dualityPlatinumDuality
Platinum
10 yrs, 3 mths ago

Korean makeup & skincare – my experiences and please share yours!

The list below is my personal experience with Korean brand makeup and beauty products. I’ve been converted for about 3 years when I picked some up overseas while in Asia and hooked ever since!

Please share your experiences and brands – I’ve only touched on a few! Some general notes I’ll start with:

Skincare – oil cleansers, solid oil balms, essences, ampoules, serums, confused? Read this helpful board on Reddit, it explains all the steps for Asian skincare and also some ingredients to look out for https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/2jcss2/asian_skincare_101_a_beginners_guide_faq/

Looking for trusted online sellers? check out this list on Reddit of trusted sellers people are purchasing through. https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/290to0/giant_list_of_websites_ebayers_etc/

also thanks to Preciousia this site also analyzes products and gives you a breakdown of ingredients: http://www.cosdna.com/

Asian Beauty Reddit is another board I stalk on a regular basis, it’s pretty helpful
https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/

edit to add I just tidied up the first post as I was getting tired scrolling past that long one lol

1,136 comments 127 voices

Replies

  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 w, 3 days ago

    Do any of you use Korean cushion foundations?

    I’ve been amazed by the Korean cushion foundations in recent years. Cushion foundations are not a new thing for me, but I hadn’t been particularly impressed with the ones from 10-15 years ago. A Korean friend kindly bought me a Clio Killcover new founwear cushion set a couple of years ago and I was blown away. Even though the shade match wasn’t right, I kept using it (with correcting powder) because I loved the velvety finish that still had that ‘inner glow’ effect. Since then I’ve been using Javin De Seoul Wink foundation pact and it has a similar finish, though lighter coverage. They both made my skin look amazing – like I’ve had a blurring filter added but still lit from behind, as if I have this naturally glowy skin with few imperfections.

    There are many different types of cushions that suit different skin types so it’s important to go for the right one. The good thing is several brands now have a wide selection of shades, instead of just 2 or 3 that are tailored to the Korean market.

    If you’re also hooked on Korean cushion foundations like me , please share your skin type and recommendations 🙂

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    • OkatkoPlatinumOkatko
      Platinum
      1 w, 1 day ago

      Now you have me so curious to try. I have heard a lot about Korean foundations but until I finish at least three bottles, I cant buy anymore. But I do love the sound of velvet finish but still a glow.

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    • EthelindePlatinumEthelinde
      Founding Member
      Platinum
      1 w, 2 days ago

      Not for many years but I have been curious about the latest cushions. I might get a few later. I have a shocking amount of foundation to work through.

      I tried only one Clio cushion many years ago and did not like it but I am sure the formulations are much better now.

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        5 days, 18 hrs ago

        I still have liquid foundation too, but find myself reaching for the cushion since I can’t seem to get the same satisfaction out of the former!

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      • EthelindePlatinumEthelinde
        Founding Member
        Platinum
        3 days, 18 hrs ago

        I recall now that I had issues with keeping the cushions hygienic, and I didn’t like the cushion puffs that came with them. I also couldn’t gauge the quantity, and the cost relative to the amount in a cushion didn’t really add up to its overall value. They were a bit of a novelty years ago when they hit the Western markets at first so the prices really varied and there wasn’t a refill option. I did, however, purchase some for the covers so I could refill them. They are still good as portable or travel options.

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      • EthelindePlatinumEthelinde
        Founding Member
        Platinum
        5 days, 15 hrs ago

        I recall now that I had issues with keeping the cushions hygienic, and I didn’t like the cushion puffs that came with them. I also couldn’t gauge the quantity, and the cost relative to the amount in a cushion didn’t really add up to its overall value.

        Reply Report
      • OkatkoPlatinumOkatko
        Platinum
        1 w, 1 day ago

        Me too 🤭 and I just bought another foundation during the week and with that purchase came a goody bag which in it was, you guessed it, another foundation🤣

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    • Lisa359PlatinumLisa359
      Platinum
      1 w, 2 days ago

      They sound interesting @Jupiter , just another thing I would not have heard about if I was’nt a member of BH and reading the forums.

