This Korean Plumping Stick Delivers Filler-Like Results — And It’s 32% Off For Ulta’s Early Black Friday Sale

Anyone lucky enough to reach a certain age knows that volume loss and fine lines are some of the first and most obvious indicators of facial aging. It can be tempting to reach for the syringe immediately; however, for those who don’t want to make that kind of investment, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a previously sold-out multi-stick (that’s sold out right now, by the way!) that some say works almost too well at plumping and “filling” those troublesome areas. Right now, you can try some for yourself at Ulta, 32% off, as part of its early Black Friday sale!

Medicube is a K-beauty brand that other HuffPost beauty editors and I are already well-acquainted with, as it’s released some of the most universally adored (and affordable) skin care formulations.

So it was unsurprising that I would also be such a fan of the brand’s newly launched multi-balm that was snatched up with alarming speed during Prime Day in June.

Part of what made this stick most appealing was its inclusion of 5% Volufiline, a trademarked ingredient that creates a subtle, instant plumping effect by supporting lipid content in the skin, producing what dermatologists have previously explained is a natural and temporary “filler-like” appearance. Topically applied, this can be beneficial for commonly hollow areas like under and around the eyes, the temples and nasolabial folds.

“Def[initely] helps fill in the under eye! To the point I had to stop using it cause it was really working!! Saw less of the dark circles due to the filling of that thin skin under eye,” one Amazon shopper claimed.

I really like to apply this not just under the eyes, but also along my upper cheeks to help promote a more contoured look and boost the volume that I’ve lost with age and weight loss, as well as on my lips to minimize the appearance of lines and create a plumping effect.

This versatile formula boasts more than just Volufiline, but also some of the most notable over-the-counter ingredients for anti-aging, according to dermatologists that we’ve previously spoken to. Inclusions like retinol and peptides promote collagen production through increased cellular turnover, while caffeine can visibly brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness.

Additionally, PDRN, if you’re unfamiliar, is derived from salmon DNA and has been shown to accelerate repair of damaged skin and promote new tissue growth, according to dermatologists in earlier coverage. It also boosts hydration in the skin, promotes cellular turnover and reduces hyperpigmentation. This means users have been noticing visible improvement in fine lines and an overall increase in radiance and that coveted “youthful glow.”

Another Amazon reviewer said they were shocked by how hydrating the Medicube stick is, especially considering they were fully expecting it to just be hype. “My skin hasn’t looked this good in many years, and I’ve only been using it for a couple of days. This formulation is incredible,” they claimed.

Since getting this balm, I have found the most effective way to use it is as the last step in my evening skin care routine and a quick dab on the high points of my face before putting my makeup on in the morning. I really like that the texture isn’t heavy or balmy at all, but instead feels really silky, lightweight and melts into the skin. This means I feel better about swiping this on my face throughout the day or whenever I need a touch of hydration, without worrying that it’s going to completely remove my makeup or make me look greasy. It’s become my new pal on flights as well to help stave off that drying cabin air.

While I could go on about how valuable I have found this on-sale pink tube and how it’s improved my skin, you might find more inspiration in a quick look at the enthusiastic Ulta and Amazon reviewers below, or grab this stick before it sells out again.

“I have fallen in love with this brand. Purchased this product since I have had much success with several of the other products in this line. This is great for a quick hydration fix anytime throughout the day. Goes on smooth and absorbs well.” — sisterM

“I started using this about 3 weeks ago, once a day. I wash, tone, serum, lotion & then apply this balm before makeup primer. I apply to my forehead, smile lines, under eyes & neck. Knowing it would be hard to tell a difference, I also apply to the back of my right hand & a vitamin c balm stick to the left. I can see a noticeable reduction in the wrinkles and crepey skin on my hand, its fuller & smoother. the feel of this is nice for me (late 30s, severe dryness) but could be greasy/ heavy for oily skin.” — Lilita

“I work for Ulta so I saw this product being shelved and i LOVE Medicube’s pink line. Im 34 i have fine lines, large pores on my nose, between my eyebrows, and a bit on my cheeks. Combination skin AND a lit of volume and elasticity loss from losing weight. I work in the salon, a guest came to us asking for recommendations for volume loss and crepeing under here eyes. She pointed right at me and said “YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL WHAT DO YOU USE?!” Like. Girl omgosh. Thank you. This. I used this stick halphhazzardly before bed because i almost forgot. Then i used it yesterday before work. And it made such a noticeable difference a stranger clocked it??? Buy it. I especially really really really feel a lot better about my neck skin. Weight loss really had me ready to cry. This stick will be in my kit for as long as they make it 🥹” — That Weird Girl

“I started using this about 3 weeks ago, once a day. I wash, tone, serum, lotion & then apply this balm before makeup primer. I apply to my forehead, smile lines, under eyes & neck. Knowing it would be hard to tell a difference, I also apply to the back of my right hand & a vitamin c balm stick to the left. I can see a noticeable reduction in the wrinkles and crepey skin on my hand, its fuller & smoother. the feel of this is nice for me (late 30s, severe dryness) but could be greasy/ heavy for oily skin.” — Lilita

If you want to shop for more multi-balms, similar to the Medicube formula, take a look at the following options, gathered from previous HuffPost coverage: