Expand your K-beauty repertoire by adding these brands to your beauty regimen.
Whether you’re a K-beauty aficionado or not, you’ll know of big brands such as Laneige, Sulwhasoo, The Face Shop and Innisfree. After all, many of them are permanent fixtures in our shopping malls. You’ll also have heard of skincare trends such as “glass skin” and makeup looks such as “gradient lips” which are synonymous with the K-beauty wave, since they have become mainstay terms in beauty speak.
And we think you’ll agree when we say all the credit’s due to the South Koreans for inventing sleeping masks (one of the best skincare products ever invented, if we may say so), which help us wake up to soft and smooth skin. So to celebrate all things South Korean on the National Liberation Day of Korea, which falls on August 15, we’re compiling a select list of under-the-radar, must-know K-beauty brands you should add to your skincare shelves here.
(Also read: 18 Best Korean Face Masks to Get Clear and Dewy Complexion)
Huxley
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A post shared by íì¬ë¦¬ ê³µì ì¸ì¤íê·¸ë¨ (@huxley_korea) on Jun 11, 2019 at 10:39pm PDT</blockquote
Fast gaining popularity, but still considered under the radar, Huxley is the go-to K-beauty brand for Korean aircrew because the products really help skin retain moisture in the dry cabin air. It made its entry into the Singapore market a year ago, and has expanded from its showroom at 42A Club Street and beauty counter at Metro Centrepoint to Jewel Changi’s Naiise Iconic store recently. The brand’s key ingredient is the prickly pear cactus extract, that is known for its ability to hold water without leaving a sticky after-feel. While skincare occupies a bulk of its menu, Huxley has cushion foundations and body products too.
Available at Huxley
Jayjuncosmetic
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A post shared by ì ì´ì¤ì½ì¤ë©í± (@jayjuncos) on May 17, 2018 at 2:15am PDT</blockquote
Founded by a group of plastic surgeons, dermatologists and cosmetics researchers, Jayjuncosmetics (better known as Jayjun, as reflected by its double J logo) is an anti-ageing skincare line that aims to help tighten and firm up skin. Its multi-step sheet masks – which comprise a mix of cleansers, essences, eye cream, and of course, the sheet masks themselves, in various sealed pockets – are raved about on the Internet. Even though it is considered under-the-radar in Singapore, the brand has collaborated with Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore on a set of face masks, and engaged Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing (who’s known for her love of face sheet masks) to be its ambassador in 2018.
Available at Don Don Donki and Watsons. The official website ships internationally.
(Also read: Are Dermatologist-Founded Skincare Brands Worth Splurging On?)
Banobagi
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A post shared by ë°ë ¸ë°ê¸° ì½ì¤ë©í± ë°ë ¸ë°ê¸° ê³µì ê³ì (@banobagi.official) on Jun 25, 2018 at 2:39am PDT</blockquote
Developed by medical group Banobagi (which does plastic surgery, dermatology and dentistry), this brand is a cosmeceutical beauty brand that carries a wide range of skincare products, from face masks to sunscreens. The products are formulated to specifically target skin concerns that the doctors from the medical group have identified (dehydrated skin, skin inflammation, saggy skin and more) â rather than reflect the skincare trends â to ensure their relevance and efficacy. While you may not have heard of the brand unless you’re a huge K-beauty fan, the medical group Banobagi has been featured in reality show Let Me In (where contestants compete to get plastic surgery) which is broadcast in both Thailand and South Korea – making the name a well-known one in the beauty circles in these two regions.
Sheet masks available at Guardian.
Medius
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A post shared by ë©ëì´ì¤ ë§ì¤í¬ (@medius_official) on Jan 8, 2019 at 10:11pm PST</blockquote
Medius focuses on only face masks for different needs – hydrating, brightening, oil-controlling and saggy skin, among others. The material used for the masks is made of soft, natural fibres that promise to adhere closely to skin to deliver the nutrients from the active ingredients to skin. While it has flown under the radar in Singapore, the brand’s masks are carried by prominent retailers such as UK drugstore Boots and department store Selfridges.
Sheet masks available at Guardian
AHC
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Exclusive skincare science you won’t find anywhere else ð Our #Aqualuronic formulas work to give you intense hydration and firming. Our Aqua ceramide complex with triple hyaluronic acid and ceramides will penetrate deep into skin, fortifying the moisture barrier and giving you maximum hydration. . . Selected formulas available at: ðºð¸ @target @cvs_beauty ð·ðº @letoile_official ð¹ð @watsonsth ð»ð³ @lazada_vn @the_beauty_box_vn ð¸ð¬ @lazada_sg @watsonssg . . #AHCBeauty #HydratedSkin #SkincareScience #ExclusiveFormula #AestheticClinic
A post shared by AHC (@ahc.global) on Jun 26, 2019 at 8:18am PDT</blockquote
AHC started as a skincare line sold at private aesthetic spas and dermatological clinics, and is known for using premium ingredients and advanced technologies to formulate its products. The brand stands at the periphery of the spotlight of K-beauty brands that are popular in Singapore, but is considered pretty well known globally (Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway reportedly swears by its best-selling eye cream, the Perfecting Eye Cream for Face). The range is quite wide, with a hydrating line, a preventive anti-ageing line, a line suitable for the most sensitive skin, and a collection of face masks.
At Watsons, Lazada, and Shopee.
(Also read: Best French Skincare Brands You Need to Try)
Jung Saem Mool
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A post shared by JUNGSAEMMOOL Beauty (@jsmbeauty_) on Apr 17, 2019 at 3:00am PDT</blockquote
While the rest of the brands on this list are skincare-focused, Jung Saem Mool is a makeup-centric brand. This is another brand that has a cult following in Korea, but has yet to gain overwhelming popularity in Singapore. Its founder is celebrity makeup artist Jung Saem Mool, who has her own beauty academy and luxury hair and beauty salon chain, and the brand is known for its hybrid concealer-foundation palettes.
