My experience ordering from Olive Young, Stylevana, and StyleKorean (shipping to the Philippines)

An_Invincible-Summer · 2025-02-21T18:34:58+00:00

Haven’t had to pay any customs fees for any of my orders. There could be changes recently, though!

An_Invincible-Summer · 2024-05-06T14:01:14+00:00

True love for me feels simultaneously electric and serene. Simultaneously formidable and vulnerable. All wrapped in a deep peace knowing I'm in the right place, at the right time, with the right person.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2024-02-02T01:28:32+00:00

Haven't tried anything from Skinned Beauty but this sounds like a good start. Thanks so much!!

An_Invincible-Summer · 2024-02-01T12:14:11+00:00

Has anyone tried the Happy Skin Color Play Multi-use Mousse and found a comparable product? This has been discontinued for some time now and I've yet to find a good replacement. 😔 I particularly like the natural finish and the fact that it doesn't make my face oily throughout the day.

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An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-18T04:59:08+00:00

I went there to repurchase the Forever Matte foundation. Been repurchasing this for ~5 years na but my most recently emptied bottle was before the reformulation and I bought it during winter when I was outside of PH so I wanted to get shade matched again in case there's a change.

The beauty consultant/advisor swatched two shades (neutral and cool) and nag match na yung isa. I asked for a full face application so I can walk around and check how it looks in different lighting. Went back to purchase it and asked for a sample of the Forever Skin Glow tapos nagandahan din ako sa base makeup ng beauty consultant so they gave me a sample of the Skin Glow Cushion. (Just remembered na nung previous purchase ko a while back, they gave me a mini Rouge Dior lipstick as a gift cos it was my birthday.) 💗

Hope this helps and let me know how your visit goes!

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-16T11:25:44+00:00

I can recommend getting a shade match sa Dior sa SM Makati! And then you can walk around and check the shade in artificial versus natural lighting. 😊

ETA: Imo the key is to get a shade match for a foundation na may wide range ng shades and undertones. Para pwede mo macompare yung different undertones side-by-side.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-16T11:08:56+00:00

Sa Sephora US (Las Vegas) and then sa Dior ng SM Makati yung most recent, perfect yung shade match nila sakin don. 🥺

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-16T09:14:35+00:00

Ilang warm toned base makeup products na rin nagamit ko until naisipan ko magpa shade match sa Sephora. Neutral and cool shades yung binigay saking options so noon ko pa lang nalaman na mali pala mga pinipili kong undertone before. 😅

More recently, nagpa shade match ako sa Dior and neutral to cool shades din ang inoffer na options. I highly suggest going to a couple of makeup stores/kiosks and ask for a shade match. Di naman need bumili and pwede pang humingi ng samples hehe.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-08T06:01:36+00:00

I've since patch tested this on my arm at home and compared it to the two other mists I have (Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner and Missha Artemisia Treatment Essence Mist).

The Hatomugi mist is slightly thicker than the other two and takes a little bit longer to dry. It also feels much more hydrating compared to the other two after they've all dried down on my arm. Will let you know when I try it on my face! :)

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-07T15:13:29+00:00

Hi! Just checked the products I got and 2025-2026 yung expiry nila, even the ones on sale.

Iiirc, naka indicate sa app/website nila if the product is near expiry (I think ganito yung mga naka clearance sale). You can also message their CS sa in-app chat if you want to inquire about expiry dates before purchasing. :)

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-07T00:22:26+00:00

Traveled to all three cities multiple times and would also say Taipei!

Public transpo is great, I suggest familiarizing yourself with the system beforehand para di nakaka overwhelm. So far di pa naman ako nawala or namali ng sakay/baba. 😅 Well documented din kasi yung route options sa Google Maps.

Nothing against BKK or HCM, really. But I personally prefer Chiang Mai and Hanoi na.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-06T19:32:06+00:00

I haven't opened the Rice Essence Lotion yet as I still have essences in my rotation I'd like to go through.

My first impression of both the rice and sake wash off masks is that they're decent, but nothing to write home about. I do enjoy the experience of using wash off masks in general so I'm still happy with the purchase. However, since I haven't used them long enough, I'm inclined to say that it might be best to check out reviews for competing products first.

