Showing posts with label #MyTwoCents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #MyTwoCents. Show all posts

2.10.2026

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The Best of Korean Skincare Must Haves (2025-2026)

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 Hey Subbies,

I know, I know I'm late, but this winter has been cold, and I had some personal pursuits just about to end, and I had work stuff, so I really didn't want to be on my desktop. I've noticed more and more brands are looking to Korea for innovative formulations, which was already trending that way for the past 3-5 years (and yes, I do look at the fine print). And I hate the use of Hangul on branding if the CEO isn't Korean or at least a naturalized citizen or invests in South Korea's GDP. In the West, we’re finally swinging back to adding color but more natural skin-like tones, aka the Nina Park Effect that she’s been working on for the past 5+ years, which is a mix of luxury Western brands like Chanel or Dior with 2016 Korean road shop brands like Clio, Missha, and Etude (formerly ETUDE HOUSE); skincare prep that has been a part of Asian barrier skincare prep for as long as I've been on the internet; K-pop base makeup technique with a semi-matte finish, but what I've always liked to use the term Satin Finish with a skincare focus foundation or CC/BB cream skin tint; natural cheek & blurred lip rouge in reds, pinks, and browns; creating dimension with eyeshadow along with precision tight lines; soft brows that are influenced by K-beauty.   

Round Lab was the peak "Clean Girl" beauty brand, but going into the second half of 2025, S.NATURE really stepped up its formulation game and is probably one of the first brands to market squalane as a key ingredient in Korea. I just found that they use peptides as well in one of their product lines. In the last two years, I've noticed from Korean influencers and dermatologists that home care devices like LDM and Ultherapy have gained popularity. (Side note: RF is also popular, which is more universal for the majority of skin tones or skin conditions like mine vs Ultheraphy which has too much heat.) Pharmaceutical skincare is also popular on social media, and alternative cosmetic shopping hotspots like Hemeko, which is a MUA heaven, and Chicor, which is one major reason why Sephora did poorly (COEX mall Sephora was dead when I was there), but the store I went to in Gangnam had other floors which led to salons and other places from the main shop during my vacation in South Korea, which had a mix of Western and Korean department store cosmetics. I think Sephora x Chicor would have given Sephora a better idea of how to enter the market with brands that are popular on SNS like Kyle Cosmetics, Summer Fridays, Rhode, Anastasia, Natasha Denona, Patrick Ta, Glossier, Rare Beauty, Kiko Milano, Gisou, Fenty, and others.

Can we get more not just quarterly Skincare but Haircare and Makeup boxes, please and thank you.


"Skin Like Nature"

S.Nature (which literally stands for "Skin Like Nature") operates on a simple, refreshing philosophy: skincare shouldn't fight your skin; it should mimic it.

Founded in 2007, their core belief is that the most effective healing comes from ingredients that already exist within us. By using high-purity, nature-derived ingredients, they’ve created a lineup that is hypoallergenic and safe for everyone—from sensitive-skinned adults to actual babies. It’s not just skincare; it’s a "lifelong companion" for your skin barrier.

Hall of Fame

If you only try one thing, make it the "Original Moisture Genius." S.Nature dominated the 2025 Olive Young Awards with these heavy hitters:

  • Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream: The undisputed MVP. It’s consistently ranked #1 for its ability to provide "cloud-like" hydration without the grease.
  • Aqua Squalane Serum: A deep-hydration hero that uses 8 types of hyaluronic acid to drench the skin.
  • Aqua Rice Cleansing Milk: Awarded for its ability to melt away impurities while actually adding moisture back into the skin.

Why S.Nature?

While many "moisture" brands rely on heavy oils or silicones that can clog pores, S.Nature takes a different path:

  • Star Ingredient 150,000ppm High-Purity Squalane
  • Texture "Melting" absorption; zero stickiness
  • Technology Patented Aquaxyl (optimizes water flow)
  • Versatility Safe for acne-prone & sensitive skin


Solution to the Problem

S.Nature doesn't just promise a "glow"; it targets the mechanical issues of your skin:

  • The "Tightness" Problem: Using 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid, they ensure hydration reaches the deep dermis, not just the surface.
  • The Sebum Struggle: High-purity squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, "tricking" your skin into producing less excess oil.
  • The Irritation Loop: With Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin, their formulas actively soothe inflammation while you wear them.

Thanks to the Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (often called "Botox in a bottle") found in their flagship cream. This helps refine fine lines and tighten enlarged pores, creating that perfect, smooth canvas for makeup—hence the "Skin Prep" reputation.

