The best Korean skincare Black Friday deals are here early, and boy are they good. As a beauty writer, I test the latest launches across moisturisers, toners, serums, devices, and more – so trust me when I say, the K-beauty ones are worth it.
Best Korean skincare Black Friday deals, at a glance
If there’s anything (and we mean anything) we constantly stock up on in our skincare collections, it has to be Korean face masks. Why? They provide a ton of hydration, help minimise pores, and are often packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
The good news: we’re spotting some of our favourite products up to 30% off, including the COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Mask that’s packed with ingredients like ceramides, snail mucin and panthenol to give you a glassy, fresh complexion. The brightening Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask is another favourite currently on Black Friday sale for 20% off, and contains the viral salmon sperm PDRN serum that evens out tone and texture.
One more honourable mention includes the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask which is marked down 30%, another pick that Glamour editors can’t live without.
Original video by Glamour tester Sarah Y. Wu
Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask x4
Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Mask With Soothing Allantoin
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
“I fell in love with this moisturiser the minute I tried it. It has a bouncy, gel-like consistency that glides right onto the skin and quickly sinks in, leaving you looking and feeling radiant but not overly shiny. I definitely think it made a huge difference in the fine lines on my forehead and around my nose after consistent use — both areas feel more firm and plump,” she says.
medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
Best Black Friday Korean toner deals
Korean toners do a great job at keeping skin clarified and pore-free, and can help immensely with acne. Some of our favourites as of late are currently on sale, including the Tiktok viral Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, which you can snag for 30% off at just £16.50.
“I’m a sucker for a formula that targets multiple concerns at once. Apart from its incredibly adorable packaging (signature to the Glow Recipe aesthetic), I was immediately drawn to its clever formulation that combines a trio of brightening and resurfacing ingredients. My skin felt instantly rejuvenated, and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t result in any inflammation or unwanted sensitivity whenever I was dealing with yet another PCOS-related breakout,” says Primbet.
6. Best for Dark Spots: Haruharu Wonder 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
haruharu wonder 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
Pros: Features centella asiatica, making it a great option for sensitive skin; a triple mix of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C delivers impressive results
Cons: Not fragrance-free
Korean skin care truly shines at being gentle yet effective, and this formula from Haruharu wonder is proof. Formulated with potent 4% tranexamic acid, this antioxidant-rich serum is a great option for most skin types, particularly acne-prone skin. This hardworking brightening hero helps fade away post-acne marks and prevents any further inflammation. Apart from tranexamic acid, this formula is also infused with vitamin C and niacinamide to help maximise the brightening benefits and promote a more even-looking skin tone. Complete with centella asiatica (also known as “cica”), this innovative face serum will also soothe the skin and help repair your damaged skin barrier, making it a natural fit for those of us with sensitive skin.
7. Best Potent Formula: COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum with Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid
COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum
Pros: Features a potent 29% concentration of pure vitamin C; feels nourishing on the skin; reveals dewy glass-like skin
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin types. The brand specifies that you will need a patch test prior to committing to using it regularly
If you’re someone who’s looking for a stronger, more potent vitamin C serum, look no further than this formulation from Cosrx, a coveted Korean skin care brand that’s widely recognized for its simple yet effective ingredients. Offering a 23% concentration of pure vitamin C, this formula delivers some serious brightening benefits, resulting in a more even-looking complexion and faded hyperpigmentation. Plus, it’s also infused with vitamin E to slow down long-term skin damage as well as hyaluronic acid to ensure lasting hydration and an improvement to fine lines and wrinkles. That said, since it’s a strong formula, the brand does recommend performing a patch test prior to using it regularly as it could also result in irritation or sensitized skin. Use it as part of your morning routine alongside your trusty SPF and a moisturizer.
8. Best for Mature Skin: TIRTIR Pure Vitamin C 24% Face Serum
TIRTIR Pure Vitamin C 24% Face Serum
Pros: Powerful concentration of vitamin C; has a lightweight, nongreasy feel; packs impressive brightening properties
Cons: The higher concentration may not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin
Having gone viral all over social media, Tirtir turned into one of the most sought-after K-beauty brands, and deservedly so. Out of its extensive skin care lineup, the Pure Vitamin C serum is a solid choice for those with mature skin, thanks to a whole bunch of tightening and rejuvenating components such as alpha bisabolol and triple collagen. Featuring a 24% concentration of vitamin C, this quality vitamin C serum has been proven to deliver a firmer and brighter-looking complexion in just a few weeks. Not only does it aid in fading away pigmentation and dark spots, but it also helps plump up your complexion, enhance its natural elasticity, and give your skin that much-needed boost of hydration.
“Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that is proven to not only protect against skin damage but also reverse some of the existing damage that has already been caused by oxidative stress—the process that damages cells, proteins, and DNA, resulting in premature skin aging, loss of collagen, pigmentation, and the formation of lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Hall.
Some of its many benefits also include “its ability to brighten skin, even out hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production,” says Cho.
According to Cho, “Vitamin C has been growing in popularity in Korean skin care, but the approach is different from Western formulation. K-beauty has introduced many L-ascorbic (pure vitamin C) acid formulations that are more potent and effective but difficult to stabilise with exposure to light and oxygen. That said, they have made progress on making L-asborbic vitamin C formulations to be more shelf stable in recent years.”
“In terms of formulation, Korean vitamin C serums will be lighter and more hydrating. K-beauty places its biggest focus on the skin barrier—restoring, maintaining, and repairing it—so formulations tend to be gentler. This is achieved through the use of milder, more stable forms of vitamin C,” says Dr. Hall.
How should I use a Korean vitamin C serum?
“Vitamin C is best used in the morning because of its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution,” says Cho.
As far as application goes, Dr. Hall recommends using it on freshly cleansed skin or after applying toner (or Korean toner): “Allow a few minutes for it to soak in before applying your other skin care ingredients. Once soaked, vitamin C has been shown to remain active in the skin for between 8 and 24 hours post-application.”
Is there a difference between ampoules and serums in Korean skin care?
“Ampoules are known as boosters and are more concentrated versions of serums: i.e. the amount of active ingredient in the product will be higher. While most serums are designed to be used once (if not twice) a day, ampoule-style products are designed for using once or twice a week, which is why the packaging size will be smaller,” says Dr. Hall.
Cho also points out that “some Korean brands blur the lines between the two,” so it’s important to pay attention to how the product is labeled and take note of the recommended directions in order to avoid overwhelming your skin.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
K-beauty formulas are some of the best skincare products money can buy. These elixirs are praised by dermatologists and influencers alike for how they address skin health and help you achieve a glowy complexion that isn’t surface-level, all while establishing skincare as self-care in a way that has completely changed how we look at our routines. This mindset spans generations, which Skintok’s favorite mother-daughter duo, Aylen and Sonia Park, highlighted on a recent live stream with TalkShopLive.
In the live stream, the mother and daughter share viral K-beauty products, including Aylen’s trendy Gen Z and Millennial favorites and Sonia’s go-to restorative and age-defying formulas. All of these products (and more) are available in the Walmart K-beauty shop—a highly curated selection of the best K-beauty products. The lineup includes beloved formulas from brands like MIXSOON, COSRX, Peach Slices, and SKIN1004, making it the best place to buy K-beauty gifts this holiday season.
From sheet masks and pore patches to glow serums and multi-use balms, Aylen and Sonia’s gift ideas make holiday shopping so much easier, whether you’re looking for statement gifts or stocking stuffers. And because it’s Walmart, stellar prices are, of course, standard.
Here are Aylen and Sonia’s top picks for the best K-beauty products to give (or keep for yourself!) this holiday season.
Our mission at StyleCaster is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. This article was sponsored by TalkShopLive, however, all products were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
The Best K-Beauty Products to Buy at Walmart
The MIXSOON Bean Cream is a K-beauty favorite for its minimalistic yet highly effective approach to skincare. This cream is enriched with lactobacillus and soybean ferment extract, along with fermented pomegranate, barley, and pear, to provide deep nourishment to the complexion while also smoothing out the skin’s texture.
Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches
There’s something so satisfying about a nose pore patch—especially when they work as well as the Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches. This viral K-beauty product comes with 7 hydrocolloid nose strips that absorb excess oil and blackhead-causing gunk from your pores while you sleep.
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
COSRX is another Skintok superstar that is known for its viral skincare formulas like The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum. This formula is safe for all skin types and features six peptides to boost skin health while addressing pesky concerns like excess sebum, clogged pores, fine lines, texture, and tone.
Toner is an important step in any K-beauty routine, and the I’m From Rice Toner is a favorite for its ability to balance the skin’s oil production and form a protective moisture layer on the complexion. This toner also features sirtuin from rice, which can help shield the skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is a K-beauty serum known for its ability to hydrate the skin, strengthen its barrier, and reduce inflammation. It also boasts soothing and antioxidant properties that are fantastic for calming ultra-sensitive skin.
The Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Facial Toner with Snail Mucin is another favorite K-beauty toner. This elixir features snail mucin, which receives a ton of praise in the Skintok community for its highly moisturizing benefits. The toner is designed for dry, oily, and combination skin types. And it works particularly well at hydrating without messing with the skin’s oil production, while also clearing pores and reducing blemishes.
Pimple patches have completely transformed the way we address our breakouts, and products such as the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original work wonders to vanish blemishes. These pimple patches are highly effective at shrinking pimple size (and can do so in just a single use) while also helping you fight the urge to pick and pop.
Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil
Cleaning is an important step in K-beauty, so much so that many choose to double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based formula. If you’re looking for the best cleansing oil, look no further than the Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil. This cleanser features fermented soybean extract and barely seed ferment filtrate to deeply cleanse the skin without stripping away natural oils.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
The COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream is another viral K-beauty product for its highly effective multitasking formula. The cream is called all-in-one because it’s quite literally all-in-one. It repairs, promotes lasting hydration, reduces redness and irritation, targets dull skin, smooths rough texture, and can even fade dark spots and scars.
Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
If your skin gets super hot or is easily irritated, add the Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream to your Walmart cart ASAP. This cream is designed to cool skin temperature by 5.9% as soon as it’s applied and is a great choice for soothing irritated skin or after-sun care.
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms are another K-beauty favorite, and the BANILA CO Clean it Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm is a go-to for oily and breakout-prone complexions. This cleansing balm is formulated with a blend of tea tree oil and tea tree extract to address and treat concerns such as clogged pores and excess oil. It’s also highly effective at removing waterproof makeup.
MEDIHEAL Teatree Trouble Pads for Skin Soothing for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin that is prone to redness, the MEDIHEAL Teatree Trouble Pads can help you address your concerns. Swiping your skin with one of these individual pads can help reduce redness while also providing much-needed hydration.
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Beauty Mask
This wouldn’t be a roundup of the best K-beauty products without a sheet mask. Sheet masks are quick and easy to use, making targeted skincare treatments much more convenient. The MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Beauty Mask is a favorite pick for its active collagen and its ability to tighten, hydrate, and smooth the complexion.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The holiday season is around the corner, and that means a lot of pictures will be taken. But no one wants to be that friend—the one who makes everyone retake the group shot 10 times. You can avoid that by prepping your skin now, because your dermis deserves extra attention as the dry, cold winter air can oftentimes wreak havoc on your complexion.
As a beauty editor, I’m big on skincare (obviously)—especially when it comes to hydration. Keeping your skin moisturized and supple is crucial during wintertime, when dry, irritated skin becomes most common (and annoying). I personally combat this with face masks, and I found one that shoppers are obsessed with.
Enter the Baebody Snail Mucin Face Sheet Mask
. It comes in a pack of six and is currently on sale for $10 (AKA a jaw-dropping 60% off) during Prime Big Deal Days. That means each sheet mask comes out to just under $2 each, which is a definite steal considering its average price is $14, according to CamelCamelCamel.
Version 1.0.0
Baebody Snail Mucin Face Sheet Mask (6 Pack)
On Sale 60% off
One shopper said the mask keeps their skin “soft and moisturized all day.”
If you’re not familiar, this mask is packed with hydrating ingredients like snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. It’s designed to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. Snail mucin is known to reduce fine lines and improve your skin’s natural elasticity. Aloe vera calms irritation and redness. Hyaluronic acid delivers deep, long-lasting hydration. It’s like drenching your face in water—without the mess—and with serious benefits.
In addition to hydration and anti-aging perks, this mask is perfect if you want to smooth your skin’s texture or simply soothe your face after a long day. Application is easy: start with a freshly cleansed face, pat it dry, apply toner, and gently place the sheet mask on. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then massage the leftover essence into your skin.
And according to shoppers, it really delivers. “I was skeptical as always because every face cream says it does this or does that and then it doesn’t do anything,” one customer gushed. “This stuff works!!! You can almost feel it tighten just a little as it absorbs into your skin. My skin looks great and the lines across my forehead are barely visible now! I’m not just saying that! The lines REALLY have faded!” The customer added that they’ve only been using Baebody’s snail mucin sheet mask
for “two weeks” but had already seen a change. “I love it so much!”
I don’t know about you, but washing my face is the highlight of my day, and I’ve come to realise nothing beats the magic of the best Korean cleansers. They deliver a proper cleanse without compromising my skin barrier, unlike other formulas I’ve tested (and trust me, as a longtime beauty journalist, I’ve reviewed hundreds of skincare products in my lifetime).
Be it a nourishing cleansing balm, a gentle cleansing oil, or a purifying foaming cleanser, quality K-beauty formulas never miss the mark. They’re designed to be gentle yet effective, often focusing on skin-balancing while thoroughly cleansing without stripping the skin, says Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skincare brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer. Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho. Think: Centella asiatica, ginseng, rice extract, vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides – a.k.a. the ingredients that you’ll often find in other barrier-strengthening Korean skincare products.
To help you find your pick, I asked K-beauty experts and dermatologists to share their favourite products, and tested them firsthand on my dry and sensitive skin, as well as tapped fellow beauty editors with different skin concerns to share what they love. One product stood out above the rest: the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. This gentle option works well on all skin types, balancing oil while also leaving skin soft and prepped for the next steps in your routine. Looking for other options? Enter: your definitive guide to the most hype-worthy Korean cleansers.
Since becoming a beauty journalist half a decade ago, I always gravitated toward K-beauty products for their efficacy and innovation. And as far as Korean cleansers go, over the years, I’ve tested dozens of the most popular formulas, including everything from cleansing balms to gels, foams, and oils.
When reviewing each formula, I always aim to make note of its ingredient list to determine whether or not it will: (1) cause any irritation for sensitive-skin types; (2) disturb the skin barrier; or (3) strip the skin of its natural moisture. Alongside Glamour editors, I also point out any pros and cons objectively to help our readers make the most informed decision. Plus, I always aim to consult with industry professionals and dermatologists when curating each skin-care-related edit while also keeping in mind my own expertise.
1. Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Pros: Doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture; suitable for all skin types; refreshing feel; barrier-friendly formula
Cons: Nothing of note
Our best overall pick goes to this gentle daily cleanser, which we’d recommend for any skin type: dry, combination, oily, and sensitive. It features a slightly acidic formulation to avoid compromising your skin’s moisture barrier and stripping it of its natural oils while effectively removing dirt and impurities. It’s also infused with soothing, antioxidant-rich plant extracts including green plum, mung bean, and green tea.
“I have combination skin and it’s sensitive, so I usually swap out cleansers depending on what phase my skin is in,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “In the past, I’ve used more hydrating formulas when my face feels dry, sebum-targeting ones when it gets greasy, and extra-gentle ones when I’m having redness and irritation. This is one of the rare cleansers that can handle all three scenarios with ease. The clear gel feels so refreshing and turns into a mild lather that doesn’t strip my skin or cause irritation. It helps balance my sebum levels and thoroughly cleanse but still leaves my complexion feeling hydrated, soft, and prepped for my Korean toners and serums.”
2. Best Cleansing Balm: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Pros: Great for thorough makeup removal; feels nourishing on the skin; brightens the skin over prolonged use
Cons: May not be best for those with sensitive eyes as it has an apparent scent
Suitable for all skin types (including oily skin), this cleansing balm is full of antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients, including seaberry oil, vitamin E, and persimmon extract. Apart from its cleansing abilities, it also has a handful of long-term benefits. From brightening and evening out your skin tone to protecting your skin against free radicals and ensuring lasting hydration, it’s safe to say that your skin barrier will be well taken care of. It starts off as a rich balm, then transforms into a luxurious face oil with an uplifting citrusy scent. Did we mention that it’s also cruelty-free and doesn’t feature any parabens and sulfates?
“I’m a sucker for a quality cleansing balm for my double-cleanse routine, and this formula from Then I Met You is my ultimate go-to. In fact, I’ve already emptied at least six of these,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet. “I love how effortlessly it removes my makeup (even waterproof mascara and fake lash glue) without causing any flare-ups or irritation.”
3. Best Cleansing Oil: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
HARUHARU Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Original video from Denise Primbet testing HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Pros: Unscented; feels gentle on the skin; impressive when it comes to makeup and sunscreen removal
Cons: May not be the best fit for oily skin
Featuring a simple yet effective blend of naturally derived jojoba-seed, olive, and rice-bran oils, the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is an Amazon bestseller for a reason. It delivers thorough cleansing and lasting moisture without compromising your delicate skin barrier. Simply apply a few pumps onto dry skin and gently rub your face in circular motions for at least 30 seconds. Once done, make sure to emulsify it with water, massage it once more, and rinse away. You can also use a handy washcloth for an added exfoliating effect.
