CYoung, makeup artist: 307 skincare products reviewed

Every review.

All 307 products CYoung has reviewed, grouped by product type. Click a product to see the full guru consensus.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Against the gurus

Type

Moisturizers45 reviews

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm

"I'll say it, the multi balm is just an oil bomb, it's like a humongous lip balm. It's more moisturizing and more oily than Kahi's, and it doesn't give you volume like the social media promises, that's not going to happen. Never put it on after makeup, because it'll ruin everything."

✕Nay

64%Guru Score

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

"So every single night she's using this. Definitely, if you have to need that kind of thick balm type panthenol or B5, it's okay, but that one is more like Vaseline, super thick, and you become too much white cast. But this one, a lot more thicker moisturizer than the other products, but still works out. So anybody didn't try it yet, please go ahead."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

"For my baby, she is 14 months old right now, and I think I used the most to her is Illiyoon repair cream for her. This is definitely not the main like super popular product as their blue line. During my pregnancy, I used this the most, and I don't have any more tubes. I just threw away, but if I get her the tube, I think it's going to be more than like five or six. But [...] I always apply this and during my pregnancy instead of the stretch mark cream, this one works so well."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Mixsoon Bean Cream

"Not many people know about the Mixsoon Bean Cream. It's the same bean ingredient, but definitely I recommend it for the more dry mature skin girlies or at the winter time because the texture feels like not that heavy. It's more like a very softer, like a whipped cream, but the hydration level is pretty high. So definitely I recommend it for my mom, dry mature skin, too."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Lotion

"The main best seller here in Korea is the ceramide ato lotion, but global market is ato cream. So cream is a really thick, really thick. You have to like melt it this way. So what I prefer is actually lotion. So it's a preference, but I just put it like I use the cream and lotion both together. Uh so I make it as a set. See, I'm speaking together, so you can try together. Both are really work well."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream

"I saw this is so affordable brand. And if I have to pick one for me, I'll just going to buy this. And it's impressive. Very affordable. A lot of the liquid and very moisturizing. But comparing to other, this one also I recommend more for the dry mature skin. But still not that bad. But this one for me it's winter coming. I'll pick this."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

"This is amazing for milky toner beginners, not too heavy. And if you want more hydration, like please layer it. It's great. But this smells so weird because I think because of the fermented item, but between all 15 viral toners, this is the only one has a little exfoliating. So I think for me I feel very comfortable because for me I don't react to the ferment ingredient, but some people does. So if you guys are really sensitive skin, reacting to ferment ingredients, check that out."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion

"Between two, I think it depends because if you're dry mature skin woman over like 50 plus I think people will pick this because this is one of the most heavy toner ever. So because they name it as essence but you can think this is basically more like a like more watery serum. [...] But for me, toner has to be work like an appetizer not a main meal, so this one is too heavy for me and for me it doesn't go inside that much well."

~Mixed

77%Guru Score

VT Reedle Shot PDRN Capsule Cream

"There's also this capsule cream from VT PDRN and it's pretty good. If you love using a massage device, this feels really good when you do the rolling, so you don't have to buy a separate massage cream."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Skin1004 Probio-Cica Rich Cream

"This is a dry mature skin moisturizer with a thick texture, slight sand, and it doesn't spread easily, you apply it and then wait for it to absorb. On acne prone skin it's a bit heavy, and the jar packaging is a minus. It's not terrible, but also not something I'd recommend buying."

✕Nay

78%Guru Score

Skin1004 Centella Asiatica Hyalu Cream

"If [...] you don't have [...] the device and you have dry skin, there's no reason to buy this gel cream, it's too light, it's just gel, what's the point. But [...] I tested it with another makeup artist who has oily combo skin and she loved it, so I'll put this as a so because some people will need it, and the quality was not that bad."

~Mixed

79%Guru Score

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

"Some of my subscribers shared a hack of warming it in warm water and mixing it back together. Compared to other dry skin products this one isn't that heavy, and I've seen so many people love it because whenever you apply it after popping a pimple, it just heals a lot more quickly. It's also kind of an all rounder. If you have oily combo skin with a lot of breakouts, try this after you pop one, it can heal a lot better."

~Mixed

87%Guru Score

Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream

"I expected a panthenol moisturizer to be thicker but they made it lightweight enough to use every day. If your skin barrier is really bad you need something more, some more medicine, because I felt this wasn't enough on its own. But if you want to take care of a weak skin barrier through all seasons, this will be great, and I'd recommend it more for teenagers, people in their 20s, young skin, oily combo skin, or guys."

~Mixed

79%Guru Score

Atopalm MLE Cream

"It was my first time trying it and I finished one bottle. I tried it half and half on my face against another product and this one really wasn't that moisturizing for my skin. I understand why other reviews say it wasn't that moisturizing either, I ended up mixing it with oil for my baby instead. I don't think this is that much worth the hype, I'm sorry. The ingredients, including their own ceramide, are pretty good, but the texture and hydration level just weren't that satisfying."

✕Nay

71%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

"I compared it side by side and honestly the texture and scent are very similar to its rival. But if you leave it on for a while, the Beauty of Joseon stays moisturized a little bit longer. My one complaint is I do not love the Instagram style packaging, it feels wasteful, though I know they also sell it in a tube version at Amazon which fixes that. Later on, next to the Medicube capsule cream, it felt like just too plain a moisturizer, but overall it is a solid, long lasting pick."

~Mixed

82%Guru Score

Medicube AGE-R Capsule Cream

"If you have one of the Medicube devices, I love the pink packaging and it is fun to apply it together with the gel and the capsules. The hydration level is pretty good, around a 2.7, and it feels more moisturizing than the plainer options. It is a little expensive, but you should not skip a product just because it is not the cheapest. For my dry, mature skin, and as a gift, I would pick the Medicube capsule cream."

✓Yay

60%Guru Score

Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream

"This one is pretty good. If you have oily combo skin I think you would like this one more, but since my skin is more dry and mature, I personally like VT capsule cream better."

~Mixed

81%Guru Score

Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

"This has the highest hydration level of all sixteen moisturizers I tested, but it feels almost like Vaseline. I cannot understand why people love this. If you have oily combo skin you will really hate it, it just feels like putting on Vaseline. It has a thick, occlusive texture but I do not feel like it is actually moisturizing on the inside. It is just a viral product, so if you only listen to one thing from me, save your money and skip this one. It is the worst of all the products I tried."

✕Nay

49%Guru Score

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

"If you have really dry, crusty skin on your body in winter, I highly recommend going with [...] a Cetaphil jar cream, or a repair version, that's a lot better."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

"Kahi Bomb, the original stick balm, is super smooth with a big lip balm texture, perfect for dry, mature 50 plus skin. It even works over makeup like a natural highlighter and it didn't peel on me at all. But it is an oil, so use it with a little caution."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

IOPE Super Vital Cream

"The IOPE Super Vital Cream is amazing, it even works as an eye cream, but it's not sold at Olive Young. These days my nighttime eye cream and face cream is this, I've stopped using other options because everything else feels too light. I'm using the IOPE Super Vital Cream, it gives so much glow, and for my skin I don't feel much tingling around my eyes, so I use this thick cream for my face and as my eye cream too."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

"The texture is very slimy, and on dry, mature skin it doesn't work, it evaporates and it's all gone. I don't really use it myself, but if you have more oily or combo skin and don't want anything too oily, it can be okay, more for the summer time, so if you're already using it, just keep going. But dry skin, mature skin, never ever, it's not going to work. I was going to give this between a B and a C, so I'll just give it a P."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

"I really didn't like the packaging, it's too Instagrammable and it's just annoying. I do like the cheaper version more. This one is easier and works for whatever your skin type is, you can easily use it. It's not too heavy, more like something between a lotion and a cream, so easy to apply. People say it works like a barrier repair if your skin is damaged, but I don't really think so. I would pick Aestura over this if I'm comparing, but it's not that bad."

~Mixed

69%Guru Score

Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream

"This one is much more watery than the others, a fragrance free soothing gel. Zero stickiness, zero residue, just hydration overload with a cooling kick. Dry or mature skin should skip it, it's a one layer, one cut kind of product, perfect for pairing with devices, only for oily or combo skin under twenty. I would just give this one a B."

~Mixed

67%Guru Score

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

"This one I'd put between an S and an A, but I'll just give it an S, Isntree does pretty good with hyaluronic acid. With gel creams, what I don't like is that a lot of them are just like water in a big jar and it's gone fast, but this one you can definitely use as your everyday moisturizer if you have oily or combo skin, and for me even in really humid summer it still makes my skin hydrated, and I love it. It's easy to apply, a tube type not a jar, and the price is pretty good, so why not."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream

"Comparing to the other one, the other two makeup artists also don't like this much because it's a lot heavier since they put more ingredients in for restoring the barrier, and I agree with that. When you want to restore the barrier because your skin is really damaged, you have to look for something more like Panthenol or an ointment style cream, like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 or Reair Barrier. This one has a heavier texture, but I don't see the effect, so I would say this is a C."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream (2025 reformulation)

"I'll definitely give this an S. All three of us makeup artists gave this an S. If you have dry, sensitive skin, or even if you're oily or combination and not that dry, it still works in winter, so why not. You don't have to put it on your whole face, mainly just the dry areas. It has no scent and contains cholesterol and ceramide, and it just restores your skin, so it's definitely worth it. I've used it for more than five years, and the reformulated version is even better."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

"This has some oil in it but it's better for normal to dry skin. But when you think about the price, is it really worth it? Plus it's jar packaging, so scooping it out with your fingers is kind of annoying."

✕Nay

81%Guru Score

Tatcha Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer

"This takes a little longer to sink in than usual Korean products, but the cooling effect lasts forever. Even oily and combo skin pros are obsessed with it. Price be damned, if your skin gets hot easily this is your new holy grail. I'm picking this deep cooling cream because it's unique."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Centellian24 Madeca Cream

"I stole this cream from my mom. It's from a Korean pharmaceutical company and it's known as Korea's famous mom cream, on its seventh upgrade in eleven years, trending on TikTok and even on Amazon, and you can grab it at Olive Young too. It's pretty soft and much better than other high ranking products. It's heavier but really buttery, it has capsules in it, and it smells a little like ointment."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

"This was the it item here in Korea last year. I've gone through three tubes of it and I really love it. Hourglass gives your lips an instant cooling, hydrating feel and full color with just one swipe. For warm undertones try the shade Lucid, for a cool tone there's a stunning cherry pink, and it's stunning either way. Hourglass really delivers, if you're ready to spend more, go for it instead of the cheaper dupe."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

"This cream is focused on repairing severe skin damage, promoting regeneration, and even anti-aging. It has five percent panthenol and ceramide, it's pretty thick and leaves a finish that feels like you applied oil, and it also contains titanium dioxide, the same ingredient found in mineral sunscreen, which can give your skin a bit of a white cast, so you actually have to apply it with a little force or it doesn't spread well."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

Real Barrier Extreme Cream

"This was my holy grail for a pretty long time. It contains both panthenol and madecassoside. Some of my guests say they're so sensitive they can't even use Aestura, but this one is okay even if you have super sensitive skin. The texture is similar but it doesn't have capsules, it's a little bit heavy. They also have an Extreme Cream Light version, which is better if you have oily or acne prone skin."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Bepanthen Cream

"Have you heard of Bepanthen? In Korea it's a must have in every household with a baby, it's a miracle ointment from Germany, whenever a baby gets diaper rash applying this overnight makes it disappear by the next day. But it's too heavy to use as a skincare product."

