Here, we break down everything you need to know about the best makeup products that Korea has to offer. These products — with their skincare-infused formulations and trend-setting designs — are already seeking a place in the $10.2 billion global beauty industry, as of 2022, according to Statista. We have rounded up the best Korean makeup products to try for your next makeup look.
Cushion foundations are one of the most popular K-beauty makeup inventions. The Missha M Magic Cushion and others provide lightweight coverage with SPF 50+ protection, all while complementing your skincare routine and providing a perfect finish. Global sales for cushion foundations grew 40 percent between 2020 and 2022, a testament to their popularity for both convenience and performance. Users love the dewy finish and the touch-up process, and it has become a regular approach to the so-called “glass skin” look.
With their revolutionary formula, lip tints provide a stunning, long-wear lip colour for the enthusiast. Have you heard of brands like Peripera that are well-known for their Ink Velvet Tints that provide smudge-proof pigmentation for up to 12 hours? In a 2023 consumer survey, 85 percent of buyers inquired about Korean lip tints, versus traditional lipsticks, due to their light-weight, non-drying formula. These tints are also extra versatile, serving double duty as cheek stains for a natural flush.
You can also put together workable neutrals or bold hues with Etude House’s highly pigmented, blendable Play Color Eyes palettes. These pop-culture-inspired Korean palettes are also priced at about $20 but pack in plenty of trendy colors for the price. Etude House achieved 25% sales growth abroad in 2022, led by a diverse range of eye makeup products (Cosmetic Trends Asia).
(K-beauty crossover alert: BB creams are still a take-everywhere staple for naturally hydrated coverage.) Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm has SPF 30 while evening out skin tone and gives a dewy finish. BB creams increased global market share by 18.
from 2020 and 2023, demonstrating their ongoing significance within the realm of beauty. Their multitasking formula, which fuses moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen, is a popular choice among users looking to streamline and optimize their beauty regimes.
For mascara, our favourite product was the Innisfree Skinny Waterproof Microcara. Its ultra-thin brush and smudge-proof formula precisely defines lashes, so it’s the best for a natural look. This mascara proves that you can be a pro without the pro price and delivers results worthy of professionals — and costing just $10. A 2021 review from Allure hailed its long-wearing finish and effortless removal, securing its spot as a cult favorite.
Primers: For a smooth pore-blurring base of makeup, K-beauty primers such as Banila Co Prime Primer Hydrating come highly recommended. This hyaluronic acid–infused primer promotes makeup longevity and hydrates. The formula has a clinical test that claims it can extend the wear of your foundation by up to 30%, which is why it is one of the most long-lasting makeup products on the market.
As Yves Saint Laurent said, “Beauty comes from the balance of mind, body and spirit, and the products we choose reflect that.” To so it, Korean makeup products highlight this policy of innovation and affordability to meet various preferences. Whether it be multifunctional lip tints, or hydrating BB creams, the trend is on korean makeup products that leaves the world craving for these fine quality makeup items.