You’ve probably seen K-Beauty items if you’ve ever visited a Sephora, Ulta, or even your neighborhood CVS. K-beauty has evolved from a trendy “new” phenomena to a staple in may people’s daily routines because to its sensual textures, entertaining packaging, and cutting-edge ingredients.
Korean cosmetics is also superior, even though K-beauty is primarily recognized for its smooth sunscreens and sheet masks. Commonplace cosmetics like lipstick and foundation, which are frequently enhanced with skincare elements, provide color and coverage that appears as beautiful as it feels on your skin.
Here are 17 of the top Korean makeup companies (along with a standout item from each line) to get you started on your shopping excursion, ranging from lip tints that don’t dry out your lips to blushes that give you a glow.
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How I Chose the Best Korean Makeup Brands
I began by choosing the top Korean makeup companies that I have personally used and adored throughout the years. In order to identify the most well-liked and successful brands, I then sifted through an excessive amount of data and evaluations on websites like Reddit and Google Trends. After evaluating dozens of Korean beauty manufacturers, I finally selected the 17 you see here using the following standards: effectiveness, cost, and simplicity of use
1. Hera
Hera, one of the most well-known luxury cosmetics brands in Korea, is a part of the portfolio of AmorePacific, a legendary beauty conglomerate that also includes many other brands you may be familiar with, such as Laneige and Innisfree. (You may also be familiar with Jennie Kim of BLACKPINK, Hera’s celebrity ambassador.) Despite the brand’s extensive and well-regarded skincare line, I can only recommend their lipsticks because they have the most stylish packaging and a wide variety of exciting tints and attractive finishes.
2. Etude
Within the AmorePacific family, Etude is another traditional Korean makeup brand that has been in business since 1985. I really suggest visiting one of the physical stores in Seoul if you’re ever there; some of them resemble enormous doll houses, and they’re all filled with lovely goods at reasonable prices. Their Darling Oil Tint, which gives your lips a glossy pop of color without drying them off, has recently captured my heart.
3. rom&nd
Rom&nd, which was founded in 2016 by well-known Korean beauty influencer Saeron Min (also known as Gaek), is renowned for its high-performing cosmetics, some of which have become cult favorites in recent years, such as the Better Than Eyes eyeshadow palettes and the Better Than Cheek blushes. Because the colors mix nicely, are easy to blend, and typically have a glitter topper that really makes my eyelids shine, I’m a major lover of the latter, especially in the original quads.
4. Colorgram
During one of my frequent visits to Olive Young, Korea’s premier cosmetic boutique, I first learned about colorgram. I bought one of their Fruit Glass Tints for fun after being enticed by their adorable packaging and reasonable costs. Although I didn’t have high expectations for it, it has since grown to be one of my favorite products because it applies the ideal amount of color without ever making my lips flake or peel.
5. Heart Percent
Last year, I discovered Heart Percent while taking a cosmetics class from a renowned artist in Seoul. The business sells a variety of color cosmetics and complexion items, but in my opinion, their chubby lip pencil is the best in the line, especially if you want that full K-Pop idol pout with soft corners.
6. Amuse
In my opinion, Amuse is similar to Rhode Beauty in the United States in that it is a relatively new brand that gained a fervent fan base very rapidly. In addition to carrying incredibly stylish color cosmetics that range from cushion compacts to lip products and eye shadows, they are mostly recognized for being a vegan brand and for their environmentally friendly operations. (Amuse also makes a hand cream that I love because of its non-greasy finish and packaging.) I’ve used a variety of the brand’s products, but my favorite is Jel-Fit Tint, a cool, jelly-textured lip color that fits neatly in your handbag or pocket.
7. Age20’s
Although I don’t particularly like the brand’s name, their Signature Essence Pact, a compact cream foundation, is actually pretty decent. A friend in Korea said that it has been one of the best-selling complexion creams for a number of years. I can understand why after using it myself: It applies smoothly, provides good coverage, and leaves a little dewiness that works well for most skin types.
8. 3CE
You can always rely on 3CE for colors that are in style. 3CE constantly produces vibrant colors and smooth pigment, whether it’s their eye shadow palettes or their well-known velvet lipstick. For a gentle color wash that works on both your cheeks and lids, add the Mood Recipe Face Blush to your cart. A few light swipes of your makeup brush will integrate the satiny powder into your skin.
9. Jungsaemool
Her eponymous business is renowned for its high-performing complexion products and is named after the iconic celebrity makeup artist Jung Saem Mool, who in Korea is comparable to Pat McGrath or Charlotte Tilbury. Specifically, the Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion is a recurring best-seller due to its flawless coverage and light texture, which evens up the tone of your skin without being cakey. The fact that they are on the fairer side and there are only four tones is the only disadvantage.
10. Clio
Clio, the creation of professional makeup artists, is a huge success in the K-beauty industry. We’ll start you off with a fan favorite, the Superproof Pen Liner, because of the brand’s extensive selection. The sharpest flicks and cleanest lines are produced by the fine-tipped applicator. The best part is that the inky composition genuinely resists greasy lids and perspiration.
11. The Saem
The Saem undoubtedly has something for the budget-conscious makeup minimalist (and it’s probably on sale). Their concealer is noteworthy since it conceals acne, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation while having a lightweight texture and unexpectedly thick coverage finish.
12. Too Cool For School
One of the first Korean makeup brands I recall trying as a young beauty editor was Too Cool For School, which has been in business since 2009. “An artistic cosmetic brand that’s focused on creative experimentation and contemporary culture” is how TCFS describes itself, and their packaging and merchandise undoubtedly reflect this. Their Artclass by Rodin Shading, a spherical contouring compact that has sold over 10 million pieces, is one of their most well-known products. Since it’s essentially the only contouring product I’ve used that doesn’t look overly muddy or excessively bronze on my skin, I’ve bought a few of those 10 million units myself over the years.
13. Muzigae Mansion
Fun fact: The Korean term for rainbow, “mujigae,” can be pronounced in a humorous way as “muzigae.” Therefore, the translation of Muzigae Mansion is “rainbow mansion.” It sounds like a lot of fun, even if I know it still doesn’t make any logic. What else? Despite being relatively young, the business has already made quite a stir in the K-beauty scene and has an accreditation from the UK Vegan Society. Their distinctive textures and artistic packaging, which are both prominently featured in their Objet Liquid lip tint, must be partially responsible for that.
14. Innisfree
Innisfree is arguably most recognized for their wide range of skincare products, but they also have some excellent makeup items. Their pore-blurring setting powder, which absorbs extra shine and gives your complexion a matte sheen that lasts for hours, is the first that springs to mind. Green tea and minerals from their own fields on Jeju Island are among the inexpensive line’s ingredients.
15. Missha
Fun fact: Missha was one of the first brands to bring BB cream to the masses. Its M Perfect Cover BB Cream is still a favorite for many because of its smooth buildable coverage and additional skincare ingredients, including hydrolyzed collagen, ceramides, algae extract and hyaluronic acid.
16. LAKA
The goal of LAKA, the first gender-neutral cosmetics brand in South Korea, is to offer inclusive makeup. In order to achieve this, their minimalist collection consists of creamy lip balms, blushes with sheer, blendable hues, and—my personal favorite—a brow shaping gel that subtly grooms and fluffs out your arches without making them appear stiff or overdone.
17. Peripera
Peripera is the best lip balm available. Try the Velvet Lip Tint from the quirky brand, which is well-known for its variety of vibrant hues and entertaining textures. It gives your lips a striking burst of color without drying them out because to its light, mousse-like consistency that applies softly and dries to a smooth finish.