Ready to start your "Glow Era" for 2026?

Amazon
Nordstrom
Olive Young
Jolse

BEAUTY GURU FAVES

  • S.Nature Aqua Oasis toner 4.7
  • S.Nature Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream 4.6
  • S.Nature Aqua Squalane Serum 4.7
  • S.Nature Aqua Rice Cleansing Milk 4.6
  • S.Nature Aqua Rice mildly acidic cleansing foam 4.7
  • S.Nature Aqua collagen peptide gel essence 4.6
  • S.Nature Aqua 365 UV sunscreen 4.7

Key: 5-Stars ⭐ | Director Pi ðŸŽ¬ | Olive Young 🫒 | Hwahae 💋 | GlowPick 🌟 | Allure ðŸ…°️

Cleansers

  • Beplain Green bean slightly acidic cleansing foam 4.8 ðŸ’‹ðŸ«’
  • Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil 4.8 ðŸ«’🅰️
  • Manyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk 4.6 ðŸŒŸðŸ«’
  • Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 4.7 ðŸ…°️ ðŸŒŸ
  • Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 4.8 ðŸ…°️
  • makep:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Milk 4.7 ðŸ’‹
  • B. LAB Pore Reset Glass Skin Cleansing Oil 4.7 ðŸŽ¬
  • Make P:rem PDRN 4 Clay Cleansing Milk 4.6 ðŸŽ¬
  • Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser 4.8 ðŸŽ¬
  • NEEDLY Mild Enzyme Cleansing Powder 4.9 ðŸŽ¬
  • Bringgreen Teatree Cica deep Cleansing Foam 4.8 ðŸŽ¬

    Toners | Waters | Removers | Liquid | Softner
    • S.Nature Aqua Oasis Toner 4.8 ðŸ’‹ðŸŽ¬
    • Round lab 1025 Dokdo Toner 4.9 ðŸ«’🌟
    • Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad 4.7 ðŸ«’
    • Anua 77% Heartleaf Toner 4.8
    • Manyo Panthetoin Essence Toner 4.7 ðŸŒŸðŸ…°️
    • Jumiso Hyaluronic Acid Water-Plumping Serum 4.9 ðŸ’‹
    • Innisfree Apple Seed lip & Eye Remover 4.9 ðŸŽ¬
    • Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Water 4.8 ðŸŽ¬
    • Skinfood Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad 4.8
    • medicube Age-R Glutathione Glow Toner 4.8
    • VT - R5 Firming Ampoule (PDRN) 
    • Biodance gel toner pads 4.7
    • Ongredient Calming Barrier Skin Softener 4.7
    • ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener 4.8 ðŸ«’
    • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad 4.8

      Serums | Essences | Ampoules | Oils
      • Torriden Dive-in low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serum 4.6 ðŸ’‹
      • Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum 4.7 ðŸ«’
      • Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum ðŸ…°️
      • Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue 100 Ampoule 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
      • CNP Laboratory Propolis Treatment Ampule Essence 4.9 ðŸŒŸ
      • Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence 4.8 ðŸ…°️
      • Dr.nineteen Porexsome ReDRN Exosome Ampoule 4.9 ðŸ’‹
      • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule 4.8 ðŸ…°️
      • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Ampoule 4.8
      • One Thing Jojoba Golden Organic Oil 4.9 ðŸŒŸ
      • Torriden Solid In Ceramide Lip Essence 4.8 ðŸ«’🎬
      • Haruharu wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum for Beginners 4.9

        Masks | Patches 
        • Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Mask 4.8 ðŸ«’
        • Dr.Althea Jelly Seal Repair Mask 4.8 ðŸ…°️
        • MediAnswer Vita Collagen Mask 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
        • S.Nature Super Aquagel Oasis Ampule Mask 4.8 ðŸŽ¬
        • Laneige Sleeping lip mask 4.7
        • Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask 4.7
        • Careplus Scar Cover Spot Patch 4.9🫒
        • Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask 4.8
        • ByUR Glo-Boost Daily face pack sheet mask 4.9
        • Menokin 30 Seconds Quick Bubble Mask 5.0

