K-Beauty products are highly sought all over the world with options from cute cushion blushers to BB creams. For K-Beauty fanatics, the options of beauty stores in Seoul are endless. This extensive list of options also means that it is quite difficult to cherry-pick which stores to prioritize, so here are the stores that you must-visit to get your hands on the best K-beauty products!
Innisfree Flagship Store
What could be a more perfect playground for K-beauty products than the Innisfree Flagship Store? A four-storey flagship store in Myeongdong, you can shop for cosmetics and skin-care products to your heart’s content. You can also choose to get a free analysis of your skin with a device that will suggest products suitable for you! The top floor is graced with a cafe, making it the ideal spot for you to catch a break at. Have a go at their souffle pancakes or healthy shakes.
P.S. For those who are making that last-minute dash before your flight, there is free luggage storage available so that you can shop without lugging the heavy load along.
Stylenanda Pink Hotel Flagship Store
Outfitted with a 1950’s European-like facade, Stylenanda Pink Hotel Flagship Store deserves its reputation for both it’s ultra-pink, Instagrammable facade and gorgeous, high-quality products. On the first level, you can find 3CE products that are part of Stylenanda’s own cosmetic line. The second floor is Hollywood-themed and stars a pink bathtub filled with gorgeous flower petals — the prettiest photo op you can find in the building! If you feel like you need a break, head on up to the rooftop where the terrace is adorned with comfy giant pillows to snuggle with. Just be careful not to doze off!
Etude House Color Factory
Looking for a store where you can get personalized items at a decent cost? Etude House Color Factory is your pick! Here, you can customize your own intimate lipstick with their one of a kind “My Color Finder” device which identifies the customer’s skin tone with utmost precision and subsequently, selects the most ideal shade for the customer. You can also pick the bullet design and casing! Best of all, these lipsticks are handcrafted within the factory and the entire process takes just about an hour.
Chicor Flagship Store
Carrying up to 250 beauty brands in total, Chicor Flagship Store is a one-stop for all your beauty needs. This three-storey store has everything you need from make-up to room fragrances! Each level is categorized clearly so you will also be able to find what you want easily. For a more personalized touch, engage the beauty specialists for services such as scalp massages and makeup.
Sulwhasoo Flagship Store
Recognizable from afar due to its lantern-inspired design, Sulwhasoo Flagship Store is a signature space which embodies the essence of Asian beauty. On the first level, there is the boutique and heritage room while the second floor is for products. For curious customers who want to learn more about Sulwhasoo’s origins, they can head on up to the third level. If you need a break, get that much-needed spa treatment on the fourth level or stretch your legs out at the rooftop terrace!
Olive Young
Touted as Korea’s very own Sephora, Olive Young is an extremely popular beauty chain selling all-time favorite K-beauty products from skincare brands. It even has a local cult following with brands like Lily by Red, I’m Meme, and Eucerin. Bargain-hunters will enjoy snapping up deals which are almost always available! You can find Olive Young branches almost anywhere in Seoul — a testament to how popular this beauty chain is. But if you are looking for the biggest chain, head down to Myeongdong!
Aritaum
Before Olive Young was established, Aritaum was where Koreans would head to for their makeup fix. For loyal fans of Amorepacific products such as Laneige and Primera, Aritaum is well worth a visit and can be easily spotted around any neighborhood! Carrying many trendy and fashionable products, you will definitely be able to find what you need.
Dr. Jart+ Flagship Store
Located in the Gangnam-district, Dr. Jart+ Flagship Store is a beauty company that takes the cleansing power to thematic extremes. The store takes a cool installation concept which makes you feel as if you were walking into a dystopian factory. Here you can also receive ‘prescriptions’ based on skin condition, health and mood! The industrial vibe of the place will definitely make you feel as though you are not in a beauty store so if you are looking for something different, then this is perfect for you.
Skin Food Store & Cafe
Skinfood is the first cosmetic brand to root itself in food, believing its benefits for healthy and beautiful skin. It upholds strong principles of being eco-friendly and uses sustainable growing methods for its raw products. If you are looking for beauty products that are unique and quirky then Skinfood should be your store of choice!
Moonshot Flagship Store
Launched by entertainment company, YG Entertainment, Moonshot Flagship Store emphasizes uniqueness and freedom of expression using a variety of colours. The products are “one source, multi-use” showcasing its incredible versatility. One of the features of the flagship store is getting make-up service by professional make-up artists that are also known as “Moon Shot Boys”.
If you are a beauty fanatic, these top 10 places are a good place to start!
