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10 reasons you should check out the Amazon Prime Day sales for K-Beauty products
There’s everything from must-have spfs to clever cleansing oils
As a beauty editor whose job it is to test and review all things skincare, haircare, makeup etc. etc. (someone's gotta do it), I'm lucky enough to get to try some of the best (and new) products on the market. And in my opinion, there's one category that truly never misses and that's K-Beauty — specifically Korean skincare. So, naturally, it's at the top of my wish list when it comes to shopping for skincare this Amazon Prime Day. Did someone say 'sale'?!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "I don't need a 10-step skincare routine." And to that, my answer is no, no you don't. However, that's not all K-Beauty is about. Korean skincare is all about repairing, hydrating and rejuvenating your skin barrier; Essentially, treating it with kindness and care, taking time out for yourself at the beginning and end of each day, and creating a ritual for you and your skin that you come to love. It's a category that not only hits the mark but tops it for pretty much every skin type since the aim of the game is soothing and protecting. There's something for everyone, kinda vibe.
But I also know how spenny a new skincare routine is, which is why Prime Day is the perfect time to try a few newbies (or stock up on old faves) without breaking the bank. Here, I've rounded up a few of my favourite K-Beauty products on the market, including cleansers, sunscreens, essences and more. All that's left to do is get them straight in your basket before the discounts disappear for another season. (You've got until 12am on 17 July, 2024!)
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
One of the most iconic COSRX products is the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which you've probably seen on TikTok. It's a product I've been using on and off for years, and every time I go back to it, I wonder why I ever stopped! It uses snail mucin (yep, I know, it sounds gross but trust the process 'n' all) and hyaluronic acid to help soothe inflammation and hydrate the skin.
Beauty of Joseon is another hugely popular K-Beauty brand that deserves to be on your radar (and in your Prime Day basket). This smart serum is formulated with rice bran water, alpha-arbutin, propolis and niacinamide to brighten dark spots and hydrate the skin. It sits beautifully on the skin and gives an instant glow that lasts throughout the day.
There's nothing quite as satisfying as using a cleansing oil or balm to take the day off. This argan oil-based cleanser is a best-seller in Korea and for good reason. It effectively removes dirt and grime from the skin without leaving the skin feeling stripped or dry. In fact, most people – including myself – have been surprised at how hydrated their skin feels after!
If you don't like traditional complexion products like foundation but still want to add radiance and a flush of colour to your skin then you'll love the Erborian CC Cream. Although it first appears creamy like a traditional moisturiser, after you start to rub it into the skin, the pigment pearls burst giving the appearance of a more even skin tone and radiance. The downside to this, as with many Korean products is that it, unfortunately, is not suitable for all skin tones.
K-Beauty brands take suncare seriously which means they've created some of the best SPF products out there. That includes this Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick with SPF 50. As the name suggests, this is a solid SPF format meaning it's brilliant for top-ups on the go or reaching those often-forgotten areas when applying your sunscreen. It glides onto the skin easily, is completely clear (so you won't get a white cast or residue) and gives a matte finish.
If your skin is in need of a little TLC, this is worth getting in your Prime Day basket. It has a moisturising milky texture that is applied after cleansing and before your cream to boost hydration levels in the skin. It's a rare product that feels rich and ultra moisturising without being heavy or suffocating, which is no easy feat.
If you're not into essences so much, try COSRX's Snail Musin moisturiser, which has all the wonderful benefits of mucin in a beautiful cream formula. Although it looks heavy, this cream has more of a lightweight cream-gel texture making it ideal for most skin types.
K-Beauty is known for its skincare but also for its glowing and barely-there makeup, which is great if you're a bit lazy like me when it comes to full glam looks. This gloss is a beautiful pick-me-up for those moments when you want a wash of colour and nothing more. It's a gloss formula but tints the lips and gives them a boost of moisture.
This beautiful, bi-phase oil contains 17 (!!) active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, squalane, polyhydroxy acids, bisabolol and zinc to help repair the skin while you sleep. Are you sensing a theme here? I've said it before and I'll say it again... K-Beauty is a dream for repairing and soothing the skin!
This lightweight gel moisturiser is a dream for parched skin. Key ingredients include Alaskan glacier water, ferment extract, Icelandic moss and amino acids to help boost hydration and calm redness and inflammation. Dreamy.
