If you prefer to buy things in person your best bet is to head over to your local Korea/China/Japan town to find some asian beauty shops. Also with K-beauty breaking into the American market you can also find some products at Sephora and Ulta now...it's not an extensive range, but still. I know Urban Outfitters carries Korean products on their site but I haven't actually been in a physical Urban Outfitters store in a long while so I don't know if they have it in their physical stores, but that might be an option as well.

As an extra bonus you should check to see if you have a local Daiso store and check it out. It's like an Asian dollar store and they carry a wide range of products from snacks, to beauty, to stationary, to kitchenware, to pet products, etc. It's an awesome store with super affordable prices. Here is a link to their store locator: http://www.daisoglobal.com/store/#

However, if you don't mind shopping online here is a list of online stores I recommend/like to use (in alphabetical order).

Happy Shopping!!!

Aliexpress

http://www.aliexpress.com/

Aliexpress is like a Chinese Ebay/Amazon and I love it. They've got a TON of various products to look through. I mainly use this site for clothes and accessories/jewelry, but I have purchased skincare from here and they have makeup as well.

My only piece of advice when using this site is to stick with the super highly rated shops. For the most part I haven't had any issues with the site, but I did make a purchase from a not so highly rated shop and I never got the item. Apparently it was lost in the mail? There was also another item that came damaged and broken, but everything from the highly rated shops I never had any issues with.

That being said however, Aliexpress has a purchase protection system that covers all your purchases and if you have any issues you can dispute things and depending on the situation you can have the item resent or get a full refund which is what I did...and the money really did get refunded no problem.

Lastly, please keep in mind that the items from this site are coming from China, so it will take awhile to get to you...unless you live in China. I live in the US (West Coast) and depending on the shop it can take anywhere from 2.5/3 weeks (if you're lucky) to a couple months, but the average ship time for me is like a month.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

I think most everyone is familiar with Amazon, so all I will say is that you can pretty much find any Korean/Asian beauty product on here. Just search the name of the product you want or if you're not sure where to start then you can search the terms "Korean Skincare" or "Korean Makeup" to get started.

Birchbox

https://www.birchbox.com/

Birchbox has started carrying a limited range of Korean products. Not a ton to choose from, but they do have some products. Just search "Korean" to get started.

Ebay

http://www.ebay.com/

Like Amazon, I'm sure most people are familiar with Ebay as well. Same deal as Amazon you can pretty much find any Korean/Asian beauty product on here. Just search the name of the product you want or if you're not sure where to start then you can search the terms "Korean Skincare" or "Korean Makeup" to get started.

Beauteque 

http://www.beauteque.com/

Great online store with a nice selection of products (not just Korean, but also other asian products), but the best part is that they have a subscription service featuring Korean/Asian products. If you're a fan of subscription boxes then you should definitely check them out. 

There are two plans to choose from.

http://www.beauteque.com/subscriptions

They have a BB Bag Subscription... 

and a Mask Maven Subscription... 

The only "con" is that you have to pay for shipping, which I believe is an additional $3.95. I don't know what it is, but I hate knowing that I have to pay for shipping. I would rather the price be a little higher and they say "free shipping" then to have a lower price and then say "shipping charges apply". Even if it's the same amount in the end I would rather have a cost that included the shipping and have them say "free shipping". Am I the only one that's weird about that? I have so many random weird quirks about me, but moving on. 

Glow Recipe

http://www.glowrecipe.com/

To be honest, I haven't made a purchase from them...YET. They carry a lot of what sounds like amazing and innovative products that I would LOVE to try out, but prices are not cheap. I am wishing and hoping with fingers, toes, everything crossed and waiting till Black Friday in the hopes that they will have a nice sale going on so I can splurge at that time. 

This is definitely the site for you if you're more conscious and diligent about the ingredients you are putting on your skin and are always on the lookout for the latest trends and innovative products. You won't find mainstream or big chains here. This site is all about wholesome natural trendy cutting edge products from up and coming indie brands. 

So you can get a better idea of who they are, here are a couple quotes from their site along with a link to their blog...

"Our goal was to create a lovingly curated destination site that makes natural, harsh-free beauty products and the latest skincare trends from Korea accessible to beauty-forward women around the world."

"Our promise is that we will bring you only the best and most innovative products, and the most up-to-date skincare trends, tips and tricks that we absolutely love ourselves."

https://blog.glowrecipe.com/

Memebox

https://us.memebox.com/

One of my favorite sites to shop from, this is an awesome site for access to a wide variety of Korean products. This is the first site I came across when I first started purchasing Korean products online, and it's a site I will keep using over and over again.

In addition to their products, they also sell specially curated boxes...almost like a subscription service, but it's not a subscription. You have to log on and purchase the boxes when they go live and once it's gone it's gone...kinda like those Target beauty boxes. Just keep checking from time to time to see what kind of boxes are available. I just recently purchased their FOMO Mask Box and I can't wait to have it in my hands. 

Here's a description of the box...