✕Nay

71%Guru Score

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion

"I love it so much, this is my Holy Grail from all the products I'm reviewing today. I bought it from Olive Young on a good bargain, and it turns out it's so popular in Japan and on Amazon too, so many reviews say it's great for elderly people, my mom, my aunt and my grandma all love it, and I totally agree. If you have dry, mature skin and you're looking for a toner that actually does more than plain water, just try it, it's amazing."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

"This is their main product, a Korean national cream, they've sold 13 million jars of it. It's more of a gel cream for oily skin, and when I put it on, oh my God, so light and so cooling. [...] It's pretty good to use before makeup, and even if you're oily but feel dry underneath, you won't regret it. I still remember using this in my twenties, it was so popular back then. I love the texture, it feels so light and so cool."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream

"This feels a little lighter than Beauty of Joseon's cream. I used to use it a lot on my clients because it's pretty okay for everybody. It has a little scent but not too bad. Propolis is good for acne because it's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. I like it, it's hydrating but it's not super heavy, and it's great before makeup because it's not too oily so it doesn't tangle with your makeup. My only issue is it's a jar type, so you have to use a spatula."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

I'm From Rice Bran Cream

"This is the one I like the most in the normal skin category. It's a little more moisturizing than the others, so if you're more on the dry side you'd like this. I have so many products I don't even think about which to use, I just reach for this one, it's really rare for me to use something this much without thinking about anything else. It has no scent and works really well in the winter."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream

"On its own it can feel like it is not enough, but it still works so well. It has an ingredient similar to sebum, so on your skin it feels like you already have enough sebum and your skin becomes so comfortable, oily skin girls can try this one for the winter. I am more dry skinned so I definitely reach for this a lot in the summertime. As my pick for the normal skin category though, I do not think this is it anymore, it is okay but now we have so many better products."

~Mixed

76%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.1 Purple Complex Soothing Moisture Cream

"Some gel creams dry out the face more as the moisture evaporates after application, but this one was still moisturizing after a while. It's great for oily combo skin for all seasons. My husband, who hates sticky products, also liked it. Dry skin can use it in summer too. It's similar to the famous Dr G red blemish cream, but this one absorbs faster than that."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

"The Red Bean Water Gel is kind of interesting, I haven't seen other brands make this kind of gel, [...] it's basically like an aloe gel. If you have dry or mature skin, [...] this gel isn't for you. It feels really cooling when you put it on, but once it evaporates it dries your skin out more. If you have a device to help it absorb you might be able to use it, but other than that, it was a waste of my money."

✕Nay

70%Guru Score

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

"Dear Klairs was a little popular a few years ago so I bought their Midnight Blue Calming Cream, but I didn't feature it in a video because nobody asked about it and I don't think people are as interested anymore since there are so many better products now. The Midnight Blue Calming Cream is just okay, if you already have it you can use it."

~Mixed

90%Guru Score

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

"Round Lab's moisturizer ranks pretty high at Olive Young. In Korea it comes in a tube, and on the global site it's the same thing in a jar. It's pretty good."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

"It's named a cream, but the texture is in the middle of a lotion and a cream, more watery. It's a jar type, which isn't hygienic, it's uncomfortable compared to a tube type. It's soft when applied but it dries out quickly, so for dry skin it does not fit the name barrier cream. For oily combo skin you'll feel it's a bit sticky. Round Lab is much lighter and applies better. If I had to say, dry skin could use it lightly in summer, but I don't like the texture or the jar, it's a pass for me."

✕Nay

66%Guru Score

IOPE Super Vital Emulsion

"The emulsion is more like a lightweight lotion. For us moms over 40 it doesn't fill into wrinkles the way we need on its own, we need more, but I like that it's lightweight while still feeling hydrated."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Serums40 reviews

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

"The package says it's for the face, it's a serum, but if it gets mixed up with your real eye drops you could accidentally use it, and that is so dangerous. It's kind of fun [...] for traveling since you don't have to carry a huge bottle, though it's not great for the environment. Innovative products like this need you to see the other side too."

~Mixed

71%Guru Score

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum

"My biggest disappointment was Glow Recipe's freshly juiced vitamin C drop. I opened two brand new bottles and both turned yellow within days. I know vitamin C oxidizes but this one was way too fast, I felt like I was racing the bottle. I would skip it."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

COSRX 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum

"I have recommended this cosrx peptide serum for about two years now, all skin types can go ahead and use it. It has multi-peptides in it and feels like a watery toner, but it's amazing if you pair it with a retinol, no problem at all."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Purito Wonder Relief Centella Serum Unscented

"The marketing says the centella calms your skin down and the green color makes it feel refreshing, but when I checked the ingredients, the centella is only about five drops, and they just changed the color to green. It's just too much marketing, and this is exactly the kind of brand that does a lot of marketing, not only in Korea but globally too."

✕Nay

84%Guru Score

Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

"The Torriden hyaluronic acid serum is what's number one at Olive Young and so many people love it. If you haven't tried it, it's worth trying, it's not bad. But if you're over 40 like me with dry mature skin looking for something more hydrating, it feels more like water."

~Mixed

68%Guru Score

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

"I recommend this one more for oily combo skin because it's a very light gel type. It comes in a bigger size so it lasts longer, and it works pretty well before makeup too. But in terms of the PDRN ingredient, they put really little in it, there's actually more hyaluronic acid, so you can think of it as just a light hydrating, gel like cream. For my skin, using this alone isn't enough, so I'll give it a B."

~Mixed

68%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil

"My friend Sally, who's more oily combo and likes using skincare devices, gave it a bad score because it absorbs too quickly to work as a massage oil, it's not 100% oil so it doesn't stay slippery long enough for that. But for me and Yuna it's great, not too heavy, easy to use, doesn't break you out or bring on too many pimples. I love their size too, so try it out. The one thing is it has a kind of strong, slightly lavender scent, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to that."

✓Yay

65%Guru Score

VT Reedle Shot 100 Collagen

"Between the global spicule serum and this one, I'm going to pick this one. It's a bit more spicy than the other but it doesn't last as long, but I definitely like it more because I can feel a little more tightening, and I put it here and around the eye area too. Because of the little spicy tingle it also makes the skin pretty moisturized. If you're older than me, over 40, just try it out, but if you have sensitive skin be careful, it can make thin or red-prone skin [...] more red."

✓Yay

59%Guru Score

Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Care Serum

"Between the two vitamin C serums, this one is a little different, it's okay, I like it, but I like the other one more in terms of hydration level since I don't see much difference in brightening between them."

~Mixed

63%Guru Score

Skin1004 Niacinamide 10% Ample

"It has a mild sting that doesn't last long, so if you have sensitive skin be careful, but it's great, the lightest texture of the three, it absorbs fast and it's very comfortable, more moisturizing than I expected."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

"Sulwhasoo is a well known middle aged Korean women's favorite brand, the number one seller on Amore Mall, and it would make a great gift for anybody who knows K-beauty. Their number one seller is the first care serum. They call it a serum but it's really more like a first essence, so you can use it like a toner. It's pretty appealing to many people, but it does have a little herbal scent, some people are fine with it and some people really don't like it, so keep that in mind."

~Mixed

81%Guru Score

Skin1004 Centella Asiatica Serum

"According to SKIN1004, this brightening ingredient is supposed to work really well, they say it's more effective than vitamin C and [...] not as aggressive, so I agree, if you have sensitive skin and are a little afraid of vitamin C you can try this out. But I didn't see any brightening at all. I think you can try it out as an everyday moisturizing serum, but if you're expecting brightening, I don't think it'll work that much, so I don't think this one is worth the hype."

~Mixed

60%Guru Score

Equalberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum

"I already reviewed this one, it looks very TikTok style, but it ended up not that bad, it was pretty good for moisturizing."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

"This gives a lot more glow than you'd think, so if you want that glass skin look and your skin is more dry, go with this one. But I feel it's too expensive for skincare, so I'm going to pick Anua instead."

~Mixed

68%Guru Score

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

"I tried the new disposable Medicube PDRN serum, it has a little scent but not too crazy, and a thick texture that kind of films on the skin. If you have oily combo skin it can feel kind of heavy, but if you use the massage device with it, it slides in really well and goes inside nicely. The PDRN amount is a lot higher compared to Anua, and it feels bouncy, which makes it great to use as a makeup primer."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

"If it's summer and you have normal skin you could just try it on. [...] Except for me, nobody else on the team had used it before and I didn't even recognize it. Even though it has propolis it doesn't have a strong scent, it's a small bottle, but I didn't even finish it, which means I didn't really see that much difference. Yuna, who has drier skin than me, said it doesn't feel like it's working well for hydration. It's affordable, but nah."

✕Nay

75%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.3 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

"This one is known for erasing hyperpigmentation, but we just tested the texture, and it surprisingly made it into the top two for two out of three testers. Jay picked it as her number one, it felt a bit slippery at first but she saw no signs of breakouts even with generous use, perfect for night care. Yuna, our most sensitive skin tester, ranked it second, she said it felt more like an emulsion and that she'd totally use it up."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

"It's okay, but I'm not going to repurchase it, I think their creams are better than this serum. It's just okay, nothing that special, and nobody on the team even mentioned it."

✕Nay

70%Guru Score

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

"SkinCeuticals is an expensive brand a lot of people worship, their vitamin C serums are like two hundred fifty dollars. People say it's very effective, but makeup artists and people who work in beauty say it's too aggressive, and so many people got breakouts after using it."

✕Nay

77%Guru Score

Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

"This gel cream is one of the high ranking picks for summer, similar looking to the Dr. G gel cream with a similar texture. It's very light but doesn't absorb that well anymore, maybe because my standard has gotten higher. It's still popular, and if you have oily combo skin and just want to stay hydrated with something water based, it's fine for beginners. But if you have dry mature skin like me, over 40, I don't recommend it, it's going to be too light."

~Mixed

80%Guru Score

d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum

"This became popular more outside of Korea, beauty influencers started this brand, so people are still a little skeptical, but once I tried it, it's pretty good. Compared to others it's definitely a heavier one, it becomes a little sticky and tacky. If you do your makeup after it, foundation sticks so well, I prefer it for makeup too. I'd never recommend using it with a cotton pad, just pat it onto your skin."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Centella 4% Tranexamic Acid Dark Spot Go Away Serum

"This dark spot serum has a gel formula, so if you live in a tropical country and never liked sticky products, or you have oily acne prone skin, you will love it. There is no problem adding it to your skincare routine because it is not too heavy, everybody can handle it. It has tranexamic acid and is very low irritant, and they also have a 4 percent version."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Anua Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum

"Anua is so popular, and a few of my subscribers say it works even for oily acne prone skin. It works for all skin types, you can feel it is a little hydrating, and it is fine to use before makeup too. Out of the three dark spot serums this is the one that is most appealing to all skin types."

✓Yay

58%Guru Score

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum

"I checked the reviews and I'm not the only one seeing that. Other vitamin C serums also turn yellow over time, but at least they use a darker bottle, this one comes in a white bottle so you can't tell how fast it's oxidizing. Whenever I use it my face becomes a little more heated, so I think it can be a bit aggressive. It might react differently for other people, but I'd rather try a smaller, brown bottled option instead."

✕Nay

59%Guru Score

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum

"They named this a dark spot correcting serum, but I didn't really see a difference in my dark spots, and honestly this isn't even that popular here in Korea compared to other Anua products. I don't get why it's viral, but I do like it, it finishes a little tacky and you can just use it as a hydrating serum. I'd put this at a B."

~Mixed

77%Guru Score

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

"It's labeled as a serum but comes in a tube with a gel cream texture, no scent, and it melts easily onto the skin without stickiness. The key ingredients are 5% niacinamide to even out skin tone and squalane for hydration, but I cannot see any effect, it's hydrating for only a few minutes and then disappears. Since it's already a gel cream, layering a moisturizer on top feels burdensome. Final rating, C."

✕Nay

64%Guru Score

Anua Rice 7% Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

"This is another new Anua serum, and I don't like it, I don't even like the packaging, mine is leaking, that sucks, and it's not even that cheap, which makes me so annoyed. I expected more because it says ceramide, and a ceramide based product should mean a lot more hydration and be good for dry, mature skin. At first it feels slippery like a snail serum, but it's gone so quickly. Anybody expecting their skin barrier to get better from using this will be disappointed."

✕Nay

65%Guru Score

Medicube Triple Collagen Serum

"My husband, who really likes fragrance, said it's okay too, but Medicube, what are you doing with the packaging, it makes me annoyed. It's not watery, it feels like a little lotion. I love it, this is my second bottle. For oily or combo skin you can do a toner then this, then seal it with a moisturizer. I feel like this is a company that's just chasing virality, but they did a good job with this one, so this goes to S."

