WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

SEOUL SECRETS | WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET :: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

Heading to Whole Foods, Erewhon or Gelsons for your basics (rice, produce) and Asian specialty items (soy sauce, sesame oil, kimchee) can cost you an arm and a leg — which is why I always turn to the Korean markets to stock up!  It’s fun to peruse — and if you like a good deal, you’ll be obsessed.  If you’re in LA, there are plenty good ones to choose from.  From Koreatown’s GALLERIA MARKET or HAN KOOK SUPERMARKET — or if you’re in the valley, GREENLAND MARKET on White Oak and Sherman Way is a favorite gem of many.  (I love their many Costco-like sample stations!)  The options are plentiful and the prices can’t be beat!  Here’s my guide on what to buy at the Korean market!


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RICE

And bags and bags and bags of it!  This is a no brainer. They have all the same brands available at your health food stores and local grocery stores  — but for a fraction of the price.  Most Korean households buy rice in 15 lb bags which resemble dog food bags.


WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET


KIMCHEE (obviously)


WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

GOCHUJANG (and other sauces)

It’s Korea’s answer to Vietnam’s Sriracha, America’s ketchup or BBQ sauce and Australia’s vegemite.  It’s the quintessential defining Korean sauce that we add to rice, bim bim bap, etc. that is made from fermented soy bean, red chili, sticky rice and salt.  It is sooo good!  The perfect magical combo of spicy and sweet.  Your regular market has a couple options; the Korean market’s variety is endless.

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

SESAME OIL

Sesame oil can get hefty in price.   And it should.  It has a slew of health benefits such as stimulating bone growth, preventing cancer, boosting heart health and making your skin and hair radiant!  So I stock up at the Korean market.  I use it on my soups, rice dishes — and oh(!) for oil pulling (more on that in a future post on the myriad ways to use coconut oil!).

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

PRE-MADE BIM BIM BAP

This is a popular item at Korean Restaurants!  It’s made of veggies, rice, protein (beef or tofu) and an egg on top.  You add sesame oil and gochujang sauce (see above) on it — and it’s instantly a fave.  Although the ingredients are simple and clean, few of us have the time and motivation to actually make it for ourselves at home.

Enter…pre-made bim bim bap!   For $5 bucks, you can have it at home.

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET


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PRE-MADE SUSHI

I know no one really wants a “bargain” when it comes to sushi, but these come freshly made and they’re super good!  I buy a couple for the road and I bring them to work!

Pre-made sushi

BAN CHAN

Ban Chan means ‘side dish’ in Korean.  If you’ve ever been to a Korean restaurant, these are the small dishes of food (kimchee, radish kimchee, spinach, bean sprouts, etc.) that the waiter brings to the table for you (for free!).  You eat them with your meal.  You can buy generous positions of each one for just a couple bucks.

Ban Chan

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

SEAWEED

MMM.  Nori.  Nori sheets have been hitting the heights of popularity these days.  I eat them alone or wrap my rice in it.  It’s high in calcium, iodine and magnesium.  An easy, delicious and portable health food!

Seaweed

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

ORGANIC PRODUCE

They have crisp organic apples (and other produce) for a fraction of the price and they come from the same orchards from whom Whole Foods and Gelsons buy.  So why bother with paying extra?

ORGANIC PRODUCE

RAMEN

Ramen anyone?  I’m not one who downs these delicious dehydrated noodles much now; but I admit I was the quintessential Asian back in my Berkeley college days whose parents would send ramen-packed care packages in the mail.

Who knew there were these many options nowadays?!

Ramen

FUN ASIAN CANDY

Korean and Japanese candy are just so darn cute.  Not much else to say about that.

FUN ASIAN CANDY

WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

HEALTHY SNACKS FOR THE KIDS

Crunchy rice rolls.  My kids eat these up and the ingredients are clean.  Oh, and this huge bag is $.99.

HEALTHY SNACKS FOR THE KIDS
WHAT TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

TUPPERWARE

Who needs BPA?  The Korean (and most Asian markets) have a brilliant selection of  airtight glass tupperware — and with the best of seals.  One of the funniest questions my Iranian American friend asked me a few years ago was, “Why do Koreans have the best tupperware?”  Apparently, she’d been eyeing the lunches her colleagues had been bringing to her architecture firm.

