Anyone who knows me or who has been keeping up with this space would definitely come to realise that I love exploring new beauty products, especially K-beauty ones. And because I love traveling to the Asian beauty mecca (read: Seoul), I am always eager to try new names that are yet to be available in Singapore. While there has been a slew of brands that have landed on our shores this year like Gesgep, Pony Effect and Huxley, I still often purchase a variety of products online from those that are not available here. Below, five brands I love that I look forward to seeing in Singapore soon.
#1: Klairs
If you are travelling up to Seoul anytime soon, you can find this beauty brand in A Land (a multi-brand boutique). This skincare brand targets sensitive skin and is formulated without any harsh chemicals and additives. The products includes only the most essential of ingredients promote healthier skin.
#2: Troiareuke
Its name may be difficult to pronounce, but this is one brand I always check out whenever I visit Seoul. It is known to be a professional aesthetic skincare brand (it was previously only sold at certain spas) and has cruelty-free formulations that are targeted at different skin concerns to repair, treat and heal one’s complexion. Bonus: most of their makeup products focus more on its skincare aspect to ensure your skin stays healthy. Additionally, the brand even has a series known as Acsen to cater to those with sensitive skin.
There are two cushion compacts from the brand that I have been using on rotation. The A+ Healing Cushion comes with a long-lasting formula that helps to control excess shine while still providing continuous hydration. Besides just offering full coverage, a lightweight feel and an airbrushed finish, this is also made with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and calendula extract to calm irritated skin.
The second cushion foundation I have been loving is the H+ Healing Cushion. I have acne-prone skin and whenever I have breakouts, I tend to stay away from foundations but this is one that I always use as it is ideal for acne-prone skin, helps to heal, and does not clog my pores. It is also formulated with centella asiatica to soothe and calm any redness and over time, it improves my skin’s condition.
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#3: Son & Park
I have heard about this brand for quite some time now but only got around to trying their products this year. I fell in love immediately. Founded by two renowned Korean makeup artists (also behind the makeup brand, Gesgep), this skincare brand focuses on creating simple products that are gentle on the skin — yet still very effective. Another plus? Its uber minimalistic and IG-worthy packaging.
This has quickly become one of my favourite skincare products this year. It isn’t just any ordinary toner: it cleanses, tones, hydrates and exfoliates. More importantly, this has a pH value of 4.5, which is similar to that of our skin. And why is that important? After a thorough cleanse, our skin’s pH levels may alter and it’s key to always bring it back to a mildly acidic state (more specifically, pH 4-6) to allow our skin’s barrier function to work effectively. Previously, I used to apply two kinds of toner — one to rebalance my pH level and the other to hydrate but now, I only need to use one.
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#4: Iope
Housed under South Korea’s cosmetic giant Amorepacific, Iope creates functional products that are based on plant science to restore and heal complexions. And if you are one to always reach out for cushion compacts, this is the brand to thank as it was one of — if not the — first brands that initiated it.
So of course, one of my picks would definitely have to be the brand’s Air Cushion, which is also a best-seller. The hydrating formula is made with Air Prism Water and 3D prism pearls to impart a dewy, luminous fresh-faced glow. A Colouring Technology is also infused to give a seamless, full coverage finish. The surface of the cushion also features an embossed 3D sponge for even application of the product.
Another product to note is its Live Lift Serum. This anti-ager targets what the brand calls as ribbon zone, which ultimately is the area under your eyes (read: cheeks). It believes that plump cheeks are a sign of youthfulness and low firmness in the cheek area causes wrinkles and a sagging chin line. It is also made with agave and milk thistle extracts to firm up and brighten skin.
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#5: Klavuu
Klavuu is a brand that infuses natural pearl and marine plant extracts into their formulas to help hydrate and brighten skin. Although the brand is relatively new, it has already garnered some attraction from industry insiders and celebs alike (even Korean model Sunghee Kim uses the brightening mask from the brand).
This Pure Pearlsation Marine Collagen Micro Cleansing Water is infused with fermented yeast and hydrolyzed pearl extracts to help hydrate and brighten skin. It is also enriched with marine-collagen to promote a youthful elasticity to the skin. I use it in the morning and evening after cleansing and it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Main image: Showbit.com
