Weird and Wonderful Korean Beauty Products You Need to Check Out

If you've been to Seoul, you have probably witnessed the crazy amount of beauty shops as you walk through the crowded streets of Myeongdong! In South Korea, it’s not unusual for both men and women to experiment with innovative, and sometimes downright weird products and ingredients- all in the name of enhancing natural beauty, as locals love their skin-first philosophy!

Always wondered what the hype on Korean skincare products was about? We've done the ground work and have put together a list of 10 weird and wonderful Korean beauty products that actually work: (including lip tints made from actual wine extract):

Yes, it’s a weird name, but don’t let that put you off. On first glance, these Korean masks do look pretty freaky – we’re with you. But after it's applied, the claim is, your face will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom, after just one use! If you’ve used regular Korean sheet masks before and raved about their moisturising qualities – get ready to be blown away by Dr Jart’s Rubber Korean Face Mask! The difference is – these masks are rubber, instead of sheets, which adds a cooling sensation to the masking process. Choose from four types of Lover Face Masks: Firm Collagen, Moisturising Hyaluronic, Brightening Vitamin C and Soothing Allantoin. Your perfect match depends on your personal skin needs. Also, look out for Dr Jart BB Cream. 

We’re willing to bet, when you think of ‘Snail Mucus,’ face cream isn’t top of mind! Here’s the deal – snails produce mucus when they’re under stress, and K-Beauty companies choose to put this ingredient in their products due to its skin regenerating properties. Kind of gross, but if you’re looking for anti-ageing products, the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-one Cream will smooth out those wrinkles!

Those tiny orange balls aren’t just great in your sushi. They’re also the secret ingredient behind great skincare products. Don’t worry – we’re not talking about squashing these eggs directly onto your face, just use the extract instead. Odd? Yes. But the results are super moisturising. Just squish three balls in your palm for overnight use and lather it all over your face. When you wake up, you’ll have soft, glowing skin!

Um, yes – you read correctly – Korean women use placenta on their skin. Maybe that’s why they look so youthful. The placenta is known for its healing and repairing abilities; perfect if you’re looking for a remedy for eye bags and wrinkles! To rejuvenate your skin, The Mizon Original Skin Energy Placenta 45 is a top option, and if wrinkles are your worry, we recommend starting on the placenta products as early as possible! 

Now, brace yourself for some serious weirdness. However, if you’ve read this far, you won’t be surprised. Here’s some much needed TLC for your hair – give your locks some deep conditioning. Don’t let the mayonnaise-like bottle throw you, it doesn’t actually contain any mayo! Instead, it contains egg yolk extract, shea butter and macadamia seed oil to moisturise, nourish and rejuvenate dull hair. And if you think your hair needs more repair, book yourself a trip to a Traditional Hair Care Clinic in Seoul!

This is not just another clay face mask. Seconds after you whack this mask on your face, it’ll begin to bubble up into a rich foamy texture. It’s quite the effervescent experience and if you’re looking to tighten up your pores or to clear up blemishes – bam – this is for you!

Yep – you know the drill – you’ve got something significant coming up on the calendar and here comes an almighty zit! Well, COSRX has the solution! Stamp this hydrocolloid sticker over your zit-zilla and watch it flatten in a matter of hours. What’s so great is it’s skin-coloured, so it’s not noticeable! And if you’re super-conscious about your zit popping through, you can cover it up with a spot of Korean makeup, and it won’t harm your healing pimple.

If Bubble Tea’s your thing, the Etude House Bubble Tea Sleeping Pack is your perfect skin care match! This product comes in three different options: Strawberry, Black Tea and Green Tea – all with pearls! No matter which you opt for, this sleeping pack is bound to leave your skin plump and moisturised. And if this product itself isn’t enough, the super-cute packaging is sure to convince you.

So you’re a coffee lover? Take your java-loving ways to the next level with a coffee face mask to keep your cuppa-jo-devotion in check. Coffee grinds have long-been used for various skin issues (even Beyonce says it’s great). The coffee beans in The Skinfood Coffee Body Scrub can exfoliate dead skin cells, while the honey and sugar mixed in the formula make skin super smooth and gentle!

Are you or someone you know obsessed with wine? Well, vino-devotees, look no further, because Chateau Labiotte has your name on it. These lip tints are made from actual wine extract from France and come in gorgeous packaging. This super lip tint is long-lasting, moisturising and comes in 8 different shades; from a blushing pink to a deep, dark red.

Give your skin the therapy it needs at the Sulwhasoo Spa Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul! Sulwhasoo is one of South Korea’s most premium and trustworthy beauty brands due to its fast-acting products. Using only the best and most luxurious ingredients, you’re sure to be glowing by the end of your treatment!

 

Ready to take the pampering up a notch?