You can buy Lock n Lock for a few bucks at the Korean market — or at London’s Harrod’s department store (for Harrod’s store prices).  You decide.

TUPPERWARE TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

BODY TOWELS / SALUX

I use this daily.  It’s a great body scrub towel (which I lightly use on my face as well)!  $3.99 at the Korean market or $13.99 at Erewhon.  I kid you not.

BODY TOWELS / SALUX TO BUY AT THE KOREAN MARKET

CHOPSTICKS

A huge supply for crazy cheap.

CHOPSTICKS


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++ THANKS FOR LISTENING!  Hope you enjoyed my guide on what to buy at the Korean Market!  Stay tuned for my next SEOUL SECRETS SEGMENT! Follow me on Instagram for more updates. 

celebrity beauty secrets

CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST, GILLIAN WHITLOCK ON BEAUTY SECRETS + HER ANTIAGING MIRACLES

I got to interview the fabulous GILLIAN WHITLOCK on celebrity beauty secrets and classified anti-aging tidbits that she’s got up her sleeve!  When I first met my dear friend GILLIAN, she was on stage singing lead for her rock n roll band as any hot blonde with that tres cool je ne sais quoi would do.  Her skin was porcelain and her makeup flawless — looking like Heather Locklear and Jennifer Aniston’s soul sister.  She was one of those pretty pretties you’d never expect to be so actively kind and pee in your pants funny.  She’s uber cool with a gorgeous style that’s half hippie and a whole lotta rock n roll.

Anyway, she ended up taking a liking to me too (!) — and she’s now one of my closest friends today.  Lucky me got Gillian and our cool mutual amiga, MARY KLIMEK to graciously do my makeup many times.

Point of the story is…rad girl, GILLIAN WHITLOCK is now one of the most sought after makeup artists in town (and deservedly so). She has recently worked on The AfterParty Seasons 1 and 2, The Dropout, Single Parents, Sharktank and Physical Season 3 (as the makeup artist for Zooey Deschanel).

Her resume alone is pretty ridiculous.  Not bad feats, right?

Who better to turn to for advice on anti aging and celebrity beauty secrets?  Yeah, that would be GILLIAN WHITLOCK! WELCOME, GILLIAN!! Here we go!

GILLIAN WHITLOCK’S FAVORITE PRODUCTS

CARASOIN COLD FUSION INTENSE MOISTURE

I love Carasoin Cold Fusion! I wear it to bed at night – and it delivers an unbeatable moisture without feeling heavy!

CARASOIN COLD FUSION INTENSE MOISTURE one of celebrity beauty secrets

GLOSSIER MILKY JELLY CLEANSER

I love this Glossier Jelly Cleanser. It’s a creamy gel and is vegan and cruelty free, which is a big deal for me.

 

GLOSSIER MILKY JELLY CLEANSER one of celebrity beauty secrets

TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK

TATA HARPER’S RESURFACING MASK claims you get an “instant glow” — and it delivers!  If my skin is feeling dull or dry, I put this mask on. My skin glows and looks years younger immediately upon rinsing it off!

celebrity resurfacing secret for great skin to use TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK

IS CLINICAL ECLIPSE SPF 50+ SUNSCREEN

My younger self didn’t believe in sunscreen. I thought my makeup had enough SPF in it to keep me “safe.” (That was before I got my first sunspot under my eye!)  This is a totally different kind of sunscreen — and it feels good and not greasy. Plus, it absorbs well and easily, allowing me to do my makeup over it fairly quickly!  And the best part is my foundation doesn’t slide off or move around as it has with other sunscreens.

IS CLINICAL ECLIPSE SPF 50+ SUNSCREEN one of celebrity beauty secrets

 

SEOULFULL SKIN’S ORGANIC WATERMELON SEED OIL

I love this line and their organic watermelon seed oil, in particular. I love that it blends easily into the skin and looks beautiful with no makeup or under foundation! Also, I love blending it with my favorite foundation to give you that extra glass skin glow.

SEOULFULL SKIN'S ORGANIC WATERMELON SEED OIL

 

** TIP:  Do some research into these great products, as I’m not sure they consider themselves “anti-aging.”  But, I can tell you my skin looks younger than ever, which is super important when working as a makeup artist in Hollywood’s youth-obsessed culture.  Blessings to anyone looking to feel better & love their skin- we all deserve to put our best face forward!

