Best Of K-Beauty In 2018: These Are The Items You'll Want to Keep In Your Cabinet In 2019

Is that time of the year. When we look back to the best, the worst, the highs, the downs, the pretty and the ugly… and of course that includes skincare and makeup. As you probably know, the beauty industry in Korea is so big and advanced there’s pretty much a new product making it to the stores every single day, but just some brands come out with formulas that blow everyone’s mind away. There were thousands of new releases, some good, some bad, some incredible, and while our list could go on for days, we put together our 10 favorite K-beauty products of 2018, so you know which ones should make it to your skincare stash ASAP.

Glow Recipe Avocado Melting Sleeping Mask

First off, it’s made with avocados, which is reason enough to earn a spot on this list. But besides that, this sleeping mask is so creamy yet so light it’s truly what skincare dreams are made of. It nourishes and hydrates skin overnight, but also takes care of dry spots, uneven texture, and dull complexion, which makes it a great catch, especially for those with dry skin.

Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence

Definitely the essence of the year. This naturally fermented essence absorbs into the skin so quickly and easily you’ll want to keep on adding more and more layers. It helps maximize skincare benefits and creates a better skin condition so everything you apply afterwards absorbs better and travels deeper. Formulated with 93 percent of micro bio fermented complex, this godsend moisturizes, plumps, and brightens skin in matter of days.

COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid

To be honest, there are many COSRX products I think should go on this list, but this is definitely number one. This little bottle of magic contains a lightweight, powerful, yet gentle formula that not only exfoliates but also brightens and detoxes pores. Specially recommended for those who struggle with acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores, this liquid exfoliator dissolves sebum and dead skin cells trapped deep down in our pores to refine skin’s texture thanks to powerful ingredients such as willow bark water and betaine salicylate.

Papa Recipe Bombee Fruitables Sheet Masks

Ask anyone who’s tried these sheet masks already, and you’ll probably get a “WOW.” These fruits-and-vegetables based sheet masks are made out of 100 percent plant-based cellulose material, which makes them soft and very smooth to the touch. Formulated with five natural extracts, these are so incredibly hydrating, soothing, and moisturizing you won’t be able to stay away from them after trying them for the first time, especially during winter.

Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush

I know packaging should not be reason enough to say if a product is good, but in the case of Kaja’s cheeky stamp blushes, it’s both the incredibly cute packaging and the amazing formula that makes it an absolute winner. This cushion blush formula with a heart-shaped applicator (yes, you read that right) looks so natural that even those who don’t wear blush on the regular will love it. Its creamy texture spreads easily and stays put so you look your best all day long.

16Brand 16 Eye Magazine

If you’re into K-beauty at all, you probably saw this all over the internet. The One-Swipe eyeshadow by 16Brand is not only incredibly easy to use, but its color combos are to die for.
Just swipe the brush over the eyeshadow and then over your eyelid and boom! Makeup done in less than three seconds.

Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum

Centella Asiatica (AKA Cica) is by far the number one ingredient of the year, and this serum is 49 percent formulated with it. This gentle formula soothes and calms irritated, acne prone, and troubled skin while protecting and fortifying its natural barrier. Containing ceramides, collagen, peptides, niacinamide, and adenosine (basically all the ingredients skincare lovers rave about), this is a great option for those in search of a do-it-all serum.

Liz K First C Pure Vitamin C Total Care Serum

Leave it to Vitamin C to take care of hyper pigmentation, skin texture, and brightening, and specifically to this vitamin C serum to see those results soon. Liz K brand — founded by Kim Chung Kyung, one of the most well known makeup artists in Korea — carries this 13 percent pure vitamin C that’s worthy of the five-star medal. Suitable for every skin type, this is the path to bright, even, and smooth skin.

VDL Lumilayer Primer

There’s a reason why everyone is going crazy about this primer: it is one of the only formulas out there that’ll help you accomplish a dewy makeup look. While primers usually leave your skin’s surface velvety and matte, this formula is made to make your skin radiant by capturing and reflecting light, creating a smooth surface with a luminescent glow.

Missha All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk

I won’t start talking about the importance of sunscreen because I won’t be able to stop, so let me just introduce you to one of everyone’s favorites this year. This sunscreen is truly an all-in-one kind of product. It’s water and sweat resistant, it fights skin damage and signs of aging, it’s hydrating, and it controls oil production and goes great under makeup. Talk about being multifaceted.

Did your favorites make the list, Soompiers? What are some K-Beauty items you’ll bring with you into 2019?

Caromalis is a K-pop and K-beauty obsessed vlogger and writer. You can find her interviewing some of yours (and her) favorite groups when they visit NYC, trying the latest K-beauty trends or testing idols’ skincare routines. Say hi to Caro on Instagram and Twitter!