Best Korean Skincare Products of 2019

Wowwww I can’t believe we’re already into 2020. 2019 was wild. So many changes and a new home in the USA with Mikey, finally. In between all the madness, I’ve had the privilege of trying a lot of Korean skincare from both well known brands and emerging companies. This is my fourth year of doing end of year favorites and how the time has flown! Here are my previous picks:

Best Korean Skincare Products of 2018

Best Korean Skincare Products of 2017

Best Korean Skincare Products of 2016

As always, my 2019 picks will only be products I’ve tried for the first time this year, and will not include long time favorites. Next to each product, I will label if it was PR gifted and from whom. PR or not PR has not effected these selections. I haven’t bought much this year due to my finances being focused on my visa costs and international move (and the prospect of months of job hunting), so most of this happens to be PR, FYI.

Let’s see which products have captured my heart this year.

Cleanser

I didn’t try any amazing new first step cleansers this year, so we’re just talking second step!

Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic Cleanser (PR from brand)

This cleanser completely exceeded all expectations. It’s the best cleanser I’ve used in a long time for a number of reasons: it’s very gentle, dispenses as a gel but foams with soft bubbles, it thoroughly cleanses, and it has a pump dispenser that releases the ideal amount of product. It leaves my skin feeling soft, cleansed, and not at all tight. It really is my perfect cleanser, and it’s only $12…!

Must mention:

107 Low pH Chaga Cleanser (PR from brand). An incredibly gentle, luxury option that did not disappoint at all. I love the way it foams but keeps my skin balanced. I haven’t read a single negative review of from anyone who’s tried this!

Exfoliator

Paula’s Choice BHA 2% Liquid

This is premature as hell, and it’s not Korean skincare, but I’m doing it. Honestly, I’m so shook by the way, within 2 weeks, this liquid has completely cleansed my nose pores. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them look this clear. It does dry my skin a little but with additional targeted moisturizing, this isn’t an issue. I’ll definitely do a full review after a couple of months of use! Just had to put it out here.

Must mention:

I’ve really enjoyed the Celimax BHA Peeling Pads (PR from brand). I don’t find that they help chemically exfoliate, but the rougher side of the pads helps gently manually exfoliate my skin. The toning side is soft and helps calm. I have a new tub waiting to open once I’m finished this one! IG chat about these here.

Mist

Dear Klairs Fundamental Ampoule Mist (PR from Tonic 15)

This mist manages to combine a moisturizing effect with a super lightweight, finely dispersed formula. I’m able to use it at any point throughout a skincare routine and it adds that extra moisture boost. It’s so versatile and I just constantly reach for it. My full review is here.

Must mention:

Holika Holika Ceramide Mist (PR from Skinspace) only very narrowly missed the top spot. This is such an amazingly moisturizing mist, and helps instantly nourish the skin. For dry skin, this is a perfect choice. I layer it constantly throughout my routine when my skin feels super dry.

Toner/Essence

Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence (PR from Beauty & Seoul)

This is not a fancy essence by any means, but the way it deeply hydrates my skin is incomparable. I notice that my skin is visibly plumper when I use this, and it’s also a go-to when I’m dealing with sensitivity. It comes in a MASSIVE bottle and is lasting forever.

Must mention:

D’Alba Piedmont Peptide No-Sebum Balancing Toner (PR from brand) was a pleasant surprise. It’s lovely and hydrating and helped balance moisturizing without weighing skin down. I’ve almost finished mine now and it will definitely be missed! IG review here.

Ampoule

Serums & ampoules have been the toughest to choose because I’ve tried SO many amazing products. So these two categories are more extensive…

Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule (PR from Tonic 15)

I first reviewed this ampoule here, and definitely liked it. But as time has gone by, I’ve come to love it. It’s a moisturizing product and really takes down any redness or irritation in my skin. I can add a couple drops of the ampoule to any cream for an added boost, and the difference is noticeable. It’s certainly a multi-functional product which I appreciate, and I treasure every drop!

Must mention:

D’Alba Piedmont White Truffle Intensive Ampoule (PR from brand) is a much creamier ampoule than I’m used to, and for this reason it’s a go-to when my skin is particularly dry. I also used it as a day moisturizer before sunscreen in the warmer months. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and supple! IG review here.

Celimax The Real Noni Energy Ampule (PR from brand) is such an intense moisturizer and I love it. It complements my evening routine so well and plumps the skin. I really don’t like the push dropper mechanism though. IG thoughts & video.

Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule (PR from brand) is a fantastic option for calming and soothing skin. It’s not very moisturizing but can be used at any time of day for hydrating, and is ideal for sensitivity. IG video explanation here.

Be Plain Cicaful Ampoule (PR from brand). Such a simple staple that just soothes and hydrates really well! IG review here.

Serum

Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum (via my position at Beautchat)

The texture of this serum is unbelievable. It seems like a cream but melts into skin like a rich serum. It’s deeply moisturizing and immediately plumps my skin, giving it a distinct glow. I use it almost every night and find it to be such a luxury. The main result has been an improved moisture barrier and that luminosity. Combined with the Wishtrend Propolis ampoule is a DREAM.

