Olive Young Shopping Guide: 4 Ways to Master K-Beauty Trends

Basic information to know before visiting Olive Young

Olive Young is a health and beauty store easily found throughout Korea, making it the perfect place to grasp the latest K-Beauty trends at a glance. You can test and purchase a wide range of products, from basic skincare to color cosmetics and health supplements, directly in-store.

Checking store locations and operating hours

• Large flagship stores are located in major tourist areas like Myeong-dong, Hongdae, and Gangnam, offering a wider selection of products to explore.
• Operating hours may vary by location, so it is recommended to check via the official website or map apps before visiting.
• You can use the stock check feature to see if a specific product is available at a particular store in advance.

Tax refunds and payment benefits

• International tourists can receive immediate tax refunds on-site when purchasing over a certain amount.
• Bringing your passport makes the tax-free process easier, and it is always beneficial to check for ongoing credit card promotions.
• Making use of the testers provided in-store to verify products that suit your skin type is the key to successful shopping.

3 categories you must check out at Olive Young

With countless brands available in-store, it can be overwhelming to decide what to buy. To experience the essence of K-Beauty, we recommend focusing on these three categories.

Basic skincare and soothing care

• Korean soothing care products are famous for their gentle ingredients, with toner pads and ampoules being particularly popular.
• There is a wide variety of moisturizing products tailored to different skin types, making it easy for those with sensitive skin to find suitable items.

Color cosmetics and makeup items

• There is a vast selection of cushion compacts and lip tints that help achieve the signature natural Korean makeup look.
• Be sure to check the textures of eyeshadow palettes reflecting the latest color trends and high-quality makeup brushes in person.

Health supplements and inner beauty

• Beyond cosmetics, you can find popular Korean inner beauty products like collagen and probiotics all in one place.
• Many products come in small, portable packaging, making them convenient for travel and popular as gifts.

Differences between the Olive Young online mall and offline stores

Both offline stores and the online mall have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Using both channels strategically will allow for smarter shopping.

The charm of offline stores

• The biggest advantage is being able to check the texture, scent, and color payoff of products in person.
• There is the fun of discovering store-exclusive promotions or limited-edition gift sets.
• You can get brief consultations from staff regarding your skin concerns or check the best-seller rankings in real-time while selecting products.

The convenience of the online mall

• You can purchase items at lower prices by utilizing online-exclusive discount coupons or time-limited sales.
• It is very helpful for product selection as you can read detailed ingredient information and honest reviews from other buyers.
• If you purchase heavy items, you can have them delivered to your accommodation or use the 'pick-up' service at a nearby store, allowing you to enjoy your trip without being weighed down.