Top products from r/KoreanBeauty

They're the most common to find (at least 1 of these in every major subway stop, I'd say) stores, imo. If there is a brand you want outside of these, you'll need to figure out where physically it is in Seoul because otherwise your friend probably won't find it (unless they speak fluent Korean).

I'd say if you are really that curious, you can just look up pricing online. I will take Skinfood's Egg White Pore Foam as an example. (Even though Skinfood is a particularly common k-brand in the US, imo.) Ulta sells it for $11.00 and Amazon sells it for $9.99 (currently). RoseRose has it normally prices for ₩9,000 but currently has it on sale for ₩5,850 (but you have to pay shipping).

If you look at the Korean Skinfood website, it is normally priced ₩9000 in stores and is currently on sale for ₩6300 (these prices include tax. yay Korea!). So depending on how your normally buy your stuff, and what you're buying, it may or may not be worth it to you. I'd do a bit of research and compile a list/map for my friend that way it's as easy as possible for someone who is going out of their way for you. :)

I know that when I hit up Korea, I usually like to do three things: get in on the 10+10 sheet mask deals and stock up, go to the stores which are harder to access product in the US (aka Nature Republic & they goddamn amazing aloe products), and buy new products that are limited edition/that wouldn't have tried otherwise because of price.

I'd add in a toner/essence. Like the EVENPRIME mist (will help reduce pore size and soothe redness post shaving / gym sessions). Nice easy-to-carry hydrator post-workout.

$6 moisturizer kind of scares me, but if you want a good deal and slightly better formulas, I'd opt for the EP cleanser + moisturizer set. Cleanser is pH-balanced like the CosRx one, and the moisturizer has better antioxidant ingredients (plus it was designed by one of Korea's leading female chemists).

Otherwise, I'd opt for CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer (I don't know if I trust Garnier's formulations). They're owned by L'Oreal which is pretty dodgy.

Not AB, but this cream is extremely moisturizing, albeit a little on the greasy side. Its mainly olive oil, beeswax, and honey.

Bee Friendly Rest and Repair night cream

I also love the Soon Jung Cica Panthenoside Sleeping Pack, mixed with Aquafor at night.

Soon Jung Sleeping Pack

ETA I also love these Snail sheet masks by Etude House. The essence is creamy, and thicker than most.

Etude House Therapy Air Mask Snail

Hi there!
Usually gel creams come in the jar container, but I did find this one in a squeeze container that has great reviews on amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481299904&sr=8-1&keywords=korean+gel+moisturizer

Hope it helps!

Freeset Donkey Milk Aqua! Can get it here on Amazon. They are amazing and my personal Holy Grail since one of these will make my skin look fantastic overnight and the effects will last a couple of days. They also fit really well on my face!

Currently using Missha Essence Sun Milk (SPF 50+/PA+++), and like how it wears under makeup. I am planning to try the Etude House Sunprise next, given the hype.

I’m ordering DIY Cushion Compact for easy reapplication over makeup with my upcoming vacation to NOLA.

And of course, wearing oversized sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection and a hat with the same are the best measures you can take for your sensitive eye area and often overlooked scalp - particularly if you’re facing the sun each day for hours at work!

Edit: Your skin type sounds very similar to mine, and the Missha has been very gentle for me, particularly when I keep it in the fridge prior to application.

I think you could use the blending cream as a night mask! I've used night creams as a mask before too, although I will say it's not as effective as an actual sleeping mask.

I recommend the Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask. It's super hydrating and brightening (although you have to use it quite a bit to see results!) I really like it!

Yes! Babyganics is a very vegan/cruelty free brand. It's sunscreen is mineral based, tear-free, water resistant, and has an SPF of 50, and because it is aimed at babies, there no harmful chemicals or preservatives added. So there's no need to worry about breaking out or damaging your skin, as it is very safe. It is even formulated with a seed oil blend, which is why many include it in their routine. Here's a link if you want to do more research, it is actually my holy grail lol. Good luck :)


https://www.amazon.com/Babyganics-50-Spf-Sunscreen-Lotion/dp/B004KY7JLK/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=babyganics+sunscreen&qid=1573771392&sprefix=babygen&sr=8-8

The Missha BB cream is the gold standard. I wouldn't recommend a cushion foundation because they tend to have low coverage and a pretty dewy finish.
The Missha is medium to full coverage, easy to blend, buildable and super soothing. I have adult acne and use it on days I don't want full glam because it evens out tone and has NEVER broken me out.
There's a limited shade selection and the shades are very light, I suggest looking up swatches. I wear #21 and I'm about NW20.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B9DWBC/ref=sxts_bia_sr_1_a_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3182441022&pd_rd_wg=Z05Zd&pf_rd_r=PXJE3J8ZVAJEB39J3Q29&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B002B9DWBC&pd_rd_w=CMIKJ&pf_rd_i=missha+bb+cream&pd_rd_r=4YAX74V3QHH1594B4W70&ie=UTF8&qid=1506568252&sr=1

All you need is Paula's choice 1% BHA. Then apply a good moisturizer. Sulwhasoo emulsion and Laneige sleeping mask is pretty good.

