When it comes to skincare and make-up, South Korea's a top player. Filipinos over the years have come to appreciate the gentle formulations, skin-protecting sunscreen, and barely-there enhancing shades it brings. We know you have your go-tos already, but there's always more to be discovered. Here are make-up and skincare brands making waves in Hallyu land that you need to add to your list ASAP.
SHOP: Under-the-Radar Korean Skincare and Make-Up Brands
1. JUNGSAEMMOOL
Known for their cushions that give off that natural glow from within, JUNGSAEMMOOL is the beauty brand of South Korean make-up artist Saem Mool Jung. Jung knows her stuff: She's been in the industry for over 30 years and pioneered "transparent beauty," a type of make-up application used to enhance the natural features with minimal amounts of product instead of covering it all up.
Essential Skin Nuder Cushion SPF50 PA+++, P1260, JUNGSAEMMOOL, Lazada
2. Dasique
Ask a gal on the go what her make-up bag has and you're likely to find a palette of sorts—it carries multiple shades that work with one another and saves space just like that. When it comes to compact palettes, Dasique is your best bet. They have palettes that have matte and shimmery shades for a little dazzle.
Eye Shadow Palette, P1830, DASIQUE, Lazada
3. eSpoir
Narrowing down Espoir's list of products into just one bestseller is pretty difficult. It has the Pro Tailor Foundation Be Glow Cushion for a dewy base, the Real Eye Palette which also has a bronzer and blush for maximum convenience, and the Lipstick No Wear Moist Hug, which K-Pop idol Joy from Red Velvet endorses, for naturally kissable lips. Regardless of what your make-up pouch needs, you're guaranteed to find it in eSpoir's catalog.
Real Eye Palette, P1748, ESPOIR, Lazada
4. MAN:YO
Make-up might be life, but wiping it all away after a solid day out is life-r. Cleansing is paramount to keeping skin healthy and MAN:YO's Pure Cleansing Oil is a holy grail product for many, finding itself at the top Olive Young's bestellers and awards lists. You take a few pumps, smear it over the make-up and it comes right off, leaving your skin smooth and supple, ready for water cleansers.
Pure Cleansing Oil, P1824, MAN:YO, Lazada
5. Gesgep
While it takes great skill and experimentation to apply make-up seamlessly, there's no denying a good canvas helps. It pays to nourish your skin no matter what and cult-favorite Gesgep Bare Cream might just be your new go-to. The intensive moisturizer primes your skin for make-up, creating that smooth base glow from within. It's great under make-up but it also stands on its own as a nourishing cream you can slather on at night.
Bare Cream, P1890 to P3100, GESGEP, Shopee
Gesgep is the lovechild of celebrity make-up artists Son Dae Sik and Park Tae Yun so you know this cream is legit. For best results, pair with the Gesgep One Drop Perfection, a lightweight foundation that provides coverage without the cakiness.
6. Round Lab
If you know, you know. Round Lab has been making rounds online, especially on TikTok, for its Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen. If you're a make-up enthusiast, the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick is on your wishlist for sure. Both products have a Sun Protection Factor or SPF 50 and PA++++, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, plus bluelight. Aside from its protection, it also has goodies like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, both power ingredients for your skin.
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, P1150, ROUND LAB, Shopee
7. Bring Green
Make way for another Olive Young pick. Bring Green was initially available just in South Korea, but has recently made moves to expand to the global market. Harnessing the natural healing and nourishing properties of ingredients like Tea Tree CICA, Carrot Vita, Bamboo, and Charcoal, Bring Green divides products by these lines to target specific skin needs and concerns. You'll be hard pressed to find the Tea Tree Cica Tone Up Sun Cushion and the Tea Tree Cica Soothing Cream as they're mostly sold out.
Tea Tree Cica Soothing Cream, P630, BRING GREEN, Lazada
For itchiness, inflammation, and exfoliation, check out their serums and toners.
8. Heart Percent
The Heart Percent Dot On Mood Lip Pencil comes in three shades that will add just a right tinge of life to your lips. It's so subtle and weightless that it's barely there, but everyone that passes you by can see there's a difference, they just don't know what. If you prefer the juicy look for your lips, their new Heart Percent Dot On Mood Pure Glow Tint is the way to go.
9. KLAVUU
Clear and clarify your skin with KLAVUU's pearl-infused products. Using natural materials from the sea like marine plant extracts into their signature formulas, KLAVUU promises skincare products that focus on nourishing your skin barrier as it cleans. Give their crowd-favorite Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam.
Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam, P1217, KLAVUU, Shopee
10. Aestura
Speaking of your skin barrier, strengthening it is just as important as protecting it. For a product that does both in one go, the Atobarrier 365 Cream is a Korean skincare staple you can't miss out on. You'll find Amore Pacific brand next to other "derma" brands on Olive Young shelves. It's fragrance- and alcohol-free, so it does wonders for nourishing sensitive skin.
Atobarrier 365 Cream, P1219, AESTURA, Lazada
Products recommended on our websites are independently selected by editors. If you buy something through our links, Summit may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
*This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors
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