Brand Comparison

Then I Met You vs Hera

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

Hera

Higher editor rating (9 vs 8.5)

Then I Met You Hera

Rating8.5/109/10

Price RangePremium ($$$)Premium ($$$)

Founded20181995

OriginNew York / SeoulSouth Korea

Products54

Best Forall skin types, Sensitive, Dryluxury skincare, Mature, K-prestige, gifting

PhilosophyLuxury K-beauty-inspired skincare from Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, built around the Korean concept of "jeong" — slow, intentional care.AmorePacific's luxury skincare-meets-color-cosmetics house — Black Cushion icon, Sensual Powder Matte Lipstick, and serious skincare.

Then I Met You

Then I Met You is Charlotte Cho passion project and it feels like it. The Living Cleansing Balm is arguably the best cleansing balm at any price — a rich, buttery formula with sea buckthorn that actually melts makeup and does not sting the eyes. Premium price, premium product.

Pros

✓ Exceptional cleansing balm formulation
✓ Luxury packaging and experience
✓ Built on Korean skincare philosophy
✓ Sea buckthorn is a standout ingredient

Cons

✗ Premium pricing
✗ Small catalog
✗ Not every product is a category leader

Hera

Hera is the AmorePacific-owned Korean luxury house that has produced one of the most photographed cushion compacts in beauty history (the Black Cushion) and a quietly excellent skincare lineup that doesn't get the same Sephora-front-row coverage as Sulwhasoo or Whoo. Premium pricing, Korean luxury heritage, formulations that earn their place at the top of any K-prestige routine.

Pros