✓Yay

65%Guru Score

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Milk

"I bought the combo, which comes with a milk lotion. You can pair it with the toner for the whole season if you have combo or oily skin, this milk is pretty good, it's just like a typical milk lotion. But for dry or mature skin I feel like it's not enough on its own, you have to seal it in with a slightly thicker cream."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum

"This serum is known to be [...] used a lot by K-pop stars and makeup artists. It's supposed to help smooth skin texture, but I don't feel that. It's definitely great as a skin prep product though, because it acts like a primer and absorbs well even after multiple layers."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

Medicube Vitamin C Serum

"Medicube's capture C serum was pretty good too, that's the one I'd rather pick."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Tirtir SOS Serum

"This serum isn't that bad, but I won't spend that much money to buy it again, the price globally was okay, but here in Korea it isn't that affordable. I don't agree with calling it an SOS Serum, because an SOS Serum should do something good when your skin is angry and red, and I think the Purito serum would work better for that. This one is just a bit sticky, a normal serum for dry skin, if you have combination or oily skin it will feel even more sticky. It's okay, but I won't buy it again."

✕Nay

62%Guru Score

I'm From Rice Serum

"I have like 15 different serums at my studio and it's hard to use this much, I don't know why people don't know about this. I love it, not too heavy, it absorbs quickly and moisturizes so well. If you love the rice toner, just believe me, you will love this more. It contains niacinamide and it says it brightens your skin, but I don't think so, that's just a theory, but I can guarantee you it moisturizes your skin so well."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Mixsoon Bean Serum

"These days I've been using the Mixsoon soybean serum, it's a new one and I like it."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Anua Azelaic Acid 10% Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

"This new red serum has similar ingredients and comes in the same container as the older peach one, but the price has gone up. It has a similar texture, a bit sticky when applied, so I don't recommend it in summer, or if you have oily skin you won't like it, I'd only use it in the evening. It has a peach scent and a high percentage of niacinamide, but there's nothing particular about it besides the scent, so I'd pass on this one."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

COSRX Niacinamide 15% Serum

"If you want more niacinamide, COSRX has a niacinamide serum at fifteen percent, the texture is even lighter, so for oily skin it's no problem, this one can be the better pick."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Serum

"This is my Holy Grail, the Innisfree black tea ample, so famous, a high moisturizing ample. [...] I used it about two years ago and loved it so much that I gave it to my mom, who is in her sixties with very dry skin, and she used it too. This is the product with the highest repurchase rate, and I'm not the only one, when I look at reviews there were a lot of people who bought it a few times. The texture is awesome, it's very moist and spreads well."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

d'Alba White Truffle Double Serum & Cream

"This one is from d'Alba. I use so many bottles of it. During Covid I had a lot of Korean clients whose skin was really sensitive from everybody wearing masks, so I was looking for a product that really works for really sensitive skin, and this was the one. If you're really sensitive, try this one."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

COSRX 23% Ascorbic Acid Pure Vitamin C Serum

"What I don't like about vitamin C in general is that some products are so yellow you look like SpongeBob, and it has a smell that's not easy to apply. This one has a bit of an oil layer so you have to mix it before applying, it does have a scent but I think it's bearable. Overall I love it so much and I think it's worth the hype."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum

"It's okay for sensitive skin. I put it at intermediate, but it's definitely good. The texture is a little different because it's slightly transparent and has little capsules, and when you rub it in it feels amazing, like a primer, and it doesn't tickle at all. It also has a toning serum, so I recommend it for young skin who want to try vitamin C too."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Cleansers31 reviews

Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil

"If you guys want the cleansing oil, this is my second bottle. Compared to the Manyo cleansing oil, definitely a little lighter because this is not too much plant oil, it's more like a synthetic oil, but in that way it's great for the gentleman too who is pretty new to the cleansing oil. And of course, erasing power is amazing."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser

"I almost gave this an S tier, but for me, it's solidly A. The texture stretches like natto. It contains high amount of sunflower seed oil, but surprisingly, it feels light and fresh, not greasy. So if you're oily or combo and hate that slippery film after cleansing, you'll love this. It removes a full face of makeup except mascara. For that, use a proper eye makeup remover. But my skin felt a little dry afterward. So for dry or mature skin, I'd pick Torriden for a more hydrating finish."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm

"So impressive. Why did you guys do this? It's going to be on my [...] almost S tier. Compared to that one, this one feels more like a just like normal cleansing balm. But whenever you roll this, it feels like a sherbet. So soft. So if you guys are dry mature skin and sensitive skin, you don't have to do anything. If you just [...] roll it, the texture feels so good. [...] I'm not a huge fan of this packaging, but pretty good, pretty good one."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Senka Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam

"Oily and combination people probably love it because when you wash with it you feel like nothing is left on your face, but it strips out too much oil, and if you keep using it continuously it hurts your skin barrier. It's around six to seven dollars so it's affordable, and if you just think about the price it's okay, but I know a lot more better products than this, so I don't have any reason to reach for it. I bought it like two years ago and didn't use it that much."

✕Nay

61%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

"A normal foam cleanser like SKIN1004 is a lot more affordable, so that is what I would buy instead of paying up for the trendy whipped cleanser and mask products."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Anua Heartleaf Plus Vitamin E Pore Control Cleansing Oil

"Anua's cleansing oil is okay, if you haven't tried it you can, but as I always say this one is really for oily combo skin. If you have dry mature skin, no, it's going to dry your skin out too much."

~Mixed

62%Guru Score

Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil

"The number one cleanser here in Korea is definitely the Manyo cleansing oil, I use multiple bottles of it and it cleanses so well. The one downside is that compared to the Anua oil the texture is a bit heavier, so if you're new to cleansing oils it can feel too heavy, but if you wear heavy makeup and want something that really works, Manyo is the answer."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser

"This mochi cleanser is still all over social media, so I bought it from Olive Young Korea to make sure it wasn't fake. It looks kind of fun because it's chewy, but I don't see the point of it. Even though the color doesn't change, I'm giving this one a C. If you're removing that much makeup you need an oil based cleanser anyway, or you have to double cleanse every day and add a foam cleanser, so I just don't like this kind of product when they turn it into a toy."

✕Nay

62%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

"This is another globally viral cleansing oil. Similar to the Anua one, it's more oil like, not too heavy, so even if you're a newbie you can still start with it. It has Centella in it. If you're okay with Centella that's totally fine, and for me it was okay."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

"This is a low pH cleanser, a lot better to use as a second cleanser because it doesn't drip oil and leaves my skin less tight. It has stronger cleansing power, and after using it [...] my skin feels a lot more breathing. If you're sensitive or more dry mature skin [...] this is a [...] good option. If you want more cleansing power, this is the one that works better."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Beplain Mung Bean pH Balanced Cleansing Foam

"This one is now getting super popular in Korea. It's a low pH cleanser too, and compared to the Round Lab one it has less strong cleansing power, meaning it doesn't erase makeup as well, but it's really soft. If you're sensitive or more dry mature skin [...] this is a good option. It's super thick though, so when there's only a little left it's a little annoying to pop it out. If you want something milder, this is the one that works better."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

"My makeup artist friend who's oily combo loved it, especially paired with a cleansing device for pumping out blackheads, though using just my finger I didn't see that as much myself. Still, it cleanses so well and it's not as heavy as the Manyo one. I'd pick this for dry mature skin, and honestly if you're a newbie to cleansing oil, this one is better."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Super Soft Foam Cleanser

"This foam cleanser is so mild and soft, great for a second cleanser if you're double cleansing. It's soft, though the Lagom one I also tried is even softer. Still a great, gentle option if your skin turns red easily."

✓Yay

62%Guru Score

Lagom Cellup Micro Foam Cleanser

"This one has so many reviews on Olive Young in Korea and became viral, partly because Korean beauty YouTuber Lisa Bae mentioned it's the only foam cleanser she uses at home. Even if you're dry or sensitive skin, whatever else you use might leave your skin feeling too tight, but this feels like a cloud. It's great for a second cleanser if you're double cleansing since it's so mild and soft, even softer than the Skin1004 one. I love it so much. If your skin turns red easily, please try this."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Manyo Factory Vegan Heart Leaf Sea Cleansing Foam

"This is a low pH cleansing foam I compared side by side with the Anua one, both aimed more at oily combo skin. It had similar stripping and similar drying on my hands, and I don't recommend it for double cleansing since it's too much. It's a little better than the Anua one, but if you're dry or sensitive skin I still don't recommend it that much. It's fine for easily removing sunscreen or a one time cleanse."

~Mixed

66%Guru Score

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Foam

"I'm a dry skin girl, so this cleansing foam feels too tight on my skin. If you're double cleansing, meaning you'd be using this every single day, I don't think so, that's going to be too much. There are milder Korean cleansing foam alternatives out there that are great too."

✕Nay

77%Guru Score

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

"The gel texture is very light and doesn't strip your oil too much because it's low acidic, which is a good idea for a morning cleanser. But oh my god, the scent is way too strong, I cannot handle it. [...] The gel texture is nice and light, [...] but what's the point if I can't handle the scent. There are so many better, [...] less scented low acidic foam cleansers now, so there's no reason to use this one."

✕Nay

61%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

"I tried this to understand what the purpose of making it this way was. I think they made it as a second cleanser for people who are doing double cleansing, since after the oil you have to use a really mild, gentle cleanser. It's lightweight, but for me it feels like [...] they tried to make it too gentle, so it doesn't really erase that well. [...] Not for me."

✕Nay

73%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

"This one is pretty good compared to the other cleansing oils, though nothing about it feels really superb and it's not as light as some others. I do give it extra credit because it's unscented, while some other oils have a bit of scent, so if you're sensitive to fragrance try this one."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Arencia Rice Mucin Cleanser

"Both the pot and tube versions of this cleanser are bad to me. The texture is unique, rubbery and claylike, but there are tons of reviews saying it flipped people's skin, even non-sensitive skin. If it gets in your eyes it is so painful, honestly it's shockingly bad. With regular use it can damage your skin barrier, so even for oily skin you should only use it on the nose or just finish it off on your body. It's drying with a harsher particle, so save your money."

✕Nay

58%Guru Score

Numbuzin Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil

"I tried this again and I definitely love it because of how it feels rolling on the skin, it's amazing. My oily skin makeup artist friend loves it too, she says she can feel her blackheads melting, so it's amazing for oily combo skin as well. The texture is a nice middle ground, a little heavier than the lightest oils but not as heavy as the richest ones, so it's a good pick if you want something in between."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Beplain Grinding Cleansing Balm

"What I really love from this brand isn't actually the foam cleanser, it's their cleansing balm. It feels like whipped cream, and I still love it. I used it the whole time from when I was pregnant until my baby was born because it felt so safe. Please, please try that out."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

April Skin Niacinamide 99 Deep Cleanser

"My face felt super tight and red after washing, so if you have sensitive skin, stay far away. Honestly, what's the point of niacinamide in a cleanser? A good cleanser should just cleanse your face without drying it out. The scent is bubblegummy, the texture is weird, and you only need about ten percent of the amount they show on TikTok. This is one of the worst cleansers I've tried recently."

✕Nay

65%Guru Score

Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder

"If you are expecting the slimy TikTok effect you will need to use a ridiculous amount, and seriously, why would you even mix it with toner? If that worked, then just washing your face with toner should give you perfect skin. It was so slippery that I had to rinse for over five minutes, and at that point any cleanser would leave your face squeaky clean anyway. After rinsing, my dry skin felt tight. If you want deep cleansing, melt down your sebum with a cleansing oil instead."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

"Overall it's pretty good, it emulsifies and erases makeup well, the formula is pretty good, but I hate the scent so much, the ginseng smell. While I'm emulsifying and rinsing it off, for two or three minutes I can still feel that ginseng tang. Why don't they make a no scent version, please, if you're really sensitive about scent, keep that in mind."

~Mixed

69%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

"I see so many positive reviews for this on Amazon, but it's a gel so it makes too little foam, it doesn't really cleanse that well, it just smells good. This can't really appeal to Koreans. Compared to other brands they do a lot of promotion, but it's pretty expensive, and this brand isn't going so well in Korea. It's a little too expensive and I don't find any good reason to use this."

✕Nay

81%Guru Score

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

"But it's effective at removing blackheads and all my makeup, and the amazing thing about the Banila Co Clean It Zero is that after you cleanse it off, the skin is still very bouncy and moisturizing. I definitely recommend it for mature, dry skin. Some reviews said it caused too much stimulation on their skin, some people react to the natural ingredients, so keep that in mind."

