10 *Underrated* Korean Skincare And Makeup Brands You Need To Know About

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When it comes to skincare and make-up, South Korea's a top player. Filipinos over the years have come to appreciate the gentle formulations, skin-protecting sunscreen, and barely-there enhancing shades it brings. We know you have your go-tos already, but there's always more to be discovered. Here are make-up and skincare brands making waves in the land of K-Pop and kimchi that you need to add to your list ASAP.

Also read: ICYMI: South Korea Now Has a Group Visa Option for Filipinos

Add these under-the-radar Korean skincare and makeup brands to your cart

1. JUNGSAEMMOOL

   

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   Known for their cushions that give off that natural glow from within, JUNGSAEMMOOL is the beauty brand of South Korean make-up artist Saem Mool Jung. Jung knows her stuff: She's been in the industry for over 30 years and pioneered "transparent beauty," a type of make-up application used to enhance the natural features with minimal amounts of product instead of covering the skin up.

   If that's the look you're after, you can't pass on the JUNGSAEMMOOL Cushion-cealer. The compact houses both water- and oil-resistant concealer and cushion foundation, meaning you only need to carry one compact in your bag. Buildable yet subtle, you can cover any imperfections without caking on too much.

2. Dasique

   

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   Ask a gal on the go what her make-up bag has and you're likely to fine a palette of sorts—it carries multiple shades that work with one another and saves space just like that. When it comes to compact palettes, Dasique is your best bet. The brand offers multiple types in a variety of colors, but their Shadow Palette in 10 Autumn Breeze is always sold out for a reason: its varying shades of cool and warm matte browns suit a variety of skintones and can be mixed and matched to create casual looks or more sophisticated, romantic eyes. They also have palettes that contain both matte and shimmery shades if you prefer a little dazzle.

3. eSpoir

   

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   Narrowing down Espoir's list of products into just one bestseller is pretty difficult. It has the Pro Tailor Foundation Be Glow Cushion for a dewy base, the Real Eye Palette which also has a bronzer and blush for maximum convenience, and the Lipstick No Wear Moist Hug, which K-Pop idol Joy from Red Velvet endorses, for naturally kissable lips. Regardless of what your make-up pouch needs, you're guaranteed to find it in eSpoir's catalog.

4. MAN:YO

   

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   Make-up might be life, but wiping it all away after a solid day out is life-r. Cleansing is paramount to keeping skin healthy and MAN:YO's Pure Cleansing Oil is a holy grail product for many, finding itself at the top of Olive Young's bestellers and awards lists. You take a few pumps, smear it over the make-up and it comes right off, leaving your skin smooth and supple, ready for water cleansers. We love the oil cleanser, but consider their Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence if you're looking to gently add Niacinamide into your routine.

5. Gesgep

   

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   While it takes great skill and experimentation to apply make-up seamlessly, there's no denying a good canvas helps. It pays to nourish your skin no matter what and cult-favorite Gesgep Bare Cream might just be your new go-to. The intensive moisturizer primes your skin for make-up, creating that smooth base glow from within. It's great under make-up but it also stands on its own as a nourishing cream you can slather on at night.

   Gesgep is the lovechild of celebrity make-up artists Son Dae Sik and Park Tae Yun so you know this cream is legit. For best results, pair with the Gesgep One Drop Perfection, a lightweight foundation that provides coverage without the cakiness.

6. Round Lab

   

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   If you know, you know. Round Lab has been making rounds online, especially on TikTok, for its Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream. If you're a make-up enthusiast, the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick is on your wishlist for sure. Both products have a Sun Protection Factor or SPF 50 and PA++++, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, plus bluelight. Aside from its protection, it also has goodies like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, both power ingredients for your skin. 

7. Bring Green

   

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   Make way for another Olive Young pick. Bring Green was initially available just in South Korea, but has recently made moves to expand to the global market. Harnessing the natural healing and nourishing properties of ingredients like Tea Tree CICA, Carrot Vita, Bamboo, and Charcoal, Bring Green divides products by these lines to target specific skin needs and concerns. You'll be hard pressed to find the Tea Tree Cica Tone Up Sun Cushion and the Tea Tree Cica Soothing Sun Cream as they're mostly sold out.

   For itchiness, inflammation, and exfoliation, check out their serums and toners.

8. Heart Percent

   

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   Lovers of all lippies serving My-Lips-But-Better eleganza, meet your new bestie: Heart Percent. The Heart Percent Dot On Mood Lip Pencil comes in three shades that will add just a right tinge of life to your lips. It's so subtle and weightless that it's barely there, but everyone that passes you by can see there's a difference, they just don't know what. If you prefer the juicy look for your lips, their new Heart Percent Dot On Mood Pure Glow Tint is the way to go.

9. KLAVUU

   

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   Clear and clarify your skin with KLAVUU's pearl-infused products. Using natural materials from the sea like marine plant extracts into their signature formulas, KLAVUU promises skincare products that focus on nourishing your skin barrier as it cleans. Give their crowd-favorite Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam a chance.

10. Aestura

    

    Speaking of your skin barrier, strengthening it is just as important as protecting it. For a product that does both in one go, the Atobarrier 365 Cream is a Korean skincare staple you can't miss out on. You'll find the Amore Pacific brand next to other "derma" brands on Olive Young shelves. It's fragrance- and alcohol-free, so it does wonders for nourishing sensitive skin.

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Products recommended on our websites are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, Summit Media may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.