin looks/feels more hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. The days when I feel lazy and don’t complete my skincare routine or cheat and don't use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I’m sold for sure." —Jaylen Promising reviews: "I’m not great at makeup, but I wanted something to add to my eyes and this was the perfect choice. It's super easy to apply, blend, it dries quickly, and gives a great pop of color and sparkle to my makeup." —Danni "I recently bought this product and I fell in love with it. This glitter will last on my eyes longer than any other product I’ve bought. I like adding it to my inner corner. When I wear it out, I will get at least one compliment when I go out. 10/10 recommend." —Zaira Herrera Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four shades). Promising review: "I'm an ebony female, and this is the best sunscreen! No white cast, your makeup blends perfectly with the sunscreen! It gives your skin such a moist, hydrated look, and it provides protection from the sun, plus it makes your skin look amazing! I love this! I will never stop using Medicube's skincare line. I’m 55 and it’s the only skincare line that has improved my skin." —Lynn The UPF 50+ rating is the same one that's used for sun protection clothing. You can read more about UPF, why it matters, and how it's different from SPF on the Skin Cancer Foundation website. Promising review: "I purchased this product for sun protection while golfing, and I love it. The patches are invisible on your skin and feel super lightweight. They also last all day, even when you’re out in the sun and sweating. If you’re looking for extra sun protection, I highly recommend you get these patches!" —Amazon Customer Promising review: "I recently discovered the world of K-beauty and was searching for a lip stain that offered a natural, yet noticeable tint, without the dreaded dry feeling or quick fade. I decided to try shades 3 and 5 of this particular brand after hearing they are the most popular shades in Korea, and I'm absolutely thrilled with the results! The color payoff is beautiful – a subtle, natural flush that enhances my lips without looking overdone. What truly impressed me is the longevity; the stain stays put for hours, even through meals and drinks, which is a huge plus. It also applies with a lovely, subtle gloss, giving my lips a healthy sheen. While the initial gloss is nice, if you prefer a high-shine look throughout the day, you might want to pair it with a clear gloss." —Jessica Get it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in 16 shades). Promising review: "This eye cream makes my eyes so soft, it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn’t greasy, which I love. Since it has retinol, I only put it on at night and use a vitamin C serum by Murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a difference after one use." —AJ Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes). BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is obsessed: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it for a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!" Promising review: "I caved to the TikTok hype, and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin, but this was the first product that I didn’t have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." —Shelby I love keeping this by my kitchen sink because the aesthetics alone are so chic. Fun fact about me: I cook a lot, and, of course, I wash my hands 50 million times in the process (raw chicken juice and garlic... ew!). This stuff is so hydrating that I don’t even need to bother with lotion afterward. Plus, it's beautifully scented! Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in two scents). Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive, but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa "I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "My skin is on the oilier side, and this product saved my life, especially on camera. It is flawless, reduces shine, and doesn't make you look splotchy. It goes on flawlessly over my other products and feels so light. 100000/10. I've used so many powders, and this product makes your skin look airbrushed in real life." —Marissa Pizzuto Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in 10 shades, a larger translucent size, and mini sizes). Promising reviews: "I swear to you, this stuff is magical. My makeup never budges when I use this, and I don’t have to use that much. You can take it off with micellar water pretty easily, but I’m telling you I have ugly cried with this over my makeup and my makeup stayed. the. same. It’s the best. It also has the nicest bottle, it sprays really evenly over your face, and if it has any flaw, it’s probably that it makes your makeup a little TOO dewy, but I usually use a little powder over the parts of my face I don’t want to be highlighted and it works like a gem. Also definitely blurs my makeup very well. 10/10 would recommend!!!!" —Jennifier Moore "I've fallen in love with this setting spray. It leaves the skin looking fresh, not shiny. It locks in makeup. The nozzle provides a very fine mist. I think it's replaced my Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray." —Michelle Get it from Amazon for $15 (also available in a semi-matte version). Reviewers say that the fragrances are very earthy/musky with a slight floral note to them. One person compared one scent to the smell of being in a forest. Promising review: "My hair was burned in a salon. I tried for a long time to at least visually restore it and spent a lot of money on hair care. This oil intrigued me because it was