It’s no secret that Korean beauty (K-Beauty) and Korean skin care are all the rage – still.
Not just a passing trend, there are several brands across makeup and skincare that have become cult favourites and are very much here to stay.
Paving the way when it comes to including new and unusual ingredients in their beauty products, the makeup and skincare companies in South Korea are always thinking ahead.
Products like BB creams and sheet masks originated in Korea and are now skincare staples, as are ingredients such as calendula and aloe vera, but there are so many brands and products to choose from when it comes to Korean beauty that it can be tricky to navigate.
If you are new to K-Beauty and Korean skincare, we’ve rounded up our favourite products that are easy to buy in the UK.
FURTHER READING: Best skincare brands: We’ve picked our fave skincare essentials from the best brands in the UK
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Best BB cream | Best moisturiser | Best tinted moisturiser | Best toner | Best primer | Best cleanser| Best eye cream| Best anti-ageing cream | Best hand cream| Best foot cream | Best face mask | Best face exfoliator | Best face oil| Best serum| Best night cream
From £18 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
Why we love it: Uncover the Korean beauty secret of perfect complexion with Erborian’s CC cream. Having previously featured in our best CC cream guide, this Korean skin care wonder product is enriched with centella asiatica, tiger grass and honey extract.
Not only does it act as an ideal replacement to a foundation or tinted moisturiser, it also boosts radiance, illuminating and hydrating your skin.
Cheat your way to flawless skin with this blemish-blurring cream which enhances the texture of your skin, making it the best blend of makeup and skincare.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Erborian has a UK website, as well as being sold across Lookfantastic, Feelunique, Selfridges, Next and Space NK.
FURTHER READING: Best tinted moisturiser: Brighten your skin with our fave creams from NARS, NYX, Tropic and more
Buy now from Lookfantastic
£3.25 | Buy now from Beauty Bay
Why we love it: Koreans really do know a thing or two when it comes to skincare; while the rest of us stick to having turmeric in our food and drinks, the guys at Oh-k Beauty have used the superfood in their sheet mask.
Rich in antioxidants, this spice has serious superpowers and brightens the skin when used in skincare, while the mask hydrates and moisturises.
It also includes lavender to soothe the skin.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Oh-K Beauty has a UK website, as well as being sold across Lookfantastic, Feelunique, Beauty Bay and ASOS.
FURTHER READING: Best sheet masks: The best face sheet mask for your skin from Garnier, Charlotte Tilbury and more
Buy now from Beauty Bay
From £19.50 | Buy now from Cult Beauty
Why we love it: A total cult K-Beauty product, this Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser from Glow Recipe has sold out numerous times.
Watermelon extract soothes irritated skin and restores vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids.
A secret glow weapon, this is the moisturiser for you if you suffer from oily skin. If your skin is drier, you can still use this product as a serum and follow up with a thicker and more rich moisturiser.
You can even add a pump or two to your foundation for a natural, glowing finish to your makeup.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Shop Glow Recipe at Cult Beauty.
FURTHER READING: The science of moisturiser: Which ingredients actually work and which are marketing BS?
Buy now from Cult Beauty
£22 | Buy now from Feelunique
Why we love it: Known for its sheet masks, the entire range of Saturday Skin’s products will leave a positive effect on your skin.
With key ingredients including natural enzymes such as papain (papaya) and pineapple, as well as aloe vera, use this peel gel to get rid of dead skin cells and leave your skin appearing brighter and more evenly toned.
Your skin is gently exfoliated while being simultaneously calmed and soothed, so it’s the perfect product for sensitive skin.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Shop Saturday Skin at Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and Feelunique.
FURTHER READING: Best face exfoliator: Get smoother skin using scrubs from Upcircle, The Ordinary, Nip+Fab and more
Buy now from Feelunique
£19.15 | Buy now from Feelunique
Why we love it: This lightweight essence is fast-absorbing and gives skin an immediate glow.
Comprising 96% of snail secretion filtrate, this ingredient repairs damaged skin, improves skin elasticity and maintains hydration levels throughout the day.
The essence nourishes, repairs and revitalises the skin – and despite the use of snail filtrate, it’s vegan.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Shop Cosrx at Beauty Bay, Feelunique and Amazon.
FURTHER READING: Vegan vs cruelty-free: What’s the difference?
Buy now from Feelunique
From £18 | Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: For anyone who remains skeptical about primers, this one ought to set matters straight.
The velvety product includes fine powders to blur your pores and instantly mattify any shine to your skin.
Containing green tea extract and collagen to hydrate the skin, this lightweight primer leaves your skin looking glowing and flawless – whether you’re going bare-faced or prepping your skin for your makeup routine.
Where to buy Korean skincare UK: Shop Touch in Sol at Beauty and Seoul, Boots, Selfridges, ASOS and K-Beauty.co.uk.
FURTHER READING: What does primer do? An expert explains the one rule you MUST follow if you want flawless makeup
Buy now from Amazon
Amira Arasteh is a freelance journalist and content creator. Find her making sense of beauty trends, tips and topics – when she’s not stuffing her face with the best food in London or travelling the globe
