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Despite the fact that Korean women are known for their poreless, glass-like skin, I grew up with severe acne. I tried the 10-step Korean skin care routine with products from the best Korean skin care brands to no avail. I eventually had to turn to some drastic measures to cure my skin, but in the meantime, I did figure out that foundations from the best Korean makeup brands were some of the quickest ways to cover up the redness and blemishes. They disguised my angry skin, making it appear as if I actually did have the beautiful complexion every other Korean woman seemed to have.
There’s a reason for that: “Korean foundations are very innovative in their formulations, and Korean foundations [create] a dewy finish with the ‘glass-skin look,’” Lauren Kim, the associate director of marketing and communications at Clio Cosmetics. She also explains that Korean companies were at the forefront of sprinkling skin-nourishing ingredients into their foundations. “Korean foundations often incorporate skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for acne-prone skin, as well as botanical and herbal extracts, such as centella asiatica, so that your makeup is calming and soothing your skin,” she adds.
Top picks for the best Korean foundations of 2024
Now, let’s address the glaring problem here. Korean foundation shade ranges are limited and usually only suit those with pale to light skin. Despite the fact that those meager options do not even cover every single Korean—even I would have trouble finding a shade that matched me if I spent a summer out in the sun—makeup companies still have a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity.
If you’re still curious about trying one, we worked with experts and read through customer reviews to compile a list of the seven best Korean foundations you can get delivered to your doorstep. See below for a variety of formulas that’ll help your skin look and feel its best.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Limited shade range
This cushion foundation “offers a semi-matte finish that is versatile and beginner-friendly,” says Erin Kim, the general manager of the Clio Cosmetics brand management team. The formula stays virtually transfer-proof once it sets, and an infusion of hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and plump while you wear it.
Shades: 6
Size: 0.53 oz. + refill
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Cushion foundations are the epitome of convenience, so I’m sad that they never seemed to take off in the US. I would press the puff a few times into my skin, and one layer would cover the majority of my redness and hyperpigmentation. Then, I would apply one more layer onto any areas that needed it, and I’d be good to go. This formula covers without feeling cakey, and it fills all your pores so that your skin looks like the surface of a boiled egg in the best way.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
Although this shade range is far from comprehensive, it does accommodate a wider range of skin tones than other Korean foundations on the market. The formula provides medium coverage and plumping effects, thanks to hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Shades: 16
Size: 1.01 fl. oz.
Joah rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Joah reviewer says: “I have worn this foundation for the past two years. It is the best for moisturizing without causing breakouts, the best for smoothing lines and scars, and actually does give a luminous look to skin.”
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Jung Saem Mool is one of the most revered celebrity makeup artists in South Korea, and her specialty is making skin look healthy and radiant. This liquid foundation from her namesake makeup line is formulated to help you fake flawless, glowing skin. The brand recommends using the included puff to help the product meld and adhere to the skin.
Shades: 4
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This foundation is a great makeup product with a light coverage, especially so for someone with very fair skin. It really does create a more clean and nude glow without looking cakey, and it doesn’t irritate or inflame my sensitive skin. I appreciate that it doesn’t have any overwhelming or bad scent, and there’s a good amount of it to last me for a while. It seems to be a lighter formula, and it’s not concealer, so it may take a few layers to cover more problematic areas. I don’t tend to need as much concealer, so this is a solid foundation for my lighter skin needs.”
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Foundation
Pros
- Comes with a refill
Cons
- Limited shade range
As expected, this pick from Sulwhasoo feels as nourishing as skin care but camouflages imperfections like a foundation. As it sits on the skin, Schizophyllum commune maintains moisture and UV-blocking ingredients provide SPF 50+ protection.
Shades: 6
Size: 0.53 oz. + refill
Neiman Marcus rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “We love how lightweight this cushion is! I also love using this perfecting cushion as a finishing touch on top of my base concealer because it leaves my skin looking so even in terms of the color. If you don’t have as much redness or blemishes to cover like myself, this cushion would probably be good enough on its own. I also like how it comes with two cushion foundations, making it really affordable with good ingredients that I can trust.”
Pros
- Lasts all day
Cons
- Has a strong scent
If you need higher coverage, consider this foundation from Etude House. Unlike most other Korean foundations, it’s highly pigmented and has a matte finish that doesn’t draw attention to any bumps or acne scars on the skin.
Shades: 10
Size: 1.06 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was contemplating for a long time before I took the plunge. But I was pleasantly surprised. I was worried it would look dry and cakey, but as long as you moisturize well before, it’s great. Long lasting for sure and very good coverage. If you like semi-matte looks, this one’s for you.”
Pros
- Feels lightweight
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This formula is designed to look like your skin, only better. Somehow, the buildable foundation has enough coverage to cover most everything, yet makes it look like you’re not wearing any complexion products at all. Prepare to get compliments on your skin—not your makeup.
Shades: 7
Size: 1.35 oz.
Olive Young rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Olive Young reviewer says: “It’s a shame I can only give this five stars, because I would give it 10 if I could. The packaging feels very expensive—the shape of the bottle is irregular/not the typical cylindrical. I purposefully waited after I used this foundation a few times before leaving a review because I wanted to see how it was over a few days. And all I have to say is that it definitely lives up to its tagline of ‘second skin foundation.’ I don’t know if it’s because I applied it using a spatula, but it applies very evenly and smoothly. Can be layered, but don’t expect too much coverage from it—it gives you a natural glow. I have dry skin, and it doesn’t make my skin feel dry at all. #21 Ivory was perfect for my skin tone—there was hardly any graying over time. I still wear a KF94 mask for my 9–5 job, and dare I say it, there is hardly any rub-off on my mask at the end of the day. Will definitely be repurchasing again!”
Pros
- Sets quickly
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry skin
You may have heard of the term oxidizing in reference to foundation, which is when the color of a complexion product deepens as it sets. Even if a shade looks perfect in the bottle or when first applied, you can end up looking like you didn’t get shade-matched properly. This foundation sets so quickly that it maintains its color throughout the day, preventing any such mishaps.
Shades: 5
Size: 1.01 oz.
Olive Young rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Olive Young reviewer says: “Great texture! Very light but still covers everything and is very moisturizing.”
Meet the Experts
Erin Kim is the general manager of the Clio Cosmetics brand management team.
Lauren Kim is the associate director of marketing and communications at Clio Cosmetics.
What are some tips for applying cushion foundation?
First, Lauren Kim recommends paying attention to how much product you start with. “A common mistake when using a cushion foundation is pushing too hard into the sponge that holds the foundation and getting way too much product on the puff. I recommend starting by dabbing the puff gently on the sponge to get a small amount of product and then using the middle lid of the cushion case to spread out the foundation more evenly on the puff,” she says. Doing so will prevent clumping and allow you to get an even layer across your face. Kim also suggests starting in the middle of the face and gradually blending it out, slowly building up as you go.
Additionally, Erin Kim emphasizes that the puff you use can make a huge difference. “All puffs are not created equal! My tip is to experiment with different types of puffs to find what helps you achieve your preferred finish. I also recommend using a foundation spatula as a tool to provide additional techniques in creating a flawless finish,” she says.
How do you make foundation last longer?
It may feel counterintuitive, but try applying thin layers of the foundation instead of covering your face in a thick layer, says Erin Kim. “I also recommend using a primer before applying foundation to create an environment where the skin can hold onto the foundation well,” she says. Of course, adding a powder on any oily areas and finishing everything off with a setting spray will keep the foundation from prematurely breaking down as well.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted Korean makeup experts to learn about the best Korean foundations. She also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on its features.
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