In September, we weren't the only ones to release our annual list of Best of Beauty Award winners. Allure Korea also came out with one of its own, too. However, our Seoul-based peers also have an entirely separate award category for editor's picks that drops at the same time. (Our overall Best of Beauty Awards are based on a combination of editors' and experts' picks.) With Korean skin-care products setting the standard for innovation and ingredient lists lately, as well as spawning trends like "glass skin", we couldn't help but look at Allure Korea's winners in the skin-care category to see which products took home the top prize. Turns out, Allure Korea editors recommend products from a couple of brands that we've never heard of before, alongside longtime Allure editor favorites. For those also wondering what they picked, we've rounded up the best Korean skin-care products, according to Allure Korea editors — all in one convenient place. Keep scrolling to find out which sheet mask, face mist, toner, cleansing water, and more got their seal of approval.
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Cleansing Water: Atrue Sweet Song Black Tea One-Step Cleansing Water
Sprinkle the Atrue Sweet Song Black Tea One-Step Cleansing Water on a cotton pad to help remove your makeup or quickly wash your face without rinsing. Allure Korea editors praise the antioxidant-spiked formula for its ability to deeply cleanse skin while keeping it moisturized. They also appreciate that it has a low pH, so it's gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.
$25 (Shop Now)
Cleansing Oil: Hanyul Pure Artemisia Deep Cleansing Oil
Allure Korea's top pick for cleansing oil is the Shu Uemura Porefinist² Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil, which hails from Japan. However, the official Best of Beauty Award winner can be found closer to home. With the power of exfoliating mugwort (an herb), the Hanyul Pure Artemisia Deep Cleansing Oil not only removes makeup but also blackheads.
$30 (Shop Now)
Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is basically a cleaning oil in solid form, so Allure Korea editors love how it melts away makeup in only the areas where you rub it on — without it running down your arm. Allure editors in the U.S. reach for the balm because it removes even the most waterproof, long-lasting mascaras and liners.
$18 (Shop Now)
Cleansing Foam: Dr.G pH Cleansing Foam Gel
If you're double cleansing, a cleansing foam follows oil cleanser. Allure Korea editors swear by the Dr.G pH Cleansing Foam Gel because it's formulated with lactic acid, which helps smooth skin. Unfortunately, it's not available online in the U.S., but you might be able to find it in a local Korean beauty shop. A good alternative is the Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser, which is just as gentle but effective as the Dr.G one.
Toner: Mamonde Hydrating Beauty Water
The Allure editors over in Korea selected a Bioderma toner as their official Editor's Pick, but it's not available in the U.S.
Fortunately, you can shop Korea's Best of Beauty Award winner for toner at Ulta right now: the Mamonde Rose Water Toner (or Hydrating Beauty Water, as it's called here). The name may differ, but the ingredient list is exactly the same, with soothing and moisturizing rose extract as the star, and it's free of mineral oil, silicone oil, and synthetic coloring.
$23 (Shop Now)
Moisturizing Sheet Mask: Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Mask Sheet
South Korea is known for its wealth of sheet masks suited for basically everything your skin may be going through. If dryness and irritation ail you, try the Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Mask Sheet. Allure Korea editors prefer it over other moisturizing masks because it's drenched in a serum infused with propolis, which is a compound produced by bees that helps nourish skin — even hours after you take off the mask.
If fine lines and wrinkles are what you want to target, editors' favorite sheet mask is surprisingly from a French beauty brand: the Clarins Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask.
$3 (Shop Now)
Serum for Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Dr. Jart Peptidin Pink Energy Effect Serum
Allure Korea editors are all about the Dr. Jart Peptidin Pink Energy Effect Serum's lightweight, water-like texture. It's also filled with niacinamide and peach extract to get you glowing, while hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture and plumps fine lines and wrinkles.
$32 (Shop Now)
Brightening Serum: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
The highlights of the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum that Allure Korea editors point out are that it's gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin and it sloughs away dull skin without a harsh scrub, thanks to its formula made from 70 percent green tangerine extract.
$29 (Shop Now)
Eye Cream: A.H.C Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face
The A.H.C Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face is a quick-absorbing cream, which can be used not only around your eyes but also all over your face, according to the Allure Korea team. Ringing up at $11 in the U.S., it's affordable, too.
$11 (Shop Now)
Moisturizing Cream: Jullai Super 12 Bounce Oil in Cream
With 12 different oils to help improve fine lines and elasticity, the Jullai Super 12 Bounce Oil in Cream is on the top of the Allure Korea team's list of must-have moisturizers. Sadly, it's not available in the U.S. You can shop the Jullai Super 12 Bounce Essence Oil Toner, though, and layer the Super 7 Moisture Hydrating Gel on top. You'll still get all the hydrating benefits of the oils and then some.
Face Mist: Belif Aqua Bomb Mist
Based on its True Cream Aqua Bomb, a cooling gel moisturizer that's beloved by many in the U.S., the Belif Aqua Bomb Mist packs the same skin-quenching hydration. Allure Korea editors spritz on the ultra-fine mist to refresh their makeup or help cool down their skin after a long, hot day.
$24 (Shop Now)
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