CYoung's Must-Have K-Beauty: The ONLY Products Worth Buying

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Hey, my beautiful people! CYoung here, back with another brutally honest K-beauty review. You guys loved my last Olive Young bestsellers video, so I rushed back to give you Part 2 – and trust me, this one's packed with even more gems (and some duds you should definitely skip).

I've been testing a ton of products, putting my skin on the line so you don't have to. My goal? To help you save your hard-earned money and find what actually works, especially if you have mature, dry, or sensitive skin like mine. Forget the TikTok hype; we're talking real results here.

Full disclosure: beplain reached out to me because I've been raving about their cleanser for ages. Yes, this video is partly sponsored by them, but my reviews are always 100% my own. I bought and tested their products with my own money before they even contacted me, so you know I'm keeping it real. I'm your angel, remember? 😉

Let's dive in!

Cleansing FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Before we get into the product reviews, let's tackle some common cleansing questions I get, especially on days with more sunscreen on our faces.

Do I have to double cleanse every day, especially with sunscreen or full makeup?

Nope! This "double cleansing is a must" trend was popular in Korea about 10 years ago, back when cleansing oils weren't as good. I haven't double cleansed in a decade. If your skin barrier is weak or your skin isn't in great condition, double cleansing every single day can strip too much oil, leading to premature aging and skin damage.

Can I just rinse with water in the morning?

Absolutely! If you have dry, mature skin like me, you don't produce much oil overnight. So, there's no need for a cleanser in the morning. Just a quick water rinse is perfectly fine. Oily skin types, however, might still benefit from a gentle morning cleanse.

Should I switch my cleanser in the summer?

Yes, if you can, it's a great idea! Even with my dry, mature skin, I become more normal-to-combo in the summer, especially in the T-zone. If you usually use a low-pH, acidic cleanser (which is milder and closer to your skin's natural pH), you might find it's not cleansing enough in the summer. You can switch to a low-alkaline cleanser for your evening routine when you have more oil and sebum. For the morning, when you still have some oil but don't need a strong cleanse, stick to a milder option.

Is cleansing foam or gel enough to remove sunscreen?

This is a big one, and I know you want to hear "yes," but the answer is a firm no. Sunscreen is oil-based. Think about it: when you apply multiple layers, your face looks greasy because it's oil. And oil needs oil to be properly removed. Cleansing foams and gels are water-based. If you're applying sunscreen multiple times, especially outdoors in the summer, dermatologists highly recommend using an oil-based cleanser – a cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or cleansing lotion.

The Cleansers That Changed My Routine

✔️ beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm

The hype: A gentle, effective oil-based cleanser for all skin types.
The reality: It's a game-changer, especially for sensitive skin.

I used to be a cleansing oil loyalist, but after trying the beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm, I've been using it every single day. This is a must-try, especially if you have sensitive, oily, or combo skin and usually shy away from cleansing oils because they feel "too oily."

Why it's a winner:

Removes everything: Even heavy makeup, brow mascara, and waterproof eyeliner. One of my co-makeup artists, who wears thick makeup, was shocked at how well it removed her brow mascara that even eye makeup removers struggled with.
No eye stinging or fogging: Unlike some cleansing oils, this won't make your eyes foggy or sting.
Smart packaging: Forget those annoying twist-off lids and lost spatulas. beplain has a flip-top lid with the spatula neatly tucked inside. Simple, but so smart!
Luxurious texture: It's super soft, a little thick, and feels like a cleansing lotion. When you emulsify it with water, it literally turns into a milky lotion. It feels like spreading whipped cream on your face – it makes cleansing fun, not a chore!
Gentle yet powerful: It cleanses thoroughly without stripping your skin. My face feels clean, soft, and hydrated, never dry or tight.
No scent: Perfect for sensitive skin.
Works for all skin types: Even if you just have sunscreen on, this is my go-to.

Verdict: A holy grail product. If you only buy one thing from this list, make it the beplain Milk Balm.

✔️ beplain Mung Bean Foam Cleanser

The hype: A gentle, low-pH foam cleanser that's constantly sold out in Korea.
The reality: It lives up to the hype – mild, effective, and loved by many.