 GILLIAN’S FAVE HOLISTIC ANTI-AGING TRICKS

  1. Only do things and commit to things that make you happy!
  2. Drink water!
  3. Stay out of the sun as much as you can.
  4. Vitamin E or watermelon seed oil!  (see above!)

5 CELEBRITY BEAUTY SECRETS FOR GETTING READY FOR A NIGHT OUT

1. CLEANSE YOUR SKIN WITH KOH GEN DO  

Use make up wipes if you’re leaving straight from the office.  I like Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths. The package is small enough to keep in your purse and they don’t leave any residue behind.

 

celebrity beauty secrets to cleanse skin with  KOH GEN DO  

 2.  FOUNDATION BY KOSAS
Add a bit of Kosas foundation to the T-Zone (nose, chin & forehead) and lightly conceal under the eye or any imperfections.

Lay off the powder at night. Glowy (and not matte) is where it’s at!

Kosas has an amaaaazing foundation. Use a brush to add a little or build it for fuller coverage. It has SPF – plus it’s cruelty free and gluten free!

FOUNDATION BY KOSAS

 3. GET YOUR GLOW ON WITH DRUNK ELEPHANT ROSI DROPS

I love the Drunk Elephant Rosi Drops! It looks sheeny and it gives the perfect natural glow. You can do a powder blush first, then apply the Rosi Drops on the apples of the cheeks, giving a glorious healthy skin look!

Give eyes a little drama by adding a black eye pencil to the inside of the waterline. Then smudge a bit on the lid to give a bit of a smokey effect.

MAC’S EXCESS No Tug, No Smudge Gel Eye Pencil is my go-to ride or die.

 

MAC'S BLACK EYE PENCIL

 

5.  APPLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIP GLOSS OR LIPSTICK – TOWER 28 JUICE BALM LIP BALM

Gimme any kind of balm over sticky gloss or dry matte lips! This Tower 28 Juice Balm is easy to pop on and go. And, bonus, it’s vegan! Use a small amount of and let the eyes and cheeks take center stage. (Plus, rumor has it, men are more likely to kiss you if the lips aren’t too intimidating!)

Tower 28 Juice Balm

GILLIAN’S FAVORITE WEBSITES

1.  JESSE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

For custom-made silver jewelry for women and men.  (Full disclosure, this is my husband’s site- but he is an incredible silversmith).  Enjoy!

a ring

2.  HGTV.com

I’m obsessed. Decorating is my secret passion.  (Maybe one day I’ll give up make up brushes in favor of paint brushes!)

HGTV decorating tips

 

3. IMDB.COM

I visit this site constantly — whether I’m watching a movie and can’t remember what other films I’ve seen an actor in — or to look for upcoming projects from your fave directors, actors, etc.  It’s great to use to check out the crew and discover who created the great sets, or costumes or make up.  Or to look at photos from the sets and red carpet looks… It is a truly amazing website.

SEOULFULL SKIN FOOD — THE BEST K-BEAUTY FACE OIL

SEOULFULL GOOD KARMA K-BEAUTY FACE OIL is the best K-beauty face oil on the market. Moreover, it’s a go-to among the top beauty influencers such as Lauryn Evarts, Dr. Mona Vand and KTLA’s beauty expert, Stacy Cox – and we understand why.

Also, the main active ingredient is watermelon seed oil.  It is a potent secret in many K-beauty antiaging skincare products! Also, it’s packed with antioxidants, minerals, and Omega 3,6, & 9 fatty acids.

THE BEST K-BEAUTY FACE OIL

Here’s more on why we love it:⁣

  •  restores skin elasticity ⁣
  • fights acne⁣
  • reverses sun damage⁣
  • reduces puffiness and hydrates⁣

SEOULFULL’S 7 INGREDIENTS

+ First, it has organic citrullus lanatus: hydrates, reduces sun damage, fights acne, detoxifies, diminished dark circles. 
+ Second, the product has organic jojoba oil: moisturizes, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, fights bacteria
+ Third, it contains frankincense: reduces the appearance of large pores and acne blemishes, tightens skin
+ Further, it has organic rosehip seed oil: reduces scars, hydrates, corrects dark spots and fine lines, stimulates collagen,
combats free radicals that cause aging, helps with eczema and scarring
+ Seoulfull has organic vitamin e oil: reduces the appearance of scars, combats dry skin
+ Also, it has sandalwood: reduces signs of aging, exfoliates, enhances brightness
+ The product contains fragrance oil (acetone-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free)

In Korea, the number 7 symbolizes the concept of good luck and all the positive benefits that surround it.


