The K-beauty scene is burgeoning, and it’s not looking to slow down anytime soon. But with so many products out there, how do we know what’s actually worth spending on?
Introducing Olive Young – only the biggest health and beauty retailer in South Korea, as well as your go-to for all things K-beauty. We at Pretties HK have compiled a list of all-year-long bestsellers at Olive Young, popular whether with local Korean shoppers or skincare enthusiasts around the world. So when in doubt, take a look at this article!
The widely-awarded brand Torriden’s bestselling hyaluronic mask, formulated with hyaluronic acids of 5 different molecular weights to hydrate every inch, every layer of your skin. Proven to boost deep hydration levels by 7.57% after 4 weeks of use!
Once awarded the #Trend title in the renowned Olive Young Awards, this calming serum from the “Heartleaf expert” brand Abib is chock-full of Heartleaf extract from Mount Jiri in Korea – as much as 80.59%! Heartleaf helps to remove dead skin cells and cleanse excess sebum while calming irritated and sensitised skin, delivering exfoliating, hydrating and soothing care in one go.
Specially designed for pore problems, this sheet mask is formulated with the premium “miracle ingredient” Galactomyces (“Pitera”), which works in tandem with numbuzin’s unique Tingle-pore Complex to leave your skin softer, its texture smoother, and your pores tighter.
Olive Young K-Beauty Must Buy #4.
BIODANCE Bio Collagen Real Deep MaskTurn to this sheet mask for help when you want to look flawless on important dates and events! Containing ultra-low molecular collagen and Galactomyces, it delivers deep nourishment and injects hydration and elasticity deep into your skin. Tackles pore problems, improves skin elasticity and smooths wrinkles and fine lines.
One of the top-ranking brightening serums among Olive Young’s bestsellers, this Vitamin C goodie is concocted with 70% Vita C derived from Jeju green tangerines to effectively inhibit melanin production and fade blemishes and fine lines, working its magic in as little as 2 weeks.
This blackhead nose pack enjoys its hype for good reason – not only does it remove blackheads and whiteheads and tighten pores in two easy steps, but also soothes with a skin-friendly formula of botanicals and natural exfoliators. Who said combatting blackheads had to be harsh and irritating?
This ROUND LAB moisturizer was awarded first place on various beauty rankings in Korea, including GlowPick and Hwahae. Enriched with Ulleungdo deep seawater through ROUND LAB's patented technology, it supplies 72 types of nature-derived minerals to regulate your moisture-oil balance and lock moisture in your skin.
Try looking for these Reedle Shots at an Olive Young store in Korea, and you may find more empty shelves than actual products – given that sales have already exceeded 3.3 million units. It opens up pathways in your epidermis to promote absorption of active ingredients and promotes skin metabolism to get rid of waste, with an anti-aging and antioxidant effect. The line covers a range of intensities from 50 to 1000, as well as functional variations (such as collagen, vitamin C, cica, and hyaluronic acid) to suit every user, every skin type, and every need.
A long-term resident of the top spots of Olive Young’s rankings, this lightweight sunscreen offers strong UV protection of SPF 50+ and PA++++. Rich in minerals and amino acids, the birch juice in its formula also helps to keep skin moisturized and prevent water loss under the sun.
Olive Young K-Beauty Must Buy #10.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + ProbioticsThis hydrating chemical sunscreen protects your skin while nourishing it with the 30% rice extract in its formula, keeping your skin hydrated and supple. Probiotics help to stabilize your skin’s condition for soothed, healthier skin.
Popular as a lip balm in Korea, the Torriden Lip Essence delivers deep nourishment with various humectants and moisturizers. It forms a protective hydrating film on your lips with oil naturally derived from plants and nights, leaving a light, non-greasy finish and giving you soft, smooth lips.
We’re pretty sure most K-beauty enthusiasts have heard of – if not owned something from – the makeup brand rom&nd. Established by the famous Korean makeup YouTuber and influencer Saerom Min, rom&nd is known for their all-encompassing range of lippies. The Glasting Melting Balm line boasts excellent colour payoff and a vegan formula, as well as hydrating additives of argan oil, rosehip oil, and evening primrose. The moist texture melts upon application to form a hydrating film on your lips with a jelly-like dewy texture.