Primark has launched a Korean skincare collaboration with several well-known K-beauty brands, making the products more affordable and "more accessible than ever." A doctor has shared her verdict on which items are worth buying, depending on skin type.
Doctor's Verdict on the Collaboration
Dr Christine Hall, a fully qualified, GMC-registered General Practitioner in medical aesthetics, commented on the collaboration: "So the interesting thing about this collaboration is that you have really famous K-beauty brands, and they've basically designed a cheaper, more accessible brand for sale in here."
Cerabase by Realbarrier
Realbarrier, known in Korea for dry and sensitive skin, has created a line called Cerabase for Primark. The range includes a calming, moisturising cream packed with ceramides, a firming booster cream with ceramides and peptides, an "incredible toner," and a moisturising cream. Dr Hall said: "So if you're somebody with very dry skin, this is the range you need to look out for." She noted that 50ml of cream costs just £9, calling it "such good value."
The Essential by Ariul
Ariul, famous for its 7-day masks, created a diffusion line for Primark. It includes a "vitamin C with niacinamide and lemon," which Dr Hall recommended for those worried about pigmentation. The range also has moisturisers, and she noted that "you're talking £9 for a serum."
First Edition by Sungboon Editor
Dr Hall explained that Sungboon Editor is "very authentic" but not widely seen in the UK. Primark stocks wash-off pot masks and toner pads for just £4. She recommended the "Muscat Grape Vita C Brightening Cream Plain" due to its "antioxidant" properties.
The Saem
Dr Hall highlighted that The Saem kept its name for the collaboration. The range includes masks with panthenol and retinol for £3, a collagen mask, and additional masks with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and multi-vitamins, plus spot patches. The spot patches cost £6 for two sheets, providing 24 patches. There is also an aloe line for sensitive or damaged skin, with aloe sourced from Jeju. The Saem also offers serums that are "brightening, pore refining, and glow enhancing."
Dermablock by CMS
Dr Hall said she is "most excited" about the Dermablock range from CMS, the brand responsible for Cell Fusion, which is "very famous for their SPF." Primark stocks the Dermablock Vita Sun Ampoule SPF 50 PA ++++, which offers good UVA protection. The range also includes a PDRN Collagen Ampoule and a PDRN Collagen cream, which Dr Hall said: "You cannot get more Korean than that."
Dear Thing by Milk Touch
The collaboration also includes a makeup section from Milk Touch, popular for its hydrating lip products with "quite a lot of colour." There is a liquid highlighter for £8 that requires only "a tiny bit" for good payoff. Lip plumpers are also available, but Dr Hall warned that "some Korean lip plumpers can be seriously fierce."
Where to Find the K-Beauty Mini Mart
Dr Hall noted the only downside is that the range is not available at all Primark stores. The K-Beauty Mini Mart can be found at: Belfast – Castle Street, Derry, Leicester – Fosse Park, York – Monks Cross, Coventry, Southampton, Norwich, Lakeside, Meadowhall, Edinburgh, Cardiff, London – Oxford East, Manchester – Trafford Centre, Rotherham, Manchester – Market Street, London – Oxford Street West, Glasgow, Liverpool, Braehead, London – Stratford, Leeds – Trinity, and Birmingham – High Street.
