New series of blog posts! Seoul Shopping Guides- a series focusing on some of the best spots in Seoul to hit for beauty/cosmetics shopping. These are largely informational, brief posts rather than reviews, but I will include my favourite products and purchases from the stores I mention.
First up is Troiareuke’s flagship store in Myeongdong.
Brand Background
Troiareuke only fully came on my radar at Seoul Blogger Brunch. I’d heard of them, but I was really intrigued the more I learned. They began as a professional brand, with only their spa treatments offered to the public. However after demand from spa customers, they created their premium skincare range, aimed at providing real skincare solutions to a variety of skin issues. They’re a mid to high end brand, and each customer receives a skin consultation from the esthetician in store to help decide on products suitable for the individual’s skin needs.
Store Aesthetic
The store is quite simple and basic, with an area in the front displaying all of the products, and two spa treatment rooms around the corner. You can both buy products and have spa treatments at this location (at their other stores you can only purchase products). I felt that the store really reflected the ethics of the company; there was nothing flashy about the interior, and it’s clear purpose is to introduce the products and experience the superior treatments.
My Picks & Best Sellers
I haven’t tried a huge range of Troiareuke products, but the couple I have tried I’ve been impressed by.
I personally really like their Acsen Oil Cut Cleanser (provided as a gift at Seoul Blogger Brunch). It’s a non-foaming, low pH cleanser, and is so gentle and gorgeous on skin. I use it a lot in the mornings for a gentle cleanse, or as second step in the evening.
I’ve also tried their Acsen UV Protector Essence SPF50+ PA+++ (provided as a gift at Seoul Blogger Brunch). This is a light-medium weight sunscreen containing both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients. The texture is like a watery cream, spreads easily, and takes about 5 minutes to dry down. I found it a little heavy for my normal/combo skin during Korean summer, but I’m reaching for it much more frequently now we’re into cooler weather. It’s nice!
Their best sellers at the store are: the cushion ranges, PIT Cleansing Milk, and the Healing Cocktails (I actually have one of these but haven’t had a chance to try it yet!).
Price Point
As I said earlier, this is a professional spa brand, so the prices reflect that. Products start at around 35,000 KRW (roughly $35).
Location
The location of this store is directly outside exit 9 of Myeongdong (명동) subway station, next to Sky Park Hotel III. I couldn’t immediately see it, but that’s because it’s actually inside another building and slightly down a corridor. You need to go in the entrance shown below where the 7/11 sign is, then its about a minute down the hallway on your left:
Address: 139 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu
(Google Maps doesn’t work that well in Korea but if you just type 139 Toegye-ro and search it does come up with the correct location)
Opening Times: 10am-8pm daily
Let me know if you visit, and if this guide was helpful. Thanks to the Troiareuke ladies for having me! Happy Seoul shopping!