Attention skincare and makeup obsessives: the best K-Beauty Amazon Prime Day deals will expire tonight at 23:59, meaning you only have a matter of hours to spend in the Prime Big Deals Days event. If you’re after nourishing Korean skincare products – from brightening vitamin C serums, moisturisers with snail mucin to cleansers – you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve rounded up the best last-minute discounts for you to enjoy.
For the uninitiated, K-beauty products are known for their innovative, effective, and gentle formulas that any skincare routine is sure to benefit from, especially if you want to achieve plumped up and brightened complexion for that lit-from-within glow. Skincare aside, we’ve also included quite a few K-beauty makeup bits too, whether it’s a rosy eyeshadow palette or a hydrating lip tint.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
And although K-beauty products are known to be pretty affordable — COSRX, we’re looking at you — an extra discount will only sweeten the purchase, giving you one more excuse to finally act on your Amazon beauty wishlist.
That being said, make sure to keep in mind that the Amazon Prime Big Deals Days sales event is only going to be around until tomorrow 23:59 (October 11th), so don’t wait around until last minute to do your long-awaited K-beauty haul.
Korean skincare has always been that girl. Whether you now consider double-cleansing as a staple in your routine or swear by hydrating, cast-free Korean sunscreens for face, there’s so much to thank K-beauty for — and Amazon Prime Day presents us with a perfect opportunity to discover something new or restock our favs.
Not to mention, Saturday Skin’s Hydrating Foam Cleanser is another skincare buy worth considering, which will leave your skin feeling balanced and soft. And as far as SPF products go, Korean sunscreens are in a league of their own. The Melixir Airfit SPF50 Sunscreen, for one, features a weightless formula that protects the skin without leaving an inkling of greasy white cast.
Melixir Vegan Airfit Sunscreen SPF 50
Toner pads are another hot item in Korean skincare and Medicube offers an intensely hydrating formula that also gently sweeps away dead skin cells. It’s also spiked with willow bark extract (a.k.a. salicylic acid or BHA) and citric acid (AHA) to resurface your skin.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser
Korean skincare is also all about the naturally-derived ingredients that truly soothe and repair your skin’s moisture barrier, whether it’s licorice, heartleaf, ginseng, mugwort, rice bran, or green tea. These ingredients are spaced out throughout the entire routine — from toners to moisturisers and mask treatments, as evident by the following goodies:
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
EUNYUL Purity Sheet Mask 8-Pack
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Best Amazon Prime Day 2023 Korean Makeup Deals
Lip tints are basically the pinnacle of Korean makeup (hello, Peripera and Rom&nd) and affordable at that, so you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t drop one (or five) into your cart. Eye shadow palettes from Rom&nd are also up for grabs and look like they came straight from a K-pop idol’s playbook.
Rom&nd Better Than Palette Light & Glitter Garden
Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
AMTS Webtoon True Beauty Liquid Eyeshadow
Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm
Looking for more makeup and skincare Prime Day deals? We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the best Amazon Prime Day beauty deals, so keep this page bookmarked — and happy shopping.
For more makeup, skincare, hair care and wellness content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter@deniseprimbetand Instagram@deniseprimbet.
Gather around, K-beauty lovers, because we’ve just spotted some of the best K-Beauty Amazon Prime Day dealsever, courtesy of the anticipated Amazon Prime Big Deals Days event, which kicked off earlier today. This means you can stock up on nourishing Korean skincare products, including brightening Vitamin C serums, moisturisers with snail mucin and cleansers – all the while saving a good chunk of ££ in the process.
All of these innovative, effective, and gentle products will surely upgrade your skincare routine, as well as plump up and brighten your complexion for that lit-from-within glow. Apart from skincare, we’ve also spotted quite a few K-beauty makeup bits too, whether it’s a rosy eyeshadow palette or a hydrating lip tint.
And although K-beauty products are known to be pretty affordable — COSRX, we’re looking at you — an extra discount will only sweeten the purchase, giving you one more excuse to finally act on your Amazon beauty wishlist.
That being said, make sure to keep in mind that the Amazon Prime Big Deals Days sales event is only going to be around until tomorrow 23:59 (October 11th), so don’t wait around until last minute to do your long-awaited K-beauty haul.