Best K-Beauty Face Oil on a dropper
photo by Smitty Imaging, Ltd.

WHERE TO BUY

So, Seoulfull Skin is available at The Kimpton Hotel in West Hollywood / GBK Brand Bar as well as The Pantry LA on Melrose and boutiques across Los Angeles. Also, you will soon be able to find it via livestream e-commerce on Orca Livestream. And it’s always available online at Seoulfull.com.

PRICE

$45 (2oz) in original scented or fragrance-free.

woman dropping Best K-Beauty Face Oil on a product bottle
photo credit: Wendy Starland

 

 

GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL

K BEAUTY FOR THE HAIR :: UMMA’S GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL – AVAILABLE AT COSTCO!

If you follow my blog, you already know I’m obsessed with K-beauty and all the secrets they have to offer. From essences, serums and exfoliants – I search and scour all the finest products from Korea to use on my face, neck and body. But did you know that us awesome Koreans not only follow a multistep skincare routine, but we also follow a multistep hair and scalp routine? But which products should you use, you wonder?

Enter UMMA’S Good Day Hair of Seoul.

If you don’t already know, “Umma” means mother in Korean. Therefore, the Umma brand is the mother of K-beauty and they nurture new K-beauty brands in the U.S. market. For the Good Day Hair of Seoul box specifically, they researched and tested over 50 products for over six months to find the best of the best products. Then they narrowed it down to the top 7 for you and me to use to achieve the best results for our hair and scalp health.

The best part is that it’s sold at Costco and it’s only $99.99!

GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL

This K-beauty curation box is quite the luxuriating experience. It makes my locks super shiny and soft. Also, I’m obsessed with the delicious smells!

In this set are 7 amazing full-size products (6 of them are brand new to the US!) from Korea’s most sought after brands.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE 7 AMAZING PRODUCTS?

Listen up, party people. These 7 awesome products all do something different and are for different times of day. Some are to be used daily. And others weekly. We take skin care and beauty seriously!

But don’t worry about getting confused about the which and the when. All the details are inside the box!

AMH SHAMPOO

AMH (which awesomely stands for “Add More Hair”) was developed by doctors and contains ingredients that exfoliate the scalp, eradicate dandruff and boost general scalp health. I love massaging my scalp with this to make sure I reach the full potential of the product!


AMH SHAMPOO - GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL


BEIGIC SCALP REVIVAL PURIFYING SCRUB

This exfoliator and detoxifying shampoo may be my favorite! BEIGIC uses only clean and natural ingredients, with an emphasis on plant-based, food-grade and fair-trade sourcing. It’s enriched with sea salt, mint menthol and green coffee bean extract to deeply cleanse and remove dead skin, sebum builds up and impurities from scalp and hair. All that built up is gone and you get a new bounce, lightness and radiance to your hair! And the best part is that it’s free from drying alcohols, fragrance, dyes, synthetic preservatives and silicones.


GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL - BEIGIC SCALP REVIVAL PURIFYING SCRUB


BEIGIC DAMAGE REPAIR TREATMENT MASK

This is formulated with nourishing ingredients like green coffee bean oil, argan oil and rosehip oil and it prevents future damage and breakage! This is ideal for hair weakened by overexposure to the sun, chemical-processing, or frequent heat styling. This will especially come in handy over the summer after my hours in the pool and ocean.


BEIGIC DAMAGE REPAIR TREATMENT MASK


MOREMO REVITALIZING HAIR TONIC A

This tonic is a nutrient-rich, soothing tonic created with bio-marine stem cells, seven different plant root extracts and orange and bergamot essential oils. It cleanses the scalp and adjusts the water-oil balance for ideal hair health.


