The Western world has fallen for K-beauty, or Korean beauty, and now, beauty aficionados are trying to keep up with the Koreans in their search for the best beauty products, makeup techniques, and skincare regimens.
One trademark of Korean beauty is having flawless skin, and apart from an intensive, 10-step K-beauty routine, another reason why Korean women seem to glow from within is because of the skin foundation that they use.
Korean style foundation comes in many forms, but they all serve one purpose—to give skin a flawless finish that looks natural.
Here, we give you our list the best Korean secret tools that may help you achieve that beautiful glow.
At First Glance: Our Top Picks For The Best Korean Foundation
OUR TOP #1 PICK - Our number one pick for the best Korean foundation is Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream. This foundation comes in a unique packaging, and it leaves skin with a pretty, matte finish.
OUR TOP #2 PICK - The second spot on our list goes to Missha M Magic Cushion. This lightweight base gives a dewy finish and protects skin from harmful UV rays.
OUR TOP #3 PICK - The number three spot goes to another Missha product, Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream. This creamy foundation and skin care product in one gives excellent coverage that lasts all day.
OUR TOP #4 PICK - The next foundation on our list is Myconos Magic BB CC Moist Air Cushion Compact Korean Cover Foundation. It moisturizes dry skin and delivers sheer coverage, making you look like you’re lit from within.
OUR TOP #5 PICK - Last on our list is IOPE Air Cushion Natural Glow foundation. It brightens and hydrates skin and gives a sheer and dewy finish.
Why Are Korean Cosmetics So Popular All Over The World?
If you’re thinking about making the switch from your tried-and-tested foundation to a K-beauty brand, you’re not alone.
In 2015, thousands of American women had discovered the allure of Korean cosmetics, and the total export value of Korean beauty products to the U.S. for that year alone was $52 million (source).
While young women have been initially drawn to Korean products’ clever and cute packaging, many American ladies, as well as women from all over the world, can now say that they’re loyal fans of a few Korean cosmetics, simply because they deliver great results.
Among the Korean products that have been welcomed with open arms in the West and other parts of the globe is the BB cream, which is a skincare product hybrid that serves as a makeup base while caring for skin at the same time.
Another innovative product that has fascinated women are cushion compacts—a nifty compact that houses a sponge which dispenses liquid foundation or BB cream with a push of a finger or a puff.
Many were drawn to search for the best Korean cushion compact, and the word for this amazing beauty product has been spreading from one happy user to another almost like a magical tale.
One reason why most women are making the switch to K-beauty is due to the Koreans’ standard of beauty, which is reflected in their cosmetics.
While the rest of the world focuses on being fit and having a sharply-contoured face, Korean ladies prefer to have clear, glowing skin.
They generally lean towards a minimal makeup look that makes them look younger and healthier.
This standard of beauty appears to be more attainable for the majority of women around the world, and simpler to boot.
How to get dewy skin with makeup was also one of the top questions that beauty addicts have been sending off towards cosmetic experts.
And indeed, Korean dewy skin products have set up the whole makeup game to another level of naturally tender and healthy appearance.
Not everyone wants to spend 45 minutes on their daily makeup routine, and the simplicity and effectiveness of Korean cosmetics give women the tools they need to put their best face forward, without the hassle of applying a makeup case’s worth of product to their face.
How to Extend the Benefits of Your Korean Beauty Product?
While most Korean cosmetics are somewhat similar to what’s available in the U.S, there are some differences, particularly when it comes to foundation.
The most famous foundation is the BB cream, which stands for blemish balm. It combines the hydrating properties of a moisturizer, the sun protection of a sunscreen, and the coverage of a liquid foundation.
The BB Cushion is a hybrid of the BB cream, which is simply a cushion or a sponge saturated with BB cream and housed in a neat compact.
Meanwhile, CC cream offers light coverage while correcting sallowness or facial redness for a more even-toned complexion.
BB and CC creams are often the foundation of choice for young Korean women and men who just want a sheer wash of color and coverage for daily use.
Liquid and powder foundations are also available, but they are not as many or as popular as the cosmetics mentioned above, as Koreans are not fans of the powdery, overly matte look.
For all their skin-coddling properties and amazing coverage, the one thing that makes Korean lines of foundation far from perfect is their lack of deeper shades.
Usually, the deepest shade -- if it exists -- within a brand’s product lineup would be a golden beige, which is nearly the same shade as Jennifer Lopez’s complexion.
But whether you have just found the best Korean foundation for oily skin or the best Korean BB cream for dry skin, you don't have to just throw it away because it doesn't fit your skin tone precisely.
We're all smart and innovative girls out there-- just mix your favorite mismatch Korean discovery with another foundation (maybe your summer one, which is no longer suitable for the winter?).
And since Korean beauty tools are full of healthy elements, experiments can only get you closer to the professionals league!
The Best Korean Foundations For a Glowing Complexion
The Bottom Line
For its water-based formula and its ability to give a clean and fresh finish, our top pick for the best Korean foundations is Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream.
It gives a soft, matte finish that makes you look radiant and refreshed.
This foundation hydrates and soothes skin, and may even help to improve wrinkles.
It’s clever packaging and creamy formula won us over, and we absolutely love how easy it is to wear every day.
If you’re looking to make the switch to Korean beauty lines, all of the products on this list may give you the look of glowing skin, while improving and protecting your skin at the same time.