Korean Haul & Review

Two things that I would always get whenever I set my foot in South Korea; skincare products and snacks. I actually spend a lot of quality time on my skincare routine than I do on makeup. My skin complexion was in a pretty bad condition before I started using my first dark spot corrector on my freckles almost ten years ago. 

It was worse before my dad enforced the habit of applying sunblock and my mum with the habit of applying body lotion on a daily basis. These were because I got quite tanned when I was in primary school as I used to swim a lot back then which also led to drier skin. Freckles also started to develop, probably due to genetic factors. 

Also, many do not know the fact that I used to have Vitiligo around my lips back in lower secondary school. Vitiligo actually refers to white patches that are formed on skin. This happens when a certain type of cell fails to produce melanin. I guess I do have serious melanin issues huh.... It was considered a miracle to me that it was cured because the skin specialist whom I consulted couldn't guarantee a complete recovery from the disease. So blessed! You have no idea how much self-esteem has depleted. I remember how a boy teased me about it (ugh, thank God I was in an all-girls school) but that's another story for another time.

This traumatising experience was probably the main reason why I put more effort into my skincare regime as I grow up. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not an expertise in this area so I usually try and test products before committing to one. The following products that I got in Seoul may not be suitable for everyone so I shall leave it to your discretion to decide whether they are good.

Innisfree Real Squeeze Masks

Each of the different types of real squeeze masks by Innisfree that are made from natural ingredients serve different functions; whether for brightening, mosturising, skin tightening, anti-aging or pore care. As for me, I use shea butter, honey, green tea, oatmeal and coconut to replenish moisture as my skin is a little dry. However, I usually opt for Innisfree's second skin masks as I feel that my skin absorbs the nutrients better because the masks fit relatively better on my face.

Where? Almost anywhere in Seoul. I usually get my skincare products specifically in Myeongdong (명동). You can find both high-end and budget skincare products there. If you have time to survey, you may find pretty good deals as some stores may have different offers. Alternatively, you can find many skincare products near Ewha Womans University, a very popular shopping district in Seoul. I heard some products are cheaper there compared to Myeongdong so it's worth a try too.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution

Dr Jart+ Water Fuse Hydro Sleep Mask

No doubt some of my favourite loots. Ever since my first experience of Dr. Jart+ sheet masks, I have always wanted to try every product of theirs. This is why I bought the Water Fuse Hydro Sleep Mask to give it a try after reading many favourable reviews about it. The quality of the sheet mask is good and it allows my skin to absorb the essential nutrients very quickly even after I remove the masks. On the other hand, the sleep mask keeps my skin moisturised overnight and surprisingly, it doesn't feel sticky at all. Overall, the hydrating effect of both products is very satisfying. 

Besides having dry skin, I have minimal pore issues as well. To counter this problem, I tried the Clear Skin Lover Rubber Mask also by Dr. Jart+ to help tighten and deep cleanse my skin pores. A pack of ampoule serum is provided together with the rubber mask to nourish the skin before placing the mask on your face. Unfortunately, my first try of this product was a little underwhelming. The rubber mask was quite delicate and even though I handled it as gently as I could, the mask tore. I still tried it anyway and for some reason, the mask did not stay on my face like any other sheet masks. I gave up after 5 minutes, sigh. There are people who raved about it and there are people who criticized it. I guess I will give it a second chance to provide better evaluations about the product next time!

Where? I got these at the Lotte Duty Free Shop (롯데면세점) in the Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong. Just bring your passport along and save the hassle of claiming taxes at the airport by making tax-free payments. Note that the beauty products there are usually sold in bulks and not individually!

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask Hydration

Behold, my all-time favourite mask to date. I was very pleased with the fact that the mask fits perfectly on my face with zero crease. It's infused with egg extracts and coconut water which offer hydrating and brightening benefits. My skin was moist and soothing when the mask was applied and it felt pleasantly cooling as well. Mama Heng actually asked if the mask was taken out from the refrigerator! I love that it's extremely moisturising even after I've removed the mask although it takes some time for the excess liquid to be absorbed by the skin. 