MOREMO REVITALIZING HAIR TONIC A


MOREMO HAIR ESSENCE DELIGHTFUL OIL

Actually, I lie. I can’t decide if this Moremo Hair Essence oil or the exfoliating shampoo (see above) are my faves of the bunch! This gets your hair glistening soft! This oil adds moisture to tired, dry hair with eight types of vegetable oils including brazil nut oil, olive oil, argan oil and avocado oil!

I think I’m going to slip some into my children’s hair as this may be the best detangler on the planet!


MOREMO HAIR ESSENCE DELIGHTFUL OIL


AMOS REPAIR SHINE ENRICH NIGHT CREAM

If you don’t already know, Amos Professional, the professional line from K-Beauty giant Amore Pacific, is the ultimate No.1 hair salon brand in Korea! I personally am obsessed with everything from Amore Pacific!

One of my favorite rituals at night is to go to hot yoga after work, take a shower the second I get home, and then apply the Amos Repair Shine Enrich Night Cream before bed.

It’s made of starflower oil, a powerful ingredient with hydration and antioxidant benefits. And guess what? It seals hair cuticles, while creating a lightweight shield around each strand to lock in hydration. (Adios, split ends!)


AMOS REPAIR SHINE ENRICH NIGHT CREAM


WHITE RABBIT VOLUMIZING HAIR BRUSH

This adorable pink Volumizing Hair Brush adds volume and body, while easily detangling hair. The brush was carefully designed in Korea with patented S-shaped teeth that bends through hair to minimize damage. My girls keep trying to steal it from me though.


WHITE RABBIT VOLUMIZING HAIR BRUSH


WHERE TO BUY

It just takes one click. That’s the beauty of it.

Costco,  baby.

—> Costco. <<<—-


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GOOD HAIR DAY OF SEOUL

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SKINTUITION

EXPERIENCE THE HOTTEST TREND OF INFRARED SAUNAS :: AT SWEAT BY SKINTUITION

SKINTUITION INFRARED SAUNA

Many many-a-times, I’ve sung the praises of the majestic infrared sauna, one of my top anti-aging SEOUL SECRETS. And if you’re a wellness nut like me, it’s likely you’re already familiar with this latest trend. The benefits are endless (from detoxification and pain relief  — to skin rejuvenation and weight loss) and the euphoria is infinite. I worship my half infrared sauna which I’ve blogged about before — and I, too, have loved my experiences in sauna pods in wellness centers across LA. But I just relished in a full-body SWEAT BY SKINTUITION infrared sauna experience in a full-size CLEARLIGHT box in the SFV. And holy moly! Now I either need one of their beautiful units in my own home– or I need to make these visits to SKINTUITION recurrent in the iCal. It’s like I’m wearing glasses for the first time.


SKINTUITION
photo credit: Skintuition

This health haven is delicately hidden in the French Quarter area of Woodland Hills. You walk through a quaint ivy path and land in a serene green spa that offers massages, facials, infrared wraps and a variety of health offerings (ear coning, colon hydrotherapy and so on). And of course, you’re greeted by a gorgeous silky haired 20 something woman who exudes health, wellness and longevity.

(I don’t know what took me so long to find them. I looked them up when I got home — and their Yelp page is pretty ridiculous.)


EXPERIENCE THE HOTTEST TREND OF INFRARED SAUNAS :: AT SWEAT BY SKINTUITION

The pros of this hot trend have been hitting the media over the past couple years since celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, Leo and Goop lady Gwynnie have been singing its praises.

I guess the magic behind these infrared saunas (vs. the traditional dry saunas you find in gyms) is that the rays heat your body and organs, rather than the surrounding air. The room is about 120 – 220 degrees (I went up to 144) but because 80% of the heat goes directly into your body (and only 20% into the air), you don’t feel any  skin dehydration or that hot air suffocation sensation.


sauna room with towels and glass door


SKINTUITION infrared monitor


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I have a pretty intense martial arts practice — and this has been the only thing that has been able to lift the aches and pains. (And I do acupuncture, yoga, pilates, massages. In sum, I drink all the Kool Aid.) The radiant heat penetrates deeply into your joints, muscles and tissues – improving circulation and boosting oxygen flow.

I sweat bullets. Pails. And it felt so f…… awesome.

They gave me a tall glass bottle filled with thirst quenching fruit-infused alkaline water — and then I got to choose two Osmosis Harmonized Waters to add to it. (I chose their Environmental Protection and Digestive Health water therapies.)


