The Case Full of Seoul: Korean Beauty in a Few Easy Steps

The Case Full of Seoul

I would have never, ever guessed that the first place from which I’d get legitimate Korean beauty and skincare products would be Costco. I’ve found some products in stores along Bloor Street in old Koreatown, and even a slew of products from Shopper’s Drug Mart which had writing in Hangeul (Korean characters). Until now, none of these products have actually been made in Korea.

“Discover all that K-Beauty has to offer with The Case Full of Seoul. K-Beauty is a skincare regimen designed by beauty experts in Korea. Korean skincare is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

It is a daily routine rather than a one-off treatment – It is a commitment. UMMA has gathered 8 skin-changing products that work best when used together, and has designed a beauty plan to help you get the most out of each product. Follow these beauty plans and get ready to see results.”

Step One: 9 Wishes Rice Foaming Cleanser $20.90

Step one in any Korean skincare routine I’ve ever heard of is cleansing. The scent of this particular cleanser reminds me of wandering through rice paddies in Bali. It’s light in every sense of the word. The formula features micro-ground rice texture which lightly and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. I wouldn’t use it as your make-up remover (again – it’s light), but the formula is designed to cleanse oil, sebum, blackheads, and other impurities from make-up. The design is to even out skin tone and hydrate the skin.

Step Two: MayCoop Raw Sauce Mini $28

The product is a combination toner and an emulsion. As step two, it prepares the skin to absorb the hydrating formulas you’ll apply throughout the rest of the process. The scent and viscosity are both quite light. The description is that it “hydrates and revitalizes dull skin” and “uses ingredients that mimic molecules in human skin, such as maple tress sap, to help retain extra-high absorbency”. This was a step I really enjoyed as it wasn’t sticky and it was absorbed very quickly.

Step Three: URANG True Rose Repair Essence $47

The rose scent on the repair essence is quite a bit stronger than the other products, so take note if you’re sensitive. This formula contains organic Bulgarian rose water and rose essential oil. The substance is thicker than the previous step. The texture is designed to have a cooling effect. It should calm down redness, although I found it just wasn’t all that effective in balancing my skin tone especially around particularly dry areas like my nose.

Step Four: Tov Camellia Wrinkle-free Eye Solution $25

This product was hands down one of my favourites. This formula contains shea butter and macadamia nut oil. Obviously, it’s safe to use around the eye area which can be quite delicate. The product goes on so smooth it’s almost like a primer in an of itself. It’s quite thick and a little goes a long way. My under-eye area calmed down almost instantly. This is a holy grail item I’d definitely purchase on its own if it weren’t already in The Case Full of Seoul.

Step Five: MayCoop Raw Moisturizer $40

I found this product to smell quite clean and fresh. My guess would be something close to fresh linen, but even that would be too strong a scent. The description states that it “uses moisture balls filled with oil that pop onto the skin to provide the ultimate hydration experience” – I didn’t experience that. It went on like my regular day/ night moisturizer. I would use this in the spring as it’s not quite thick enough for winter, but it would be too much for summer.

Optional: Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer $18

This is another fabulous find I would have never heard of without The Case Full of Seoul. I would say this primer (at least for me) is another holy grail. I typically use Smashbox Primer, but felt it just wasn’t working with my skin lately. This product goes on like the first time I ever used a primer. My foundation works over it like silk it’s so smooth. I’ve never has any film from it either. It conceals my pores and nearly all my wrinkles for a really even complexion. I love the way my makeup looks when I use this primer!

Optional: URANG Vitamin Oil Serum $57

I wasn’t a huge fan of this oil, to be candid, and found myself swapping in my Chantecaille Rose Oil instead. With so many rose infused items, it made sense to me. The fragrance of this product (with rosehip and jojoba oils) was so overwhelming it gave me headaches. The idea is to seal in all the aforementioned hydrating ingredients to hide discolouration, reduce fine lines, and give an overall brightening effect.

I Woke Up Like This All-In-One Concentrate Treatment Mask

Most of the sheet masks I’ve tried in Korea have some sort of gimmicky ingredient. Some have gold or diamonds, some wine or beer, others have snail serum. This sheet mask is made with pearl powder, Vitamin C and Niacinamide to (again!) boost hydration, provide a brightening effect and even out skin tone. The fit is good, but I wouldn’t say there’s anything insanely exciting about this mask. Pop it on for 20 minutes, then remove and massage the excess essence into your skin.