Where? Anywhere! Myeongdong. Ewha Womans University shopping street. Gangnam (강남). Hongdae(홍대). And once again, the Lotte Duty Free Shop only sells it in a packet of 20 sheets, if my memory serves me right. But trust me, it's definitely worth it!

Holika Holika Prime Youth Gold Caviar Capsule Cream

Korean skincare products do not surprise me anymore. We can find all kinds of ingredients such as snail secretion, donkey milk, broccoli to name a few being incorporated into the products. Holika Holika now has a product that contains caviar extracts which supposedly have strong anti-aging components. I was pretty skeptical about it at first but Mama Heng bought it anyway. Disclaimer: Mama Heng used this product but not me.  She has been using it for more than 3 weeks now, and we could see a slight visible lift to her skin. I'm not sure if other products that she applied actually contributed to the result but in my opinion, there are many other great anti-aging products out there that are relatively better. Who knows?

Where? We got this in Myeongdong but one can easily find a Holika Holika store almost anywhere in Seoul.

Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon

Another product that I would highly recommend because it works wonders on my skin. These are exfoliating pads that remove any impurities and dead skin cells. My skin texture became smoother and brighter after a single use of it, I'm not even exaggerating. This is because lemon is a good source of vitamin C which is an excellent skin brightening and correcting agent! Hence, it's suitable for people with pigmentation issues like me. Other than Lemon Bio-Peel, there are also Wine and Green Tea Bio-Peel. Wine has great antioxidant properties and this version provides firming and anti-aging benefits whereas the green tea version has pore-minimising benefits. 

Where? This can be found in any Olive Young stores. I got it at one of the Myeongdong branches. You can find quite a number of Korean cosmetics, skincare and beauty products here. You'll be spoilt for choice.

Banila Co. Clean It Zero (Classic)

Banila Co. Clean It Zero has become a staple in my skincare routine for quite some time. It's by far the best oil cleanser that I have used. It comes in solid form and turns into smooth and silky oil form when it's rubbed gently on face. It easily removes any stubborn pore-clogging impurities and makeup on my face and I'm amazed that it does not make my skin dry as well! Other than the Classic version, there are also options to choose from that provide different functions and also depending on your skin type; Resveratrol (anti-aging), Purity (for sensitive skin) & Radiance (brightening).

Where? I bought this in Myeongdong and again, it can be almost everywhere in Seoul. It's also available in the Lotte Duty Free Shop!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

This product is similar to and presumed to be better than any other regular clay masks. Apart from its deep and thorough pore-cleansing properties, its high entertainment value has piqued my interest and curiosity. After applying it for about a minute, the mask would froth and it makes one look like a comical-looking Michelin Man, I'm not even kidding! I must say it's pretty interesting during my first try, heh. After a few times of usage alongside with other products, my skin feels softer but it's slightly difficult to remove after applying it. Overall, I feel it's a little overrated but it's worth trying at least once!

Where? I got this at a Olive Young store in Myeongdong.

Holika Holika Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3-Step Kit

This is arguably the best remedy for dry and chapped lips. If you know me, I always bring a lip balm along because I'm prone to having chapped lips especially in winter or when the weather is dry. My first attempt of this lip mask instantly made my lips feel moist, soft and plump overnight and only one pack is needed to achieve such result. Pretty amazing right? One pack comes with an exfoliating sheet, a hydrogel mask soaked in serum and luxe lip oil. Follow the steps accordingly and results would be delivered within 20 minutes! But of course, drinking lots of water is undoubtedly the best way to avoid having chapped lips.

Where? I bought a bulk of this in the Lotte Duty Free Shop. It can be found at any Holika Holika branch too!

Age 20's Essence Cover Pact

My knowledge on Korean makeup products is limited, I must say. The only Korean cushion that I knew and have used before was Moonshot Microfit Cushion. This was also because of a friend's recommendation. Recently, I've came to know about the existence of Age 20's. I had no idea how popular the brand is - especially with the Chinese - until my mum's friend and another friend of mine seek help from us to get this for them. Mama Heng got a few for herself too and so, I gave it a try. 

