Discussion Beauty

What Would You Buy Instantly From This Shelf?

For Whom/What:

Skin type: Normal to combination, slightly sensitive, who also wears minimal makeup

Budget:

₩20,000 – ₩50,000 per item (roughly $15–$40)

Requirements:

Beginner-friendly but actually effective

Glass-skin essentials

Hydration + barrier repair

Sunscreens (I KNOW Korea does this best)

Serums / toners / masks that are worth the hype

Extra Details:

Hi Prugu fam 💖 I’m in Korea for the very first time (!!) and currently standing inside an Olive Young with wide eyes, weak knees, and zero self-control. I’ve heard about K-beauty for YEARS, saved way too many TikToks, and now I’m finally here… staring at shelves packed with products I don’t fully understand but desperately want. So here’s the question: 👉 If you were me, what would you grab instantly from this shelf? I’m looking for holy-grail, no-regret K-beauty picks—the kind of products locals repurchase and beauty insiders swear by.

This is an instant repurchase, no thinking item for me. 

Like… if you’re into that plump, glass-skin, “I drink 3 liters of water a day” look — this is it. The texture is super watery and sinks in instantly (no tacky finish, no pilling under makeup), but somehow your skin stays bouncy all day. It’s one of those rare hydrating serums that works year-round — summer humidity, winter dryness, doesn’t matter.

I literally keep backups because I panic when I’m running low 😅

Bathroom, travel bag, extra drawer… she’s everywhere.

Dive-In Serum
Brand: Torriden
82
Noemi Corral
3 weeks ago

If I had to grab just one “safe, everyday” toner off these shelves, it’d probably be Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. I know it’s kinda overhyped online, but honestly… it deserves it. It’s super watery and light, zero stickiness, and just makes your skin feel calm and balanced instead of coated. I reach for it most when my skin is acting up (tiny breakouts, redness, barrier feeling meh) or during humid summer weather when heavier toners feel gross. 

Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Brand: Anua
80