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25 Cult-Favorite Asian Beauty Products Millennials Are Buying Up On Amazon
While we already know that Gen Y isn’t afraid to spend money on quality skincare and makeup, it only takes a quick look at social media feeds to realize that it’s the cult-favorite Asian beauty products millennials are buying up on Amazon.
It’s no surprise that this generation has considerable interest in the world of Asian beauty, which is always putting out interesting, exciting, and innovative products. And we’re not just talking about K-beauty — between bath powders that emulate a trip to one of China’s hot springs to a non-toxic Thai deodorant with 24-hour staying power, the Asian beauty products millennials are purchasing are eye-catching and boast major share potential.
Of course, despite whimsical packaging and cheeky names, the Asian beauty products millennials love are results-driven, too — and there are extensive positive reviews to prove it. Skin care has a large presence in this channel, mainly because there are a lot of interesting ingredients like sake and volcanic scoria. Of course, if you’re looking for Chinese-inspired cupping kit, you’ll find that, too.
There’s no doubt that it’s fun to constantly explore ways to shake up your routine and the best way to do that is by trying out the Asian beauty products millennials can't get enough of — your new obsession is just a click away.
2. This Charcoal Mask That Deep Cleans Your Pores Like Nothing Else Will
Elizavecca milkypiggy Hell-Pore Clean Up Nose Mask, $9, Amazon
This easy-to-peel-off mask comprised of 4 percent charcoal is designed to target clogged pores in your nose (and the areas around it). You have to make sure to wait a full 15 to 25 minutes before peeling the dried mask off as this where the magical, vacuum cleaner-like action takes place. It dries like a pore strip and gets rid of dull, dead skin as well as blackheads. Reviewers say this "definitely does the trick getting rid of my black heads/whiteheads."
3. A Long-Lasting Lip Stain That Won’t Flake Or Transfer
TONYMOLY Red Delight Tony Tint, $6, Amazon
While many lip stains dry out the lips, this formula contains rosehip oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil, so it also serves as a hydrating and nourishing lip conditioner. The long-lasting formula dries to a stain that's flattering on many skin tones, and reviewers say it lasts all day and is nice to wear under lipstick or gloss.
4. This Oil-Controlling Mineral Powder Made With Ingredients From An Island In Korea
Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder, $7, Amazon
This loose powder controls oil while keeping skin soft and hydrated all day long. The unique formula contains natural minerals and mint from Jeju — the third largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula — to balance and refresh. Apply as the final stage of your skin care or makeup routine, concentrating the powder puff in areas where you’re particularly oily. It even claims to help eyeliner and eyeshadow last all day when gently applied to eyelids.
5. The Lightweight Cream That Softens Skin With Snail Mucin
Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, $10 (2 Pack), Amazon
This popular K-beauty favorite is so popular because it's a lightweight cream that easily absorbs into skin, and is soothing and cooling for sensitive skin. The ingredients in the formula work synergistically to hydrate, repair, and protect the skin — hyaluronic acid smoothes, mucin in snail secretions help heal damaged skin, and green tea extracts clear skin up.
6. A Light Oil Cleanser Made For Combination To Oily Skin Types
The Face Shop Natural Rice Water Light Cleansing Oil, $10, Amazon
This lightweight oil cleanser removes every last trace of makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without leaving behind any residue. It's formulated especially for combination to oily skin types, and it's free of mineral oil, which can cause clogged pores and breakouts. The star of this cleanser is the rice bran oil, a vitamin-rich ingredient that nourishes the skin and helps fade discoloration over time.
7. An Overnight Lip Mask That Hydrates & Softens While You Sleep
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $14, Amazon
This lip mask is designed to be applied before bed and left on over night. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump up lips, along with a blend of berries that are rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants. The rich formula soaks in quickly and protects lips all night long
8. A Vitamin-Rich Serum Made With Peach Sake That Seriously Hydrates
Skin Food Peach Sake Pore Skin Care, $19, Amazon
Don’t be deceived by the fun, cheeky packaging. This serum really is infused with sake — a traditional Japanese rice wine — along with peach extract and vitamins A and C to control oil and minimize pore size. This is great to use as a daytime moisturizer, because it controls oil throughout the day. Reviewers also love how it hydrates and makes their skin extremely soft.
