EDITOR’S PICKS: THE K-BEAUTY EDITION

Words: Kelly Fung

It’s no surprise that the world of K-beauty is a wonderful, but seemingly topsy-turvy world to navigate. You’re delving skin deep into unfamiliar names, new textures and packaging that makes you want to take home every colour variation and display it all along windowsills. To get you started successfully, we’ve rounded up a list of the best easy-to-use and fascinating K-beauty products that are bound to win you over. Each one gets an A+ for efficacy, too.

The first step in your skincare routine, massage this apricot kernel oil-based cleanser into your skin and it melts away the day’s makeup, along with any buildup of impurities. Pure Apricot Seed Deep Cleansing Oil, R399, Beautiqlo

It might sound crazy, but the ritual of double cleansing forms the base of the K-beauty 10-step routine. It’s worth the effort, we promise. This cleanser is a great option for sensitive skin as the ingredient list includes centella, which soothes skin. Tiger Cica Calming Cleanser, R239, It’s Skin

We’ll admit, this product had us at its name. Then we fell harder when we got to know the packaging. Pat gently into your skin after cleansing for a nourishing, hydrating and protecting layer. Egg-ssential Fluid, R329, Too Cool For School

If you’re serious about skincare, this essence is worth a try. It’s a highly concentrated antioxidant that not only hydrates skin, it also firms and combats wrinkles, thanks to the regenerative properties of noni fruit.Noni Perfect Design Essence, R399, Beautiqlo

Who doesn’t love a sheet mask? This one by Holika Holika is a particular favourite with its endless list of benefits, which include brightening, refreshing, soothing and moisturising. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties for those times you’ll be out in the sun for too long. There’s no such thing as being too prepared. Skin Rescuer Sheet Mask Madecassoside, R49, Holika Holika

You can’t blame us for being smitten with the packaging, again. This mask is a rubber mask – a fancier, gooey alternative to the regular sheet mask. It basically allows the formula to wrap around any face shape and seal in nutrients and moisture, delivering the goodness straight into your skin. The best bit is that the nifty capsule packaging can be used to mix the formula with a provided spatula. Easy. Ultra H2O Modeling Mask 2 Pack Set, R199, Let Me Skin

Tired eyes? We can relate. Treat yourself by applying this cool jelly-textured eye patch for 30 minutes. Brighter eyes in less than an hour? Sign us up. Coconut Oil Serum Eye Patch, R69, Too Cool For School

A gel-like moisturiser that smells as good as it feels. And boy does it pack a hydration punch. Vita Hydro Pink Moisture Cream, R299, Roseheart

Perhaps the most important step in your daily skincare routine – SPF – is non-negotiable all year round? We love this one for its lightweight, non-greasy formula. Eco Earth Power Tone Up Sun Cream SPF50, R179, The Saem

Slick some colour over your eyelids with your finger, then keep this little pot in your bag on standby for a quick pick-me-up in future. Butter Cream works well as a highlighter for the inner corners of your eyes, too. Check Jelly Eyes #S01 Butter Cream, R149, Too Cool For School

Layer over your favourite lipstick for an interesting dimension or wear it on its own. For a stained effect, dot along your lips and tap the colour in lightly with your finger. Colorable draw tint #02 Apple Squeeze, R219, It’s Skin