Korean Skincare: The best moisturisers and SPFs

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As a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast, it took me longer than expected to dive into the world of Korean skincare that everyone raves about. Maybe I was initially put off by the hype around certain products that everyone seemed to love but I ended up despising. Eventually, I got there, and I discovered some holy grail products that I'll repurchase until the day I die (or until they get discontinued, which is pretty much the same thing).

When I think about my favorite Korean skincare brands, three come to mind: Mizon, Beauty of Joseon, and iUnik. These brands have truly transformed my skincare routine.

Mizon: My Gateway to Korean Skincare Mizon was the brand that sucked me into the K-beauty world. Despite my general lack of enthusiasm for face masks, Mizon's Strawberry Sheet Mask is an exception. While I typically struggle to use face masks consistently, this one is different. Whenever I have it at home, I use it within 48 hours. It's super affordable and leaves my skin smooth, radiant, and refreshed.

Beauty of Joseon: A Routine Staple Beauty of Joseon is the brand I have the most experience with. I've had a full skincare routine composed of their products, but there are two standouts that I keep repurchasing: the iconic Dynasty Cream and the Rice Sunscreen.

  • Dynasty Cream: This cream is very similar, if not identical, to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream but at half the price. After testing them back-to-back, I couldn’t tell the difference. The Dynasty Cream is light, refreshing, and incredibly moisturizing. It’s perfect for those with dry, dehydrated skin who dislike heavy, oily products. Plus, it’s unscented, which is a huge bonus as I've started gravitating towards simpler, unscented skincare products.

  • Rice Sunscreen SPF50: This is hands down the best sunscreen I’ve tried so far. It’s light, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast. My skin doesn’t feel clogged or greasy, and it lacks that typical sunscreen smell. The only thing missing is a version that comes as a clear over-makeup spray!


iUnik: A Close Contender The iUnik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream is nearly as good as my beloved Dynasty Cream. It comes in a tube, has a thicker consistency, but still feels light on the skin. It’s not as refreshing, but it provides all the moisture and hydration my skin needs without feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, it’s unscented and very affordable. A win on all fronts if you ask me.

I’m still exploring the world of Korean beauty and would love to hear your recommendations! Please share your favorites in the comments. Let's discover the next must-have products together!

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