I Tried It: 5 Korean Beauty Products Bought in Korea Reviews: Missha, SKINFOOD, The Face Shop and Bioderma

Posted on November 10, 2016

I picked up some nice Korean beauty products during my break in Korea. In this post, I’ll share with you a review of this first set of K-beauty items that I opened in Korea. I have my favorites and I will let you know which ones are worth it! Plus, in-store photos: Missha, SKINFOOD and The Face Shop.

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There are many brands I definitely wanted to bring back from my trip to Korea. I saw them in articles and reviews that were listing the best Korean beauty brands, so of course I had to give them a try. I did most of my K-beauty shopping in Myeong-dong, Seoul. I am not Korean and I can’t read Korean. Some of the ingredient lists are not available in English so I tested them out and bought some products that I like. Their beauty salespeople are very welcoming and knowledgeable.

If you are interested, you can see the 10 step K-beauty routine from Nordstrom to get a little introduction!

The best way to do a thorough cleansing job recommended in 10 step K-beauty routine is to use cleansing oil to remove most of makeup, then following up with a micellar water to remove any last remnants.

I planed to enjoy Korean beauty and I didn’t bring makeup remover there! The problem? There’s no English language on all the facial wipes when I need it. My options are Avene or this brand. I found this product in Korean version of Ulta.

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O

$6.90 – $16.90 Ships Free or from B-glowing

With this no-rinse, hydrating makeup remover from Bioderma, even the most stubborn, water-resistant makeup doesn’t stand a chance. Why it’s so effective? Hydrabio H2O’s dermatologically-tested micellar technology makes for unrivaled makeup removing results that won’t irritate skin in the process. This allergen-free formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types and trains skin to activate its natural moisturizing abilities—leaving you with fresh, nourished skin in just a few swipes.

IcanGWP: Worth the hype? Yes! It cleans so well, including all the heavy, water resistant sunscreen. I really like the texture, it’s pretty much like water. 100% no greasy or oily. This sensitive version does not contain fragrance. It took some time and about 3 cotton pads later to get a clean face. My face feels moisturized. It cannot clean waterproof mascara completely but does an okay job. It’s only $2 – $4 for there for this TSA-approved size.

Next up “The face shop”. Their stores give me … a clean and botanical feeling. Very green and natural. The prices are cheaper than many Korean prestige beauty brands. They have a very cute The Face Shop x Disney collection (first image).

The Face Shop Single Blush PP01

IcanGWP: This brand provides all their ingredient list in Korean and English. I haven’t owned many blush like this shade and want to give it a try. It is not pigmented. Instead it adds a very subtle glow that does not not shimmer and isn’t glittery. It is more like a high-end brand highlighter with a little hint of pink/purple hue. It looks so very nice after repeated applications. Surprisingly, I like this as a highlighter. It stays on so well. This product is also fragrance free. FYI – I can’t find this product at any major US retailer.

Next, the vintage-theme Korean Beauty brand that I want to share with you today is Skinfood. US retailers carry their skincare line (e.g., Amazon, Birchbox, Memebox or Ulta). People with oily skin love their Tomato line. From BIRCHBOX: Using the philosophy that “you are what you eat,” Korean brand SKINFOOD develops skincare, body, and makeup products using only the best ingredients available from around the globe. Brazilian black sugar, French grapes, and South Asian royal black honey are just a few of the nutritious infusions found in the collection for targeted results.

SKINFOOD Sugar Bloom Shadow Box in Cappuccino Bloom #3

$9.89 and shipping is free (image below)

IcanGWP: This little eyeshadow palette is almost too pretty to use. From left to right:

cool toned taupe /pink,
dark brown with fine gold shimmer and
warm copper/gold with shimmer.

They are all satin finish with medium size shimmer particles. I like to add the pink shade to brighten my under eye areas. However, it is sheer and contains a lot of glitter that falls without primer. It can be used as an accent color. I regret not grabbing the highly recommended serum.

After reading dozens of impressive reviews about Missha makeup, I simply had to get my hands on it. Amazon offers Missha x Line Friends here. Target carries Missha here.

Missha stores in Korea look so luxury. Here is what I saw on the hot new lipstick display. No brainers. I grabbed the No. 1 Best Seller shade immediately.

MISSHA Signature Dewy Rouge Rose Geranium PK02

$16.50 and free shipping

IcanGWP: This lipstick is the real deal. I like the design of slim metallic case. The formula adds perfect shine and plump. It is like a having a strobing product on your lips so it provides fuller and younger looking finish. I don’t know why but this particular shade (calming pink) looks so good in the photograph. Medium coverage lip plumping & lip balm all in one! I used it the first time with my lip primer. Later, I wore it alone. It is an incredibly hydrating formula! It doesn’t look greasy or feel sticky at all. I highly recommend this product.

Missha The Premium Silk-Feel Cotton Puff

IcanGWP: We all like pillowy perfection Shiseido Facial Cottons. This product is another perfect cotton pad from Asia. Unlike the regular cotton pads. It has a thin layer of silk-like material wrapped around it and it WILL NEVER SHED. It has a smaller surface area and is sealed at the longer ends.

Almost all Missha cotton puffs have one sample attached to the box. That’s easier for me to make my decision from 4 types they are offering at the store. It looks silky and it feels really smooth on my face. Its puff is thicker and more dense than Shiseido. It is so soft and gentle on skin. I used it with the micellar cleansing water and I can use both sides to clean my face. The thicker puff increases its durability and usability. This is a way to actually enjoy your makeup removal process. I do not recommend it for applying skincare, too much waste of product.

My thoughts

As a beauty gift with purchase blogger I felt I have already seen a lot, and some new products don’t easily get me excited. Always up for a beauty hunt, I secretly wanted to fall in love again. I experienced this blissful feeling for the Club Clio concealer (review post coming soon) and Missha Lipstick.

It is so fun. Sorry that I didn’t try more of the skincare products or masks yet. I bought some and the reviews will be coming later. I think that Korean or Japanese makeup is more like a buildable/blendable style. You’ll take like 10 steps for a skincare routine and even more steps for makeup. I love the quality and the staying power.

What do you think? As always I hope it was helpful for someone out there.

I love to talk it out!

If you are interested, see Next Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancôme GWP and current Beauty free sample bags round-up post here. See the main page: icangwp.com for daily updates.

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