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A freckle pen, a gua sha neck cream, and a jar of exfoliating “matcha balls”? Gimme 10.

I'm a BuzzFeed Shopping writer who covers everything from home and organization to travel and gifting, and I'm passionate about staying on top of the latest beauty trends (especially K-beauty) as well as tracking down affordable products for a luxe lifestyle.

Promising review: "Very pleased with its function as a scrub and cleanser, most pleases that like the other matcha products it really does soothe. For the last few years my face has defaulted to redness, irritation, and itchiness, and so far, this brand and line of matcha product really has calmed all of that down." —Nicole Frazer

Read more about gua sha and facial massage at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I love this! It can be used easily. I can easily apply the cream on my face. After a week of using it, I did see that my face skin got firmer. It also leaves my skin glowing and moisturized the whole night even after I wake up in the morning. The price is so reasonable. I would highly recommend this product! I also noticed minimized wrinkles on my face. On the picture I attached, it’s already 3pm and I have not washed my face yet." —Jennifer Arradaza

Promising review: "As a freckled person I like using these kind of pens to emphasize certain freckles I already have or turn a pimple into a mole by placing a few dots on the spots I want without blending them out. I bought shade 01 and I really like it so far! The pen itself and the nib look and function the same as the Beaubble x Ruddy Berry freckle pen, at a much more accessible price. The main difference between them are the colors: Peripera’s is a warm reddish brown and Beaubble’s is a yellow-leaning neutral brown — but in practice this doesn’t make much of a difference to me. The freckles stay on well as long as you’ve let them dry down properly (I powder them lightly just in case)." —Maylady

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two shades).

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 throughout 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 $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

PSA: Just like cushion foundations, with a cushion dry shampoo, a light hand goes a long way.

Promising reviews: "This lip gloss glides on so well! It has a nice pigment, and I love that there are the 30% and 70%, which cater to different preferences. I got three of the 30% and one of the 70% because I like a more natural look. The packaging is also really cute! Korean lippies are the best!" —Sunny

"Feels like butter spun into silk on your lips. I have 70% currant, and I love it so much. I will be purchasing more shades! 😍" —Karli

Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in 21 colors).

Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30!

Promising review: "I have rosacea, and it’s often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking.  I was genuinely shocked by how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I’m so happy I found this!" —S. K.

Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes).

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 there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. 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 semi-matte finish, a dewy finish, and a mini)

Btw, the word on the street is that Rhode's Pocket Blush is actually manufactured in South Korea (so do what you want with that info). I got my eyes on Banila Co.'s shade Chill Teddy; it's giving Toasted Teddy. 👀

Promising review: "LOOKS like Rhode on the outside BUT the formula is all K-beauty. Gorgeous. Feels lighter and more powdery. Looks amazing! Lasts well. (Brutally honest confession: My teen and I will try any brand that Seventeen Jeonghan and BabyMonster use. Any. Full stop. We adore THEM and want to support them. BUT shockingly, everything we've tried by Banila Co. has been a delight.) This blush/lippie is such a must-have that we went from 'let's try and share' to each needing our own and in several colors." —Quaketoys

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in 16 shades).

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

This set includes: 28 strips, one prep pad, one nail file, and one wooden stick. To apply the strips, just use your palm to warm them up. Once the strips are warmed, they can be easily pulled into place for a perfect fit on your nails. 

Note: If you live somewhere that doesn't get sun often, you can still use a UV lamp. You only need to pop your nails in for about five seconds!

Promising review: "These looked great and I got some compliments. I didn’t have any issues with them lifting as I have had with other brands. I hate the feeling of running my hands through my hair and then pulling out a few strands that got stuck in my nail sticker. I wore these for about 2.5 weeks. The only reason I took them off was that my nail had grown out so much. The nail strips are awesome! Buy them!! I have already ordered another set and am converting from my old brand to these!" —Holly M.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 10 styles and in sets).

Korean skincare never ceases to amaze me — there’s always something new that tops the last big thing! When I first received this product and saw how thick the gel was, I thought, "There’s no way this will actually spray out." But, hello?? It does! And it’s a super fine mist. It keeps my skin so hydrated, and when I wear makeup, it applies evenly and smoothly. Plus, since it’s hydrating, it prevents my makeup from peeling or cracking, which is perfect for cold weather. Bonus points for being able to spray it throughout the day to give your makeup a little boost of dewiness!

Promising review: "This is very hydrating and cools your face down on a hot day. I keep it with me as a pick-me-up during the day. It feels nice when it’s hot out and doesn’t mess up my makeup." —Karyn Koske

Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (I have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El

Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90. 

This formula (Hype Fit) is intended for fine and thin hair types. For a stronger hold, try the Hard Fix formula, which is more suitable for curly and thick hair types.

