The 17 best K-Beauty products available to the UK, according to a Korean beauty expert
While K-beauty has been popular in the United States for years the UK market has been a little slower, but it's now improving vastly in terms of total accessibility. Where I once had to ask my dad to bring back a list of specific skincare products from his yearly trek to Korea, now you can walk into dedicated K-Beauty stores such as PureSeoul in London, order from Amazon and other mainstream beauty retailers to get your hands on the creams, serums, and treatments Koreans are actually loving and using. Here, my edit of the must-have K-beauty products that are finally available, no flight or passport needed.If you are looking for a fragrance-free moisturiser that is gentle and deeply hydrates the skin, you need to try the Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream. What truly sets this triple lipid complex moisturiser apart are the ceramide capsules (a single tube has one million capsules). The technology allows for longer retention of ceramides in the skin barrier. It's the Korean number one bestseller at Olive Young, Korea's premier cosmetic store, and was awarded the prestigious Olive Young Award in 2024.
£25.99 at amazon.co.ukThis blurring face powder has been a cult classic in Korea for years. The special silicone mesh keeps the three-powder blend from making a mess in your bag and easily disperses the product. It's perfect for anyone constantly on the go who wants to keep oil at bay for good.
£13.49 at stylevana.comThe Torriden Dive-In serum delivers moisture without any stickiness, and it should be the first step in your skincare routine. The watery essence-serum is beloved by Korean K-beauty consumers, as it won the Olive Young Award back-to-back in 2022 and 2023.
£21.00 at amazon.co.ukThe number one sunscreen of the 2023 Olive Young Awards has landed at Boots. The hydrating formula leaves zero white cast and does not irritate the skin. The magic lies in birch sap from birch trees in Korea's Inje region, which is full of hydrating amino acids.
£21.00 at boots.comI will never not have this in my medicine cabinet. Known as the "flight attendant spray" for its use by Korean Air flight attendants and their famed skin despite dry cabin conditions, the d'Alba First Spray Serum is simply a treasure. The double-layer serum is formulated with tuber magnatum (white truffle) extract and avocado oil that, when shaken and sprayed, delivers the perfect mist of hydration.
£20.00 at amazon.co.ukThe mixture of soybean, hazelnut, olive, jojoba, tea tree, lavender, evening primrose, sunflower oil, and rice oils gently removes make-up, sunscreen, and blackheads from even the most sensitive skin. For three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023), it has reigned as Olive Young's number-one ranked product. To get a deeper clean, follow up with a foaming cleanser.
£18.00 at amazon.co.ukLooking for a cushion foundation that gives sheer coverage and an illuminating glow? Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion is the ultimate pick for a your-skin-but-better formula. However, I will say even though K-beauty has opened and marketed itself to a larger global audience, the shade range of the cushion foundations is extremely limiting despite its immaculate formulation.
£38.98 at amazon.co.ukThis is essentially at-home microneedling in a tube. Here's how it works: Smaller and thinner than the size of the average pore, Cica Reedletm creates pathways into the skin for quicker absorption and gentle exfoliation after massaging the serum into the skin. Ingredients such as Centella Asiatica extract, green propolis extract, and low-molecular hyaluronic acid are combined to soothe and pack the skin with nutrients.
£23.95 at The hydrating lip gloss worn by Blackpink Jennie. Need I say more?
£25.77 at yesstyle.comThis best-selling little jar truly gives life back to the skin. The propolis extract nourishes and gives an unbelievable glow from within. Other ingredients in this ampule, which is essentially a supercharged serum, include beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, and madecassoside to soothe the skin with hydration.
$21.02 at oliveyoung.comThis is my current sunscreen, and I love it. The combination of hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica Extract in this SPF50 soothes sensitive skin and delivers plump hydration while protecting it from harmful UV rays. It wears extremely well under make-up and leaves behind a glass-like glow—not a white cast. Nutrients from seven types of sprout extracts help revitalise the protected skin.
$20.25 at beautybay.comWith a honey-like consistency, this lip tint is almost a lipgloss hybrid. Colours range from bright berries to warm caramel tones, and it has even won a 2024 Olive Young Award. For those searching for a product similar to pigmented lip gloss with longer-lasting staying power, this is the one.
$7.14 at oliveyoung.comToner pads are the ultimate multi-use skincare product. My favourite way to use them is as a mini sheet mask, applied for ten minutes on any dry areas of my face. Wiping your face with the pads after washing is a great way to ensure no make-up or SPF is left behind. And for make-up prep, the pads can be a quick way to infuse the skin with hydration. These toning pads come in a few varieties, but I like the calming and dark spot-reducing Madecassoside Blemish Pads the best.
£18.41 at stylevana.comTorriden's biodegradable sheet mask is the love child of the brand's beloved Dive-In Serum. For days when you need extra hydration, the cellulose sheet keeps skin moist with three different sizes of hyaluronic acid. Other ingredients like D-panthenol and allantoin help soothe the skin.
$8.71 at oliveyoung.comBuilt for the Korean stubbornly straight lash, this mascara keeps a curl like an oath. Not only does it come in black, but also brown and a unique grey-brown for a softer finish. It's as smudge-proof as they come.
$10.75 at oliveyoung.comThe Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot gives the most bouncy wash of colour that makes skin glow. The dual-use product is made with cocoa butter and agave tequilana leaf extract to blur both enlarged pores and lip lines. The consistency is extremely unique, with an almost fluffy, jam-like texture that makes applying it all the more fun.
£14.89 at Everything from the Dr. G Red Blemish line is famed in South Korea for its soothing capabilities, but the cream is particularly beloved with two Olive Young Awards. The lightweight gel cream instantly calms down any redness and irritation using Centella Asiatica extract. It's especially great for those with sensitive skin.
£30.19 at stylevana.com
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Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Solo Traveler, and My 15 Essential Safety Devices Are on Sale at Amazon for the Fourth of July—From $8
As a food and travel writer, a certain level of risk is unavoidable when traveling alone and exploring unfamiliar spaces. I love my job so much, and it's always so exciting to meet new people and try new foods and flavors—but there's absolutely been a few not-so-great moments along the way. Like many of my travel writer friends, I've been pickpocketed in the past—I was lucky in that I didn't lose my passport or my phone in the process, but I have lots of friends who weren't as lucky. None of us wants to scale back on the travel we love, but we can make efforts to stay safer when we're out and about, whether as a solo female traveler or just in crowded tourist-heavy spots. We can take easy steps to protect ourselves, with personal safety devices and other items that will help avoid potential theft and risk. Thankfully, Amazon's July 4th sales make that a lot easier, as some of my very favorite go-to packables for anti-theft protection and personal safety are now on sale—some as much as 50 percent off. There are plenty of places that we need to protect our valuables—trains, planes, the gym, while at the pool or the beach—and this cute and portable lockbox is a great way to get the job done. It's light, compact, and easy to use: just set your own combination and go. Despite its portable size, it's still roomy enough to keep passports, credit cards, cash, phone, keys, and anything else you need safe. One five-star Amazon reviewer calls this lock box "a must-have for peace of mind." It even comes with a handy included cable loop so you can secure the box to a fixed object, like your bike, bed post at the hostel, beach chair, or just about anywhere else. We want our valuables to be safe and secure at all times, but we can't always keep them in our sight. This TSA-approved luggage lock with a flexible steel cable is ideal for airports and on public transportation; it can keep our luggage and anything else we need to keep secure, safe, and sealed. "Bought this to lock up my skis at the ski resort so I don't have to worry about them walking off," shares an Amazon five-star review. It's easy to use, too, since you just set the code and lock it, no key required. These zipper clips are great to keep purses or backpacks more securely closed when traveling. Clip one onto the existing zipper and it'll be a deterrent for pickpockets. "Purchased these for backpacks we'll be using in Europe. But not just Europe, anywhere we're in a crowd where there is the possibility of a pickpocket getting into our packs,' shares a five-star Amazon review. They're easy to use and come in a pack of six, so you can use them on all of your travel bags. Pickpockets are going to go for open-topped purses or backpacks first and foremost; they want the easy grab-and-run. This neck wallet will be much harder to get into without you noticing; plus, its durable water-resistant fabric and RFID-blocking properties will keep the contents safe, no matter where you are. Amazon shoppers love how secure and well-designed this neck wallet is, calling it 'great for travel' because of how much it can hold—phone, keys, credit cards, and a passport. As a solo female traveler, I'm always extra alert when staying at hotels or Airbnbs. My personal safety is always front of my mind, and I know sometimes people get the wrong key card or a door can swing open. This door stop alarm is so easy to carry and use; you don't have to be handy because there's no installation necessary. Just place the alarm behind any inner pull door and have added peace of mind when showering, changing, or going to bed for the night. "I appreciate the extra sense of security I feel when I travel alone. It's easy to use and the alarm is loud enough that it would most certainly get my attention," shares an Amazon reviewer. A crossbody is the perfect way to keep items secure and attached to you, while also in your line of sight and your hands free. This Skysper bag's main compartment is large enough for your phones and keys, while the RFID-blocking zippered pocket is a perfect spot for your passport, other IDs, and credit cards. There are absolute horror stories about vacation rental and Airbnb hosts leaving hidden cameras in even the most sensitive areas of their home in order to monitor their guests. This means you could possibly be a victim of listening devices or hidden cameras, even while in the bedroom or bathroom. Hidden camera detectors are surprisingly affordable and help keep you safe by scanning the area for any signals. "I actually used this at a hotel we stayed at. Busted!" says one Amazon five-star reviewer of this hidden camera detector. The Tracki GPS Tracker is a handy device when traveling as it's an app that works as a GPS tracker for cars, luggage, keys, and more—even children and pets, making it truly priceless when traveling or even right at home. Use it to keep an eye on your belongings, or keep it on your person and have a friend or family member know where you are when traveling solo. It's the best tracker on the market, says an Amazon five-star reviewer. "Not only is it incredibly reliable and easy to use, but it's also surprisingly affordable compared to other options on the market,' they write. 'I've been impressed with its accuracy and consistency—it gives me peace of mind knowing I can track what matters most without any hassle." Whether keeping our phone in a pocket or holding onto it, it can drop, get lost, or be grabbed—and travel is a nightmare without our phone at our fingertips, not to mention the safety or cost concerns. This phone anchor is super secure with a double-gated carabiner with a twist-to-lock center locking mechanism. This is a must for peace of mind when traveling, according to Amazon shoppers. "On a recent trip overseas, I had my phone in my hand most of the day, every day, in a city that has recently become notorious for phone snatchers,' writes one five-star reviewer. 'The design gives the flexibility to attach this to an item (bag, pants, etc) or loop around your wrist, but I ended up using it around my wrist most of the time.' Hackers pose a serious risk, and I live in constant fear of fraud and identity theft. Access to passports, other IDs, and credit cards makes theft that much easier, so a pouch that protects against those RFID readers scanning our chips is a huge help. These signal-blocking bags can protect bank cards, credit cards, and anything else that has our crucial private information from being tracked or hacked. Even more fun? Put your phone in the bag and it won't get a signal either…great for avoiding phone calls or texts when trying to get some shuteye on another time zone. "Worth every penny!" shares an Amazon shopper. A portable charger can literally be a lifesaver if we need to access maps to find our way home when lost or call an Uber to get us out of a dangerous situation. This Anker device charges quickly, is lightweight, and even comes with a built-in USB-C cable so you won't worry about forgetting yours in the hotel room. "This is a great piece of tech, compact in size, has just enough capacity for what can be needed in day-to-day life as a backup power device," says an Amazon shopper. RFID-blocking gets increasingly important as hackers continue to become more sophisticated; these secure sleeves couldn't be simpler to use. Protect bank cards, credit cards, ID, or passports from scanners that can hack and commit fraud and theft by sliding them into the sleeves. "I was a victim of someone scanning my credit cards while they were in my wallet, and I came across this product,' shares an Amazon shopper. 'It fits snugly in your wallet. It comes in various colors ,which can assist you in organizing your cards if you have multiple cards, like I do. The sleeves are very durable, weightless, so it doesn't make your wallet too bulky. Since I've purchased this, I have had no more problems with RFID scamming.' As a solo female traveler, there are a lot of dangerous situations we can find ourselves in. It's very easy for someone to slip something into our drink if it's unattended or uncovered. These reusable drink-cover scrunchies are an easy solution for peace of mind by covering cups to block someone from slipping nefarious drugs inside. As an added bonus, reviewers say they use them while at the beach or camping to keep sand and bugs out of drinks, too. There are many reasons to consider packing a mini flashlight when traveling. They offer a light source in emergencies or blackouts, or simply a dark room where a light isn't accessible. If you are lost or injured and trying to find your way back, it can be a lifesaver—and, if you are simply trying to read instructions, a label, or even relaxing with a book in a dark room, that light can be helpful then too. "Perfect for travel. Lightweight, small, and easy to fit in a carry-on. Love the glow in the dark feature; makes them easy to locate in the dark, yet it is not obnoxious," says one Amazon shopper. Pickpockets know to look for purses and backpacks, but hidden pockets are a great line of defense. This cute fleece vest is great for layering and feeling comfortable and casual while exploring, but it also boasts six pockets, both internal and external, and some zippered and hidden, ideal for keeping valuables and personal items secure. "This is a necessary part of my travel apparel when I fly. I fill the pockets with my passport, boarding passes, phone, ear buds, reading glasses, etc. It looks nice with black stretchy pants and a white blouse, plus it keeps me warm in a chilly airplane," says one five-star Amazon reviewer. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
CNET
14 hours ago
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Favorite Travel Backpack Is 25% Off With This Last-Chance July 4th Deal
As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This $30 Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. And it's available now with a 25% discount at Amazon. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $30 in most colors. (The dark gray version is available for a dollar more, at $31, which is still a great deal.) If you have travel plans coming up this spring or summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a super low price, too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind Here are the current discounts for each color: Light gray: $30 (was $40) - $25% off Black: $30 (was $40) - 25% off Dark gray: $31 (full price) Blue: $30 (was $36) - 17% off When only a backpack will do It's available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10 kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed, but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $31, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? We don't know how long this deal will last, but we often see at least one color of this backpack on sale on Amazon. Still, we always recommend placing your order sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get this price.
