If You're Tired Of Disappointing Beauty Products, These 31 K-Beauty Gems Will Win You Over

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26-03-2025

1. A satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation that left the TikTok beauty community in complete shambles. This gem offers 72 hours of flawless wear, blending seamlessly to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. It has buildable coverage, perfect for a natural look or full glam. Plus, it's packed with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. And to top it all off, its oval-shaped puff can reach every little corner of your face.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.
Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned t here are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at al l. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go to foundation from now on." — AJ Bond
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).
2. A nonaerosol, benzene-free I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo to swoop in and rescue your hair while in between washes. Just sprinkle a bit onto your roots, massage it in, and voilà! Your hair will look *and* smell fresh, and the added volume will give you a confidence boost to tackle the day ahead.
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." — Teresa
Get two from Amazon for $12.59 (available in six shades and refills).
3. The Face Shop's facial foaming cleanser for the folks with skin that's more sensitive than a toddler during nap time. You need only a tiny bit to create a rich lather that'll cleanse your face like a dream without irritating or drying it out. Plus, it's packed with rice water, which is amazing for brightening up your complexion.
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Promising review:" Not any of the many I've tried throughout my life have worked as incredibly as this one has. I've had top recommended brand cleansers that required two washes to thoroughly cleanse it all off. Not with this one. And the scent is wonderful!! I love it even more for that! The size of the bottle is much bigger than I expected and for such a great price!! Highly recommended!" — Carlos
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
4. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you ever wanted a lip product that's not too sticky or thick but still gives a subtle pop of color. Not only does this oil give you a beautiful tint, but it's also nourishing for dry, flaky lips.
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" — Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 12 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks).
5. A Laneige water sleeping mask so incredibly moisturizing that one reviewer describes it as a " hydration volcano." It's infused with squalane and a probiotic-derived complex, which is just a fancy way of saying it delivers intense moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. Plus, it helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, making your complexion look brighter and more radiant.
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Promising reviews: " I almost never buy the same beauty product twice, with very few exceptions. Why, when there are so many to try?! This one blew my mind. It feels so rich and luxurious, but still soaks in quickly. It doesn't feel sticky or oily, and it makes my skin feel incredible. I'm combination, but run dry, and this keeps me evened out even in winter." — fannbea6
"This mask is the best!! Your skin will feel hydrated and soft. It is a great overnight reset moisturizer. Tip: I put it inside my fridge so it can stay cold, and when I put it on, the feeling is fantastic, especially after a long day of work." — Valery Caicedo
Get it from Amazon for $32.
6. Also from Laneige: A glowy lip balm to instantly elevate your makeup look, whether you're going for a cute daytime vibe or a sultry evening allure — or just rock it solo with its amazing high-shine finish. The texture is smooth as silk, lightweight, and *not* sticky, so you'll feel like you're in lip balm heaven.
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Promising review:"Everyone needs this lip gloss in their lives. It honestly makes your lips feel so good. I have one with my makeup and one in my purse to take everywhere with me. It's glossy but not sticky. It feels light on, but makes your lips instantly feel more nourished. Worth every penny." — Britney Badger
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in eight shades and as a cute gift set).
7. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum — this complex HA formula is designed to absorb super quickly and dive deep into your skin, delivering a mega-dose of moisture. With a lightweight, watery texture, this serum is all about maintaining that much-needed hydration and keeping your skin plump and smooth without any icky residue.
Promising review: "Disclaimer: I went on Accutane five years ago, and this product is one of several other products in my day/night skincare routine. I first picked this up at an Olive Young store during a trip I took to South Korea. It was listed as one of their best-sellers and I 100% can see why. I mist my face before applying a few drops and it absorbs really quickly. Almost immediately my skin looks/feels more hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. The days where I feel lazy and don't complete my skincare routine or cheat and not use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I'm sold for sure." — Jaylen
Get it from Amazon for $13.20.
8. A SeoulCeuticals toner mist made with 98% naturally derived ingredients like refreshing cucumber, antioxidant-rich green tea, tamarind, soothing aloe, and rejuvenating marine minerals for a perfect dose of dewy radiance. This powerhouse mist not only hydrates and plumps your skin but also works its magic on blemishes, helping keep those pesky breakouts at bay.
