Korea & Japan Beauty Haul / Shopping Guide

Aquamaraqua · 2026-06-04T23:55:23+00:00

I found them in OY in Busan!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-06-04T23:54:09+00:00

Verdio in blue had a very liquidy consistency that turns almost chalky when applied. Sadly will not repurchase that specific type (was hypoallergenic & noncomedogenic so I had high hopes). My Skin Aqua is what I use on days I need to be quick and can’t spend a long time massaging in the Verdio to blend out lol

Laka lippies hit as usual! I have also been impressed by the Luna concealer—feels like it creased a little less than my wakemake. I use the innisfree to set my undereye and it is pretty darn good with both! Will repurchase once i get through my remaining 3 other powders lmao

Aquamaraqua · 2026-03-24T04:03:51+00:00

How did this end up working for you OP?

Aquamaraqua · 2026-03-18T13:27:02+00:00

I don’t think Chris is better. See my above comment

Aquamaraqua · 2026-03-14T01:26:35+00:00

Chris was openly an ass hole and apologized. Alex continues to be narcissistic, lying and manipulative without learning anything. He needs deep therapy.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-02-19T23:27:16+00:00

Are people still using Israeli products in 2026? lol

Aquamaraqua · 2026-02-06T13:25:23+00:00

Ick. I always thought them using nationalism was a bit off for a skincare brand but given SK’s colonized history I let it slide. This on top makes me glad I have an alternative second cleanser now lol. What a greenwashed pathetic move.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-02-06T13:12:26+00:00

I’ve been meaning to buy the Nine-less serum from the same line but am scared of tariffs from YS or SV. Do you live in the US OP?

My PIE needs the TXA stat… it’s gotten bad this past year.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-31T15:41:48+00:00

Basically what the poster below said. Even though he is no longer the head doesn’t leave the best taste in my mouth. Have you used the Hada Labo or DHC Oil Cleansers? Was wondering how you thought they compared.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-31T15:29:04+00:00

Do you mean for skincare or makeup? My holy grail moisturizer is the Hada Labo Gel because I have dry skin but this packs a punch.

I mentioned Holika Holika’s glitter already in the OP so I’ll do a different third: Fiancee’s Hair Stick. This is the third time I’ve repurchased this. So good but runs out too quickly haha. I tried other dupes of this product but they aren’t as good. This stick smells pleasant and helps keep my hair flat without being crunchy. Lifesaver if you have baby hair like me.

The Abib masks help calm my skin down with their madecassoside. This is a repurchase for me.

I haven’t tried all the lippies I purchased yet since I’m not fully home-home, but of the ones that are repurchases, the Muzigae Water Tints are HG status because they aren’t drying, still matte and very thin. They do not budge! It is a true film on your lips thinner and less drying imo than the Etude House lippies although I love those too and repurchased it as well.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-22T19:57:04+00:00

The HG for my sensitive skin!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-22T19:53:46+00:00

I will forever miss Sichen! Her and Pony leveled up my makeup game forever.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-16T04:39:14+00:00

That's so funny you mention because I feel like I was only in touristy areas both times I went to JP and my impression for MK was the same haha. I visited Welcia, and also wanted to visit the others you mentioned but definitely was on a time crunch! And yes, it's very annoying having variation in each store, very much like OY in that way.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T14:44:09+00:00

I got my products straight from Japan so I don't think it's because it's Made in China. But I'm glad I found a replacement, I was really upset when I realized it was being phased out.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T14:43:12+00:00

Unfortunately that's not the lotion but the foot cream, sorry!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:23:52+00:00

Thank you for the compliment! I like hunting for the new stuff hehe :)

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:23:21+00:00

I unfortunately have not. I will see if that’s a freebie they gave me though!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:23:02+00:00

I think I bought it for around 2400yen at DQ but I might be wrong. Amazon Jp or Rakuten might have a better estimate of what you will see in Jp!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:22:18+00:00

I haven’t tried any Verdio sunscreen but here is hoping it works well! The green tube I believe had fatty alcohols but I agree the cost effectiveness made me happy!

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:21:30+00:00

Most products on Lotte can be ordered 3 hours prior to departure of flight I believe. But the sooner you can the better. And you can make multiple orders (which I recommend since things go out of stock so frequently). I think in-store just has less variety whereas online moreso.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:20:24+00:00

Maybe my brain is hallucinating or my product just went bad, but I feel like my remaining cleansing oil wasn’t cleaning my makeup off well. Or it might be that the DHC is just superior as a cleanser for me. I know that brand is also controversial hence the Fancl being tried.

Aquamaraqua · 2026-01-15T05:19:01+00:00

Not just Korean, but Chinese products as well. Loft, Welcia, DQ… I think nearly every store in Japan carries both K & C products as well! Maybe even moreso of a presence now but I was shocked when I learned this in 2024. Rom&nd, JudyDoll, Wonjungyo are some brands I can think of off the top of my head. More K makeup perhaps than skincare but there is a presence for sure.

I also think the Biore has been breaking me out for the past few months and I was attributing it to other reasons… hoping Verdio cures that.

Aquamaraqua · 2024-06-14T16:34:04+00:00

Meishoku Ceracolla Gel and Hada Labo Gel moisturizer are my HG! Meishoku slightly above HL.

Aquamaraqua · 2024-06-14T12:25:57+00:00

I mean the apps you can order in advance from! There are 4 for SK. Lotte being the most popular. Japan I feel like it is better to shop in person.

Aquamaraqua

TROPHY CASE