K-Culture World

Beauty · 2026. 9. 15.

Olive Young Shopping Guide: K-Beauty Trends and Must-Have Items

BY 김민중

Olive Young Shopping Guide: K-Beauty Trends and Must-Have Items

Essential Shopping Guide Before Visiting Olive Young

Olive Young is the most influential health and beauty platform in Korea, setting the standard for K-beauty with new brands and products arriving every month. For first-time foreign visitors, we recommend checking the 'Ranking Zone' located throughout the store. Since these rankings are based on actual repurchase rates and customer ratings, they are a great way to ensure a successful shopping experience.

How to Use the In-Store Ranking Zones

  • Check the ranking displays located in the center of the store or along main aisles to identify products currently preferred by locals.
  • Use the category-specific rankings (skincare, makeup, body care) to quickly find items that meet your needs.
  • Take advantage of the monthly discount events to purchase products you've been eyeing at a more reasonable price.

How to Use the Tax Refund Service

  • Foreign tourists can use the tax refund system to receive an immediate refund at the point of purchase by presenting their passport.
  • Taking advantage of tax refunds on purchases over a certain amount is a great way to save on travel expenses.
  • You can process the refund immediately at the store's kiosk or through the cashier after verifying your passport information.

3 Skincare Categories to Watch at Olive Young

At the heart of Korean skincare are soothing care and hydration to maintain the skin's natural health. While countless brands are available at Olive Young, derma-cosmetics with verified ingredients and products emphasizing natural ingredients are particularly popular. It is important to check the ingredients and choose products tailored to your specific skin concerns.

Criteria for Choosing Soothing Care Products

  • Products containing Centella Asiatica or Houttuynia Cordata extracts are effective for soothing skin irritated by the external environment.
  • Many sheet masks are formulated with gentle ingredients suitable for daily use, so be sure to check the ingredient list carefully.

Hydration and Moisturizing Items

  • Toners and ampoules containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides help maintain internal skin moisture.
  • You can choose from various cream textures depending on the season, ranging from light gel types to rich formulas.
  • Using sample kits to test the texture first is a great way to prevent potential reactions before purchasing a full-sized product.

Achieving the Korean Beauty Look with Olive Young Makeup

Korean makeup trends emphasize natural-looking skin and vibrant point colors. At Olive Young, you can find a wide range of tools and color cosmetics for a polished look, from foundations to eyeshadows and lip tints. The most important point is to find products that match your personal color palette.

Foundations for Natural Skin

  • Cushion compacts, which provide light, thin coverage while effectively concealing blemishes, are among the most popular items.
  • Since products come in various shades, use the in-store testers to compare the color against the skin on the inside of your wrist before deciding.

Point Makeup Tips

  • Lip tints are the core of Korean makeup; it is best to choose products with good longevity that allow for a natural gradient effect.
  • Eyebrow products should be chosen in a shade closest to your natural hair color for a sophisticated, non-artificial look.
  • The quality of makeup tools (brushes, puffs) is also excellent, so consider purchasing them to enhance the finish of your makeup.
Makeup Recommendations

SHOP THE LOOK: Makeup Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olive Young?+

Olive Young is Korea's leading health and beauty store where you can shop for a wide variety of products, from cosmetics to health supplements and beauty tools, all in one place. It is famous for its product selection that reflects the latest trends and its experiential store layouts, making it a must-visit shopping destination for travelers in Korea.

How can foreign tourists get a tax refund at Olive Young?+

Olive Young tax refunds can be processed immediately at the checkout by presenting your passport to the staff. You are eligible for tax benefits on purchases over a certain amount, and the refunded amount is either deducted directly from your total or can be claimed later at the airport, making it a very convenient service.

What products should I buy at Olive Young?+

Recommended products at Olive Young include high-tech Korean soothing ampoules, moisturizing creams, long-lasting lip tints, and cushion compacts. Checking the in-store ranking zone is an easy way to find the most popular items, and we recommend choosing products based on your specific skin type and personal color.

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About the author

김민중

Writes practical guides to Korean beauty and food for overseas readers — Olive Young, convenience stores, and how-to tips.

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