          Moisturizers | Lotions | Creams | Gels | Balms
          • Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream 4.8 ðŸ’‹ðŸ«’🌟
          • Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion 4,8 ðŸŒŸðŸ…°️
          • Ongredients Skin Barrier Calming lotion 4.7
          • Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream 4.7 🫒
          • ma:nyo Cream 4.7 🌟
          • Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream 4.7 🌟
          • d’Alba Double Serum All In One Multi Balm 4.7 ðŸŒŸ
          • Cosnori Panthenol Barrier Emulsion 5.0 ðŸŽ¬
          • S.Nature Aqua Oasis Water Gel Cream 4.8 ðŸŽ¬
          • Bringgreen Aloe 97% Soothing Gel 4.7 ðŸŽ¬
          • Cellimax Pore + Dark Spot Brighteing Cream 4.8
          • SKIN1004 Probiotic-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream 4.7

            Mists | Sprays
            • d'alba White Truffle First Spray Mist 4.7🌟
            • Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist 4.7 ðŸ…°️
            • BIOHEAL BOH Panthecell Repair Cica Cream Mist 4.8 ðŸ«’

            Sunscreens / SPFs / Sun Sticks

            • Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen 4.8 ðŸ«’
            • Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
            • Make P:rem Soothing Pink Tone-up Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 4.9 ðŸŽ¬
            • Dr.G Red Blemish Soothing Up Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 4.9 ðŸŽ¬
            • d'able Water Essence Tone-Up SPF50+ PA++++ 4.7
            • Haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ 4.7

              Haircare Products
              • Labo-H Hair Loss Relief Shampoo [Scalp Strengthening] 4.7 ðŸ«’
              • UNOVE Deep Damage Repair Shampoo 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
              • A'PIEU Mint Scalp Hair Vinegar 4.9 ðŸŒŸðŸ…°️
              • Unove Deep Damage Treatment EX 4.7 ðŸ«’🌟🅰️
              • Mise-en-scène Perfect Serum Original 4.9 ðŸ«’
              • AROMATICA Rosemary Root Enhancer 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
              • GrowUs Damage Therapy No Wash Treatment 4.7 ðŸ«’
              • Mise-en-scène Curling Essence 2X Volume Curl Cream 4.9 ðŸ«’🅰️
              • now & than Essential Hair Oil 4.8 ðŸŒŸ
              • ANAZE Hard Fixer Hairspray 4.8

              Make up Products

              • Primer/Base: Jung Saem mool Essential Mool Cream 4.8
              • Cushion-Foundation: Jung Saem Mool Essential Nuder Cushion 4.7 ðŸ«’ / Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion 4.9
              • BB/CC cream: Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream 4.7 
              • Foundation: Espoir BeGlow Foundation 4.8 / TirTir Maskfit Red Foundation 4.8
              • Concealer: The Saem Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer 4.8 ðŸ«’
              • Powder (loose): Banila Co Prime Primer Finish Powder 4.8 ðŸ«’ / Laniege Neo Blurring powder 4.7
              • Powder (pressed): About_Tone Blur Powder 4.8
              • Eyeshadow: Wakemake Soft Blurring Eye Palette (Coral/Lavender) 4.8 ðŸ«’
              • Eyeliner: Clio Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil liner 4.8
              • Eyebrow (cara): Peripera Speedy Skinny Brow 4.8
              • Eyebrow (pencil):  Innisfree Eyebrow Pencil 4.8
              • Multi Rouge (cream): Fwee Pudding Pots 4.7 ðŸ«’
              • Blush (powder): Rom&nd Better Than Cheek blush 4.7
              • Contour/Shading: TCFS Artclass by Rodin Shading 4.9
              • Highlighter (powder): Clio Prism Highlighter (Good sheer) 4.8
              • Highlighter (pencil): TCFS Frottage Pencil Art Class pencil 4.8 ðŸ«’
              • Liquid Lipstick: Peripera Ink Velvet 4.7
              • Lip Tint: Rom&nd the Juicy lasting Tint (Bare Grape) 4.8 ðŸ«’
              • Lipstick (matte): Rom&nd Zero Matte lipstick 4.7
              • Lip balms: AOU Glowy Lip Balm (pot) 4.8
              • Mascara: Clio Kill Lash 4.9
              • Lip pencil: Heart Percent Dote On Mood Lip Pencil 4.9
              • Tools/Brush(es): PICCASSO Set Brush 4.8 
              • Setting Spray: So Natural Fixx Spray 4.9

              At-home Skincare Devices 
              • Quadthera Titan Lifting Beauty Device 5.0
              • Quadthera Minitune White 4.9
              • Lg Pra.l Intensive Multi-core Face Massager Skin Elasticity Cooling 5.0
              • Glow.m Booster Sonic II 4.5
              • Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask 4.7
              • Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro 4.7
              • Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro Mini 4.7