The expert edit: K-Beauty products that are actually worth the hype

@delaneyloane

Innisfree Aloe Revital Sleeping Pack

“My reactive skin type never let me get in on the 10-step K-Beauty action, so instead I turned to a sole formula (also hailing from Korea) that does the work of several hydrating steps in one hit. Said wunderkid? This soothing aloe sleeping mask. I apply (alarmingly generously) on the dreaded ‘my skin is physically hurting’ nights (AKA after one too many days of wearing/applying a full face of makeup have been strung together). It takes away the sting of a broken-down barrier, feels like a cooling dream going on and manages to get everything back on track by morning.”

$20 at Sephora

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in 'Gummy Bear' 

@aja_rose 

"Come winter, my lips are as dry as the Sahara Desert. Dramatic? Maybe. But the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a must-have in my skin care rotation for good reason. With added vitamin C, coconut oil and shea butter, the formula has been designed to keep lips hydrated, all while you catch up on that important beauty sleep. Come morning, it’s as though my lips have just had a big drink of water. They feel (and look) plump, smooth, and healed. With one sold every three seconds worldwide, it’s a firm K-Beauty favourite.”

$31 at Adore Beauty

@kimkpham

Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum

“The best K-Beauty product hands down is the Laniege Sleeping Lip Mask. But a sneaky second-place contender and an unsung hero in my beauty routine is the Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum. Every time I use this, I notice the biggest difference in hydration and fading of redness in my skin. Scars heal a lot faster too, especially from acne.” 

$32 at lilabeauty.com.au

@rubycotton

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Cleansing Oil

"The first time I ever purchased this cleanser in MECCA, the shop attendant gave it to me straight: “it’s a splurge, but you won’t regret it.” Four years and at least 12 bottles later, she’s completely right. Though the product has undergone one small packaging change and a minor tweak to the name, the formula has remained the same: gentle, hydrating and damn effective at removing any and all makeup. Don’t be discouraged by the fact that it’s an oil, either. As an acne-prone girl myself, this lightweight cleanser only ever leaves my skin clean, glowing and smooth."

$75 at MECCA

@neehaaa_ 

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

“My ultimate favourite K-Beauty product has to be the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. If you’re looking for a top-tier hydrator, you have to check this product out! I love using this alone or mixed with my moisturiser to release a new level of hydration and overall glow. This bottle of magic is not only amazing for hydration but also assists in repairing the skin barrier and overall skin texture. The perfect addition to anyone’s Winter skincare routine!" 

$38 at Adore Beauty

@briarclark

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

“I’ve been obsessed with K-Beauty skin care for a few years now and currently the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream has my full attention. This lightweight, silky face cream is infused with a revolutionary and deeply penetrative form of ginseng that boosts skin resilience to promote firmer skin and minimise the appearance of wrinkles. Sulwhasoo is the K-Beauty equivalent of La Mer, and the luxurious feel and herbaceous scent of this stuff is enough to mentally transport you to the relaxing atmosphere of a Korean day spa. Heaven.”  

$359 at Sephora

@diandramalivindi

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm 

“K-Beauty is *full* of must-have products, but a go-to for me has to be Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm. Perfect for when I need a deeper clean, the canary yellow balm turns into a silky oil when emulsified to melt away any unwanted makeup or build-up — and yes, it even works on my most persistent mascaras. Made with vitamin E and olive oil, it leaves my skin feeling super hydrated and soft after a cleanse, which is a must for me!”

$73.26 at Cult Beauty