Korean beauty products have taken over the world and have found their way to the Philippine shores. Filipinos are crazy about Korean beauty products that are formulated perfectly for Asian skin. Korean skincare and makeup innovations truly address the needs of Asians, for their healthy and beautiful skin that's envied all around the world. Koreans have indeed created a society that celebrates the beauty of the Asian woman amidst the changes of modernity.

So one Saturday, I indulged myself in Korean beauty. I visited three Korean cosmetics shops in Davao City, Philippines, whose products I’ve been eyeing for ages. By the end of the shopping trip, I felt like I was floating in Korean beauty goodness.



I started my shopping at the Etude House outlet at the SM City Davao shopping mall and took no time in picking up some face masks. I’ve always heard about the Korean craze for "snail" beauty products, so the first thing I picked up was the I Need You Snail Mask. Yes, I really think I do need you. It contains snail mucus that protects the skin’s natural barrier, creating a smooth and elastic skin. I also picked up the Tea Tree Mask because I’ve always been a fan of tea-based products. Next was the Vita Complex Mask that contains vitamin derivatives that purify and brighten dull skin. I also got a free gift for my purchases, the Hyaluronic Acid Mask that provides rich moisture for the skin.



I didn't leave Etude House without buying any Zero Sebum Drying Powder. I had to try this out because I have oily and sensitive skin. Plus, I sweat a lot with just a little increase in temperature, or when I do a lot of physical activity.

Before I left the shop, I was given an Etude House Pink Card. The Pink Card entitles you to a 2 percent rebate whenever you make a purchase at any Etude House boutique. After signing up online to activate the card, there was a pop-up message saying that I am now a certified Etude House Princess. Thank you. Thank you very much.

My next stop on this fine Saturday was the Skin Food store, just a few shops away from Etude House. I tried their BB cream once before and it really gives that healthy and gorgeous finish. I’ve also been eyeing their Red Orange Sun Pact because it’s specifically formulated for oily and sensitive skin. I’ve also been looking for a product that has SPF 50 because I usually get exposed under the sun. Even if the compact is quite pricey, I comforted myself with the thought that we're going through global warming and I definitely need SPF 50.



I also bought their Aloe Face Mask so that my compact purchase wouldn’t get so lonely. I wanted to get their membership card, but I still have to accumulate a minimum purchase of PHP 10,000, about KRW 260,000. I will, soon. The Skin Food sales ladies were also very accommodating and gave me really good information about their products. I love their customer service.



My last stop on my shop-o-rama Saturday was the Face Shop. I’ve been dying to buy the Oil Control Water Cushion in V301 Light Brown SPF 50+ PA+++. This is actually my first cushion compact, and I love how it enhances my complexion. I also have hopelessly oily skin, which is why this product is my savior. It really gives that much needed oil control while keeping the skin fresh for hours.

I also bought the Real Nature Cucumber Face Mask because I’ve read that cucumber is highly effective for oily and sweaty skin. I bought the Aloe Face Mask for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. This is also the first time that I’ll be trying Acai Berry and Rice Face Masks. I’m intrigued with the ingredients and I look forward to seeing how they work on my skin. Stay tuned for in-depth reviews right here at the Korea.net blog in a few weeks.



What I love about Korean beauty shops is that they definitely know how to show their love to their customers. I left the Face Shop happy because I was given free samples. Every Asian woman loves free samples. I was given four packets of Perfume Seed Rich Body Milk and a packet of Phytogenic Infinite EX CC Cream SPF 30 PA++. I love Face Shop.

I’ll be writing in-depth reviews of the products after a few weeks, so stay tuned for more Korean beauty haul posts.



By Abigail Albino
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: Abigail Albino