Korean Beauty
From KBeauty product reviews to cosmetic surgery in Seoul, where to go, and what to get. Honest reviews on services and products. (뷰티 상품 리뷰부터 서울 미용실, 어디로 갈지, 무엇을 받을지까지. 서비스와 제품에 대한 정직한 리뷰.)
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Olive Young Seongsu: A Tourist’s Guide To Korea’s Biggest K-Beauty Playground
If you’re curious about K-beauty, chances are Olive Young is on your list of places to check out when you visit Seoul. What started out as Korea’s first health and beauty store by the CJ Group in 1999 has evolved in to not only a locally known health and beauty general store, but is now a hotspot for tourists and so opening the Olive Young N Seongsu (올리브영N 성수) in one of the most popular districts of Seoul was just a matter of time. Besides being the largest and most ambitious flagship store by Olive Young, what really sets Olive Young N Seongsu apart are the free, personalized experiences that…
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Where K-Beauty Becomes An Experience: Seoul’s Best Flagship Stores
You might hear the term “flagship store” and think it just refers to a larger prettier version of a standard shop, but in Seoul, Korean brands open flagship stores with more in mind than just selling products. They create places you remember, the kind you talk about when you get home, and quietly plan to revisit the next time you’re back in the city. This list of the best K-beauty flagship stores in Seoul isn’t just stops to stock up on skincare and make up, they are tea houses, galleries, and architectural showcases, designed to pull you out of the rush of Seoul for a little while. You might be…
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Where Korean Herbal Medicine Becomes Skincare: Pyunkang Yul’s Flagship Store In Seoul
You might know Pyunkang Yul as a calm, minimalist Korean skincare brand trusted by people with sensitive skin. I was first introduced to them almost a decade ago, but did you know their roots go far deeper than beauty trends? Pyunkang Yul was born from Pyunkang Eastern Medicine Clinic, one of Korea’s top three traditional medicine clinics, with over 50 years of clinical history and more than 200,000 patients treated for chronic skin conditions. Step into the beautiful Pyunkang Yul Flagship Store and Tea House (편강 율 플래그십&티하우스) in Samcheong-dong near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, and you’ll find a calming multi-floor space that blends skincare, traditional Korean aesthetics,…
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Korea’s Most Expensive Multi Balm? Move Over PDRN, This Kahi Balm Is Made With Caviar
A caviar-infused, beluga-fermented multi balm that costs more than some people’s monthly skincare budget? That’s right, it exists. Is it bougie nonsense or bougie brilliance though? Spoiler: if you love the original KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Balm, this is its grown-up, prestigious sibling. The star? Beluga caviar from Korea’s coast, fermented into a concentrated anti-aging oil that KAHI calls K-Fillen. It’s definitely making my skin glow. If you’re curious about what makes the Cavi Balm special, when to use it, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine, here’s your deep dive: Who is KAHI? If you’ve ever seen a K-drama star swipe a balm stick over their cheeks before running…
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Inside Korea’s Cosmetic Tourism Boom: My Experience With Genioplasty, Elasticum, Accu 2 Part, and Submentoplasty
When you think of traveling to South Korea, you probably imagine bustling Seoul streets, K-dramas, or maybe a steaming bowl of kimchi jjigae. But for millions of visitors, there’s another reason to book a flight here: cosmetic and medical tourism. There has been a boom in recent years with tourists coming to Korea for not only surface level beauty treatments like facials, but more in-depth medical treatments. Korea offers not only highly trained specialists and cutting-edge procedures, but also affordable prices compared to the US or Europe. A treatment that might cost thousands of dollars in New York could be a fraction of the price in Seoul. I’ve lived in…
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Boutijour Lotus Leaf Anti-Pollution Repairing Toner & Snow Lotus Lifting Serum Review
You might not think of lotus leaves when you reach for skincare, but in Korea, they’ve long been a symbol of resilience, purity, and renewal. Boutijour takes that tradition and bottles it into modern, mindful formulas designed for today’s busy, urban lifestyles. If you’re looking for skincare that feels indulgent yet practical, and offers protection against city living, these two products deserve a closer look: the Lotus Leaf Anti-Pollution Repairing Toner and the Snow Lotus Lifting Serum. I got to learn about Boutijour at their shop in Seoul and now after a full year using their toner and serum, I’m in love. It was love at first sight, but now…
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Glow Like Gelato: Honest WHIPPED Review of Their Bestselling Products
Korean skincare has a reputation for innovation, but sometimes a brand comes along that feels genuinely fresh and fun, something a bit different. WHIPPED is one of those brands. With airy, whipped textures inspired by homemade recipes, their vegan products look and feel indulgent while delivering serious results. From creamy cleansers to soufflé-like moisturizers, every product feels decadent… and their descriptions might make you think they’re edible… but don’t eat them. After visiting the WHIPPED House in Seongsu-dong in Seoul, I walked away with WHIPPED’s bestsellers: the Vegan Pack Cleanser, the Muhwabutter Scrub, and the Yujamong Vita Soufflé Cream. Sharing that signature “whipped” texture, they all bring something a bit…
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Why Everyone Is Getting Their Nails Done In Korea (And You Should Too)
When you think of Korean beauty, it’s easy to focus on the 10 step skincare routines, the products, the dewy finishes, the glossy finishes, the exfoliation treatments, but Korean nail artistry has been making a name for itself. Not only creative, it’s one of the most accessible parts of the K-beauty experience. It’s not just locals booking appointments now though. Increasingly, travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Singapore are adding nail salon visits to their Korean itineraries. The artistry, the attention to detail, and the range of styles here make it a beauty experience worth planning for. From trending nail art to how to book your nail appointment in Korea,…