This kit is easy to use for even the most sensitive skin and the newest K-Beauty user. The case itself gives directions for morning, evening, self-care Sunday, and even “get ready with me” and also comes with a booklet full of ingredients and instructions. The case brings huge discounts vs. purchasing each product individually (on Costco’s website the price listed it $79.98). If you’d been doing your math along the way, you’ll note that the value of the case is upwards of $235 USD.

I enjoy taking care of my skin and enjoy trying new products – especially those from my old home, Seoul. The proof is in the pudding, however. Go check out my recent skin analysis where you’ll find that my skin is dialing in at almost 5 years younger than my actual age! Thanks for letting me try some of the hot commodity products which came out directly after I left Korea!

Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

This article was written in unpaid partnership in exchange for an honest reviewThatGirlCartier.com only features products or services I genuinely adore and would repurchase again and again.

Leegeehaam: Easy 3-Step Korean Skincare Morning Routine

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

I always jump at the opportunity to try a new skincare routine, especially those local to Korea.  Leegeehaam is located practically in my backyard – as my office is super close to theirs!  When I’m asked to review skincare products I often worry that I won’t be able to give a positive review.  I have fairly sensitive skin and can’t handle much in the way of fragrance.  I’ve been really lucky lately to have found mild formulas with a hint of scent which actually get the job done.  Recommending the following products is easy for a number of reasons.  First, the application is simple.  I only have 3 steps to fulfill.  The formulas are nourishing, but dry quickly enough that I can put my makeup on right away.  I’m not exactly a morning person, so when it comes to my morning routine I want to moisturize, pop on a little concealer if I’m looking/ feeling tired, add a little blush, and be well on my merry way.

Backed by leading dermatologists, Leegeehaam (LGH) Cosmetics, formerly Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics, was first established in year 2000 and it pioneered the concept of cosmeceutical in Korea with its innovative and advanced products, each specialized in treating specific skin concern.  

I tried out the Leegeehaam GROW Hyal B5 Ampoule, HOPE 5a Control Emulsion, and HOPE 5a Control Cream.  As you can see above, the 3 products are not from the same line, so you can mix and match to support your moisturizing goals.  This trio acts to reduce shine and provide moisture as the temperatures dip colder and colder.  This line is a lot more affordable with fewer products to include and lower price-points than my nightly routine (these range from KRW 28,000 – KRW 48,000).  This routine is super quick and easy.  I would definitely have this as a repurchase in my Korean skincare arsenal.  If you’re a girl on the go looking to get into Korean beauty and skincare, this is your gateway…

  1. Right after my shower, I’ll dry my face and pop on the Leegeehaam GROW Hyal B5 Ampoule.  This comes with an eye-drop applicator.  2 drops really go a long way!  This is the only product from the trio I tried which has much of a fragrance.  It’s a very subtle scent which always reminds me a little of chai.
  2. The Hyal B5 Ampoule dries very quickly, so I don’t have to waste too much time before my second step: applying the 5a Control Emulsion.  Ampoules and emulsions are designed to prepare your skin to soak up all the moisturizing goodness of a cream, so I don’t skip any of the 3 steps.  The emulsion dries fairly quickly, too.  Because it has cinnamon as a key ingredient, it has a subtle scent which goes very nicely with the ampoule.  This step is designed to reduce excess sebum – the oily, waxy substance which can block pores and contribute to acne break-outs.
  3. I’ll usually wait a couple of minutes before cracking open the 5a Control Cream.  The consistency is less cream-like and more gel-like.  Again, it has a quick-drying formula which I love in the morning when I’m in a rush.  My skin feels soft all day and there’s never any hint of shine.

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Leegeehaam Hyal B5 Line Information

Formulated with true oasis made from 5-Hyaluronic Complex for deep, yet long lasing moisturizing for dehydrated skin suffering from dry, puffy, and rough skin caused by lack of hydration. A strong moisture barrier formed by Vitamin B5 and B3 holds onto rich hydration from 5-Hyaluronic Complex by preventing future water loss, leaving skin hydrated, plump, and glowing all day. Hyal B5 fills, retains, and protects moisture with 5-Hyaluronic Complex and Vitamin B3 & B5 barrier for deep hydration throughout the year.