Korean skincare has always been that girl. Whether you now consider double-cleansing as a staple in your routine or swear by hydrating, cast-free Korean sunscreens for face, there’s so much to thank K-beauty for — and Amazon Prime Day presents us with a perfect opportunity to discover something new or restock our favs.
Not to mention, Saturday Skin’s Hydrating Foam Cleanser is another skincare buy worth considering, which will leave your skin feeling balanced and soft. And as far as SPF products go, Korean sunscreens are in a league of their own. The Melixir Airfit SPF50 Sunscreen, for one, features a weightless formula that protects the skin without leaving an inkling of greasy white cast.
Melixir Vegan Airfit Sunscreen SPF 50
Toner pads are another hot item in Korean skincare and Medicube offers an intensely hydrating formula that also gently sweeps away dead skin cells. It’s also spiked with willow bark extract (a.k.a. salicylic acid or BHA) and citric acid (AHA) to resurface your skin.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser
Korean skincare is also all about the naturally-derived ingredients that truly soothe and repair your skin’s moisture barrier, whether it’s licorice, heartleaf, ginseng, mugwort, rice bran, or green tea. These ingredients are spaced out throughout the entire routine — from toners to moisturisers and mask treatments, as evident by the following goodies:
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
EUNYUL Purity Sheet Mask 8-Pack
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Best Amazon Prime Day 2023 Korean Makeup Deals
Lip tints are basically the pinnacle of Korean makeup (hello, Peripera and Rom&nd) and affordable at that, so you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t drop one (or five) into your cart. Eye shadow palettes from Rom&nd are also up for grabs and look like they came straight from a K-pop idol’s playbook.
Rom&nd Better Than Palette Light & Glitter Garden
Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm
Looking for more makeup and skincare Prime Day deals? We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the best Amazon Prime Day beauty deals, so keep this page bookmarked — and happy shopping.
For more makeup, skincare, hair care and wellness content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter@deniseprimbetand Instagram@deniseprimbet.
When it comes to innovation and trends, K-beauty—that enduring nickname for skincare products with South Korean roots—is always ahead of the curve. By focusing on healthy, hydrated, and luminous skin, Korean beauty formulations tend to combine ancient and cutting-edge ingredients within a realm of gentle yet effective masks, moisturizers, serums, and more. Searching for the complexion of your dreams? K-beauty is a good place to start.
For a long time it took a bit of legwork to get your hands on a lot of these mythical finds, but Amazon’s made it easier with the launch of its dedicated K-Beauty store. Stocked with all sorts of products promising bright, dewy, flawless-looking skin, it’s a playground for both in-the-know beauty lovers and those just starting to experiment with constructing a personal regimen.
Below, eight of our current favorites.
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1
CNP Laboratory
Invisible Peeling Booster
2
DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB
Real Ferment Micro Collection
3
AMOREPACIFIC
Treatment Enzyme Cleansing Foam
4
TONYMOLY
Plump-kin Retinol Eye Cream
5
Too Cool For School
Rules Of Mastic IX Enhancer Recovery Balm
6
belif
Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm
7
THEFACESHOP
Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
8
THEFACESHOP
Real Nature Face Mask, 10 Pieces
Laura Lajiness Kaupke Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel.
In the past decade, Korea witnessed a boom, both economically and culturally, thanks to the “Hallyu wave,” which consists of everything from the estimated $13 billion K-beauty market, the appeal of K-pop idols and global attention to the nation’s film industry. Fashion’s role in this, though, has been a slower burn.
While you’ll most likely recognize a few brands from popular dramas, your favorite Korean celebrities or Seoul Fashion Week street style, many of Korea’s top designers are looking to cement themselves in the global market. On the cusp of international recognition, they’re pushing to advance K-fashion beyond the guise of the pop-culture craze.
According to Kaimin — the designer behind the brand of the same name, which has been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Björk — the growing popularity of the Korean music industry has been integral not just to bringing attention to the country’s fashion scene, but also to inspiring creatives on the ground.
“Musicians and other trendsetters have been dictating what’s fashionable and driving change from the top down and, while that may seem like a recipe for convergence, I think it has actually spread self-confidence and this broad expression of individuality that you see among the younger generation today, which is fabulous,” says Kaimin.
But other designers are looking to go beyond that pop-culture mold. “Until now, Korea has been sticking to the ‘existing fashion powerhouse,’ but I think it would be better to approach it in the way that Korean designers exceed even more,” The Studio K’s Hye-Jin Hong tells Fashionista. “Looking at successful cases such as ‘Squid Games’ and BTS, I think brands should strive to [overcome this method] and cement our identities into the world.”
