Gone are the days of French and American brands dominating the beauty universe. These days, ultra-chic Korean cosmetic and skincare companies are flooding the markets and taking the beauty industry by storm. Now when it comes to all things beauty, there’s no doubt Korean lines are major influencers in terms of what makes its way across the ocean. From Korean women’s notoriously exhausting semi-complicated 10-step skincare routine to the abundance of tried and true products to choose from, it’s no wonder all the women (and men!) take great pride in their pore-free and overall flawless skin.
But thanks to its growing popularity and immense cult-following, it looks like we, too, can now get in on the action. It’s easier than ever to get our hands on some of the most hyped-about Korean beauty products on this side of the world. Look for top-tier brands like AmorePacific and Dr. Jart+ at Sephora. Or if you’re in the market to stock up on chic and affordable beauty needs à la TonyMoly and Clio, Urban Outfitters is your go-to. Looking for a one-stop shop? Then head to The Face Shop at your nearest mall for all your makeup and skincare necessities.
But with all our fave bloggers getting their hands on “newly discovered” goodies in Korea and sharing their must-try product picks, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t overwhelmed by it all. But fear not, this is our cue to step in. We’ve rounded up the top 10 brands that have been (and still are!) generating a lot of buzz these past few years to help you get started. From the adorable packaging to the surprisingly useful products and formulas we never thought we needed, don’t blame us if you plan to replace your current beauty products with these finds.
1/10
korean beauty brands holika holika
Holika Holika
Founded in Korea in 2010, Holika Holika made its way into the Canadian market in 2012 thanks to its attractive packaging of practical products and its fun-to-say brand name (it’s derived from the English suffix -holic).
One of its most popular products includes the Pig Nose Clear Black Head 3-Step Kit. Honestly, cleaning our pores has never been so cute.
Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit ($4, holikaholika.ca)
2/10
korean beauty brands amore pacific
AmorePacific
A top beauty brand as well as South Korea’s largest beauty company (think Asia’s P&G), the corporation houses about 30 brands under its umbrella including big names like Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Étude House and Innisfree.
But the beauty brand itself doesn’t lack, with many customers reaching for best-seller products like its overnight masks, cleaning oils and treatment enzyme peels.
Owned by AmorePacific, Étude House has quite the cult following by the younger crowd (Note: South Korea’s hottest girl and boy bands are the face for the brand) with its super-girly packaging and cosmetic products like this Precious Mineral Moist Any Cushion (aka CC cream).
Since 1957, Skin Food made its way into the skincare market and based its concept on creating products with nutritious values from food, thus using all-natural food ingredients in all its products.
Popular products include Coffee Body Scrub, Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet and this Black Sugar Mask Wash-Off. FYI, Michelle Phan is a big fan of this product.
Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off ($15, sokoglam.com)
5/10
korean beauty brands too cool for school
Too Cool For School
Another beauty brand aimed at the younger crowd (the brand’s name is a pretty big giveaway), Too Cool For School is for those who are new to the whole skincare game. Not only does it have all your basic needs at affordable prices, the packaging is also super-cute. Honestly, just look at this Egg Mousse Cleanser and tell us otherwise.
Developed by dermatologists of Seoul University, the brand’s philosophy revolves around finding and researching the best combination of ingredients for optimal results.
You know they’re good when their most raved about products include the infamous Snail Mucus Extract that is said to have the best regeneration effect. Anything for beauty, right?
Setting up shop in Canada in the past couple of years, The Face Shop carries a range of skincare and cosmetic products aimed at both women and men. Pretty new at buying Korean beauty products? No problem because with the easy-to-use goodies and knowledgeable sales associates, you’ll be sure to find the right products just for you.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil ($31, amazon.ca)
8/10
korean beauty brands 3 concept eyes
3 Concept Eyes
Launched by one of South Korea’s leading online fashion companies, Stylenanda, in 2009, the team delved into the beauty industry and came up with 3 Concept Eyes. Favoured by the cool kids, the brand not only has a collection of all your go-to products, but each line contains a wide spectrum of eye-appealing colours for everyone.
Founded in 2006, TonyMoly is known for its eco-friendly concept and use of natural and organic ingredients in all its products. And we might add their adorable packaging (looking at you Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub and Egg Pore Blackhead Out Oil Gel) will definitely make for cute decoration pieces on your vanity table.
A cult Korean beauty brand, Clio is much loved in its mother country as well as overseas, especially the sought-after liquid eyeliner. With its effortless gliding abilities and easy-to-handle pen, cat eyes and graphic eyes will definitely be no problem.
 take great pride in their pore-free and overall flawless skin.
But thanks to its growing popularity and immense cult-following, it looks like we, too, can now get in on the action. It's easier than ever to get our hands on some of the most hyped-about Korean beauty products on this side of the world. Look for top-tier brands like AmorePacific and Dr. Jart+ at Sephora. Or if you’re in the market to stock up on chic and affordable beauty needs à la TonyMoly and Clio, Urban Outfitters is your go-to. Looking for a one-stop shop? Then head to The Face Shop at your nearest mall for all your makeup and skincare necessities.
But with all our fave bloggers getting their hands on “newly discovered” goodies in Korea and sharing their must-try product picks, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t overwhelmed by it all. But fear not, this is our cue to step in. We’ve rounded up the top 10 brands that have been (and still are!) generating a lot of buzz these past few years to help you get started. From the adorable packaging to the surprisingly useful products and formulas we never thought we needed, don’t blame us if you plan to replace your current beauty products with these finds.
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