* 5-hyaluronic complex
Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate,  hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, ascorbyl propyl hyaluronateKorean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule

이지함 그로우
히알 B5 앰플

28,000

Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule Product Details

As known as moisture retaining ampoule, ultra-hydrating formula of 5-Hyaluronic Complex replenishes the skin with deep moisturizing, while retaining moisture inside with visibly improved plumpness and radiance.  Special jelly-like texture adheres tightly to the skin for intensive hydration and nourishing, improving fine lines, flakiness, and tightness from dehydration. High concentration of hyaluronic acid restores youthful hydration to dry skin, while vitamin B5 and B3 retains maximum level of moisturizing.

Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule Size

30ml

How to Use Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule

Squeeze out 2~3 droplets and apply over the face after toning.  Gently pat to absorb better.

Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule Key Ingredients

  • Penta-Hyaluronic Acid
    (Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate)
    Infuses intensive and deep moisturizing to the skin.
  • Vitamin B5 (panthenol) & B3 (niacinamide)
    Forms a moisture barrier on skin surface as it is applied, preventing any moisture loss and at the same time, protects skin from outer stimulation.

Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule Full Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dioscorea japonica root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Octyldodeceth-16, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Polyquaternium-51, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Piper methysticum leaf/root/stem extract, Centella asiatica extract, Panax ginseng berry extract, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Glycosyl trehalose, Glyceryl glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Adenosine, Biosaccharide gum-1, Raffinose, Disodium edta, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Lecithin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Beta-glucan, Michelia alba leaf oil, Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) kernel oil, Daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, Elettaria cardamomum seed oil, Michelia alba flower oil, Butylene glycol, Tagetes minuta flower oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Ascorbyl propyl hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

Leegeehaam 5α Control

Named after a hormone called “5 Alpha Reductase,” which causes abnormal sebum production if imbalanced, the patented and mineral oil free formula of 5 Alpha Control series offers the perfect solution for controlling skin oil and shine. Moreover, it not only removes the unnecessary sebum but at the same time, soothes skin from inflammation to relieve skin trouble, leaving it healthy and refined.

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

36,000

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Emulsion – Product Details

Contains a high concentration of Sepicontrol A5, the key ingredient for shine control, to soothe and balance oily skin. Mineral oil free texture gently controls skin shine and oil, especially around the T-zone without the stickiness. It fills skin with natural moisturizing factors, making it plump and vital with the reduced sebum secretion.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Emulsion – Size

100 ml

How to Use Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Emulsion

Pump 2~3 times and apply over the face.
Gently pat to absorb better.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Emulsion – Key Ingredients

  • Witch Hazel
    Tightens the widened pores.
  • Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract 
    Balances the skin by controlling unnecessary oil and shine.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Emulsion – Full Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Capryloyl Glycine, Sucrose Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hexylene Glycol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum ParkII (Shea) Butter Extract, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Bisabolol, Sarcosine, Sucrose Cocoate, Fragrance, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Carbomer, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Spent Grain Wax, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Sitosterol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, PVP, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Tocopherol, Pantolactone, Sodium Metabisulfite, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

48,000

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Cream – Product Details

Lightweight mineral oil-free technology with patented special formula of LGH is combined together to provide the optimal oil and shine control effect. It is a strongly recommended cream for those who have shiny skin surface but dehydrated inside (a good moisturizing cream for oily skin types).

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Cream – Size

50ml

How to Use Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Cream

Apply an appropriate amount on face, morning and night.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Cream Key Ingredients

  • Witch Hazel
    Tightens the widened pores.
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
    Soothes and relieves acne/trouble skin.

Leegeehaam Hope 5a Control Cream Full Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Oleanolic Acid, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Bisabolol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Beta-Sitosterol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sarcosine, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glucose, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

Korean Skincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

Leegeehaam Contact Information

이지함화장품

18F 157 Dosandaero Gangnamgu Seoul, Korea
T. +82 70 4639 0538~9
aileen@leegeehaam.com
leisha@leegeehaam.com

Leegeehaam on Facebook

@Leegeehaam_global on instagramSkincare Review: Leegeehaam has quick-drying formulae which I love when I'm in a rush.  My skin feels soft and there's never any hint of shine.

This article was written in unpaid partnership in exchange for an honest review of Leegeehaam products.  ThatGirlCartier.com only features products or services I genuinely adore and would repurchase again and again.