If you are in Korea, you will see a store with a green and olive logo on almost every corner. That is Olive Young.
It is known as the "Sephora of Korea," but frankly, it is better. It is packed with high-quality, affordable skincare and makeup products. But with thousands of items, what should you buy?
As a K-Life Lab researcher, I have selected the 7 absolute best-sellers that locals actually use. Plus, read until the end for a crucial Tax Refund tip!
1. The Holy Grail Sunscreen: Round Lab Birch Juice
Korean sunscreen is famous for being lightweight and non-sticky. The king of them all is Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream.
- Why buy it? It feels like a moisturizing lotion, not a sunscreen. No white cast, no greasy feeling.
- Price: Approx. 25,000 KRW (Often 1+1 on sale).
2. The Pimple Eraser: Olive Young Care Plus Spot Patch
Do you have acne? This is a miracle item. Tourists buy this in bulk (10+ packs).
- What is it? A small, invisible sticker you put on a pimple. It absorbs the gunk overnight.
- Value: You get 102 patches for only about 6,000 KRW ($4-5). Unbeatable value.
3. Toner Pad: Skinfood Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
Koreans don't just use toner; we use "Toner Pads".
- Recommendation: Skinfood Carrot Pad.
- How to use: After washing your face, stick these pads on your red cheeks like a mini-mask. It calms down heat and irritation instantly.
4. Hydration Mask: Torriden Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Mask
You cannot leave Korea without sheet masks. Torriden is the current #1 for hydration.
- Effect: It soaks your skin in hyaluronic acid. Perfect for dry skin after a long flight.
5. Lip Tint: Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
Want those glossy, "Tanghulu" lips you see on K-Pop idols? It's likely Rom&nd (Romand).
- Why buy it? High pigmentation, stays on after eating, and costs less than 10,000 KRW ($7-8).
- Popular Colors: Bare Grape, Figfig.
6. Hair Care: UNOVE Deep Damage Treatment EX
K-Beauty isn't just for skin. This hair treatment makes damaged hair feel like silk.
- Texture: Extremely rich and protein-packed. A savior for bleached or dyed hair.
7. Makeup Spatula: Piccasso
Have you seen Korean makeup artists spreading foundation thinly with a metal tool? That is a Makeup Spatula.
- Result: It gives you that "glass skin" look by applying a super thin layer of foundation.
💰 Crucial Tip: Immediate Tax Refund
Do not throw away money! Olive Young offers an Immediate Tax Refund system.
Requirement: You must purchase over 30,000 KRW (approx. $23) and show your PHYSICAL PASSPORT to the cashier.
The tax (VAT) will be deducted from your total bill right there. No need to go to a refund booth at the airport!
K-Life Lab’s Note
Olive Young has a massive "Sale" during the first week of March, June, September, and December (called "Ol-Young Sale"). If you are visiting during these months, prepare for a battle!
Happy Shopping!
