What’s the best Korean foundation? BB creams might be what thrust Korean makeup into the spotlight but there’s a lot more the market has to offer. These are the best Korean foundations that will have you looking flawless in no time.
Without a doubt, I’m one of the biggest BB cushion hoarders, but even I’ve got to admit that sometimes cushions don’t have the finish that I’m looking for. There are times when I want full coverage or maybe something a little less dewy and a touch more matte.
Thankfully, this is where Korean foundations come in to save the day! Korean foundations are some of my favorite coverage products because they’re not as heavy as Western foundations. Plus, they always tend to infuse a little skin care (and SPF!) into each product. As a girl who has a “skin first” mentality, I always find myself reaching for these foundations.
Here are some of my favorites:
Son & Park Glow Ring Foundation
The Son & Park Glow Ring Foundation is a dry skin girl’s dream because it comes with a moisturizing core filled with essence, allowing it to glide on smoothly and infuse skin with moisture. I love this for days when my skin needs a little pick-me-up, since the core lends a beautiful, natural glow.
It provides a smooth coverage without any cakey-ness (no thank you!). It’s also super easy to use since it comes in a dual ended package—one side of the stick includes the foundation and the other includes the brush.
Even better: It’s super travel-friendly, since you can touch up and blend out with the brush provided. It’s definitely a money saver too as you get both the foundation and the brush for only $37 (currently $31 on sale!). I know of brushes that are $30 by themselves!
Etude House Double Lasting Foundation
If you’re looking for a full coverage foundation that lasts all day, then you’ll love the Etude House Double Lasting Foundation. This is essentially a dupe for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, but I actually prefer this one.
I usually avoid foundations because I hate the feeling of heavy makeup on my face but this Etude House foundation is super light. It provides an even, full coverage that’s lightweight and breathable. You won’t have to worry about touching up during the day because the formula is meant to last up to 24 hours! Be sure to buff this on with the brush to give it an airbrushed, skin-like finish.
Son & Park Skin Fit Foundation
Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who always has some bit of redness on my face, which means I tend to load up on my color correctors. So I was super excited when I found the Son & Park Skin Fit Foundation because it comes with a mint green color correcting core. This core helps cancel out redness and imperfections to help achieve the even complexion I’m looking for. It also cuts my makeup routine in half since I only have to use one product instead of two.
Even cooler: The core contains the brand’s “Sebum Capture System,” which helps to to absorb oil and keep it at bay ergo allowing foundation last longer. I’m all for the hard-working core in this foundation; it’s always a plus when a product helps me avoid looking like an oil slick by the end of the day.
Hanskin Bio Origin Royal Ampoule B.B EX
First, let me point out the obvious: Isn’t the packaging gorgeous? This product might have the letters BB in its name, but this is more than your average BB cream. It has the coverage of a foundation with the lightweight texture BB creams are known for.
This is made possible through an innovative combination essence that targets pigmentation and adds hydration. The essence is packed with squalane, niacinamide, and royal honey extract, along with a slew of other skin nourishing ingredients. These all work in tandem to heal and brighten your skin while perfecting your complexion. Since the formula is antioxidant rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, it’s super moisturizing and will keep your skin dewy all day long.
Pro Tip: Remember to shake before use to meld the two formulas together!
Missha M Radiance Foundation
The Missha M Radiance Foundation is all about that glow. It has diamond, amethyst, and pearl powder to give you a natural luminosity. If you’re looking a little on the tired side, this foundation will work to pump life back into your skin. It’s super hydrating and applies evenly for a flawless finish.
If you want some hydration without too much glow, just set the oilier parts of your face with a setting powder, like the Peripera Oil Capture Pact. This combination will help you to achieve a natural shine without it being over the top.
Tony Moly Facetone Skin Tint
For those no makeup, makeup days, you can reach for the Tony Moly Facetone Skin Tint since it helps even out your skin without having the heaviness of a traditional foundation. It’s packed with skin care ingredients like niacinamide, rose balsam extract, and a soothing blend of rose hip, seaberry and grapeseed oil to keep your skin hydrated.
It feels weightless when you apply it and it dries down to a semi-matte finish so you can still have a hint of dewiness. It’s also super blendable, which means you can layer it to get the coverage you want without worrying about it being cakey.
Banila Co It Radiant CC Melting Foundation
For those who like the convenience of BB cushion but still want a little more coverage, I’d suggest trying out the Banila Co It Radiant CC Melting Foundation. It comes in the same convenient cushion packaging but with double the coverage.
This foundation gets its name from its creamy texture that melts flawlessly into the skin for a natural finish. If your skin is on the drier side, make sure your skin is properly moisturized before applying as this does have a more matte finish.
Bottom line:
Despite the fact that BB cushions have definitely been the most famous Korean foundation item to get popular stateside, there are tons of other quality makeup products to choose from. If you’re looking for a new foundation, be sure to check some of these out and you might just find your new holy grail product.
+What do you think is the best Korean foundation? Let us know in the comments below!
