Target's Active Efforts in Stocking Up in K-Beauty Products
Every few months, my dad goes on business trips to Korea. On top of dealing with business matters, it’s also a great way for my family to keep up with all of our extended family. While I love hearing the updates on my family members, I absolutely adore all the beauty and skin care products that accompany my father on his return
In Korea, “roadshops,” which can be compared to United States’ drugstores in the United States, fill up streets and shopping centers. Roadshops carry products that can be compared to those of drugstore products, but roadshop brands can also charge up to $60 for products. In a way, roadshops are CVS, Ulta and Sephora wrapped up into one.
Because they are so prevalent on the streets and so easily accessible, roadshops look for innovative ways to stand out from one another. As a result, brands develop products made from unconventional ingredients like snail mucin and unusual but effective items like carbonated bubble masks.
But the constant supply of new products in Korea makes it hard for an avid K-beauty advocate like me living in the United States to keep up. Certain products can’t be found online, prices are very high and shipping can take weeks.
As of 2017, however, Target has made an effort to resolve these issues by stocking K-beauty products in its stores. Much to my surprise, Evanston’s very own Target on Sherman Ave has a section in their beauty aisle dedicated to K-beauty.
Baby Foot Foot Peel Lavender 2.4 Fl Oz 1 set - $15.99
Foot peel masks are common at roadshops, and Target offers one from Baby Foot. I should warn you that your feet will actually start shedding, and you probably will end up with dead skin flakes on your dorm room floor. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, and you should probably run it by your roommate.In product reviews, most people say that once their feet stopped shedding, their skin looked and felt much smoother.
MISSHA’s Time Revolution - $49
MISSHA’s Time Revolution is a great example of how roadshops take brand name products and give them a roadshop price. Time Revolution is commonly referred to as a dupe to Japan’s SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence, which is priced at $179. Those who try the essence say they can see a difference from when they do and don’t use it!
Charcoal Chai Tea Pore Refining Glow Pad - $24.99