SeoulCeuticals is a small skincare business that was founded in 2017 by a husband and wife team. Though it's a US-based company and the products are made in a state-of-the-art US facility, their main ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and they work closely with Korean partners and their consultant Ella Cho to ensure quality and authenticity. You can read more about the brand here!
Promising review:" I'm on my fourth or fifth bottle of this stuff, I use it as a daily toner and I must say that it is AMAZING. My skin is even and bright. I look like a buttery roll or a glazed donut and I love it. My skin has never loved me more. I also pair this with their serum, along with a strict skincare routine." — Victoria Del La Torre
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two versions).
9. A moisturizing hair serum ready to give your locks the intense hydration and nourishment they've probably been craving. This dreamy concoction is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. Reviewers say it's perfect for dealing with dryness or brittleness, and they absolutely love the scent!
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Promising review: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while so I love getting whiffs of it through the day. My hair is softer and doesn't seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair, and then after it's dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I'll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value too; I've been using it pretty consistently since purchasing and I've barely made a dent in it. Love it!" — Noley
Get it from Amazon for $12.26+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
10. An Innisfree daily UV defense sunscreen reviewers are calling their "holy grail" sun protection. It has SPF 36, which is *chef's kiss* for everyday use. It's formulated with green tea for hydration, cica to soothe redness and irritation, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin. And the best part? It leaves behind a beautiful glow with zero white cast.
Promising reviews:" My holy grail SPF. The scent is mild, and the sunscreen goes on my skin like a dream. I've tried maybe 20 other sunscreens (American, Korean, and Japanese), and this one is my top pick for everyday wear." — Symphanie Park
"I LOVE this product, I swear by it and I'm pretty sure this is my 3rd or 4th time purchasing it! As a woman of color, finding a sunscreen that didn't give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I've come across this product ! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don't leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" — Sierra Keyes
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
11. And a pack of peptide patches — these look just like stickers, but they do way more: They block 98% of UV rays from reaching your delicate under-eyes thanks to their UPF 50+ rating, *plus* they're packed with hydrating and brightening peptides to give your skin that extra oomph. They're so thin and clear, they practically disappear on your skin, and they're water- and sweat-resistant so you can rock them all day without any slipping.
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The UPF 50+ rating is the same one that's used for sun protection clothing. You can read more about UPF, why it matters, and how it's different from SPF on the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
Promising review: "I purchased this product for sun protection while golfing, and I love it. The patches are invisible on your skin and feel super lightweight. They also lasts all day, even when you're out in the sun and sweating. If you're looking for extra sun protection, I highly recommend you get these patches!" — Amazon Customer
Get five pairs from Amazon for $19.99.
12. A Beauty of Joseon eye serum to send your tired under-eye bags running for the hills. Made with ginseng, retinol, and niacinamide, it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and enhance the brightness of your skin, giving you that radiant glow.
Promising review:" This eye cream makes my eyes so soft, it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn't greasy which I love. Since it has retinol I only put on at night and use a vitamin C serum by murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a different after one use." — AJ
Get it from Amazon for $14.50+ (available in two sizes).
13. Etude 2x barrier intensive cream here to fortify your skin's barrier so it can better retain moisture and protect itself. It contains hydrating shea butter to leave you feeling supple and moisturized. Reviewers especially love the creamy texture and the way it absorbs quickly!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
It's fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin!
Promising review: " My new favorite moisturizer. It doesn't leave skin greasy. It instantly makes my skin comfortable and calm. It is unscented and leaves skin with a good texture. Works much better than much more expensive alternatives." — Carolyn Raney Mason
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
14. Mixsoon Bean Essence that hydrates and exfoliates your skin at the same dang time. 🤯 This thick (but not sticky) essence contains natural ingredients like fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone.
Promising reviews: " I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see of it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" — Losa
"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." — MissKayMae
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes).
15. A Some by Mi Miracle toner reviewers say really helped with their acne-prone skin. This toner contains tea tree and AHA/BHA to exfoliate the skin and improve texture.
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After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer!
Promising review:"This stuff works! First off all there was no purging period, which my acne prone skin is grateful for. It also doesn't sting or smell harsh. Within a week of using this toner I stopped having breakouts. My dark spots are slowly getting lighter and my skin is starting to glow. I'm on my second bottle now and I have nothing but good things to say. I really hope they never stop making this." — kem
Get it from Amazon for $14.90.
