We’ve all been there. That moment where we wake up in the morning and look at ourselves in the mirror with a tired/dull appearance. Even if you’re not in the mood for makeup you still reach for it. However, we’re going to stop you there and introduce you to a fixer-upper: tone up creams!

It’s undeniable that many of us seek to have a brighter complexion as it is the most desirable. Not to mistake it with whitening; the appearance of a bright radiance on one’s complexion will tell others that you’re sporting “a healthy glow”.

Having an uneven toned complexion is completely natural and happens to everyone. There are numerous contributors to it from lacking nutrients, stress or skin issues. Whatever it is, it’s not the end of the world when you have your besties, Beauty Insider, to tell you everything you need.

What Are Tone Up Creams?

Made popular through the Korean beauty industry, tone up creams are essentially products that contain brightening properties. They come in numerous forms from creams (which is the most common form), lotions, essences, etc.

However, with the beauty industry consistently evolving by trying to implement properties of tone up creams in other products too. We already have tone up sunscreens and primers so it’s no surprise that we’ll be seeing more products riding the same wave.

What Can a Tone Cream Do for Me?

It will brighten up your complexion

There are many benefits to gain from tone up creams! To start, obviously, it will help you brighten up your complexion and even out your skin tone. Melanin in our skin has its own brain so we have no control over where it chooses. However, we do have control over how we want it to appear and if it’s by applying tone up creams- then that’s our pretty little secret.

It will help to get rid of dark spots

Many assume that because tone up creams make you appear brighter that they must have harmful ingredients but that is very far from the truth! In fact, tone up creams aren’t temporary solutions but have ingredients that can give good permanent results.

For example, many tone up creams contains brightening ingredients such as niacinamide, arbutin, hydroquinone and more! These ingredients act not only to treat uneven skin tones but also diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Of course, it isn’t instant, but with time and regular use, you’ll start to see them fade away.

Best Tone Up Creams in Singapore

1. Innisfree Jeju Cherry Blossom Tone-up Cream

To start our list is a classic that many enjoy using which is the Innisfree Jeju Cherry Blossom Tone-up Cream. Similar to many of their products, this cream is formulated through natural extracts that are safe even for those with sensitive skin. It contains Jeju cherry blossom leaf extracts and naturally-derived Betaine to give you a healthy, pinkish glow.

To add, it’s hydrating with a watery consistency that seeps into your skin flawlessly. If you love rocking the dewy look, you’ll achieve it with this!

Why we love it:

  • Instant brightening effect
  • Can be used to prime before makeup

Price: $31.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

2. The Face Shop Yehwadam Snow Lotus Brightening Pearl Capsule Cream

Sometimes, when we’re looking for products, we tend to choose what will give us the most benefits in return. What’s great about the Yehwadam Snow Lotus Brightening Pearl Capsule Cream from The Face Shop is that it will brighten your complexion and is anti-ageing.

Additionally, it is jam-packed with ingredients that focus on targeting signs of ageing and brightening agents such as white lotus. You do need to do the extra work of crushing the pearls but these tone up creams are definitely worth it!

Why we love it:

  • Fun to apply
  • Mixing it with your foundation will give it extra glow and dewiness

Price: $51.99

Where to buy: The Face Shop outlets

3. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Tone Up Cream

Here at Beauty Insider, we want to get the most out of our buck which is why Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Tone Up Cream is a must-buy! What makes these tone up creams stand out is that it also gives you sun protection of SPF50 PA+++.

Thus, not only will it brighten up your complexion but will defend your skin against UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs well into the skin and the brightening effect is instantaneous!

Why we love it:

  • Added sun protection
  • Hydrating

Price: $52.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s outlet

4. Secret Key Snow White Cream

Despite the name, we’re unsure if you can really beat the fairest of them all but hey, you can try. The Secret Key Snow White Cream is hydrating and will brighten your complexion to give a healthy glow! Additionally, it is made with great ingredients such as glycerine and niacinamide. To add, this works exceptionally well as a base for your makeup to protect the skin from getting clogged.

Why we love it:

  • Packaging is hygienic with a spatula so no direct contact
  • Affordable price

Price: $15.30

Where to buy: Althea

5. Laneige White Dew Tone-up Cream

Laneige’s White Dew range is truly amazing if you want to focus on getting a brighter complexion and the tone-up cream is included. These innovative, tone up creams contain Saururus Chinensis that target and treat hyperpigmentation to even out the skin tone. Whereas their brightening ingredients create a luminous glow that will turn heads.

Additionally, this will be your best-kept secret if you’re a big fan of the dewy look as it is intensely moisturising.

Why we love it:

  • Great as a makeup base
  • It will give you a beautiful glow

Price: $44.20

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

We’ve given a lot of affordable choices but if you’re fancy and don’t mind splurging then we have to talk about Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream. These tone up creams will give you the healthiest glow while being extremely hydrating. It’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Tamarind Extract to make you look youthful.

Additionally, this is especially great for those with oily skin because what’s different about these tone up creams is that it’s water-based. Hence, it will absorb better into the skin. Although the price is pretty, it is definitely worth it with the number of benefits you’ll gain.

Why we love it:

  • Papaya enzyme will smoothen skin texture
  • Can treat dark spots

Price: $98.00

Where to buy: Sephora