'I'm a beauty writer who only buys Korean skincare. But these 8 products are the exception.'

My never-ending marathon to achieve perfect, glass skin has meant I’ve invested thousands of dollars into Korean skincare products. Even after years of working as a beauty writer and trialling way too many products, I’ve found there’s really no need to spend my hard-earned money on anything other than K-beauty, which has proven to be both effective and affordable. 

Yes, stubborn, I know. 

But this means that when I come across a product that isn’t K-beauty — and trial it, love it and repurchase it — it’s, like, big news. Big. Huge! 

Of course, no secret should be gate kept, so here are the Western beauty products that have weaved their way into my K-beauty-only skincare stash. 

La Roche Rosay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $24.95.

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

This multi-purpose, affordable product from La Roche Posay didn’t go TikTok viral for no reason. IMO, it hasn't received enough hype. 

Recommended by dermatologists, the Cicaplast Baume B5 is a super-rich cream formulated with a concoction of the most hydrating ingredients, including vitamin B5, shea butter, glycerin and Centella asiatica. To offset the heaviness of the cream (because no one wants blocked pores), Zinc gluconate also makes an appearance, which has antibacterial properties that fight against inflammatory pimples and acne. All of these ingredients work together to nourish the skin and reduce irritation, making it a go-to solution for many skin types and conditions. 

For me, it’s the only all-in-one skincare product both my face and body can handle, without irritation or side effects.

I find myself leaning on the Cicaplast Baume B5 during the cooler months when my skin feels drier than usual and needs a restorative pick-me-up. This can either be done as a 10-minute leave-on mask or as an overnight treatment — and a pea-sized amount is all that’s needed to cover my entire face, neck and lips. 

I should mention that it does leave a white cast and won’t sit under makeup, so unless you’re working from home or you don’t mind the occasional odd look from strangers, I would advise against using this in your morning skincare routine. 

And not to expose all my secrets but I’ve actually never paid full price for this product since I always nab a refill when Chemist Warehouse or Priceline has it on sale (which is quite regular, TBH). Every dollar counts, right? 

Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%, $52.

Image: Adore Beauty.

In the times when my skin craves a good, deep clean, my gentle K-beauty products don’t suffice. Instead, I reach for this cleanser from Skinstitut. It’s formulated with a hefty, albeit skin-safe, amount of glycolic acid that’s perfect for transforming dull, pigmented and uneven skin into a baby-soft and radiant complexion. I’ve even got my mum onto it, who claims it has helped with reducing the appearance of her dark spots and smoothing out wrinkles. 

I’s also the most incredible body scrub and has even helped calm the severity of my keratosis pilaris (which used to be one of my biggest insecurities growing up). You also get a lot of product in one bottle so you can expect your $52 to last months.

CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion, $23.99.

Image: Adore Beauty.

While the cult Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream will always be my all-time favourite body moisturiser, it’s a product I now reserve for extra special days when my body deserves to be slathered in extremely pricey cream. In the interim, this CeraVe Daily Moisturiser does the job — and so much more.  

Ridiculously cheap and incredibly good, this product is chock-a-block of ceramides, which help strengthen and maintain the skin’s barrier, retain the skin’s natural moisture and provide hydration for 24 hours. It’s also free from alcohol, parabens, sulphates and artificial fragrances, perfect for my extra-sensitive skin. But it gets a major thumbs up from me because it doesn’t leave a sticky, thick and heavy sensation on my skin, which is one of my biggest icks with body creams. 

Slip Silk Pillowcase (Queen), $99.

Image: Sephora Australia.

If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d buy everyone a silk pillowcase. Yes, a pillowcase is probably not the first thing you think of when it comes to your skincare routine but considering we spend a third of our lives asleep, what you lay your gorgeous skincare-prepped face on is extremely (times a million) important. One of silk’s biggest benefits is that, unlike other common textiles like cotton, linen or flannel, it absorbs less moisture, meaning it won’t absorb all the expensive skincare ingredients sitting on your face. 

Aside from that, silk causes fewer wrinkles and creases on your skin, it’s temperature regulating and it prevents your hair from breakage and tangles. Unfortunately, the chance of me winning the lotto is sitting at zero per cent so for now, you’ll have to do yourself a favour and purchase your own silk pillowcase, stat.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $73.

Image: Adore Beauty.

No matter how viral TikTok makes a foundation, it’s a makeup product I really can’t be swayed to invest in. That’s because I use this colour-correcting cream from IT Cosmetics, instead. It’s lightweight, super moisturising and has the benefits of SFP it in, all while providing a considerable amount of coverage. 

A pea-sized amount gives you the most effortless Sofia Richie clean-girl look that doesn’t crease or melt off, even after 12-hour workdays. It also comes in 21 different shades, so there’s one to match every skin colour. 

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, $25.90.

Image: Adore Beauty.

Lash extensions used to be part of my personality — that was until I developed an allergic reaction to an ingredient commonly used in the glue and found myself sitting in the doctor’s room flaunting eyelids the size of golf balls (no exaggeration, either). After losing all my eyelashes, I quickly purchased every lash serum on the market, ranging from as cheap as $10 to as expensive as $120, in a desperate effort to grow them back. 

But this one from The Ordinary is one I have constantly repurchased in recent years because of its effectiveness and price. My sensitive eyes especially love how this lightweight water-based serum is free from alcohol but packed with peptides that promote thicker, fuller and healthier lashes. 

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49.

Image: Paula's Choice.

Whenever I feel my skin breaking out, I reach for this product. If I spot an accumulation of blackheads or pores, I reach for this product. In times when my time is looking dull or flaky, I reach for this. 

Basically, this single product is the liquid gold in my skincare routine I can’t live without it. Despite it containing powerful actives like salicylic acid and BHA, rest assured it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. For newcomers, I recommend using it every other day and then gradually building it up to twice a day. 

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Day Creme, $126.

Image: Emma Lewisham.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a good daytime moisturiser that sits beautifully under your makeup and makes your face glow, your search ends right here. A small pump of this rich cream from the New Zealand-born luxury and science-led brand, provides a hefty dose of vitamin C, antioxidants and hydration to repair and protect the skin barrier.

Plus, the entire Emma Lewisham skincare range is designed to be refilled, so once you buy a product, you can simply refill it over and over again. 

Have you tried any of these products already? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Feature image: Supplied.