My Verdict on These Top K-Beauty Finds Under $100
Alannah is the Retail Marketing Coordinator at Adore Beauty with a passion for all things beauty. When she's not playing around with the latest makeup trends or trying to perfect her skincare routine for her prone-to-breakouts skin, you can find her dancing, doing Pilates or enjoying a good book or latest Netflix series.
From glass skin to fermented ingredients, skin flooding to overnight masks - the skincare world is in its K-Beauty and J-Beauty era.
With affordable prices, natural ingredients, innovative formulas and a focus on targeting specific skin concerns, it’s no wonder Korean and Japanese skincare has gone global - and I’m 100% here for it.
My skin has a mind of its own most days. I’ve got that classic combo skin (oily in some spots and dry in others), prone to breakouts, stubborn dark spots and she’s super sensitive.
What drew me into K+J skincare was the idea of using gentle, natural products that still actually deliver results - especially as so many target my specific skin concerns around sensitivity and blemishes.
This curiosity kickstarted a mini skincare adventure of trialling, testing, and discovering some real gems (read: top rated Korean skincare) which I wanted to share with you.
Bonus: everything is under $90 for anyone wanting to give their own skincare routine a bit of a K+J glow up too.
I'm From Honey Mask, $60.
What: I'm From Honey Mask 120g
Fun Facts:
- Made with natural microbial properties and contains 38.7% Natural Mount Jiri Honey directly from South Korea.
- A wash-off mask that deeply moisturises and nourishes the skin.
- Suitable for sensitive skin types and aids with soothing acne/breakouts.
- Balances the skin’s oil and hydration levels and leaves it looking plump, hydrated and radiant.
This is the product that kickstarted my K+J beauty journey after learning of the healing properties of honey for improving redness, blemishes and breakouts and I am so glad I tried this - it has easily become one of my favourite skincare products!
For anyone looking for radiant, glowy skin, you will love this!
I leave the mask on for closer to an hour and my skin is left feeling so soft, glowy and bright when I wash it off.
It’s basically the skincare equivalent of a calming pep talk from your bestie and I notice the immediate calming effect it has on my skin when it starts to freak out.
It gets bonus points for smelling delicious without being overpowering!
Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $49.
Fun Facts:
- A lightweight, fast-absorbing and gentle hyaluronic serum under $100.
- Delivers deep hydration, soothes redness and irritation and supports the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Suitable for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin.
- Popular on TikTok for being Korea’s best-selling hydrating serum.
This has been a really nice hyaluronic serum that I’ve tried. It's lightweight, not greasy at all and absorbs quickly into my skin.
I feel like my skin is getting a big drink of water when I use this as it feels so hydrated and plump afterwards.
It’s definitely one I’ll be reaching for as we start heading into these winter months for the extra hydration boost it’s going to need.
Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad.
Fun facts
- These Mediheal toner pads are suitable for blemish-prone skin and help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spots.
- Can be used daily, both morning and night, as a toner or for an intensive 15-minute treatment.
- The pads are vegan friendly and are pre-soaked with niacinamide and centella asiaticia which have a calming and soothing effect.
They are great because they’re super fuss-free (a quick swipe and you’re good to go), can easily be added to my AM and PM routine and they don’t break the bank either.
I haven’t noticed a huge reduction in breakouts since using these but my skin texture has definitely evened out and become less irritated.
It also makes my skin feel nice and refreshed too.
Watch the YouTube video below for more popular, affordable K-Beauty products to add to cart.
VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 50, $55.
Fun Facts:
- An ampoule which uses micro-sized mineral ‘needles’ to gently awaken the skin for improved absorption and hydration.
- You might feel a mild tingling sensation - a sign of the Reedles in action.
- Packed with centella asiatica, triple hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green propolis, and amino acid complex to hydrate, brighten, soothe, and strengthen your skin barrier.
Helloo spicy skincare!
I have to admit that I was a bit nervy to give this one a go as my skin can be very sensitive when it comes to active ingredients and I’ve never tried any skin resurfacing treatments before.
But I really liked how gentle this strength was. I felt a tiny prickle - just enough to know it was working without it feeling uncomfortable.
How to use a reedle shot?
I did a bit of research before using it and learned a couple key things: Firstly, apply it to your hand and then evenly across your face (avoiding the eyes and lips). And second, no rubbing, patting it into the skin is the way to go.
I did initially have a breakout or two when I started using it but after about two weeks, I can already see my skin texture smoothing out and I’m getting the most out of my other skincare products too due to it allowing for better absorption.
I can’t wait to see the longer term results of this!
d'Alba White Truffle First Aromatic Spray Serum, $56.
Fun Facts:
- A 3-in-1 icon that functions as a hydrating mist, nourishing serum and long-lasting setting spray.
- Infused with luxurious white truffle and tocopherol (Vitamin E).
- Works to firm, hydrate and brighten the skin while also combating signs of ageing.
- A TikTok and Singles Inferno (the Korean Love Island) favourite.
I love a multi-use product and will definitely be packing this with me as I head overseas soon as it cuts down the number of different products I need to take with me.
The spray is so lightweight and refreshing and absorbs nicely on the skin.
My skin is still a few years away from obvious signs of ageing, but I’ve been keeping it on my desk for a quick spritz when my skin needs a bit of a pick me up during the day.
BIODANCE Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask 4 Pack, $37.50.
Fun Facts:
- A hydrogel mask made with 10% sea kelp extract and 5% deep sea water which helps regulate sebum and hydrates and soothes the skin.
- Helps reduce redness, refine texture, and rebalance the skin’s oil-water levels.
- Suitable for all skin types, especially oily, blemish-prone or sensitive skin.
- Can be left on overnight or removed once it turns transparent.
The Biodance masks have been blowing up lately (my TikTok FYP is full of them), so I was super keen to give this one a go.
I haven’t worn it for a full eight hours yet but even after just a few, I noticed the mask starting to turn translucent and my skin felt so refreshed and hydrated.
It also helped reduce some of the inflammation from the breakouts I had on my cheeks and chin as well as soothing those areas and reducing redness - major win!
There are four masks in the range and I have the Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask and Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask lined up and ready to go for the next time my skin’s craving a major hydration hit or glow-up moment.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Fun Facts
- Smoothes and plumps the appearance of lips.
- Reduces dryness and flakiness overnight.
- Keeps the lips hydrated while you sleep and you wake up with soft and supple lips in the morning.
- Comes in a range of delicious flavours.
We can’t forget the lips!
It’s no surprise that this cult-favourite product is on the list. I’ve been using this Lip Sleeping Mask for a while and I love it!
Every morning I wake up with such hydrated and soft lips and I even sometimes add it on top of a lip liner during the day.
It adds a really nice natural shine and plumpness to the look and I don’t have to worry about dryness.
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