No gatekeeping: An expert in K-beauty shares her best finds, starting from $12

Asian beauty trends are as popular as ever, so I underwent a K-beauty immersion at W Cosmetics with skincare whiz Narae Ko to nut out what products are trending right now. Fun fact: according to data from Future Market Insights, Australia is now the second-highest spending K-beauty market per person globally, only behind South Korea. According to Credence Research, the market for K-beauty here is projected to grow from $160 million in 2023 to more than $320 million by 2032.

As we wend our way through the aisles of bright shiny products, Ko starts to pull out a selection of her favourites. First off the rank is Biodance Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask ($37.50 for a pack of four). This hydrating facial mask is formulated with high-purity glacial water and is rich in minerals. It also acts to enhance the absorption of active ingredients and forms a moisturising film to help protect the skin barrier. Ko’s enthusiasm is infectious, so I add to cart.

The next selection is Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Toner Gel Pads ($35 for a pack of 70). For all of you non-toner believers out there, this is a game changer – the jelly pads are infused with PDRN, which is derived from salmon DNA, and collagen, giving it a firming and lifting action. This is followed by Dr Althea 147 Barrier Cream ($38) – full of nourishing ingredients, including Chinese peony extract, avocado extract and tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), which act to plump up skin.

For a desk-side boost throughout the day, D’Alba First Spray Serum ($42) is a cult-favourite mist that delivers an instant burst of refreshing hydration as well a luminous glow. K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum ($28) and Tirtir Ceramic Milk Ampoule ($48) both address skin-barrier issues and are must-haves in the Korean skincare arsenal.

Muzigae Mansion Objet Glossy 008 Mulberry Drop ($28) is a direct route to effortlessly glossy lips, giving the perfect hint of colour in a honey-like glow. Ingredients including panthenol, ceramides, and three oils – coconut, sunflower and almond – to create a dazzling glassy finish.

On the hair front, Dr Forhair Folligen Original Shampoo ($32) boosts scalp health, while Unova Deep Damage Treatment ($35) is great for shiny, bouncy hair with its mix of keratin, proteins and amino acids to help repair damaged hair.

During my tour, I am mesmerised by Ko’s pristine complexion, so I ask for her can’t-live-without make-up products. She starts with Heimish Moringa Ceramide BB Cream ($23), adds a touch of blush with Clio Essential Lipcheek Tap ($26), powders her T-zone with Etude House Zero Sebum Drying Powder ($12) and keeps it all set in place with Amuse Ceramic Radiant Rice Mist & Fixer ($32). The final touch is Muzigae Mansion lip tint in Icy Glow ($28), for lips like stained-glass.

ASK STEPH

What is the best way to exfoliate dry flaky lips?

Use a gentle, chemical-based exfoliator to smooth and hydrate lips. Try The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum ($15), with a blend of highly effective gluconolactone and alpha hydroxy acids.

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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