From Korea to China, the Asian market has beauty on lockdown: with innovative techniques in skincare technology, kitsch packaging, and weird and wonderful makeup hacks, we're always tapping into their ahead-of-the-curve approach to beauty. Snail slime and bubble masks, anyone?
If you're unsure where to begin, or just fancy something new to shake up your go-to makeup products, we've selected the most-hyped items on the market to revive your bathroom shelf. From foamy cleansers and natural sheet masks to luscious lip tints and compact powders, these are the cult Asian beauty products you’ll be swearing by in no time.
Brow Tint
Why you’ll like it: You’ve probably heard of micro-blading and tattooing your brows, but have you ever thought about DIY-tinting them? Eyebrow tinting is currently all the rage in Korea and this eyebrow tint gel from Etude House creates a nice base that can cut your eyebrow routine in half. Think of it as a henna tattoo for your eyebrows that gives you natural, fuller brows that last up to two weeks.
How to use it: Using the wand, apply the gel over your brows, making sure to follow their natural shape, then let it dry for two hours before peeling it off from the tail end.
Etude House Tint My Brows Gel, £6.48, available at Amazon
Filter Powder
Why you’ll like it: This colour-corrective duo powder from 3CE helps conceal skin blemishes and even out any bumps. If you’ve got problem pores that need sorting out, then this long-lasting, lightweight product helps you achieve baby-soft skin. Say goodbye to that chalky complexion and hello to a clear, natural glow!
How to use it: After you’ve applied foundation, lightly dust the powder all over your face with a brush before finishing off with setting powder.
3CE Blur Filter Powder, £14.86, available at Style Nanda
Black Sugar Honey Mask
Why you’ll like it: Known for its organically produced skincare without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals, Skin Food's black sugar honey wash-off mask is packed with effective exfoliating ingredients that’ll leave your skin feeling moisturised. The honey offers smoothing properties while the grainy sugar gently scrubs off excess oil and grime. The best thing about this is you can dilute the product to your liking. So if you’d rather a super-abrasive exfoliant, you can apply a small amount of water, or if you’d prefer a gentler exfoliant, you can use more water to help melt the sugar granules.
How to use it: Evenly apply the product all over your face while slightly wet, avoiding the eye area. Massage, leave on skin for up to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Skin Food Black Sugar Honey Wash Off Mask, £13, available at Boots
Eye Balm
Why you’ll like it: There’s so much more to TonyMoly Panda’s Dream So Cool Eye Stick than the cute packaging. This under-eye balm is made with nourishing bamboo that’ll instantly cool and soothe the skin around the delicate eye area. Throw in some cleansing seawater ingredients and you've got a cooling, brightening gel that’ll soothe any fine lines.
How to use it: Apply the stick around your eye for an instant cooling effect.
TonyMoly Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick, £12.50, available at Cult Beauty
Cleansing Foam
Why you’ll like it: Innisfree's Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam should be in every bathroom cabinet. This foam is formulated to draw out skin impurities using the Korean island's volcanic ash-enriched soil properties. Gentle enough to use every day, the cleanser won’t cause irritation like other products and won’t dry out your skin afterwards.
How to use it: Massage the product into your skin until foamy, avoiding the eye area. After a few minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, £10.26, available at Yes Style
Mascara Remover
Why you’ll like it: Ever had stubborn mascara that just won’t budge, no matter how many times you try? Say goodbye to smudged panda eyes and rubbing with this KissMe Heroine mascara remover. The clear formula will melt away mascara, leaving you with soft, moisturised lashes.
How to use it: Use it like any mascara wand and apply liberally all over your lashes. Wait for a few minutes before wiping away with a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover.
KissMe Heroine Make Mascara Remover, £10.79, available at Amazon
Foundation
Why you’ll like it: Iope is killing it in the makeup game and they’re one of the first to release a cushion compact foundation on the market. This feather-light foundation provides great coverage without looking cakey and has all the benefits of a BB cream, including anti-ageing, moisturising, skin coverage and even SPF. Plus its non-absorbing puff vanishes into your complexion, leaving you with unbelievably perfect, even skin.
How to use it: Using the puff provided, lightly dust the powder evenly over your face. If you’re not a fan of puffs, just use your brush to apply.
Iope Air Cushion Sunblock XP SPF 50, £31, available at Amazon
Night Mask
Why you’ll like it: The ionised mineral water makes this powerful nighttime moisturiser from Laneige a saviour of even the most stressed-out skin. Its gel-like consistency offers intense hydration and brightening effects that’ll make you look like you've had eight hours of sleep – even if you haven’t.
How to use it: Using the scoop provided, apply the sleeping pack all over your face, avoiding the eye area. It’ll absorb into your skin within a few minutes. Leave on overnight while you sleep and wash it off in the morning.
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, £20, available at Amazon
Lip Tint
Why you’ll love it: Another product with super-cute packaging, PeriPera Peri is one of Korea's most popular lip tints. If you’re after a soft gradient lip look that stays deep and vibrant all day, then this is the lippy for you. It goes on super-watery, which adds extra moisture to lips, and with five different colours to choose from, you’ll be pouting all night long.
How to use it: Apply lip balm beforehand then use the doe foot applicator to apply over lips.
PeriPera Peri's Tint Water, £8.17, available at Amazon
Sheet Mask
Why you’ll love it: One of Korea's first natural beauty brands, Innisfree uses a variety of organic ingredients such as green tea extract and shea butter, which helps moisturise, rejuvenate and buff away dead skin cells. With 16 different ‘flavours’ to choose from, these sheet masks are a great way to treat yourself to smooth and supple skin without breaking the bank.
How to use it: Carefully remove face mask from the pack without ripping and unfold over face. Leave on for 30 minutes before gently peeling off mask and tapping the excess essence into the skin. No need to rinse afterwards.
Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask, £2.26, available at Yes Style
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