✓Yay

67%Guru Score

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

"I was surprised that this longtime favorite among the 40 plus crowd was also low alkaline, no wonder it feels gentle, it cleanses so well. The pump doesn't dispense that well, but it's a great gift for your mom if she has mature skin. Between the two, I will just pick this one."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Papa Recipe Eggplant Clearing Enzyme Powder Cleanser

"Papa Recipe has a slightly different texture, with larger powder particles and a hint of purple. The foam is still soft, but just like Suisai, it left my face red. Since it's a newer product, the ingredients seem a bit milder, making it slightly better, but I'd only recommend it for oily or combo skin, and only once a week at most."

~Mixed

70%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

"This cleansing balm works the same way as their cleansing oil, you apply it to dry hands, rub it in, emulsify, and wash it off, except the oil pumps out easily while the balm needs a spatula to scoop out. It's good because it's really gentle and mild and it cleanses well, but compared to their cleansing oil, the oil melts down blackheads way better."

~Mixed

80%Guru Score

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

"This is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, the only product not made in Korea on the bestseller top ten, and it's even 30 percent more expensive than other micellar water from Korean brands. But even super sensitive skin that can't even use a cleansing foam can use this, it's so gentle, and you don't have to wash your face with water afterward, so this one works like a toner too, it's versatile. If you do the double cleanse, this is amazing as the second cleanser."

✓Yay

96%Guru Score

Toners30 reviews

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

"If you have dry, mature skin and nothing you use, not even moisturizer, works, please try this as a first step in your skincare. It totally works well, and I've tried so many milk toners. [...] This is an OG, definitely worth the hype. Though honestly it's not even more hydrating than other watery toners, and my oily skin friend used it as her only step."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Medicube PDRN Toner Pad

"Especially if you're oily combo and living in tropical weather, you'll hate this. [...] It's so sticky. I don't really hate sticky products, because some of the sticky tacky feeling works well when you do makeup, it works like a glue, like a primer. But it's like a first step of skincare, and I'm not ready to be sticky. [...] The pad itself is so thin, so whenever I take it out it always comes with at least two, and it dries out as time goes by, so that's a minus."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

VT Toner Pad

"This is actually the Toner Pad and it says you can make it like little longer, but in that way I feel it doesn't stick well, but you can like overall put it here and then really soft. So I don't think why it doesn't become that popular. I feel it's a lot better than the Mediheal. So not that much liquid as I think, but totally it's a great, great, great product."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

I'm From Rice Toner

"I feel the toner is too heavy and it doesn't absorb well, [...] so I wanted to give similar hydration level but this one a little more heavier than this, but I wanted to give the I'm From better point because it's very lightweight. My oily skin friend tried Lana's Cream Skin first and said girl this is milk, this is straight up tap water. She's not wrong though. Easily the lightest of the bunch, making it the ultimate gateway toner for teens and twentysomethings."

✓Yay

94%Guru Score

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Toner Plus

"This is $20 and go away. Go away. Too expensive. For dry mature skin if you're over like 40, 50, I recommend it because they named it as an essence. But just don't say that. That's just like a thick serum. I think Western beauty just named it as a toner or just make a thick serum and then they just want it to be on the viral. So I think they named it as a milky toner. But that's not a toner. That's just a serum. Thick serum. Oily combo girls, no, but very very hydrating."

~Mixed

80%Guru Score

Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Vita Touch Toner Pads

"What I really like it and repurchasing many times is the Abib toner pad. This one I like it much more liquid and bigger. So after I put this one at my restroom and then after I shower, I just while drying my hair, I just put it here for the quick sheet mask and still doesn't dry out. So it's great. Using for all skin types, totally recommended and pretty much doing the promotion a lot at Olive Young too."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Toner

"Definitely absolute number one here is [...] Dr. Toner. I repurchased it many times, not for me. I use it with the customers. Whenever if the clients come, I just let them remove their makeup and this is going to be the first step. I just put this at the cotton swab and wipe it out. And it's a little exfoliating ingredient, but not too extreme. And one thing is very very affordable. So for random people, usually no problem. If you don't have super sensitive skin, totally fine."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Benton Guava 70 Skin Toner Calming Pad

"Benton Guava toner pads. I like this because it's not too thick. It's not too thin, but it's totally fine to use it as a kind of quick sheet mask too."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

BYOMA Milky Toner

"I expected a lot from this because I see it everywhere selling like crazy on Amazon, but how could you even call this a toner? It's not even moisturizing, it's not even a proper Milky Toner, and it's not even hydrating."

✕Nay

76%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.1 Pure-full Herb Calming Toner

"If you have oily skin, the Numbuzin No.1 Toner is great."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Tirtir Milk Skin Toner

"If you have oily or combo skin I don't recommend it, it will make your skin feel too tacky. It's a normal milky toner with middle hydration, but if your skin is dry, mature, and not in a tropical climate, you will love it so much because it's so hydrating and it also works like a great primer, sticking well on your skin. Both this and Tonymoly are great, I highly recommend this one for dry skin types."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Skin1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner

"I love it because the pad is so thin, you can keep it in [...] the shower and wipe your whole face with it when you get out, then use it as a quick sheet mask while you're drying your hair, it stays on well and feels cooling. It also has centella in it, [...] so anyone with oily combo skin who gets red easily, especially in tropical weather, it's great for cooling the skin down. Why not, great."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Purito Tranexamic Acid 6% Niacinamide 10% Retinaldehyde Toning Booster Serum

"You have to shake it. The texture is sticky, like hair sticking sticky, so oily skin should be aware, and on my sensitive dry skin I peeled on day three from the retinol, so SPF is a must. My quick verdict is powerful but irritating."

✕Nay

70%Guru Score

The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner

"I bought this because it's super popular and it's very affordable and it works so well. I have sensitive skin so I was a little skeptical since it has AHA exfoliating in it, but I feel okay, and after a while I can definitely feel my skin is smooth. What surprised me is that even after exfoliating it still hydrated pretty good, I'd give it a 2.0 on hydration level. I definitely highly recommend it for acne prone, oily, combination skin."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

"I'm using this a lot with my customers. I feel it's okay, but if you apply it with a cotton swab and wipe it out, it works pretty well, because the hyaluronic acid in it makes it a little slippery. Wiped out that way, it definitely gives your skin hydration."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Anua Rice 70% Glow Milky Toner

"This one takes longer to absorb and feels more oily on the skin. The description says it's lightweight and even suitable for acne prone skin, but I wouldn't recommend it for that. It's quite rich and would only suit dry or mature skin types."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

"I'd give this a 1.5 hydration level, pretty similar to the other one. Compared to western products, Korean products are usually more mild, so I didn't see that much miracle from this one. But even though the name is like a pretty aggressive miracle toner, it's more appealing to many people, which means it's pretty safe."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner

"Even though they call this an exfoliating PHA toner it's actually pretty heavy, so if you're more on the dry side or have a little more mature skin this one is better for you. I like the watermelon scent and overall I like this one."

~Mixed

72%Guru Score

Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads

"Everybody knows Biodance for their collagen gel mask, and they made it into a toner pad. It's my holy grail, it's transparent, very soft, and even for sensitive skin it doesn't really stick that much."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner

"It's a bit slippery, like old-school hyaluronic acid. Nowadays Korean brands have more advanced hyaluronic acid that isn't slippery, but this still absorbs well and works pretty good, and if you layer it two or three times it works like a serum. Hyaluronic acid works for everybody whatever your skin is, especially in humid weather, it holds water in the air so well. If you feel dehydrated from air conditioning, tropical country ladies, try this out today. I'm pretty generous with it."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

"I didn't even read the instructions and I was like, why doesn't this feel like anything? That's because it doesn't really hydrate that much, it absorbs super quickly and it's just gone. So if you have oily skin, for daily use you can try it out, it's okay. But for me, I'm not going to repurchase it."

~Mixed

73%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner

"This is a two-layer toner, so before you use it you have to shake it. It looks like a milky toner with cream inside it, but it's different from what you'd expect, it doesn't give you any glow. For oily or combo skin, even following the instructions, I didn't feel anything effective from it. It's no good for pores either. They tried to make it a two-layer rice toner that's supposed to be more creamy, but it wasn't. I don't think I'm going to finish this one."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

"I actually like the other Isntree toner, the hyaluronic acid one, a lot better than this one."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Equalberry Swimming Pool Daily Facial Toner

"This is very viral. It's a watery toner, but a pretty generous amount comes out, so if you layer it two or three times I can totally feel that it's hydrating. They market it as a non-irritating exfoliating toner because they didn't put AHA or BHA in it, but I didn't notice any exfoliating effect at all. Nobody cares about this brand in Korea, it's just a viral brand, but it's pretty impressive. They made it pretty good for all skin types."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

"This is a bit of an older version, but I finished one bottle on a client, it's pretty good. You'd think propolis would have a scent, but this one doesn't have much of one. It just gives you a moisture-locking barrier and smooths your skin. If you expect a watery toner and you have oily or combo skin, it can feel a bit heavy. It's going to be more lovable for dry, mature skin."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Anua Peach 77% Niacinamide Essence Toner

"It's great for beginners, it's like pure water but it's not water, it just makes you hydrated. It's a pretty good one to start with as your first toner. Many people mention using it like a micellar cleansing water too. At first I just tapped it on like a cleanser and it wasn't that bad, but I don't think I'm going to use it that way for cleansing. Between all these toners, it's not amazing, but I understand why it appeals to so many people. It's pretty good."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.4 Pore Zero Peeling Toner Pad

"I don't like the peeling because my skin is more dry, I feel like the exfoliating is going to be too much. It's not that bad, but [...] there are so many better toner pads out there, so I'm not going to use this one."

✕Nay

59%Guru Score

Isntree Yam Root Vegan Barrier Milky Toner

"I'd recommend Isntree's toner for normal skin, it was okay for me."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

"It's not worth it, it has a slightly heavy texture. I think they named it an Essence Toner because it's not just a watery toner, like it's supposed to work like a serum or an essence, but to be honest, not at all, it's not really a toner or an essence. If you have oily combo skin, a toner that absorbs immediately is better. If you have dry skin, it doesn't improve your dryness."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

Hanyul Artemisia Calming Toner Pads

"I love this toner pad so much. Other toner pad products feel like too much work, but what I love about this one is it has a lot of liquid in it, it smells so good, and it's super thin compared to other pads, so you can even use it for a quick sheet mask. It has niacinamide in it and it says it brightens, but I don't really see that much brightening. Still, I think it's enough. It just fills my skin and lifts it up."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Sunscreen27 reviews

d'Alba Piedmont Waterfall UV Essence SPF 50

"Dalba is a very oily sunscreen, so I don't recommend it for oily combo girlies, only for dry mature skin. [...] The Korean version [...] is a lot more oily and sits so well before makeup, but it has a little more white cast. The Korean version of tone-up sunscreen doesn't work well for darker complexions, so I only recommend it for skin similar to mine."

✕Nay

66%Guru Score

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ (Korean formula)

"Sunscreen, absolute number one here is Round Lab. Definitely this is I repurchased many many times and recommend many times. And no anybody didn't try it yet, that famous Korean moisturizer feeling sunscreen, please try it out."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

"Dr. Jart is a premium BB cream, and I'm actually using this a lot at my classes because compared to all the other BB creams here, it's one of the most moisturizing and it doesn't show up wrinkles that much. If I have a guest coming who's in their fifties or sixties with more pigmentation, I mix in a little foundation, because the color alone looks a little pinkish gray, like sweet potato, which doesn't look that good on my warm skin."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

"A few years ago this was S tier, but now it's down to an A tier. It's a chemical sunscreen and it will sting your eyes, and as I get older my eyes get even more sensitive, and tons of reviews agree. It's around six bucks and the texture feels exactly like a lightweight lotion. I highly recommend it for dry or mature skin, but oily skin types might feel too greasy. It costs almost double at Olive Young in Korea, so if you're in Japan it's definitely worth picking up."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ (Korean formula)

"This one is a little more oily than Round Lab, so it's better for dry or mature skin. It's affordable and performs great. This is an easy S tier."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

"I'm not really a huge fan of the pump packaging, because even when there's still some product left, it doesn't come out easily, unlike a tube you can use until the end. But this one is definitely S tier, it works great and you don't have to work hard to spread it because it goes into your skin so quickly."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

"This one doesn't have water resistance, and honestly it feels like a sunscreen from 10 years ago, too heavy. I have to rub it in literally seven to ten times, so it's too heavy, too thick. There's no reason to use it when we have a lot better versions now. This goes to C tier."