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I Got a Personal Color Analysis in Korea—Here’s Why You Should Too
Personal color analysis has become one of those experiences in Korea that tourists young and old look to add to their itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. The global rise of K-beauty has transformed skincare routines, but beneath the surface of flawless complexions and dewy finishes lies a deeper philosophy: beauty that feels personal and intentional. As more beauty lovers look to Korea for guidance, this tailored approach to color has become a natural extension of the K-beauty wave. Who wants to walk through life being washed out by their wardrobe? One size does not fit all, and one hue is not for everyone. Science meets style and the…
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Kahi’s FREE Caviar Cooking Class: Skincare Meets Luxury Dining
Kahi, the Korean skincare brand that skyrocketed to fame with its viral Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick, is known for their commitment to beauty with skincare. They revolutionized the way we simplify routines with their multi-use balm sticks. If you haven’t seen their balms in the hands of Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, or Ava Max, you’ve probably caught their signature pink stick making guest appearances in everything from Yumi’s Cells to Hocus Pocus 2. But Kahi isn’t just about skincare, they’re about luxury. Originally an exclusive event for VIP customers, the Kahi Caviar Cooking Class is now open to the public, and it’s completely FREE. Yes, you read that…
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Whip It Up in Seongsu: Make Your Own Skincare at WHIPPED House
In the heart of Seongsu-dong in Seoul, the air buzzes with the excitement of pop-ups and emerging beauty stores. One of the places getting a lot of attention due to their viral concoctions is WHIPPED House (휩드하우스). While WHIPPED is going viral online for its amazingly soft and rejuvenating skincare products, visitors can experience the magic of whipping in person when they visit, learning how to create their very own WHIPPED product and, in the process, appreciating the craftsmanship and the brand’s distinctive ethos and style. Was I excited to see what WHIPPED was all about? I sure was. If you want to do more than just shop at WHIPPED…
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From Hanoks to High-Tech: Discover YLESS, Bukchon’s Futuristic Beauty Playground
What if I told you that beneath the serene charm of of Bukchon’s traditional hanoks lies a futuristic K-beauty playground waiting to be discovered? Walking down the alleys and streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s easy to feel transported back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). With beautiful hanoks, traditional Korean buildings, everywhere you look, people adorned in traditional hanboks, traditional dresses, you’d never guess that just around the corner, futuristic K-beauty innovations are quietly redefining the landscape. Enter YLESS (와이레스). A venture by Koreatech, the creators of Kahi and pioneers of the multi-balm craze that came out of Korea in 2020, the YLESS Flagship Store blends traditional Korean…
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The Viral 15-Step Korean Scalp Treatment From Korea: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Aging brings many changes, and for me, one of the most noticeable has been my scalp health—thinning hair, dryness, and overall irritation. Moving to Korea and adjusting to the water brought on similar scalp issues actually, and so for the years I’ve been here, I’ve been more in-tune with my scalp and hair. Fortunately, I live in South Korea, where scalp care isn’t just an afterthought, it’s an obsession. With a beauty and wellness industry dedicated to hair health, I knew I had to dive in and try one of the most talked-about treatments. The 15-step Korean scalp treatment has taken social media by storm, with videos of the intricate,…
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SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask Review
If you love the deep-cleaning power of a clay mask but hate the mess they usually create, you’re not alone. So, when I saw the Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask by SKIN1004 in this super easy to apply innovative stick form, I jumped on it. It promises to cleanse pores, soothe sensitive skin, and leave your complexion refreshed. But does it live up to the hype? Spoiler: This was fantastic for travel and really cleaned out my pores: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)…
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Sulwhasoo In Bukchon: Timeless Beauty and Tradition with a Ginseng Twist
The Bukchon Hanok Village is becoming home to more than just tea houses and traditional Korean restaurants. These days, you’ll find more and more Korean beauty flagship stores and shops catering to the foreign tourists visiting the area. Take the beautiful House of Sulwhasoo Bukchon (북촌 설화수의 집), opened in 2021 for an example. Sulwhasoo really kicked off the Korean beauty focus to the area and as far as Korean beauty brands go, this is the best of the best. Not only is their flagship store gorgeous, but it’s an experience and for any Korean beauty enthusiast or skincare obsessed visitor, it’s a must see. I’ve been using Sulwhasoo for…
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SKIN1004: Probio-Cica Enrich Cream and Intensive Ampoule Review
As a longtime SKIN1004 user I am not surprised at all that I loved the Probio-Cica cream and ampoule. Recommended to me as I have dry skin and am aging gracefully, this duo was rich, nourishing, and hydrating and that’s exactly what my skin consistently needs. When I first began my SKIN1004 journey, I was introduced to their Madagascar Centella toner and ampoule and much like I loved those, I found these products extremely hydrating on my dry skin. Need a skin pick-me-up, try these now! Getting into SKIN1004 and want to see if the Probio-Cica line is for you? The ampoule and cream are amazing. Find out why: (This…
