32 K-Beauty Products That’ll Make You Wonder Why You Waited So Long To Try Them
www.amazon.com, Amazon
While this serum is designed to be less irritating, as with any powerful skincare product, it's important to start slow and patch test to see how your skin reacts. If your skin tolerates it, you can apply both morning and night after cleansing.
Promising review: "Honestly, buy it. I was skeptical about this serum, especially since it’s such a large bottle for so cheap, plus this was a leap of faith for me since I do have sensitive skin. I’ve been using this religiously for over a week now, and even after the first day, I could see and feel the improvement of my skin. I went from having small red breakouts to clear, even skin almost overnight. I’m not even wearing makeup now because I love the look and glow to my skin. I don’t even do reviews, but this product deserves it 100%. I will be purchasing again. BUY IT!" —Boogs
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
In case you're not familiar with it, PA stands for "Protection Grade of UVA" and is a four-level rating system that's more common in Asia. In this case, PA+++ just means this product offers a high level of protection against UVA rays, which don't cause sunburn but rather cause the skin to turn brown.
Promising review: "I've been using Missha BB cream for eight years now, and it's hands-down the best BB cream I've ever tried! What I love most is how lightweight it feels on my skin while still providing natural coverage that hides my redness and occasional blemishes without looking cakey. The staying power is impressive — I can apply it in the morning, and it still looks fresh by the end of my workday without needing touch-ups. After eight years of loyalty to this product, I can confidently say it's worth every penny!" —Daryna
Get it from Amazon for $12.90 (available in seven shades).
The shade range is unfortunately pretty limited for this product — if you're looking for another option in this price range, check out E.l.f's Camo CC Cream!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My feet have been dryyyyy since having my kiddos (maybe hormonal, idk) and I've been using the metal grater regularly, lotions and creams nightly, pedicures with callus removal monthly, the list goes on. I'm shocked at how well these socks work! One time used so far and my feet feel amazing! Better than all the other things I mentioned. I didn't get the peel ones cuz I've done that once and don't feel like dealing with the peeling so I'm talking about the nom-peel moisturizing socks. Get them! 30 minutes of chilling with them before sleep time and you'll love your feet!" —EB
Get two pairs from Amazon for$12.95 (also available in larger packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw this product mentioned in so many articles about cheap products that are great. I don't know what took me so long to purchase this, but I am kicking myself for waiting!! My hair is DAMAGED. Beyond fried. I've bleached it so many times. I am consistently changing my hair color, and while the semi-permanent dyes don't hurt it, the bleach sure does! My hair always feels like straw. My hair looks and feels INCREDIBLE!!! It is so soft and I am just absolutely in love! This will forever be used by me from now on!" —Krystle
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more!
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This serum also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees F, so it's great to apply before any heat styling. Plus! Reviewers compare this to the $46 Gisou hair oil!
Promising review: "Literally, the best hair product you can possibly get that is affordable and doesn’t leave your hair greasy — it makes it shiny and super soft. After I get out of the shower, when my hair is still damp, I put some on my ends and work the rest up into the top of my head. Sometimes I blow my hair dry after I get out of the shower and put it on, and then after I blow dry it, I put it on some more, and it looks absolutely beautiful — no greasy hair here. My hair type is fine and gets oily really fast, and yet somehow this product tames it a bit and keeps it looking healthy for days! Will purchase again and again!!!" —Tara Klein
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm 44, and for the past four years my skin has been throwing a hissy fit. No matter what I tried, my pores were screaming through my makeup. You know what I mean? Makeup sinking into the pores will turn any good foundation into a pool party on your face. Finally, a month ago I found this and it really works. I have combo-dry skin, weather depending, and it doesn't make my skin oily. My foundation sets nicely over it (no sinking) and stays on for about eight hours before needing a touchup. And of course my pores...barely visible!!!! I'm happy!" —KPak
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
Elizabeth Mott is owned by Korean American Alice Kim and partners with top Korean manufacturers to bring affordable yet effective K-beauty products to the U.S.
Promising reviews: "This stuff works!! Wish I would've known about this product years ago!! 10 stars!" —TJ
"This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or MAC Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." —Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $15.35.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a review of this foundation on TikTok from beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira.
Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go to foundation from now on." —AJ Bond
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 39 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and mini versions).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising review: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3-4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly it's heaven-sent. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum and even now when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing. You can see all the dirt that came out of my face recently in the photo [above, right]." —rexichor
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This has been THEEE best product for my dry sensitive skin. These pads are brightening and helped my uneven skin texture. I didn’t know these pads would change my skin completely!! I’ll be repurchasing forever, best skincare product I’ve used in a long time, you NEED THIS! You’ll immediately notice a difference." —Kenny Vasquez
"When I tell you my skin hasn’t been this clear in forever. I have PCOS and hirsutism, which causes me to grow hair on my neck and chin. I’m also a skin picker so clearing my skin has been really difficult for me. But this product has saved my skin. I’m still working on my skin picking but when I don’t, these pads help to exfoliate and help with the dark marks. Thank Anua!" —Jessyca Renee
Get it from Amazon for $22.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews: "I swear to you, this stuff is magical. My makeup never budges when I use this, and I don’t have to use that much. You can take it off with micellar water pretty easily, but I’m telling you I have ugly cried with this over my makeup and my makeup stayed. the. same. It’s the best. It also has the nicest bottle, it sprays really evenly over your face, and if it has any flaw, it’s probably that it makes your makeup a little TOO dewy, but I usually use a little powder over the parts of my face I don’t want to be highlighted and it works like a gem. Also definitely blurs my makeup very well. 10/10 would recommend!!!!" —Jennifier Moore
"I've fallen in love with this setting spray. It leaves the skin looking fresh, not shiny. It locks in makeup. The nozzle provides very fine misting. I think it's replaced myUrban Decay All Nighter setting spray." —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for$15 (also available in a semi-matte version).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
P.S. Thisreviewer recommends putting the lid back on when not using because the air activates it.
Promising reviews: "I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face….beyond facial smooth and bright! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." —Amy Lynn Volansky
"I love love love this carbonated bubble clay mask! Ok so the packaging was very cute and simple, when opening up the jar, they give you this little spatula to help spread the mask. A little bit goes a long way! The texture is jelly-like and smells decent. Once on your face, you can feel it tingling and cracking cause it's creating bubbles on your face. When done your face itself looks like a huge bubble, it's quite fascinating. I kept the mask on for 10 minutes. Afterward, I used wet hands to rub the product in, then I washed with warm water. After using this my face felt amazing! Super soft and shiny, not oily of grimy at all. Will definitely buy again, 10/10 :)" —Erica
Get it from Amazon for $9.80.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The keychain will come empty *but* it is intended for you to fill it up with product from the included jelly pot.
Promising review: "So so adorable! It came packaged so well and came with the keychain! I bought two of these and got the color Squeezed and Rosy Glaze. I also bought a little silicone stick so I don't dirty my hands while putting this on!" —rosiemify
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in 18 shades).
Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My [skin looked] so much smoother after using and was left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa
"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's recommended to use the Air Shot mode 2–3 times a week. The other modes — Booster, MC (microcurrent), and Derma Shot — can be used 1–3 times daily. You can also sync the device with the Age-R app, which guides you through a custom calendar and allows you to track your progress.
I own the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro and it is definitely worth the splurge! When I first started using this device I had a dark mark from a pimple on my cheek, but with consistent use of this device, it faded in under a week (wish I had taken those before and after pics!). Overall, it didn't take long to notice that my face was visibly brighter and lifted. Although I've slacked a bit lately (oops, guilty of being lazy 😅), I've definitely seen the difference when I'm diligent with it.
Promising review: "I have been using the Booster Pro for a month now, and the results are fantastic! My pores are less visible, and my skin is more radiant. The LED lights and various modes make it easy to target specific concerns. The AGE-R app is a great addition, providing helpful tips and progress tracking. Worth every penny." —J Miles
Get it from Amazon for $185.07+ (available in two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this product. I have dry skin, and this helps plump everything. I use it as the last step in my daytime routine, and it feels like it locks all my serums and toners in. At night, I put a thicker moisturizer on top, and it helps hydrate my skin while I sleep. The texture is so unusual and I love using the spatula to frost my face with it. I also love the fragrance, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.90.
Promising review: "This eye cream makes my eyes so soft, it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn’t greasy which I love. Since it has retinol I only put on at night and use a vitamin C serum by murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a different after one use." —AJ
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).
www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com
Promising review: "These have become my FAVORITE lip product. They feel like silky jelly on your lips. They don’t dehydrate them or dry them out. They give a gorgeous plumping effect that makes them look bigger and fuller. The colors are nice. I have three different ones and use them all regularly mixing them with lip stains and lipsticks for fun. They combine nicely with other products but again, the fact that they don’t dry my lips out is great!" —Alyssa C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 21 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face.
Promising review: "From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" —Yuna Lee
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like mine." —LuckLocust
Get it from Amazon for $12.50.
Amazon
Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits!
Promising review: "The texture is smooth (not too greasy), which is a plus for me since I don't want to feel like I’m wearing heavy products. It has a light, clean scent (a plus for me as well). After using this product, I feel like my jawline seems a bit more defined, and the overall elasticity of my skin feels better. Would definitely recommend for everyone!" —Joel Jang
Get it from Amazon for $26.40.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30!
