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Newsflash: K-Beauty Isn’t *Just* Skincare — Here Are 25 Excellent Korean Makeup And Hair Items
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Feel free to add silky hair and flawlessly blended foundation to the list of reasons K-Beauty is taking over your daily routine. I'm a staff writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who covers a variety of topics from beauty to home to travel, while having a special enthusiasm for K-beauty, quirky (but useful!) trinkets, and all things luxe and aesthetic. Having written about *so* much K-Beauty, I feel like I've written about every Korean product under the sun. However, this serum only recently came into my radar through a sample box — and thank goodness it did! Coincidentally, I received this just before embarking on a three-week European adventure and decided to take this with me. I have veryyy prone-to-frizz 2c hair, and through all of the different cities and varying climates, this serum kept my hair soft, silky, and (mercifully!) frizz-free. I dare say I'll be keeping this in my hair regimen forever. Not to mention, it leaves your hair smelling absolutely delightful! Promising review: "Literally, the best hair product you can possibly get that is affordable and doesn’t leave your hair greasy — it makes it shiny and super soft. After I get out of the shower, when my hair is still damp, I put some on my ends and work the rest up into the top of my head. Sometimes I blow my hair dry after I get out of the shower and put it on, and then after I blow dry it, I put it on some more, and it looks absolutely beautiful — no greasy hair here. My hair type is fine and gets oily really fast, and yet somehow this product tames it a bit and keeps it looking healthy for days! Will purchase again and again!!!" —Tara Klein Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in two sizes and five other formulas). Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation. Promising reviews: "I love Love LOVE this foundation! I’m throwing out every other foundation I own! I have pink undertones from redness, and I’ve always struggled to find a foundation that matched me well that didn’t leave a yellow-looking finish. This was it!!!! I was really skeptical at first, but figured, hey, why not try it! It gives such a natural look. It’s not cakey and doesn’t separate on my skin like other foundations I’ve used. I tried it with and without primer, and it looked awesome either way! I used it with their setting spray and color me impressed! This is now my forever foundation!" —Sharon "Flight attendant here. Travel-friendly. I'm a fair neutral skin tone, and it's not too pink, not too warm. It's the perfect neutral color. Looks like skin! I just ordered the pink version that's supposed to be more matte just to try a different consistency because this does so well on my skin. If you are using a drugstore foundation, trash it and order this. Those warm tones after time that happen with affordable foundations DOES NOT HAPPEN with this formula. Will continue to order forever. Goes on in a thin layer. 10/10!" —Sav Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match). Honestly, I don't think TirTir is ever getting rid of me. I have a particularly oily T-zone, and I've noticed that this setting spray truly does help control excess sebum and keeps my forehead from looking like a glazed donut. It also leaves a natural, satin finish with a soft sheen to it, which I LOVE. As someone who is way too lazy for touch-ups when I'm out and about, I appreciate that my glam stays locked👏 in👏 with this. Promising reviews: "I swear to you, this stuff is magical. My makeup never budges when I use this, and I don’t have to use that much. You can take it off with micellar water pretty easily, but I’m telling you I have ugly cried with this over my makeup, and my makeup stayed. the. same. It’s the best. It also has the nicest bottle; it sprays really evenly over your face, and if it has any flaw, it’s probably that it makes your makeup a little too dewy, but I usually use a little powder over the parts of my face I don’t want to be highlighted, and it works like a gem. Also definitely blurs my makeup very well. 10/10 would recommend!!!!" —Jennifier Moore "I've fallen in love with this setting spray. It leaves the skin looking fresh, not shiny. It locks in makeup. The nozzle provides a very fine mist. I think it's replaced my Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray." —Michelle Get it from Amazon for $15 (also available in a semi-matte version). Promising review: "I am obsessed with this hair essence! The scent alone is worth it — delicate, musky floral with just enough staying power to feel luxurious without being overwhelming. I’m usually wary of hair essence because it tends to weigh my hair down, but this one is unbelievably lightweight. It absorbs beautifully, adds instant shine, and leaves my hair feeling soft and silky, not greasy. After just one use, my dry ends looked noticeably healthier. I can't wait to try more products from this line! A total win for anyone with dry or frizzy hair." —Caty Steward "I have never experienced a product like this. This oil goes on like any other yet immediately gets absorbed and the hair doesn’t feel greasy at all but incredibly soft, smooth and shiny! It’s light and luxe and feels wonderful. I didn’t even use a lot and I have extremely coarse and thick hair. Just got my entire head bleached and it was so rough but now it’s like, a miracle honestly. I’ve tried countless of oils from Agadir Argan to Moroccan to Biosilk to Chi to Olaplex and Kerastase. This is by FAR the best and I found it completely by accident. I can’t believe it’s not talked about more!!" —Melody Nelson Get it from Amazon for $17.90+ (available in seven scents). Check out this TikTok of Bretman Rock using it on his glorious, shiny hair! Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and my hair already feels noticeably fuller and healthier. The formula lathers nicely without feeling harsh, and it gently cleanses my scalp while nourishing the strands. I love that it contains botanical ingredients that strengthen hair and support scalp health, so my hair feels thicker without any heaviness or residue. After each wash, my hair feels soft, bouncy, and more voluminous, and I’ve noticed less breakage, too. Honestly, it’s become a must-have in my routine for maintaining fuller, stronger hair — definitely worth trying if you want your hair to look and feel thicker!" —Angie Yon This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. I have been using this lip oil for two months and don't go anywhere without it. It's sooo moisturizing and leaves such a lovely, subtle tint. When my lips are feeling a little dry, I can apply this to add relieving moisture *and* some lively color to my lips. I also love that the brand has various options for different preferences! Promising review: "I love K-Beauty, and this is one of my favorite lip oils. It makes my lips softer and plumper like a cherry. Plus, this shade acts as a lip tint, and I like how long it stays on my lips. First, I thought that the bottle seemed small, but after applying it two to three times/day for a month, I still have a lot left to use. It moisturizes your lips and leaves a red tint on your lips, and it's lasted very long!" —Nhu Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 10 colors, two sizes, and in sets). Check out a TikTok of the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder in action. Promising review: "I loved this setting powder, it blurred my pores and blended my makeup so well that even my husband noticed. Wow! I will be buying more before people find it and sell it all out, hehehe." —Charlotte Laim Promising review: "I use this in my T-zone after using my tinted makeup. Sometimes I also double-dip my powder brush into this product and my powder foundation for a look that lasts all morning with zero shine. It's great stuff — never cakey, never settles into cracks or wrinkles. Just amazing." —TwoFarmDogs Get it from Amazon for $9.69 (available in two styles). Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Promising review: "Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn’t worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy-looking after just one use. Plus, you can’t beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add that I have curly/wavy hair that’s been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" —BB Promising review: "I'm very impressed by this product. It works like a charm. I was worried it would weigh down my thin hair and make it oily (my hair gets oily by the end of the day!), but it does not. I apply just one squirt to the palm of my hand, rub, and apply lightly mid-way down to the ends (stay away from the roots), and it works great. Generous size, will last a few months. Controls my frizz great and helps make my hair soft. Highly recommend. I am very happy with the results." —Malecka03 Promising review: "I’ve been using this hair mask for a few months, and I’m really impressed with the results. My hair tends to get dry and frizzy, and this mask makes it feel much softer, smoother, and easier to manage after each use. The texture is rich but not too heavy, and it spreads easily through the hair. After rinsing, my hair feels deeply conditioned without being weighed down. I also noticed it helps reduce frizz and adds a nice, healthy shine. The Tender Bloom scent is light and pleasant without being overpowering. A little goes a long way, so the jar lasts longer than I expected. Overall, this is a great deep conditioning treatment, especially if your hair is dry or damaged. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a nourishing hair mask as part of their Korean hair care routine." —Yinyin Get it from Amazon for $26.50 (available in two sizes and two scents). Promising review: "I will forever buy this primer as long as it's available! I've used many primers from low-end drugstore to high-end. And this is AMAZING! I have very large pores, and this has an instant blurring effect! You may need to play around with how you apply your foundation with this. Figure out if you should use a makeup brush or a sponge, and if that sponge needs to be damp or dry. Whatever works best with your face and this primer. Excellent price. Highly recommend!!" —Cassandra Drake Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two styles). Promising review: "This lip gloss is absolutely stunning. The color is beautiful and versatile. The texture is absolutely elegant in a way that surpassed my expectations, given the low price point: glass shine without annoying stickiness. The cherry cola fragrance is delicious, and triggers nostalgic feelings for the soda-flavored lip balms of my youth but with a more sophisticated edge." —Leila R Linderman Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in two styles and 13 colors). Promising review: "I recently discovered the world of K-beauty and was searching for a lip stain that offered a natural, yet noticeable tint, without the dreaded dry feeling or quick fade. I decided to try shades 3 and 5 of this particular brand after hearing they are the most popular shades in Korea, and I'm absolutely thrilled with the results! The color payoff is beautiful – a subtle, natural flush that enhances my lips without looking overdone. What truly impressed me is the longevity; the stain stays put for hours, even through meals and drinks, which is a huge plus. It also applies with a lovely, subtle gloss, giving my lips a healthy sheen. While the initial gloss is nice, if you prefer a high-shine look throughout the day, you might want to pair it with a clear gloss." —Jessica Get it from Amazon for $9.69 (available in eight shades). La'dor is highly recognized for salon-quality, professional-grade styling and repairing products — and this hair ampoule is no exception! This ampoule is designed for many hair types, including damaged, color-treated, curly, dry, dull, fine, frizzy, and thin hair. It's especially popular for bleached and over-processed hair! Promising review: "The bottle has a removable cap for a cone-tipped dispenser, so you can just use a small amount at a time. This bottle will last a long time that way. I put a small amount in my hands (consistency of water) and then pull it through my hair to the tips. I can moisten all of my long hair with just two to four handfuls, and it's barely diminished the amount in the bottle after a week of daily use. It works SO well! My hair is really soft and far less dry and frizzy than it used to be, even when I've used so many types of conditioner. It dries quickly without any stickiness, and my hair is incredibly silky now. These leave-in keratin and ceramides seem to be exactly what my hair has needed." —WichacpiHoskila Read more about how rosemary oil could be as helpful at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I’ve been using this rosemary root enhancer for a few weeks and really like how light and refreshing it feels on my scalp. The spray absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy, and leaves my hair feeling clean and hydrated. I’ve noticed less shedding and my scalp feels healthier overall. The rosemary scent is natural and not overpowering. It’s very easy to apply daily, and I appreciate the clean, plant-based formula. Hair growth takes time, but so far this product has helped improve scalp condition and made my hair feel stronger at the roots. I’m happy with it and will continue using it." —Shohida Promising review: "I can finally skip a day or two between washes!! I’ve tried so many dry shampoos, from drugstore to salon, and none of them really worked for me. I can apply this product very sparingly along my part and easily skip a shampoo without being self-conscious or having an itchy scalp. Must have for oily hair." —Dino Get it from Amazon for $11.70+ (available in four shades and in multipacks). In case you're not familiar with it, PA stands for "Protection Grade of UVA" and is a four-level rating system that's more common in Asia. In this case, PA+++ just means this product offers a high level of protection against UVA rays, which don't cause sunburn but rather cause the skin to turn brown. Promising review: "I've been using Missha BB cream for eight years now, and it's hands-down the best BB cream I've ever tried! What I love most is how lightweight it feels on my skin while still providing natural coverage that hides my redness and occasional blemishes without looking cakey. The staying power is impressive — I can apply it in the morning, and it still looks fresh by the end of my workday without needing touch-ups. After eight years of loyalty to this product, I can confidently say it's worth every penny!" —Daryna Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (available in seven shades). The shade range is unfortunately pretty limited for this product — if you're looking for another option in this price range, check out E.l.f's Camo CC Cream! Promising review: "This BB cream is dewy and natural, your skin but better. I’m 67 and my skin changed. It was very dry. Everything settled into lines and dry patches. It made it obvious products were sitting on my face. Dr. Jart+ just melted into my skin and looked dewy, lightweight, and not sticky. It’s definitely a good fit for mature skin. I tried everything — CC creams and several foundations at Sephora before I found this BB balm. It does a great job matching skin tone. Very light scent. It also has SPF 40 sun protection and niacinamide. It’s a great product." —Debra Get it from Amazon