"Struggle with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)? Well...if you don't get this box, you may experience some serious FOMO. This box is packed with some of the newest and coolest masks we've found and could not wait sharing with you. So we decided to put this one on pre-sale so you guys get first dibs on this exclusive box, let's PARTY."

Doesn't that sound amazing?! At the time of this post (Saturday, April 16th, 2016) it is still available, so if you've got some FOMO then head on over to this link: https://us.memebox.com/fomo-mask-box

They also have a point system you can use which is awesome because you can apply them to future purchases for a discount. Normally 10 points = $1, but sometimes they have special promotions going on where you can get more point for your buck.

Lastly, to get 20% off your first purchase of $25 or more follow this link...

http://share.memebox.com/x/fxSvsb

...but please do not feel obligated to use it as full disclosure: I do get $10 for every person who uses this link to make their first purchase.

If you don't want to do that then just use the first link right below the Memebox heading and that will take you to their site no strings attached!

P.S. They've also got a blog that you can check out: https://usblog.memebox.com/

Sokoglam

http://sokoglam.com/

Another well known site for access to Korean products, this site has a nice assortment of both affordable and high end products. 

Run by Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician who is very dialed in to the Korean beauty world, this site not only sells products, but is keen on sharing tips and latest trends through their blog aptly titled "the KLOG" (http://sokoglam.com/blogs/news). 

Charlotte's also got a book that she wrote including interviews with some of the top MUA's from Korea called The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin which you can purchase here: http://www.littlebookofskincare.com/

When you head over to the site, there is a pop up where you can subscribe to their site and get 10% off in return for first time customers.

Or you can get 20% off your first purchase of $25 or more if you follow this link...

https://www.talkable.com/x/WZEp4l

...but please do not feel obligated to use it as full disclosure: I do get $10 for every person who uses this link to make their first purchase.

If you don't want to do that then just use the first link right below the Sokoglam heading and that will take you to their site where you can just sign up for the site for 10% off no strings attached!

Lastly, you can also buy directly from some of the bigger mainstream brands themselves...

Clio/PeriPera/Goodal

http://clubcliousa.com/

Etude House

http://www.etudehouse.com/

Innisfree

http://www.innisfreeworld.com/main/index.do?source=https://www.bing.com/

TonyMoly

http://www.tonymolyus.com/

Missha

http://www.misshaus.com/

Hope this was helpful!

Birchbox: https://go.magik.ly/ml/gqdn/

Dermstore: https://go.magik.ly/ml/gqdv/

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

Inspired by a free-spirited adventuress, this vibrant scent is sure to bring out your inner explorer (whether that means traveling the globe or just hitting a shindig across town). Equal parts zesty and bohemian, the refreshing blend offers fruity layers of clementine, fig and coconut water, backed by warm florals like magnolia and geranium. The result? A fragrance that’s vivacious, inviting, and incredibly fresh.

INGREDIENTS

Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Parfum, Water (Aqua), Covabsorb (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate(and) Butyl Methoxy-dibenzoylmethane(and)Ethylhexyl Salicylate) Mixture, Tinogard Q (Tris (Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate), Tinogard TL (Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol), D-Limonene, Blue 1 CI 42090, Violet 2 CI 60730, Yellow 5 CI 19140

THOUGHTS

March 15th, 2016: Perfumey, but not headache inducing super strong. Definitely a warm vibrant scent. Not terrible...and if I was forced to wear it I would be ok, but I'm not a perfume person so not something I would choose to use, but it's wearable.

References...

1. Birchbox

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

Ebay: https://go.magik.ly/ml/gqdg/

https://www.birchbox.com/shop/terax-original-crema

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

Whether frizz, tangling, or dryness is your nemesis, this award-winning creamy conditioner has your back. Ideal for all hair types, the rich formula deeply nourishes hair to improve elasticity, separate snarled strands, and eliminate frizz and static so you can say hello to smooth, happy hair.

HOW TO USE

After shampooing, wring excess water out of hair, then work conditioner from roots to tips. Let it sit for two minutes, then rinse clean.

INGREDIENTS

Deionized Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steartrimonium Chloride, Triethanolamine, Hydrogenated Tallow Glycerides, Cetrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth-3, Lauryl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Fragrance

THOUGHTS

March 15th, 2016: This didn't really do anything for my hair. It felt like I had simply shampoo'd my hair and skipped the conditioner. Didn't leave it moisturized, silky, or smooth. I've definitely tried better. It's a pass for me.

References...

1. Birchbox

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

Ebay: https://go.magik.ly/ml/gqdb/

https://www.birchbox.com/shop/naobay-oxygenating-moisturizing-cream

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

We’ll use avocado wherever we can—smashed onto toast, sliced on tacos, baked into extradecadent brownies—so it was only a matter of time until we were smearing it straight on our face. This eco-conscious moisturizer is loaded with avocado and olive oils. The healthy fats nourish skin, leaving our complexion hydrated—and (almost) as smooth as our favorite snack.

HOW TO USE

Smooth generously onto clean face and neck morning and night.

