5 Products I ACTUALLY Repurchase (As Someone Who Works in K-Beauty)

by Alanna Chen

August 7, 2026

3 min

Confession… I might be skincare’s consumption final-boss, but there are very few things I’d ACTUALLY buy again.

Creds: Pinterest

One of the perks of working in K-beauty is that the newest, flashiest and most viral products are always at my fingertips. One of the downfalls? The newest, flashiest and most viral products are always at my fingertips.

Sue me for being a girl who just wants to have clear skin; my hands are up and I plead guilty on all counts of hurting my bank account, and influencing anyone who’ll listen to try any good product I can get my grubby hands on.

That said, one thing I’ll never be accused of is a lack of integrity - I’d NEVER lead my friends astray. As someone who’s fought very close and personal battles with my skin throughout a large portion of my teenhood and early 20s, I don’t take recommendations lightly; betrayal looks like convincing someone to spend hard-earned money on a product that serves a whole lot of nothing burger (or worse).

Creds: Pinterest

5 things I’d bring if I was stranded on an island:

1. SKIN1004 Hyalu-TECA

(Glass Skin Milk + Plumping Cream)

@nellydenize

@_parekura

If the island was really cold but also had indoor heating that left my skin dehydrated, low-key dishevelled, and looking like a European prune in June - this duo would be in my survival kit.

Don’t come for me… but the Rhode has nothing on the Skin1004 Hyalu-TECA Glass Skin Milk.

There. I said it. (Hailey, I’m sorry).

This, paired with the SKIN1004 Hyalu-TECA Plumping Cream have given me everything I ever wanted from the glazing milk trend, without the clogged pores or break outs. As a former oily, sensitive and acne-prone girly, these BFFs seduced me out of my rational fear of milky products.

@alanavalee

2. Mediheal Toner Pads

(ALL Of Them)

Creds: Pinterest

@mandylikes

If security told me I could only bring five Mediheal Toner Pads in my carry-on, I’d miss my flight to the stranded island. I’d probably miss the next flight there too - I’ll be stuck at the secondary screening explaining why I need to bring all seven.

Picking a favourite child is morally wrong, so why is picking a favourite Mediheal Toner Pad any different? They’re all different and have their own strengths and lovable traits - plus, these double as a fantastic mini sheet mask.

See you in the next episode of Airport Security (yes, I’ll remember you when I’m famous x).

Creds: Pinterest

3. Nida Youthful Moisturising Cream

(My Emotional Support Moisturiser)

Creds: Pinterest

I’d gatekeep this because this keeps selling out - but jealousy gives me chin pimples and I don’t have the emotional capacity for that.

If the ship to leave the stranded island was sinking and I could only bring one thing from my skincare bag, this moisturiser wouldn't be in there; it would already be in my back pocket. (Yes, sunscreen is more practical, but this cream is my emotional support system in dire times).

When my skin takes a turn, she’s always there to pick me up and pull my skin back together. She’s reliable (hydrates, soothes, plumps AND soothes), financially responsible ($19) and isn’t performative (I get compliments about my skin when I use this).

4. SKINFOOD Rice Mask Wash Off

(Or Any Rice Product)

Creds: Pinterest

Assuming there's no rice farm or “How to Turn Rice into Skincare” pamphlets on the island, I’d enter the island holding hands with the SKINFOOD Rice Mask.

I wish I’d put myself onto this earlier, rather than trying to go against the grain of K-beauty’s ancestral roots and someone's grandma who looks 20 years young thanks to the power of rice water.

It’s no shock they were onto something, so I guess it’s no surprise that it’s my current hyperfixation either - next on my to-try list are as follows:

5. Eye Patches

(Any. All. Every Single One.)

Featured: Anne Hathaway

Creds: Pinterest

When the rescue team finally finds me after tireless hours searching for me, I refuse for my first impressions to look like I’ve been crying the whole time.

When you see me it’ll be a very crucial time in my life to look my very best no matter the cost, so I’ll be investing in a cooling eye patch for this very reason.

There’s something deeply therapeutic about lying in for an extra 10 minutes while something cool rests against your under-eyes; it’s basically meditation, cheaper than therapy, and also makes you look less like you’re having an existential crisis.

Featured: Ariana Grande

Featured: Me on Stranded Island

All things said and done, this is just what’s worked for me; everyone’s skin is different and there is no “best product” that’s perfect for all 8 billion people on the planet. The products I’ve raved about have impressed me beyond going viral and having innovative packaging - and I don’t say that lightly…

I tried these for you to buy, Beauties x

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