Try this missha No sparkle, super natural looking. and a little goes a long way.

I use the Face Shop Clean Face Oil Control Sun Cream and I have extremely oily skin it gives my skin a matte look and contains Tea Tree and Aloe to help soothe your skin and I am an NC 50.
https://www.amazon.com/Face-Shop-Clean-Oil-Control-Cream/dp/B00819DXKG

I am using the Mizon Snail repair ampoule and I have to say that my acne marks are fading faster than ever. I have very fair skin, so when I get a zit I will have a red mark for at least a week. Now, a zit I had on Sunday was completely faded by Tuesday.

Also, I have one deeper pore that is more pitted than the others, almost like the kind of scar you mentioned. The InnisFree no-sebum primer really helps to fill that in.
https://www.amazon.com/INNISFREE-NO-SEBUM-Blur-Primer-25ml/dp/B00WFW76BW

For K beauty, I really like the Ryo Korean Herbal Anti hair loss shampoo and conditioner! They’re relatively cheap for being a good shampoo and conditioner set and they smell great.

Here’s an amazon link: Ryoe Korean Herbal Anti Hairloss Damaged Hair Shampoo Conditioner Each 500ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7FQD7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zD9mDbC9DFS64

For non-Korean hair care, I really like the Tresemme Anti Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner. I find that most shampoos really dry out my hair and pull it out. This Tresemme shampoo is clarifying but also softens my hair at the same time. It’s even cheaper than the Ryo one! It’s $4 for 28oz of shampoo!

Really? The 80mL bottle lasted me like six months (2 full pumps per day). I think I bought it for less than 20USD.

The Green Tea line is mega popular, so pretty much all the Korean road shops brands have tried to dupe it. The Face Shop and Nature Republic both have a green tea serums that are supposedly pretty close.

I have two options for you. They both work the same in my opinion

1. Etude House Sunprise https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WE3XGAC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522285506&sr=8-1&keywords=sunprise+sunscreen&dpPl=1&dpID=41rlt8AIP5L&ref=plSrch
   
   
2. Biore 50 Sun Milk
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SM99KY8/ref=pd_aw_sim_194_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5NCPJ5H4NNC8QJVTT32E&dpPl=1&dpID=61hI1CX6a7L (Japanese product, but you get me)
   
   They're both awesome. I have crazy oily skin and I loved both of 'em. Very mattifying and no white cast left on my NC42 skin. The Biore takes forever to arrive, unfortunately. But worth the wait.

If your skin is feeling tight, that means it is dehydrated. I have dry/dehydrated skin as well and also used some of the cleansers (Cerave and hada labo) you listed without a problem. What I did to help with my dry skin is to use a hydrating toner and a good moisturizer to seal in the moisture.

Hydrating toner recommendation:
Isntree Hyaluronic acid toner
Hada Labo hyaluronic acid lotion Moist
Hada Labo Premium hyaluronic acid lotion

Moisturizer Recommendation:
Etude House Soon Jung intensive Cream
Cerave Moisturizing Cream (heavier cream. Don't use too much.)

If you're using a hyaluronic acid product and you live in a dry climate, make sure your face is damp before applying it and use a moisturizer before it all evaporates. If you're still having problems, try adding a facial oil as the last step of your skincare. I use the ordinary marula oil and it's been working great for me.
Sometimes your skin is dehydrated is because your skin barrier is damaged so you might want to look into a repairing cream or serum. I've only tried Dr. Belmeur Recovery Serum and it was so hydrating. I used it after toner and before moisturizer. Last but not least, don't forget to drink a lot of water.

I believed they had a rebranding with their logo. You can also find it explain here: Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream, Day and Night Face Moisturizer with Snail Mucin Extract, 75ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF63QQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nyI2DbWD29RZW ) (scroll down). I messaged their official insta and this is their official account on Amazon. Since i just recently checked, might as well share the info.

I swear by this one https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Repair-Cream-Grams/dp/B00AF63QQE/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Mizon&qid=1555537148&s=beauty&sr=1-3


I've been using it in rotation with Lenige one, the results have been amazing

I've used innisfree's mint scaler before. I didn't especially notice a difference.

However one thing you must get is a shampoo brush. That actually does make a huge difference, your fingers will never be as good at massaging all the dead skin off. I recommend using a silicone one instead of a harsh plastic which might just tear the delicate skin.

I was recommended KAO success brush over 6 years ago and I still use it today. It's got different bristle shapes and the silicone is hard enough to be effective but won't scratch you. There's also a sensitive version that's lighter blue that's a more squishy silicone if your scalp needs it.

https://www.amazon.com/Kao-SUCCESS-Scalp-Washing-Brush/dp/B004QEZ54W

Currently using ..

Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydro Gel Eye Patch 60ea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QV190SU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf