Latest news with #K-beauty
New York Post
4 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
I've tried virtually every toner, and this K-beauty one never lets me down
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. I test hundreds of beauty products every year. It's part of the job — and honestly, part of the fun. From the newest vitamin C serums to under-eye masks, my bathroom counter is a revolving door of bottles, jars and tubes. But if there's one category I always circle back to, it's Korean beauty. There's just something magical about the gentle formulations, the thoughtful ingredients and the way K-beauty treats skin like something to be nurtured, not punished. And when it comes to K-beauty toners, few have impressed me like the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner. The fact that it's on sale right now? Run, don't walk. Advertisement When I first tried the Anua toner, I wasn't expecting much. I had just finished testing a slew of exfoliating toners that left my skin feeling raw and overly sensitized, and I was craving something — anything — that would soothe the irritation. Enter: Heartleaf. The bottle itself was unassuming, but after the very first use, I could feel my skin exhale. It had been waiting for me to stop with the activities and just give it a break. This is, in its purest form, a rescue mission in a bottle. Amazon Heartleaf, or houttuynia cordata, is one of those quiet powerhouse ingredients you don't hear about unless you're knee-deep in ingredient lists. But, it's revered in Korean skincare for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties and it's the reason this toner is my go-to when my skin is stressed out, breaking out, or just being temperamental. The '77' in the name? That's the percentage of heartleaf extract in the formula. Seventy-seven percent. That's a commitment. What's wild is how lightweight this formula is. It feels like water, slightly more plush, maybe, but sinks in immediately. There's no stickiness, no film or weird scent; just a clean, cool glide that makes your skin feel instantly calmer. I use it morning and night, with a cotton pad or just patted in with my hands if I'm feeling extra lazy. And, no matter what else is going on in my routine, it never pills, never clashes, never causes drama. That's rare. This toner is also a master of balance. You know how some soothing products leave your skin soft but a little too greasy? Or do they calm redness but do absolutely nothing for hydration? Not the case here. Anua's toner has this uncanny ability to comfort while also lightly hydrating, which makes it perfect for literally every skin type. I've recommended it to my oily-skinned friends and my Sahara-dry bestie, and it works like a charm for both. That's kind of miraculous. Honestly, the biggest compliment I can give this toner is that it disappears into your life in the best way. You don't think about it when it's there, but the second you stop using it, you notice. Your skin is a little less even, a little more reactive. That's when you realize: oh, that was the secret sauce. It's one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that quietly holds your routine together. And right now, it's on sale. I don't mean a tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it discount — it's a deal worth stocking up for. This is one of those moments when you should absolutely hit 'add to cart' without hesitation. Because skincare like this doesn't go on sale often, and your future self will thank you when your skin is flaring up from heat, stress or one too many actives and you've got a fresh bottle on standby. There's also something kind of elegant about the simplicity of this toner. Void of a complicated blend of 15 plant extracts, alcohol and artificial fragrance, this clean, focused formula simply does what it promises. What's more, it's conveniently travel-friendly it is. I've packed this toner on multiple trips, poured a little into a mini bottle for flights and even used it as a mini mask soaked into cotton rounds on long layovers. It's just that versatile. When your skin is acting up in a new climate or reacting to recycled airplane air, a swipe of this is like a glass of cool water. You can practically feel your skin saying, 'thank you.' Beyond all the technicals, I think the real reason I love this toner so much is that it feels like a little act of kindness in my routine. It's not flashy, and it's not trying to be a miracle product. It just works, consistently and quietly, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. Especially when you've overloaded your skin and are in desperate need of something dependable. I've had moments (yes, plural!) where I've built entire routines around this toner. When my skin was too irritated to handle anything fancy, I'd just use this, a simple moisturizer and sunscreen. That was it. And my skin not only survived, it healed. I think we underestimate how powerful simplicity can be, especially in a world where new launches are coming at us faster than ever. So if you've been hunting for something to calm your skin, balance your routine, or just give your face a moment of peace, this is it. Especially now that it's discounted. And, if you're like me and have tried a million toners that all blur together in your memory, the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner will stand out. Not because it's flashy, but because it makes your skin feel better every single time you use it. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Vogue