9. A Low-Irritation Peel That Removes Dead Skin Before Your Very Eyes
SECRETKEY Lemon D-Toc Peeling Gel, $11, Amazon
This refreshing peeling gel aids in the cell turnover process while keeping skin hydrated in the process. The formula contains fresh lemon extract — an ingredient which contains keratinocytes that promote smooth skin texture by absorbing toxins and gently exfoliating dead skin cells. Vitamin C moisturizes and imparts a clear, bright complexion. To use, dispense an adequate amount of the peeling gel on clean, dry skin and gently massage it all over the face until residue forms. As one reviewer says, you'll see the dead skin balling off right away: "I've been using it on my face and can literally see all the dead skin come off in seconds. Makes my face feel very smooth and soft. Seeing all the oil and dead skin come off of my face is so satisfying and makes me feel more confident that my face is more deeply cleaned than just using a cleanser."
10. An Oil-Free Thai Sunscreen Made From Shiso Leaf
Thann Shiso Facial Sunscreen SPF 30, $42, Amazon
This oil-free SPF from Thailand contains shiso extract — an Asian herb you probably recognize from cooking — to help reduce skin irritation stemmed from sun exposure. The formula is also rich in white tea extract, which contains polyphenols that protect against free radical damage from the sun and other environmental factors. It's got an SPF 30, making it a perfect every day sunscreen, and absorbs quickly into the skin.
11. A Soothing Aloe Gel That Activates With The Sun
Natural Republic Aloe Gel, $8, Amazon
This overwhelmingly popular aloe vera gel from Korea has sold well over a million units. Made with 92 percent pure aloe gel, it activates with the sun, so slather it on anywhere you’re experiencing dryness, redness, or irritation before heading outdoors — though many reviewers prefer it as a calming nighttime treatment or even a makeup primer for long-lasting results coupled with a dewy complexion.
12. A BB Cream That Calms & Hydrates
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream, $11, Amazon
This K-beauty brand is known for its fantastic skin care, but this results-driven BB cream shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s chock-full of skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, gatuline RC to tone, and rosemary and chamomile extracts to soothe and calm. The formula boasts an SPF of 42 and provides just enough coverage to conceal blemishes or an uneven skin tone in a matter of seconds.
13. A Japanese Mask Made With Ingredients Derived From Oak Trees
Daiso Japan Natural Pack Charcoal Peel Off Mask, $5, Amazon
This modern-day mask gives a nod to the ancient Japanese beauty secret of using charcoal powder to nourish and purify skin. It’s also formulated with natural ingredients derived from oak trees, which work to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the pores. To use, open your pores using a warm towel before applying an even layer of the mask all over the skin. Once it's set, peel off and reveal smoother skin. Reviewers say it's incredibly easy to peel and doesn't cause any redness or irritation.
14. A Cost-Effective Concealer That Provides Great Coverage & Sun Protection
The SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, $5, Amazon
It only takes a small amount of this lightweight concealer to cover up a breakout or a lack of sleep under the eyes. Along with an SPF of 28, the formula also contains a complex made with oxygen and glacier water to hydrate, and a reflective powder to give the complexion a healthy glow. It's great for lighter tones or as an under eye concealer for medium skin tones.
15. A Foot Mask Made With Korean & Japanese Herbs That Peels Your Skin Off
Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliating Mask, $13, Amazon
While there are several versions of this slightly bizarre yet undeniably effective foot treatment on the internet, this version is formulated with 17 types of natural Japanese and Korean vegetable extracts that promise to relieve fatigue, control foot odor, and remove callouses without the use of a file, buffer, or shaver. To use, soak your feet in warm water for approximately ten minutes, pat dry and wait a few days — your feet will start to peel off and become as soft as a baby's foot. It also comes in a variety of scents, like lemon, rose, and coconut.
16. An Aluminum-Free Deodorant That Provides 24-Hour Protection
Thai Deodorant Stone Crystal Mist Natural Deodorant Spray, $9 (2 Pack), Amazon
This aluminum-free spray deodorant uses natural Thai salts to fight off odor-causing bacteria. It's designed to be used straight out of the shower, when your skin is at its cleanest, so it can create a barrier that minimizes the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The clear formula won't stain or leave those white marks on your clothes, and it's great for sensitive skin types.