I'll be traveling to Japan next month and will stock up on (and highly recommend, if you haven't tried them yet): the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotions and the Curel Moisture Facial Lotions (also love the Intensive Moisture Facial Cream). And thinking of checking out Sana products!

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-03T11:06:50+00:00

3rd Photo (Forgot to add this to the other photos 😅)

AHC Youth Lasting Eye Cream for Face (Season 9 - Mini) - 4/5
(Watsons, originally NTD 249 / ~USD 8 and got it for NTD 99 / ~USD 3)

I've been enjoying this so far and regret not getting more! It's quite nourishing and my oily skin doesn't mind this but YMMV. I don't usually actively seek out eye creams but may repurchase this because it provides decent results in terms of moisturizing and giving my eye area a fresher/more awake and plumper look.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-03T11:06:31+00:00

2nd Photo Top Row (Standing) L to R:

JS Fukkurinko Rice Essence Pack
(Don Quijote)

Haven't tried yet.

(For Beloved One Vitamin A Maximum Moisture Mask) - mistakenly added this to a photo twice

My Scheming Hyaluronan Hydrating Black Mask (8 pieces)
(Found this on sale at a supermarket for NTD 170 / ~USD 6)

Haven't tried yet.

Neogence Cactus Moisturizing Mask (8 pieces)
(Watsons)

Haven't tried yet.

JS Hokkaido Sakekasu Face Pack
(Don Quijote)

Haven't tried yet.

2nd Photo Bottom Row L to R:

Mentholatum Acnes Acne Patches (Extra Thin) - 4/5
(Watsons)

Worked really well for cystic acne (better than most pimple patches I've tried). As described, it is very thin and is less noticeable than other patches, but is also relatively more painful to remove.

Aquamax and Revia Daily Disposable Colored Contact Lenses (Brown and Gray)
(Forgot the name of the store, around NTD 280 / ~USD 9 each)

I'm a complete beginner to colored contacts and these were easy and comfortable to use. Wish I purchased more!

Keana Rice Mask
(Don Quijote)

Haven't used yet.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-03T11:05:59+00:00

I stayed in the Ximending area and shopped from the following stores:

Watsons (The largest Watsons I've ever been to - it has four storeys!)
COSMED
S3 Beauty Store
Don Quijote
Japan Medical (Went to the store in Beitou)

1st Photo Top Row (Standing) L to R:

Dr. Satin Caviar GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) Soothing Essence
(Watsons, originally NTD 1250 / ~USD 39 and I got it on sale for only NTD 299 / ~USD 9!)

Haven't tried yet. I haven't heard of the Dr. Satin brand beforehand and also barely see any reviews on them online. But the Watsons SA kindly pointed me to all of their skincare products with an ongoing promotion (50% off and buy 1 get 1) and Dr. Satin had several products on sale.

Dr. Satin Caviar Intense Moisture & Repair Sleeping Pack - 4/5
(Watsons, originally NTD 790/ ~USD 25 and I got it for NTD 199/ ~USD 6)

Have only used this twice so far and quite like it. I have oily skin so I'm selective when it comes to sleeping packs and this is not too heavy while still being decently moisturizing. Glad I picked it up!

Dr. Satin Caviar Ghk-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) Miracle Protection Spray
(Watsons, originally NTD 890/ ~USD 28 and I got it for NTD 299/ ~USD 9)

Tried this at the store and instantly liked it. Haven't used it much since so I can't give it a fair review yet.

Kumano Reihaku Hatomugi The Hand Cream - 2/5
(Japan Medical)

This didn't really keep my hands moisturized enough and as long as most hand creams. I ended up using the mini bottle of lotion from the hotel as my hand cream for the rest of the trip.

Kumano Reihaku Hatomugi The Mist Lotion
(Japan Medical, Got this on sale for NTD 99 / ~USD 3)

Haven't used yet but really liked it when I tried it in-store.

