It’s an open secret that when beauty editors are looking for the latest trends in skin care, they look to see what’s hot in the South Korean beauty market and what Korean women are incorporating into their multi-step skin care routine. WF is looking beyond the big luxury brands you’ve been oversold for years. If we’re spending hundreds of dollars on skin cream, that money better be in the ingredient list—not the marketing!

Créme de la Mer has long held the title of most coveted skin cream in the luxury market, but that reign seems to be faltering, with divisive online reviews suggesting its not worth the exorbitant cost and claims that it’s product origin is mired in exaggeration fuelled by it’s owner, the Estée Lauder company.

We’re not picking sides on the history, but if we’re being totally honest, after a few test runs with La Mér products, we are giving it a pass and turning to South Korea’s best kept secret—AMOREPACIFIC.

The secret ingredient to these magical creams? Green Tea grown in the volcanic soil of Jeju Island in South Korea! But this potent green tea extract isn’t for sipping. It’s too powerful for that. It’s been said that Asian princesses used to rub their faces with these mighty leaves in order to preserve their youth.