Planning a trip Korea? Time to prep your beauty shopping list, then! And if you already have one, we're guessing it's full of goodies from brands like Innisfree, Missha, and Etude House. While we love these brands to bits as well, Korea has tons of other brands you should check out when you visit. Trust us, these unsung heroes will upgrade your collection by a mile. You might even find your holy grail product without knowing it.
Ready for a shopping list? Keep scrolling!
IMAGE Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream Ex Light, Lotte Department Store
Sulwhasoo should be your go-to for anti-aging skin care. This cream is infused with ginseng that'll revitalize your skin, stat.
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Iope Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning, Lotte Department Store
Consider this your alternative to the SK-II essence. It uses billions of bio-enzymes to brighten, smoothen, and clear skin!
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Heimish All Clean Balm, Heimish
Heimish is a relatively new brand, but this cleansing balm of theirs has gained hype pretty fast. Not only does this take everything off, it also smells amazing.
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Lee Ji Ham Vita Propolis Ampoule, LJH Clinics
Propolis is a powerful ingredient for fighting acne, and this ampoule was formulated by doctors to clear any existing breakouts.
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Hanyul Rice Essential Skin Softener, Aritaum Myeongdong
Anyone with dry skin will love this product. It's insanely hydrating, but its watery consistency prevents it from being too heavy on the skin.
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Mamonde Rose Water Toner, Myeongdong
Using rose water in skin care is incredibly calming and hydrating, that's why it's no wonder that this toner sells out fast.
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Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion, Lotte Department Store
For classic K-beauty skin, this is all you need.
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Iope Air Cushion XP Intense Cover, Lotte Department Store
This cushion's coverage is so good, you might end up hoarding once you try it.
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VDL Perfecting Last Foundation, Myeongdong
Finding a decent matte foundation in the land of dewy skin is rare, but for those who search, this is that rare gem.
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Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Concealer, Myeongdong
Clio isn't kidding when they say "kill cover". You'll always look like you had eight hours of sleep with one of these under your eyes.
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The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, Myeongdong
The Saem's concealers are perhaps the best buys in Myeongdong. They win in coverage, lasting power, and shade range. Check out their pot concealers, too!
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Jung Saem Mool Artist Concealer Palette, JMS Avenue L
Master makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows skin like no one else in Korea. Her brand also has a color-correcting variety if you're into hardcore concealing!
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Pony Effect Contouring Master Palette, Shilla Duty Free
With two highlighters, a blush, and a subtle contour shade, this palette is all your cheeks can ask for.
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Aritaum Mono Eyes, Myeongdong
Stock up on Aritaum's pigmented shadows while you're in Seoul. They have all the colors you'll need.
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Aritaum Shine Fix Eyes, Myeongdong
For our fellow glitter fiends, Aritaum has amazing pigments for highlighting.
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VDL + Pantone Expert Color Eye Book 6.4 No.1, Myeongdong
This palette is a must-have for Pantone fans. It has beautiful pastel shades and nude colors you can use everyday.
IMAGE Hera
Hera Rouge Holic Lipstick in Sunshine Nude, Lotte Department Store
Up for a lipstick splurge? Hera has the creamiest formula ever that feel like butter on the lips.
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