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Hello everyone, CYOUNG here! Can you believe 2024 is almost over? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now we're on the cusp of another. Time truly flies when you're having fun, and for me, a huge part of that fun involves exploring the world of beauty. As a dedicated beauty enthusiast, I've made it my mission to share my experiences with you every single week, which translates to 52 videos a year. And in each of those videos, I showcase around 10 different products. That means I've personally purchased and tested over 500 beauty products this year! While my wallet might be feeling a little lighter, my knowledge and passion for beauty have definitely grown.
From this vast collection of products, I've meticulously curated a list of the absolute best of the best for my annual CYOUNG Awards. My selection process isn't solely based on price, although affordability is certainly a factor. Ultimately, quality reigns supreme. I need products that I can consistently reach for, trust implicitly, and confidently recommend to my clients. This list encompasses a diverse range of products, from innovative Korean skincare gems to trusted Western favorites and even some unique Japanese must-haves. I've categorized them by product type to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for. So, without further ado, let's dive into my top picks for 2024!
My skin type is generally normal, but it tends to get significantly drier during the winter months, and it's also quite sensitive. This plays a big role in the products I gravitate towards.
I've experimented with various types of cleansers, including oils, balms, and milks. Recently, however, I've been particularly drawn to cleansing lotions. Even if you don't wear makeup, thoroughly removing your sunscreen is crucial. A simple splash of water or even micellar water isn't enough to completely cleanse your skin of SPF. Cleansing lotions offer a gentle yet effective way to remove sunscreen and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils, making them a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin who might find oil cleansers too harsh.
This cleansing lotion (insert product link here) has become a staple in my routine. Its lightweight texture melts away sunscreen and makeup effortlessly, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed, not tight or dry. It's also fragrance-free, which is a huge plus for my sensitive skin.
Cleansing Lotion
Lightweight, fragrance-free cleansing lotion.
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Cleansing Lotion
tl;dr
Lightweight, fragrance-free cleansing lotion.
Pros
Cons
Makeprem is a hugely popular brand in Korea, consistently ranking high on Olive Young's bestseller lists, and for good reason. This cleansing lotion is incredibly gentle and effective. Even after cleansing, my skin doesn't feel stripped or tight. I also find it super convenient, especially when my hands are sticky and oily from applying sunscreen. Sometimes, even washing my hands with regular soap doesn't completely remove that residue, but this cleansing lotion erases it effortlessly.
Toner pads have taken the Korean skincare world by storm, but I confess, I don't use them as frequently, especially in the winter. My sensitive skin tends to get red and irritated easily, so I prefer to avoid the daily wiping action.
However, this toner pad is a total game-changer. Unlike other toner pads I've tried, this one is incredibly gentle and hydrating. It doesn't irritate my skin at all, and it leaves my complexion feeling soft and smooth. The rice extract in the formula helps to brighten and even out my skin tone. (insert product link here)
Gentle Exfoliation
Gentle, hydrating toner pad with rice extract.
Rice Toner Pad
Gentle Exfoliation
tl;dr
Gentle, hydrating toner pad with rice extract.
Pros
Cons
After cleansing and toning, it's time for serum.
This serum is my absolute holy grail. It's a powerhouse of hydration and has significantly improved my skin's texture and elasticity. The collagen in the formula helps to plump up my skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It's a must-have in my routine, especially during the colder months. (insert product link here)
Hydration and Repair
Hydrating serum with collagen for improved skin texture.
Triple Collagen Serum 4.0
Hydration and Repair
tl;dr
Hydrating serum with collagen for improved skin texture.
Pros
Cons
The skin around our eyes is delicate and requires special attention.
These eye patches are incredibly soothing and hydrating, and they help to reduce puffiness and dark circles. They're a lifesaver, especially after a long night or when my eyes are feeling particularly tired. The hydrogel material adheres comfortably to the skin and allows the serum to penetrate deeply. (insert product link here)
Brightening and Depuffing
Soothing eye patches for puffiness and dark circles.
Bean Hydrogel Eye Patch
Brightening and Depuffing
tl;dr
Soothing eye patches for puffiness and dark circles.
Pros
Cons
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, no matter the season.