INGREDIENTS

Aqua, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, Methylglucose sesquistearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl stearate, Stearyl alcohol, Rosa moschata oil*, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil*, Butyrospermum parkii butter*, Persea gratissima oil*, Glycerin, Chamomilla recutita flower extract*, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Parfum, d-Limonene, Citral, Linalool

THOUGHTS

March 15th, 2016: Nice lotion. Not greasy and it sinks into the skin quickly. Not super light weight, but not heavy either...I can feel it on my skin, but not in an obtrusive or annoying way, which is one of the biggest reasons why I hate thick creams and body butters. Has a nice light scent.

That being said, would I go and purchase a full size of this? No I wouldn't. I would rather stick to my St. Ives, but if you're someone who's ingredient conscious and like using natural and organic products than perhaps you would.

References...

1. Birchbox

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

Birchbox: https://go.magik.ly/ml/gqct/

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

Between running things at the office, running errands, and trying to hit the gym (to run some more), we usually find ourselves running low on time. Enter: this high-tech, moisturizing lip balm from Birchbox brand ARROW. Formulated to adjust to your unique pH, it enhances each wearer’s natural lip color to create the perfect, just-for-you hue. Nourishing ingredients like mango seed butter hydrate and protect lips, and the lightweight, subtle formulation allows it to go wherever you do—from pre-work yoga to a lunch date to happy hour. Another perk? It boasts a lovely minty scent. Like all products in the ARROW collection, it is vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

HOW TO USE

Throw in purse, workbag, or gym bag, and swipe on throughout the day. Layer for more intense color.

INGREDIENTS

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Soybean Glycerides, Diisostearyl Malate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Synthetic Beeswax, Ozokerite, C20-40 Alcohols, Polyethylene, Flavor, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil, Silica Dimethyl Silyate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 45380/Red 21, CI 45380/Red 28 Lake, CI 19140/Yellow 5 Lake

THOUGHTS

March 15th, 2016: This lip balm is very moisturizing and has a nice sheen to it. It also gives your lips a hint of color as it's formulated to adjust to your unique pH to enhance your natural lip color. The only "con" is that I wish it smelt nice and had a nice taste like the EOS balms...not that it smells bad or tastes bad.

The description says that it has a nice minty scent, but I couldn't smell it...perhaps because my nose is stuffed up a bit? But I can still smell my EOS balms so....I don't know. To me it seems like it's unscented. No smell is always better than a bad smell, but I'm used to all my lip balms smelling sweet or fruity and it'd be nice. Also, it doesn't necessarily have a bad taste either, but again it would be nice if it had a nice taste like my EOS balms.

Other than those two things I love it. However, if you're a matte lip lover than you might want to stick to your EOS balms but me, I personally love the nice sheen that it gives.

References...

1. Birchbox

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

HOW TO USE

After cleansing face, apply a small amount directly to blemishes or breakouts with the tip of your finger. Make sure to keep away from eyes. 

INGREDIENTS 

Aqua, Oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, Glycerin, Moringa oliefera (moringa) oil, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract***, Iris florentina (iris) root extract, Papaver rhoeas (corn poppy) flower extract, Abies picea (spruce knot) extract, Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile)*, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, Litsea cubeba (litsea may chang)*, Citrus limonum (lemon)*, Kunzea ericoides (kanuka)*, Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus)*, Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud)*, Chondrus crispus (carrageenan) seaweed gum, Sclerotium gum, Sorbitan laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 laurate, Dilauryl citrate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Citric acid, Limonene**, Linalool**, Geraniol**, Citral**, Citronellol**, Eugenol** 

*natural pure essential oil

**naturally occurring in essential oils

***certified organic ingredient

VERDICT 

This stuff is pretty awesome. At first I couldn't really tell if it was doing anything, but then I noticed I was having pretty good skin days consistently. But the biggest thing for me that turned me into a fan of this product is when that special time of the month rolled around I got no hormonal acne whatsoever. I don't usually get acne or breakout except for my hormonal acne which always shows up once a month without fail but after using this consistently everyday I had pristine skin the whole month through. Definitely want a full size of this serum. It is a bit on the pricier side, but really effective and worth it.

References...

1. Birchbox link above

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. First, papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Next, dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Finally, aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish fresh skin to keep it free of irritation.

HOW TO USE

Wet face. Massage all over in a circular motion. Rinse Clean. Use 3-5 times a week. Perfect for all skin types. 

INGREDIENTS

Aqua (Water), Aluminum Oxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Propanediol, Panthenol, Emulsifying Wax NF, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Papain, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol 

***Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, 99% Natural*** 

VERDICT

Love this product...dare I say it's my #1 favorite when it comes to the exfoliators that I've tried so far? It's got super tiny micro-beads that exfoliate the skin leaving it super smooth and silky and the aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins really do leave the skin feeling nourished and moisturized. The only con I have for this product would be the price tag, but it's so good I guess I'll just have to take the plunge and purchase a full size...with the justification that I can use my birchbox points to get $10 off and the knowledge that a little goes a long way so this bottle will probably last me a long time.

References...

1. Birchbox link above