17. A Rapid Moisture Lip Balm That Doubles As A Lipstick Primer
DHC Lip Cream, $15 (2 Pack), Amazon
Vitamin E and aloe are the two key players in this ultra-hydrating lip balm that provides long-lasting moisture while neutralizing free radicals. Reviewers with chronically dry lips rave how this formula has been a game-changer for treating chapped areas. It also serves as an excellent primer for lipstick to prevent feathering and flaking. Its formula also includes beeswax and ginseng root.
18. These Single Dose Packets Of Japanese Cleansing Powder
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder, $24 (32 Packets), Amazon
This Japanese cult favorite is a water-activated enzyme powder cleanser and exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, shrinks the appearance of pores, and removes excess sebum and dead skin cells without stripping the skin. The box contains 32 individual treatments, so it’s great for travel or trips to the gym. To use, simply wet your skin, pour the powder into your (wet) hands, and gently work the product in a circular motion and rinse.
19. A Cleansing Foam Made With Rare Volcanic Scoria
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, $9, Amazon
This deep pore-cleansing foam is comprised of rare Jeju volcanic scoria — an alkaline substance with a pH level similar to the human body — that absorbs excess oil and purifies clogged pores. It absorbs those oils better than red clay or mud, and reviewers love how it deep cleans and treats breakouts without overly drying the skin. One writes: "My skin is clean, less oily and i RARELY break out!!! What!? Me really? Omg I'm so happy! This product deep cleans and does not dry! Thank you!"
20. Relaxing Bath Powders Inspired By Japanese Hot Springs
Yumeguri Japanese Hot Spring Bath Powders, $13 (18 Pack), Amazon
These bath powders pay homage to the tradition of Japanese open-air hot springs — specifically four actual locations in Japan that do so. With the idea of enjoying hot springs outside surrounded by nature, each powder (just drop one packet into the bath) features a different color and fragrance ranging from flowers in full bloom to deep green trees that induce deep breathing and relaxation. They also make your skin feel extra-soft.
21. A Makeup Primer That Controls Oil & Evens Out The Complexion
DHC Velvet Skin Coat, $21, Amazon
Dimethicone and olive oil are the driving forces behind this gel-based makeup primer that instantly creates a flawless complexion. Not only does it minimize pores and imperfections, it also controls oil so that makeup lasts longer — and even if you opt not to wear any, you can still sport this primer on your face, hands, and neck for refined and glowing skin. And unlike traditional primers, you don't need to wait for this one to dry or sink in before you start to apply your makeup.
22. A Chinese-Inspired Cupping Kit That Improves Skin Tone
Lure Essentials Glam Facial Cupping Kit, $30, Amazon
Though designed in the USA, Lure prides itself on producing authentic, quality cups that are used in the practice of ancient Chinese cupping. While some might head to a wellness practitioner to impart a glowing complexion, you can do it at home on the cheap with a one-time cost. The kit includes two face cups (face, lips, neck, décolletage), two eye cups, an exfoliating brush, and all training support in the form of videos and a book (certainly read that before attempting this!). Not only will your skin look healthy and revitalized, but the efficiency of your skin care products will improve, too. It also comes with a sponge to clean the sponges.
23. An Olive Oil Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid
ROHTO Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil, $13, Amazon
This Japanese cleansing oil is made with olive oil, jojoba seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, and cleanses skin while imparting a radiant glow to your complexion. Reviewers say this is a one-step wonder that can be applied to dry skin, rubbed gently over made-up lashes and skin, and then rinsed off with warm water. It's described as "super gentle" but highly effective in removing every bit of makeup.
24. A Japanese Essence-Infused Hair Mask Made With Royal Jelly
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask, $15, Amazon
This nourishing hair mask contains an impressive list of ingredients like royal jelly to work in tandem to hydrate and repair damaged tresses. The mask is designed to be used after a shampoo and conditioner. You can use it once or twice a week, and it only takes five minutes to start healing and hydrating hair. Reviewers say it's great for curls or hair that's been damaged by bleach.
25. A Water-Based Sunscreen That Won't Leave A White Cast
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+, $9, Amazon
This SPF 50+/PA++++ sunscreen has none of the annoying qualities we tend to associate with sun products. It has a light, watery texture that's quickly absorbed — and it won't leave any white cast behind or reflect in photos. This makes it a great option for any skin tone. Despite the light consistency, it provides a layer of hydration to the skin with hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract. And, it wears incredibly well under makeup.
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