a day ago
- Health
- Vogue
The Best Korean Toner Pads Brighten and Smooth in a Single Swipe
We get it: You're hesitant about adding another step to your already-stacked skin-care routine, but if it's glass skin you're after, you're well-suited for Korean toner pads. For the uninitiated, 'toners serve as both a treatment and a way to prep your skin for further products in your multistep skin-care routine,' founder of Soko Glam, Charlotte Cho previously told Vogue. Vogue's Favorite Korean Toner Pads An easily misunderstood step, per Cho, the benefit of opting for a toner pad format is its sheer convenience. While liquid formulas require a separate cotton round (often absorbing more product than your skin does), toner pads come pre-soaked and ready to use—no extra tools required. Housed in sleek jars, often with their own mini tweezers for hygienic retrieval, these pads deliver the perfect dose of product with every swipe. From excess oil and irritation to dull skin and anti-aging, Korean toner pads reflect K-beauty's signature balance of skin-first tradition and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you're after a quick refresh post-cleansing or a targeted 15-minute masking moment (yes, some formulas can double as mini sheet masks), toner pads offer a tailored approach to treating skin. Below, a look at eight formulas to consider, recommended by Vogue editors and the pros. In This Story Best for Blackheads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Vogue
a day ago
- Health
- Vogue
8 Best Pore Strips for a Congestion-Free T-Zone
When it comes to quick fixes for clogged pores, the best pore strips have long held a beloved spot in skin-care routines worldwide. There's something undeniably satisfying about peeling away a strip and seeing the visible evidence of impurities (think: blackheads and sebaceous filaments) lifted from your skin. Beyond their instant gratification, pore strips provide an effective way to deep-clean areas prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead. They act like a magnet, drawing out excess oil and debris that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. In the age of TikTok skin-care experts, pore strips have gotten a bad rep—but you don't have to toss away the category as a whole. 'Using pore strips occasionally isn't harmful, but frequent use can sometimes irritate the skin,' says board certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. Plus, the pore strips of 2025 are a far cry from their Y2K predecessors, which tore off skin with a vengeance—evolution in the category has led to gentler hydrocolloid and biocellulose patches that equally, if not more effective. Meanwhile, K-beauty alternatives offer sebum-melting oils and treatments that ditch adhesive patches altogether. Dr. Spearman adds, 'While traditional strips provide quick results, K-beauty techniques offer a gentler, long-term way to care for your pores. It really comes down to what works best for your skin.' Vogue's Favorite Sheet Masks In This Story While pore strips aren't a comprehensive solution for long-term skin health, their benefits as a targeted, affordable, and satisfying cleansing method remaining clear in between proper facial appointments—particularly when combined with consistent skin-care routines. Scroll to discover our favorite blackhead-beating nose and T-zone strips to unclog pores and leave skin feeling fresh. Best Hydrocolloid: Mighty Patch Nose Strips Mighty Patch Nose Strips $17 AMAZON
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How K-beauty is revolutionizing skincare in India and the US
Korean beauty is no longer just a global trend-it's transforming skincare routines in India and the US with affordable, innovative products that young people everywhere are loving. If you thought Korean beauty products were just a cool Amazon find, think again! These brands have finally stepped out of your phone screen and into some of the biggest US retail giants like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty-the latter affectionately called the "Olive Young of America," which is basically Korea's largest beauty store. Ulta recently added 13 fresh Korean brands to its shelves, including skincare gems like VT Cosmetics and Neogen, as well as trendy makeup brands like Kaja and Rom&nd. This surge is no accident. Ulta teamed up with Landing International to make K-beauty more accessible across the country. Unlike Sephora, known for top-tier luxury, Ulta offers a wide range of affordable to premium products, hitting the sweet spot for Gen Z shoppers. In fact, half of Ulta's female customers are from Gen Z. Even Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway took notice, buying a significant stake in the company last year. But with rising competition in the US beauty market, Ulta is doubling down on Korean brands to keep its glow. Why Korean Cosmetics Are Winning Over the US Market South Korea has become the top cosmetics exporter to the US, outpacing France with a staggering $1.7 billion (~₹13,800 crore) worth of products shipped last year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Even more impressive? K-beauty exports climbed 18% in just the first half of 2025. The secret sauce isn't just the products-they're made viral on TikTok and YouTube, turning Korean brands into must-haves for the social media-loving youth. Retailers are responding: Target plans to expand its K-beauty section from 1,600 to almost 2,000 stores by the end of the year, while Sephora and Walmart keep adding more Korean items. Even though a new 25% tariff on Korean imports kicks in from August 1, Korean manufacturers aren't backing down. Companies like Kolmar Korea and Cosmax have already started local production in the US, and Amorepacific is even considering building a factory. That's some serious dedication! What This Means for You in Your Skincare Game With Korean products popping up everywhere, finding your perfect skincare routine or bold makeup look just got easier and more exciting. Korean beauty is known for high quality without the crazy price tag, making it a win-win for young professionals or students balancing budgets. The boom means more choices, so you can experiment with confidence without emptying your wallet. For young shoppers in India, this growth is especially exciting because Indian and Korean beauty trends share a love for natural ingredients and innovative skincare hacks. Whether you're in Mumbai or New York, being part of the global K-beauty wave connects you with a huge community of beauty lovers all chasing that perfect glow. The Beautiful Connection Across Cultures From scrolling through Instagram tutorials in Mumbai to binge-watching K-beauty vlogs in Seoul or swiping Korean products off shelves in New York, beauty passion is universal. Korean beauty's growing presence in US stores is a vivid reminder of how culture, style, and skincare obsession blends worldwide. Just as Indian youth find pride blending rich traditions with modern trends, the K-beauty wave speaks the universal language of glowing skin and confidence. At the end of the day, beauty isn't just about what you put on your face-it's about the joy of trying something new and discovering what truly makes you feel good.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
42 Reviewer-Beloved Beauty Products To Try
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment for dry and damaged locks. You can apply it on any type of hair — after shampooing, massage it in, and rinse after 5–20 minutes to see a luxurious mane. Tirtir foundation — if you've been looking for a foundation that doesn't crack, cake, or crease, you can stop your search because this bb is the one! It lasts up to 72 hours, provides buildable coverage, and conceals redness, blemishes, and dark circles. Plus, the hibiscus and red propolis extracts enhance skin elasticity, aka giving you that desirable "glass skin" effect. A salon-worthy stainless-steel skin spatula to scrape all the gunk from your face. The vibration brings out blackheads, dirt, and oils from your pores, making them easy to remove. For only $20, think about how much you would save instead of going for a facial! A pack of reusable exfoliating washcloths that'll exfoliate all your dead, dry skin leaving you ~smooth like butter~. Just put a mitt on your hand and scrub away! An adorable octopus-shaped scrub stick for removing whiteheads and blackheads *and* exfoliating your skin. You can just rinse it off with warm water when you're done so you don't have to constantly buy one-time-use pore strips. Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil to dissolve makeup residue, blackheads, and excess sebum *without* clogging pores or over-drying skin. Reviewers say that they could actually see the oils and gunk leaving their face — kinda gross, very satisfying, and a major slay. A smudge-proof eyeliner stamp that creates a perfect wing — because if you're like me and have to redo it a bajillion times, this is SO worth it. With this stamp you won't waste any eyeliner; all it takes is one stamp and DONE! A viral deep collagen overnight mask — if you've been looking for the ultimate glass skin hack, this is it. The mask goes on white, and once your face has absorbed all the collagen, it turns transparent. Leave it on while you relax for a few hours or even overnight as you sleep, and your face will be super