Ahead, meet seven rising brands that are doing just that.
Blossom
Hea-Won Park had an affinity for clothes from a young age, which grew into an admiration for design, colors and textures that eventually lead her to found Blossom in 2016.
“I made [Blossom] for myself, but I also wanted to show it to others,” she says. “There are real main characters who sharpen and polish their own weapons — I wanted to be their supporter.”
The Seoul-based womenswear label makes ready-to-wear staples that are irresistible, sleek and even daring: oversized blazers and matching voluminous trousers, smart knitwear, boxy T-shirts, and flow-y silk blouses.
“I tend to pay a lot of attention to the quality [of our clothes] so that people can wear them for a long time,” Park says. “The fabric and color are carefully determined, and the quality is always discussed with the companies we work with, that have been in the industry for a long time. The design also is prioritized to be timeless rather than following a certain trend.”
Blossom’s been touched by the Hallyu Wave: It’s been featured on popular Korean shows like “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and worn by celebs like singer Krystal Jung. Park argues that a healthy consumption of Korean culture — one filled with positive energy — will be vital to the industry’s success.
“Blossom gets a lot of compliments from those markets, and sometimes those shops buy our products,” she says. “The number of orders from individual customers has also increased a lot, too. I’m always thankful for that love.”
Through its pieces that can be worn by anyone at any time, Park ultimately wants to bond with the customer through Blossom.
“In a way, my clothes are my alter ego, and the people who wear them become friends with me,” she says.
Clove
Before becoming the CEO and director of Clove, Ju-Hyun Juen worked on the promotional team of a fashion brand for eight years. She’d think about changing jobs, but it wasn’t until she started learning how to play golf and tennis that the idea for her clothing brand came to be.
While searching for the right uniform — before people even coined the words golfcore and tenniscore — Juen had a difficult time finding pieces that fit her needs, budget and style.
“There were only expensive and ultra-fancy brands at the time,” she says. “The collections often had colorful details that I personally believed weren’t as versatile to wear in my daily life… I started with some core items according to my needs.”
That exercise birthed the recipe for what became Clove’s signature sporty look: chunky cable knits, cozy fleece pullovers, loose-fitted bottoms, embroidered fitted caps. It’s meant to fit into your wardrobe, whether you’re athletic or not.
“The reason why I chose our Instagram name as a ‘Clove Club’ and not just the brand name is that I wanted to create an online space where people can just enjoy this sort of lifestyle through our clothes,” she says.
Juen is confident that Korean fashion brands will continue to become more recognized in the future. But for now, she’s happy where things are headed.
“[The industry] is changing a lot to the point that when I meet people on work trips abroad, they know how to say ‘hello’ in Korean because they like K-Pop singers,” she syas. “I think [the Hallyu wave] helps to promote Korean brands in other countries, and I’m proud to see many of them doing well overseas. It makes me want to keep up with them.”
Eenk
Photo: Imaxtree
Hye-Mee Lee loves word play: Eenk, the name of her brand, plays on the word “ink” in English, and was inspired by watching her father work in the printing press.
In the age of fast fashion and endless trend cycles, Eenk aims to bring refreshing pieces that customers can always have in their personal archives — anything from fuzzy colorful knits to vintage-inspired phone accessories. Lee’s love of language trickles into her designs, too: Eenk recently launched “The Letter Project,” which is series of styles around keywords designated for each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. The brand has unveiled pieces for letters like B (for Beanie), C (for Clutch/Cap) and D (for Darling) – and so on. Once it hits Z, it’ll circle back to the very start to present a total collection titled A for All, A for Archive.
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Like many during the pandemic, Lee was scared and at times felt that fashion was useless in the face of disaster. She wanted to create something hopeful through Eenk — and so, “S for Somewhere” was born.
“Since we couldn’t travel during that time, I remember I wanted to create looks that people would want to wear to go out or travel in,” Lee says. “We touched on the theme that satisfies that fantasy.” It was the brand’s best-selling collection yet.
Seoul’s fashion industry — and the Asian clothing market in general — is growing rapidly, and Lee’s not afraid of that expansion. If not anything, she wants more of it.
“I really hope that K-fashion brands will become more popular in the global market because I don’t see much of them right now in the ‘world stage,’” she says. “I’m looking forward to this growth and the time for it to happen is right now, in this moment.”