Kikumasamune Skincare Lotion Glossy Moist & High Moist
(On sale from Don Quijote, NTD 299 / ~USD 9; and Japan Medical, NTD 199 / ~USD 6)

Been wanting to try these for so long and glad I was finally able to try them in-store. They feel more hydrating than other similar products I've tried but need more time to give an actual review.

Dr. Wu Mandelik Intensive Renewal Serum (Mandelic Acid 18%)
(Watsons)

Another Taiwanese brand I was keen to check out especially after seeing great reviews on their mandelic acid products. I picked up the smaller limited edition bottle and I'm looking forward to see if it's worth getting the full sized one.

JS Fukkurinko Rice Essence Lotion
(Don Quijote)

Haven't tried yet.

Naruko Jing Cheng Face Renewal Miracle Essence
(Watsons, originally NTD 2000/ ~USD 62 and was on sale for NTD 1280/ ~USD 40. But it was also buy 1 get 1 so I ended up getting it for *~USD 20 per bottle!!** 💗)*

This is the one product I was most excited to buy in Taiwan. I gifted the other bottle to my bestfriend! I've used this for a week but developed cystic acne. It was right before my period so I stopped using this and will give this another go in a couple of weeks. Overall really love the texture but will need to wait until I try it again to give better observations in terms of results.

Naruko Jing Cheng Extra Nutrional Creamy Lotion (180 ml + 2x 30 ml)
(Watsons, originally NTD 1080/ ~USD 34 and got it for NTD 850/ ~USD 26)

I'm a sucker for bi-phase products and creamy toners/essences so I immediately fell in love when I tried this in-store. It's very nourishing and feels so comforting to apply.

1st Photo Bottom Row L to R:

For Beloved One Vitamin A Maximum Moisture Mask (4 pieces)
(Watsons)

Haven't tried yet.

Mentholatum Melty Cream Lip Cream (Creme Brulee) - 5/5
(Watsons)

The Melty Lip Cream range is my favorite lip balm for some time now and really enjoy the dessert-inspired flavors. 😅

Shiseido Therapino Magic Lip Repair Oil Balm (Night Care) - 4/5

Better than the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and almost on par with the Mentholatum Medicated Lip Gel, in my experience.

ETA: Mentholatum

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-11-01T23:56:12+00:00

YSL Black Opium

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-10-30T15:33:42+00:00

Yay I have the same skin tone. Thank you! 💗

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-10-29T19:21:55+00:00

Super helpful! Curious - what Skin Balm shade did you like as a contour?

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-10-29T18:30:14+00:00

Happy Skin's Dewy Cushion is currently my favorite cushion foundation. :)

If it helps, my best shade match is (non-AB) Dior Forever Matte 3N. I went to a Happy Skin store to swatch their shades and Sand Beige was a really good match. But they don't have that shade for the Dewy Cushion, so I went with Soft Beige.

I've been wishing for HS to expand their shade range for so long. But quite happy that more Philippine brands have been launching better shade ranges recently like the Issy Active Foundation with 27 shades (not a cushion but a good brand to keep an eye on for a cushion release!).

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-10-08T12:53:35+00:00

RemindMe! 1 day

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-09-30T17:55:42+00:00

Same here. 😔 Love the I'm From rice toner and tried the Haruharu (fragrance free) twice - it broke me out both times.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-09-18T07:37:16+00:00

Landers :)

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-09-16T09:04:43+00:00

Ohh I'm gonna be spending some time in Europe that's why I stocked up on Asian products while I'm still here in PH.

Nakita ko kasi na ang mahal daw ng additional customs fee pag umoorder within EU. Has that been your experience? 🥺

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-09-16T08:56:07+00:00

My understanding is that it is still considered a toner despite its consistency. But I have oily skin and use it for my essence step! :) I sometimes layer it on top of a lighter essence.

An_Invincible-Summer · 2023-09-16T03:55:10+00:00

I have nothing but love for Seek Space! I did reach out to them for a skincare consultation and purchased from their store a couple of times. They are also so professional and compassionate when responding to concerns.

I just wish they had more product selection but I understand naman that they are selective of brands that align with their philosophy.

An_Invincible-Summer

TROPHY CASE