✕Nay

77%Guru Score

TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

"This goes to my S tier. It rubs in so fast, one, two, three and it's gone. This is the sunscreen I've been looking for, because I always wear makeup, so the makeup pairing has to be amazing, and even living somewhere tropical and humid, it's still not sticky. It's just so lightweight and easy. This is the ideal sunscreen."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream

"This one goes to my S tier. It has a little green color, but whenever you apply it, it just disappears. It's a brand new sunscreen that's a lot lighter and easier to absorb than Round Lab and Beauty of Joseon. This new version of sunscreen is one I actually really prefer, so please try it out."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

"This one is also really popular on social media, and I'd give it a great rating, but the scent, if you're sensitive about scent, watch out. I even opened a new one because I wondered if it had gone off with time, but even the new ones smell the same and it's kind of strong, stronger than something like Round Lab. The finish is okay before makeup, the texture feels amazing, and I love the pretty packaging, but because of the scent it drops to just a little bit okay."

~Mixed

84%Guru Score

AHC Master's Icy Jelly Sunstick

"This one isn't as greasy as the other sunstick, it has a great texture, is so easy to use, and it's a little bigger than the usual small sunsticks. So, I love it. One of my close friends went to Rome after getting laser hair removal and didn't want any pigmentation to come out, so she reapplied this a lot and got no tan at all. I believe it works, so try it out."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

Anua Hyaluronic Acid Sun Stick

"It's not easy to pick because I love this sunstick, it's bigger than other brands, a little curved, and easy to use. Compared to Beauty of Joseon's, which feels like a solid soap, this one is so soft, but I ended up liking the other brand more because this one is a lot more greasy. If you're oily or combo skin in tropical weather, this can feel too greasy."

~Mixed

83%Guru Score

Fwee Spa Glowing UV Tone-Up Prep

"This brand definitely has great products, like their pudding pot, but I just don't get why they made this into a tone up base. It's not really doing much, it's just making a little brightening, and I don't understand why you'd use it because you're just going to put foundation on afterward anyway, so there's no point in the tone up."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

Luna Concealer SPF 34

"Luna's concealer does have a lighter shade than the Sam, but unless you're using it strictly as a highlighter, you really don't need it. When I compared the color payoff and firmness to the Sam, they weren't that different, but the Sam blends better overall."

✕Nay

71%Guru Score

Skin&Lab Ectoin Sunscreen

"There's a very new sunscreen out from Skin&Lab that mixes a chemical filter and a mineral filter together, half and half. Oh my god, I love it so much. Nobody here really knows about it, I found out about it because a beauty YouTuber from Korea mentioned it. It's just so soft, if I didn't say anything you'd think it was a regular chemical sunscreen, but it's actually part mineral. If you're really sensitive to chemical sunscreens, try this instead."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Skin1004 Helika Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++

"No, you don't need this. Compared to sunscreen this is not even close, the coverage feels weak and half the time you're wondering if you actually applied anything or if you're imagining it. It drags over the skin like rubbing a solid bar of soap on your face, and it also moves all the skin care underneath it when you reapply. As your main sunscreen, absolutely not. Compared to Abib sun sticks, in shape, size, and glide, Abib wins."

✕Nay

66%Guru Score

Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

"This one isn't as popular outside of Korea, but here it's very affordable. Compared to the other one, the texture also feels really watery, like an easy moisturizer, so if you like that kind of texture, you can also try this."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Hera Black Cushion Compact SPF 34 PA++

"The Hera Black Cushion is definitely number one. Compared to other cushions, it has more serum and more powder in it, so for my dry mature skin it doesn't create much oil, it gives more coverage, and it looks more matte. If you're looking for a good quality matte cushion you can try it, but for women over forty with dry mature skin this is definitely the one, especially in the humid Korean summer when people want more coverage and something that sets well."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Anua Zero Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

"If you have oily skin in tropical weather I don't think you'll like it, but in Korean winter, if you have dry mature skin, you'll like this, and it's kind of cute and small. It's a chemical sunscreen though, so some people can react if they're allergic or sensitive. I would say it's okay, but I'm not going to repurchase it, because whatever I pick, other sunscreens are like this, so there's no reason to pick this one particularly."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF 50+ PA++++

"The viral sunstick from Abib isn't that popular here in Korea, but this is amazing, they did a great job making the curved version, it's not bad at all, still curved and very soft. It's more oily than AHC, so if you have oily combo skin you might find it too greasy and want to stick with AHC, but if you have dry mature skin you will love this one."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide SPF 40

"If you've got dry skin and you're in your 50s or beyond, this one's a winner, hydrating, smoothing, and good coverage. But it definitely got darker over time, the difference between the fridge swatch and the one I applied earlier is totally obvious. If you don't have much to cover, I'd recommend mixing it with a foundation to lighten it up a bit, it gives you that same smooth texture but the shade won't surprise you later."

~Mixed

77%Guru Score

Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen Protective Mist SPF 50

"I bought this sunspray to compare it with a Korean sunspray, and between the two, Japan wins. You have to be careful, you can't spray it directly onto your face, you put it on your hands first and then apply it. It feels almost like water, so light and cooling, not sticky at all, great if you live somewhere tropical, and you can even use it on a baby's body. I'll keep this one for summer."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

"These days I'm using Numbuzin the most, it feels moisturizing pretty well, and it's just amazing before makeup too."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

"Isntree says this is for dry skin. It absorbs into the skin immediately, and like the name says it's a gel, so it's not sticky at all, and the shine doesn't last long. It's great for dry skin to use in all four seasons, no problem even under makeup, and it contains hyaluronic acid so it feels much more moisturizing."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50

"It's made for oily skin, it's their [...] matte sunstick, and you can't really feel it on your skin, but if you have dry skin [...] it feels like you're rubbing hard soap on your face. You can use the sunstick for touchups, like at the mountain, [...] but I don't think a sunstick can replace a classic sunscreen. It's easy to carry around and the packaging is kind of cute with no scent, but I don't think it's worth it."

✕Nay

73%Guru Score

TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

"The last one is the Tocobo sunstick, the blue one. Its texture is in the middle of the first two products, but the finish is matte, [...] softer when applied than Beauty of Joseon's. It's recommended for oily and combo skin, for dry skin it's a bit dry to apply to the face. A sunstick like this works really well for touch ups, it's so easy, you can put it everywhere, even on short sleeves on the body."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Dr.G Green Mild Up Sunscreen

"It also has cica inside so it soothes your skin a bit, and it contains zinc oxide. Compared to chemical sunscreens it can feel a little dry, but this one, [...] oh my God, feels amazing and is easy to apply. Because it's zinc oxide it's not easy to remove with just a cleansing foam, but you can wash it off with a cleansing foam alone. For anyone with a darker complexion or brown skin who isn't willing to use a chemical sunscreen, this one is amazing."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Mists & Essences22 reviews

VT PDRN Essence 100

"I love this PDRN essence. Different from the Medicube or other PDRN, this is a plant-based PDRN, so definitely, if you're looking for that, it's a great choice."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

"This is my holy grail milky toner. And [...] I have a really sensitive skin makeup artist friend, she's so picky. Whenever we got her skin tested, like the 100 is like the full score, her sensitivity was like 96 score, so like super sensitive, but this is her holy grail. Layering two or three times, totally fine."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Rhode Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence

"I got so many DMs about Rhode's milky toner. Between the [...] three milky toners I tried, this one is the ace, and if I only had to buy one it would be this one. It's pretty moisturizing, but compared to Korean milky toners it feels more like a thick serum, so I think it's better for dry mature skin. It's a toner though, so it can't replace your serum. Overall it's a good try and worth buying, especially in the smaller size."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist

"Estra Cream mist is hydrating, more than just a watery mist, and after a while it still feels like it's there, it lasts a little longer than the others. I like it because compared to Biodance and Haruharu Wonder it feels a lot less like an oily film, so I think this one works pretty universally. This is the ace of the mist. But if I can only buy one, it's definitely the toner over the mist, because the mist is more like a snack while the toner is the main meal."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

"I think it's trending on Reddit because the fermented ingredients like galactomyces, bifida, and aspergillus cause extreme reactions, some people get glow and some people break out. I didn't break out, but I'm still skipping it. The texture and results just aren't worth it. Save your money, go for Torriden or Numbuzin Number 9 instead."

✕Nay

86%Guru Score

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist

"The Dr. Althea mist is called a cream mist, but it's actually pretty light. It works for most skin types, but there's nothing special about it, and it's not something I'd recommend. If you have dry or mature skin, go with an extra cream mist instead, since the formula is closer to your skin's natural lipids and gives a better protective layer."

✕Nay

60%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

"I tested it on my face and couldn't feel anything else, so I tried it again on my hands and as time goes by nothing changes. But there's definitely a lot of centella in here, so anybody who works well with centella, please try it, it can be holy grail. They named it an ample but it just feels like water, the texture is like a toner, so you could use it as a first step instead of a toner."

~Mixed

83%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule

"I didn't see any brightening from it, but the hydration level was pretty impressive, I think because of the [...] capsules. After you apply it, it becomes a little tacky, which is great when you're going to do makeup because it stays so well, it can work as a makeup primer too. If you have dry, mature skin and you're looking for a serum or ample from this brand, this would be my pretty good pick. It was my little hidden gem."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Skin1004 Pore Perfecting Centella Ampoule

"I'm not a huge fan of the name because it felt like too much, customers [...] will expect this but nothing's going to make your pores small, so not really, maybe laser but it just comes back. It's not a simple way, it just felt like what's the difference. The texture is very watery so you could use it as an everyday serum, but [...] if I use this one I'm going to use another serum after because it just goes away too quickly."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

VT PDRN Essence Stick Balm

"VT, the newer one with PDRN, is a lot harder on bare skin, it can feel like rubbing a solid soap bar. But it's great for oily or combo skin with dry patches, and the longer stick is perfect for the neck. Over makeup though, nope, too hard, it's wax based. If you haven't tried it out, you can still try it out."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

I'm From Mugwort Essence

"It's not a bad product, I picked this one because even though it has an earthy mugwort scent, it doesn't matter because it feels so cool on the skin. I can feel my skin loves it so much. They're doing an amazing job."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Bio-Lifting Silk Essence

"This one is made for lifting and anti-aging, and I was surprised how moisturizing it is. But I just don't recommend it for oily combo skin, it's too heavy."

~Mixed

83%Guru Score

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

"If you want something a little stronger this one fixes your makeup stronger, it's more like a smooth spray, but it's another really tiny size."

~Mixed

82%Guru Score

Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule 100

"People really compare this one to Torriden, and internationally people know Torriden more, but whenever I see Korean beauty YouTubers, and myself, I love this one a lot better. Both are hyaluronic acid, but the texture is totally different, this one feels like a thicker serum. I use only one drop, never four or five layers, and it gives a hydration plumping effect. If your skin is dehydrated inside, this is going to be amazing."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Curel Deep Moisture Spray

"This mist has good, no scent at all, and it looks just like pure water but it makes my skin super glowy. It did moisturize pretty good, not that dry, but I just don't recommend counting this as a skincare routine. You can keep it in the bathroom and use it while drying your hair, or cool it down so you can use it for a humid summer."

~Mixed

92%Guru Score

Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence

"It's really milky and heavy. The scent wasn't that strong. The downside is you have to shake it every time before you use it, and the glass bottle is heavy, it's also quite expensive. The description suggests layering it once for oily skin, twice for normal skin, and three times for dry skin, but for oily skin it already feels too heavy. Despite its thick texture, the moisturizing power isn't as great as expected. I don't think I'll be using it often."

✕Nay

77%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

"This is a watery toner with a ginseng scent. Why did they put the ginseng scent in it? I use it every single day. For somebody like me who doesn't like a strong scent, it's a bit irritating. I don't need it."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence

"Even for me it felt like too much before makeup, I can't use this on a client. It has fermented ingredients, and some people react really badly to it. For me it was okay, so test it first, and if it feels okay you can go for it. If you already have it, use it more in winter at night. I would just use a lighter toner that has better hydration instead. The serum version absorbs a lot better and is a lot lighter."

