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I often read clickbait, Buzzfeed-style Korean beauty pieces about the “x number of trends in kbeauty blah blah click our links and buy some stuff” and feel the creases between my eyes deepening. Many are devoid of trends and read more like cut-and-paste press releases for online shops. The worst seem to be little more than slideshows constructed for the purpose of offering up some unlabeled affiliate links.

We can do better than that.

I’m going to tell you about seven actual trends for summer that I think are worth trying–whether you’re an AB (Asian beauty) fanatic or just looking to pick up some glow.

1. Japanese Sunscreen

Maybe you’re Fan Bingbing, reading this blog between moments of fabulousness, and you put on sunscreen even at night when you’re looking at a computer screen, but …no, you’re not.

You don’t wear sunscreen every day, do you?

Yeah, I hear you. Most sunscreen, let’s face it, blows. There’s nothing like slapping on what feels like reflective Crisco after painstakingly applying a bunch of layers of fabulous skincare.

Japanese sunscreen is the stuff to change your mind (it certainly did mine). Light and moisturizing with limited to no white cast, this is the daily anti-aging investment worth making.

My favorite: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ [Amazon | eBay]

2. Season-specific base makeup

One of the coolest things about the cushion compact trend (here’s my review of one) is the development of season-specific cushions with formulas that vary based on what skin needs at different times of the year.

Winter cushions deliver extra moisture while summer cushions from the same company can help control shine.

My pick: Lalavesi. I love the fall and winter cushion lots and lots (fall/winter = F.W) and my spring/fall (S.F) and spring/summer (S.S) cushions are on the way now. [Amazon | Twofacemall]

On my shopping list: Innisfree Long Wear Cushion. Beauty+ in Korea recently crowned this the best cushion for controlling oil without over-mattifying or drying skin. Yes, please.

3. Waterproof Liners

Sweat happens, but it doesn’t need to turn you into a pop goddess.

One of the kbeauty makeup categories that I think could make even a VIB Rouged-out Sephora addict lighten up on her kbeauty makeup shade would be waterproof liners. The options are great, from Tony Moly’s Perfect Eyes Gel Fit Waterproof liners to Peripera’s Smoothie liners, but I think you should give Get It Beauty’s top pick a waterproof whirl.

My pick: Clio Gelpresso. Twistup-able, pigmented, and tenacious, the Clio Gelpresso liners can take on the best of Sephora–at a fraction of the price if you know where to find them. [KoreaDepart | Amazon | Beautynetkorea]

4. Cheap Shine Protection

One of the best things about Asian beauty is the abundance of useful, high-quality products for shockingly cheap prices.

You already know and love loose translucent powders, but how about dead cheap translucent loose powder?

My pick: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. Effective and budget friendly, you’ll be getting your no-shine on all summer for under $10. [Beautynetkorea | Amazon]

5. Micro Mists

Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking when I bring up mists.

Yup, Daesung from BigBang in the amazing Secret Garden parody as the evil mom. Or fussy ladies and their Evian micros at the tennis club. Either way, yikes, negative associationville.

And yet, damn, maybe it’s time to embrace your inner bitchmom doubles player because the right mist can be cooling and moisturizing and oh so satisfying in all the right ways in summer.

On my shopping list: Cremorlab Hydro Plus Snow Falls Essential Mist. My current micro mist, Clio Micro Fine Collagen Mist is great for winter, but I’ve got my eye on this lighter mist for summer. [Sasa | Peach & Lily]

6. Candy Tints

I love nudes for the office, but nothing says “I’m going to do something regrettable and awesome on a boat” like a candy-color lip stain.

Tints don’t need to be watery or drying–the best of the bunch are bright, moisturizing, and tasty.

My pick: Peripera Lumi Pang. I may or may not [MAY] own every color because these feel great on my lips and look really youthful and fun. [KoreaDepart | eBay]

7. Ampoules for Summer Glow

Hey, just because you want to dim oiliness with the help of a little powder doesn’t mean you should give up the chance to glow this summer. In fact, if you have oily skin like me, an ampoule + powder combo is the perfect way to get a lit-from-within glow without even a hint of oil slick.

To get the perfect ratio of glow I recommend adding a drop of ampoule to your moisturizer or face cream. The moisturizer will help distribute the ampoule efficiently so that you use less (more cost effective + less potential for an ampoule overdose).

My picks: Su:m37 Losec Therapy Ampoule [TesterKorea for a super cheap sample]; LJH Dr’s Care Vita Propolis Ampoule [KoreaDepart | eBay]

So…those are my picks for summer. Anything I missed that you think other beauty fans should try in the coming months?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking those links before you shop means that fan-b receives a small commission, which helps to support the blog. Please see my full disclosure for more information.