Alright, it’s that time where we sum up our yearly beauty favourites and as you can see, I’m sticking to K-Beauty, mainly because I live in Korea but also because I speak about my other products too much. So let’s spare the long intro and get in to it because we could be here all day. Here are 10 K-Beauty products I’ve been loving this year!
Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Oil – I spoke about this cleanser in my most recent skincare post so I won’t babble on too long. This is perfect as a 1st cleanse because it removes make-up really well. It’s super easy to use, just add a few pumps to your dry skin and massage your face. The oil will break down your make-up and then you can rinse it off with lukewarm water. It’s great for all skin types because the oil, being quite nourishing, doesn’t leave any residue on the skin after you rinse it off, I think I purchased 3 bottles this year. It’s not the cheapest K-Beauty cleanser as it retails for about 15 000 won but it’s well worth it.
Neogeon Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads – They’ve been all the rage this year and for very good reason! These exfoliating pads are a life saver when it comes to troubled skin. They definitely help clear the skin faster and still moisturises it at the same time. It’s perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin. I use the green tea pads because I do suffer from dry skin so I need all the moisture I can get. But the lemon & wine pads get a lot of hype as well. I think it’s great all year round and I hope I’ll always have a stash in my skincare arsenal even when I leave Korea.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – Another product worth the hype, this moisturiser definitely has my vote! I feel like everybody always raves about their products and I seem to be no different in this case. I absolutely adore this cream for my dry skin. It has a herbal-esque scent which smells amazing, nothing that will irritate sensitive skin. If you’re one to explore the realm of protecting your skin barrier function this might be a good cream to start off with seeing that the brand already has such a good reputation. I must say this moisturiser is pricey for the drugstore but now that I use it every day, I’d say it’s worth the splurge. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this product, especially in the colder months.
Missha Safe Block Essence Sun Milk spf50 – The only sunscreen I use consistently because I find it suits my skin best. There’s no white cast because it’s 2017 and if you’re sunscreen gives you one then you need to get upgraded. It’s neither dewy nor matte so it has a natural skin finish. It’s light in consistency as the name would suggest which sits just fine under make-up. Also, I cannot feel this at all on my skin! It’s like an invisible protective layer that doesn’t disrupt your skincare products nor your make-up and I just think it’s the best one out there.
Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer – This has basically replaced my Bobbi Brown corrector. It’s just as good for a fraction of the price. It only comes in 2 shades which is unfortunate but if you can try it then you’re in luck. It doesn’t crease at all which I did experience with the Bobbi Brown one and sits beautifully under concealer. I wear it every single day without fail. There’s no concealer on this planet that could hide my dark circles if not for this product! Highly recommend!
Aritaum Full Cover Stick Concealer – An underrated product and insanely affordable, this Aritaum concealer is perfect for no-makeup make-up. On the daily, I would not use a foundation so I’d apply this under my eyes and around my nose, as well as on any blemishes and that’s my base done. It’s so practical as well. The packaging is perfect for travelling or just throwing in your handbag. No leakage or concealer marks everywhere. I think I use the darkest shade which is no.2 beige. Again, only 2 shades, apologies but it’s not me! It’s Korea!
VDL Festival Brow Pencil – Probably the only brow pencil I’ve used in Korea is the VDL pencil in dark brown. It’ super simple, just draw on fake hairs, do a bit of shading and brush through with the spoolie and you’re done. I hate using sticky brow products so I love pencils like these with spoolies attached to them. The packaging is not the best I have to admit. Even after they changed it, my spoolie lid still won’t stick around. I’ve honestly just given up on the packaging. The only reason I use it because the shade match is so good! I hate shopping for brow products because the shades are too warm most of the time, but this has a good balance of ashy tones which is why I love it!
Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Contouring Pact – This contour & shading palette literally blew my mind this year. Okay, slight exaggeration but this is a dreamy contour palette that will make all your photogenic dreams come true. I tend to pack this on before photo shoots to give myself some well defined cheekbones and more importantly and often forgotten, to give myself a jaw line that separates my face from my neck in photographs. It has a beautiful ashy tone contour which just shades so naturally and a lovely warm tone to bronze the skin. This product is seriously worth all its hype and I cannot rave about it enough. Not one for photos? You still need this palette! The shades are so subtle that it’s a perfect daytime contour look. And because of this, you can definitely pack on the colour for more dramatic looks. This product has certainly been the biggest surprise for me this year.
Innisfree Mineral Single Shadow (matte) – This brand continues to surprise me with just how good there products are. I would never have looked at Innisfree for good eye shadows but on a 1+1 promotion I thought why not, they’re so affordable that even if I didn’t like it, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But these mineral single matte shadows are the real deal. They are incredibly pigmented and will last me through a photo shoot without a primer. As for this warm tone affogato brown shade, it’s so versatile in any make up look, which makes me reach for it more & more. I think this was the 1st make up item that I bought from Innisfree which is better known for their skincare I’d say, but this road shop brand has got everything covered.
Pony Effect Stay Fit Matte Lip Color – One of my all time favourite lipsticks is the amazing nude shade #onfleek from Pony herself. Korean make-up artist and world renowned beauty influencer, Pony’s products have not disappointed me. I absolutely adore this lipstick. Everything about it is perfect for me. It’s matte but doesn’t crack on the lips and it’s nude but it doesn’t wash me out. I always feel confident when I’m wearing it and I’m at the bottom of my tube and will most certainly repurchase a new one. It gives me that effortless understated make-up look. It reminds me of wearing perfume some how, the way it lifts you up and makes you feel good about yourself. It’s something that people won’t really notice, but you know the difference, because you wear it for yourself. I love everything about this product.
What are your K-Beauty favourites for 2017? Leave a comment below Xx
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