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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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…
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Mixsoon’s Flagship Store In Myeongdong Is An Elegant Stop For K-Beauty
A few years back, Seongsu-dong became the buzz for pop-ups and Korean beauty flagship stores in Seoul, Korea. While it continues to be one of the coolest spots in the city, beauty brands catering to their foreign customers are turning their attention to Myeongdong‘s lasting appeal. SKIN1004 set up shop there, and now MIXSOON has joined the scene with their new flagship store (믹순 플래그십 스토어). Headed to Myeongdong? Don’t miss out on a visit to the Mixsoon Flagship Store: (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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The SKIN1004 Flagship Store In Myeongdong Is Moody, Bold, and a Must-See
The first time I stepped into the SKIN1004 Flagship Store in Myeongdong (스킨1004 플래그십 스토어 명동), I was immediately struck by how different it felt from the usual skincare shops crowding the streets of Seoul and especially the ones in Myeongdong. Nestled in the heart of this bustling district, the store’s exterior boldly breaks away from the sea of glass-fronted boutiques that surround it. Instead, the SKIN1004 Flagship Store presents an intense rock-textured facade, a nod to untouched nature but with a modern twist that draws you in with its unexpected warmth and depth. Let it draw you in. Let it. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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Korean Cupping Therapy (Buhang): What Those Red Circles Mean
If you’ve ever wondered about those mysterious red circles you sometimes see on people’s backs at the sauna or pool in Korea, then let me introduce you to cupping therapy, or buhang (부항). It’s an age-old practice in traditional medicine, but, trust me, there’s a lot more to it than just some circular marks. In recent years, it’s become quite a popular treatment, even Hollywood celebs are showing off their cupping marks and you often see it on athletes in major competitions like the Olympics! I’ve personally experienced it on both my back and, most recently, my stomach, and I can tell you, it’s interesting at the very least. Have…
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Why Lee Moon Won Clinic’s Korean Hair Care Is Trending With Foreigners
When foreigners arrive in Korea and start to settle in, one of the most surprising and frustrating issues they encounter is sudden hair loss and an itchy scalp. Not only an initial issue though, it can become continuous. What’s happening? Drastic changes in everything from diet to water quality, combined with the stress of adapting to a new environment can do a lot to your hair. But you’re not alone—Koreans face similar challenges, and the country is home to numerous specialized hair clinics. The good news? Many of these clinics are now expanding their services to cater specifically to the needs of foreign clients, offering multilingual support to ensure you…
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Purito From Green Avocado Cleansing Balm Review
The first time I tried a cleansing balm years ago, I didn’t really get it to be honest. It wasn’t my jam. It added a step to my skincare routine that I didn’t deem necessary. All the things. Pivot to a decade later and I’m now more knowledgeable of my skin and what it needs and I’ve realized finding the right cleansing balm is a game changer. That first one did NOT work for my skin and it put me off cleansing balms for a decade. Can you believe that? I was recently given the Korean beauty brand Purito’s From Green Avocado Cleansing Balm and with trepidation, I decided to…
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Korean Italy Towel: The Exfoliation Secret Behind Korean Skin
After years of living in Korea, more than 15 in fact, I can say without a doubt one of the biggest lessons I have learned while living here is skincare and exfoliation is a major part of the Korean skincare regime and should be apart of everyone’s skincare regime. I didn’t know adults could have baby soft skin until I moved to Korea and was shown the err of my showering ways. Get ready to find out how to amp up your shower routine and why you really really need to. The tool responsible: the Korean Italy towel (이태리타월). Step into any Korean jjimjilbang, spa, or most household bathrooms and…
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Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI: An Honest Review
When I first heard of Sulwhasoo, I assumed it was a brand for women in their fifties and older. Those were generally the women I heard about Sulwhasoo from and the women I saw purchasing products at the department stores. That, and the price point, kept me from giving it much thought for years. After attending multiple brand events and trying their products firsthand, I’ve become a genuine convert. If you haven’t heard of this major Korean beauty brand, get ready for a deep dive into them and one of their most popular products, the First Care Activating Serum VI. If you want to try just one of Sulwhasoo’s products,…
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Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask Review: The Perfect Peel Off Mask
I tried the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask and it quickly became my favorite peel off mask on my shelf. Amp up your skincare routine and peel off this mask to find smoother, clearer, and supple skin. As someone always on the lookout for gentle yet effective exfoliation, I couldn’t resist trying this Sulwhasoo creation. Actually, I should rephrase, any time I can try any Sulwhasoo product, I jump at the chance and I was able to get this from Amore Seongsu the last time I was there. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare aficionado or a beauty explorer, Sulwhasoo’s Clarifying Mask invites you to unveil the secrets to enduring radiance and youthful…
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Amore Seongsu: A Must-Visit Beauty Experience in Seoul
Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul” is one of those neighborhoods I can visit again and again. The streets are vibrant, there is street art, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and it has become an area popular for hosting pop-ups. Amore Pacific was one of the first major Korean brands to move in to the area and open up an experiential shopping complex and now there are more than ever. Amore Pacific, a beauty and cosmetics conglomerate boasting a rich legacy dating back to 1945, opened Amore Seongsu (아모레성수) quite a few years back. They were one of the first reasons I headed to the area and is one I stop…
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We Asked, Kahi Answered: The New Multibalm Refill Kit
Kahi, a popular Korean skincare brand is back to meet the demand of their consumers with the Kahi Multi Balm Stick Refill Kit! Kahi has been making waves and showing up in major Korean dramas and even making it into American movie scenes including Hocus Pocus 2 and found supporters in people like Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, and Ava Max since they released their super popular Kahi Multibalm stick. Leading the trend of multibalm sticks that were once just for sun creams or quick make-up applications, after Kahi’s Wrinkle Bounce Moisturizing Multi Balm Stick hit the market, companies left and right started releasing their own balms in stick form…
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Medicube Triple Collagen Review: All 4 Products Honestly Tested
Well, I’m getting up there y’all. As I head into my, ahem, 40s soon, I’m ever aware of my skin and the changing lines and plumpness and glow… or lack thereof I guess. I was recently given this set by the Korean skincare brand Medicube from a friend and it is promoted to people with mature skin so I guess since I’m getting close to 40 that might be me now. I haven’t used Medicube before so was interested to see how this Triple Collagen Line stood up against some of my favorites. There were hits and there was a miss, sort of, but overall, it is a lovely rich…
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Mixsoon: The Bean Line Review You Need To Read
Lux! I am not exaggerating when I say the first time I tried the MIXSOON bean based products I was blown away. They just felt so lux and high-quality going on. I couldn’t get enough and I think you will want to try this Korean beauty brand‘s products too. MIXSOON’s motto is “Healthy skin starts with good ingredients” and they live by that and have some great products. The bean line has been my introduction to MIXSOON, but I will be trying more, that is for sure. Get ready to learn more about MIXSOON’s bean line: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…
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Where To Get A Facial In Seoul: Spas, Clinics and What To Expect
Where do you get a facial in Seoul, and more importantly, how do you book one without speaking Korean? I get this question constantly, partly because I go to Korean beauty events regularly, and partly because most facial guides for visitors stop at “go to Myeongdong” without explaining what actually happens once you’re in the chair. The short answer is that Seoul is one of the best cities in the world to get a facial, and visitors are only just starting to catch on. Taking care of one’s appearance is woven into daily Korean life: bath houses in every neighborhood, public exercise equipment on every block, beauty shops lining every…