hydrated, firm, and glowy afterward. A mini electric hair remover to shape eyebrows and remove fine hairs from your face — without the pain (threading or waxing, no thank you)! Plus, the blades won't even touch your facial skin because of its "butterfly" technology. A K-beauty carbonated bubble clay mask that exfoliates your skin and helps remove blackheads for the ultimate spa experience. After applying it, wait five minutes for bubbles to form, remove the foam, and let the charcoal sit for a little before washing it off — fun and purifying! Essence Lash Princess mascara to enhance your beautiful lashes with its cone-shaped fiber brush — so you don't need extensions or falsies. The best part, the formula is clump-free! Reviewers say it has the same (if not better) results as name-brand mascaras for less than $5 AND it has over 258,000 5-star ratings! A cult-fave E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer that glides onto your skin and blurs your pores, giving you the perfect base layer for your makeup to grip onto. Its squalane formula keeps your skin hydrated while looking matte. It's *quite* similar to Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other big name brands — without the $$$. A beloved Aztec Secret healing clay mask so you can say goodbye to your acne and let the 100% natural calcium bentonite clay give your pores a nice, deep clean. This isn't just limited to your face; you can also use it on your body. A cult-favorite ice roller that targets puffy areas on your face and soothes inflamed skin, headaches, and even sore muscles! Even if you don't need it, you can use it for a refreshing massage. A Dior lip glow oil to give your pout a glossy, tinted look, leaving it glowing — we love a 2-in-1! Plus, it uses cherry oil to protect your lips and prevent them from drying. A pack of 40 acne patches so you can tackle that pesky pimple *white*head on. The hydrocolloid (infused with tea tree oil) absorbs the gunk inside, which speeds up the healing process. Plus, they hide pimples and prevent you from picking at them! They work so well, you'll forget that there was even a pimple there. A popular bottle of nail and cuticle repair oil to help renew your fingernails after years of nail-biting or peeling off acrylics. If your nails are prone to cracking or peeling, the vitamin E and jojoba oil formula will help keep them hydrated and strong. A nongreasy hair wax stick so you can tame your flyaways when you want that slicked-back hairstyle. Its castor oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E formula helps to nourish, soften, and make your hair ✨ shiny ✨. BTW, over 100,000 customers swiped right on it in the past month — what does that tell you? And Dae Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream — 3-in-1s don't have a good rep when it comes to hair products, but this styling cream defies that stereotype. It smooths hair, defines curls, and preps hair for blowouts to give it that extra shine! The dragon fruit and prickly pear seed oil will leave your locks feeling moisturized, nourished, and silky soft. A Nyx brow glue that'll sculpt your arches to give you your desired shape, volume, and texture. From natural to feathered brows, you can achieve anything with this baby. A cult-fave Denman hairbrush to detangle and define your wavy or curly hair (it's best for 2c–4c curls) so you can style it however you want! If you're tired of your locks being yanked every time you brush your hair, these round-ended pins will flow through so smoothly, there will be NO catching or dragging. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer so you can hide your under-eye bags because you don't want anyone to know that you pulled an all-nighter movie marathon. Its goji berry and Haloxyl formula can help cover up acne, dark spots, and dark circles. Extra-soft makeup blending sponges to blend your foundation, concealer, and everything else flawlessly. Reviewers rave about this affordable swap for the popular, brand-name ones — especially because it comes with six for less than $10! A beginner-friendly Nyx mechanical eyeliner for creating a perf wing because it glides on ~effortlessly~. Plus it's smudge-proof so it'll last *all day* on your waterline! Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to remove dead skin, shrink and unclog large pores, and smooth wrinkles. So many reviewers have raved about it also clearing acne and reducing breakouts. Talk about benefits on top of benefits! A vegan and cruelty-free Nyx makeup setting spray that'll keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. So even if you find yourself sobbing after a Titanic watch party, your makeup isn't going anywhere, boo! Reviewers say it's a similar and cheaper alternative for MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays. A bottle of cult-favorite Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue spray to rejuvenate and refresh your face throughout the day (with or without makeup) whenever your skin starts to feel a little irritated and starts screaming SOS. The hypochlorous acid, a natural ingredient your skin produces, acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial to soothe your beautiful skin. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm if you crave that "post-shower feeling" and ✨ glow ✨. This K-beauty product deserves a spot in your arsenal ASAP because it combines the power of lip balm, eye cream, primer, and MORE — what?! Its salmon complex and collagen formula helps reduce fine lines and can keep your skin hydrated for 48 hours. OK, fine, I've convinced myself to buy one. Nyx butter gloss with over 85,000 5-star ratings, and with good reason. This gloss glides onto your lips like melted butter (hence the name) but isn't sticky, so you won't be catching any stray hairs or flies! It also comes in so many different shades so you can find the perfect one that suits you. And Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you love Dior's Lip Oil or have been wanting to try it — reviewers say this is even better, both for your lips AND wallet. It'll give you a glossy, tinted look *and* a natural plumping effect! Your pout will stay hydrated for up to 24 hours without needing to reapply, thank to its formula containing appleseed oil and raspberry fruit extract. The Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a cult-favorite for good reason: It soothes dehydrated skin and reduces dullness, and it's perfect for ALL skin types, even if you have oily skin! Don't worry, no snails were harmed in its making (so Gary, you're safe). And the Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer if you want to look and feel positively radiant. This wonder product locks in moisture to plump, hydrate, and soothe parched skin. L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion — this illuminating moisturizer enhances your skin's natural glow with its shimmering color tint so you can achieve that ~sun-kissed~ look without having to roast in the heat for hours. Reviewers say it's just like the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops — and maybe even better! A moisturizing TirTir milk toner if your skin needs a little hydration boost before moisturizing or putting on makeup. It's formulated with chamomile, which reduces redness and irritation, and rice bran extracts to help even skin tone and enhance brightness. Mixsoon Bean Essence, yet another K-beauty staple reviewers love because it exfoliates and hydrates their skin at the same time — that's pretty darn tootin' marvelous. The fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate formula helps to remove dead skin cells, deeply hydrate, and revitalize your skin tone. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray — true to its name, it seriously works like a dream. It essentially "waterproofs" your hair to keep it frizz-free and shiny, no matter the weather. Dear wind, rain, and humidity: You guys won't stand a chance. Oh and BTW, Chris Appleton (a celeb hair stylist) uses this on Kim K's and hair, so you know it's good stuff. OR! Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil that works wonders, maybe even miracles — so much so that one reviewer calls it "liquid gold." It adds that shine your hair has been craving and leaves your locks more vibrant. Plus, you can apply it before heat-styling for protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. La Roche-Posay purifying foaming cleanser, perfect for normal to oily skin types because it removes excess oils and impurities while maintaining your skin's natural protective barrier and pH. Your face has met its perfect match. A vegan under-eye brightener that helps reduce dark circles and balance bluish tones using hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which also nourish and hydrate your skin. So if you've been staying up well past your bedtime for the past week (and it shows around your eyes), this miracle cream will come to your rescue. Eadem's Le Chouchou lip softening balm, a lip treatment, exfoliant, and moisturizer all packed into one gorgeous tube. The metal applicator leaves a cooling effect, and after applying it, your lips will be as glossy as ever and tinted with a gorgeous shade. Plus, the formula is thick, so a little goes a loooong way. Or! Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — chances are if you've spent some time on TikTok, you've come across this holy grail product that so many reviewers swear by. The shea and murumuru seed butters will help soothe and relieve your chapped lips while the vegan waxes leave 'em shiny all day. Plus, it'll leave a gorgeous tint, so it's basically like a gloss and balm in one! Or!!! E.l.f.'s "Squeeze Me" lip balm for a budget-friendly alternative. It'll keep your lips moisturized with a gorgeous sheer tint of color, thanks to the hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and goji berry formula. Your pout is about to be luscious as heck.