SWEAT metal signage and plants on a display rack


 

water bottle from skintuiton


I sipped my water, turned on my tunes (you can attach your iPhone/iPad to their sound system), kicked my feet up and laaaaaid back.


woman hanging her legs while doing infrared sauna


AFTER INFRARED SAUNAS :: AT SWEAT BY SKINTUITION

When you come out, you look like you jumped out of the pool. You’re drenched! Clean up with fresh towels and a eucalyptus infused cloth and you’re golden.

I arrived home and scrubbed myself down with my SALUX wash cloth (another fave SEOUL SECRET) which I buy at the KOREAN MARKET, gave myself what my kids call a SMURF facial (aka my luxuriating SCHIQUE mask ), prettied up with some moisturizer and makeup – and then skipped out to a family wedding. My skin was smooth and dewy. Also, my body was de-puffed and pain free  — leaving me lean and mean in my skin-tight dress.

Meet you there?


+++ READERS: CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER FACEBOOK EXEC AND CURRENT LEADERSHIP COACH AND FOUNDER OF DBSTYLE, DEBRA BEDNAR-CLARK AS WELL AS MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. ATHENA PERRAKIS, FOUNDER OF SAGE GODDESS, THE WORLD’S LARGEST SOURCE OF SACRED TOOLS AND METAPHYSICAL EDUCATION. THESE WILL BE MUST-READS FOR ALL OF US TRYING TO MAKE POSITIVE SHIFTS IN OUR LIVES.

best Korean beauty blogs

6 OF THE BEST KOREAN BEAUTY BLOGS AND BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW

++  Welcome to another segment of SEOUL SECRETS!  The 6 best of the best Korean beauty blogs and bloggers, vlogs and vloggers to follow!  There are so many amazing blogs and bloggers out these days spilling the beans on all the Korean beauty trends and illustrating how to incorporate them into your own daily regimen.  The popularity of Korean dramas and their beautiful Korean actresses are making these trends ubiquitous and insinuated well into Western culture.  

HERE ARE THE BEST KOREAN BEAUTY BLOGS AND BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW.


| CHRISELLE LIM |

+ The only problem with this vlogger is you’ll want to buy every product she recommends.  Her instructions are easy and clear and the videos are fun to watch.


THE BEAUTY WOLF |

+ Another one of the best Korean blogs to follow is THE BEAUTY WOLF.  Coco Park has the in on all the best of the best K beauty and skincare products, from snail serums and honey masks to donkey milk and peeling gels.  Plus, she has fun, unique graphics that lure you in to listen.


best Korean beauty blogs
photo courtesy of the Beauty Wolf

| JEN CHAE |

+ I’ve featured the fabulous and brilliant JEN CHAE on the blog before and I still think she’s the most beautiful, humble and lovable personalities out there.  Jen is Korean American – and she has all the Korean beauty trends down and has it down to a T.  She has lured us in and guided us through her insecurities and faults, her pregnancy, motherhood and of course, all the beauty and skincare magic up her sleeps.  Her videos suck you in as she illustrates how the impossible is all possible – in beauty and in life.

It advises and assists men in dealing with women. The results of her work can be found on the website http://cialis-suomi.com/cialis-annostus.html.

Jen doesn’t focus solely and Korean beauty — but those videos are the ones that draw me to her.  How to apply makeup on Asian mono lids, how to apply Korean BB Cream, you get the gist.



| SOKOGLAM |

+ Charlotte Cho is the brain and the beauty behind this SOKOGLAM phenomenon which should be on everyone’s list of the best Korean blogs to follow.  Cho is a licensed esthetician that brings the best of the west and the best of Korea’s skincare practices to her audience.  We have all learned by now that Koreans take a skin first (!) philosophy to their beauty routine — it’s the foundation especially for a good makeup routine. The idea is you need a beautiful and clean canvas to work with first and foremost!  It makes the application of moisturizes and makeup that much easier and smoother.

Cho and her husband travel to Korean regularly to search and research the newest and latest of the land — then they bring back to the States all the best selections.

They’re especially known for laying out the 10 step Korean skincare routine tutorial.

