I tried the viral K-Beauty brand loved by Kylie Jenner, and it transformed my skin

The viral brand has a stellar reputation for efficacious skincare - (iStock)

Driven by cutting-edge ingredients, innovative formulas and a focus on that coveted glass skin finish that we all want, K-beauty has firmly established itself as a global force in the beauty sphere. From sheet masks to overnight lip balms, these brands prioritise strengthening the skin barrier, deep hydration and protecting against environmental damage, and the products are always pretty fun to use, too.

Viral trends have only fuelled the obsession, with multi-step routines dominating feeds and dedicated K-beauty stores popping up across the country. From advanced formulas featuring ingredients like PDRN (purified salmon DNA) to exfoliating toner pads designed to sweep away dead skin cells, there’s one brand that continues to impress with a lineup of consistently in demand products: Medicube.

Rumoured to be loved by the likes of Meghan Markle, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber, Medicube’s products have a habit of selling out fast. With such a wide range to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start, but the brand does make things easier with its targeted collections – like pink PDRN, glass glow, zero and deep, each designed to address specific skin concerns.

Having tried and tested many K-beauty products throughout my career as a beauty journalist, and used a wide selection of Medicube products, these are the ones I would buy as a seasoned skincare lover.

Read more: This K-beauty cream gave a “subtle plumping effect” – and it’s budget-friendly

Medicube collagen night wrapping mask

(iHerb)

One of the bestselling K-beauty face masks you can buy, this night wrapping mask is enriched with rich collagen, formulated to improve skin elasticity and hydration, and leave your skin with a natural, healthy glow.

After you've finished your regular nightly routine, add an even layer of this mask to your face using a brush and then head off to bed. Just make sure to give it 15 minutes to dry out before your head hits the pillow. The next morning, you'll have the satisfaction of peeling the mask off your skin, revealing your refreshed complexion.

Medicube zero pore pad

(iHerb)

This is one Medicube product you’ve almost certainly seen all over TikTok. The zero pore pads have sold out multiple times, and it’s not hard to see the appeal. These toner pads offer gentle exfoliation thanks to AHA and BHA, helping to lift away dead skin cells and clear excess sebum. At the same time, ingredients like panthenol, allantoin and sodium hyaluronate work to soothe and hydrate, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking more refined.

With continued use, they can help minimise the appearance of pores and improve overall texture. If your skin leans on the sensitive side, there’s also a milder version to ease you in.

Medicube one day exosome shot

(iHerb)

Another formula focused on refining texture and reducing the look of enlarged pores (spot the theme?) is Medicube’s one day exosome shot 2000. Powered by peptide-rich lacto exosomes and spicules (micro-sized particles said to be far smaller than the average pore), the formula is designed to support firmer, smoother and more radiant-looking skin.

The liquid contains a potent blend of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs – all working to sweep away dead skin cells and impurities – while niacinamide helps visibly brighten and even out tone. A small pump is all you need, applied to your skin before moisturiser in the evening.

Medicibe deep vita C capsule cream

(iHerb)

We'd buy any of Medicube's capsule creams for the suspended capsules alone – they're extremely fun to use. But more than that, this radiance-enhancing moisturiser is fuelled by five different types of vitamin C to nourish, brighten and protect the skin against damage.

This customisable cream features a clever dual-texture formula, allowing you to adjust the capsule-to-gel ratio to suit your skin’s needs, as it’s best to slowly build up your tolerance to vitamin C.

Medicube PDRN lip sleeping mask

(iHerb)

There are several other viral lip night masks you may have struggled to get your hands on – these things tend to fly off the shelves – but Medicube's swirled formula is just a fraction of the price, and gives the lips a candy-like glow. Acting as an intense night cream designed to nourish and hydrate the lips, each pot is packed with PDRN and collagen.

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