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Glow on a Budget

Budget Glow-Up: Affordable Korean Skincare That’s So Hot Right Now 💸✨

by Beauty Shinta 2025. 5. 7.
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Hey glow girl! 💕
Who says you have to drop serious won to get flawless, juicy skin? Not us, honey! Korea’s beauty scene is poppin’ with affordable skincare gems that’ll have your skin lookin’ like glass without burning your bank account.

If you’re on the hunt for skincare that’s budget-friendly and trending all over TikTok, Olive Young, and your group chat—you're in the right place. Ready to save coins and slay? Let’s glow, queen. 🌈💅


💧 1. Goodal – Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum Mini (₩18,000-ish)

Glow on a dime, literally. This baby-size vitamin C serum is THE go-to for brightening up dull skin and fading dark spots—and it’s everywhere in Korea right now.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Contains green tangerine extract (gentler than pure vitamin C)
  • Brightens without irritation
  • Perfect starter serum for sensitive skin

Glow Girl Tip: Pair with sunscreen for max brightening power. Day AND night, honey!


🧽 2. Etude – Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser (₩8,000-ish)

Affordable and dermatologist-approved? We love to see it.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Super gentle, low pH = perfect for sensitive skin
  • Calms irritation and balances your skin barrier
  • No fragrance, no drama

Glow Girl Mood: “I cleanse with clouds and baby angels.”


🌿 3. NACIFIC – Fresh Herb Origin Serum (₩17,000–₩19,000)

Aka “the tingling serum.” If you know, you know. 🔥

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Infused with calendula and niacinamide
  • Targets pores, acne, and dullness
  • Gives that post-use tingle = it’s working, sis

Glow Girl Note: A little stingy at first—but don’t worry, that’s just the glow kicking in. ✨


🌊 4. NUMBUZIN – No.3 Skin Softening Serum (₩20,000 range)

Korean beauty lovers are calling this one their “skin reset button”—and we’re obsessed.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Fermented ingredients = barrier boost + brightening
  • Super hydrating and makes skin feel baby-soft
  • Total bang-for-your-buck serum

Glow Girl Tip: Apply on damp skin for deeper absorption. Press, don’t rub, queen. 💆‍♀️


🌈 5. IUNIK – Centella Calming Gel Cream (₩11,000–₩13,000)

If your skin is dramatic (red, irritated, moody), this soothing gel cream is the affordable bestie you didn’t know you needed.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Loaded with 70% Centella Asiatica and tea tree
  • Lightweight, perfect for oily or acne-prone skin
  • Soothes and hydrates without heaviness

Glow Girl Mood: “Chill skin only—no redness allowed.”


🧴 6. Haruharu Wonder – Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Mini (₩8,000–₩10,000)

Don’t sleep on minis—they’re travel-friendly and budget-friendly! And this one? A total hydration hero.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Black rice = antioxidant-rich and deeply nourishing
  • Hyaluronic acid = hydration station
  • Soaks into the skin like magic

Glow Girl Tip: Do the 3-skin method with this for max juicy vibes.


☀️ 7. TOCOBO – Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ (₩15,000–₩17,000)

Trending on Insta, raved about on YouTube, and totally purse-friendly—this sun stick is a Korean girl’s dream.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Matte finish (bye-bye greasy shine)
  • Convenient and cute packaging
  • No white cast, no pilling over makeup

Glow Girl Reminder: Reapply every 2–3 hours. Trust, future-you will be grateful.


🧼 8. The Saem – Healing Tea Garden Cleansing Water (₩5,000–₩7,000)

Budget double cleanse? Let’s gooo. This micellar water is a hidden gem that removes makeup like a dream without stripping your skin.

✨ Why it’s trending:

  • Comes in green tea, white tea, and rose variants
  • Perfect for lazy girl nights (no rinse needed!)
  • Smells divine and super gentle

Glow Girl Hack: Use it to clean up eyeliner mistakes too. #multitaskingqueen


🛍 Bonus: Where to Snag These on a Budget

Okay babe, here’s the real deal. To score these goodies at their cheapest:

  • Olive Young Sales – Keep your eyes peeled for 1+1 deals!
  • Coupang & Naver Shopping – Compare prices and snag bundles
  • YesStyle & StyleKorean – For international besties or deals on sets!

💬 Final Thoughts: Skincare ≠ Expensive

Let’s get one thing straight, babe: glowing skin doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. These Korean drugstore gems are giving high-end vibes for low-end prices—and honestly, that’s a flex.

Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a routine-obsessed glow-getter, don’t sleep on these affordable faves. Your skin (and wallet) will totally thank you. 💋