Expired Girl
Grounding its roots in Seoul, Expired Girl is a ready-to-wear brand inspired by memories from when designer Seohyun Lee was a teenager during the early 2000s.
“I wanted to mix the pop culture I’ve experienced during my school years and my interest in a variety of subcultures, and create a new mood,” Lee tells Fashionista. “The 2000s play a key role when planning for each season.”
Those nostalgic references translate to the silhouettes: Knit boleros, halter tops and pleated mini skirts are staples in the EP catalog. You’ll find a few punk-inspired tees in the mix, too. Its latest collection, “School Girl Goes Punk,” drew from the era’s rock culture, specifically, and utilized leftover fabric from the previous season to create pieces Lee thought a teenager obsessed with punk would wear.
Korea’s music landscape plays a huge role in the trend forecast, says Lee. “We wanted to give off a different mood from the existing K-fashion or the variety of styles of K-pop stars. Because Korean fashion trends are more conservative than in the west, some could think our clothes are more revealing than the existing trends,” she explains. “But with celebrities like Blackpink’s Jennie, Red Velvet’s Joy, and IU wearing our clothes, we were able to see the start of the Y2K fashion trends here in Korea.”
Kaimin
Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Warner Music
By Kaimin‘s own telling, the story of her namesake brand is a bit funny.
The Korean-Japanese designer created her very first capsule as an experiment, as part of a multi-sensory art project called Zero Zero Vol. 02, which she worked on alongside Nicola Formichetti, Miles Aldridge and Daniel Arsham’s Snarkitecture. Then, Beyoncé ended up wearing some of the pieces in her music video for “Grown Woman.” That gave her the confidence to create a full collection.
“Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work closely with many of my idols,” she says, listing off a few: Björk for her tour and an Art Basel Miami performance, Lady Gaga for various concerts and music videos, Nicki Minaj, Blackpink.
Kaimin’s design is rooted in a few core principles: innovation and technology; diversity and inclusivity; unrestricted creative community and cross-functional collaborations that reach far beyond fashion. Currently, she’s interested in the intersection of reality, VR/AR, digital art, 3-D printing and more.
“Fashion is directly influenced by the culture it originates in, and I love that every place on our planet has its own unique style,” she says. “I don’t really think about changing the Korean or any other fashion landscape.” What’s more important, she argues, is to simply share her creations with the world: “There’s plenty of room for all of us, and I love joining forces with local trendsetters to create something new and fun together!”
Kimhekim
Photo: Imaxtree
After working at Paris’ Studio Berçot and honing his skills at Balenciaga, Kim In-Te Kimhekim birthed his namesake brand, which is based in Seoul, in 2014.
Kimhekim draws inspiration from traditional Korean costumes (think Hanbok-style shapes), as well as Renaissance art motifs. While you can find wardrobe staples like turtlenecks, dress-shirts and trench coats, the brand is also rooted in sculpture and volume: oversized collars, larger-than-life ribbon bows, fluffy gowns — everyday items elevated through craftsmanship and surprising materials (like fake hair for Fall 2022 and upcycled denim for Spring 2023).
Over the years, Kim’s designs have been worn by the likes of Blackpink’s Rosé, Ho-Yeon Jung, Gigi Hadid and other renowned celebs. More recently, it’s landed on the new class of rising starlets — specifically NewJeans.
“I love their energy and their potential,” he says, noting that after the girl group wore Kimhekim pieces in a photo shoot, “we got a lot of attention from their fans. I’m looking forward to seeing how K-Pop continues to affect the fashion industry.”
The Studio K
Photo: Imaxtree
Hye-Jin Hong didn’t always plan on starting a fashion brand. In fact, when she was young, her dream was to be a scientist.
“Even while attending art school, I always thought that science and design are basically similar,” the RISD alum says. “It’s all about making concrete ideas — verifying, modifying, learning, feeling and producing results in the process. I wanted to create a fashion brand that also thinks like a scientist.”
Ever since her first collection for The Studio K in 2009, she’s worked towards achieving a modern sensibility that marries design and technology by always looking towards the future (AR try-ons, holographic catwalks, parametric fabrication) and while remaining rooted in classic silhouettes, like sleek blazers, puffers and knits.
“From the beginning of the brand, various K-Pop stars like Girls’ Generation, CNBLUE, AOA and others have worn our designs for stage costumes and in music videos,” she says. “It would be good to think about ways to create synergy between Korean designers and K-pop stars.”
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