Watch as she talks to YouTuber Joan Kim about her Winter Beauty Essentials!


| EMILY QUAK |

EMILY QUAK is an awesome recent find of mine.  She’s Malaysian but I love her takes on Korean skincare and her K-Pop inspired makeup tricks — and especially her videos on obtaining that luminous skin of hers.  She reviews Korean skincare and makeup products and Asian beauty supplements.  Fun!


| PONY’S BEAUTY DIARY |

PONY’S BEAUTY DIARY is a huge hit in Korea!  She’s a makeup artist, beauty blogger — and is sort of the Kandee Johnson of Korea — known for recreating the looks of celebrities (Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift), etc.  She’s amazing!

Of course, I love her Dewy glow tutorial.  But be sure to check out all her videos!


+++ And that’s it!  Those are my favorite best of the best Korean beauty blogs to follow!  Thanks for reading my suggestions.  Now go buy that cleansing oil, beauty oil, essence, BB Cream — and go have fun!

+++ FEATURED PHOTO OF JEN CHAE by Melly Lee.


+++ Stay tuned for my next segment of SEOUL SECRETS :: THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES!  Kim Chee what?!

BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

6 OF THE BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

Hi beauties! Thanks for checking out my list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Los Angeles. I’ve tried them all and I’ve narrowed them down to these top picks! Enjoy!


6 OF THE BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

REAL FOOD DAILY (West Hollywood)

REAL FOOD DAILY is my jam and I’ve been devouring their foods for about 20 years.  It’s the only restaurant that serves 100% organic plant based foods grown exclusively through organic farming methods.  Without a doubt, RFD is one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Los Angeles.

They’re known for their savory tacos and burgers — but my favorite all time, always, go-to meal is their Basic 5.  2 servings of sea veggies, greens, brown rice, blackened tempeh — with their spectacular peanut sauce.  And their vegan pudding and chocolate cake is ridonk.  Give it a whirl if you haven’t already.


BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES
BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

CAFE GRATITUDE (Larchmont)

If I had the money, I’d convince them to let me open a franchise.  I believe in this place that much.  They believe in sacred foods and service and optimal positivity.  Everything is delicious, beautiful and responsible.  Ooh – and their brussell sprouts are a yumfest!  The perfect texture, sweetness and crispiness.  And one of the best places for people watching too!


BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES


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CROSSROADS (West Hollywood)

This is the Four Seasons of vegan joints.  It’s not your every day casual fare, but Crossroads is where you go for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions for your veggie-lovin’ loved ones.  The chicken and waffles, their beet salad and everything else – no words.  Their presentation is unbeatable.  Wanna meet be there and buy me dinner?


baby-beet-salad


SUN CAFE ORGANIC (Studio City)

My awesome meat and potato loving man brings me here or buys me take out from this incredible, happy land of organic love.   Everything is so darn flavorful.

Their outside patio is adorable and chic — a perfect kidless romantic getaway — or an adorable place to hang with your girlfriends.


BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES


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FOLLOW YOUR HEART (Canoga Park)


I feel like this is the OG of vegan / vegetarian restaurants.  Follow Your Heart has been around since I was in high school and they have never diminished the quality or tastes of their foods.  Their sandwiches, their soups, their cookies, OH MY!  The best part is that this restaurant/market carries their salad dressings, mayonnaise and other grand products in super markets everywhere.  Their spicy ranch salad dressing and their VeganEgg are amaze.


food from FOLLOW YOUR HEART (Canoga Park) restaurant


VINH LOI TOFU (Reseda)

My fellow Valley Girl Jackie took me to this hidden treasure in the deep, deep valley.  It’s one of those places that have so many menu options with photos plastered to the wall.  You watch as the waiter brings orders to your neighbors’ tables — and you want everything that they’re ordering.  Well — the last time we were there, we ordered about 5 things and each dish was no less fabulous than the next.  And they have so many great soups and broths that are perfect for this cool, misty weather!  It’s vegan, it’s Vietnamese, it’s Vinh Loi!


VINH LOI TOFU (Reseda) soup vegan and vegetarian restaurants in los angeles


+++ That’s it for my list of the BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES!  Stay tuned for my next segment of SEOUL SECRETS :: THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES!  Kim Chee what?!


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+++ All photos courtesy of the respective fabulous vegan restaurant.