Yeah, I know. Thirteen. There are some mitigating factors, however: several of these come in trial size and there are quite a few individual sheet masks that I’ve also counted. And I didn’t really buy it all on the same day. But still, 13 skincare items is a lot, be they Korean or not.

It is practically mandatory these days for every (beauty) blogger to write about Korean products and I have succumbed, too. But it’s not only pathetic trend-hopping, I have my reasons. It’s not for nothing that Korean (and other Asian) brands are so popular at the moment. There are some things they do very well and these include hydration and brightening. And these two things happen to be my priorities when it comes to skin. Also, while the best quality Korean brands are not cheap, the prices tend to be reasonable compared to many Western cult brands.

So after some diligent online research, I chose two brands that looked especially good to me – Cremorlab and Mizon – and ordered a bunch of things. I’m not going to review anything properly today (some of this stuff has just arrived), but I’m going to do a quick overview of what I’ve got. I’ll definitely return to these products, though: considering the customs duty I paid for my Peach & Lily order, I’m going to blog the hell out of this haul. If there’s anything you are especially curious about, let me know and I’ll give it priority.

1. Cremorlab Smooth Pudding – probably Cremorlab’s most famous product, a nourishing and hydrating anti-ageing cream.
2. Cremorlab Mineral Water – a face mist, as I’ve promised myself to try some mists that aren’t as insanely expensive as my favourite, La Mer.
3. Cremorlab Cleansing Veil – make-up remover wipes are evil, but you need to have some nice ones ready for emergencies, planes, etc.
4. Cremorlab Perfection Hydrating Mask – a hydrating sheet mask.
5. Cremorlab White Bloom Triple Bright Floral Mask – well, a brightening sheet mask.
6. Mizon Original Skin Energy Hyaluronic Acid – I’m especially excited about this one, as hyaluronic acid tends to work very well on me, it’s one of the best things for dehydrated skin.
7. Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner – an exfoliating everyday toner, something to try in rotation with my Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion.
8. Mizon Returing Starfish Cream – this sounds gimmicky, but first tests indicate it’s a really nice hydrating cream. I also enjoy the slightly jelly-like texture.
9. Mizon All-in-One Snail Repair Cream – even more gimmicky, but snail secretions are a mainstream ingredient in Asia for its supposedly regenerative properties.
10. Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream – same as above, but for eyes.
11. Mizon Good Night White Sleeping Mask – another one I’ve already tried and done a mini-review about.
12. Mizon Essential Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid – another hydrating mask. As I’ve said, I have dehydrated skin. I need masks. (Couldn’t locate this one for the photo, so maybe I don’t have it after all.)
13. Mizon Cotton Shower Sheet Essence Mask – this one should do it all: plump, lift, firm, hydrate, you name it.

I’ll report back. You know, I’m not going to lie. I’m excited.