Korean beauty products are well known for their effective and highly innovative ingredients that have evolved the concept of K-beauty into a global movement. Beyond the formulas that enhance one’s natural beauty, Korean cosmetics contribute to their users' well-being and help boost their self-esteem. So it's understandable that anyone would want to know which makeup products in Korea are highly recommended. These makeup items are desired as part of an essential beauty collection for their efficient functionalities and the enhancement they bring to appearances. Living in Korea without taking advantage of these beauty products is like pouring water into a basket. With that said, here are the must-buy makeup products in Korea:
1. Kaja Beauty Bento eye shadow trio
Photo credits: Kaja Beauty
Kaja is the first Korean makeup brand co-founded with Sephora, as a brainchild with Memebox. It has made it to the top thanks to its functional, flexible, and fun package. One of the products that stands out for its distinct design and functionality is the Kaja Beauty Bento eye shadow trio.
The eye shadows that most of us prefer are the ones with a range of colors, textures, and tones. It should be easy to blend and convenient to carry around, which is why we love this eye shadow from Kaja. The portable set of high-impact shimmers and matte shades of different colors can be used to create any eye beauty concepts you choose. Plus, we love how they can be placed in our handbags to reapply as we like, and the result is always stare-worthy. You can purchase this product on the Sephora or Kaja Beauty website for a little less than 40,000 won.
2. Sulwhasoo Makeup Balancer
Photo Credits: Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo has lots of award-winning beauty products under its belt. So, it is no surprise that its Makeup Balancer is on this list of highly recommended Korean makeup to buy. This premiere cosmetic line is rich with natural ingredients, which enhance the appearance of the skin and settle in flawlessly.
Many can testify that priming the face is essential to good skin care practice and helps to highlight the glow from the makeup application. For a good texture and balance, then the Sulwhasoo Makeup Balancer is a must-buy. This silky primer is saturated with ingredients that work wonders on the skin, blur imperfections, and contribute to the radiance of one’s beauty. The gel-cream formula, pomegranate extract, and antioxidant-rich berry complex ensure that your makeup looks natural, even, dewy, and sparkly. You can purchase this product online on the Sulwhasoo website or Gmarket.
3. Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Eyeliner is a handy makeup tool for defining the eyes and giving them a pop of elegance. When it dries easily, does not smudge, and is easy to use, then it is definitely perfect for our purchase cart. Holika Holika understands how much women love simple makeup products that transform their features and add a spark to their appearance effortlessly. This innovative brand boasts items in its collection with special formulas packaged in a fun, portable manner, like the Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner.
Like every Holika Holika collection that screams “pick me!”, the Jewel-light waterproof eyeliner is definitely a must-buy. They are very smooth and come in lovely shades that promise to dazzle up your look like a gem. Also, they are awesome for any beach outing or visit to the swimming pool. Plus, the eyeliner glides effortlessly and makes application a breeze. You can purchase this product on the Urban Outfitters website, Gmarket, and Miss Beauty Korea.
3. Etude House The Big Cover Skin Fit Concealer
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Etude House offers diversity in its line, as its products range from luxury to budget-conscious, from novice to expert usage, and come in various colors and packages that reflect the originality and youthful energy behind the brand. This global enterprise was established in 1958 and acquired in 1990 by Amore Pacific (a Korean beauty conglomerate).
One of the masterpieces that can be found at Etude House is the affordable and highly effective Big Cover skin-fit concealer. When we go for concealers, the major places we naturally target are the dark circles under our eyes and the blemishes on our faces. Thankfully, this product from Etude House takes ladies' needs into account. The Big Cover Skin Fit Concealer covers blemishes and dark circles and gives a natural, smooth finish after application. It not only delivers a sweet dose of skin love, but it also takes your beauty fix to a new level of perfection. You can easily buy this in Korea and outside Korea on Style Korean, Korean Depart, and Korean Cosmetic websites.
4. TonyMoly Panda’s Dream Smudge Out Mascara
Photo Credits: YouTube
It is amazing how much difference a good mascara can make in one's eyes. Aside from defining the eyelashes and making the eyes look lovely and dashing, it also gives a lift to the entire face. With TonyMoly Panda's Dream Smudge Out Mascara, we can get all these benefits and more.
TonyMoly Panda's Dream Smudge Out Mascara is made with high-quality ingredients, put together using state-of-the-art technology, and packaged in an enticing way typical of the brand. You get your money's worth with this mascara that doesn't smudge all over the eyes, even when you decide to wear it while watching “Titanic.” In addition, it leaves your eyelashes looking full and curled. Popular Korean beauty line TonyMoly is renowned for its effective and moisturizing products and nice packaging, and the Panda's Dream Smudge Out Mascara is no exception.
You can easily buy this in Korea in stores and on Care to beauty website, and outside Korea on the K beauty website.
5. CLE Cosmetics CCC Cream Foundation
Photo Credits: GOXIP
CLE Cosmetics is a K-beauty brand that is well-known for prioritizing skincare while enhancing natural beauty perfectly. Every product released from this makeup enterprise has skin-beneficial ingredients, always leaving the skin dewy and radiant. One such product is the CCC cream foundation. This lightweight foundation that can also serve as a primer is definitely a must-add to your shopping list for many reasons.
The Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream employs cutting-edge microcapsule technology to blend the product's functionalities seamlessly.So when you apply it, you get sun protection, good coverage, and great skincare benefits all at once. Even if you are in a hurry and skip your morning skincare routine, CC cream foundation has got you covered. This product can be purchased on Goxip, Amazon, Cle Cosmetics, and Revolve websites for approximately 40,000 won.
6. Erborian CC Crème
Photo Credits: Glamour
One tube of the Erborian CC creme is said to be sold every minute globally. This shows just how popular it is and how pointless it is to advise anyone to add it to their makeup collection. The cream is light, helps to soothe and illuminate the skin, and leaves a flawless glow after application.
Established in 2007 by the prominent cosmetics scientist, Hojung Lee and the French beauty expert Katalin Berenyi, Erborian is a brand that combines Korean and French beauty innovations to produce amazing makeup items. The Erborian CC Creme is another remarkable product from the company. Its formula, saturated with natural skin-beneficial ingredients, helps to cover flaws and moisturize the skin. No wonder it is well-loved in Korea and beyond. This product can be purchased in Olive Young stores or online at Coupang, Care to Beauty, and Gmarket within a price range of 30,000 won to 70,000 won.
7. EM Cosmetics Moonbeam Cushion Highlighter
Brilliant personalities have worked to make EM Cosmetics the top brand it is today in Korea and beyond. With the theme of embracing the inner self while expressing beauty externally, there are innovative products from this makeup brand centered on excellence and efficiency.
The EM Cosmetics Moonbeam Cushion Highlighter satisfies all the needs a customer would seek in a highlighter and more. Once anyone uses this product to highlight the contours of their face, it will surely attract questions about the secret skincare routine being implemented. Why? Because the EM Cosmetics Moonbeam Cushion Highlighter blends well into the skin, leaving a shine that appears very natural and gives an overall perfect appearance. So it is no shocker that it is on this list of must-buy makeup in Korea.
8. Innisfree Pore Blur Primer
Photo Credits: Style Korean
Amongst the list of Korean make-up products that are recommended to be added to your shopping cart is the Innisfree Pore Blur Primer. Innisfree is unarguably one of the top, best-selling makeup brands in Korea, with a reputation for using natural ingredients that are healthy for the skin. With skincare and beauty enhancement as its focus, it boasts effective products loved by Koreans and people worldwide.
Innisfree Pore Blur Primer is another game-changer from this prestigious company. It is an oil-free makeup that blurs wrinkles and helps with a smoother complexion. It is not your everyday primer that creates a good canvas helping your makeup products work smoothly. Innisfree Pore Blur Primer also covers skincare while ensuring that your makeup application is bliss.
You can easily order this product on YonjiKonji, Korea Depart, Beauty Box Korea, and EM Cosmetics.
9. MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++
We may have noticed that having skincare infused with beauty enhancement is a hallmark of Korean beauty brands. The MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ is no exception to this incredible concept. This product has gone through intensive research to ensure that it delivers on its promise of keeping the skin moisturized and protected from the harsh rays of the sun. It contains extracts from chamomile, which helps with a soothing effect, and rosemary leaves. As a whole, it provides multiple benefits like whitening, sunblock and fights against wrinkles.
Thankfully, it does not leave any marks after application but blends perfectly with the skin to leave it looking even, glowy, and flawless. There is no need to recommend it as a must-buy makeup in Korea. You can easily find this product if you walk into any beauty store, including marts that have a beauty section. You can also purchase this online at Gmarket and Coupang, which costs about 15,000 won.
Honorable Mentions
CLIO Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Eye Liner
Crystal Glow Tinted Luminizer Stick
Moonshot Pure Layered Palette
Surebase Glad Glow Foundation
Banila Curly Studio All Day Rise Mascara
It is important to note that the products listed above do not exhaust the remarkable makeup in Korea or cover the products from individual brands. You can also find these items on the company’s website or visit a cosmetics shop in Korea. Any makeup lover visiting or residing in Korea can take advantage of this list and enjoy the sensation that is K-beauty.