Original Article

These best-selling Korean beauty products can help you achieve the dewy, luminescent glow that K-beauty is known for.

These K-beauty products can change everything

K-beauty may be a certified trend in the West, but in South Korea, skin care routines that include moisturizers, masks, serums, and sunscreens have always been considered as basic as brushing your teeth. “In South Korea, skin care is considered a fundamental part of self-care,” says Alicia Yoon, CEO of K-beauty brand Peach & Lily. “It’s not a vanity thing or an afterthought but about long-term skin health.” And while it’s taken Americans a little while to catch on, they’re finally understanding exactly why Korean beauty products are so amazing.

“Traditionally in the U.S., there was less focus on skin care and more on makeup,” explains Ju Rhyu, CEO of Hero Cosmetics. “But the skin care culture is changing.” Consumers are catching on to the K-beauty philosophy, which takes a more holistic, preventative approach to skin care.

Yoon equates the famous 10-step K-beauty routine to a balanced diet: Just as the body runs best on a mixture of complex carbs, lean protein, and good fats, skin will also be its most radiant when fed the vitamins and nutrients it needs. “It’s not about the number of steps but about making sure your skin gets the 360-degree support it needs,” she says.

How we chose the best Korean beauty products

The Korean beauty products from South Korean and Asian American businesses that made our list are beloved by K-beauty fans overseas and in the United States. They made our list for their cult followings, proven results, stellar ingredients, and overwhelmingly positive user reviews. Whether they’re skin care products or makeup, they’ll help you achieve the luminous, dewy, “glass skin” K-beauty is famous for. And while K-beauty may be on your mind during AAPI Month, you’ll be using these products and tips in your beauty regimen all year long.

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Best face mask

Mediheal Sheet Masks

When it comes to sheet masks, Mediheal is the OG brand that popularized the concept. The leading brand in South Korea, it makes a wide variety of masks for a wide variety of skin concerns, which makes this variety pack a good starting point. There’s one for every type of skin concern: intensive hydration, blemish control, firming, brightening, skin strengthening, and tightening.

If you’ve never used a sheet mask before, here’s how to make sure the serum doesn’t go to waste: After removing the still-moist sheet mask, rub it on the backs of your hands and neck. You’ll also find a good amount of leftover serum in the package itself.

Pros:

• Six specialized masks for different skin issues
• Affordable

Con:

• You may not want all the masks in the variety pack

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