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Best Koren Skincare of 2016

Although the magic of Korean skincare is old news, there is a constant stream of new products emerging on the scene making our skin better than ever. In 2016 alone, nearly 38% of women reported incorporating a Korean skincare product into their routine, and a staggering 53% reported switching from an established luxury skincare product to a Korean one. With the high quality science, technical perfection, and shelf-friendly packaging, it's easy to understand why Korean skincare is so influential.

But if you aren't well versed in the various brands, types of products, and ingredients, where do you start? With our Best of 2016 Korean Skincare Products list, of course. Tried and tested, these heroes will handle everything from acne to dry skin. including BB creams, sleeping masks, and water mists. Why not make a New Year's Resolution to whip your skin into shape and snag a few of these gems for yourself?

1. SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Loaded with honey, royal, jelly, propolis, niacinamide, green tea and aloe, this luxurious cream is perfect for softening skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It can replace toner and moisturizer, depending on your skin's needs, and is designed to hydrate deeply without causing breakouts. The formula is so nourishing that only a pea sized amount is needed for your face, but we love slathering a little extra on our elbows and heels when dry skin attacks. This is perfect for seasonal dryness, including eczema, as it heals and soothes without sloughing, unlike many other ampoules.

2. LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

It's no secret that tea tree oil is a magical ingredient for acne and redness prone skin, but this beautiful essence ramps up the essential effectiveness of the oil to an outstanding degree. It's naturally moisturizing and brightening, without stripping skin of it's oils. For those of you with oily skin, this might just be a new holy grail product. The clear gel is quickly absorbed and scentless, which makes it a perfect choice for sensitive users, and one bottle lasts 3-4 months with daily use. It includes a dropper, which perfectly portions applications while keeping the product sanitary. Not only is it great for all over care, but it's perfect for spot treating any nasty blemishes that pop up.

3. Baviphat Strawberry Toxifying Mask

Not only does this powerful product come in an adorable fruity container, but it smells like strawberry yogurt and will brighten and soften skin. In spite of the name (sometimes things are lost in translation), this mask doesn't toxify, but instead helps purge deep sebum and oils from your complexion. It contains a plethora of fruit acids with ample vitamin C, perfect for sloughing dead skin cells and tightening pores. With it's powerful antioxidants, it's a great mask for us gals in our late 20s to early 30s to prevent signs of early aging. Thanks to the clay base of the mask, it's great for oily or combination skin, or perfect for those with oily t-zones as a multi-masking tool.

4. MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream

Loaded with gatuline RC, hyaluronic acids, and ceramide, this BB cream is more than just a foundation. The powerful ingredients work together to moisturize your skin while improving elasticity, all while evening out skin tone. As an added benefit, the rosemary and chamomile extracts soothe your skin, reducing redness and improving evenness. MISHA is known for creating fantastic products for sensitive skin, and this BB cream is no exception. It's intensely hydrating with 30 SPF, ensuring you won't have to add another step to your skincare routine. While this cream looks great by itself, it's also an awesome base for loose powder for a matte look.

5. Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

A soothing, hydrating mist featuring prized Hinoki Water (chamaecyparis obtusa water), which controls nasty excess sebum and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. It contains salicylic acid, a clinically proven anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, to heal and protect your precious complexion. Haven't used a mist before? Think of it as a quick stress-reliever for irritating skin issues, a way to refresh your make-up midday, or a soothing base before applying make-up. Throw in your purse for travel, which can dry and irritate skin, or keep in your gym bag for a post-workout refresh.

6. Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask

Night masks were all the rage this year, and it's easy to understand why. Who doesn't want a fast-acting product that we can literally slather on our faces and forget until morning? This Nourishing Rice mask is the ultimate product for maximizing your beauty sleep. Loaded with rice extract, sunflower oil, and palm oil, this restores and refreshes skin overnight, leaving your complexion glowing and radiant. With it's light scent and creamy texture, this mask is a must-have for revitalizing your face.

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