Available at Escentials.
Klavuu
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A post shared by í´ë¼ë·° KLAVUU (@klavuu_official) on Oct 4, 2018 at 9:26pm PDT</blockquote
This beauty brand uses marine plant extracts, natural pearl and essential oils in its products, which are said to help enrich, hydrate and firm up skin. The buzz on the Internet (according to reviews from beauty bloggers) is that the brand’s brightening skincare is really effective. On New York-based website Soko Glam, Klavuu’s products are consistently rated four stars (and more) out of five. It carries a wide range of skincare products – from cleansers to masks – and makeup too. Klavuu doesn’t ship internationally, so you’d have to engage a concierge service if you want to get your hands on its products.
Available at Althea
Pyunkang Yul
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A post shared by í¸ê° ì¨ Pyunkang Yul official (@pyunkangyul) on Feb 10, 2019 at 10:42pm PST</blockquote
Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic created this brand with products that contain minimal ingredients. Using plant extracts as the main actives, the products enhance skin and repair the skin barrier. Their popular Moisture Cream has just 14 ingredients that you can read and understand, all with a low-risk Environmental Working Group (EWG) rating. The brand carries a small but substantial line with just the necessities – cleanser, toner, and moisturiser.
Available at Lazada and Althea
(Also read: 15 Best Korean Moisturisers to Give You Beautiful, Glowing Skin)
Cosrx
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A post shared by COSRX Official (@cosrx) on Mar 5, 2018 at 10:21pm PST</blockquote
For those prone to acne, Cosrx is a must-try. Their pimple patches (and a host of other blemish-targeting products) have gained a cult following over the years all over the world. Fans like the brand for the simple formulations and most importantly, affordable pricing. Most items are below the $20 mark. Other best-selling products include the low pH morning cleanser and snail cream.
Available at Lazada and Watsons.
(Also read: 5 Korean Skincare Products to Fight Pigmentation and Get Flawless Skin)
Troiareuke
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A post shared by ìì¤í í±ì ìë¡ì´ 기ì¤, í¸ë¡ì´ì르ì¼ðð»ââï¸ (@troiareuke) on Jun 7, 2018 at 12:14am PDT</blockquote
Troiareuke is pricier than the other brands here but people still love it for good reason. Their makeup is touted as 99 per cent skincare, so you’re getting extra bang for your buck. Even while wearing their BB cream or cushion foundation, your skin will be treated on the inside with ingredients like centella asiatica, tea tree, and calendula extracts. They also have a wide variety of skincare, including a hydrating clay mask that is suitable for sensitive skin, and the Acsen (acne-sensitive) UV protector essence that can be used on all skin types.
Available at Troichoi and The Cult Culture.
(Also read: 8 Korean Skincare Products That Will Brighten Dull Skin Instantly)
Klairs
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A post shared by Klairs | Simple, but enough (@klairs.global) on Jul 31, 2018 at 2:12am PDT</blockquote
Klairs made its name as a gentle, cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly K-beauty brand as products do not contain colourants, alcohol, parabens or fragrance. Each range serves a purpose – from calming redness to anti-ageing, hydrating, brightening and more – and contains just a small, curated stack of products so you won’t need 10 different steps in your routine. Popular products include the Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum for hyperpigmentation and Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask to cool irritated skin.
Available at My Beauty Moments and Althea.
(Also read: Best Korean Beauty Products You Need to Try)
Unpa Cosmetics
Unpa Cosmetics cuts to the chase when it comes to developing products. Their philosophy: why make products that people simply don’t need? Instead, they analysed keyword searches and concerns (such as dry lips, stained teeth and dull skin) from over one million community users to create formulations that cater to what buyers are really looking for. They pride themselves on using all-organic and natural ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, making it suitable for just about every skin type!
The best selling Bubi Bubi Lip ($19.90) is a gentle bubbling lip scrub that works as a chemical peel to slough off dead skin cells, leaving you with soft, kissable lips. But before that, try the naturally activated coconut carbon toothpaste, the Cha Cha Toothpaste ($19.90), to brighten teeth and prevent cavities.
Available at selected Watsons stores.
(Also read: 6 Liquid Foundations for Every Skin Type and Concern)
Nakeup Face
Nakeup Face is a makeup label that espouses the ‘no makeup’ look. Their formulations are made to improve skin health so you need only minimal cover-up.
The popular One Night Cushion ($46.90) is a foundation cushion compact contains 24 calming skin-friendly ingredients that are suitable for use even after dermatological treatments and for pregnant women. It doesn’t contain common skin aggravators such as talc, parabens, artificial fragrances and ammonia. Formulated with deep sea water which contains 10 times more minerals compared to regular mineral water, this will enhance the skin’s moisture retention.
Available at selected Watsons stores.
(Also read: You Only Need These 4 Products to Nail The Natural, No-Makeup Look)
9cc
Dedicated to finding marine skincare ingredients from unpolluted sources, 9cc products are as reassuring to use as they are friendly on your wallet.
One of their best-sellers is the Collagen Ball ($5.90) that contains key ingredients extracted from the Tongyeong Sea in South Korea. The ball has a blend of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sweet potato oligosaccharide to improve the skin’s suppleness, elasticity, and hydration levels.
Available at selected Watsons stores.
(Also read: 5 Antioxidant-Rich Products For Soft, Supple Skin And What You Need To Know About Them)