So, What Cosmetics Do People Buy in Korea?

For international friends who have become fond of traveling to Korea, Olive Young has become a must-visit place whenever they come to Korea. My friends who recently visited Seoul also stocked up quite a lot in their suitcases while sightseeing.

Even I check the app before coming to Korea, as it has evolved to offer a wider range of skincare, color cosmetics, and daily necessities at more affordable prices compared to Sephora. And it's not just Olive Young, but various stores with constantly improving products that tempt me to try them out. While Singapore's Guardian and Watson now carry some Korean products, they still can't compare to Olive Young when it comes to getting everything you need in one visit. Whenever I travel, I always check out the local drugstore, but lately, I've realized how much Korea's mass market products have advanced.

Most importantly, having to buy daily facial and makeup products at department stores with their exorbitant prices or settle for low-quality supermarket options was always inconvenient. So, whenever I'm in Seoul, I make time to diligently visit the stores. Here, I'd like to share some of the items I've recently purchased and tried. No sponsorships involved, by the way...

1. Facial Cream

Great: BIOHEAL BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream - Applying it as the last step after cleansing provides a noticeable hydration and firmness boost. It seems like it would be useful during the dry winter weather.

So so: Dr.G Black Snail Cream - The scent was initially off-putting, and the moisturizing and firming effects were less than expected. I've been using it up as a body cream for a while now.

2. Post Laser treatment care
Great: La Roche-Pasay CICAPLAST B5 - It feels soothing and regenerative. For areas that felt a bit irritated or sensitive, applying Bepanthen ointment along with it was helpful.

3. Lip Balm
Great: Huxley Lip Balm, Pinch of Spice - I'm on my second tube. It's great for when you don't want to wear full lipstick but still want a hint of color.
Great too: The Therapy Vegan Multi Lip Serum - I bought this one because the store owner recommended using it for the entire area around the mouth. It has a richer texture than regular petroleum jelly, so it feels more protective for the skin. They also said it's good for nasolabial folds, which got me interested. Haha.