7 Must-Buy Korean Beauty Products for Foreigners

1. Why is Korean cosmetics so popular?

K-beauty, or Korean cosmetics, is incredibly popular worldwide. Korean cosmetics particularly captivate the global market with their high-quality products utilizing natural ingredients, innovative technology, and reasonable prices. This is why foreign tourists visiting Korea purchase large quantities of K-beauty products from duty-free shops, Olive Young, and Myeongdong cosmetic stores.
However! Simply buying popular products doesn't guarantee experiencing the true effects of K-beauty. That's why we've prepared this! We'll introduce the TOP 7 cosmetics most purchased by foreigners in Korea, and finally reveal‘Amazing usage tips only known by Korean beauty influencers’as well.

2. 7 Beauty Items Foreigners Must Buy in Korea

1) Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
✔ Hydration + Soothing effect ✔ Suitable for all skin types ✔ Skin feels moisturized and smooth the next day after use
Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask is considered a ‘representative product of K-beauty’ even overseas. This product supplies moisture to the skin while sleeping, keeping the skin moisturized when you wake up. It's an essential item, especially for foreigners from dry climates.
💡 Recommended usage method from Korean beauty influencers
"Applying a layer of hydrating ampoule before applying the sleeping mask doubles the effect!" "Even after washing your face in the morning, don't wash it off; gently pat it in for increased hydration persistence."

2) Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Cream
✔ Strengthens skin barrier & Soothing effect ✔ The best cream for sensitive skin ✔ Green cream naturally corrects skin tone
Dr.Jart+'s Cicapair Cream contains Centella Asiatica (Cica) ingredients, which quickly soothes reddened skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Among foreigners, it's‘a savior for sensitive skin’so famous.
💡 Recommended usage method from Korean beauty influencers
"Apply thinly instead of tone-up cream for a natural skin correction effect!" "Mixing it with a moisturizing cream can also balance sebum."

3) Clio Kill Cover Cushion
✔ Perfect coverage and lasting power ✔ Enables natural skin expression ✔ Color lineup matched to various skin tones
Clio's Kill Cover Cushion is a product with excellent coverage and lasting power, popular among Korean women and foreigners alike. It's particularly famous as a ‘cushion that doesn’t smudge even when wearing a mask’ because it allows for flawless skin expression even with a thin application.
💡 Recommended usage method from Korean beauty influencers
"Slightly wetting the puff before applying significantly increases adhesion!" "Because it has good coverage with a small amount, it's best not to apply too much at once."

3. Where Foreigners Buy Beauty Items in Korea

✔ Olive Young– The most popular K-beauty shop

✔ LOHBs & Chicor– You can see various brands at a glance

✔ Duty-Free Shops– The place where foreigners shop the most

✔ Hongdae, Myeongdong, Gangnam cosmetic stores– Places where you can experience Korean beauty brands firsthand

4. ‘Amazing K-beauty Tips’ Only Known by Korean Beauty Influencers

🔥 “This is how Korean women use it!” – Beauty know-how that foreigners don't know
✅ If you leave a sheet mask on for ‘at least 20 minutes’? NO! → 10 minutes is optimal
• Leaving a sheet mask on for too long can actually dry out your skin.
• Korean beauty experts recommend“10~15 minutes is the most effective”.

✅ Are you applying enough sunscreen? → Insufficient amount means no effect!
• Many foreigners apply sunscreen thinly like BB cream, but this reduces the UV protection effect.
• Korean beauty expert tip: You need to use about the amount of two finger-lengths to get perfect protection.

✅ Try wetting the puff when applying cushion pact!
• This is a method frequently used by Korean YouTubers! Slightly wetting the puff increases adhesion & persistence.

✅ Confused about the skincare order? → “From light to heavy!”
• Order formula: Toner → Ampoule → Serum → Lotion → Cream → Oil
• Applying a creamy product with a lot of oil first can reduce the effectiveness of skincare.

5. Conclusion

Korean beauty items are loved worldwide and are one of the essential shopping lists for foreigners visiting Korea. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which is excellent for hydration, Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Cream, which is excellent for soothing skin, and Clio Kill Cover Cushion, which allows for perfect skin expression, are popular products that foreigners visiting Korea must buy.
However! To see the true effects of K-beauty, it is also important to use the products correctly.
👉 Use beauty tips to create a more perfect K-beauty routine! 🚀