Stepping into Olive Young for the first time can feel completely overwhelming. With endless shelves of skincare, makeup, and hair care, how do you know what is actually worth your money?
To help you skip the tourist traps and find what the locals actually use, we’ve put together this ultimate guide based on real recommendations and monthly rankings. Here are the absolute must-buy products at Olive Young on your next trip to Korea!
1. Skincare & Hydration Essentials
Korean skincare is world-famous for a reason. If you want to achieve healthy, glowing skin, start with these top-rated picks:
- Torriden Dive-In Line: A massive fan favorite. The Torriden Dive-In Cream, Sheet Masks, and Sunscreen provide intense hydration without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. You can check out their official lineup on the Torriden Global Official Website to preview ingredients beforehand.
- Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule & Sunscreen: Perfect for repairing the skin barrier, soothing irritation, and achieving that coveted dewy “glass skin” look.
- Local Pimple Patches: Don’t leave without grabbing a pack of hydrocolloid acne patches. They are inexpensive, highly effective, and a staple in every Korean household.
- Rejuran Line: If you can find any Rejuran skincare products, grab them! Known for skin rejuvenation, it is one of the trendiest high-performance skincare lines in Korea right now.
2. Trending K-Beauty Makeup
Skip the overly hyped, ad-driven social media products and focus on these community-tested makeup gems:
- Cushion Foundations:
- Hera Black Cushion: A legendary favorite for a semi-matte, flawless, long-lasting finish.
- Laneige Cushion: Great for a brighter, dewier, and more glowing complexion.
- Amuse Gel Fit Tints: Unlike traditional lip tints that dry out your lips, these provide long-lasting color with a comfortable, glossy shine.
- Peripera Ink Mood Glow/Blur Tints & Mascaras: Peripera offers incredible staying power at an affordable price. Their mascaras are lightweight, smudge-proof, and budget-friendly.
3. Hair & Body Care Saviors
Don’t overlook the hair care aisle! Korean hair treatments are game-changers for damaged or heat-styled hair.
- UNOVE Hair Care Line: Almost everyone agrees that UNOVE Deep Damage Treatment and their Silk Oil Essence are absolute lifesavers. They instantly smooth out frizz, nourish damaged strands, and leave a lovely floral scent.
Pro-Tips for Shopping at Olive Young Like a Local
To avoid getting overwhelmed and to find the absolute best items during your trip, keep these insider tips in mind:
- Look for the “Olive Young Awards” Tag: If you see this sticker on a product packaging, it means it is a certified bestseller that local Koreans actually use and love. You can browse current trends ahead of time on the Olive Young Official Website.
- Filter the OY App by Rankings: Download the Olive Young app (iOS App Store / Google Play Store) before you go, click on the “Ranking” tab, and filter by “One Month” to see what’s currently trending at the top.
- Cross-Check with the Hwahae App: Use the Hwahae app (Korea’s #1 beauty app) to check product ingredients and real, non-sponsored local reviews. You can learn more about how locals analyze cosmetics via Hwahae’s Official Site.
- Find the Flagship Stores: If you want an incredible shopping experience with massive selections, visit the major flagship locations like Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship or the trendy Seongsu area. You can easily pin locations using Google Maps to navigate your way there.
What is at the very top of your Olive Young shopping list? Let me know in the comments below!