Verdict: It's lightweight, long-lasting and the coverage is low, thus giving a natural look. If you don't mind that it gives an oily and dewy finish, then go ahead and give it a shot.

Where? The only place I know that has it is the Lotte Duty Free Shop. It's always sold out but don't worry, they'd have it restocked daily. My advice is to go there early in the morning, enquire the time they restock and reach as early as 15 minutes before the designated time. Don't be surprised by the queue though!

Su:m 37's Secret Repair Set

Su:m37, well-known for utilising naturally fermented ingredients, is one of many leading Korean brands of skincare products. It has became Mama Heng's favourite ever since Jessica & I got it for her birthday. I'm glad that the products complement her skin which ultimately produce great results; her skin elasticity has improved and her skin now looks healthy and revitalised! They have many other products available for different functions but the Secret Repair Set aims to combat aging. This set comprises

Secret Repair Toner (150ml + 20ml)

Secret Repair Emulsion (130ml + 20ml)

Concentrated Cream (30ml)

Cleansing Foam (40ml)

Concentrated Serum (8ml)

Essence (20ml)

Where? It's available at Lotte Deparment Store in Myeongdong or probably any other department stores that you can find in Seoul!

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Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

This product is supposedly very effective in hydrating eyes and diminishing fine lines as well as dark eye circles, thus brightening our eye areas which make us look more awake. I may not seem like it but I'm pretty much a nocturnal person and I don't sleep sufficiently sometimes. So...it seems like the perfect product for me, yes? I have been looking high and low for this in Seoul but it's a pity I did not manage to get it.

Where? In the end, I found out that this can be purchased at Boons Apothecary in Gangnam. But I may be wrong!

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And of course, local snacks are a must-have for Jess & I wherever we go! They are everywhere but different places may offer the same snacks at different price levels. Food markets (i.e. Namdaemun Market (남대문시장),

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) ) usually offer a variety of snacks at dirt cheap prices as compared to those in convenience stores. These are some but not all of the Korean snacks that I've had and are worth getting. I'm a glutton, I know. I'll try to list as many as I can remember.

My favourite Lotte Sunflower Seed Chocolate Ball. Don't ask me why it's named like that in English but these sunflower seeds coated in chocolate are the bomb. I had at least two packets of this everyday during the trip because it's that addictive. Don't judge.

Green Tea Milk Spread. Do I still have to explain?

Honey Choco Stick. This was quite a disappointment though. The biscuit was soft as if it was already exposed to air for some time. I'd still stick to having Pepero.

This Crispy Layer Snack totally satisfied my cravings for savoury snacks. The taste is similar to the Bento Squid snack from Thailand but the texture of this snack is crunchier as each piece comes with a layer of seaweed. I'm missing it already!

Nothing ever goes wrong with Oreo. If you're a fan of Oreo, do try the Post Oreo O's cereal! It was discontinued globally but it can only be acquired in South Korea unless your local Korean marts have this imported for sale. It took me a while to look for one in Seoul but I finally managed to find it at a convenience store near Isaac Toast in Myeongdong. Don't fret because I have good news! It recently made a comeback and would be available in America's supermarkets after a decade hiatus. Let's just hope that it will be brought to our local supermarkets soon.

Honey butter is an all-time favourite flavor of many people. Remember the honey butter hysteria when Honey Butter Chips was introduced into the market? It was crazy. It's now available almost everywhere globally but unfortunately they're offered at exorbitant prices (at least in Malaysia) when compared to South Korea. The Honey Butter Almonds, Cashewnut & Mixed Nuts are highly sought-after too.

Also, Binggrae banana milk is a must-try in South Korea. It became a norm for me to drink one everyday when I was there. That shows how much I loveeee it. Get the ones that are packaged in jar-shaped plastic bottles instead of the ones in packs. There are other flavours as well such as melon, strawberry and coffee but I would always stick to banana milk, duhh!

I guess I overdid it again with my post, heh. It's a bit lengthy this time but I hope it's comprehensive and informative enough. I would share a list of cafes and restaurants that I've been to and also those that I plan to explore the next time I visit Seoul in my next post. It won't be as long-winded as this post, I promise. Good things in life are meant to be shared, am I right?