Top 10 Best Korean Makeup Brands
Korean makeup brands have become increasingly popular over the years, offering high-quality products that cater to a wide range of skin types and tones. In ... read more...this article, Toplist will be exploring some of the best Korean makeup brands that have gained a loyal following around the world, based on their product quality, affordability, and popularity.
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Established in 1985, Etude House is a South Korean cosmetics brand that centers its philosophy around the concept of playful and sweet beauty. The brand aims to provide fun, colorful, and reasonably priced products. Etude House is renowned for its trendy packaging and advertising campaigns that exude playfulness, making its products highly sought-after by makeup aficionados globally.
Etude House offers a variety of popular makeup products, including the Dear Darling Water Gel Tint, which is a hydrating lip tint available in vibrant shades that provide long-lasting color. The Play Color Eyes eyeshadow palette is another popular product, featuring a range of matte and shimmer shades in colorful and themed packaging. For the eyebrows, the Drawing Eyebrow pencil is designed with a triangular shape to make it easy to fill in and shape the brows, available in a range of shades that are smudge-proof and long-lasting. The Double Lasting Foundation provides full coverage and has a matte finish that can last up to 24 hours, while the Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is a lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen that provides sun protection without leaving a white cast on the skin.
Etude House has collaborated with several famous personalities, including Krystal Jung, a renowned Korean singer and actress who has served as a spokesperson for the brand and starred in a variety of their advertisements. Park Shin-hye, another popular Korean actress, has also endorsed Etude House and appeared in numerous advertisements for the brand. Additionally, Irene, a member of the K-pop group Red Velvet, has been known to use Etude House products and has been featured in several of the brand's commercials.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Jiyeon Lee
Founded: 1995
Instagram: instagram.com/etudeofficial.global/ (1M followers)Website: https://www.etude.com/kr/ko/
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Innisfree is a South Korean makeup brand that prioritizes using natural ingredients obtained from Jeju Island, a volcanic island situated off the southern coast of the country. The brand's core principle is centered around "green beauty," with a strong emphasis on creating environmentally-friendly products crafted from sustainable ingredients. One of the key factors in Innisfree's success has been its use of Jeju Island as a source of natural ingredients. Jeju is known for its clean air, water, and soil, and the island is home to many unique plants and minerals that are used in Innisfree's products. The brand's commitment to sustainability also includes eco-friendly packaging and recycling programs, which have helped to further boost its popularity among environmentally conscious consumers. The brand has been associated with many famous individuals over the years, including Yoona (Girls' Generation), Lee Min-ho, Jeon Ji-hyun.
Innisfree's popularity has also been fueled by its marketing and celebrity endorsements. The brand has worked with many famous Korean actors and singers over the years, including Yoona of Girls' Generation and Lee Min-ho, to promote its products. Innisfree has also been successful in expanding its reach through e-commerce, with its online store and social media presence helping to connect with consumers all over the world.
Innisfree offers a wide range of makeup products, including foundations, lipsticks, eyeliners, and more. Some of their most popular products include No Sebum Mineral Powder, Skinny Microcara, Smart Drawing Blusher, Auto Eyebrow Pencil, etc. No Sebum Mineral Powder is designed to control oil and shine on the skin, and it contains natural minerals from Jeju Island to help soothe and protect the skin. The mascara Skinny Microcara has a skinny brush that is designed to coat each individual lash for a natural, defined look. It is water-resistant and contains natural ingredients like Jeju green tea and chamomile to nourish and protect the lashes.
Headquarters: Jeju City, South Korea
Founder: Suh Sung-whan
Founded: 2000
Instagram: instagram.com/innisfreeofficial/ (855K followers)Website: https://www.innisfree.com/kr/ko/Main.do
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Since its establishment in 2005, PeriPera, a Korean makeup brand, has become renowned for its budget-friendly prices, high-quality products, and engaging and charming packaging. The name PeriPera is derived from the words "peri" and "pera," which mean fairy and skin, respectively. PeriPera's fun packaging and affordable prices have garnered a devoted following among makeup enthusiasts worldwide.
Among PeriPera's most popular products are the Ink Airy Velvet lip tint, which features a light and airy texture that delivers long-lasting color, and the Inklasting Pink Cushion, which offers medium coverage and a natural, dewy finish. The Sugar Twinkle Liquid Shadow, which contains glitter for a sparkling effect, is another favorite and can be used as a standalone eyeshadow or in combination with others. Additionally, PeriPera's Ink Gelato, a creamy blush with a gelato-like texture, provides a gentle flush of color and is available in a spectrum of hues. The Inklasting Foundation, which offers full coverage and a natural finish for up to 24 hours, is yet another sought-after product that is available in a variety of colors and includes SPF 30 sun protection.
