Olive Young Beauty Picks Reviewed: The Korean Cosmetics You Have to Buy

Translated from the Korean original.

Everything You Have to Buy at Olive Young: The Complete K-Beauty Haul List

There is one place you have to stop by when you come to Korea: Olive Young. It is a health & beauty store run by the CJ group, with more than 1,300 branches nationwide, and you will always find one near major tourist areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gangnam. When foreign visitors ask “What should I buy in Korea?”, Olive Young is the first answer they get.

Skincare — the fundamentals done right

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Essence is an Olive Young steady seller. The snail mucin helps the skin repair itself and holds moisture in. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is especially popular with visitors from abroad. At around KRW 20,000 it is very reasonable for the quality.

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream delivers powerful hydration to dry skin. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, which is especially useful in Korea’s dry winter weather. With its distinctive thick blue tube, this product is a pilgrimage item for K-beauty fans worldwide.

Sunscreen — UV protection is the foundation of K-beauty

The step Koreans consider most important in skincare is sunscreen. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ leaves little white cast and feels hydrating, so it is easy to wear every day. Anua Heartleaf 77 Sunscreen has become hugely popular because even sensitive skin can use it without irritation. Both cost around KRW 20,000, which is outstanding value.

Makeup — a paradise of color products

rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint is the textbook of gradient lip makeup. Its velvety payoff and light, comfortable finish have made it a favorite from students to office workers. Among its roughly 30 shades, “Fig Pink” and “Nudy Red” are especially popular.

CLIO Kill Cover The New Founwear Cushion manages high coverage and a natural skin finish at the same time. It is the one to pick if you need to cover melasma or blemishes. Refills are sold separately, so it is economical in the long run.

Hair care — the secret behind glossy hair

The LABO-H shampoo & treatment set is popular with people who care about hair loss and scalp health. Mise en Scène Perfect Serum is the longest-loved steady seller among Olive Young’s hair products, coating damaged hair with moisture. Plenty of visitors buy one to try during the trip, then stock up before flying home.

Tips for shopping at Olive Young

• Install the Olive Young app and you can get online-only discount coupons
• The Olyoung Sale, four times a year: up to 50% off in March, June, September and December
• Tax refunds for foreign tourists: VAT refunds available on purchases over KRW 30,000 (at selected stores)
• Watch for 1+1 and 2+1 promotions and you can take home twice as much for the same money
• The Myeongdong flagship store has English-speaking staff on hand, so shopping is easy for visitors too

Olive Young is not just a convenience store. It is a living beauty museum where you can take in the trends of K-beauty at a glance. If you come to Korea, visit at least once — or better, twice. 🛍️