I’m done with gatekeeping: This Korean skincare brand has contributed to my healthiest skin ever.

      Regardless of your opinions on K-beauty skincare, it is undeniable that it revolutionized the skincare industry—prompting a shift away from harsh formulations in favor of products that emphasize long-term skin health and barrier recovery. However, amid the luxurious textures and radiant complexions that K-beauty promises, I can personally vouch for the fact that navigating Korean skincare can be just as perplexing as it is thrilling. Having grown up with Korean skincare and now testing beauty products professionally, I’ve concluded that the trendy formulas frequently showcased on TikTok cannot hold a candle to the scientifically-backed brands that truly excel in their homeland: South Korea.

      This brings me to Aestura, a brand that stands out as one of the most popular skincare lines at Olive Young (the South Korean equivalent of Sephora). I was first introduced to Aestura three years ago when a friend from Seoul sent me a care package containing the retailer's best-selling moisturizer, along with a note saying, "You'll love it; I've used at least six tubes of this." Initially, I didn’t think much of it; after all, it lacked active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, which are widely regarded as essential. The packaging was rather unremarkable, and I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy it, let alone use it all. Yet, here I am, three years later, completely disproven—I’ve gone through not one, not two, but over seven tubes.

      My journey into the realm of K-beauty deepened my appreciation for this brand, especially as most Korean celebrity makeup artists I’ve interviewed swear by its products for preparing skin before they apply makeup on K-pop stars, which is significant. Soon enough, I explored the entire Aestura product line and started recommending it to several friends. This is noteworthy because, given my job involves trying numerous new products every week, I rarely return to them, making my loyalty to this brand quite remarkable.

      So, what sets Aestura apart, you might wonder? I personally appreciate how it aligns with the broader Korean skincare philosophy, which is centered on promoting long-term skin health instead of seeking quick fixes. The focus is on strengthening the skin barrier rather than bombarding it with an overwhelming array of ingredients, thereby aiding in hydration retention and reducing inflammation. The textures of Aestura’s products are all silky and soft; they strike a perfect balance—not too oily or too light—making them the ideal choice for daily skincare. Even without active ingredients, I seamlessly integrate them into my routine alongside serums or ampoules that contain my favorite actives like retinaldehyde, vitamin C, and azelaic acid. The result? My skin thrives from this balanced approach, experiencing fewer breakouts, reduced rosacea flare-ups, and less overall dryness.

      I have compiled a detailed review of my favorite Aestura products, featuring a nourishing moisturizer, a revitalizing toner, a hydrating serum, a glow-enhancing face mist, and more.

      **Top Aestura Products, Reviewed**

      1. **Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream**

      This cream serves as an excellent daily moisturizer suitable for all skin types. It is nourishing yet weightless, enriched with a triple lipid complex of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol that mimics natural skin lipids for lasting hydration. Its unique cushiony texture comes from ceramide capsules that break down upon application. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, providing an immediate lit-from-within glow that doesn't feel overly heavy. I'd recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin and as an ideal prep step before makeup, ensuring a smooth application without pilling.

      2. **Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Cera-Ha Serum**

      If your skin is in dire need of hydration, this serum will provide instant relief. Packed with an advanced mix of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it effectively locks in moisture, thereby strengthening the skin barrier. Unlike many hyaluronic acid serums, it keeps my skin hydrated for hours rather than just the first few minutes. It's a lifesaver for instances of retinol irritation or rosacea flare-ups, and its gentle, fragrance-free formulation makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

      3. **Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro-Essence**

      I have high standards for milky toners, yet I consistently find myself returning to this soothing formula by Aestura. Like the other products in the Atobarrier365 range, it emphasizes hydration and barrier repair, combining ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to leave the skin feeling calmed. The texture is noteworthy—thicker than a watery toner yet lighter than a serum, it glides on smoothly without feeling sticky. Sometimes, I even blend it with foundation to create a sheer skin tint, and it performs beautifully.

      4. **Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Mist**

      Next is the Atobarrier365 Cream Mist, a