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Your K-Beauty Starter Pack

14 items

Jenn

Ready to dive into Korean skincare? Here are my basic essentials to get you started on your glass skin journey.

Sections

Oil Cleansers

Water-Based Cleansers

Essence & Toner

Sunscreen

Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers are the first step in a double cleanse, designed to gently remove sunscreen, makeup, and impurities. Pro tip: not all oil cleansers actually remove makeup—so I always check the label or contact the brand before trying a new one. The one...

This is Korea’s #1 selling oil cleanser! I love this one! It effectively removes makeup and sunscreen, and is gentle enough for all skin types.

ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

This is a great option if you prefer a balm over a liquid cleansing oil formulation. Removes makeup effortlessly and good for all skin types. I don't personally love this for waterproof eye makeup removal as much as I love it for removing the rest of...

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

Although this is an American brand, Peach & Lily was founded by Alicia Yoon, who was born in South Korea and brings that philosophy to the line. This cleanser dissolves makeup and sunscreen, and rinses clean—and I don't find any greasy residue le...

Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser

Water-Based Cleansers

Water-based cleansers are the second step in a double cleanse routine. After removing makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, they deeply cleanse while being gentle and supporting a healthy skin barrier.

This cleanser works beautifully for all skin types.

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

This cleanser is gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

This cleanser is a great pick for dry and sensitive skin—gentle, soothing, and non-stripping.

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Essence & Toner

Don’t skip these! If you try just one product, let it be an essence or toner. These boost hydration and support a healthy skin barrier—much different from many American toners you might be used to.

I don’t know why this isn’t getting more attention— it’s hydrating, brightening, and super gentle on the skin. A total hidden gem!

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

Hydrating and smoothing, this is Korea’s #1 rated toner. A must-try for a fresh, glowing complexion!

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner Jumbo

These toner pads are viral for good reason! Use them daily by swiping across your face—or layer several on like a sheet mask. There’s a type for every skin concern. Pro tip: Apply Mediheal collagen toner pads to your chest and collarbones while you g...

MEDIHEAL Toner Pads

Ok, I know this is marketed as a blemish-fighting product—and I’m sure it helps with that—but let’s talk ingredients. It’s made with 95% snail mucin and gentle exfoliants, making it super hydrating and brightening. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! I’ve go...

Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner - Peach Slices

Sunscreen

There’s really nothing like a Korean sunscreen-I'm obsessed! This is the only product that I keep back-ups of. I use this every day as the last step before makeup because they feel incredibly light, absorb quickly, and never pill. Korean sunscreens stand out for their advanced formulations—they provide strong, broad-spectrum protection without heaviness or wh...

Great for all skin types and the #1 selling sunscreen in Korea! I've found it to be lightweight and fast-absorbing.

ROUND LAB BIRCH JUICE MOISTURIZING SUNSCREEN

This sunscreen works well for all skin types and is the #3 best selling sunscreen in Korea. I recommend buying directly from Korea to get the authentic Korean formulation—the good stuff. Be careful to avoid American versions of this product, as they ...

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

It gets super hot and humid where I live in the summer. I switch to this lightweight formula during those months and skip moisturizer because it provides just the right amount of hydration without feeling heavy or sticky.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel Double Set

YES, a sunscreen stick! I keep this in my purse for easy reapplication throughout the day—just gently glide it over your skin, even over makeup. FYI, I haven’t tried it over a FULL beat yet.

ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick