The Best Korean Foundation – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Achieving a flawless skin that is free from skin blemishes can be a challenge.

We were looking for something that can make the skin healthy not only in the short-term.

Most of the Korean cosmetics boasts of formulations, which include excellent replenishing properties.

In our research, we have compiled the top five of the best Korean foundations, and were delighted to discover their efficiency.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for the Best Korean Foundations

The M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Golden Beige by MISSHA is our top choice. We like that it contains ingredients that could conceal blemishes while hydrating the skin. We also love the inclusion of plant extracts and natural oils that work for providing us with a healthy complexion.

Our next product on this roundup is the M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Natural Beige by MISSHA. This product together with our top choice contain ingredients which are certified by the Korean Food and Drug Administration. We also enjoy how it can help to brighten hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or acne scars.

Third on our list is the Pore Clearing Petit BB Cream by Holika Holika. It is rich in skin conditioning agents that help to prevent oil and sweat residues on the skin. Furthermore, we highly approve the sunscreen ingredients that could protect the skin from sun damage.

The Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream VIP Gold is our fourth choice for this roundup. It boasts of antioxidant compounds such as the Caviar Extract which can prevent the deterioration of elastin. Moreover, we enjoy that it can help to lessen the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Last but not the least is the M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Honey Beige by MISSHA. We were impressed with the inclusion of algae extract, which is also known as seaweed. It can help to hydrate, condition and detoxify the skin.

What is the Best use of Foundation?

Makeup such as foundation could enhance your appearance. It is an essential part of women’s beauty routine throughout the world.

And indeed, it would be difficult to imagine us going to work without wearing a suitable one.

However, some of the products that are available in the market may help to conceal blemishes but damage the skin in the long run.

That’s why we were eager to test another type of cosmetic that could make us look good not only in the short-term.

We were pleasantly surprised to experience the benefits of some of the best Korean foundations.

Their primary use is to hide skin imperfections such as acne, redness, and pigmentation. 

They can also contribute to an even skin tone by blending well onto the skin. But most importantly, most of these foundations do not only serve for cover-ups.

 We found out that they are abundant in moisturizing ingredients. Upon testing them, we noticed that they could hydrate the skin leaving it soft and radiant.

What caught our attention is how they can help to make the skin healthy. Some of these foundations contain sunscreen ingredients as well.

They aim to shelter us from the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

Moreover, they could also act as a physical barrier against pollutants in the environment.

With consistent use, they can address the reduction of acne outbursts or other reactions, connected with irritation.

We also noticed the presence of ingredients that have anti-aging properties. These could lessen wrinkles and fine lines and to make the skin look young and vibrant.

Years ago, foundations usually came in one traditional form. Nowadays we can choose from a wide variety.

There are liquid (cream) foundations, tinted moisturizers, oil-based foundation makeup, as well as sheer foundations.

There are also matte or oil-free foundations, mousse or whipped foundations, stick foundations, and powder or compact foundations.

Of course, we cannot skip mentioning the mineral foundations, shimmer foundations, waterproof foundations, and foundation primers.

How to Choose the Best Korean Foundation?

Products such as the BB creams, CC creams or concealers could cover up your skin flaws in different ways.

Most of them are found to be efficient in hiding blemishes and target on making the skin healthy.

On the other hand, which of these products would be best for you? There are five factors that you need to know when choosing the most suitable one.

The first thing you need to consider is the amount of coverage that a certain product can provide.

That’s because you have to know how efficient it could cover up the blemishes and discoloration.

You must also be aware that some Korean foundations have less coverage and more of a dewy finish.

Secondly, it is advisable that the foundation could protect your skin from sun damage.

The good thing is that most of the Korean formulations boast of physical sunscreens such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.

That lessens the chances of irritation or inflammation since these compounds are derived from natural minerals.

Thirdly, you should look for the full list of ingredients. These usually include moisturizing or conditioning agents that can make the skin smooth and radiant.

Some foundations also act as a moisturizer. Thus, the skin can be soft and appear flawlessly dollish.

Meanwhile, the skin conditioning agents could thwart oil and sweat off the skin.

Next, is the color. It is often the case that some Korean cosmetics come in very light colors.

So if you have a dark complexion, you should check for a product that carries many shades.

It is appropriate to select a foundation that will blend well with the color of your skin tone.

Lastly, is the dispenser. We noticed that most of the Korean products are in the form of squeeze tubes, sticks, and pumps.

It is important that the dispenser is free from contamination to avoid any irritation from occurring.

Product Reviews: Our Top Five Choices for the Best Korean Foundation

#1 – M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Golden Beige by MISSHA

Ranked first on our list is the M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Golden Beige by MISSHA.

It has Titanium Dioxide which is known to reflect the UV light before it can damage the skin.

