Looking for Korean makeup in Hong Kong? These beauty brands are colourful, cute, natural, and daring, which means there's something for everyone.
Korea is famed for its Kpop superstars, great shopping districts, 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 Colour Lip Cube Fluid Water comes in 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, especially VDL’s famous double-ended shadow brush – talk about effortless eye makeup!
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 beauty products. Bestsellers include the First Care Activating Serum that improves circulation and restores radiance; whereas the moisturising lip serum sticks are great to keep lips protected from pollution and dry weather – and they’re available in a range of colours, too.
Sulwhasoo has numerous locations in Hong Kong.
3. 3CE
Standing for 3 Concept Eyes, 3CE by Stylenanda 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, this is the place to find the perfect wet-look lipstick in shades of dusky apricot. We’re fans of the Stay Wild duo – 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 has multiple branches in Hong Kong.
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.
TonyMoly has multiple branches across Hong Kong.
6. Etude House
Affordable 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 all the colours of the rainbow, or a simple daily lip gloss. Of course, all the products are very cleverly packaged. And if you are lucky, you may even get a free gift with purchase – gotta love Korean make-up brands!
Etude House has various locations in Hong Kong.
7. Innisfree
Utilising ingredients from Jeju, a picturesque island in South Korea, Innisfree appeals to many young adults thanks to its natural-looking packaging and restrained tones. Its selection of makeup comes in relatively muted hues, which is perfect for everyday wear. We recommend the shadow pencil (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 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 customised lip palette featuring shades of purple, pink, yellow, and blue.
Find Pony Effect at T Galleria by DFS, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, 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 those in their 30s to 50s. They offer products for both men and women, and its serums are particularly popular for tackling under-eye wrinkles. If you fancy herbal and ginseng fragrances, simply apply their products onto your skin to feel as if you’re in a luxury spa.
The History of Whoo is available at various locations in Hong Kong.
10. Skinfood
Using premium food-grade ingredients, Skinfood prides 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 ingredients in Skinfood products are ethically sourced and strictly tested by the R&D team.
Skinfood has several locations in Hong Kong.
11. Amorepacific
A Korean luxury skincare and makeup brand, Amorepacific specialises in premium anti-ageing products, made with tried-and-tested ingredients. If you’re looking to moisturise and rejuvenate your skin, look no further than Amorepacific’s bestselling Time Response collection. Included in this selection are makeup cushions and foundations, so that your whole skincare and base makeup routines are covered.
Amorepacific has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
12. Clio
Put on Clio’s cosmetic products and you’ll be killin’ it! This Korean makeup brand believes that women are the most confident when they can freely transform themselves using makeup. Apart from Kill Cover, Clio’s Kill Brow, Kill Lash, and Pro Eye Palettes are also crowd favourites.
Shop Clio at Kosmetics Beauty, Watsons, or Zalora in Hong Kong.
