My Favourite K-Beauty Makeup Picks of 2016

I’ve been finding it pretty hard to sit down and focus on my blog recently…I’ve felt tired and kinda down, January always does this to me. It’s not my month! But enough self  wallowing in nothing. I had a great 2016 year in terms of Korean makeup. In 2015, I found a lot of the products I bought to be hit or miss, and a little bland. But with some new fabulous base makeup, and bolder brighter colours in the shops, I discovered some gems for myself and my face in twenty sixteen! Onto my choices.

Some of these products were provided by individuals/companies for my review consideration. These will be specifically disclosed in the text. See my disclaimer for more information on my collaborations.

1. Iope Air Cushion Intense Cover SPF50+ PA+++ in C13

I’m totally embarassed to admit that it took me two years after landing in Korea to try an Iope cushion. I just felt it was so over-talked about that I tried others instead- now I realize why it’s the number one seller. This cushion ticks all the boxes: great coverage, perfectly dewy glow without greasiness or shine, beautiful packaging and fairly long lasting. OBSESSED.

2. TOV Camellia Cushion in 21 (provided courtesy TOV)

This brand was a lovely discovery at the K-Beauty Expo back in November. I like the floral packaging and when I tried the cushion, I became a firm fan. Again, similarly to the Iope, its good coverage, long-ish wear, glowy, and works well for my skin tone. My prettyyyy.

3. History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Mi Luxury Golden Cushion in 21

Ok, so if you read my review of this cushion, you may be wondering why it’s included in this ‘top picks’ list. Well, since I began using it this winter (rather than when I purchased and tested it in August), I’ve done a 180 on my original ‘distinctly average’ verdict. This is a total winter winner. Although the tone is  a little yellow for my skin tone, the moisture is so good and perfect for my drier skin at this time of year. Many bases tend to flake a little around my nose and brow by midday- not this one. It’s wonderful for maintaining a dewy glow! And um honestly, it would have made this list for the packaging alone…

4. Missha Tension Blusher in CR02

This blusher is the bomb. Super easy, applies evenly, and a lovely shade. The texture, and air cushion puff applicator, make it perfect for wear over cushions. It’s also a steal at only 11,800 Won, and you can read my full review here.

5. Berrisom Oops Tint Cheek Cushion in Cream Peach (provided courtesy Brenda at Berrisom)

This is a cushion but not the same as the Missha. You apply this directly to your face and the applicator is attached to the the tube. It needs patted with fingers or a cushion puff to blend it out, but it’s not difficult. It’s also a great moisturising formula. It’s the formula, lovely peach colour, and the ease to blend it on top of a cushion base that has placed it in my top list of 2016. 

6. Innisfree Ultra Fine Browcara

I use this browcara daily. First I use a powder/pencil/pen, but I find the finish at the front of my brows, where the hairs are fair, a little unnatural. By darkening the hairs at the front of my brows with this product, the overall effect is much more natural and feathered. It’s also lasting ages!

7. Lunasol Skin Modeling Eyes palette in Beige Beige (so this is Japanese not Korean…)

This is one of the most beautiful, and versatile, palettes I own. The shadows are absolutely stunning. They’re pigmented and the perfect shimmer. They can all be used and blended together easily, for either a dramatic evening look, or a gorgeous gold daytime eye. I always reach for it, for different occasions, and although it’s a little pricey, it was worth every penny for me.

8. Beauty People Flash Fix Pearl Pigment Pact in 6 Wood Light

Look at the glitterrrrr. Beautiful. This shadow is super pigmented and so glittery and it looks all kinds of fabulous on eyes. It’s a little difficult to work with, because of the loose texture of the powder, so I’m finding it best to apply with a finger then blend with a firm brush. I bought this for the festive season but you know what? I’m going to use it all year round like the glitter gal I am.

9. Berrisom Oops My Ice Bar for Lips in Peach Jellypop (provided courtesy Brenda at Berrisom)

This has become an essential basic in my makeup bag. The colour is lovely, a really natural colour pop, particularly pretty for spring and summer. The texture for application is totally bizarre (but great)- its cooling and glides onto lips. It feels like there’s nothing on your lips at all. It applies well and doesn’t stick to dry patches, which is a god send for me and my awful lips. I tend to use it with a lip balm for comfort but its unnecessary. I love how it looks, and always keep it handy.

10. Missha Matt Painting Rouge in Love me More

Ooohhhhh this is my new night out lip. It’s the FIRST matte lip product that hasn’t been horrendously drying for me and my chronically dry lips. The colour is stunning, and amazingly long lasting. I put it on in the early evening and don’t have to worry about it until I go home at midnight (ok you got me, more likely 2 or 3am, I’m not Cinderella). I’m so impressed with it, and it was only 12,000 won. I’m definitely gonna grab some more colours. 

11. Su:m37 Dear Flora Enchanted Essential Lip Balm (I was gonna do top 10 but why restrict myself when number 11 is the bessssst)

Yes I only purchased this a week ago, and yes it has become one of my all time favourite lip balms in that short time. It’s definitely a dupe of the Dior Lip Glow (which I also adore)- an incredibly moisturising balm that gives lips a pretty pink glow. The packaging is stunning, and its easy to carry around. I’ve been applying it non stop since I bought it, and it smells like the divine herbally goodness of all Su:m products. Gimme gimme.

Korean make up definitely isn’t for everyone. Products are usually way more natural and less pigmented than western style, which can certainly be frustrating at times. When I first arrived in Korea I totally wasn’t into it, but now it’s rare to catch me with a full smoky eye or the overly-bronzed face you would have seen every weekend pre-2014. I’m all about that natural, glowy, Korean-style look, and these products help achieve it!

Do you like Korean make up? What are you favourites?