K-Beauty Unveiled: 10 Must-Try Cult Products for Radiant Skin
In the ever-evolving landscape of skincare and beauty, Korea has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating beauty enthusiasts around the world with its innovative products and transformative rituals.
A cultural phenomenon it may be but for K-beauty fans across Europe, getting hold of the latest in Korean beauty was often easier said than done. And then, PURESEOUL opened their doors.
The UK’s number one destination for Korean Beauty, with a flagship store nestled in the heart of London, PURESEOUL is the ultimate treasure trove for those seeking the coveted secrets of K-beauty.
Keen to find just how they achieve such flawless, radiant skin, we asked the team at PURESEOUL to unveil their list of 10 cult K-beauty products that have garnered a cult following for their efficacy and uniqueness. From skincare essentials that boast revolutionary ingredients to makeup innovations that redefine beauty standards, each product on this list promises a journey into the heart of Korean beauty rituals.
Whether you're a seasoned K-beauty enthusiast or a newcomer eager to embark on a skincare adventure, these 10 cult products are your passport to the radiant glow that has become synonymous with Korean beauty.
NEEDLY Toner Pads
Minimal and mild, the best-selling Daily Toner Pads from Needly are a collection of 60 dual-sided pads, pre-soaked in a moisture-rich essence. The multi-tasking formula mildly exfoliates and provides lightweight nourishment to leave skin smooth and balanced. Infused with a mild blend of BHA (Salicylic acid) and PHA (Gluconolactone), which removes dead skin cells, blackheads, and excess sebum for a soft and supple finish. The watery essence also contains a soothing synergy of Centella, Tea Tree, and Artemisia plant extracts to calm, nourish and balance the skin.
WHY WE RECOMEND: These pads are super viral with #Needly and #TonerPad having almost 200 million views on TikTok. The dual-sided pads are suitable for all skin types and can help to gently exfoliate and distribute moisture evenly. These are essential for re-creating the ‘toner mask pack’ trend that has been a staple for K-pop makeup artists.
GLOW Lip Balm
Aesthetically packaged, glow’s peach peptide repair lip balm delivers the perfect balance of moisture and gloss, minus the stickiness, for truly effective daily lip care.
Infused with premium plumping Peptides and the essence of Peach Tree flowers, this Korean lip balm softens flaky and dry lips by locking in moisture, sealing in the perfect nourished and glossy finish all without any sticky residue.
WHY WE RECOMMEND: A true rising indie brand, glow was founded by Korean influencer Kasper and is really gaining traction on TikTok. This glow lip balm is the perfect less expensive alternative to the Laneige lip mask, with a bouncy jelly texture for dreamy, idol-like lips. The stylish glass orb packaging and adorable spoon spatula add a touch of charm to every application.
THE LAB BY BLANC DOUX Oligo Hyaluronic Acid 5000 Toner
The Lab By Blanc Doux's Oligo Hyaluronic Acid 5000 Toner is a gentle, ultra-moisturising toner catered specifically for sensitive skin. This watery toner has a slightly acidic formula which effortlessly balances the skin's natural pH, while infusing deep and long-lasting hydration with what The Lab calls a 'moisture magnet' - 100% low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Green tea extract (from camellia petals) protects the skin against environmental aggressors such as pollution or sun damage, but simultaneously refreshes the skin with effective soothing care for a calm and revitalised feel post-cleansing.
WHY WE RECOMEND: A multiple award-winning toner, which was Olive Young Best Toner, has won multiple HwaHae Beauty and Glowpick Awards. The light, watery texture of this toner is perfect if you're dealing with sensitised skin.
MIXSOON Bean Stick Balm
Meet mixsoon's best-selling Bean Stick Balm - A dewy skincare balm infused with a signature botanical blend to provide hands-free moisture and an instant glow!
With a velvety roll-on formula that glides over the skin without tugging or stickiness, this balm is powered by star-ingredient fermented soybean oil - naturally rich in antioxidants to lock in moisture, leaving skin soft and plump. Probiotics and Vitamin E provide additional soothing benefits, helping to relieve irritation and stress.
WHY WE RECOMMEND: Following on from the brand’s viral Bean Essence (which was dubbed the new snail mucin over on beauty TikTok), this stick balm has the same award-winning bean extract and is a handbag must-have for anyone with sensitive skin.