This is beplain's signature product and for good reason. It's a low-pH cleanser, making it incredibly gentle and perfect for sensitive, dry, or mature skin. It contains a little mung bean extract, but it's not aggressive at all.

Why it's a winner:

Mild but effective: It doesn't leave that slippery residue or lack cleansing power that some gentle cleansers do.
Loved by all: Even oily and combo skin types rave about it.
Versatile: Great as a morning cleanser or as the second step in your double cleansing routine (if you choose to double cleanse).

Verdict: A solid, reliable foam cleanser that won't disappoint.

Serums: Hits & Misses

✔️ BRINGGREEN Zinc Teca Trouble Serum

The hype: A popular tea tree serum from Olive Young's in-house brand.
The reality: It's a powerful spot treatment for impending breakouts.

BRINGGREEN isn't as viral as some other brands, so when I saw 22,000 reviews for this serum, I paid attention. It has a strong tea tree scent, which might not be for everyone, but it works.

My honest take: I had a red bump pop up after a greasy meal, so I applied this trouble relief serum before bed. Boom, gone the next morning! If you feel a breakout coming, put this on. It calms things down quickly. For oily/combo skin types prone to breakouts, this is a lifesaver. If you're worried about committing to a big bottle, try their sheet mask version first.

Verdict: A definite buy for targeted breakout relief.

❌ MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum

The hype: A popular blemish repair serum, often on buy-one-get-one promotions.
The reality: Overhyped and underperforming.

MEDIHEAL often runs buy-one-get-one promotions, but the bottles are tiny, so you're not getting as much as you think. Many people in Korea are frustrated with this serum because they don't see their blemishes improving.

My honest take: This serum contains only 2% Niacinamide, while many effective products have 5% or more. The Cica and other ingredients just aren't potent enough. The texture is a bit thicker than the BRINGGREEN serum, which is good for hydration, but I rarely hear anyone say it actually improved their blemishes.

Verdict: Skip it. There are better options out there.

❌ SUNGBOON EDITOR Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule

The hype: Aggressively marketed as a pore-lifting solution.
The reality: Doesn't deliver on its pore-minimizing claims.

I've seen this brand push a lot of viral marketing, often selling buy-one-get-two deals. That's usually a red flag for me.

My honest take: Pores are a "guts area" – meaning it's really hard to see a significant difference from topical products. This ampoule feels like water on the skin, and I saw no difference in my pores. For dry, mature skin, why would you even use this? It offers no real benefits.

Verdict: Save your money, please.

Moisturizers & Creams: Finding Your Perfect Match

✔️ AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream

The hype: A rich, barrier-repairing cream for dry, sensitive skin.
The reality: A fantastic option for those who need serious hydration.

You might not see this cream topping summer rankings because it's specifically for dry, sensitive skin. It contains capsules that melt into your skin as you rub it in.

My honest take: If you feel constantly dry and find that gel moisturizers or other affordable products aren't cutting it, try this. It's especially great for Caucasians with thinner skin, as gel types can feel too light, evaporate quickly, and emphasize wrinkles. This cream is much thicker and provides lasting hydration. If it feels too heavy for summer, they also have a lotion in the same line that's a bit more watery.

Verdict: A solid choice for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.

⚠️ ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

The hype: A popular light gel moisturizer.
The reality: Good for basic hydration, but better options exist now.

My subscribers often ask about this one. It used to come in a tube, but I believe it's now in a jar. If it's the blue one, it's the same product. I gave my last one to my husband.

My honest take: This is a light gel type, only suitable for oily/combo skin or for basic water-based hydration. That's it. The market has evolved, and there are now much better products available that offer more benefits than just simple hydration.

Verdict: Okay, but there are superior alternatives.

✔️ Make p:rem Inteca Soothing Cream

The hype: A soothing gel cream for redness.
The reality: A great alternative for oily/combo skin seeking more than just hydration.

If you're an oily/combo skin type looking for something better than the ROUND LAB cream, this is what I recommend.

My honest take: It's a gel cream with a good middle texture – not super watery, but not too heavy. It contains "Inteca" ingredients, which are supposed to calm redness. While I didn't personally see a dramatic effect on my redness, I've seen so many positive reviews about its soothing properties.

