On my last trip to Korea, I made sure to stock up on essentials at Olive Young to bring back home. The biggest draw of shopping at Olive Young is being able to test a huge variety of products in person and buy everything in one go. While you can often find better deals online, this guide focuses on items that offer exceptional convenience and value, especially for those of us living abroad.
1. Color Cosmetics: Unmatched Quality and Variety
Although Korean cosmetics are available overseas, they usually come with higher price tags and long shipping delays. Indie and mid-sized brands like Rom&nd, Lilybyred, and Peripera can be especially hard to find, often only available through third-party resellers. Plus, color cosmetics are small and lightweight, making them easy to buy in bulk and pack in your suitcase.
Personal Color Eyeshadow Palettes
The ‘personal color’ system isn’t as mainstream in many Western countries, so it’s tough to find products specifically tailored for warm or cool undertones. High-quality palettes that go for around ₩20,000 in Korea often sell for significantly more abroad. I highly recommend finding a palette that perfectly complements your personal color.
Lip Tints
It’s nearly impossible to find lip products with the same variety and beautiful color ranges as you can in Korea. The tint formula itself is a signature strength of K-beauty brands. In many countries, you often have to buy lip products without testing them first. Being able to swatch various shades in-store makes for a much more satisfying purchase.
Contouring Powders
Korean contouring products have evolved remarkably in recent years. A wide array of sophisticated shades has been developed, specifically formulated within the personal color framework to eliminate unnatural red or yellow undertones. A contour powder that naturally sculpts your features is a definite must-buy. Too Cool For School’s Artclass by Rodin remains a cult classic for a reason.
Brand Pick!
- Name: Too Cool For School Artclass by Rodin Shading
- Type: Cosmetic Product (Contour Powder)
- Known for: As Korea’s best-selling contour palette, it features three natural shades for creating depth and dimension. It’s beloved for its minimal fallout and versatile colors that avoid any unnatural red or yellow tones.
2. Makeup Tools: The Importance of Value
From eyebrow razors and brushes to sponges, eyelash curlers, and cotton pads, Korean makeup tools offer an unbeatable combination of quality and affordability. In the U.S., for example, cheap tools are often poor quality, while premium options can easily push a small shopping trip over $100. To avoid overspending and disappointment, it’s smart to stock up on reliable, well-reviewed tools from Korean brands like Fillimilli.
Brand Pick!
- Name: Fillimilli
- Type: Beauty Tool Brand
- Known for: High-quality yet affordable makeup tools, including a wide range of brushes, sponges, and eyelash curlers. As Olive Young’s popular and accessible house brand, its products are reliable and easy to find.
3. Functional Shampoos and Foaming Products
Functional Shampoos
When it comes to shampoos targeting specific concerns like hair loss or scalp irritation, Korean products are superior in both price and performance. Overseas, these types of functional shampoos are often marketed as ‘premium’ products with steep price tags, and their ingredients or scents can be hit-or-miss. I’ve personally had great results with products from Dr. FORHAIR.
Brand Pick!
- Name: Dr. FORHAIR
- Type: Hair Care Brand
- Known for: Clinically researched solutions for scalp and hair health. Its ‘Folligen’ line is Korea’s top-selling anti-hair loss shampoo, trusted for its effective, scalp-friendly formulas.
Foaming Products
Hand soaps, cleansers, and body washes that dispense directly as a rich foam are surprisingly hard to find in many countries. If you love a thick, ready-made lather, it’s a great idea to buy these in Korea. Gentle, all-in-one formulas like the illiyoon Ceramide Ato 6.0 Top to Toe Wash are perfect for the whole family.
Brand Pick
- Name: illiyoon
- Type: Skincare Brand
- Known for: Gentle, hypoallergenic skincare designed for sensitive skin. The brand focuses on deep moisturization and skin barrier repair using its signature Ceramide Ato Complex™. It is part of the Amorepacific family of brands.
4. Hygiene and Miscellaneous Goods
Feminine Products (Pads)
Since tampons are more common in many Western countries, the variety and quality of sanitary pads can be lacking. Korea, on the other hand, offers an incredible range of functional, comfortable options. If you’re particular about fit, comfort, or absorbency, stocking up in Korea is a smart move.
Pimple/Wound Patches
Hydrocolloid patches for pimples or minor cuts are a staple in Korea. Brands like Nexcare and Olive Young’s house brand offer standardized, easy-to-use patches. Outside of Korea, you often find lower-quality versions or large, inconvenient sheets that you have to cut to size yourself. If you use them regularly, I highly recommend buying them in bulk.
Brand Pick!
- Name: Hydrocolloid Patches (e.g., Nexcare, Olive Young Care Plus)
- Type: Skincare/First-Aid Product
- Known for: Small, transparent adhesive dots that absorb fluid from blemishes, shield them from bacteria, and speed up the healing process. An absolute essential in any K-beauty routine.
Tights/Stockings
Stockings sold in many countries can be disappointingly low-quality, often pilling after just one wear. The sizing and color options can also be limited or confusing. Korean stockings are known for their durability and fantastic color selection, making them a surprisingly satisfying purchase.
Premium Toothpaste
This might be a personal take, but I’ve often found premium toothpastes in the U.S. to be overpriced for what you get. At Olive Young, you can discover a variety of chic domestic brands like Rucipello that offer beautiful design and quality ingredients at a much more reasonable price point.
Brand Pick!
- Name: Rucipello
- Type: Oral Care Brand
- Known for: A premium, design-forward toothpaste brand with unique, ocean-inspired flavors. Its formulas are free of harmful ingredients like parabens and triclosan.
Items You’re Better Off Buying Elsewhere
Supplements
Many supplements sold in Korea are imported from U.S. brands. You’ll find a much wider selection and better prices by buying them directly in the States. However, uniquely Korean formats—like single-serving probiotic powder sticks—are much harder to find elsewhere and are worth picking up while you’re here.
Electronics
Different voltage standards mean you’ll need a clunky converter, which can be a hassle and even cause malfunctions. It’s always best to buy your electronics back home to ensure they work correctly and safely.