K-beauty has taken the skincare and makeup world by storm—and for good reason. With innovative formulas and high-performance products, these beauty essentials not only deliver impressive results but also make our routines feel like a breeze. From skincare saviours to makeup must-haves, there are certain K-beauty products that quickly become favourites—and ones you'll want to restock in multiples.
Ahead, we share the top K-beauty gems you need to have in your beauty closet, whether you’re replenishing your go-to staples or trying something new.
When COSRX launched its now-iconic snail mucin essence, the internet had a collective moment—and for good reason. First, there’s the headline ingredient: 98% snail secretion filtrate (yes, really). Then, there’s the slime-like texture that makes applying it strangely satisfying. But what really caught people off guard wasn’t the snail factor—it was how nourishing it turned out to be. Packed with skin-forward hyaluronic acid, it sinks in fast, leaving skin feeling plump, bouncy and deeply hydrated. Bonus: it’s lightweight enough for summer days and delivers that dewy, glass-skin glow without feeling sticky.
This one’s a no-brainer. This viral Cosrx essence is a staple in so many routines for a reason—it hydrates, repairs and gives your skin a soft, dewy feel. The lightweight formulation is also known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe irritation. Besides, it helps enhance skin elasticity, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged or acne-scarred skin. Whether you're looking to smooth out rough patches or boost overall skin health, this is a product you'll want to keep on hand in multiples.
The foundation everyone is talking about—and for good reason. The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion delivers a lightweight yet flawless finish that lasts all day, all while packing SPF 40 PA++ for sun protection. It’s the ultimate gift for the beauty lover who’s always on trend. Not sure about their shade? The TIRA app lets you virtually swatch before you shop—so you can nail it on the first try.
This is the cushion foundation that had everyone scrambling to add it to their vanity. What’s the hype? Two words: shade precision. TirTir’s Cushion Foundation comes in 30 diverse shades, so your perfect match isn’t just a maybe—it’s basically guaranteed. But it doesn’t stop there. Expect high coverage that somehow feels barely there, intense hydration (dewy, not greasy), built-in sun protection and skin-forward ingredients that actually support your skincare goals. The foundation comes in a compact case, so you’re just a tap away from that glass-skin finish, wherever you are. And the kicker? This pore-blurring, glow-boosting foundation lasts up to 72 hours with a satin finish that feels like second skin.
If you’re all about a quick, even coverage, the TIRTIR cushion foundation is a must-have. It goes on smooth, feels lightweight and keeps your skin looking dewy through the day. We’re talking about a fuss-free finish that’s worth stocking up on for your busy mornings.
This sunscreen redefines sun protection with its lightweight, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin. Enriched with rice extract and probiotics, it hydrates, nourishes, and brightens, making it more than just a sunscreen. With no white cast, it’s ideal for all skin tones and a dream under makeup.
Pro tip: Use a two-finger length for optimal coverage and reapply every two hours for maximum protection when outdoors.
Korean sunscreens have long had the game figured out: lightweight textures, skin-loving ingredients and absolutely zero white cast. Beauty of Joseon’s cult-favourite sunscreen checks every single box—and then some. If you’ve been on Instagram anytime recently, chances are you’ve seen your favourite skinfluencer casually slathering it on mid-routine. It’s become a go-to for a reason: packed with niacinamide, it keeps sebum and moisture levels in check, so you’re never greasy, just glowy. It’s also infused with rice bran and a fermented grain complex that gives it that creamy, hydrating feel without weighing you down. Pro tip: apply at least 15 minutes before heading out the door to let it do its thing.
Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen isn’t just about protection—it hydrates, too. Packed with rice and probiotics, it helps nourish your skin while keeping it safe from the UV rays. It’s a smooth, lightweight formula that will quickly become your everyday go-to. So restock in bulk to keep your skin covered all year round.
With a mix of matte, shimmer and glitter, this Rom&nd eyeshadow palette is ideal for creating rich, warm-toned eye makeup looks. The highly pigmented formula blends easily and applies smoothly, without any fallout, so you can achieve the perfect pop of colour with minimal effort. Besides, the palette’s neutral-to-warm shades, inspired by earthy mahogany tones, work on a variety of skin tones. Whether you want to warm up your lid or add some dimension, this one has you covered.
These tints deliver vibrant, long-lasting colour that’s super easy to apply. The Warmtone Pick Kit is especially great for giving your lips a soft, natural look. You’ll definitely want to grab a few more of these to have on hand at all times.
This tint stays put, even through a full day. Etude House’s Midnight Mauve gives your lips a rich, beautiful colour that doesn’t budge. It’s perfect for days when you don’t want to worry about reapplying—just swipe and you’re set. Definitely something you’ll want to keep on standby.
If you love a natural, juicy lip, this tint is for you. Etude House’s Strawberry Ade gives you that effortless, just-bitten look that’s perfect for everyday wear. It’s one of those tints you’ll end up restocking because it’s just so easy to throw on and go.
Minimalist skincare meets maximum results with Mixsoon Bean Essence. Formulated with soybeans, this essence brightens dull skin, strengthens your barrier, and delivers hydration throughout the day. Its feather-light, fast-absorbing texture is perfect for those who prefer no-fuss skincare that delivers visible results.
Pro tip: For an extra radiance boost, layer it under a sheet mask before a special event.
Mixsoon Bean Essence is a quick way to hydrate and balance your skin. Made with mung bean extract, it soothes your skin and preps it for the next steps. You’ll want to keep a bottle or two on hand—it’s simple, gentle and highly effective.
When you need a deep clean without the harsh scrubbing, this cleansing foam is a lifesaver. The BHA formula clears out pores and removes excess oil while still being gentle. It’s an easy product to use every day, which is why you’ll definitely want a few extra tubes stocked up.
If Laneige’s iconic Lip Sleeping Mask feels too heavy for everyday use, the Lip Glowy Balm is the perfect alternative. Delivering the same intense hydration without the weight, this tinted balm is ideal for daytime wear. Formulated with shea and murumuru seed butters, it deeply nourishes and softens chapped lips while locking in moisture. As a bonus, it leaves behind a pinkish glossy tint for a sheer, effortless wash of colour. And the scent? Absolutely divine.
You’ve seen it on every beauty moodboard, tucked between glowy skin inspo and glossy lids—the one pink lip balm that’s practically a staple. No matter your vibe—clean girl, coquette, office siren or somewhere in-between—chances are this berry-flavored balm is clipped to your keys or floating in your bag. And honestly, why wouldn’t it be? It’s packed with shea butter and murumuru seed butter (a dream team for soft, smooth lips), delivers a juicy wash of color and has that subtle shine that looks effortless but pulled together. Plus, it’s pocket-sized, keychain-friendly and built for quick swipes on the go. For the hot days when your lips are begging for hydration, or the nights when you need a little something extra, this one’s your no-brainer. Restock it now for less.
For soft, hydrated lips with just the right amount of glow, Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm is a keeper. The berry flavour is refreshing and it’s perfect for those dry lip days. Once you try it, you’ll be grabbing extras to make sure you always have one nearby.
This moisturiser is perfect for locking in all the hydration your skin needs. The rice and ceramide formula is nourishing without feeling heavy, making it ideal for everyday use. It's the type of product you’ll find yourself restocking as it delivers great results without any fuss.
If you're looking for a gentle but effective cleanser, this SKIN1004 Centella Cleansing Oil is it. It takes off makeup and impurities without stripping your skin, leaving it clean and balanced. You’ll probably end up buying more than one bottle since it’s so easy to use and perfect for your daily routine.