Your K-Beauty Routine Isn't Complete Without These Makeup Products

When you think of Korean beauty, an emphasis on skincare is likely what first comes to mind. Maybe you’ve seen a 10-step K-beauty regimen video on YouTube or personally tried some of these unique skin strategies—like double cleansing, for example—upon waking or before bed.

Getting that signature glowy look, though, often involves more than just toning, treating, and protecting the skin; Korean makeup plays a part in the total Korean beauty equation, too. “K-beauty is all about skincare and makeup brands that are popular in South Korea and usually made there,” says Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan. “Most often these products are made with natural ingredients and free of ingredients that can be irritating or harsh, such as parabens and fragrances.”

Therein lies the appeal of Korean makeup and cosmetics: Generally speaking, even the most pigmented products are gentle, provide excellent coverage or color, and are jam-packed with the same nourishing ingredients as their skincare counterparts, which Dr. Henry says can include turmeric, rice water, green tea extract, ginger, matcha, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E. “Look for these when buying products, since they help fight free radical damage that ages skin, brighten skin, and so on,” says Dr. Henry. That way, your makeup can actually help to correct some tone and texture issues while sitting pretty on your face.

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So if you’re someone who likes the no-makeup makeup look or just geeks out on the latest and greatest beauty tech, you might want to give Korean makeup a try. Ahead, you’ll find 15 reputable brands in the Korean makeup game, some of their hero products, and a bit of direction on which companies might be best for you, depending on your beauty personality or what you’re looking to buy right now or later.