HANSKIN Pore Cleansing Oil - PHA
The award-winning Pore Cleansing Oil from Hanskin is a balancing and mild cleanser formulated especially for sensitive skin with PHA and nourishing plant-based oils to wash away heavy makeup and dead skin cells.
The PHA in this cleanser is Gluconolactone - a next-generation exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and pore waste whilst protecting and moisturising your skin barrier.
WHY WE RECOMMEND: This cleansing oil is Hanskin’s best seller and a Glowpick Awards winner. Formulated with a super nourishing blend of plant oils to help provide moisture to keep skin soft and supple without greasiness.
Hanskin is a brand trusted by K-Beauty veterans, often regarded as the pioneer of BB cream in Korea.
Achieve plump and kissable lips with viral K-Beauty brand rom&nd's cult favourite Juicy Lasting Tint - A range of delicious fruit-themed Korean lip tints, famous for their lightweight formula, vivid pigment, and glossy long-lasting finish. Formulated with real fruit extracts like papaya and grapefruit to give this tint its signature natural fragrance and moisturising feel.
WHY WE RECOMEND: With over 1 billion views on TikTok, these iconic lip tints are incredibly popular and adored by many Korean celebrities, including Song Jia from Single's Inferno, and most recently Wonyoung from IVE.
Radiance is just a mist away with the luxury K-Beauty brand d'Alba. This luminous mist is infused with a nourishing dual-layer formula: The first layer is enriched with Niacinamide, Chia Seed, and d'Alba's signature White Truffles from the picturesque mountains of Piedmont - a delicacy famous for being rich in antioxidants. The second layer is a nourishing plant-based oil blend of Avocado and Sunflower seed, which locks in moisture for a youthful, plumped complexion.
WHY WE RECOMEND: The best-selling White Truffle First Spray Serum is the viral beauty secret of Korean air hostesses, ensuring an effortlessly glowy complexion. Ranked #1 Mist for Hwahae Beauty Awards and Glowpick Awards, this multi-functioning mist is a must-have for all skin types looking to give your skin an instant burst of radiance.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Modern sunscreen technology meets traditional Korean skincare ingredients with this moisture-rich SPF! Enriched with a blend of 30% brightening rice water and fermented probiotic complex, this sunscreen is famous for its buttery lotion texture which leaves skin feeling instantly nourished and help to promote a healthier moisture barrier. It is also a 100% chemical-UV filter-based sunscreen, which ensures this product is suitable for all skin types and tones without any white cast or streakiness.
WHY WE RECOMEND: You’ve definitely seen this sunscreen all over social media! With over 600 million views on TikTok, this beloved K-beauty gem it’s the perfect winter sunscreen for dry and dehydrated skin types looking for an extra boost of radiance.
DR. CEURACLE Vegan Kombucha Essence
A 100% Vegan treatment, infused with a gorgeous 78% Detox Tea Complex to provide intensive moisture and a burst of vitality for all skin types.
The secret ingredient in this dual toner/essence is 20% Kombucha Tea extract - a fermented black tea naturally rich in probiotics and nutrients to boost skin health and moisture. Alongside this, 58% Green Tea water promotes a soothed complexion, helping to target redness and irritation.
WHY WE RECCOMEND: This essence has been a staple on K-beauty TikTok this year, going viral for its ‘milk tea’ visual signature - a cream layer that, when shaken, infuses with toner to create a moisture-locking layer on the skin, ensuring an instantly plumped and glowy finish.
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream
This best-selling moisturiser from Round Lab includes their signature Birch Tree Sap - enriched with nourishing minerals, vitality-boosting vitamins, and 17 different types of amino acids to protect and fortify a healthy skin barrier. This nutritious medley is also supported by moisture-locking Jojoba Esters, Hyaluronic acid, and soothing Panthenol to deeply hydrate the skin from within while calming blemishes and irritation. This gel cream's unique fluffy texture provides the perfect balance of moisture and nourishment without feeling heavy on the skin.
WHY WE RECCOMEND: With #roundlab on almost 200 million views, this brand’s products have continued to take over beauty ranking charts in Korea and went viral for their matching sunscreen. This award-winning moisturiser is now on the come up, and is a must-have for sensitive skin, replenishing moisture for a long-lasting plump and glow.
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