Must mention:

Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic IX Drop Repair Serum (PR from brand) is fantastic for soothing skin and helping repair. It’s an absolute must for when my skin feels dry and irritated.

E Nature Birch Juice Hydro Serum (PR from brand) sinks into my skin and instantly plumps and rejuvenates. The pump dispenser is perfect and I reach for it all the time.

Day Cream

JKosmmune Luminous Skin-Defense Moisturizer (PR from brand via Skinsider UK)

I’ve used this cream almost every day since I received it. It’s light, it gives a great level of moisture, it absorbs incredibly quickly, and the pump packaging is perfect for a quick morning application. It also includes the powerful antioxidant mBeta glucan, which helps fight premature ageing, and leaves my skin with a subtle glow. For winter, I did add a drop of oil for extra moisture. IG thoughts here.

Must mention:

Olivarrier Cream All Barrier Relief (PR from brand) because it’s incredible for sensitive skin and just so simple and ideal.

E Nature Birch Juice Cream (PR from brand). This is a fantastic moisturizing option for day time and spreads into a gel that deeply moisturizes the skin.

Evening Cream

Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic Enhancer Recovery Balm (PR from brand)

This has become a low-key must for evenings. I usually use it in addition to a light moisturizer but it can certainly be used on its own too. It helps with repairing and nourishing the moisture barrier, and seems to form a “seal” as a last step in an evening routine, yet doesn’t leave my skin feeling heavy. I love it, and also love that it’s in a tube and not a tub.

Must mention:

Jumiso Have a Good Cream Snail & Centella (PR from Beauty & Seoul) is light with a gel-like feel upon application. It sinks into skin within minutes and leaves the skin feeling soft, moisturized and rejuvenated.

Oil

Commleaf Surely Green 100 Face Oil (PR from brand)

This oil is incredibly rich, but stands out because it’s just so different to any other oil I’ve tried. It’s SO good for tired, dry skin and really helps with my dry patches. It feels luxurious and a little goes a long way. My full review is here.

Sleeping Pack

E Nature Birch Juice Hydro Sleeping Pack

Yet another winning formula from E Nature! This has definitely been one my favorite brand discoveries this year, because their products just seem to work so well for my skin. The sleeping pack is very light and liquidy, sinks into skin, and yet still manages to seal and further moisturize. My skin feels so soft and rejuvenated the next morning.

Sunscreen

Purito Comfy Water Sun Block SPF 50+ PA++++

Purito win my sunscreen choice for a second year running, this time with their mineral formula. This stuff is high protection, has no white cast, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling velvety soft. I’ve emptied my tube and will 100% purchase again. While I don’t mind a lot of sunscreens, it takes something special for me to want to repurchase. This is it! IG review here.

Must mention:

The Pure Lotus Jeju Botanical Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ grew on me (PR from Bemused Korea), and I really enjoy it now. It makes my skin feel soft and velvety and I adore the scent. More thoughts here on IG.

Treatments

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Another non-Korean entry, but I couldn’t not mention it. This transformed my skin this year! After some initial purging, this brightened my skin beyond belief, and I’ll never be without it. Full review is here.

Must mention:

Glosome All Day Glow Solution Tencel Masks (PR from brand) have been delightful for hydrating and calming. The material is thin and super adhesive, and they last ages. Very enjoyable!

The Isntree Spot Saver Mugwort Gauze Masks (via Beautchat) were a big favorite this year. Full review on Beautchat here.

BONUS Categories:

Brand of the Year- E Nature

I love this brand. I first used their cleansing balm in 2018 (SO GOOD), and getting to try their sheet masks and their Birch Juice line this year has solidified my belief that every product is carefully thought out and produced well. I’m excited to continue supporting them in 2020!

Skincare Collection of the Year- Rules of Mastic by Too Cool For School

I love every single product of this line, and it suits my skin perfectly. It sees me from a gentle cleanse through to an overnight balm, with every step in between perfectly complementing each other and achieving my aims of soothing, repairing, hydrating and moisturizing. I could easily use every product for a whole routine and not reach for anything else- it’s pretty rare for a collection to satisfy every step.

Fun Yet Functional Product – Beauty of Joseon Bubble Toner (PR from brand)

Gimmicky products can often be a huge fail. But the way Beauty of Joseon has managed to create such a lightweight foam, and have it transform to a non-sticky, hydrating toner is awesome. When I’m in a rush, being able to dispense foam without the risk of a liquid toner splashing everywhere is ideal, and reduces my need for cotton pads (which I’m trying to cut back on). I really like the hydration it gives and the foaming aspect makes it unique, yet doesn’t distract from what is a good product.

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Aaaaand that’s it! I tried such a wide variety of products this year, so narrowing it down to this list was tough. What do you guys think of these choices? Have you tried any of them? Agree/disagree with my thoughts? Let me know!

P.S Happy new year to you all. I truly appreciate you being here and wish health & happiness to each and every one of you x