If you’re buying a gift for your cosmetically-inclined pals this year, chances are you’ve already thought about makeup and skincare sets. No doubt you’ve looked at bath bombs, bath salts, hand and body lotions, and felt a little uninspired…
But if you’re bored of giving and receiving the same old beauty products, then we have just the thing – K-Beauty products.
If you aren’t well versed in K-Beauty, first of all; where have you been for the last year? Korean beauty products are everywhere and we love it! That said, there isn’t actually an overarching definition of this branch of cosmetics; as Vogue points out, “like most cultural phenomena, K-beauty is ever-changing — what was big last year may not be as popular this year.’’
That said, we’re particularly fond of SKINFOOD, one of the first cosmetic brands to root itself in food, and dates all the way back to 1957. Their philosophy is simple, encouraging us to “believe that nutritive food results in nutritive beauty for healthy, beautiful skin”.
And we do, indeed, believe. Here are 8 gift-worthy SKINFOOD products for your loved ones.
BLACK SUGAR MASK WASH OFF
Black sugar is a natural hero ingredient in Korean skincare, with its fine granules effectively penetrating and cleansing the pores while simultaneously brightening and nourishing the skin, meaning it’s an excellent exfoliator – even for sensitive skin. This is because it is gentle and doesn’t mess with the skin’s oil-water balance.
This black sugar, leave on mask by SKINFOOD is a luxurious wash-off mask that nourishes and exfoliates at the same time. The mask exfoliates clogged pores and removes dead skin cells, and is formulated with black sugar, macadamia seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter to nourish, moisturise and improve skin complexion.
AVOCADO & OIL LIP BALM
A lip balm is something most of us use; as such, it makes the ideal gift. You can, however, give your friend something truly unique and far removed from your ordinary chapstick; check this avocado lip balm that comes in a cute tin container and contains a powerful lip balm infused with avocado oil and virgin olive oil. It’s all natural and all fantastic!
The healthy fats and vitamins found in avocados have been said to prevent skin damage and skin aging, and have the power to moisturise and soothe troubled skin. It can also aid in severe skin conditions like eczema.
AQUA GRAPE BOUNCE ESSENCE LOTION
If you’ve ever had a Christmas present from your aunt, then you won’t be surprised to hear that lotions are the top-gifted beauty product every year. Hell, you’ve probably given one before. Unfortunately, most of those heavily scented body gift sets end up going to waste, cluttering people’s bathroom cabinets until they’re binned in a clearout. Enter the Aqua Grape Bounce Essence Lotion.
A lotion you’ll actually want to use, time and time again, this gorgeous concoction comes filled with an anti-wrinkling formula made with marine ingredients. It has also passed the European Commision’s skin irritation test, and who can say fairer than that?
Aqua grape extract is a marine ingredient that can significantly strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier to keep the skin soft and bouncy. Aqua grapes, also called green caviar, are natural humectants that can draw moisture from outside into the skin, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised while helping it be healthier and brighter, too. It is also rich in amino acids that can even out the skin tone and boost skin elasticity.
EGG WHITE PORE CLEANSING OIL
Egg whites have long been used for DIY facemasks, but you rarely see a beauty product on UK shelves which contain them. That might all change with SKINFOOD’s egg white pore cleansing oil.
Egg whites are rich in protein and other vitamins that can benefit our skin, and are known for their tightening effect, which can make your pores look less visible.
This cleanser is not something you often see at your local store. First, don’t be alarmed with the egg white element infused in this product. However, it is generally better to use a product that beauty companies professionally formulate. This gentle cleansing oil is a perfect gift for a loved one who wants to diminish their visible pores.
SHEA BUTTER PERFUMED HAND CREAM
Many people are suckers for hand creams, and lately, with all the hand washing we’ve been doing, our hands have been feeling rougher than ever. If your loved one uses hand creams, we recommend you this food-inspired cream powered by shea butter. You can choose from 10 flavours, or buy them all at once since this product is affordable, even for those on a tight budget.
Shea butter has always been a holy grail product but did you know it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? It also contains Vitamin A & E to provide skin protection. Hands up who wants some?
GOLD CAVIAR EX EMULSION
Gold and caviar in a beauty product? Yep, you can certainly make your loved ones feel fancy by gifting this emulsion enriched with gold extracts and caviar concentrate. The product contains omega-3 and omega-6, both of which help maintain the skin’s moisture levels while restoring the skin’s elasticity, too.
Caviar is not a common ingredient in beauty products, we accept, but it has actually been used in cosmetics for decades now. Surprisingly, this one is packed with different nutrients that are good for our skin, with the combination of gold and caviar extract making a powerful emulsion and working together to provide intense moisture to the skin while keeping it supple at the same time.
ROYAL HONEY MOISTURE TONER
Toners play a vital role in even the most simple of skincare routines, and are ideal after cleansing to remove any impurities left behind. This toner contains 3,600mg royal jelly extract, 900mg honey extract, and trehalose to strengthen and moisturise the skin. The best bit? It’s surprisingly affordable compared to other high-end toners that deliver the same benefits.
Royal jelly is a popular ingredient Korean beauty companies use, favoured for its apparent antibacterial and anti-aging properties. Many believe that this ingredient enhances collagen production to prevent our skin from sagging and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
BEAUTY IN A FOOD MASK SHEET
Sheet masks are the most affordable gift on our list, and also a hugely popular one to receive! SKINFOOD’s sheet masks are available in 23 flavours, including aloe, blueberry, coconut, caviar, ginseng, kale, and Jeju tangerine, all of which come with different benefits for the skin.
Sounds delicious! So, why not feed yours today?