Looking for Korean makeup in Hong Kong? These beauty brands are colourful, cute, natural and daring, meaning there's something for everyone
Korea is famed for its Kpop superstars, great shopping districts, amazing quirky fashion and for making everything look super cute. We love to shop Korean fashion and travel to these festivals in South Korea, but here in Hong Kong, we don’t have access to all the amazing makeup and beauty lines that come out of the country. Luckily, however, you can get your hands on some if you know where to look! So here’s our list of Korean makeup brands that you can find in Hong Kong.
Our fave places to shop Korean makeup in Hong Kong
1. VDL
One of the leaders in the Korean makeup field, VDL is all about bringing catwalk-look makeup styles to the streets. The Expert Color Lip Cube Fluid Water comes is a range of bright hues, while the Expert Colours for eyes are available from nude to bold. This is a great place to pick up makeup brushes too, and they are known for their double-ended shadow brush, that makes eyes effortless!
VDL has numerous locations in Hong Kong
2. Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo combines a selection of traditional Korean medicinal herbs, including ginseng and Red Pine, and injects then into their range of well-loved beauty products. Bestsellers include the First Care Activating Serum that improves circulation and restores radiance. The moisturising lip serum sticks are available in a range of colours and are great to keep lips protected from pollution and dry weather.
Sulwhasoo has numerous locations in Hong Kong
3. 3CE
3 Concept Eyes is one of the coolest make-up brands in Korea thanks to its bold colours and range of finishes. If you envy the dewy tones achieved on the lips of Korean celebrities, then this is the place to find the perfect wet-look lipstick in shades of dusky apricot. Don’t miss out on their latest Love 3CE Duo Shadow; we’re fans of the Stay Wild duo which is a peach and dark bronze combo with a fantastic shimmer effect.
3CE is available at various locations in Hong Kong
4. Laneige
Laneige is known by beauty fans for its unique use of water science in its products, offering better hydration and skin that looks smooth and supple. Favourite buys include the Water Sleeping Mask that regenerates cells overnight and the Hydration Kit, which includes toner, Water Bank Essence and Water Bank Moisture Cream. We also love the BB compact cushion that achieves a natural finish while moisturising your skin.
Laneige, Shop no. B242, Basement 2, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 3571 9952, 銅鑼灣時代廣場B242號舖
5. Tonymoly
Tonymoly bills itself as a ‘street culture’ brand that is all about an urban beauty lifestyle. In typical Korean style, it wants to add more fun to mundane routines such as removing make-up by creating super cute products that just look better – panda-shaped compact anyone? We love the Chateau Labiotte Wine lip tints that come shaped as mini wine bottles and the inked cushion gel liner that gives you the perfect wing every time.
Tony Moly, LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3101 0852, 尖沙咀廣東道3-27號海港城海運大廈3樓LCX
6. Etude House
Cheap and cheerful, Etude House is hugely popular with teenagers, but that’s not to say you can’t find some great day-to-day make-up items for yourself. This is the perfect place to head if you are looking for eye shadows and liners in the colour of the rainbow or a simple daily lip gloss. Of course, all the products are packaged amazingly, and if you are lucky, you may even get a free gift with purchase – gotta love Korea!
Etude House has various locations in Hong Kong
7. Innisfree
Utilising ingredients from Jeju – a picturesque island at the south of Korea – Innisfree appeals to a slightly more mature audience, thanks to its natural-looking packaging and restrained tones. Its small selection of makeup comes in relatively muted colour ways, which is perfect for everyday wear. We recommend the shadow pencil in Number 4 – a dusky pink that can be used on both your eyes and your lips.
Innisfree has various locations in Hong Kong
8. Pony Effect
Loved by makeup artists the world over, Pony Effect brings the glamour with its sleek-look packaging and vibrant shades. Be sure to pick up the mini magnetic brush set – no more digging around in your makeup bag to find the right one – before getting your hands on the customising lip palette featuring shades of purple, pink, yellow and blue.
Pony Effect is at T Galleria by DFS, G/F Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
9. The History of Whoo
Launched in 2003, The History of Whoo utilises Gong Jin Bi Dan in their products, which is an ancient ingredient used by the Korean royal family. The modern interpretation of the royal secret addresses problems related to ageing, making The History of Whoo popular among females in their 30s to 50s. Their serums, which are their bestsellers, are particularly effective in tackling under-eye wrinkles. If you fancy herbal and ginseng fragrances, applying their products onto your face will feel like a luxury spa.
The History of Whoo is available at various locations in Hong Kong
10. SKINFOOD
Using fine food ingredients, SKINFOOD pride themselves on sourcing clean materials for their products. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in food can mildly heal our damaged skin and are believed to be the most natural beauty ingredients. The avocado, honey and pomegranate that SKINFOOD use are ethically sourced and strictly tested by the R&D team.
SKINFOOD has several locations in Hong Kong
