If you’re a fan of K-beauty brands, you’ll know that they do not play games when it comes to beauty. They are titans in creating out-of-this-world innovations that the world has never seen before. Amidst the plethora of brands that offer overcomplicated products, KraveBeauty offers a breath of fresh air with its #PressReset approach. So, what exactly happened after I swapped my entire skincare routine with products from this cult-favourite brand? Here’s my honest review after trying a full skincare routine with products from KraveBeauty.

KraveBeauty, the Brainchild of Liah Yoo

KraveBeauty is helmed by Liah Yoo, an OG beauty YouTuber with over a million followers known for her insightful videos on Asian skincare and beauty in general. The #PressReset approach, which is the core DNA of the brand, reflects its dedication to liberating people from the stress and overwhelming nature of skincare. Forget the rules that have been imposed on your skin by various voices; instead, embrace your skin intuition and listen to what it craves.

My Honest Review After Trying These Products from KraveBeauty

KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined

KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined is part of the supplement series, featuring a formulation designed to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. When I first tried it, I was pleasantly surprised by its unique jelly oil cleanser that effortlessly dissolves waterproof mascara and sunscreen with ease. Personally, I find the sweet scent evokes a sensorial experience, reminding me of a glass of wine. Funny enough, I realised that its upcycled grapeseed oil is sourced from a vineyard.

As someone who incorporates a double cleansing routine, the KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined is one of the products I consistently use for the first step of cleansing. One takeaway is that you might need to spend extra time cleansing your face in a circular motion, especially as some waterproof makeup requires more time to be removed.

Why we love it:

  • It keeps my skin hydrated
  • It has a distinctive jelly-oil texture
  • It doesn’t irritate my skin

Cons:

  • Honestly, you’ll need more time to remove waterproof makeup like mascara or lip tint

Price: RM130.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

KraveBeauty Matcha Heartleaf Hydrating Cleanser

If you’re a fan of KraveBeauty, you will certainly notice that they’ve created another variant for Southeast Asian countries. I didn’t have the opportunity to try the Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, so I can’t tell the difference between the two cleansers. However, I can definitely see the Matcha Heartleaf Hydrating Cleanser as a must-have in my beauty kit.

As someone who prefers gel-based cleansers, I was super stoked that this cleanser helps lift away impurities and excess sebum without leaving my skin feeling tight and dry. From a personal perspective, I noticed that the cleanser still slightly lathers when it comes into contact with water; however, it still keeps my skin hydrated afterward. When I wear sunscreen or makeup, I use the Makeup Re-Wined before following up with the Matcha Heartleaf Hydrating Cleanser.

Why we love it:

  • It doesn’t dry out my skin after cleansing
  • Recyclable packaging
  • It offers deep cleansing

Cons:

  • The size is slightly large for travelling 

Price: RM83.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-Yaha Gentle AHA Exfoliator

Chemical exfoliants may not be as kind to sensitive skin, especially if you’re still a newbie to these types of products. However, the KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-Yaha Gentle AHA Exfoliator truly surprised me with its gentle yet effective formula. Featuring 5.25% glycolic acid, it is also concocted with a power-packed green juice of kale, spinach, and parsley, in addition to hyaluronic acid.

Honestly, I’m an avid user of chemical exfoliants, but the products I usually use often lead to irritation and dryness. I loved that it does not strip my skin of natural oils; instead, it keeps my skin hydrated even with its exfoliating properties. Since I tried the Kale-Lalu-Yaha Gentle AHA Exfoliator, it has helped improve my complexion without the usual signs of irritation that I often experience.

While I don’t see visible improvements in pigmentation, which may need more prolonged use, I did notice that my skin looks smoother and fewer acne bumps appeared than usual after a month. I use it only two to three times a week as recommended by the brand, which I like to think of as a boost of juice for the skin to perk up.

Why we love it:

  • Gentle on the skin, unlike other chemical exfoliants I’ve used before
  • It doesn’t cause irritation or redness 
  • Smoothen the rough skin texture

Cons:

  • It’s slightly pricey for a chemical exfoliant 

Price: RM130.00

Where to buy: Sephora

KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief

As a beauty junkie, I’ve heard rave reviews of KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this product. As its tongue-in-cheek name indicates, this reparative and soothing serum is formulated to fortify your skin’s protective barrier while alleviating the signs of damaged skin. Here’s my honest review: I started to notice signs of sensitivity, but luckily, after using this serum for a month, the irritation and dry patches subsided.

Plus, it surprised me with its efficacy in minimising breakouts, especially in my T-zone area. Unfortunately, its scent is a drawback for me, as it reminds me of medicated botanical supplements. It seems the distinct scent is attributed to the inclusion of tamanu oil. But hey, as long as they’re not using fragrance, I’ll try to tolerate it.

Why we love it:

  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • It minimises breakouts
  • Available in two sizes

Cons:

  • The scent is slightly unpleasant for me

Price: starts at RM145.00

Where to buy: Sephora

KraveBeauty Oil La La Linoleic Acid-Rich Oil Serum

If you prefer a balancing serum, I recommend trying KraveBeauty Oil La La Linoleic Acid-Rich Oil Serum. I alternate it with KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief, depending on what my skin needs. When my skin feels sensitive and breakouts start to pop up everywhere, I apply two pumps of this serum before moisturiser. With a blend of linoleic-acid-rich oils and peptides, it helps alleviate congested skin to prevent future acne. 

I love that it differs from the conventional acne treatments I often use, which cause dryness and irritation. Personally, I’ve tried all sorts of acne banishers from tea tree oil to acne spot treatment. As the name suggests, it makes my skin go “o la la” after a month with a clearer complexion and fewer breakouts, soothing inflamed acne.At first, I was surprised by its watery mixed-with-oil texture, but it features a fast-absorbing formula that leaves my skin with a healthy glow.

Why we love it:

  • It works wonders to minimise breakouts
  • Lightweight texture that absorbs easily
  • Its packaging is wonderfully designed for you to use until its last drop

Cons:

  • This product is not recommended if you have psoriasis

Price: RM145.00

Where to buy: Sephora

KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream

The Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream contains only nine ingredients, including oat extract, which ensures that you get all the goodness it has to offer. To be honest, I’ve been searching for a suitable moisturiser that can keep my skin hydrated without causing breakouts, and I’m glad I tried this product. It delivers what it promises: soothing and hydrating the skin without any unwanted side effects.

Plus, I love its whipped creamy texture that easily penetrates the skin without leaving any greasy residue. The formula is just right for me, as it quenches my thirsty skin for long hours. Beyond its cute packaging, the thoughtful addition of a spatula is also a bonus.

Why we love it:

  • Fast-absorbing into the skin
  • It keeps my skin hydrated without any greasiness 
  • It comes with a spatula

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive 

Price: RM145.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Overall Review

I have been using these products from KraveBeauty for a month now, and I’m grateful that I swapped my entire skincare routine for them. As someone who has heard great reviews of the products, they certainly meet my expectations in terms of the formula and efficacy. In fact, as of writing, some of these products are actually permanent fixtures in my daily skincare routine. But the real lesson this experience taught me is to listen to what my skin craves and not fall back into my overcomplicated routine that leads to more skin issues. You should take it as a sign to revamp your ritual and get the whole range.

Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.