Why Shop In Korea?

Korea is the best holiday destination for most women. Clothes, make up, skin care products, food, weather, oppas and more! You will be amazed with Korea's service industry. 

I was accompanying my friend to shop for skin care products couple few weeks ago. It was such a different experience compare to shopping in Korea and I will tell you why >>> (just sharing what I've experienced not exaggerating, ok maybe a little but no joke about how Koreans run their stores) 

1) Shops

Korea: DO NOT use a beauty shop as a landmark. You'll probably see the same shop down the road. Road shop brands are everywhere- Innisfree, Nature Republic, Etude House, The Saem, Tony Moly, Holika Holika, you name it. Not even going to mention high-end brands. 

Malaysia: Only a few brands are in certain shopping malls. However, some brands do not have any outlets here- Espoir, VDL, etc.

2) Beauty Assistant

Korea: They would stand outside the shop and drag you into the store. When you enter the shop, they will hand you a shopping basket with free sample inside. They would stick beside you forever.

Malaysia: 'GET LOST IF YOU ARE NOT BUYING ANYTHING'. It's written all over their faces.

3) Samples

Korea: You don't even have to buy any products and they will just give you free sample outside the shop.

Malaysia: Purchase over RM 120 to get a free small useless product.

4) Products

Korea: Every range has full set of products, from toner to moisturizer.

Malaysia: They only have moisturizer for oily skin cause all Malaysians only have oily skin and not combination skin or dry skin. Such skinism (if only this word exist)

5) Promotions

Korea: Every week has different promotions. 1+1, 50% off, wholesale bargain, birthday month, etc. They come up with the perfect plan to convince us to spend money without us feeling guilty.

Malaysia: Join member for free and never return to the store ever again.

6) Duty free

Korea: You could choose either you want to claim duty free or they give you a bunch of samples.

Malaysia: cost+shipping fee+6% GST+whateverelsetoincreasetheprice

My Daily Skincare Routine and Review

I never knew how important it is to take care of my skin. I used to have lots of pimples and scars when I was in secondary school. Honestly, I was really sad.

When I was in Korea, I had a friend who works as a freelancer in duty free store which explains why I have lots of free samples. I spent every weekend at the duty free store, killing my time while browsing through the products. Since then onwards, I was quite into beauty products.

 Well, glowing healthy skin is the best foundation you would ever have. After all, you won't need much make up to cover up the flaws.

So here's the 10 steps of my daily skin care routine. It's not much of a hassle, trust me. Treat it as some sort of reward for yourself after a long day. Your skin deserves the best. :)

 1. Makeup Removal- L'occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil 

I wasn't very sure about cleansing oil since I have oily skin which is prone to acne. I came across an article about Korean double cleansing method and I thought I should give it a try. This product is great to remove all makeup including eye makeup. It turns into milky texture when it comes in contact with water. It does not leave a greasy or heavy feeling after rinsing off.

2. Exfoliate- The Saem Dr Beauty Micro-Peel Soft Gel

Not a big fan of The Saem but my friend got me this product and it works amazing. I use it once every 2 weeks. It removes all my dead skin and leaves a soft moisturizing finish.

3. Cleansing- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Cleansing Foam

This cleanser is perfect for oily skin. It includes micro jeju volcanic cluster which attach to the sebum and helps purify the pores.

4. Toner- Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

This toner promises many benefits such as balancing skin's pH level, refining skin tone, maintaining the elasticity of pres, removing dead surface skin cells, deep-cleansing pores, controlling sebum and moisturizing skin. I love how it comes in a pump design which is really convenient.

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner

This toner helps to control excessive sebum to keep your skin looking fresh and soft. It contains mineral powder which helps to treat pores. 

5. Emulsion- Holika Holika Good Cera Ultra Emulsion

The very first product I bought in Korea cause it was very cold during winter and my skin was really dry. I apply it as lotion after I wash my face. It works as a light moisturizer cause it has lighter texture but still provide the moisture needed. 

6. Essence- Tony Moly Whitening Capsule Essence

This essence contains pearl powder enriched with amino acid and natural minerals which diminished the appearance of dark spots. Perhaps that is why my skin is fair *grins*

Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Sea Cucumber

This product smells amazing and rich. My skin feels very soft and moisturize after applying it. Worth the try if you're looking for an affordable essence. 

7. Serum- Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

Serum contains higher concentration of ingredients hence thicker texture compared to essence which explains why it is more expensive.  Honestly, this product is a little overrated but it is good considering the price. Very hydrating and affordable.

8. Eye Cream- Nature Republic Original Power Wrinkle Eye Cream

I am in my twenties and it is good to prevent wrinkles earlier. Don't have to wait till I've got kids and only then I realized my eyes are droopy. This eye cream could be use as functional makeup. I apply this product in the morning but it does not really help to reduce wrinkles. 

L'occitane Immortelle Eye Care & Mask Duo

Perfect for a long tiring day. I use it as a mask before I sleep. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and wipe it off with a dry cotton. I love light texture eye products. Won't want something heavy under my eyes which could be very annoying every time I blink. 

9. Moisturizer- Etude House Wonder Pore Balancing Cream

It contains peppermint extract and it evens out the pores. I prefer lightweight moisturizer and it appears gel-like lotion which is non-sticky. The cooling effect is just great.

Holika Holika Good Cera Super Cream

I got this along with the emulsion. It's great during winter but it has a very heavy feeling during summer. It feels very heavy on the skin maybe that is why they name this product super cream. Nevertheless, it is good but just very heavy. 

10. Lip Treament- Tony Moly Timeless Ferment Snail Lip Treatment Stick

It's not as disgusting as I thought it would be. It actually smells pleasant. A very light texture but very moisturizing. There are many weird Korean beauty products that are worth trying- horse placenta, pig collagen, donkey milk, etc.

So that's the end of this post! Hope you guys enjoy reading it. Till next time! Bye :)