Promising review: "This hair mascara is very easy to use and gives a strong hold. It keeps baby hairs and flyaways down without making my hair stiff or sticky. I like that it dries fast and doesn’t leave white flakes. The brush is perfect for detailed areas, and the size is convenient to carry in a bag. I’m very happy with this product." —Sunny Jang

Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in two formulas).

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 when I feel lazy and don’t complete my skincare routine or cheat and don't use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I’m sold for sure." —Jaylen

Promising review: "I'm an ebony female, and this is the best sunscreen! No white cast, your makeup blends perfectly with the sunscreen! It gives your skin such a moist, hydrated look, and it provides protection from the sun, plus it makes your skin look amazing! I love this! I will never stop using Medicube's skincare line. I’m 55 and it’s the only skincare line that has improved my skin." —Lynn

Promising review: "The color is beautiful. The longevity is beautiful. The hydration is beautiful. 10 out of 10. Recommend anyone who wants to wear gloss and wants to avoid lipstick. It hydrates and also works for different skin tones." —Fariha Binte Hafiz

Get it from Amazon for $12.90 (available in 20 shades).

Retinal (which is different from retinol) is the most potent over-the-counter retinoid you can get. It's basically retinol's cooler cousin.

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 retinal, I only put it on at night and use a vitamin C serum by Murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a difference after one use." —AJ

Get it from Amazon for $14.25+ (available in two sizes).

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is obsessed: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it for a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!" 

Promising review: "I caved to the TikTok hype, and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin, but this was the first product that I didn’t have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." —Shelby

I love keeping this by my kitchen sink because the aesthetics alone are so chic. Fun fact about me: I cook a lot, and, of course, I wash my hands 50 million times in the process (raw chicken juice and garlic... ew!). This stuff is so hydrating that I don’t even need to bother with lotion afterward. Plus, it's beautifully scented!

Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in two scents).

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 if it worked this well 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 $14.90+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "My skin is on the oilier side, and this product saved my life, especially on camera. It is flawless, reduces shine, and doesn't make you look splotchy. It goes on flawlessly over my other products and feels so light. 100000/10. I've used so many powders, and this product makes your skin look airbrushed in real life." —Marissa Pizzuto

Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in 11 shades, including a larger and mini size for select shades).

Promising reviews: "I swear to you, this stuff is magical. My makeup never budges when I use this, and I don’t have to use that much. You can take it off with micellar water pretty easily, but I’m telling you I have ugly cried with this over my makeup and my makeup stayed. the. same. It’s the best. It also has the nicest bottle, it sprays really evenly over your face, and if it has any flaw, it’s probably that it makes your makeup a little TOO dewy, but I usually use a little powder over the parts of my face I don’t want to be highlighted and it works like a gem. Also definitely blurs my makeup very well. 10/10 would recommend!!!!" —Jennifier Moore

"I've fallen in love with this setting spray. It leaves the skin looking fresh, not shiny. It locks in makeup. The nozzle provides a very fine mist. I think it's replaced my Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray." —Michelle

Get it from Amazon for $12.75 (also available in a semi-matte version).

Reviewers say that the fragrances are very earthy/musky with a slight floral note to them. One person compared one scent to the smell of being in a forest.

Promising review: "My hair was burned in a salon. I tried for a long time to at least visually restore it and spent a lot of money on hair care. This oil intrigued me because it was perfumed and I didn’t even think that it would be so good! Hair becomes thicker, softer, shiny and the smell is not intrusive and pleasant! This oil has definitely become a treasure for me! I will definitely repurchase!!!" —Nia

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four scents and two sizes).

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-dependent, 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 $14.99 (also available as a color-correcting primer).

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

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 

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 the Cleveland Clinic!

Promising review: "I am a pimple patch fan, okay. I have tried them ALL, but I was always intrigued by this brand and was very skeptical about 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 ever seen on my face. I love these and will buy more, and you should too!!!!!" —Brian Cage

Get a 96-count from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in smaller pack sizes).

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 and 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 recommended this product to friends and family, and they all feel the same. It’s a must for any skin type!" —frugalANDfeminine

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: "I've been using the serum for a few weeks now, and it's made a noticeable difference in my skin. The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly without any sticky residue. After consistent use, I've observed a reduction in dark spots and a more even complexion. The combination of rice bran water and alpha-arbutin seems to work well for brightening the skin. Additionally, it provides a good level of hydration, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple. I appreciate that it's fragrance-free and hasn't caused any irritation. Overall, it's a solid addition to my skincare routine, and I plan to continue using it.​" —Christian Perez

Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in two sizes).

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Plus, primers & setting sprays, and finds from Tarte.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: Our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.