Guide to Glass Skin
Written by: Irene Sung
Glowy, moisturized, supple, and glass skin. These words are synonymous with K-beauty for a good reason, Korean beauty is known for its world-renowned skincare and groundbreaking cosmetics. From someone who is absolutely obsessed with K-Beauty, here are the best of the best and most popular products out right now.
Sunscreen
Sun care has become a BIG trend in beauty because of its anti-aging and complexion benefits. Although the dreaded experience of our parents aggressively applying sunscreen as kids comes to mind, we should now thank them for protecting our skin. Of course, there’s no need to apply it over your whole body every time you go out, but you should use an ample amount on your face. Here are some of the best sunscreens on the market right now:
BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
The BOJ Relief Sun sunscreen is one of the most talked about sunscreens in K-beauty’s online community. The lightweight formula leaves skin hydrated and glowing without leaving an oily sensation, which many facial sunscreens can do. In addition, the rice extract and probiotics help nourish and strengthen your skin, providing soothing protection against UV rays. People love this sunscreen because it feels like your everyday skincare product and leaves a glowy finish with no white cast.
Links to purchase:
Abib - Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
An innovative product I don’t see much of in U.S. stores is sunscreen sticks. Everyone is raving about the Abib sun stick that people love for its major selling point. It can be applied over makeup without smudging or ruining your base. The aloe leaf and green tea extract have non-irritating and anti-aging properties perfect for the hottest and sunniest days. It’s one of the easiest sunscreens I’ve ever tried, and I never have to worry about the sun’s heat again.
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Innisfree - Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Conveniently sold at Sephora, the Innisfree sunscreen has sunflower seed oil and cica, which moisturizes skin and reduces signs of irritation. It fits any skin type and leaves no annoying white cast. The formula is light and feels nothing like sunscreen.
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Eye Glitter
A Chinese style of makeup that originated from China’s version of TikTok is called douyin (doe-yin) makeup. This makeup style has reached global audiences and is leading Asian beauty trends. Its soft and glittery makeup looks inspire alluring wet eye looks, perfect for the cold girl makeup style.
Peripera - All Take Mood Palette #14 Come Glosser
Honestly, I only bought this product initially because I thought the packaging was cute. However, upon use, I fell in love with the different colored sparkles from each shade. The palette is versatile in glitter types: glitter balms, shimmers, glow jelly, and chunky. In addition, it’s super user-friendly and can quickly achieve a radiant eye look
Links to purchase:
FLYNN - Lightcatcher Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow – White Light
Featured in BTS Jungkook’s “Me, Myself & I” photobook, the Flynn liquid glitter went viral for its ethereal twinkle. Inside the tube are tiny specs and chunks of glitter for a fully prismatic shine. The wet formula fully dries down, and I’m telling you that these glitters DO NOT move even after long, sweaty days. If you want the first thing someone to notice about you to be your glitter shadow, this product will be your best friend.
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Moisturizers
For dry skin girlies or anyone looking for a lightweight soak of hydration, Korean moisturizers leave your skin feeling baby soft. Korean skincare prides itself on its exceptional moisturizing properties without leaving your skin oily or feeling heavy. For someone whose skin is extremely sensitive and suffers during dry winters and scorching summers, these moisturizers saved my skin and helped counteract harsh weather conditions.
Hot/Warm Climate
Etude House - Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream Tube
This moisturizer is my holy grail during the summertime, saving me from irritated and itchy skin. It’s filled with many hydrating and skin-strengthening ingredients like panthenol and madecassoside. The Soo Jung Hydro Barrier Cream Tube, formulated at a pH level of 5.5, promotes healthy-looking skin. Lightweight and leaves my skin feeling refreshed without feeling heavy and clogging my pores.
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Cold/Dry Climate
ILLIYOON - Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
As far as hydration goes, this product is a must-have for those who suffer from dry skin. The mini ceramide capsules in the cream give skin a refreshing and instantly hydrated sensation. It also strengthens your skin barrier and enhances your skin’s ability to stay hydrated and healthy.
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Year Round
Peach & Lily - Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream (sold at Ulta!!)
Although this one is expensive, the price tag is worth it. If you’re looking to prevent early signs of aging, this is your go-to. This cream became famous for its ability to resist the damage that pollution, stress, and lack of sleep can do to your skin. The formula’s antioxidants, matcha, cape lilac extract, niacinamide, and adenosine help relieve those stressors and brighten and firm the skin. A little goes a long way, so this is definitely worth trying.
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Lip Products
rom&nd – Juicy Lasting Tint
Rom&nd is currently dominating the Korean lip product category with its lightweight and glossy formulas. This lip tint is just one of their many trending products. The juicy lasting tint has a total of 22 shades that range from dark mauve to bright pinks and nudes. It glides on as a shiny glass-like gloss and leaves a pigmented tint after it wears off.
Links to purchase:
3CE - Soft Matte Lipstick
This soft-touch matte lip delivers high pigment without the heavy feeling of a traditional lipstick. The formulation allows the product to be thinly applied while still being vibrant and not settling into lines or dry patches. Silicone elastomer powder creates a lightweight feeling and an alluring blurring effect in the product.
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Peripera – ink mood glowy tint
Peripera is a big staple makeup brand in Korea, famous for its affordability and wide range of matte and glossy lip products. The ink mood glowy tint is infused with moisturizing ingredients like lily and witch hazel extracts. This tint adheres to the contours of your lips without leaving a white cast. This lippie is a perfect everyday product for a natural glossy look.
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Miscellaneous
Olive Young - Care Plus Scar Cover Spot Patch
Pimple patches are one item that was already popular in Korea before it wound up in U.S. beauty stores. These patches are fast working and practically invisible on the skin. As someone who used to be loyal to the COSRX patches, these Olive Young patches are much better in quality and come with 102 patches than COSRX’s 24/pack. They also hide great under makeup, so you don’t have to worry about further damaging fresh acne.
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