Plus, at $17, it’s way more affordable than many retinol eye creams out there. Don’t just take it from me. It also has a stamp of approval from our sister publication, Allure Korea, as a 2023 Best of Beauty editor’s pick.
At night, after my face serum, I dispense one pump of product, gently sweeping and tapping it into my undereye area (and where potential crow’s feet would appear). I let the formula absorb for a minute before applying my moisturizer to seal everything in.
- Key ingredients: ginseng, glycerin, retinal, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
all skin types, so long as you can tolerate retinoids (and are not pregnant or breastfeeding)
The Sunscreen That Started It All: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++
Why I love it: Let’s start with a disclaimer. YES, this is the original Korean formula, not the reformulated, FDA-approved Daily Relief Sunscreen you can buy on Amazon. (The FDA-approved formula is still pretty good—don’t get me wrong—but the original is noticeably more fluid and serum-y, which is what I prefer.) You can still buy the original from Asia-based retailers, a.k.a. the ones listed above.
Now that’s out of the way, this is it if you like glowing formulas. For my combo skin, since it’s so hydrating, I skip my standalone moisturizer and go straight to this after my morning serum. Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++ is a prime example of what Korean sunscreens can do: pack ample UVA and UVB protection into a weightless, nourishing, softening, and brightening formula that leaves white cast out of the equation—every single time. If you have yet to try a Korean sunscreen, this is a most excellent first foray. (And if you want additional recs, hit me up. I could wax poetic for hours.)
Sunscreen should always be your last skin-care step in the morning. If I’ve already gone in with a hydrating essence and serum, I’ll usually skip moisturizer and go straight to this. I squeeze out two fingers’ length of sunscreen across my pointer and middle fingers (the good ‘ol two-finger rule) before rubbing it into my skin for a solid 20 seconds.
- Key ingredients: rice extract, niacinamide, pumpkin ferment extract, green tea, ginseng
- Fragrance-free: yes
Everyone!!! The exception: If you have especially sensitive skin and are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, mineral sunscreens are the way to go.
The Toner That Balances My Skin: Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Why I love it: We’ve featured Glow Replenishing Rice Milk at length here at the recommendation of editors, contributors, and derms. Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale and NYC, said this is his all-time favorite K-beauty toner due to its intensely soothing properties—so moisturizing that it’s a lovely option for mature skin. While I’m not in the latter category yet, I love how well this bi-phase concoction (don’t forget to shake!) of oil-curbing kaolin clay powder and moisture-boosting rice extract balances my skin and leaves it feeling extra smooth with a slight glow. This toner-essence hybrid plays nicely with all of my other skin-care products and preps my skin nicely for makeup during the day. I keep my morning routine very light and typically apply one layer of Rice Milk—too much hydration is a recipe for makeup pilling—whereas at night, I’m not afraid to load up on product and will go up to two or three layers of this milky goodness.
I’m a fan of Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water as well but the Glow Replenishing Rice Milk edges it out. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may prefer the former formula, as it contains 80% ginseng root water to deliver hydration deep into the skin. If you have oily skin, give Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA a whirl. A superstar team of green plum water (25%), mung bean extract (2%), glycolic acid (2%), and salicylic acid (0.5%) provides deeper exfoliation—a bit more than my skin can handle on a regular basis.
Most nights (and sometimes mornings), I dispense a hearty amount of drops (no precise measurements!) into my palm and gently press the toner into my cheeks, forehead, and chin for better absorption.
- Key ingredients: glycerin, rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay, cica
- Fragrance-free: yes
everyone, especially those with combination or oily skin
The Face Mask That Oh-So-Gently Exfoliates: Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Why I love it: As I’ve mentioned, I have combo skin, a.k.a. very visible pores on my forehand and on/around my nose. Since I can’t budget regular facials (and professional extractions), Beauty of Joseon’s Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask is the next best thing—and it’s affordable enough that I don’t feel guilty pulling this out every week, if needed. (I’m lazy, so the reality is more like every two weeks.)
Despite containing superfine rice grains (a.k.a. upcycled makgeolli lees, a byproduct of Korean rice wine) and hull powder, this physical exfoliator is incredibly gentle. Anyway, I spend extra time working it into my most congested areas to unclog those damn pores and even out texture. It’s hard not to touch my baby-soft face (which is part of the problem in the first place!) afterward, but alas, I resist and move on to serum.
If you have sensitive skin, I wouldn’t totally write this mask off, but you (and your derm) know your skin the best. Whatever you choose, I’d definitely test it out on a small patch of skin. While it’s not a true substitute, Beauty of Joseon has Centella Asiatica Calming Masks that are well-suited for people with dry and/or sensitive skin—or, well, anyone in need of a hydration boost. These cooling sheet masks (made out of lightweight Tencel) are loaded with 15% cica and three weights of hyaluronic acid to soothe and plump.
Every two weeks (or more often, if needed), I slather on a hefty, even layer with my hands, focusing on my nose, forehead, and chin—my most congested areas. (The mask comes with a spatula but I just forgo it.) I leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off very thoroughly. This step happens after my double cleanse and before any essences or serum, as your face needs to be totally clean.
- Key ingredients: kaolin, honey, upcycled makgeolli lees, rice hull powder
- Fragrance-free: yes
anyone who deals with clogged pores, people with combination and oily skin
The Cleansing Balm to Erase My Toughest Makeup: Radiance Cleansing Balm
Why I love it: Cleansers that don’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight are king, and Radiance Cleansing Balm checks that box while melting off sunscreen and long-wearing makeup. It doesn’t irritate my eyes and washes off without leaving behind a filmy residue (this happens more often than I’d like!). I spend the most time on this skin-care step, really massaging it into my skin, and it makes all the difference. I always follow up with a second water-based cleanser, but I rely on this balm to do most of the heavy lifting.
On dry skin and with dry/clean hands, I scoop a sizable dollop of the balm, rub it in between my hands, and massage it in circles into my skin—taking around a full minute to make sure I’ve covered every centimeter of my face. I give my eye area extra love if I wore liquid eye shadow and/or mascara that day.
- Key ingredients: soybean ferment extract, rice bran oil, rice seed water, oatmeal extract, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
anyone who wears sunscreen and/or makeup
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