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5 Korean Skincare Staples for a Glass Skin Glow
We've done the K-beauty research, so you don't have to.
Gentle, innovative and surprisingly affordable, Korean skincare is hyped for good reason. Knowing where to start, though? That’s the real challenge. Skip the TikTok scroll. We tapped Stylevana, a leading online retailer for Korean and Japanese skincare, for their top five ‘glass skin’ picks heading into spring and summer.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
A holy grail for dull and congested skin, Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum is a very good place to start. The lightweight, honey-like serum combines 60% propolis extract with 2% niacinamide to help soothe skin, balance excess oil and minimise the look of enlarged pores, while leaving behind that coveted dewy, glass skin glow.
How to use: Apply a few drops after cleansing and before moisturiser and make-up when you want a little extra radiance without piling on heavy layers.
Best for: Combination or oily skin chasing a glow without grease.
Need to know: The finish is dewy, so use sparingly if you prefer a more natural matte finish.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50
SPF doesn’t have to mean a thick layer sitting on top of your skincare. This lightweight sun serum feels more like a hydrating skincare step, combining hyaluronic acid with Madagascar Centella to moisturise, brighten and soothe while providing SPF50+ protection. The watery, fast-absorbing formula leaves skin fresh and dewy without the greasy residue, making it a good match for anyone chasing that glass skin glow when layering sunscreen under make-up.
How to use: Apply generously as the final step of your morning skincare routine to the face, neck and any other exposed areas. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
Best for: Pretty much every skin type, including sensitive, dry, oily and combination skin, particularly if you want hydration and SPF in one lightweight step.
Need to know: Reef safe, tested on sensitive skin and certified by South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, this sunscreen ticks all the boxes.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
If visible pores, blackheads and a bit of winter-induced build-up are your main skin gripes at the minute, these Medicube toner pads make exfoliating considerably less faffy. The dual-sided pads combine physical texture with AHA Fruit Complex and BHA to help clear away dead skin, excess sebum and pore-clogging build-up, while the second side leaves skin feeling smoother and hydrated.
How to use: Use after cleansing, gently sweeping the embossed side over the face before following with the silky side, then patting in the leftover toner.
Best for: Blackheads and enlarged pores. It’s also particularly great for creating a smoother base pre-makeup.
Need to know: These toner pads offer both physical and chemical exfoliation, so don’t go overboard. And importantly, Stylevana notes that this product should not be used with potent ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) formulas, as layering them together can strip your skin’s natural oils and damage your skin barrier. Instead, use them on alternate days.
ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream
Chasing a serious boost of hydration without the heavy feeling of a traditional cream? This PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream from ANUA is a goodie. The combination of PDRN, hyaluronic acid and collagen work overtime to plump and moisturize, while the fresh gel-cream texture is light enough to sink deep into the skin, rather than just sitting on top.
How to use: Use it as the final step of your morning or evening routine, applying an even layer after your serums, and letting is absorb fully before applying your SPF and make-up.
Best for: All skin types, including oily and combination. It’s a particularly good swap as the weather heats up and the daily sweat-factor starts to increase.
Need to know: If your skin is particularly dry, it works even better layered over a hydrating serum.
Purito SEOOUL Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream
Think of Purito’s Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream as the comforting moisturiser for skin that likes a little extra support without being smothered. With 10% panthenol, Korean Damyang bamboo and squalane, it’s designed to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture while remaining lightweight enough for everyday use.
How to use: Use morning and night as your moisturising step, following cleansing and any serums. Or, for a more intensive overnight treatment, Stylevana suggests applying a thicker layer in two stages, allowing the first to absorb before adding the second.
Best for: Sensitive or easily irritated skin.
Need to know: Despite being lightweight, this is the more barrier-focused option of the bunch, so if you have oily skin you may prefer a smaller amount during the day.
Ready to find your glass skin inspired glow? Sitchu readers can score 15% off sitewide at Stylevana, with no minimum spend required. Simply use discount code AFFSC15 to unlock the offer before 31 December 2026.
Loving this Korean skincare edit? Check out the Australian beauty brands we’re loving or the luxe hair masks keeping our locks luscious this season.
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