This sunscreen is my current favorite. It's lightweight, doesn't leave a white cast, and provides excellent broad-spectrum protection. It's perfect for everyday use and layers beautifully under makeup. The rice and probiotics in the formula help to soothe and protect the skin. (insert product link here)
Non-Negotiable Sunscreen
Lightweight sunscreen with rice and probiotics.
Relief Sun
Non-Negotiable Sunscreen
tl;dr
Lightweight sunscreen with rice and probiotics.
Pros
Cons
Now, let's move on to makeup.
This cushion foundation provides excellent coverage while still looking natural and skin-like. It also lasts all day without getting cakey or creasing. The compact packaging makes it perfect for touch-ups on the go. (insert product link here)
Natural Coverage
Natural-looking cushion foundation with long wear.
VIDIVICI Long Wear Skin Fit Cushion 15g Set (+Refill 15g+Skin Illumination 10ml) | OLIVE YOUNG Global
Natural Coverage
tl;dr
Natural-looking cushion foundation with long wear.
Pros
Cons
This liquid blush blends seamlessly into the skin, giving a beautiful, natural flush. It's also incredibly long-lasting. The petal-shaped applicator makes it easy to apply and blend. (insert product link here)
Natural Flush
Long-lasting liquid blush with natural finish.
DEAR DAHLIA Petal Drop Liquid Blush 4g | OLIVE YOUNG Global
Natural Flush
tl;dr
Long-lasting liquid blush with natural finish.
Pros
Cons
This eyeliner is incredibly pigmented and glides on smoothly, making it easy to create precise lines. It's also waterproof and smudge-proof, so it stays put all day long. (insert product link here)
Precise Eyeliner
Pigmented, waterproof eyeliner for precise lines.
Kate Rare Fit Gel Pencil N
Precise Eyeliner
tl;dr
Pigmented, waterproof eyeliner for precise lines.
Pros
Cons
This creamy formula blends beautifully and gives a soft, diffused look. It can be used on both lips and cheeks for a monochromatic look. (insert product link here)
Monochromatic Look
Creamy formula for lips and cheeks.
Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot - 30 Colors
Monochromatic Look
tl;dr
Creamy formula for lips and cheeks.
Pros
Cons
These tints are incredibly pigmented and long-lasting, and they come in a wide range of stunning shades. They provide a beautiful, velvety finish. (insert product link here)
Velvety Finish
Pigmented, long-lasting tints with velvety finish.
Bloody Liar Coating Tint - 11 Colors
Velvety Finish
tl;dr
Pigmented, long-lasting tints with velvety finish.
Pros
Cons
These palettes offer a beautiful selection of both matte and shimmer shades, making it easy to create a variety of looks. The shadows are highly pigmented and blend effortlessly. (insert product link here)
Versatile Eye Palette
Versatile eye palette with matte and shimmer shades.
My Fave Mood Eye Palette It's Neat Collection - 2 Types
Versatile Eye Palette
tl;dr
Versatile eye palette with matte and shimmer shades.
Pros
Cons
This mascara adds length and volume without clumping or smudging. The skinny brush allows for precise application, even on the lower lashes. (insert product link here)
Dramatic Lashes
Lengthening mascara with precise application.
mude. Inspire Skinny Curling / Multi Fixer Mascara | OLIVE YOUNG Global
Dramatic Lashes
tl;dr
Lengthening mascara with precise application.
Pros
Cons
This brow powder is easy to use and creates natural-looking brows that last all day. It comes with two shades, allowing you to customize the color to match your hair. (insert product link here)
Natural Brows
Easy-to-use brow powder for natural look.
Choco Eyebrow Powder Cake (2 Colors)
Natural Brows
tl;dr
Easy-to-use brow powder for natural look.
Pros
Cons
This balm adds a subtle glow and can be used on the high points of the face or all over for a dewy finish. It gives the skin a healthy, radiant look. (insert product link here)
And that concludes my CYOUNG Awards for 2024! I hope you enjoyed this roundup of my favorite beauty products. I've included links to all the products mentioned throughout the article. Thanks for reading, and I can't wait to share more beauty discoveries with you in the new year!
Subtle Glow
Radiance balm for a dewy finish.
True Dimension Radiance Balm - 4 Colors
Subtle Glow
tl;dr
Radiance balm for a dewy finish.
Pros
Cons