K-dramas are all the rage this year, from goblins to mermaids, and even weightlifting athletes. Their interesting plots and cute lead stars got us hooked big time. And with all the influences of our favorite South Korean stars, one would be curious to know about their beauty secrets. Good thing that our favorite K-beauty products are to the rescue to help us achieve that Korean look that we want.
If you’re curious about which product to try first, check our list of the top Korean beauty products in the country as chosen by our readers!
6. BANILA CO. and MISSHA
First on our list are Banila Co. and Missha that made it into our number 6.
Try Banila Co.’s Prime Primer for a fool proof base.
Banila Co. maybe a newcomer in our shores only hitting the beauty scene in the Philippines in 2015 but the beauty line has actually been in existence since 2005. Known for their goal of promoting the #litfromwithin look, Banila Co. has been winning over customers for their amazing line of cleansers and base products that has been a favorite among beauty afficionados.
Some of Banila Co.’s bestsellers include their Clean It Zero makeup remover, known to sell one product every three seconds in South Korea, and their Prime Primers that has been a cult favorite among beauty junkies because of its mattifying and blurring effect.
A BB Cream newbie? Try Missha’s and discover why it’s a favorite!
Also on our number six is Missha. First established in 2009, Missha believes that beauty shouldn’t be expensive, hence they keep their products at very affordable prices. And in case you haven’t heard much of this gem, don’t be surprised because part of their principle is keeping away from mass media advertising and instead putting their money on perfecting their products.
Despite their low-profile attitude, Missha’s products speak for itself in terms of their quality. Their Perfect Cover BB Cream became a favorite among k-beauty lovers because it’s known to provide full-coverage base while still being lightweight. Their Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream has also been receiving great reviews with its rejuvenating effects on the skin.
5. HOLIKA HOLIKA and LANEIGE
Two products also made it into our number five and they are Holika Holika and Laneige.
Achieve your brow goals with Holika Holika’s Wonder Drawing products.
Holika Holika came to the Philippines in 2013 and has become one of the most popular k-beauty products since then. Their adorable packages, affordable prices, and not to mention awesome products made them a well-loved brand. If you’re a fan of star Park Shin Hye, you know that this is one of her favorites.
Some of Holika Holika’s bestsellers include the Wonder Drawing line of eye makeup, known for its retractable features (no need for a sharpener!) and staying powers, and the Holy Berry Tint, that’ll make your cheeks rosy and lips lively within seconds.
Laneige’s Two Tone Lip Bar will help perfect your pout!
Laneige is known as one of the authority in skin care and cosmetics in South Korea because of their use of “Water Science.” With this technology, Laneige aims to give users healthy and hydrated skin to help fight skin dryness. Aside from their amazing products, Laneige also became famous around the globe with their brand ambassador Song Hye Kyo, who used their famous Two Tone Lip Bar products while filming Descendants of the Sun.
Aside from the Two Tone Lip Bar product that comes in 14 shades, their Water Bank line has also been a favorite among skin care addicts, especially the Water Bank Essence that gives 24-hour of moisture to dry skin.
4. SKIN FOOD
Feed your skin with Skinfood’s Black Sugar Mask.
On our number four is Skin Food. Founded in 1957, Skin Food has redefined the industry of beauty not just in Korea but all over the world by incorporating food to their products. They believe that whatever is good for the health is also good for the skin; hence they’ve integrated items like vegetables and fruits to their products.
One of the must-tries at Skinfood is their Black Sugar Mask that gently exfoliates dead skin cells from your face leaving you with a natural glow. Their mask sheets are getting good reviews too!
“Because it offers affordable drug store beauty and skin care products that can be seen even in local 711 stores. Comes with cute packaging”- Celestine
Three brands tied the third spot and they are Cathy Doll, Nature Republic, and The Face Shop.
Complete your stash of lippies with Cathy Doll’s Nude Me Liquid Lip Matte.
One maybe surprised but Cathy Doll is not really a Korean brand, rather a Korean-inspired one that originated from Thailand. The makers still made sure to stay true to its inspiration by following the beauty trends and technology in South Korea and incorporating it in their products. Their cute packaging and highly effective products won over the hearts of the Filipinos when they came to the country in 2016.
With the eyebrow trend increasing in the recent years in the country, one would be happy to hear that one of Cathy Dolls’ bestsellers is their Tattoo Tint Pack. The gel-type product will give you natural looking brows that will last for a couple of days. Their Nude Me Liquid Lip Matte is also a favorite among lipstick junkies because of its long-wearing effect that doesn’t easily transfer or budge when you drink or eat.
Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is so good they sell like pancakes.
Also on number three is Nature Republic that came to the Philippines in 2011. Nature Republic prides itself in using natural products sourced from all over the world, from California Aloe Vera to Indonesian Marine collagen, to provide users with the best beauty goodies. And long before the snail therapy craze became big, Nature Republic was already ahead of the game producing one of the best masks in the beauty world.
One of the most popular products of Nature Republic is their Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. The versatile product has become a favorite for its moisturizing, soothing, and healing benefits that you can use from head to toe.
The Face Shop’s Miracle Finish Cushion will give you that Korean glow.
Lastly, on our third spot is The Face Shop. The place where nature and science come together, The Face Shop has been a well-loved Korean brand even before the K-dramas became a huge hit in our country. The beauty line is well known for their wide range of products from skin care, cosmetics, and even nail polishes all made from natural components.
One of the hottest products of The Face Shop right now is the Miracle Finish Cushion that promises to brighten, protect, and help fight wrinkles all in one application. Their Watery Lip and Cheek Tint is also a must-have for those that want to achieve the natural Korean blush.
2. TONY MOLY
Aiming for a natural blush? Try Tony Moly’s Spoiler Mini Cushion Blusher ASAP!
On our top two spot is Tony Moly. Literally means “to box something very stylish,” Tony Moly departs from the common cute and girly themes of other K-beauty products and targets the more urban and stylish women. Tony Moly’s product also ranges from skin care to cosmetics with singer and model HyunA as its current brand ambassador.
One of the must-try products of Tony Moly is their Nose Pack Package Egg Pore that solves your blackheads dilemma and helps tighten the pores around the nose area. Their Spoiler line of cosmetics is also well-loved by makeup aficionados, especially the Spoiler Mini Cushion Blusher that’ll give you a naturally flushed cheeks.
1. ETUDE HOUSE
Awaken your inner princess and shine with Etude House’s Precious Mineral BB Creams.
The best Korean cosmetic brand that topped our list is Etude House. Etude House came to the Philippines in 2009 and has since won over Filipinas with its adorable packaging that will awaken the princess in you. But aside from its endearing façade, Etude’s high quality product is what makes it the top K-beauty brand in the country.
One of Etude House’s most favorite products is their Precious Mineral BB Creams that gives that dewy and refreshing look while still providing good coverage. Filipinas love their BB creams for its wide range of shades that accustoms even to morena skin, despite being a Korean brand.
Are you ready to dive into the K-beauty world? Tell us on the comments below which of these brands are your favorites!
Results are based on the Top 10 Best Korean Cosmetic Brands 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from July 17 to July 23, 2017.
Click the store name links to see their exact addresses, contact numbers, and map location.
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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