PeriPera has collaborated with many famous celebrities. One of them is the Korean singer and actress IU, and she has also partnered with PeriPera to create a makeup collection. The K-pop group Red Velvet has also been affiliated with PeriPera, and the brand has featured the group in several of its advertisements. Additionally, Joy, a member of Red Velvet, has been observed using PeriPera's Ink Airy Velvet lip tint and has even recommended it to her followers.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Unknown
Founded: 2005
Instagram: instagram.com/peripera_official/ (561K followers)Website: https://www.periperacosmetic.com/ko/
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KAJA is a Korean makeup brand that offers a range of innovative and colorful products. The name "KAJA" means "let's go" in Korean, and the brand aims to inspire confidence and adventurousness in its customers. KAJA is a relatively new brand, having launched in 2018. The brand is part of the Memebox Corporation, which is a global beauty company based in Korea. KAJA's products are inspired by the latest Korean beauty trends, which are known for their innovative formulas and playful packaging. The brand is cruelty-free and uses eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible.
KAJA's products are designed to be easy to use and customizable, allowing customers to create their own unique looks. The brand's heart-shaped lipsticks, known as the Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick, are some of its most popular products. They come in a range of shades and have a smooth, glossy finish. KAJA's cushion blushes, known as the Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush, come with a built-in cushion applicator that makes it easy to apply and blend the product. KAJA's stacked eyeshadow palettes, known as the Bento Beauty Eyeshadow Trio, are designed to look like bento boxes and come with three complementary shades that can be used to create a variety of looks. KAJA's products are available at select retailers and on their website. KAJA has a strong social media presence and often collaborates with influencers and beauty bloggers to promote their products.
Headquarters: Unknown
Founder: Unknown
Founded: 2018
Instagram: instagram.com/kajabeauty/ (558K followers)Website: https://www.kajabeauty.com/
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Established in 1993, Clio is one of the best Korean makeup brands that takes its name from the Greek Muse of history. The brand has collaborated with many famous individuals over the years, and its products are popular among makeup enthusiasts of all ages. Clio was founded by professional makeup artists, which is why their products are known for their high performance and innovative formulas. Clio has won numerous awards for their products, both in Korea and internationally. Some of their most popular products, like the Kill Cover Conceal Cushion and Waterproof Pen Liner, have become cult favorites among makeup enthusiasts.
The Kill Cover Conceal Cushion provides full coverage and has a matte finish that can last for up to 48 hours. Additionally, the Waterproof Pen Liner is a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip that allows for precise application. It is waterproof and smudge-proof, and it comes in a range of colors. Clio's Rouge Heel Velvet is a matte lipstick with a soft, velvety texture that provides long-lasting color while containing nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and mango seed butter to hydrate and protects the lips. Another popular product is the Prism Air Highlighter, which comes in a compact with a unique prism design that creates a holographic effect. The highlighter has a smooth, blendable formula that provides a radiant glow. Lastly, the Pro Eye Palette is an eyeshadow palette that features a range of shades with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes. The palettes are often themed and feature trendy packaging.
Clio is committed to animal welfare and does not test their products on animals. They also use eco-friendly packaging materials and have implemented recycling programs to reduce waste. Clio has collaborated with Lee Sung-kyung, a celebrated Korean actress and model, who not only served as a spokesperson for the brand but also collaborated with Clio on a makeup collection. Kang Daniel, a well-liked Korean singer, has also endorsed Clio and collaborated with the brand on a makeup collection. Furthermore, the K-pop group BLACKPINK has been affiliated with Clio, and the group's involvement in the brand's advertisements has helped to increase awareness of Clio's products among younger demographics. These partnerships with famous personalities have aided in cementing Clio's popularity with consumers, both in Korea and globally.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Lee Sung-wook
Founded: 1993
Instagram: instagram.com/clio_official/ (524K followers)Website: https://www.cliocosmetic.com/en/
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Missha is one of the best Korean makeup brands. The brand's philosophy is based on the idea of "quality first," and they strive to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. Missha is known for its innovative formulas and trendy packaging, and its products are popular among makeup enthusiasts all over the world.
M Perfect Cover BB Cream is a cult favorite and has won numerous awards for its high coverage and natural finish. It contains SPF 42 to protect the skin from sun damage and is formulated with nourishing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth the skin. Signature Dewy Rouge is another famous product of Missha. This lipstick line features a range of vibrant shades and has a glossy, moisturizing finish. It contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil and shea butter to hydrate and protects lips.