      Reply Report
  • Jessi.ca
    Bronze
    Jessi.ca
    5 mths, 1 w ago

    I have been a fan of Korean skincare & makeup brands – from Cosrx to Peripera – I love it all!

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 yr, 5 mths ago

    I just came back from a week’s holiday in Seoul, and obviously had to fit in a little bit of skin care shopping. Surprisingly, the discounted prices we get here at Beauty Amora/ Lila Beauty are often lower than full price in South Korea. So I only bought things that were on sale, or had 1+1 (buy one get one free) offers. Obviously the selection is better in Seoul, if you go into one of the brand stores.

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 yr, 5 mths ago

    Currently in my Nov 2024 routine (I alternate between products):

    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
    Isntree green tea fresh toner
    COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
    Ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex
    AHC Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream for Face (2nd tube)
    Marine Care Eye Cream
    Some by Mi Truecica Aqua Calming Sun cream
    Medi-Peel Active Silky Sun Cream
    Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

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    • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
      Platinum
      1 yr, 5 mths ago

      Oh I forgot, this too, took it on holiday and still using:

      Scinic Cicanoid Retinal Cream (0.05% retinal)

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      • Lisa359PlatinumLisa359
        Platinum
        1 yr, 5 mths ago

        So is all the skincare you are using at the moment Korean @Jupiter?

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        1 yr, 5 mths ago

        @Lisa359 I’m using products from local brands too (Dermal Therapy, CeraVe, The Ordinary etc), I tend to alternate my routine. I’m also on 0.025% tretinoin every two nights.

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  • Sharma
    Bronze
    Sharma
    1 yr, 6 mths ago

    Sure! One of the things I love about Korean skincare is the emphasis on layering lightweight products, like essences and serums, to achieve that glass skin look. And I can’t forget about the vibrant lip tints that last all day but feel super comfortable! What specific products or brands have caught your eye? Have you found any that have transformed your routine?

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  • EthelindePlatinumEthelinde
    Founding Member
    Platinum
    1 yr, 9 mths ago

    Thanks @Jupiter I still have several boxes of both. On an extremely low buy this year.

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 yr, 10 mths ago

    Currently in my July 2024 routine:

    Scinic first treatment essence
    Round Lab 1025 Dokdo toner
    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule *new
    Medi-peel Bio Intense Glutathione White Ampoule *new
    Benton Bakuchiol serum (2.5% bakuchiol)
    MIGUHARA Anti-wrinkle Perfect Ample *new
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm
    AHC Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream for Face *new
    Pyunkang Yul Concentrated Eye Cream *new
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic SPF50+/PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    2 yrs ago

    Currently in my May 2024 routine (I alternate between products, and also use western products)

    Scinic first treatment essence
    Round Lab 1025 Dokdo toner
    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Benton Bakuchiol serum (2.5% bakuchiol)
    Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm
    Logically, Skin Hydro Multi-Shield Sun Essence SPF30 PA++++
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic SPF50+/PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    2 yrs, 1 mth ago

    Currently in my routine (I alternate between products)

    Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
    Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid
    Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
    Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
    Cos de Baha Azelaic acid 10%
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
    Cosrx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
    Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++
    Logically, Skin Hydro Multi-Shield Sun Essence SPF30 PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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    • perthchickPlatinumPerthchick
      Founding Member
      Platinum
      2 yrs, 1 mth ago

      @Jupiter I await your review on the Porcelain Base. Sounds interesting.

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        2 yrs, 1 mth ago

        @Perthchick, I was so excited to try the numbuzin porcelain sunscreen since it’s one of the few korean tinted sunscreens that lean warm rather than pink. It has a lovely application experience, but sadly, it makes me look too pale. I am about #23 in Korean BB creams and foundations (MAC shade NC17). I’d say only suitable for those who are #21 or lighter in korean shades 🙁

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  • lin_nyPlatinumLin_ny
    Platinum
    2 yrs, 3 mths ago

    yes highly recommend this hair serum too!

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