The K-MUA Favorite for Pre-Makeup Glow: ONGREDIENTS Skin Barrier Calming Lotion

Before foundation, before primer—this is the first thing I reach for. The ONGREDIENTS Skin Barrier Calming Lotion has become a quiet staple in my skincare routine, and honestly, I understand now why so many Korean makeup artists swear by it.

I first picked it up after seeing it rated so well on Olive Young, and I wasn’t disappointed. The texture is just right—lightweight, not sticky, and it absorbs so fast that it feels like a splash of calming hydration for my face. Especially on days when my skin feels a bit irritated or dry, this lotion instantly soothes everything down.

Formulated with Centella Asiatica Extract, it really helps calm my redness and sensitive spots. I also love that it includes a 9-Peptide Complex, which helps my skin feel stronger and more resilient over time—not just hydrated on the surface.

What surprised me most was how beautifully it preps my skin for makeup. My base sits better, blends smoother, and I get that soft, healthy glow that looks like “glass skin,” even without a highlighter. And because it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fragrance, I feel good using it every day.

If your skin feels extra dry, I recommend using the ONGREDIENTS Skin Barrier Calming Softener as a toner step before the lotion—it layers beautifully and gives your skin a deeper boost of hydration.

Now, whether I’m going for a full glam day or just skin tints and concealer, this lotion is always my first step. Gentle, clean, and so effective—it’s definitely one of those products I keep coming back to.