~Mixed

52%Guru Score

Mixsoon Bean Essence

"Of course you could just use a normal serum, but I find it works so well, your skin texture becomes so much smoother after you try it, believe me. It's very popular and kind of worth the hype, the lactic acid in it is okay for all ages and skin types, not that irritating, and it's affordable. I wouldn't say I can't live without it, but I reach for it very often. If your skin is dry you do have to seal it with a moisturizer or cream, because the serum alone isn't enough."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Melano CC Vitamin C Essence

"I bought the classic version, it comes in a tube but it's a liquid, and it's too oily. It's not for hydration, it's just for hyperpigmentation, and I don't like the texture, it feels like more of a facial oil, so it wasn't pleasant for me, and you need to put a cream on afterward. I ended up only using it a few times. For me, not really."

✕Nay

76%Guru Score

Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule

"I bought this because of way too much advertising, Olive Young had a buy one get two more event, I've never seen such marketing before. According to the ingredients it has moisturizing, brightening, wrinkle improvement, and pore care PHA, but I don't see any difference in my pores. It has a bit of a thick texture but it goes into the skin and dries too quickly. If you have really oily skin you can get this, but otherwise not really."

~Mixed

80%Guru Score

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Essence

"If you are oily, combo skin but dehydrated, please please please try this. For your type of skin, you can layer this two or three times on your skin and your skin loves it. Everyone knows Estra has amazing ingredients, but I feel like their cream and lotion are already heavy to layer, but this is great. They released a new toner, but I think nothing beats this. So this is like number one, number one, number one."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Other20 reviews

Romand Juicy Lasting Tint in Bear Grape

"Romand Bare Grape. Cute and affordable. I loved it 7 years ago, but now past."

✕Nay

72%Guru Score

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

"This goes to my S tier though, I think it's worth it. [...] Western brands usually excel at highlighter, and on tan or brown skin it looks even more beautiful than on fair skin. We can't find this kind of affordable, beautiful highlighter elsewhere. I love putting it all over, and [...] for Korean makeup I use it under the eye for aegyo sal, where it works amazing. If you want an aegyo sal eyeshadow at the same time, this one's great, worth it."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice Plus B5

"If you have oily skin, you're a teenager, live somewhere hot, or hate any greasy feeling, get this one. It's lightweight, cooling, and has almost no residue. It's affordable and performs great. This is an easy S tier."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (reformulated)

"La Roche-Posay B5 is always high ranking in Korea in the winter. One thing is it has zinc oxide, so if you apply it you go white and it gets very pasty. But even though it is very pasty, it is very effective. My sister has atopic inflammation so she can't use hardly any active products, but that one is her holy grail."

~Mixed

64%Guru Score

Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

"One downside compared to other Korean foundations is if you are fairer than me the color is not that bright, it runs a little more yellowish and grayish, so it is great if you have pigmentation and redness you want to cover. I [...] highly recommend it to women over forty, it is pretty moisturizing but still gives good coverage. I would say it is definitely worth the hype, though personally I do not use this cushion that much on my own skin because I do not need this much coverage for everyday."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Too Cool For School Art Class Shading Compact

"I love it because they changed the packaging, it used to be more bold and luxurious and now it's a [...] neutral version which I really love. [...] If you buy one they give you three brushes for free, which feels incredible. I usually use a slightly bigger brush for shading because too small a brush leaves a harsh line, but this one feels pretty good, and they also make a smaller brush just for nose shading."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Fwee Blur Pudding Pot

"As a lazy person I feel like it's too much work to open this, but it's still a lot better than the Milk one and it's a well made product because they have more colors. You can get the color to look pretty close to how it's applied, so between the two this one wins."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

COSRX Propolis Light Ampule

"I finished a whole bottle of this one, in the second class too. When it comes to propolis you'd think of a strong scent, but this doesn't have one, so it goes down well. It also feels like something between a serum and a lotion, so it gives good hydration. If you have normal skin I'd give it a pretty good rating, this one is not that bad."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Rejuran Healer PDRN Injectable

"When applying it, it feels like a basic ampoule at first, but she swears she could feel her skin texture improving, though she mentioned a friend of hers in her twenties broke out from it, maybe it was too rich for younger skin. For me, I gave it a fair shot, but honestly I didn't feel the results were worth the price, so it's a pass for me."

~Mixed

71%Guru Score

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

"This one is less popular but it's my favorite. Some people say the curler is too expensive, but I think it's worth the money, all the makeup artists use it. Using this curler takes a lot of strength and a little more skill, so I highly recommend using the better one, it gives a really good curl."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Medicube Zero Pore Pad

"Don't use it every day, use it once or twice a week. Honestly this doesn't do anything for me, I would rather use a serum that actually helps my pores. People expect too much from a toner pad but it doesn't actually minimize your pores, it just helps a little bit. If you have oily or combo skin you can try it out, but it's not my style."

✕Nay

54%Guru Score

Skin Food Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad

"I ended up using Skin Food a lot more than the other one and I like it much better because there's a lot more liquid, so whenever I wipe it out it feels the least friction. But some people react to this too, so if you have sensitive skin don't leave it on for like 15 minutes, just wipe it, pat it in, and dry your hair. My first pick for after the shower is going to be the Skin Food pad, I pat it on before I dry my hair and my skin becomes way more hydrated."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Clio Gelpresso Pencil Liner

"This Clio pencil has been my number one eyeliner for so long. I got it in a dark brown."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Romand Juicy Lasting Tint

"Romand is always at the high ranking at Olive Young because it's very affordable, not even a dollar, and it comes in so many colors. It's easy to apply since it's a glowing lip tint. The number one shade is Bare Grape, though that's actually a cooler tone. The most popular Romand color outside Korea is a brownish warm shade called Doy."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Amuse Jewel Jelly Vegan Cushion

"But the formulation is unstable, when it's stored at room temperature the foundation separates from the oil layer so you can't use it anymore, I'd recommend using it as a backup rather than your main one. In summer when the humidity hits 80% it feels too oily even for dry skin, it's better to use concealer around the T-zone to make it last longer, but if you have very dry skin all these cushions will feel matte to you, so try this one."

~Mixed

70%Guru Score

Missha Magic Cushion Cover Lasting

"The coverage is high and it's very affordable, but the color is too yellow, it's recommended for oily combo skin in summer, the color runs darker than other Korean brands and a bit orange. Even though it's [...] very affordable, cushions have evolved so much in the last six years that I can't find a reason to use this one, and its persistency is too low for me, I'd pass on this one."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

Ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener

"You saturate a cotton pad with this and leave it on the area you want to target for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently slide it with a cotton swab and rinse with water. [...] It does an excellent job at removing stubborn nose filaments and cleaning them around my T-zone. I did it on my forehead, chin, and nose, but [...] if you're dry or combo skin, try just the T-zone. You'll use this up really quickly, but they run promotions on it, and I think if you care about your pores this works much better."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad

"A long time ago I finished one but never bought it again because I didn't like it, and this time I bought it again for this review and again I didn't like it at all. It doesn't have enough serum in the pad, and whenever I used the toner pad it started to get dry after you open it. Heartleaf is supposed to help soothe your skin but I can't feel that because there isn't enough serum, so it's not even moisturizing. It says it removes dead skin cells, so it's only recommended once or twice a week."

✕Nay

52%Guru Score

Skin Sudicles C E Ferulic

"I think this is going to be the most superstar of the vitamin C serums. It's made in the USA, and the price [...] is $185, which is expensive. It was made by a Duke University PhD doctor, and it has 15% ascorbic acid, 1% tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid. The C E Ferulic combination is the best combination to make vitamin C work amazingly. I highly recommend it whenever your skin condition is good, because when you have a little scar or itchiness it feels painful."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

IOPE Super Vital Softener

"The Iope Super Vital toner is so popular, it's the number one pick for gift sets and so many people give it to their moms, but I feel for oily skin their toner is too heavy, so I pick something more watery, light and gentle instead."

✕Nay

76%Guru Score

Foundation16 reviews

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

"For my dry mature skin, this wins definitely. I [...] recommend it for more gentlemen; I used it on my husband and it was wonderful. It's also good for oily combo girlies or tropical weather, and for anybody who wants higher coverage. [...] For my mom I just gave her multiple bottles, the Missha works so well."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

"This foundation goes to my S tier, it's amazing. It comes in so many different shades, I wear shade 21 in Korean colors and it's a fair cool color that fits me so well. [...] It's totally okay for all skin types, it just sets so well, and the coverage is pretty good. [...] I apply it with the Picasso spatula and it's amazing."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Purito Relief Sika BB Cream

"Purito is very affordable, so I really wanted to like it, but this one goes to my C. When I swatched it on my skin it looked great at first, but as time went by it looked ashy on me, and the texture is a bit dry so I could see too much lines on my skin. I don't recommend it for dry mature skin, it's going to be terrible. At least for my Asian skin tone, I think this would be my C."

✕Nay

67%Guru Score

Erborian BB Cream

"This one did a great job, so I was going to give it an S, but I'm giving it an A because of the price, it's too expensive. They have a clear color and a nude color, but I recommend the nude color more because the clear color looks a little pinky, so in terms of covering blemishes this color works better. The coverage and texture are just like a classic gray BB Cream, everything about it is amazing, but it doesn't go to S because it's just expensive."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Missha Perfect Cover Serum BB Cream

"This is the Missha serum BB, made for dry mature skin. Color wise it feels a little more grayish and the coverage is a little less than the other Missha. If you have redness but your skin is extremely dry, you're better off with this one, though for normal or dry skin it would still be fine. Personally I like the red one better, so I'm putting this one as an A."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation

"The Tirtir red cushion is what tourists still ask me about most, but I never recommend it for dry mature skin because even though it's a cushion it feels too heavy and too cakey. I think that's why it's so popular in humid Japan, it's thick and heavy, and it doesn't feel that popular in Korea because it feels too old fashioned and makes for too heavy, thick makeup."

✕Nay

55%Guru Score

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Longwear Matte Foundation

"Estee Lauder Double Wear was so impressive, this reformulated version is amazing. It's like a holy grail for people with oily skin, it's super long lasting, and it's still the number one foundation in Korean duty free. I wasn't a fan of the original Double Wear because the color wasn't flattering for Korean skin tones, but this reformulated version is a good choice if you're dry, mature skin and over forty, or if you want a matte foundation for summer."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation

"In the oxidation test it barely darkened, but the wear test told the real story, eight hours later after a full day it completely melted off on the glow side, it creased around my eyes almost as much as the matte one, and that pretty glow from the start was just gone. It isn't even glowy, it's lying to your face. If it looks like that on normal skin before summer even starts, oily and combo skin should just run from this one, it was one of my worst picks along with Nars."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

Dior Forever Skin Wear Foundation

"Dior's Forever Skin Wear matte foundation is reliable, it gets the job done. Overall beauty reviews are a lot more positive on this one than on the glow version. It does oxidize quite a bit more than the glow formula, but in the wear test the matte side held up much better on the pores and had way more product left on the skin, even for normal skin. Dior matte wins, if you want longevity this is the one to get, it's one of my picks along with Double Wear."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

"I always recommend it to my students because compared to other glow foundations it has a lot more coverage, this actually feels like a foundation instead of a tinted moisturizer. It's semi matte, so as time goes by it settles down instead of making the pores shiny, which makes it feel like a more universal, amazing, well made foundation. I will definitely repurchase it."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation

"I got the sample shade R02, which looked a bit orangey and reddish when we swatched it and didn't seem very glowy on the skin. But I was so surprised once I put it on my face, it's pretty moisturizing, similar to how moisturizing the Armani one felt. It's a French brand with more shade options, so it's definitely worth trying, and the coverage works better than the Armani one."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Estée Lauder Futurist Hydro Rescue Foundation

"This one is also really popular, and it's positioned for slightly more dry, mature skin since their Double Wear is the one for oily skin. It claims a little more coverage, but on my skin I actually got better coverage from the other foundation I compared it to. I think this formula feels less recently evolved than some of the newer glow foundations, so between the two it wasn't my pick."

✕Nay

63%Guru Score

Shiseido Vitalessence Skin Glow Foundation

"But it's definitely never ever for oily skin, never ever for anyone with a lot of visible pores, because the pores just show right through. If you're going somewhere crowded like the subway I don't think it works. I used to say this was my favorite but I can only use it for a really short moment now, if I'm going outside or with my baby I don't think so, it's too much glow and it gets sticky all over. I don't think it works for summer in Korea, but I will still use it sometimes."