Promising review: "I have rosacea, and it’s often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I’m so happy I found this!" —S. K.
Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in two sizes).
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10–15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews: "I purchased the three-pack. I have only tried the zombie so far, but wow! First time, immediate results. My skin was brighter, the tone was more even, my pores looked smaller. There was no shine to my skin. I was amazed! I will say the zombie mask does get quite restricting as it dries. I would do it at a time when you're not trying to talk to anyone or do much of anything. The mask came off super easily. It took about five minutes to completely remove. I love it. I rinsed the brush that was included with hot water and it's good as new, ready for next time." —Andrea Russell
"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing; I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes, it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.25 (also available in larger packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The picture on the left (split image shown above) is of a reviewer with severe rosacea — the right pic shows their results after applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face four times.
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing pealing and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it’s more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don’t get much product, but you don’t need to use much either, and it’s not like it’s expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it’ll do!!! Buy it!" —Joseph S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in two other versions and as sets).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "When I tell you this revolutionized my skincare routine? I have not seen my skin so clear in a decade? This company’s glow serum was already working wonders (I have been using it for a couple of years now), but in conjunction with this toner??? Highly recommend." —Megan Schultz
"I don't know what kind of magical ingredients are in here, but I've only been using it for three days and my skin looks amazing. Specifically my chest, it looks like I have a beauty filter on, I swear! Affordable and luxurious-looking bottle. I can't wait to try more products from this brand." —Quentin
Get it from Amazon for $18.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I’m happy with this neck cream. The roller makes it super easy to apply, and it kind of feels like a mini massage while using it. It’s way more convenient than using my hands, and I’ve noticed my neck lines looking a bit lighter than before. I’m definitely going to keep using it and see how it goes." —Sandy
"Noticeable lift and smoothness after a few uses! The massage roller feels amazing and helps the cream absorb better. My neck feels firmer already." —Ethan Ahn
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (also available as a refill).
House of Balance
It's also free from aluminum, parabens, and phthalates!
House of Balanceis a small wellness brand that creates products made from natural ingredients like Korean seaweed and essential oils.
Promising review: "I'm absolutely loving this deodorant! It has completely transformed by daily routine when it comes to odor control, The best part is that it's not just for my underarms — I can apply it on my wrists and neck too, just like a perfume! I also appreciate how lightweight the formula feels — it's not sticky or heavy, which makes it a pleasure to apply." —Marina C.
Get it from House of Balance for $29.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
This set includes: 28 strips, one prep pad, one nail file, and one wooden stick. To apply the strips, just use your palm to warm them up. Once the strips are warmed, they can be easily pulled for the perfect fit on your nails.
Note: If you live somewhere that doesn't get sun often, you can still use a UV lamp. You only need to pop your nails in for about 5 seconds!
BTW, Heyhae is a small biz!
Promising review: "I’ve tried several brands and this is by far my favorite. I have short nail beds and brittle nails that break easily. Using these strips has allowed me to grow my nails and when cured with a UV light, they’re hard and strong!!! I can do dishes, shower, and bathe and they don’t budge. It took a second to figure out a good application that didn’t require replacing a nail or two here and there, but my latest set has been on for over a week and it’s still going strong!!
"UPDATE: My nails finally grew long enough to shape and I LOVE THEM! I’ve never been able to grow my nails this long. And they’re still healthy underneath the strip!" —Laura Hunter
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 styles).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "My holy grail SPF. The scent is mild, and the sunscreen goes on my skin like a dream. I’ve tried maybe 20 other sunscreens (American, Korean, and Japanese), and this one is my top pick for everyday wear." —Symphanie Park
"I LOVE this product, I swear by it and I’m pretty sure this is my 3rd or 4th time purchasing it! As a woman of color, I discovered that finding a sunscreen that didn’t give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I’ve come across this product ! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don’t leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" —Sierra Keyes
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
Amazon
Promising review: "This is the best eyebrow product I’ve ever used and so the price and ease of ordering makes me happy. I love that it has a brush wand on the other end so I can blend and refine my coloring with a quick flip and brush of the pencil/wand. The pencil itself has the perfect width and length and it’s in a beveled diagonal shape, which I’ve never had in a pencil before and I found it works the best for drawing more naturally. Plus, these pencils last me a long, long time! It’s the longest-lasting pencil I’ve ever used. I hope they never change these or take them away from me because I’d always been frustrated by eyebrow pencils before finding this one." —Lisa N. Hyman
Get it from Amazon for $6.94+ (available in seven shades).
Amazon
Promising review: "I have very dry, thin skin and have tried many lotions through the years…none have worked as well as this one. It not only softens my skin but smells great, too. It absorbs quickly and is not greasy at all." —Phyllis Baird
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in nine scents).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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