perfumed and I didn’t even think that it would be so good! Hair becomes thicker, softer, shiny and the smell is not intrusive and pleasant! This oil has definitely become a treasure for me! I will definitely repurchase!!!" —Nia Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four scents and two sizes). Promising review: "I'm 44 and for the past four years my skin has been throwing a hissy fit. No matter what I tried, my pores were screaming through my makeup. You know what I mean? Makeup sinking into the pores will turn any good foundation into a pool party on your face. Finally, a month ago, I found this, and it really works. I have combo-dry skin, weather-dependent, and it doesn't make my skin oily. My foundation sets nicely over it (no sinking) and stays on for about eight hours before needing a touchup. And of course my pores...barely visible!!!! I'm happy!" —KPak Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a color-correcting primer). Elizabeth Mott is owned by Korean American Alice Kim and partners with top Korean manufacturers to bring affordable yet effective K-beauty products to the U.S. Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers, it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." —Chloe Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after-feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (also available in three additional formulas). BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven't come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic! Promising review: "I am a pimple patch fan, okay. I have tried them ALL, but I was always intrigued by this brand and was very skeptical about three things: effectiveness, visibility, and size. I LOVE the fact that Rael pimple patches have two different sizes, all with hydrocolloid. They are practically invisible on the face unless you are extremely close up. I would feel extremely comfortable wearing these to my childcare job because I know they are not visible, and if you work with kids, you know how they love to point pimple patches out. 🤣 I left one on my face all night (9+ hours), and it completely erased the pimple on the side of my cheek. Best pimple recovery I've ever seen on my face. I love these and will buy more, and you should too!!!!!" —Brian Cage Get a 96-count from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in smaller pack sizes). Promising review: "Liquid gold! I’m obsessed with this. It’s one of the first products I purchased when starting my glass skin journey. Centella asiatica is known to calm sensitive skin and reduce redness and inflammation. My skin barrier was damaged from all the actives I used in the past. Since I started using this ampoule in the morning and night, my skin is a lot more hydrated and less red and irritated. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and doesn’t leave tackiness. My skin is left glowing after every use. I’ve recommended this product to friends and family, and they all feel the same. It’s a must for any skin type!" —frugalANDfeminine Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes). And don't worry: Even though this is a serum, it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face. Promising review: "I've been using the serum for a few weeks now, and it's made a noticeable difference in my skin. The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly without any sticky residue. After consistent use, I've observed a reduction in dark spots and a more even complexion. The combination of rice bran water and alpha-arbutin seems to work well for brightening the skin. Additionally, it provides a good level of hydration, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple. I appreciate that it's fragrance-free and hasn't caused any irritation. Overall, it's a solid addition to my skincare routine, and I plan to continue using it." —Christian Perez Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "Got these for the nights I’m too tired to do the whole makeup removal + skincare thing before bed, and honestly wasn’t expecting too much. I literally just wanted something that would get the makeup off, but these make my skin look so nice when I wake up in the morning! It’s always soft and my pores look really clear. These aren’t scented but do have the faint smell of rice, but in a refreshing, sweet way. They’ve never broken me out or anything and I only need one to get everything off. Definitely worth the money!!" —Nicole Get a set of 75 (three packs of 25) from Amazon for $18. * TikTok Beauty Products You’ll Use Every Last Little Drop Of * Beauty Products With Before And Afters So Good, You’ll Be Like, “Me Next” * Beauty Products That Work So Well, I’m Convinced “Magic” Is In The Ingredients List * Cheap, Soothing Beauty Finds That’ll Make Your “Ouch” Skin Say “Ahhhh” * Beauty Products Reviewers Swear By For Staying Matte * Helpful Products For People Who Think They Suck At Makeup * Beauty Products Perfect For Anyone Who’s Clueless About Beauty Products * Things To Upgrade Every Step Of Your Beauty Routine From Head To Toe * Beauty Products That’ll Have You Looking Downright Ethereal Plus, concealers, cosmetic bags, fragrances, k-beauty must-haves, products reviewers in their 60s love, waterproof mascaras, and finds from Sephora, Soko Glam, Ulta, and Walmart. Reviews have been edited by length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Amber Usher is a BuzzFeed Shopping writer who covers everything from home and organization to travel and gifting, and she's passionate about staying on top of the latest beauty trends (especially K-beauty) as well as tracking down affordable products for a luxe lifestyle.