Missha is a popular Korean makeup brand that is loved by many, including celebrities. While it can be difficult to know for sure which specific products celebrities use, there are several famous individuals who have been known to use Missha products or have been associated with the brand. Jun Ji-hyun, a famous actress, has been a spokesperson for Missha and has been featured in several of the brand's advertisements. The Korean pop stars, Jeongyeon and Momo (TWICE) have also both been known to use Missha products, with Jeongyeon reportedly using the brand's M Perfect Cover BB Cream and Momo using the brand's cushion foundation.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Paek Min-jeong
Founded: 2000
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missha.official/ (358K followers)Website: https://www.misshaus.com/
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Hera is a Korean beauty brand that has gained popularity in recent years for its innovative skincare and makeup products. In 2021, the brand announced a collaboration with Jennie Kim, a member of the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK, for its "Black Foundation" campaign. The campaign featured Jennie as the brand ambassador for Hera's "Black Foundation," a foundation that is designed to provide a flawless and natural-looking finish while also protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
The collaboration between Hera and Jennie was well-received by fans of both the brand and the K-pop group, with many praising the partnership for its innovative approach to beauty and fashion. The campaign helped to increase Hera's visibility both in Korea and internationally, further cementing the brand's reputation as one of the leading beauty brands in the Korean market.
Hera's Rouge Holic Exceptional Lipstick is a popular lipstick that has gained a following among beauty enthusiasts in Korea and beyond. The lipstick has a creamy and moisturizing formula that glides smoothly on the lips and provides long-lasting color. This makes the lipstick an ideal choice for those with dry or chapped lips who are looking for a hydrating and long-lasting lip color.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: unknown
Founded: 1995
Instagram: instagram.com/herabeauty_official/ (354K followers)Website: https://www.hera.com/kr/en/
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Holika Holika is a beauty brand that was founded in Korea in 2010. The brand is known for its pretty packaging and unique product formulations that combine natural ingredients with the latest beauty technology. Holika Holika offers a range of skincare and makeup products, including popular items such as the Aloe 99% Soothing Gel, the Good Cera Super Ceramide Cream, and the Puri Pore No Sebum Primer.
The brand's commitment to using natural ingredients has helped it to stand out in the highly competitive Korean beauty market, where consumers are increasingly interested in products that are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients.
In recent years, Holika Holika has gained a reputation as a popular and innovative beauty brand, known for its unique and playful product formulations that combine natural ingredients with the latest beauty technology. The brand has won numerous awards and accolades for its skincare and makeup products, including recognition from popular beauty magazines and websites. Holika Holika has also received recognition for its makeup products, including its popular "Jelly Dough Blusher," which won the "Best Blush" award at the 2020 Soko Glam Best of K-Beauty Awards.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Unknown
Founded: 2010
Instagram: instagram.com/holikaholika_official/?hl=en (281K followers)Website: https://www.holikaholika.co.kr/
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TONYMOLY is a South Korean makeup brand that has gained popularity for its cute and playful packaging. The brand's products are designed to be both fun and effective, appealing to younger consumers who are interested in trying out new makeup and skincare products.
The brand offers a variety of popular makeup products, including the Panda's Dream White Magic Cream, which is a moisturizer formulated with bamboo extract and niacinamide to hydrate and brighten the skin. The Delight Tony Tint is a long-lasting lip tint that provides a sheer flush of color and comes in various shades. The Back Gel Eyeliner is a smooth-textured gel eyeliner that provides intense, long-lasting color and comes with a brush for easy application. The Perfect Eyes Mood Eyeshadow palette includes a range of shades that can be blended together to create a variety of eye looks, and its formula has a smooth and long-lasting texture.
TONYMOLY has collaborated with many famous individuals, like BTS, to promote its products and increase its visibility both inside and outside of Korea. The brand has also been featured in numerous beauty magazines and blogs, which has helped to increase its reputation as a trusted and reliable beauty brand.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Haedong Bae
Founded: 2006
Instagram: instagram.com/tonymoly_street/ (193K followers)Website: https://www.tonymoly.com/
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Dr. Gio Cosmetics is a Korean makeup brand that was founded by Dr. Gio Hong in 2001. The brand is known for its focus on makeup, skincare, and natural ingredients, as well as its cruelty-free and vegan products. The brand's focus on natural ingredients has helped to set it apart in the highly competitive Korean beauty market, and its products have gained a following among consumers who value high-quality, natural skincare and makeup products.
Dr. Gio Cosmetics offers a variety of popular makeup products, including the Triple Wonder Eyebrow Pencil, which has a triangular tip that allows for precise application and comes in a range of shades to match different hair colors. Irene (Red Velvet) also uses Dr. Gio Cosmetics' Triple Wonder Eyebrow Pencil and has recommended it to her fans.
The Real Skin Moisture Pact is a compact foundation that provides full coverage and has a natural, radiant finish. It contains hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin. The Lip Flash Matte is a long-lasting liquid lipstick that has a matte finish and is available in a variety of shades. The Eye Flash Pearl Pigment is a loose eyeshadow pigment that has a shimmery finish and can be applied wet or dry to create a range of eye looks. Finally, the Tinted Lipbalm is a lip balm that imparts a sheer tint and provides hydration and nourishment to the lips. It comes in a range of colors to suit different preferences.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Founder: Dr. Gio Hong
Founded: 2001
Instagram: instagram.com/drgioseoul/?hl=en (5536K followers)Website: https://drgiocosmetics.com/