My 5 New Korean Cosmetic Brands Discovery

I know I've said it before but I'll say it again to refresh your memory. I have never been a beauty junkie, until lately when the reality started to sink in that I am slowly reaching the big four O mark. Gee! It took me a lot of courage to say that out loud over the world wide web. What did they say again? Embrace your age and that is exactly what I am trying to do now. Oh please, I deserve a pat on the back ok?! Haha!

Not long ago, I discovered the awesomeness of Korean cosmetics through an acquaintance who asked me to help clear her Skin Food stock. I have no idea where she got her beauty loot but everything looked real and legit so I bought some from her out of charity but I've grown to love the brand and started using some of their products regularly. Without a doubt, Skin Food lives up to its brand name. 

I did a little bit of googling about Korean cosmetics' history and voila! It explains so much how Koreans are well known and reputed to produce the best beauty products. In a published article at The Korea Times, it was stated that in traditional Korean society, make up was broadly defined as care not only for external purposes but also internally. Apparently, Koreans in the past believed that a good appearance could affect inner self.

Now, can you blame me for jumping in the bandwagon of Korean cosmetics? Most certainly not! Please allow me to introduce you some of my recent discoveries which I got from 1030am.com:

1) TONY MOLY

Tony Moly is a South Korean cosmetics brand which means "putting style into packaging". Their  are known for their unique product packaging that resembles real fruits like tomato, banana and mango (not in photo). In case you still don't know, Song Joong-ki, the lead actor in K-Drama hit - Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), is one of their latest product endorser.

Photographed above are my personal favourites from their line: (from top to bottom)

• TONY MOLY Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack (80g)
• TONY MOLY Magic Food Banana Hand Milk (45ml)
• TONY MOLY Goat Milk Aqua Whitening Cream (60ml)

It is too early for me to write a holistic and reliable review yet because I am still in the initial stage of using the products. So far, I liked how the Goat Milk Aqua Whitening Cream is really watery and light, it doesn't leave that sticky and heavy feeling after application. 

I also love the Magic Food Banana Hand Milk because it helps keep my hand hydrated with its banana extracts, shea butter and macadamia oil content. I bring it to work everyday as the packaging size ain't too bulky. If you love banana smoothie, you'll love its smell too!

The Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack reminds me how my mom used to ask me to eat more tomatoes so I will have a nicer skin. The tomato solution in the product helps achieve brighter, whiter and smoother the skin. I have yet to prove the long term effect though. 

2) INNISFREE

Innisfree is known for being South Korea's all-natural brand. To be honest, I've never tried any Inisfree product before. Since we frequent the beach way too much, I chose their eco safety perfect sunblock for a start. So far, I am loving it! You can get yours here. I am bringing mine to Penang this weekend for our family beach getaway. 

3) LANEIGE

Laneige comes form the word La Neige, which means snow in French. It is owned by Amore Pacific, the largest cosmetics company in South Korea according to Wikipedia. I know it sounds funny but I started to get really interested to try the brand after watching Song Hye Kyo's TV commercial showcasing the brand's BB cushion. That explains why I choose their BB cushion to begin with. It's not because I want to look like Song Hye Kyo, the lead actress of DOTS though. LOL

Due to its extreme popularity, I found out that the Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++ No.21 Natural Beige with refill (as pictured above) is already sold out at 1030am.com. They still have other shades though which may suit your complexion. You can check it out here. 

4) THE FACE SHOP

I've used The Face Shop's other range of products before like fake eyelashes and compact foundation but since my crowning glory is in dire need of tender loving care, I bought their Cherry Blossom clear hair mist instead. I love how it can instantly freshen up my hair with just few sprays. It smells really great too, even my teenager loves it. You can get yours here. 

5) SKIN FOOD

Like I mentioned earlier, I've become a Skin Food fan. I still have their make-up remover and I just ran out of their sunblock. I am currently trying out this Lettuce & Cucumber Watery Toner. I use it after washing my face with my regular facial scrub and before putting on a Korean facial mask which I also got from 1030am.com. 

Not a fan of online shopping? Fret not! 1030am opened a brick and mortar shop right at the heart of Bugis Street! Here are other products you can purchase from their store:

1030am brick and mortar shop is located at 1 New Bugis Street, Level 1 MSV 6A/7A. Yes! It's that same famous fashion street where both locals and tourists flock to get the most fashionable clothes, accessories and souvenirs at the cheapest price. 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a shopping voucher for the purpose of this review. No other monetary compensation was received. In fact, I got carried away and end up topping up to get a set of face masks and other beauty what-nots which my skin now profusely thank me for. As usual, all opinions and photos are my own.