Verdict: Worth trying for oily/combo skin, especially if you experience redness.

Sun Protection: Sticks for Every Skin Type

Sun sticks are incredibly popular for reapplication, and I see a lot of people using them more than I thought!

✔️ AHC Masters Air Rich Sun Stick

The hype: Korea's #1 sun stick, known for easy reapplication.
The reality: A reliable, non-greasy option for most.

AHC is absolutely number one here in Korea, though it doesn't always get the same global recognition. It's great for reapplying throughout the day, especially on your body, and dermatologists recommend reapplying every 4 hours when outdoors.

My honest take: This sun stick is fantastic. It's long and quick to apply, making it super handy. It leaves a slight oily residue, but it's perfectly acceptable. Compared to some other options, it's not stiff and doesn't cause irritation.

Verdict: A top-tier sun stick, especially for reapplication.

❌ Singmulnara Oxygen Water Face & Body Sun Stick

The hype: A face and body sun stick, often on buy-one-get-one deals.
The reality: Can be irritating and stiff.

This one often comes with aggressive buy-one-get-one promotions.

My honest take: For dry, mature skin, this sun stick feels a bit like rubbing a bar of soap on your face. It's too stiff. I've seen many reviews complaining about eye stinging, and when I rubbed it on my face, it actually turned red. That's a clear sign it's not a good sun stick.

Verdict: Skip it. Not worth the irritation.

✔️ Abib Quick Sun Stick Protection Bar

The hype: A viral sun stick known for its curved design.
The reality: A great option, especially for dry/mature skin, but can be too oily for some.

This sun stick isn't as popular in Korea, but it's gone viral globally. Abib did a great job with the curved design, which makes it easy to apply.

My honest take: This stick is very soft and glides on smoothly. It's more oily than the AHC stick, which is a huge plus for dry, mature skin types like mine – you'll love it! However, if you have oily or combo skin, you might find this too greasy.

Verdict: Excellent for dry/mature skin; oily skin types might prefer AHC.

Makeup Must-Haves: Mascaras & Lip Balms

✔️ ETUDE Curl Fix Mascara & ✔️ CLIO Kill Lash Mascara

The hype: Two of Korea's top mascaras for curl and volume.
The reality: Both are excellent, it just comes down to preference.

I use both of these, and my co-makeup artist friends agree: they're both fantastic, and your choice depends on your desired look. Both are very affordable.

ETUDE Curl Fix Mascara:

What it does: Truly fixes your curl. Asian lashes are often straight, and this mascara ensures they stay lifted without drooping or giving you "panda eyes."
Brush: Skinny brush, perfect for a clean, lifted, fixer-like effect.
Verdict: Great for natural, long-lasting curl.

CLIO Kill Lash Mascara:

What it does: Gives more volume compared to Western mascaras, without looking spidery.
Brush: Provides a more dramatic look, especially good for monolids.
Verdict: Excellent for added volume and drama.

Overall Verdict: Get both! You won't regret it.

✔️ Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm

The hype: A popular, soft melting lip balm with beautiful shades.
The reality: A fantastic, hydrating balm that enhances your natural lip color.

Rom&nd is known for its amazing lip products, and this melting balm is no exception.

My honest take:

Shades: "06 Kaya Fig" is a beautiful, warm, peachy color that's amazing if you have a similar warm skin tone to mine. "07 Mauve Whip" is a great cool-toned option for fairer complexions. Korean mauves are less purple and "zombie-like" than some Western brands, giving a fresh, everyday look.
Texture: Super soft and melts beautifully.
Application tip: Don't slide it on if you have flaky lips, as it can ruin the finish. Instead, tap-tap to build the color.
Affordable: So worth the money.

Verdict: A must-have for soft, hydrated, and beautifully tinted lips.

❌ Colorgram Nude Blur Tint ("07 Geek Rose")

The hype: A high-ranking glossy tint from Olive Young's brand.
The reality: Overhyped, hard to get product out, and not worth the effort.

This glossy tint always ranks high at Olive Young, but here in Korea, it's mostly due to aggressive promotions.