USA Today
20 hours ago
- USA Today
We found a best-selling Samsonite suitcase for 50% off at Amazon
Satisfy your wanderlust with a well-packed bag on sale at Amazon. I used to think that high prices were synonymous with high-quality luggage. I thought that in order to get a suitcase that met all of my particular requirements, I'd have to spend a lot more money. Amazon has proven to be the exception to that mindset. The online retailer is, in many ways, a one-stop shop for finding great deals on some of the internet's most coveted luggage brands. Amazon even offers some of the most premium names like Delsey and Travelpro, that can sometimes be a bit of a splurge. Now, just in time for Prime Day 2025, Amazon is offering even bigger travel deals on its top-sellers, including 50% off a three-piece set of softside Samsonite luggage. Prefer a hardside suitcase? Amazon also has 50% off a single hardside Samsonite carry-on suitcase. Whether you're gearing up for a summer getaway or just itching to take advantage of these rare travel deals, you can shop the best luggage on sale ahead of Prime Day 2025 below: Amazon Prime Day: Luggage deals Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Medium Checked Hardside Luggage with 360° Spinner Wheels This top-selling hardshell carry-on suitcase is on sale for just $10, exclusively for Prime members. Save 50% at Amazon Save 50% on even more luggage: Samsonite Saire LTE Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 3-Piece Set Coolife Suitcase Set Travel in style with this matching luggage set that'll keep you feeling put-together and chic no matter where you go. Save 15% at Amazon Travelers Club Cosmo Hardside Spinner Luggage This best-selling Amazon suitcase is fitted with 360-degree spinner wheels which enable easier movement. Save 31% at Amazon SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage Are you a notorious over-packer? If you need luggage with a little extra space, consider investing in this expandable luggage set from Amazon. Save 43% at Amazon More: Stay cool this summer with early Prime Day deals on portable fans Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage All of my luggage is Delsey, so I can attest to the suitcase brand's great quality. This carry-on, in particular, is made from a hard shell material that's built to last. Save 32% at Amazon Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Rolling Under-Seat Compact Carry-On Travelpro is one of the most loved luggage brands and this softside might not look super glamorous, but it packs the efficiency you deserve. Save 32% at Amazon More: 10 most popular Amazon deals to shop this 4th of July weekend 🇺🇸 Etronik Gym Bag Designed to fit under airplane seats or in overhead airplane bins, this best-selling travel bag boasts plenty of packing space despite its compact design. Save 30% at Amazon 🏖️ Military travel discounts: Vacation cheaper with discounts on hotels, cruises and more Lovevook 40L Travel Backpack This genius travel backpack is fitted with a side pocket and buckle that's big enough to fit your Stanley tumbler. Save 11% at Amazon Topbag Travel Duffle Bag Tackle any weekend getaway with ease thanks to this lightweight yet durable duffle bag—one of many travel bag deals at Amazon. Save 20% at Amazon More: Skip the airport! RVshare is the budget-friendly travel hack you need Amazon Prime Day 2025 begins on Tuesday, July 8 and will end on Friday, July 11. USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the savings throughout Prime Day 2025, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated! In order to access most deals, you'll want to be an Amazon Prime member. The July Prime Day sale has tons of special Prime-exclusive discounts on select products that can help members save more than anyone else. Plus, joining Prime helps guarantee you get other perks like fast shipping all year long, access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and more. Join Amazon Prime
