Instep Desk

The popularity of Korean beauty products on global scale dates back to 2011 when ‘BB cream’ was on every must-have beauty list. But beyond the BB, Korean beauty products are known for their natural ingredients, creativity and packaging while they are easy on the pocket at the same time. According to Charlotte Cho, founder of an online store that specializes in Korean beauty products, "Koreans are serious about their skin care. They also know what they want -- innovation, gentle ingredients, pleasing packaging--and they definitely don’t want to pay a fortune for it."

Let’s take a look at some of the latest additions in the K-beauty lineup in recent times that provide the best skin care solutions.

Shangpree Marine Energy Eye Mask

Specific for the delicate eye area, Shangpree Marine Energy Mask is enriched with antioxidant-rich algae, spirulina and chondrus crispus. It works like cool, gel-like cucumber slices that stick to your skin and mold to your contours. This anti-aging formula also features soothing herbal and botanical extracts along with deeply hydrating ingredients like Sodium Hyaluronate that ensures beautifully conditioned and plumped up skin. Regular use of this mask helps balance and brightens the skin around the eyes and provides a clear, smooth, and youthful complexion.

Dr. Dream Radiance Powder Essence

Dubbed as ‘essence’, this powder-to-liquid formula is neither a cleanser nor an exfoliator but melts into skin to hydrate and brighten it from within. Thanks to vitamin C and rose stem cell extracts, this tonic results in moist, healthy and resilient skin if applied regularly. It is best to use post cleansing and before you put on moisturizer and then lightly massage onto the skin.

Skin Magic Stone

The all-natural, handmade magic stone is a soap that clears complexion. Well-loved in Korea, this ‘magic stone’ is made with charcoal to de-gunk pores of dirt, oil, and other impurities. It’s also spiked with hyaluronic acid to hydrate as it detoxes the skin and deeply cleans pores of makeup and grime, resulting in refreshed, healthy looking skin. In addition, an elegant and natural fragrance of lavender, rosemary and lemon upgrades this bar from the rest. It is appropriate for all skin types and is ideal for oily/acne-prone and normal skin.

Let Me Skin Ultra H20 Water-Jelly Modeling Mask

Though it looks the part, it is not a super-luxe and super cheery supplement. Each colorful tube contains two molding masks formulated with antioxidant-packed green tea and hydrating hyaluronic acid instead. The components transform to a jelly-like texture and give the skin a supple, dewy finish. The skin feels moisturized after use but not tacky at all as all the moisture soaks into the skin. It is also appropriate for all skin types and is best for dry skin.

C200 Bubble Peeling Pad

If you are up for at-home peels, this palm-sized pad is the right thing for you. Drenched with powerhouse exfoliators and lactic and glycolic acids that slough off dead skin cell, this skin treatment created by Wish Formula is used in over 1,000 leading skin clinics in Korea. Now, you can indulge in a professional skin treatment right in the comfort of your own home. This innovative dual peeling system uses a patented fermented peeling solution and a peeling pad to gently remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris. Additionally, the pad includes extracts of celery, cabbage, tomato, broccoli, turnip and carrot that provide deep nutrition to the skin.

Blithe Himalayan Pink Salt Cleansing Water

Similar to an essence, this cleansing water is meant to be swept over the skin with a cotton pad morning and night before slathering on your moisturizer. It effectively sweeps away makeup while detoxifying and purifying skin from residue and pollution with over 44 per cent mineral-rich Himalayan Pink Salt. In addition, a blend of 10 botanical extracts imparts hydration and nutrition for soft, radiantly cleansed skin.