My honest take: The packaging is tiny and affordable because it's an Olive Young brand. However, it's incredibly hard to get the product out of the tube. Even though the color "07 Geek Rose" is supposedly their number one and everyone loves it, I can never find a tester at Olive Young. I almost finished mine because I loved the color, but the struggle to get the product out is real. It's a nice "my lips but better" shade if you like a muted rose without being too purple or zombie-like, but the user experience is frustrating.

Verdict: Skip it. The hassle isn't worth the pretty color.

Where to Buy

Ready to try some of these CYoung-approved K-beauty gems? Here are the links and discount codes to help you save some money!

General Discount Codes (Apply to entire order):

Amore Mall: Use code CYOUNG for 15% OFF your purchase!
YesStyle: Use code CYOUNG0 at checkout! Shop YesStyle
OliveYoung Global: Use code CYOUNG88 at checkout! Shop Olive Young Global

beplain Products (Exclusive 10% OFF!):

YesStyle: Use code YSCYOUNG10 for 10% OFF all beplain products!
- beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm (YesStyle)
- beplain Mung Bean Foam Cleanser (YesStyle)
OliveYoung Global: Use code OYCYOUNG10 for 10% OFF all beplain products!
- beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm (Olive Young)
- beplain Mung Bean Foam Cleanser (Olive Young)
Amazon:
- beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm (Amazon)
- beplain Mung Bean Foam Cleanser (Amazon)

Serums:

BRINGGREEN Zinc Teca Trouble Serum:
- Olive Young Global
MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum:
- Olive Young Global
SUNGBOON EDITOR Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule:
- Olive Young Global
- YesStyle

Moisturizers & Creams:

AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream:
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream:
- Olive Young Global
Make p:rem Inteca Soothing Cream:
- YesStyle

Sun Sticks:

AHC Masters Air Rich Sun Stick:
- Olive Young Global
Singmulnara Oxygen Water Face & Body Sun Stick:
- Olive Young Global
Abib Quick Sun Stick Protection Bar:
- Olive Young Global
- YesStyle

Makeup:

ETUDE Curl Fix Mascara:
- Olive Young Global
CLIO Kill Lash Mascara:
- Olive Young Global
Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm:
- Olive Young Global
Colorgram Nude Blur Tint:
- Olive Young Global
- YesStyle

Final Thoughts

Phew, that was a lot of K-beauty! I hope this brutally honest breakdown helps you navigate the overwhelming world of skincare and makeup. Remember, my goal is always to help you find products that truly work for your skin, without falling for marketing hype.

If you have to pick just one product from this entire list, I would hands-down recommend the beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm. It's a cleansing experience like no other and truly effective for all skin types.

Thank you so much for trusting my reviews and for being part of this community. Let me know if you try any of these products and how you like them!

FAQ

Q1: Is double cleansing necessary for everyone?

A1: No, double cleansing is not necessary for everyone, especially if you have dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. It can strip too much oil and damage your skin barrier. If you wear heavy makeup or multiple layers of sunscreen, an oil-based cleanser is recommended, but a second water-based cleanse isn't always needed.

Q2: Can I skip cleansing in the morning?

A2: Yes, if you have dry or mature skin that doesn't produce much oil overnight, simply rinsing your face with water in the morning is perfectly fine. Oily or combo skin types might still prefer a gentle morning cleanse.

Q3: Should I change my cleanser for summer?

A3: It's a good idea to adjust your cleanser for summer. If your skin becomes oilier or more combo, you might switch to a slightly stronger low-alkaline cleanser for your evening routine to handle increased sebum. For mornings, a milder cleanser or just water is usually sufficient.

Q4: Are cleansing foams or gels effective for removing sunscreen?

A4: No, cleansing foams and gels are water-based and generally not effective enough to fully remove oil-based sunscreens. For proper sunscreen removal, especially after multiple applications or outdoor activity, an oil-based cleanser (like a cleansing oil or balm) is highly recommended.

Q5: What's the best cleanser for dry, sensitive skin?

A5: For dry, sensitive skin, the beplain Mung Bean Milk Balm is highly recommended. It's an oil-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Its gentle formula and lack of strong scent make it ideal for sensitive skin types.