The popularity of Korean products has really taken off and over the last couple of years, several well-known shops have opened up here in Hawaii. I have to admit that I've only been into one, once. My question to you is, which do you prefer and why?
Nature Republic
The Face Shop
Tony Moly
If I were totally into Korean brands, then I would probably pick The Face Shop but only because where one of the shops is located is the most convenient for me. Next wold be Tony Moly and the least convenient is Nature Republic because they are in a hotel in Waikiki. Waikiki is so crowded and busy that I avoid going there as I feel it's a traffic hazard driving in Waikiki.
I've used a skin care line from Nature Republic and have a CC cream from them and all were okay. I've used makeup remover wipes and some face masks from The Face Shop and again, they were okay. Tony Moly has peach hand cream but I mainly like it for the packaging. All of these were gifts to me. I would love to find a product that I would really like from any one of these brands. That's why I'm reaching out to you for suggestions.
*Kat*
14 comments:
I'd really go for the Face Shop, because there are so many products in there that focus on good, natural ingredients. Toly Moly is really novelty for me and I think most of their products are cutesy but I'd go to the Face Shop for skincare :)
From my experience, and I've been using solely Korean skin care for about 4-5 years now, I would say Nature Republic should be on the top.
They have truly stepped up their game recently, and have excellent products in both skin care AND makeup department. I have highly sensitive skin, so often I don't agree with chemical ingredients. But Nature Republic's production is highly natural, doesn't irritate me at all, and it provides wonderful results! For example, right now I'm loving their Forever Lasting Precious Oil Essence, it's doing wonders to my sensitive, dry skin. That is another thing I love about this company - they truly cater to different skin types, unlike many others, that have mostly 'universal' products (that aren't that universal, really).
Tony Moly would be last..sadly, actually both the Face Shop and Tony Moly for me are least favorite. After Nature Republic, I would chose Innisfree, which also uses very natural and local ingredients, then Missha - their interpretation of 'cult' products, such as SKII's First Essence or Estee Lauder's serum, has been working far better than the 'original' products! And they have much better ingredients too.
the Face Shop has some great sheet masks and makeup items, but their skin care just isn't effective enough for my liking. One thing from Tony Moly that I do vouch for, as my mother and aunt enjoys them very much, are their Syn-Ake line.
For me, it's Nature Republic, TonyMoly and last The Face Shop. Out of the three, once you try Nature Republic TFS and TM products will become lackluster.
The best NR republic products... aloe vera gel (use it for everything), snail sheet masks, peeling gel, and their super aqua max moisturizer
@Jen--Thank you for your input. I really do need to try to go into Each of the shops for myself and see what each has to offer. The one time that I did go into The Face Shop, I had a lot of fun looking around.
*Kat*
@Catharina F.--Thank you so much for the extensive comment! I took a quick look at your blog and discovered that you are currently living in Korea. How wonderful to have access to these brands and more! Guess that I'll have to brave the driving and parking conditions and take a drive into Waikiki one day to visit Nature Republic.
*Kat*
@Anonymous--Thank you so much for your input. I remember another blogger raving about the aloe vera gel from Nature Republic and had thought to myself that I need to put it on my wish list. Now you've mentioned it and reminded me about it. Next month a couple of beauty bloggers will be visiting Hawaii and staying in Waikiki and we plan to meet up so that will be an opportune time for me to make it into Nature Republic.
*Kat*
I haven't tried too many things from tony moly or nature republic but I used to use Face Shop skin care for a few years. They did ok, nothing amazing. On my recent trip I got a few thinks from nature republic and quite like them! I only purchased a few lip items from tony moly this time so I can't really compare the 3 . Nature republic has some great masks tho. I rec the snail gel sheet mask if they sell it!
Nature Republic will open in Ala Moana Shopping Center soon !
@ShinyPrettyThings--Thank you for your input. Can't wait to get to Nature Republic later this month.
*Kat*
@Anonymous--Thank you for letting me know! I had just found out about it the same day you commented.
*Kat*
I'm glad you decided to visit Nature Republic! To my mind they are one of the best in the market :)
and thank you for visiting my blog! I am slowly starting to get into blogging, since I want to share my experience in Korea as a 'westerner'.
I'm really hoping that NR will open more stores not only in Hawaii but branch out to the rest of the world, as they have great potential for an international brand. Plus, it would be great if my friends didn't have to spend hours on Evilbay trying to find things I enjoy using :)
Hi, i would like to bookmark this post, good information about the face shop products, Have you review some product of this brand ? Is it really good ?
I'm from NYC, and we only have 3 Korean skincare/makeup brands here - The Face Shop, Nature Republic, and Tony Moly. I've bought a number of products from each.
In terms of packaging only, Tony Moly wins hands down. Other than that, their products are OK. Keep in mind you'd be paying for cute packaging and mediocre products. Makeup is alright. Doesn't last very long. They gave a generous amount of samples, though. I don't have any issues with Tony Moly. I have spent the most money here - mainly because I'm a sucker for cute packaging. Fair price for average products and adorable packaging.
The Face Shop was the first one I went to, and my experience was less than stellar. They're my least favorite. Packaging is alright. Products themselves, not great. Their makeup leaves much to be desired (made my skin look unbelievably dry, despite the product saying it had a dewy finish), but their skincare is pretty good. Stingy on samples. You'd be paying fair price for average skincare and less-than-average makeup.
Nature Republic is by far my favorite OF THESE THREE. Their packaging is alright - it has a natural feel to it. Their products are amazing. I have dry skin (sometimes combination depending on the season), and I've never had a problem with Nature Republic. They're slightly more expensive, but their skincare is much better, and their makeup is hydrating and long-lasting. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, their products are all natural, so it won't irritate your skin. I plan to buy their famous Aloe Vera gel soon - but I heard they changed their packaging because so many people sell counterfeits - a testament to just how famous Nature Republic is!
I know this is late, but I hope this helped you~
Thank you for your very indepth comment and review. I appreciate it very much!
*Kat*
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