Hair Care Trends: What Editors Reveal
In today's world, hair care has become as important as skincare. Beauty editors share their personal experiences and insights on maintaining healthy hair. From regular washing to applying treatments, they discuss the latest trends and products that have made a difference in their routines. Whether it’s deep conditioning, using specific shampoos, or incorporating natural remedies, these experts offer practical advice for anyone looking to improve their hair health. Join the conversation and learn what works best for them—and maybe find some new tips for yourself! 💬 Which hair care routine do you swear by? Share your tips!
K-Beauty Stocks Drop, But Foreign Investors Keep Buying
The stock prices of seven major Korean cosmetics companies—AmorePacific, LG Household & Health Care, Kosmo, Hanwha Kolmar, AP Re, Silicon Two, and Pharmaservice—fell collectively during the first week of September. Despite this decline in stock value, foreign investors increased their stakes in these companies, indicating ongoing interest in K-beauty. Analysts suggest that this trend reflects optimism about long-term growth in K-beauty exports and global market expansion. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Chinese Z-Generation Prefers Chinese Beauty Products
In the expanding influence of C-beauty (Chinese cosmetics) in the Chinese market, younger consumers are placing more importance on usability and accessibility over brand nationality. This trend is particularly evident among China's Z-generation, who heavily rely on peer reviews and experiences online. A 21-year-old student from Shandong, Liu Yanru, shared her preference for Chinese brands, stating that she trusts products used by her friends more. This reflects a growing trust in Chinese brands as younger consumers seek convenient and accessible options. 💬 What makes a beauty product trustworthy to you?
The Whoo Enters China's Longevity Beauty Market
The luxury brand THE WHOO (더후) has officially launched its new premium anti-aging product, 'Bi Che NAD Essence,' in the Chinese market through Tmall and Douyin flagship stores. This move comes as part of THE WHOO's strategy to enter the high-end anti-aging market, following its successful launch in Korea in late August. The product is positioned under the brand's 'Longevity Beauty' concept, which has become a key trend in the global beauty industry. With this launch, THE WHOO aims to compete with other luxury brands like Lancôme in the Chinese longevity beauty market. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Base Makeup Market Slumps: Laneige Dominance Fades
The beauty economy has been closely tracking and analyzing the sales data of K-beauty products on China's Tmall platform since 2019. This month, the focus is on the base makeup market in August 2026. Despite a significant drop in sales volume by 43.5% compared to the previous year, Laneige maintained a market share of 37.5%. The analysis reveals a shift in consumer preferences and challenges for brands in the competitive K-beauty sector. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty's Global Success: How Small Businesses Are Leading the Charge
K-beauty has seen remarkable growth, with exports increasing over 100 times from 2000 to 2025. This success is largely driven by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which now account for 72.8% of total cosmetics exports. The government has recognized this model and is aiming to replicate it in other promising consumer goods sectors like fashion and food. By 2030, the goal is to achieve $180 billion in SME exports. This strategy includes expanding into high-value areas such as eco-friendly and functional cosmetics, and leveraging online platforms to penetrate advanced markets. The government also plans to support SMEs in developing beauty devices and expanding their global distribution networks. 💬 What do you think makes K-beauty so appealing to international markets?
