For Banila Co, That Makeup Look You Got Goin’ On? It All Starts With Skincare

Is it skincare? Is it makeup? It’s both! When it comes to Banila Co, they’re all about getting your skin to look the best it can — whether through your makeup base or what may possibly be the world’s fave cleansing balm — so that everything else is just the cherry on top.

No matter where you shop for cosmetics in Seoul, you can always expect to find at least one Banila Co boutique. From high- to low-end districts, Banila Co is always there, filled with beauty veterans and eager newbies alike.

So what makes Banila Co so special? Why not hit up one of the many other road shop brands available?

First off, Banila Co is a straight-up classic. Since 2005, the brand has become one of the most reliable, go-to brands for Koreans and K-beauty fanatics alike. Korean stars like Jessica Jung, Girls Generation’s Taeyeon, and Roy Kim have promoted the brand and their skin-first doctrine, all while endorsing products like the It Radiant CC Cream and Clean It Zero, which have reached worldwide cult-like status.

The most important factor, however, is in their philosophy. Banila Co is a brand that focuses on “skincare for makeup.” And no, that doesn’t mean skincare that merely acts as makeup (TBH, that’s what I thought, too). The term “skincare for makeup” means that Banila Co’s line not only treats the skin as best as possible but actually creates the best possible base for your makeup routine. I mean, how genius is that?

Here are some of the products the K-Beauty Squad loves for their ideal skincare for makeup.

Clean It Zero

We love a classic! This li’l guy was the inspo for nearly every cleansing balm out there, and for good reason.

This is the perfect prep for the rest of your routine. The soft, sherbet-y texture melts away even the most stubborn of makeup, all without irritation or residue. Skin-adoring extracts (like Bambusa vulgaris leaf extract, Angelica archangelica root extract, and acerola fruit extract, to name a few) get deep into skin as you massage the day away to provide an anti-aging boost during your cleanse. Just one use of this stuff gives my skin the softest texture, no matter how flaky it was before.

This is the product that initially showed me (and millions of other skincare lovers) the power of cleansing balms, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve only used the original, but I’m super curious about the Purifying and Revitalizing versions, too.

(Why do you need a cleansing balm in the first place? Read why you need to incorporate a double cleanse in your routine stat here.)

Miss Flower and Mr. Honey Cream

Discontinued, but never forgotten. It's back!

This cream was EVERYTHING to the K-beauty community not too long ago. From its balmy, ultra-moisturizing texture to its to-die-for ingredients list (fermented honey water, royal jelly, propolis, niacinamide, olive oil, shea butter, calendula extract, and adenosine, to name a FEW), this cream had the properties to brighten, firm, smooth, moisturize, and even fight acne.

Director of Marketing Jude has sung the praises of Miss Flower & Mr. Honey countless times: “Like a very fancy Vaseline, with all the occlusiveness yet somehow none of the greasiness. As a bonus, it leaves my skin so bright and firm the next day. I still have almost a whole full-size jar and three mini jars that I snapped up the last time they were ever available!”

Her praises won over Editor in Chief Anna, who said, “I picked up probably the last existing Miss Flower and Mr. Honey Cream in Myeongdong this summer, and it smells like such a dream. I like to use it when my skin needs a richer occlusive layer. I love the honeycomb shape of the jar, and for some reason, just having it on my vanity makes me feel like a K-beauty blogger circa 2014 hahaha.”

Contributing Editor Coco was not only a fan of the cream but the entire Miss Flower and Mr. Honey line as a whole. “I'm another sad Mr. Honey cream fan that feels like my fav left too soon! In addition to the cream, the essence and essence stick were equally awesome. They smelled like honey heaven!”

V-V Vitalizing Toner

It plumps, firms, and hydrates. What more can we ask for?

Nah, but really: The V-V Vitalizing Toner is a one-stop shop that fits nearly any skincare routine. The texture is thinner than most toners of similar claims but still gives the perfect amount of hydration and moisture.

Jude reviewed the V-V line earlier this year and had a lot to say: “The V-V Vitalizing Toner sinks right in, leaving my skin replenished after cleansing, softer, smoother, and subtly plumper. Also, an application of this toner causes everything I put on top to absorb at a startling rate.” OK, sign me up!

What are your favorite Banila Co products? What’s your ideal “skincare for makeup”? Let us know!