16. An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)!
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BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising review:"This is a game-changer for my skincare routine! It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping my skin. The oil has a gentle formula that's perfect for sensitive skin, and I love how it cleanses deep into my pores, leaving my face feeling fresh and hydrated. The heartleaf extract helps to calm my skin, and it's been great for controlling blackheads. It doesn't leave an oily residue, and my skin feels smooth and clean after each use. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an effective, gentle cleanser!" — Manju Shree Kumaravel
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
17. Along with their deep cleansing foam, which dives deep into your pores, gently whisking away gunk and removing dead skin cells. Heartleaf extract is the magic ingredient here, and it's all about calming things down, reducing inflammation, and keeping your skin feeling soothed and pampered long after you've rinsed off.
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Promising review:"Let me tell you, I have awful blackheads, and this helped clean them out and made them a lot smaller. I love this stuff. I pair it with the oil cleanser (from the same brand and line), and they did wonders for my skin! I recommend it if you have clogged pores and blackheads." — Nabi
Get it from Amazon for $13.
18. *Plus* a soothing toner to leave your skin feeling clarified and hydrated while being free of any irritating ingredients. It can help your skin better absorb all the other serums and moisturizers in your beauty cabinet — it's like a personal assistant making sure you get the most out of your skincare routine.
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Promising review: "This Anua toner is great, especially for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It provides a light layer of hydration along with the soothing and reparative properties of heartleaf. This toner is great for resolving breakouts while preventing new ones. It is particularly good for those tiny little raised bumps (I used to get them on my chin). Highly recommend. Price is very good and even with daily use it will last you quite a while!" — B. MAHTANI
Get it from Amazon for $19.18.
19. Annndd their 10% niacinamide serum that also contains 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin, working together like a dream team to tackle dull skin. It soothes, hydrates, and helps strengthen your skin barrier to leave it feeling super soft and bouncy. *Plus* it helps reduce the appearance of pores, brighten dark spots, and even out your skin tone!
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It's fragrance-free and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Honestly just tried this due to high demand and to find a cheaper niacinamide serum. I have been using Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops but it didn't work as effectively as this. I was incredibly surprised by how this serum calms my skin, and my dark spots have been lightening and are almost gone. I also haven't broken out. I use this twice a day and it works well under makeup. It'll give you glowy skin if you're one of those who loves dewy look. I am currently using this together with Anua cleansing foam and it's incredible! Definitely subscribing to this as my regular serum!" — Reynalyn Canillo
Get it from Amazon for $19.
20. A light, silky Touch in Sol No Poreblem primer to create a base for your makeup that's satisfyingly smooth. If flaky patches and dryness are always ruining your look, this super hydrating primer will save the day; plus, it's great at minimizing the appearance of spots, blemishes, and pores. If that's not enough, the proof is in the orange — I mean the one below!
Promising review:"I'm 44 and for the past four years my skin has been throwing a hissy fit. No matter what I tried my pores were screaming through my makeup. You know what I mean? Makeup sinking into the pores will turn any good foundation into a pool party on your face. Finally, a month ago I found this and it really works. I have combo-dry skin, weather depending and it doesn't make my skin oily. My foundation sets nicely over it (no sinking) and stays on for about eight hours before needing a touchup. And of course my pores...barely visible!!!! I'm happy!" — KPak
Get it from Amazon for $16.79.
21. And a tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer capable of enhancing the pigment of your eyeshadow, giving it that ✨ pop ✨ you crave. It also helps control oil on your lids to make your makeup last all day.
Elizabeth Mott is owned by Korean American Alice Kim and partners with top Korean manufacturers to bring affordable yet effective K-beauty products to the U.S.
Promising review:"This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." — Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
22. A strawberry milk body lotion infused with nourishing milk protein and natural ingredients for deep, long-lasting hydration. This burst of strawberry goodness not only smells divine but also transforms your dry, dull skin, leaving it glowing and gorgeous.
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Promising review:"I have very dry, thin skin and have tried many lotions through the years…none have worked as well as this one. It not only softens my skin but smells great, too. It absorbs quickly and is not greasy at all." — Phyllis Baird
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
23. An Etude eyebrow pencil complete with a brow wand on the other end for easy blending. The triangle-shaped pencil contains a blend of powder, wax, and oil for long-lasting color and a natural finish that looks totally effortless. It's great for filling in sparse areas or creating a whole new shape if desired!