Anti-Aging Skincare Gains Popularity Among Younger Adults
The market for pigmentation and skin discoloration management in South Korea is expanding from the 50-60 age group to include more 30-40 year-olds. Traditionally, anti-aging products for pigmentation were primarily targeted at older women, but now younger adults are showing increased interest in skin health and preventive care. LG Life Sciences subsidiary Taeguk Pharmaceutical's specialized brand, Domina, recently announced that its home shopping sales have reached 200 billion won, highlighting the growing consumer base and high repeat purchase rates for pigmentation management products. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Gets Smarter with AI Skin Diagnosis
Ebay Japan is enhancing its online marketplace, QutenJapan, with AI-based beauty and fashion tech. Starting in September, users can now access an AI skin diagnosis service that analyzes skin type, tone, and more through smartphone cameras. The service provides personalized care tips and product recommendations based on the diagnosis. Additionally, a virtual try-on feature for colored contact lenses has been introduced, allowing users to see how lenses look on them in real-time using AR technology. These innovations aim to improve the shopping experience for Japan's MZ generation and boost the appeal of K-beauty brands in the Japanese market. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Fall into the Fun of Choosing Skirts This Season
Skirts are one of the most challenging fashion items to keep up with due to their ever-changing trends. From the Y2K era's mini skirts to the current 'Quiet Luxury' trend, skirts have seen a variety of styles come and go. Once considered outdated, pencil skirts are now subtly reclaiming their place in the fashion world. With no clear mega-trend for several years, the 2026 fall/winter season has seen a surge of diverse skirt styles on the runway. Whether you prefer classic pencil skirts or more modern interpretations, there's a skirt for every style this season. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Boom: Foreign Tourists Drive Offline Beauty Channel Expansion
Foreign tourist spending on K-beauty and wellness has surged, with a 58.6% increase in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. This growth has spurred beauty retailers to expand their offline presence in major tourist areas like Seoul's Sinchon and Hongdae, as well as in regional centers. Brands like PICK No.3, Muji, and Olleh have opened new stores, focusing on curated product lines and diverse categories including skincare, makeup, fragrances, and health supplements. They aim to not only cater to domestic tourists but also to expand their reach internationally, with plans to open stores in Dubai, Australia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. These expansions reflect the growing demand for K-beauty among foreign visitors, making these areas key hubs for K-beauty tourism. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite for expanding K-beauty retail spaces?
Longevity Serum First Debuted in China Before Korea
Lancôme recently launched its next-generation skincare product, Longevity, in the Korean market. However, it was first introduced to the Chinese market for consumer validation in early July. The product, developed through a strategic collaboration with Swiss longevity biotech company Timeline, was unveiled in Shanghai at a press conference on July 6th. This early market entry in China has allowed Lancôme to gather initial consumer feedback and sales data, which will inform its strategy for the broader Asian market, including Korea. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Shifts to Data-Driven Personalization in Japan
K-beauty has traditionally grown in Japan by emphasizing affordability and product quality. However, recent trends indicate a shift towards data-driven personalization. Companies like Cosmax are now entering the market with AI-based personalized hair care services, while Qoo10 Japan, operated by global e-commerce giant eBay Japan, has introduced AI skin analysis services. This move signals a transition from product sales competition to a focus on providing highly personalized experiences based on consumer data. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Brand D'AMU Soars in Japan: LOFT 120 Stores Now Selling!
D'AMU, a Korean skincare brand, has achieved significant success in Japan, becoming the top seller in Qoo10's category within a year of its launch. The brand has now officially entered 120 LOFT stores across Japan, marking a major milestone in its offline expansion. D'AMU's 'Collagen Mist' and 'Eye Cream' were already leading in their respective categories on Qoo10, thanks to their convenient use and attractive packaging. The brand's CEO, Kim Byung-soo, emphasized that the success is based on the product's online performance and quality, which will now be extended to offline markets. D'AMU has also expanded its international presence, entering 10 countries including Japan, Turkey, and Poland, with plans to enter Russia soon. The brand aims to build a sustainable distribution network in each country to ensure repeat purchases. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite for D'AMU's new product launch?
Thewhoo Boosts Global Luxury Beauty Ambitions with NAD Power Ampoule
LG생활건강's cosmetic brand Thewhoo is intensifying its global luxury beauty market strategy with the launch of 'Thewhoo BiCheop NAD Power Ampoule'. The brand held a global event titled 'The Power of NAD' on March 27 at the Worakil Hotel in Seoul, inviting global influencers, media, and distributors. The event highlighted Thewhoo's NAD research achievements and brand heritage. Thewhoo's NAD study, which took over 13 years to develop, has resulted in the 'NAD Power24™' technology, which enhances skin delivery. The ampoule contains 50% NAD Power24™ and is designed for anti-aging. The event featured various interactive zones, including a 360-degree video of the brand heritage, an NAD R&D lab, an interaction zone for NAD transfer technology, and a NAD Power photo zone. Thewhoo also presented the results of its research on NAD and its relationship with skin at a symposium. Actress Kim Jeon, a global ambassador for Thewhoo, shared her experience using the product and her skincare routine. Thewhoo aims to expand its brand competitiveness in the global luxury beauty market through its heritage and research capabilities. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite? It showcases Thewhoo's latest innovation in skincare technology.
