#1: Hanskin
This innovative brand is actually not new – in the early 2000s, it came out with the very first BB cream, which then arguably heralded the era of said beauty product (big names such as Sulhwasoo, Etude House, The Face Shop and more have since launched their own version).
Though the brand’s “Super Magic BB Cream” still remains their most notable product, Hanskin has recently merged with biotech and pharmaceutical company Celltrion. What this means: well-researched, effective and high-quality products, ranging from brightening serums to eye creams. In particular, check out their Bio-Prism & Bio-Origin lines, which have a strong anti-ageing focus.
#2: Pack Age
Unlike most Korean beauty brands which usually retail countless skincare and makeup products, Pack Age, which was formed in 2016, only sells one type of product – masks. From a blackhead nose pack to a lightweight facial mask to a moisturising feet pack, this brand has it all.
The brand’s products have already attracted several promising reviews from beauty bloggers, though we think the biggest selling point of this young brand is perhaps its overwhelmingly cute and bright-coloured packaging, which is created via collaborations with illustrators.
#3: Pyunkang Yul
We’ve already raved about this novel brand previously (see here), but it definitely deserves a second shout-out. If the name sounds familiar, the brand was launched in early 2016 in connection with Pyunkang hospital, a renowned Korean hospital that specialises in treating atopic skin ailments.
With their medical experience, the brand’s products are ideal for people who suffer from atopic skin issues like sensitivity and blemishes. Almost all of the products have minimal ingredients, and are full of extracts from traditional Korean medicinal herbs.
#4: Touch in Sol
Established in 2012, this fun, trendy and affordable brand targets women in their 20s and 30s. Though they do have a few cleansers and moisturisers, the brand really stands out in the makeup arena, with a whole host of products spanning highlighters, primers, mascaras, eyeliners and much more.
If you’re not sure where to start, we would recommend what the brand terms ‘base’ products, such as the Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base or I’m Very Useful Make-Up Boomer, which essentially serve as moisturising or illuminating primers before makeup application.
#5: Medicube
This cult K-beauty brand made its way to Singapore just last October, debuting at Guardian to much fanfare. As a derma-cosmetic skincare brand, Medicube ensures that all their products are clinically tested to solve various skin problems.
If you have acne-prone skin, check out the brand’s Red Line, which includes products such as the Red Body Bar (specifically for people suffering from back acne) and Red Foam Cleanser (prevents acne development). For those more concerned about their pores, the Zero Line focuses on pore treatment, with the star product being the Zero Pore Pad (tightens and cleanses pores).
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