The world marvels at how serious Koreans, male and female alike, take their skin care regimen seriously—a dozen steps a day kind of seriously. Beyond the cutesy and colorful packaging most K-beauty brands are known for, they offer a collection of products that really, truly work. What’s more, watching countless K-pop music videos or a few episodes of K-drama faves like “Descendants of the Sun” or “Goblin” would undoubtedly make you gawk at the Korean’s flawless, pore-less skin. And if Song Hye Kyo’s or Sandara Park’s perpetually young and radiant skin aren’t testament enough, we urge you to give these beauty items a try, and say “Annyeong!” to transformed, gorgeous skin.
1. INNISFREE SUPER VOLCANIC PORE CLAY MASK, P800
Made of volcanic clay straight from the Jeju Islands, this wonder mask controls sebum, shrinks pores, exfoliates, and deeply cleanses your face. After washing your face and applying toner, spread the mask on your entire face except for the lip and eye areas. Wait for ten minutes before rinsing it off – this will make your pores thank you later.
2. MISSHA TIME REVOLUTION NIGHT REPAIR SCIENCE ACTIVATOR AMPOULE, P1,300
Though a relatively new term in regions outside South Korea, ampoules are one of the Korean skin care superstar products. Think of it as a pumped-up serum with more potent doses of its ingredients. This particular ampoule from Missha is best for aging skin, and has a long list of too-many-to-mention ingredients that energizes skin and restores elasticity.
3. C20 ORIGINAL PURE VITAMIN C20 SERUM, P899
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in enhancing collagen production, leading to firmer skin. This serum from C20 is packed with 40x more Vitamin C than oranges, therefore guaranteed to deliver potent amounts of Vitamin C to your skin. A few drops of this serum day and night will have your face looking youthful and bright in no time.
4. IT’S SKIN POWER 10 FORMULA WH EFFECTOR, P599
One trademark of Korean beauty is skin fairness. This whitening serum from It’s Skin contains arbutin, which is known to prevent the formation of melanin, the pigment that causes skin darkening. Dab two pea-sized amounts of the product all over your face daily, and you will no doubt become the fairest of them all.
5. NEOGEN DERAMALOGY BIO-PEEL GAUZE PEELING – LEMON, P 1,195
Exfoliation is key to radiant skin, and Neogen’s exfoliating pads provide gentle exfoliation that rid your face of dead skin and impurities. Each pad also contains resveratrol, a star antioxidant derived from red wine which helps prevent free radicals from causing havoc on your skin (i.e. wrinkles). Slough the dead cells away for a brighter, cleaner complexion.
6. CHARMZONE NATURAL CHEF RED GINSENG MASK, P88
Ginseng is one of Korea’s best and hugely popular exports. It is known all over as a miracle herb that addresses everything from stress relief and cholesterol reduction to memory enhancement and erectile dysfunction. It is also widely used in beauty products as it is rich in antioxidants and stimulates the production of collagen. This mask from Charmzone is one of the best ways to ensure that every ounce of this fantastic herb is properly absorbed onto your skin, leaving it toned and glowing.
7. TONYMOLY SNAIL EYE MASK, P250
Koreans are known for utilizing some of the strangest (but definitely effective!) ingredients to enhance their skin care collection. One such unique substance is snail slime. Admittedly an icky concept to beauty newbies, but once you discover its moisturizing and skin regenerating qualities, you will totally reconsider and give it a shot. Leave this snail eye mask on your eye area for 15 minutes and let it work its magic. Your peepers will appear firmer, hydrated and refreshed.
Text by: Yasha Barretto
