Growing up as a Korean adoptee I have always wondered “what if.” What if I hadn’t been adopted? Who would I have become? Whenever I visit Seoul, I always wonder what my life would have been there. Those defining 'sliding door' moments in your life, the idea of 'what is meant for you will not pass you'. It's something I spend quite a lot of my time thinking about.  A few months ago I had the privilege of watching Past Lives and let me tell you when I say I loved it! A love story in part as we ponder who Nora, our main characters soul-ate truly is, but also so much more than that. Past ..read more

We are very aware that the beauty industry contributes a lot of waste and plastic, but it is refreshing to see many companies that are working on tackling this and reducing their plastic usage. Many companies such as Purito, The Vegan Glow and more are now using recyclable materials and Sioris recently launched two products in glass packaging as well as their biodegradable sheet mask. I am personally really happy to see companies in  South Korea working on tackling this and paving the way for sustainable packaging within the skincare industry. Here is a round up of our favourite sustainab ..read more

As I was doing a bit of spring cleansing and looking at any products that have been opened for far too long on my dresser, I thought it may be a good idea to write a little blog on transitioning your skincare routine for Spring time. One of the first events I want to in Seoul backin 2015 with Troiareuke, an esthetician spoke about changing up your routine at the turn of seasons and why it was important. I thought I would share a little bit of her wisdom as well as some things I myself am doing as we move from Winter to Spring. Exfoliate The winter season can wreak havc on your skin’s natural c ..read more

If you’re struggling for ideas on what to get loved ones for Christmas, have a quick look at our gift guide for some K-Beauty inspiration! GIFT SETS Gift sets are the perfect way to introduce someone to the world of K-Beauty. We have many trial sets available at Beauty & Seoul. Check out some of our favourites here!   STOCKING FILLERS Check out our collection of the cutest stocking fillers that will give you skin a glow during these winter months! SON & PARK Beauty Water 60ml  The cult favourite multi-purpose toners, but in miniature   SIORIS Time Is ..read more

We asked our friend Dr Beibei Du-Harpur on her skincare tips for surviving this cooler weather. Dr Beibei Du-Harper Dermatologist MBBChir MRCP MA (Cantab)   Maree: Hi Beibei, please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself. Dr Beibei: My name is Beibei Du-Harpur, and I am a dermatology doctor currently undertaking a PhD, based in London. I am passionate about science, evidence-based holistic medicine and I love to share my knowledge of skin and dermatology. Maree: As someone with dry skin, I think many people like myself will be struggling with the change in seasons. Is it nor ..read more

The weather is getting warmer these days and as we all emerge from months in lockdown, it is the perfect time to indulge your skin. Your skin can often change with the seasons as well, so as we enter warmer months, some of us may experience drier skin, an increase in skin irritations, and most importantly, the need for an SPF (something which you should use daily and year round!)  With that said, I thought I’d talk a little about my favourite products at the moment in my routine that are lightweight, soothing and suitable for all skin types.    Jumiso All Day Brightening & B ..read more

In the latter part of 2018, my skin was in the worst state it had ever been. I was struggling to balance running Beauty & Seoul with my full-time job in sports marketing plus running around trying to socialise, living on coffee and 3-4 hours of sleep a night. My skincare routine suffered as a result and as such my skin become oily, congested, red and broke out all the time.  Fast forward to 2020 where I have managed to achieve a much more healthier work life balance, I thought I would share the top things that helped transform my skin. My skin is by all means not perfect, but it is po ..read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I won’t lie, I LOVE Christmas. It’s my absolute favourite time of the year and I love going home, sitting by the fireside with family and stuffing my face with cheese and port. Christmas shopping, however, I don’t love as much. Getting the perfect present for that loved one can be tough so we have narrowed down our favourite picks for those special people in your life!  Our top present pick When one of my favourite brands Shangpree told me they were coming out with a limited edition holiday set I was so excited. The Shangpree Holiday Sheet Mask Heroes ..read more

Every time I go to Seoul, I always make space in my schedule for a facial, usually before I fly back to London. I have tried a fair few facials during my trips but here are my top 4 favourites that I always come back to or recommend to friends.  What am I looking for in a facial?  Cleanliness & hygiene  Reputable products  A lasting glow  Friendly staff Relaxing / ideally inclusive of a massage   S Energy Facial – Shangpree Spa, Cheongdam  Who is it good for? This is the facial for those looking for a touch of luxury and class! With hundreds of awards, this is the spa that consistently wi ..read more

Back to basics We get asked many questions at Beauty & Seoul around product recommendations and the first question I always ask in return is ‘what’s your skin type?’ It struck me the other day whilst talking with my friends that many people don’t actually know what their skin type is, and when I put this to a vote on my personal Instagram to friends, it turns out nearly 60% are in this clueless section. Low and behold, when I switched to a more balanced, hydrating routine, my skin cleared, looked brighter and felt smoother. Looking back, it was probably my fierce use of exfoliators, strip ..read more