If the ubiquity of K-Beauty tells us anything, it is that it harbours a kind of mass appeal that manages to transcend both language barriers and cultural norms. Consider: the global and seminal shift in preferences from matte, baked visages to dewy, glass-like complexions; the incorporating of traditional Korean ingredients such as ginseng and mugwort within skincare formulations; and even the adopting and adapting of trends in the vein of softer, straighter brow shapes around the world. Bearing this in mind, there is no doubt that K-beauty is a category that has made its mark—and it has no plans to stop in 2023, judging by the latest groundbreaking releases. And yet, there proves a marked change in what goes viral amongst beauty buffs now, with cushion foundations and tone-up formulas left in the dust in lieu of formidable elixirs and tech designed to bolster one’s skin, health, and make-up game. This does, however, beg the question: what are the best K-Beauty products of 2023?
Luckily for you, the Vogue Singapore team is well-equipped to answer your query. Unlike years of the past, a majority of cult K-Beauty picks of today stem from up-and-coming labels that don’t necessarily have the backing of massive corporations. Think efficacious sunscreen sticks and revolutionary pimple patches that could, initially, only be acquired from Korean pharmacies and/or one-of-a-kind boutiques—with word of its capabilities slowly rippling out from local communities to audiences worldwide. Intrigued? We recommend you stay ahead of the curve with our curation of the best K-Beauty products this year, ranging from hydrating serums to glossy, high-shine lip tints. And for your further convenience, we’ve also collated the various platforms each product is available at so you’ll be able to get your mitts on them without taking a trip down to Seoul. Spy them all, below.
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Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Should texture and extended pores be key complexion concerns, try the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner on for size. This vegan and sustainable K-Beauty label prides itself on simple, potent formulas that are gentle on the skin, providing discernible results gradually and for the long-term. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as heartleaf and centella asiatica, this bad boy helps calm and soothe skin while also eradicating dead skin cells, with the addition of glycerin and panthenol ensuring optimum hydration despite its purifying abilities. The end result: a smoother, clearer complexion that glows with health.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, $31.05, available at Yesstyle.
2 / 6
Anyband Acne Pimple Patch
The iconic CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch has met its match. These highly-adhesive hydrocolloid stickers first started making waves due to its thin, virtually invisible appearance, where it is able to blend seamlessly under make-up all while shielding zits and wounds from further aggravation. Its ingenious packaging is also another plus point—where each patch is sealed with a peelable sheet that allows for effortless and hygienic application. Users have claimed that sustained use of the Anyband Pimple Patch even eradicates deep, under-the-skin pimples, effectively bringing pustules to the surface alongside impurities such as oil clogs and pus.
Anyband Acne Pimple Patch (42 pieces), $7, available at Lazada.
3 / 6
Amuse Jel-Fit Tint
Luscious, glossy finishes have been a mainstay in 2023, with it showing up on our nails, lids, and lips. For your pucker, there’s no better option than the Amuse Jel-Fit Tint, which comes in eight varying hues of pink and mauve. What distinguishes it from other variants within the market is its unique formula which consists of three layers: water, and two types of oil to grant kissers with a fresh sheen that still manages to cling on despite long hours of wear. And while re-application is necessary after the consumption of oilier, greasier foods, it doesn’t leave behind any tackiness or stains that make putting on a fresh coat a pain.
Amuse Jel-Fit Tint, $27, available at Sephora.
4 / 6
Torriden Dive In Serum
A lightweight serum that manages to deliver on comprehensive hydration without causing skin clogging is a godsend for individuals living in hot, temperate climates. And while that is where the appeal of the Torriden Dive In Serum largely lies, it is also revered for its fortifying functions, with malachite extract helping strengthen weakened skin barriers and grant a lit-from-within glow. What’s more, users have also reported that it works great under make-up and in tandem with other skincare, absorbing into skin within seconds and leaving behind a smooth, even canvas.
Torriden Dive In Serum, $39.80, available at Shopee.
5 / 6
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+
There’s no excuse not to reapply your sunscreen every two hours with this baby. Its small, sleek packaging fits into most bags, for one, and it also comes with a feather-light matte texture that leaves make-up intact after application. Its no slouch in the formula department either—the Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ boasts four herbal complexes that comprise stellar anti-inflammatory effects, which means it has sebum control and skin soothing functions that makes it perfect for those dealing with greasy and/or sensitised complexions.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+, available at Lazada.
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Nonfiction Open Arms Fragrance
In the case of Nonfiction’s Open Arms Fragrance, citrus and musk come together to form a heady concoction that scents the air with a vibrancy that is meant to convey “a moment of rest under a breezy shade.” Gorgeous aesthetics aside, it is clear to see this K-Beauty brand bears one-of-a-kind sensibilities and instinct that shines through in every perfumed creations, where they deftly explore and amalgamate contrasting elements with delightful results. See: their Simple Garden scent, which combines the fresh bitters of limes with the earthiness of cedarwood, as well as their Forget Me Not fragrance which mixes spicy pink peppers with the intensely sweet gardenia.
Nonfiction Open Arms Fragrance, $211.14, available at SSense.