for $49 (available in five shades). Promising review: "Where has this mascara been all my life? I really like it a lot. I have light colored, very fine lashes that are short and straight. (Lucky me. Lol). I really like this for giving length without my lashes looking spidery or clumpy. My lashes look natural and a lot longer than they do when I use other mascaras. There’s no flaking or smudging... It’s non-budging and does not weigh my lashes down either." —Darling Dumpling Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (available in 10 colors). This brand is known for its focus on marine-based ingredients and glittery, no-wash treatments that provide a healthy, sparkling shine — and this conditioner spray is one of the crowd faves! Promising review: "What an amazing product! I love how it leaves my hair after drying. I’ve been using it for a month, and I feel my hair has really been restored. I even use it when I go to the beach, and I love the soft texture it leaves in my hair." —Mariana Rios Gomez Get it from Amazon for $22.40 (available in two scents). Promising reviews: "This stuff is absolutely amazing! I never write reviews, but I’m writing this after using it once and marveling at its results. Been struggling with an itchy and flaky scalp. Tried some other hair toners and shampoos, but this gave me instant relief and even an added hair shine that I wasn’t expecting. I used a scalp shampoo and then, after rinsing, applied this through my scalp, massaged it in (hands are fine, but I used a silicone brush), left it on about three minutes while washing face and body, then rinsed. I feel like I can even stop using conditioner because after rinsing this, my hair already felt soft and untangled. Used the Aromatica root enhancer spray after towel drying hair, and my scalp is feeling amazing!" —MK "I have 4b-4c hair, and it is very coily. I like that the tube is very easy to access my scalp through the curls. This is the type of hair rinse that gets your hair and scalp squeaky clean. Like you can hear the squeak when you run your fingers through your hair in the shower. I am convinced that it removes some of the natural hair oils, too, so be careful not to use it too often. I have to scale this back to twice a month, even though I love the smell. The smell is like raspberries and delicious." —Savana Get it from Amazon for $14.50 (available in two scents and five sizes). Promising review: "These have become my FAVORITE lip product. They feel like silky jelly on your lips. They don’t dehydrate them or dry them out. They give a gorgeous plumping effect that makes them look bigger and fuller. The colors are nice. I have three different ones and use them all regularly mixing them with lip stains and lipsticks for fun. They combine nicely with other products but again, the fact that they don’t dry my lips out is great!" —Alyssa C. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 20 shades). This conditioner is formulated for all hair types, but it's especially ideal for fiine, weak-looking hair (the lightweight formula adds volume without heaviness!), dry hair, and oily scalps with dry ends. Read more about how rosemary oil could be as helpful at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "Yes, yes, yes!!! I’m a fan of Medicube skincare, so when the hair care came out, I jumped at buying it. I LOVE this stuff. Immediately, my hair felt fuller, shinier, and I had way less breakage or hair falling out with brushing. I’ve also noticed that I can go an extra day or two between washings because it’s not as greasy as fast. Also, this conditioner smells SO good!!! I feel like I’ve had a spa treatment every time I wash my hair now. This is my new go-to!!!" —Christy May This repair treatment is formulated for all hair types, but it works especially well for fine hair, low-porosity hair, and damaged hair. However, reviewers with curly hair have noted it's worked wonders for them, too! Promising review: "Absolutely PHENOMENAL product!!!!! Quite literally, after the first use, I could immediately see and feel the difference. My hair was so damaged from the heat of flat iron use that it was texturally and visually a noticeable difference from how my hair normally is. HOWEVER, after the first use of this product, my hair was about 80%–90% restored to its natural state and appearance!!!!! This is by far my favorite hair care and repair product that I have ever tried, and I will continue to use it moving forward. This is a must-try product if you suffer from damaged/dry/broken/weak hair!!" —Hunter S Rhodes Get it from Amazon for $31.20 (also available in three other sets). * Just 28 Beauty Products That Work So Well Reviewers Call Them “Remarkable” * TikTok-Approved K-Beauty Products So Good, You’ll Repurchase Once You Run Out * Warm Weather Has Arrived, So Here Are 27 Beauty Products That Reviewers Say Are Lightweight * Makeup Products Reviewers Say Took Very Little Practice To Get Right * Reviewers Over 50 Simply Can’t Stop Raving About These 36 Magical Beauty Products Plus, new releases, mini-sized items, and finds from Amazon, Sephora, Tarte, and Ulta. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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