This compound is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as one of the approved sunscreen ingredients.

Upon testing this product, we love that it can act as a concealer and a foundation. It also moisturizes the skin through its natural compounds.

We also highly approved the combination of Rosemary Leaf Extract and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, among others.

The Cyclomethicone is a substance that is transparent, odorless and alcohol-free. It could make the skin smoother.

It is an excellent lubricant and could remedy dryness and irritation. It became our favorite product because we love its multi-functionality.

While testing it out, it didn’t melt away throughout the day. Anyway, if you have oily or combination skin, you may need to apply some powder.

That’s because it provides more of a dewy finish if you wear it alone.

Another product of MISSHA, yet with a different shade, which we selected for our roundup, is the M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Natural Beige.

We love the combination of Rosemary Leaf Extract and Chamomile Flower Extract. Both of them are known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

They can help to reduce the swelling and the puffiness of the skin. The rosemary oil could also aid in lightening the dark spots.

Meanwhile, the Chamomile Flower Extract is considered to be antibacterial and antiseptic. It can help in reducing irritation by counteracting the free radicals.

What we like about this cream foundation is that it is lightweight and not greasy. Upon testing it, we enjoyed that it left no streaks on the skin as it was easy to apply.

However, it did not seem to last us throughout the whole day, and we had to do some minor touches.

Another thing that might be bothering to some is the baby powder smell. Anyway, it does not linger, so we did not mind it.

The next product on this roundup is the Pore Clearing Petit BB cream by Holika Holika.

We like that it can help to even out the skin tone and lessen the redness. What’s more, it could also reduce acne and does not clog pores.

Methicone is a silicone based polymer that is used to produce a barrier for makeup to stick well. It can help to prevent sweat and oil from wearing off your makeup.

Moreover, Methicone is a skin conditioning agent. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and Titanium Dioxide reflect and scatter ultraviolet rays.

We also enjoy how this foundation helps to create a natural look. Meanwhile, it could also tone down the redness and blend well with skin.

All we needed was a little time to get used to applying it correctly. At first, it might tend to look pale but it oxidizes, and the color gradually changes to melt into the skin tone.

In case you have oily or combination skin, this could become a suitable match for you, as it can last about six hours without looking greasy.

Our fourth choice for the best Korean foundation is the Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream VIP Gold.   

After testing it out, we concluded that it could hide imperfections well.

It also protects from the damaging ultraviolet rays with natural ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Caviar Extract has antioxidant properties that serve to prevent collagen and elastin breakdown.

It can target the visible signs of aging. Moreover, it boasts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

These can hydrate and nourish the skin, contributing to a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Cyclopentasiloxane, which is a silicone, acts as a mild water repellent by creating a protective barrier on the skin.

It could fill in fine line and wrinkles and prolong the lasting effect of the foundation.Niacinamide can aid in the lightening of some dark spots or fading of old acne scars.

It functions much like an exfoliator that gently removes the dead skin cells to reveal a new layer.

We recommend this product for people who have medium to dark complexion, as it may not compliment pale skin in the best way.

Finally, we have the M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Honey Beige by MISSHA.

Upon trying it out, we like that it can help to conceal blemishes well. We also noticed that it blends nicely.

It contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which comes from the combination of coconut oil and glycerin. It is in the form of oily liquid.

This component serves as an emollient that penetrates the surface to condition the skin quickly.

It can improve the delivery of pigments, vitamins, and other ingredients. Another possible benefit is the ease of application it can provide.

As people grow, the elastin fibers of the skin begin to deteriorate. That causes expression marks, wrinkles, sagging, “laugh” lines and rippled skin.

Algae extract is added to the solution of this foundation to prevent the signs of aging. It is also known as “seaweed.”

Among its active properties are hydration, conditioning, and detoxication of the skin.

It is rich in Alguronic Acid, which is a compound that augments the cell regeneration and the synthesis of elastin.

The Bottom Line

The M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 Golden Beige by MISSHA is our top choice in our list of the best Korean foundations.

We like it for its efficiency to hide skin blemishes and moisturize the skin. Next, we love that it contains both nourishing and sunscreen ingredients.

The inclusion of Triglycerides, Glycerin, and Jojoba Seed Oil can help to hydrate and soften the skin without making it look oily.

Its formulation boasts of natural flower extracts that serve to deliver essential minerals and vitamins.

Nonetheless, we do like all the products that made it to our list.

After careful assessment, they have become a part of our compilation due to their revitalizing properties.

They infuse active ingredients that could make the skin healthy while covering imperfections and balancing the skin tone.

We were impressed with the approach of Korean cosmetics. These products possess a multi-tasking attitude and aim on delivering positive results in the long run.