~Mixed

73%Guru Score

Clio Kill Cover Foundation Cushion

"If you live somewhere tropical and humid and want something more long lasting, or you have oily, acne prone skin, [...] this is the one to go for, since it's targeting more for oily combo skin. I can feel more powder in it too."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Parnell Cicamanu Serum Cushion Foundation

"The Parnell serum cushion is actually pretty heavy when you tap it on, and combined with the puff it feels dry instantly. I don't recommend it for dry mature skin, this is for nobody, and for oily combo skin it doesn't give you that coverage either, it's a struggle [...] to blend. Parnell did a [...] good job making so many shades and the cushion itself is lightweight, but I don't think it's a good cushion."

✕Nay

71%Guru Score

Clio Kill Cover Mesh Glow Cushion Foundation

"I use the Clio Kill Cover Mesh Glow Cushion pretty much all seasons, for people in their 30s and 40s, and even moms in their 60s with mature skin love it too. It's great for the price, but Clio only has three shades, which is a shame because the colors are so limited."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

Masks & Peels16 reviews

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

"Everyone's buying the Biodance collagen mask and wearing it overnight for more than three hours, but I don't think it actually works that way. You put in that much effort and time, but the glow effect is so short term, and during those three hours your skin gets itchy and feels too stuffy. You can try it for fun, but I don't recommend it to my guests."

✕Nay

70%Guru Score

Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot

"This Peel Shot is all over TikTok and it's overhyped. It's just a gum exfoliator, when it rolls that's mostly the product clumping with your dead skin. Yes, your skin feels smoother, but for dry skin it can strip your barrier. It was too harsh for me, I tried it and my skin ended up stinking so bad. Between this and the other peeling product I don't want to pick either one, I'll pass on this."

✕Nay

54%Guru Score

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule Serum Sheet Mask

"One of my friends recommended I try this sheet mask, she has oily skin, so our favorites are different, but even on my dry winter skin the moisture from this one lasts. They said there's a whole bottle of serum inside, so you get a lot, enough for your face, body, anywhere. I recommend it."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Pore Minimizing Quick Clay Stick Mask

"Great. This one wins on convenience, no mess, no brush, no effort. It doesn't shrink pores, but compared to just a cleanser it's definitely deeper cleansing, huge points for being easy. On dry skin, using it on the full face is too tight, stick to the T-zone only. The brand says up to 10 to 15 minutes, but I'd say don't go past five. It's best for oily combo skin, once a week, not treatment skincare, just maintenance."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Tirtir Mask Fit Cool Blue Sun Cushion

"I really loved this sun cushion. A lot of different brands make one, but this brand's packaging looks really cute and Korean, and it's also kind of viral in Korea."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

"This one has no scent, so if you're sensitive to that it's great, but I don't know why it's so popular, it feels very safe, that's it, and I don't think I'm going to repurchase it. [...] It's pretty rough as a scrub, so [...] if you have dry mature skin like me it's way too much overexfoliating. It also comes in a jar which is hard to dig into, and the rose scent is too strong for me."

✕Nay

66%Guru Score

Mediheal Sheet Mask

"I'm not a huge fan of the collagen gel mask, but I love their regular Sheet Mask because it's not even a dollar and it works so effectively. Whoever you give it to as a present, it's amazing."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

"This mask says you can wear it up to three hours, but you cannot actually do that because the sheet is even thinner than the other one I compared it to, and it becomes transparent super quickly, after about forty or fifty minutes. This kind of jet mask does feel super cooling, but that wears off after about thirty minutes and it is expensive for how little effect it actually has."

✕Nay

56%Guru Score

I'm From Honey Jelly Mask

"This is one of my holy grails for winter, the I'm From Honey Mask, though it's a bit more hassle since you put it on with a spatula, leave it for an hour, and then wash it off. It smells like real honey. They recently changed the bottle to a tube and made it a little cheaper, so it's even better now."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

I'm From Mugwort Face Mask

"I use so many bottles of the I'm From Mugwort Mask because it makes your skin cool down, and you only need to leave it on for five to ten minutes. The honey mask takes longer, so if you have more time you can try that, but the mugwort mask works well too."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

"It's a small amount for the price, and it looks amazing on the skin the moment you put it on, but it's very uncomfortable while you're wearing it because you have to leave it on the whole night. There's too much stimulus on the skin and the texture is runny, so if you don't have a brush you can't even apply it properly. On top of that, the hydration is nothing more than what you'd get from a normal serum. [...] Save your money."

✕Nay

61%Guru Score

Medicube Zero Pore Mask

"It works fast, three to five minutes, and comes with a convenient tube and spatula. But as soon as I put it on I felt so dry, it hardens so quickly and excessively that you can see all the pores and feel it sticking hard to the skin, way too much stimulation. After washing it off my skin felt tight and dry. It does have AHA and BHA which helps a little, but that is a really small advantage compared to the downsides."

✕Nay

79%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

"Beauty of Joseon has a red bean mask and a rice mask, but I like the rice one better because it's a much newer version, [...] they upgraded it so it's smoother and easier to apply. After I wash it off I can definitely feel it's refreshing, the smell is kind of okay, and it's affordable. It's Korea's number one wash off mask, always on the Olive Young ranking, especially when the weather gets colder."

✓Yay

97%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.6 Deep Sleep Mask

"It was hard to find a good product from this line. I don't see any good thing about it, it's just like a normal serum, it doesn't make that much difference."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.4 Mask

"I tried this because it says cooling, but oh my god, it was too much tingly, too much tingly, I think it's too aggressive. If you have sensitive skin, skip this one."

✕Nay

58%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

"This one smells totally different from what I expected, kind of like an old cucumber, and I just don't like the scent, a lot of other people mention that too. It clumps up so you have to add it little by little, and it's thicker so it's better to spread with your fingers instead of a spatula."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

Lip15 reviews

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

"Just rather use a Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. That one a lot better."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Torriden Solid-In Ceramide Lip Essence

"Torriden lip essence. It makes me so pissed whenever I see this number one at Olive Young. Just rather use a Laneige lip sleeping mask. That one is a lot better."

✕Nay

82%Guru Score

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

"Summer Fridays is definitely pretty good, worth it. You can try one, but I just don't want to buy any more colors of it. One good point about this one is that it's a little larger than I thought, so it feels more affordable."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly

"This Tower 28 one in the color Pistachio, I bought last year and it's my friend's holy grail, she bought it for me. It's great, it's great, but because of the scent I like a couple of the other ones better. So this one is still an A, not quite up to S, but it's a very pretty toned down pink color [...] on my base."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

"The most viral one is Rhode. I bought this because I already have so many transparent lip balms and I'm done with that, I wanted a little more deep color, so I got it in the salted caramel color, but it still looked like no color on me. I love the packaging though, you can put it in your phone case, so trendy, I love it as a Pinterest girl. I wanted to give it an S but the color payoff was a lot less than I expected, though it's very very moisturizing, so I'm going to give it an A."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

"If you want something portable, grab the Laneige glow balm. It's more hydrating than chapstick, and the tint is sheer, not bold."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss

"The YSL lip oil was also my holy grail this year. They have a warm color and a cool color, the cool one is a little purple and shiny, it's great, and the packaging is pretty."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Bioderma Atoderm Lipstick Balm

"This is basically just a classic lip balm, like a chapstick. Compared to Torriden or other similar lip balms, I feel Bioderma is more long lasting. But if your lips are really dry, even bleeding, this doesn't work well enough, you'd have to reapply constantly, which is too much hassle."

~Mixed

69%Guru Score

Romand Glass Tint Color Gloss

"This is a famous Romand gloss in a little pinky color. Romand is so popular, and a lot of K-pop makeup artists use it, which means it's really good quality. This color is a lot more pinky and [...] I love it so much. It's [...] a little lip gloss, [...] not 100 percent non-sticky but very wearable, so tiny but so cute, worth it."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

"Even Vaseline dries out too quickly, so that's why I'm using this all the time. The texture is very much like syrup, it looks just like pancake syrup, and the funny thing is it's not sticky, but it's moisturizing pretty well. It's definitely a well made product, and you can also use it as a top coat. Anybody who really loves the Laneige lip sleeping mask, I think Abib will work pretty good too, and it's really moisturizing."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

VT Reedle Shot Lip Plumper Beginner

"The scent was honestly unpleasant. I tried the beginner formula on my bottom lip and it did absolutely nothing."

✕Nay

53%Guru Score

VT Lip Plumper

"The scent was honestly unpleasant. I tried the expert formula on my top lip and it burned like crazy and left the edges of my lips red. At first I thought it was just me, but other artists had the exact same reaction. Sure, it plumps, but it feels like you got stung by a bee. Hard pass from me."

✕Nay

58%Guru Score

fwee Blurry Lip and Cheek Pudding Pot

"I was not excited when they launched the glow version. The texture is jelly like but has a coated surface, so you have to press down hard to get any product, and using your fingertips is no good, a silicone brush works better. You need about seven layers to see any color, it is way too sheer, feels like an overpriced lip gloss. It is also super sticky, so I would not even try using it on the cheeks. Just use whatever lip gloss you already have, skip this one."

✕Nay

64%Guru Score

CNP Laboratory Propolis Lip Serum

"This is a viral lip product from CNP, a squeeze tube so it only comes out a little at a time, pretty hygienic, you just take out the amount you'll use. CNP is very popular for their propolis, so they put that ingredient in this too. The texture is pretty thick, the hydration doesn't last long, and it smells a little like sweet honey, I don't like that. It's not worth the hype."

✕Nay

76%Guru Score

Dasique Juicy Dewy Lip Tint

"If your eyes are blue or green, it's natural to apply cool tone lips, so I recommend the Dasique Juicy Dewy Tint in Plum Dew. It's not sticky and goes on thin on your lips so it doesn't feel heavy, a slightly bluish pink but not too much, a beautiful color."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Blush & Bronzer12 reviews

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Liquid Blush

"This was a new find at Sephora, and it's sold out everywhere so this was the only color I could get online, but I loved it. If you put it on directly it's more pigmented, but if you dab it on the color works so well. It's also totally fine to use as a base eyeshadow, it looks a lot more purplish that way, but it actually covers the grayness of the veins under my eyes. Please try it out. It feels like a bit too much of a celebrity brand vibe, but it's worth it, really good."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color in Beverly Hills

"I picked the color online and it was an amazing success, the Beverly Hills color is so pretty, and I think it works for all skin types, cool tone or warm tone. It does take a little technique though, since it's not as pigmented as other products so you can end up removing your base if you're not careful, though I never do it that way myself. This one is pretty good."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Patrick Ta Double-Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo

"This duo blush is a cream and powder combo, and applying it the way Patrick Ta suggests, powder first then tapping the cream on top, ended up way too pigmented, [...] just a little too much for my skin tone. The cream formula is something Korean brands already have tons of similar versions of. I'd give it a B to C. Some people will need it if they have a darker complexion, but I'm not interested anymore in this brand, so not really recommending it."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

"I applied it on my face and my friend Sally applied it on hers and it's amazing, this one goes to absolute S tier. If I'm at Sephora right now I'm just going to buy all the different colors of this, it's worth it. Compared to Korean blushes I love this because it's more oily and more pigmented. [...] On my more mature Korean skin tone the Korean blushes don't show up much, but this one shows up so pretty, and if you spread it out it's not too much baby pink. This is my absolute favorite."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Etude House Reborn Maker Contour Stick

"For contouring you can try the Reborn Maker from Etude. You can use a powder too, but I find that this kind of stick works very easily."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Saie Dew Blush

"This baby pink blush is from Saie, and many people ask me about it whenever I wear it. It was even sold out here, maybe because it's such a popular product. Anybody who loves cool colors, baby pink, and a glowy finish should try it out."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Ofra Rodeo Drive Highlighter

"My makeup artist friends were mentioning this highlighter, and it's amazing. It's great, really pigmented, and makes you pop up. If you love highlighter and haven't tried this, go for it."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Romand Juicy Roll Cheek Blushes

"This isn't that easy if you're a beginner, because while applying it, it feels like it's taking your foundation and concealer off, like your base is going to be gone. You can roll it on but I feel that can be a little dangerous, so you're better off dabbing it, that works better. This one is super, super wet, so I feel this color works a lot better when your skin is really fair, and it's honestly way too creamy to control. But it has cute, innovative packaging, so I think it's worth trying out."