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Promising review: " This is the best eyebrow product I've ever used and so the price and ease of ordering makes me happy. I love that it has a brush wand on the other end so I can blend and refine my coloring with a quick flip and brush of the pencil/wand. The pencil itself has the perfect width and length and it's in a beveled diagonal shape, which I've never had in a pencil before and I found it works the best for drawing more naturally. Plus, these pencils last me a long, long time! It's the longest-lasting pencil I've ever used. I hope they never change these or take them away from me because I'd always been frustrated by eyebrow pencils before finding this one." — Lisa N. Hyman
Get it from Amazon for $6.75 (available in six shades).
24. An amazing enzyme peel powder that works double duty as both a cleanser and an exfoliator. The powder-to-foam formula contains two exfoliating green tea enzymes that lift all the debris and gunk from your pores without any harsh scrubbing. It also has hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration, leaving your face smooth and supple.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I started using this amazing product because I was given a sample, and the first time I tried it, I knew it was something extra special. I could see a difference IMMEDIATELY (not kidding), and now I am a devout believer. This enzyme peel is the closest thing to getting an actual peel without the pain and the healing time — and cost — that's required. I now use it 2–3 times a week. It really does have instant results. I sometimes even go without makeup now. And I am 58 years old. That's impressive! Thanks Amore Pacific!" — Katharine Pope
Get it from Amazon for $68.
25. The all-in-one Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm for those dry areas on your face and body that could use a little extra love. Packed with collagen and a natural fermented oil straight from Jeju Island, this balm is like a loving hug for your skin, giving it a 48-hour moisture boost and lifting effect.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in six styles).
26. Rael Beauty's miracle patch made to draw out the evil toxins (aka pus) from your pimples. Unlike other patches, this one has edges that are so thin they practically blend in with your skin. This makes them perfect for those times when you need a little acne-fighting magic but still want to go about your day without anyone noticing.
BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven't come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic!
Promising review:"I am a pimple patch fan okay. I have tried them ALL but I always was intrigued by this brand and was very skeptical on three things: effectiveness, visibility, and size. I LOVE the fact that Rael pimple patches have two different sizes, all with hydrocolloid. They are practically invisible on the face unless you are extremely close up. I would feel extremely comfortable wearing these to my childcare job because I know they are not visible, and if you work with kids you know how they love to point pimple patches out. 🤣 I left one on my face all night (9+ hours), and it completely erased the pimple on the side of my cheek. Best pimple recovery I've seen ever on my face. I love these and will buy more, and you should too!!!!!" — Brian Cage
Get a 96 count from Amazon for $16.14 (also available in smaller pack sizes).
27. Skin1004's Centella ampoule — this highly concentrated potion is crafted from the finest Madagascar Centella asiatica extract, known for its incredible ability to soothe, calm, and hydrate even the most sensitive skin. The formula is also slightly acidic to help keep your skin's pH balance in check.
Promising review:" Liquid gold! I'm obsessed with this. It's one of the first products I purchased when starting my glass skin journey. Centella asiatica is known to calm sensitive skin, reduce redness and inflammation. My skin barrier was damaged from all the actives I used in the past. Since I started using this ampoule in the morning and night, my skin is a lot more hydrated and less red and irritated. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and doesn't leave tackiness. My skin is left glowing after every use. I've recommend this product to friends and family and they all feel the same. It's a must for any skin type!" — frugalANDfeminine
Get it from Amazon for $14.40+ (available in two sizes).
28. A Beauty of Joseon serum, aka the secret ingredient to more glass-like skin. This honey-like serum uses propolis and niacinamide to help control sebum production, minimize the appearance of pores, and even out any skin discoloration.
And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face.
Promising review:"From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" — Yuna Lee
Get it from Amazon for $14.45.
29. A goami rice toner in case you need a little extra help with hydration, especially if you live in a dry environment. This toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier.
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this toner! I've finished the whole bottle. It's light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn't burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." — Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $21.
30. A dark spot correcting serum featuring 5% niacinamide, papaya extract, and plant-derived squalane to help fade hyperpigmentation spots and leave your skin glowing with a more even complexion.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I swear by this serum, it made my dark spots disappear. and I've been using this on and off for about four months…because I'm not consistent with my skincare lol. These photos are only about a month apart..as you can see the dark spot on my cheek completely disappeared. i don't have photos from when I first began using it but there's a huge improvement!" — Minah
Get it from Amazon for $15.10.
Reviews have been edited by length and/or clarity.