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If you have been around here for a while, you know that every now and then, I love to publish a lifestyle post centered around my interests outside the natural hair realm (and I definitely hope to share more of these as time permits).
One of those interests is testing out affordable skincare. If you know, you know—I used to swear by The Ordinary. I have been pretty candid on the blog about my skin concerns and my ultimate goal to achieve a more youthful, even, and radiant complexion.
Earlier this month, I introduced a new series on the blog dedicated entirely to natural hair empties—products I completely used up, along with my honest thoughts on whether I would repurchase them. Today, I thought, why not do the same with skincare?
That brings us to today’s post: The Skincare Empties: Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) Edition. But before we jump into the products, it is only right that I disclose how I got into K-beauty.
What Is K-Beauty?
K-beauty is short for Korean beauty, which encompasses wellness, skincare, makeup, hair, and body products manufactured in South Korea.
Instead of using harsh ingredients that strip your skin, K-beauty skincare prioritizes long-term skin health. It focuses on prevention and protection through unique formulations that are amazing for barrier boosting, deep hydration, skin healing, and achieving a radiant glow. It is a gradual process aimed at lasting results—plus, it is incredibly affordable compared to many Western brands.
Now, one thing I am not is a gatekeeper. If you are curious about where I buy my K-beauty skincare products, I get them from Stylevana—and I’m a certified VIP member at that! Stylevana has great deals, sales, discount codes, and benefits through their VANA Reward Club, along with free shipping on orders over CA$68. The only downside is that shipping can take up to two weeks (well, at least for me).
Alternatively, if you do not want to wait for shipping, you can find many of the products on the list below on Amazon, which I will link throughout the post.
My Pivot to K-Beauty Skincare
In 2024, I decided to try out Korean skincare after seeing it trending online. The timing was perfect, because I had decluttered my existing products after noticing my old staples were not as effective anymore. It could have been a formula change, or it could have simply been that my skin had grown too accustomed to them and needed something new.
Because of this, I abruptly introduced Korean skincare into my regimen. Word of advice: I highly recommend gradually incorporating new products into your facial care routine. Fortunately for me, I did not experience any adverse effects aside from a standard skin purge.
My skin took well to the switch right away, and while skincare is always a gradual journey, the results and effectiveness were evident. Today, my entire routine is exclusively K-Beauty skincare—honestly, I’m almost embarrassed by how much money I’ve spent on these products over the years lol. It is safe to say that I am addicted to the minimalist packaging, the intentional level of self-care it unlocks, and, of course, how well the products actually work.
Figuring Out What Actually Works
When I first started out, I bought a lot of products and had plenty of misses before I finally curated the products that genuinely worked for me. But even when you have a solid routine, there is always a chance that a product you love just does not hit the same after a while. Since I have been using Korean skincare for a few years now, I wanted to show you what I have actually been using up lately and give an honest, short explanation on whether they are still worth repurchasing or not.
July-September Korean Skincare Empties & Verdicts
1. COSRX – Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (100g)
(Repurchase)
Why: At first, I was not really feeling this product due to the stringy, gel-like texture for a cream, but it eventually grew on me. It is the perfect everyday, lightweight cream. It keeps my skin moisturized, gives a subtle glow, and is great for repairing the skin barrier. It has officially become one of my staples.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: COSRX – Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
2. COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (100ml)
(Repurchase)
Why:This one definitely has a bit of a slimy texture, but unlike the cream, I did not mind it for what it is used for. It is hydrating and leaves my skin looking healthy and supple.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | Check Price on Stylevana US | [Check Price on Stylevana CA
3. APLB – Glutathione Niacinamide Body Wash (300ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: It is a great brightening body wash and creates a good lather that leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: APLB – Glutathione Niacinamide Body Wash | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
4. I’m From – Rice Toner (150ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: It feels like literal silk on the skin. It is lightweight, hydrating, and does a great job of nourishing and brightening my skin to keep it looking smooth.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: I’m From – Rice Toner | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
5. BEAUTY OF JOSEON – Ginseng Cleansing Oil (210ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: This oil cleanser is gentle yet effective. It does a good job of removing impurities, sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. It emulsifies without stripping my skin’s moisture barrier and doesn’t leave a greasy film on my face.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: BEAUTY OF JOSEON – Ginseng Cleansing Oil | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
6. ANUA – Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum (30ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: If you want a serum that targets hyperpigmentation and uneven tone while still hydrating and strengthening your skin barrier, this is it. This serum stays in constant rotation in my routine as I continue to work on my hyperpigmentation.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: ANUA – Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
7. I’m From – Mugwort Essence (30ml)
(Pass)
Why: I picked up the travel size to test a new essence, and let’s just say I am glad I did not commit to the big bottle. It is not even close to the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. The Mugwort Essence is just not hydrating enough for my skin’s needs, so I’ll be sticking to what I know works.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: I’m From – Mugwort Essence | Check Price on Stylevana US (Full Size)] | Check Price on Stylevana CA (Full Size)
8. APLB – Glutathione Niacinamide Body Lotion (300ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: This is a great lightweight everyday lotion. It targets body hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, but still manages to keep my skin moisturized and smooth.
Where to find it: Check Price on Amazon: APLB – Glutathione Niacinamide Body Lotion | Check Price on Stylevana US | [Check Price on Stylevana CA
9. Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml)
(Repurchase)
Why: There are only two Korean sunscreens that I swear by, and this is one of them. It is lightweight, hydrating, and most importantly, leaves absolutely no white cast. It absorbs beautifully and leaves my skin with a nice, glowy finish.
Where to find it: Check Price on Stylevana: Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ | Check Price on Stylevana US | Check Price on Stylevana CA
In The Comments Below
Since I am always testing and finishing up new products, this will definitely not be the last empties post on the blog, so stay tuned for the next update.
In the meantime, let me know if you have tried any of these Korean skincare products. I would love to hear what is currently in your skincare rotation.
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