7 K-Beauty Serums I’m Loving Or Coveting As A Beauty Editor

As someone who has been perpetually haunted by the symptoms of dry, dehydrated, and often sensitive skin, this hydrating and nourishing essence-slash-serum really changed my complexion. As well as my attitude about it’s questionably sticky texture. If your skin’s looking as dull and lack-lustre as mine was prior to incorporating this stuff into my skincare routine, then you’ll benefit from snail mucin. This unique ingredient has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s naturally rich in exfoliating glycolic acid and antioxidants, which help to minimise the signs of ageing in skin.

Key features:

• Suitable for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin and sensitive skin
• Repairs and protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Enhances radiance and unifies skin tone and texture
• Lightweight texture

Available at:

• Usually $38.89, now on sale for $15.69 at Beauty Amora
• Usually $38, now on sale for $19.50 at Amazon Australia
• Usually $38, now on sale for $32.30 at Chemist Warehouse

When I travel I make a point of packing this serum or the Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit (usually $39.50, now on sale for $26.50 from Lila Beauty). It’s the only skincare I’ve found that doesn’t break me out when I’m exploring new places and discovering the toll a foreign country’s water supply and constantly eating out can take on my skin. I love all of the Beauty Of Joseon serums, but I frequently recommend the Glow Serum to friends and family because it works for a myriad of skin types. It’s enriched with anti-inflammatory propolis extract, and tone, texture and pore-refining niacinamide, which keep the skin looking and feeling soft, supple, and moisturised — no matter where you are.

Key features:

• Infused with 60 per cent propolis and 2 per cent niacinamide
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Controls sebum production and refines the appearance of pores
• Improves the appearance of skin tone and texture
• Replenishes moisture levels

Available at:

• Usually $25.50, now on sale for $16.40 at Lila Beauty
• Usually $33, now on sale for $28.20 from Amazon Australia
• Usually $36, now on sale for $29.99 from Chemist Warehouse

03

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum

from $102 at Sephora

I thought I couldn’t love a serum more than Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum VI ($146 from Sephora), but then the brand launched this new and improved concentrated serum formula, and I had to eat my words. It utilises proprietary ginseng peptide technology and a capsule delivery system to address eighteen different signs of ageing. Personally I noticed an improvement in the overall plumpness, radiance, and hydration of my skin, plus, this pick really helped to fill out the fine lines on my forehead.

Key features:

• Contains Ginsenomics, Sulwhasoo’s signature anti-ageing ingredient, which uses ginsenoside (a rare type of ginseng saponin) to address firmness and fine lines
• Ginseng Peptide technology addresses collagen production and sagging skin
• Triple Ginseng Capsule Technology uses three types of encapsulated ginseng extracts to promote better absorbtion
• Promotes plump and bouncy skin
• Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Available at:

• 15ml: $102 from Sephora
• 30ml: $196 from Sephora
• 30ml: $196 from Adore Beauty
• 50ml: $312 from Sephora

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04

Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum

Usually $38.31, now on sale for $30.89 at Stylevana

This serum has been at the very top of my ‘To Try’ list ever since I spotted a parade of clear-skinned individuals touting it as an effective retinol alternative for people with sensitive skin. As someone with sensitive skin myself I’ve always been a bit scared of retinoids, so naturally this naturally-derived form of vitamin A piqued my interest. The formula combines the firming and fine line-plumping powers of bakuchiol with gentle, moisturising and barrier-reinforcing ceramides, resulting in a more youthful-looking appearance.

Key features:

• Contains 99 per cent pure bakuchiol, a gentle (yet powerful) natural alternative to retinol
• Enriched with five types of ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and panthenol
• Strengthens skin barrier and improves moisture retention
• Plumps and firms skin
• Minimises the appearance of fine lines and pores

Available at:

• Usually $38.31, now on sale for $30.89 at Stylevana
• Usually $45, now on sale for $32.50 at Lila Beauty
• $40 from W Cosmetics

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05

Purcell 24/7 Colostrum Pore Defence Ampoule

Usually $37.88, now on sale for $35.99 at YesStyle

I’ve had this genius ampoule mist saved to my wish list ever since I spotted it peeking out of Rosé’s handbag in an Instagram story. A quick spritz midday can help to reset makeup, moisturise the skin, minimise sebum production, and refine the appearance of pores. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever come across a makeup setting and fixing spray that contains five different types of fermented ingredients, as well as lipids, adenosine, hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, and vitamin E.

Key features:

• Formulated with Purcell’s Pixcell Biom (five types of lactic acid probiotics) and hyaluronic acid
• Boosts hydration levels and strengthens the skin barrier
• Minimises the appearance of enlarged pores and reduces excess sebum
• Sets and locks in makeup
• Leaves skin with a radiant glow

Available at:

• Usually $37.88, now on sale for $35.99 at YesStyle
• $48 from W Cosmetics

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06

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

Usually $42, now on sale for $26.95 at Lila Beauty

PDRN (otherwise known as salmon sperm) is having a real moment in skincare right now, and this serum containing the ingredient is one of the best-selling products in Korea right now. If a strengthened skin barrier, and a hydrated, firmer and more youthful-looking appearance sounds appealing then join me in a communal ‘adding to cart’ moment.

Key features:

• Combines PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen
• Strengthens the skin’s barrier
• Hydrates, firms and brightens skin
• Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and supple

Available at:

• Usually $42, now on sale for $26.95 at Lila Beauty
• $30 from Amazon Australia
• $36 from W Cosmetics

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07

VT Cosmetics Mild Reedle Shot 50

Usually $43, now on sale for $31.95 at Lila Beauty

VT Cosmetics patented cica reedle technology is a Korean innovation that is currently blowing my mind. The silica-derived micro needles are 14 times thinner than the average pore size, and they create temporary micro-channels in the skin to allow skin care ingredients like amino acids, centella extract, hyaluronic acid, and propolis extract to penetrate deeper. There are different levels to try in relation to one’s tolerance level (read: this stuff tingles), so as a newbie, I’m starting with the Mild Reedle Shot 50.

Key features:

• Contains silica-derived, patented cica micro needles
• Enriched with amino acids, centella extract, hyaluronic acid, and propolis extract
• Reedles create micro channels in the skin to improve ingredient absorption
• Product will cause mild tingling sensation
• Suitable for all ski types, including sensitive skin

Available at:

• Usually $43, now on sale for $31.95 at Lila Beauty
• $32.99 from Amazon Australia
• $38 from W Cosmetics

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Main image credit: @roses_are_rosie