Make Your Look Pop with These Celebrity Hair Tips
When wearing a hat, sometimes it feels like something is off, but the issue might be your hairstyle rather than the hat itself. For hats like the popular 'sorage' style, the key is to create volume in your hair to complement the hat's silhouette. Jeongyeon from girl group TWICE is a great example, with her one-sided hair that falls just to the side of her ear, or An Yeonjin's thin, divided hairstyle. Instead of just pressing down the hat, try these tips to enhance your overall look. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
MAC Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Art for Limited Edition Lipstick
MAC has released a limited edition collection inspired by the unique artistic world of contemporary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collection includes the 'Maximal Silky Matte Basquiat Lipstick,' which features his signature crown motif, and 'Pastel Painting Eyeshadow + Face Chalk,' using colors often found in his works like gold and blue. The set also includes pigments and brushes with strong color payoff, adding a strong artistic touch that enhances the collection's collectible value. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Tfit Soars in Japanese Makeup Market Despite Intense Competition
The beauty brand Tfit (TFIT) is experiencing rapid growth in the Japanese market despite fierce competition. In the second quarter, Tfit achieved its highest sales record during the Qoo10 Mega Sale, raking in 460 million yen. Sales in July and August also saw a 230% increase compared to the same period last year. The Japanese beauty market is becoming increasingly competitive with the entry of local brands, K-beauty brands, and new D2C brands. Tfit has maintained its performance across online and offline channels, with its main products ranking in the top 5 of Qoo10's overall sales. The brand plans to continue its strong growth in the third quarter, supported by its online product competitiveness and extensive offline distribution network. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
LALARECIPE Debuts Art Collaboration Pop-Up at DDP for Seoul Beauty Week
LALARECIPE, a beauty brand known for its natural ingredients, has launched an art collaboration pop-up store at DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) in Seoul for Seoul Beauty Week. The pop-up, running from August 1 to September 30, features a blend of the brand's products and the artwork of artist MeME. The event includes a product experience zone, art collaboration content, and interactive events. LALARECIPE, which began exporting its products to 55 countries in 2023, sees the pop-up as a valuable opportunity to showcase its brand and products to both domestic and international consumers and buyers. The company aims to expand its overseas market and has found the DDP platform to be a key tool in achieving this goal. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Olive International Expands Global Reach with Major Hiring Push
Olive International, a beauty company operating brands like MamiCare, Component Editor, and MilkTouch, is expanding its global distribution network, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan. The company is aggressively hiring to ensure it can effectively manage and expand its channels in these regions. For instance, its Component Editor brand has seen significant success in North America, with its mask packs achieving top sales on Amazon and Target. Meanwhile, MilkTouch has expanded its offline presence in Japan, with its new product 'Silver Veil Lip Tattoo' topping sales charts on Qoo10. Olive International aims to hire talent with a deep understanding of global markets and a strong ability to execute quickly. The company plans to reach over 8,700 stores in North America and expand its presence in Europe to over 2,500 stores by the end of the year. With a focus on North America, Japan, and China, as well as other European markets, Olive International is preparing for global expansion and is actively seeking candidates who can drive this growth. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty's Global Shift: US Skincare, Chinese Makeup
Korean skincare and haircare products are driving the growth of the beauty industry in the United States, while makeup products are seeing a recovery in China. This indicates a clear differentiation in consumer trends by country. Traditionally, skincare has been the cornerstone of K-beauty exports, but the landscape is rapidly evolving. As K-Beauty expands its market presence, it is diversifying its offerings to cater to different regions. Europe and emerging markets are also emerging as new growth areas. This transformation reflects a shift from a China-centric export model to a more balanced global strategy, highlighting the adaptability and innovation of K-beauty brands. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