~Mixed

76%Guru Score

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

"I couldn't avoid buying this because I was curious. [...] Highlighter wise American products do the best because they're a lot more beam, a lot more dramatic, so I'm picking this Sephora product."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

"Please don't buy this one, save your money, I just don't like the color. [...] I have rosacea and if I put this on it I just look like a clown. I don't think the color is pretty, [...] it just looks so cheap."

✕Nay

53%Guru Score

Dear Dahlia Liquid Blush

"Dear Dahlia is my favorite makeup product, the Liquid Blush. I love it so much. Some people say it's a little expensive, and I never recommend Liquid Blush to beginners because it's so hard to control, you end up looking like a clown, but this one, the formula is pretty good. If you dab it on with a sponge it works so well and gives a beautiful complexion. If you just randomly put it on you can end up looking like you have a fever, but this one never becomes that way, it's so easy to control."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Glint Highlighter

"Glint is a famous brand for their highlighter. This Korean highlighter works a lot better for Asian skin tones, it doesn't make you look too cyber or too shimmery."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Eye Care11 reviews

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream for Face

"AHC is very popular in Korea through home shopping [...] because they named it as an eye cream for face. So it feels like, wow, it's a good value for the money, because it's pretty affordable. You can use it whole face. However, if you're looking for the high moisturizing eye cream, AHC I feel it's not enough."

~Mixed

81%Guru Score

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

"It's very easy to use, and it's fine for pregnant women or anyone too sensitive to retinol, since the Pakchoju version can be a good replacement. That doesn't mean it's great for everybody though, some people do break out from it, so keep that in mind. Otherwise it has an easy pumping type, it's great before makeup and at night time too, and it's an affordable, great way to start using eye cream."

✓Yay

64%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal

"Compared to the other eye cream I'll give this one the better point, because Beauty of Joseon's has retinol and is very lightweight. If you're worried about milia, or you're in your early twenties just starting to use eye cream, this is going to be an amazing, great, and affordable option."

✓Yay

93%Guru Score

Mary&May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream

"This is the Mary and May eye cream. Compared to K-Secret, which is very easy to apply, Mary and May tends to sit on top of the skin, so [...] you have to tap it in for proper absorption. It contains tranexamic acid and glutathione for dark circle brightening, but I didn't see much effect. It's meant for AM use, but the texture isn't great, so I don't reach for it often. I'd rank it B tier."

~Mixed

76%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Retinol Volumetox Eye Cream

"After testing it and [...] using it continuously, I think this line works pretty great. I felt like an eye cream has to actually work like an eye cream, if it's too light, like Beauty of Joseon, why even use it, it dries too quickly. This one works like a proper eye cream and it contains 50 different peptides, which definitely helps slow aging. I'd put this in S tier. However, if you have oily combo skin and live in tropical weather, even young skin can find this one a bit heavy."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Skin1004 Probio-Cica Eye Cream

"This one isn't as heavy as Numbuzin but still works and absorbs pretty quickly. For moisturizing power I'm putting it in A tier, just below Haru Wonder. My one complaint about these bakuchiol eye creams, including this one, is the scent, it's not great."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

AXIS-Y Vegan Collagen Eye Serum

"Between the three roller eye creams, Axis-Y is my favorite. These are more like a light eye gel than a classic eye cream, [...] so I don't think I'm actually going to use it myself, maybe just for fun. But if you have dry, mature skin and care about wrinkles and want a good level of moisture, this isn't for you."

~Mixed

83%Guru Score

K-Secret Soul 1988 Eye Cream Retinal Liposome 4% and Fermented Bean

"This is the K-Secret eye cream. It has soy bean and fermented bean extract and some retinal in it, but I didn't feel it was that spicy. The texture is pretty thick, [...] thicker than [...] a classic eye cream, but it spreads so well and I feel really comfortable using it, it reminds me of my favorite eye cream from Sana, an affordable Japanese brand. I also like the packaging because you can apply it more precisely, it's easy to apply, so I'm giving this an A tier."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

belif Moisturizing Eye Balm

"This is my worst pick, the Belif eye balm. I know Belif makes amazing moisturizers and balms, but I don't think [...] this works the way they intended. It has a roller which feels really cooling, [...] like a really good puffy eye massage, especially in summer, but that's about it. [...] I think they were trying to make it work a certain way [...] and I think they failed. Belif isn't cheap either, so save your money on this one, no."

✕Nay

53%Guru Score

Torriden Cellmazing Collagen Eye Cream

"I'd put this [...] around B tier. If you want something lighter I'd go with the Axis-Y roller instead, or if you want something heavier, [...] the Numbuzin. I don't think I'm going to recommend it myself, but one of my fellow makeup artist friends picked this as one of her favorites because she said she could recommend it to almost anyone and it works well under makeup before you apply makeup. So we picked it for different reasons and landed on different tiers for it."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Abib Collagen Eye Patch Jericho Rose Jelly

"These patches are perfect, cooling, barely noticeable, and super convenient on the go. They're best for dry or mature skin, so finish your full skincare routine first, because just toner alone will get too dry after twenty minutes. Abib is thinner, longer, and embossed compared to Mixon. The downside is there's not enough serum in it, so it doesn't do much, and my under eyes stayed super dry, so I'd stick with an eye cream instead."

~Mixed

79%Guru Score

Eye Makeup6 reviews

Risky Pigment Eyeshadow Palette

"I was so excited for these because I'm sick of Korean eyeshadows all making the same colors no matter the brand, everything from other brands felt so similar. As my skin gets more mature I notice more lines and matte eyeshadows look cakey, so these shimmery pinky peachy colors work so much better for me. This palette is really, really pigmented, not as pigmented as American versions but still a lot pigmented. If you have blue eyes and like cool smoky colors, go for it."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Clio Super Proof Sharp Curl Mascara

"Not many people know the Clio mascara has a sharp curl version. Whatever mascara I use I usually end up looking like a spider, but this one is a lot sharper. Please try it out, I love it."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Clio Brow Pencil

"This has been one of my holy grail products for five or six years, and I was surprised it's still on the ranking. It's great because you can brush it out and then fill in, and I really recommend the gray brown shade if you have darker hair and darker brows like me, it draws on softly."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Clio Kill Waterproof Brown Curling Mascara

"It's very affordable and holds a curl, since Asian lashes are so straight, once you curl your lashes this keeps the curl fixed instead of falling flat like a panda's. The brush is skinny so you can get clean, lifted lashes. Compared to western mascaras it doesn't clump like a spider, but it gives you more volume, and if you have mono lids and want a more dramatic look, get it, you won't regret it."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Etude House Curl Fix Mascara

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Kiss Me Heroin Long and Curl Mascara

"This mascara is long-lasting and known as the king of mascara in Japan, it doesn't come off easily which means it's super long-lasting, and their remover works well. But mascaras are something you have to replace often, and I can find a more affordable one that works just as well. Once I started opening this one it began to harden, and I haven't used it in a while, it's not easy to control. I think Korean ones are better, this one isn't worth it anymore."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

Haircare4 reviews

Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

"The instructions say you can use it on the face and body, but on the body it's too liquidy unless you put it in a spray bottle. When I got my wedding makeup done, this is the first thing the salon used to cleanse my face, it brings the skin temperature down a little and gives a lot more boosting effect. I won't say this is my holy grail, but I think I can use this on customers of all ages, gentlemen, teenagers, everyone, it does its job well as a toner."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Anua Lime Sunday Shampoo and Conditioner

"Anua is actually number one right now in the Olive Young rankings, I found it overhyped, but I used Anua for about a month compared to Labo H, and it was so good, my hair felt like it was breathing, and I felt like it was softer."

~Mixed

85%Guru Score

Anua Black Tea Nourishing Hair Essence

"I can't avoid it, it's always at the top of the rankings, but I don't know what they did, I totally don't understand the hype. One good thing is it's cheaper than Labo H, they even do buy one get one. It has silicone in it, so you actually have to put it on your hair, not on the scalp, so that's even a little more work. It's very thick, and it comes in a tube, so it's really hard to squeeze out."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask

"I felt it was much more effective, my husband touched it and definitely picked this side, it's a lot more silky. You can feel the difference right after you use it, but it doesn't stay like that for long. I don't like the packaging though, it's a jar you dig into with wet fingers, water gets inside it and it doesn't feel hygienic. I cannot wait to finish it, I just wanted to use other products."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Retinoids4 reviews

Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

"Anua calls this a collagen and gua sha cream for the face. It's basically the same as the Medicube one, just a different color but the same shape, even the packaging [...] and the twist mechanism are the same. It's a little expensive, about thirty dollars, and it's kind of fun, but please don't waste your money buying both. [...] Why waste money on a single use gua sha shaped cream like this? Once the cream is gone it's trash, just buy one proper gua sha tool that lasts forever instead."

✕Nay

69%Guru Score

COSRX Retinol 0.1% Cream

"They also have a kit with retinol in it and I tried it and loved it. It's 0.1% and feels like a really lightweight serum. You put a small amount on your fine line areas and make sure to seal it with a moisturizer. I got a lot of reviews from viewers saying their skin breaks out badly with other retinol but this one works amazingly for them because it's not that heavy, lightweight, but still has great moisturizing power."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

IOPE Retinol Expert Wrinkle Corrector 0.1%

"I started with a really low amount and it still felt like nothing, so this is a really easy, low strength retinol that can still work a bit if you want something mild. But if you're at an advanced retinol level you won't be satisfied with Korean cosmetic retinol because it's not that high concentration, retinol is more popular and stronger in western countries, so for that you'd want to go for Sephora products instead."

~Mixed

68%Guru Score

Innisfree Retinol

"For retinol I highly recommend starting from a really low version if you're sensitive, and one of the low versions is from Innisfree. It's about 0.015 percent, so really low, but it also has cica in it, so if you're really sensitive you can still try it out. It's pretty affordable too, Korean retinol products tend to be lower percentage than Western ones."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Acne2 reviews

Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

"This one feels more like a light gel compared to the other one, which feels [...] more like a [...] cream. On my skin I felt the Dr G soothing cream lasted a little longer, so I gave it the slightly better point."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Dr.G Red Blemish Gel Cream

"This is one of the high ranking gel creams for summer. It looks similar to Torriden and has a similar texture, very light, but it doesn't absorb that well anymore, maybe because my standard has gotten higher. It's still popular. If you have oily combo skin and just want to keep it hydrated with something water based, gel creams like this are fine, and it's good for beginners. But if you have dry mature skin like me, over 40, I don't recommend it, it's going to be too light."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

Body & Tan2 reviews

Derma B Daily Moisture Body Lotion

"For body wash and body lotion I love Derma B, it has more of a baby lotion smell and it's pretty affordable. Their body lotion is pretty mild, but I felt it actually works better than Bioderma or Cetaphil, which are more expensive and aren't even from Korea."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

"This is super popular all over TikTok, it looks like a mist but it's actually a Hand Sanitizer. The watermelon scent is a little strong but [...] I can bear it, and [...] it's not sticky which is good. I'm not going to repurchase it myself, but if you're looking for an affordable present for someone who loves beauty, why not."

~Mixed

66%Guru Score

Powder & Setting2 reviews

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder

"I'm 40 with dry mature skin, and we have a brutal three month winter that's sometimes colder than Moscow, so [...] I'm not going to use this. I understand it's a pretty good product, it's not that heavy and it bakes so well, but [...] I'm not going to bake for the rest of my life. If you're over 35 you probably don't want to bake either because of wrinkles, and it has too much fragrance. My friend Sally loved it, but for me it's a B2C."

✕Nay

77%Guru Score

Numbuzin Pantothenic B5 Active Drying Powder

"Numbuzin's number one powder is really good for acne."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Balms & Ointments1 review

Vaseline Original Healing Jelly

"It's totally safe, totally fine to use. Even on my hundred day old baby I tried it out, no problem at all. [...] I have more dry, mature skin and we have a really brutal winter here in Korea, so it's totally fine for me to use it. But if you have acne prone skin, more oily, and [...] you're suffering from breakouts, I don't really recommend it that much because it can clog your pores and make it too oily, so please keep that in mind."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Supplements1 review

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (US formula)

"I tested both the US and Korea versions of this famous sunscreen. The US one is not hydrating enough, but the Korean version is way better, great for extremely dry mature skin with a glow. Just watch out for the eye stinging thing though."

~Mixed

76%Guru Score

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