Pauline De Leon

Thanks in part to the meteoric rise of K-Pop, Korean brands in the fashion and beauty realms have taken the world by storm. Australia in particular has finally gotten the chance to gain access to buzzworthy names like We11done, Hyein Seo, Cosrx and Dr Jart+ through online retail platforms. On top of that, other Korean labels have been able to set up shops in different parts of the country, including Melbourne.  With the Korean fashion and beauty industries continuing to make a global influence, we’ve rounded up the best stores for you to check out. Whether you’re in the process of revamping your wardrobe or you’re on the hunt for new products to add to your makeup and skincare collections, the list below features a variety of Korean brands that are guaranteed to satisfy your shopping needs. Keen to green-ify your beauty routine? We've rounded up our favourite Australian and eco-friendly products here.

Nestled inside the Midcity Centre on Bourke Street, Unnie111 is fully stocked with charming, elegant designs. If you’re into cardigans, vests, knit tops, skirts and long trousers, this place is just for you. The brand also leans towards a more neutral colour palette, so expect to be surrounded by shades of white, black and brown. With spring in full force, opt for the chic Suzy Blouse and pair it with your go-to denim shorts. You could also try out the Unique Cardigan if you plan to go on a night out in the city.

Founded in 2000 by Amore Pacific in South Korea, Innisfree prides itself on its sustainable products infused with skin-loving ingredients. The products use more than 15 natural ingredients sourced from Korea’s own Jeju Island, where the land is highly fertile from the island's volcanic soil.  Some of the brand’s best-sellers from its skincare category include the new retinol cica repair ampoule and the classic green tea seed serum and cream. In the makeup range, customers love the vivid cotton ink, which is a moisturising lip tint available in eight shades, as well as the pore blur pact and pore blur primer. The brand is currently located in Melbourne Central, Chadstone, The Glen and Westfield Doncaster.

While Nudie Glow currently only operates online, the platform offers an extensive list ofKorean (think Cosrx, Dr Jart+, innisfree, Missha, Nature Republic and Skinfood) andAustralian beauty labels. From skincare to makeup, Nudie Glow has got your beautyneeds covered. The platform also makes an effort to put sustainability to the forefront,so you can expect your packages to arrive in a simple white box without extra materiallike plastic, wrappers, ribbons, crinkle paper or frills. 

Acmé de la Vie, which translates to ‘the pinnacle of life’ in French, delivers up-to-datestreetwear with a minimal aesthetic. Offering stylish silhouettes that provide comfort andperformance, the Blackpink's Lisa-approved label is known for its graphic oversizedhoodies and tees, as well as its matching sets and contemporary accessories. Locatedat the QV Shopping Centre and Chadstone Shopping Centre, Acmé de la Vie is yourone-stop shop for all things trendy and cosy, especially for this transitional weather.

If you love your prints and vibrant hues, pay Keiko a visit at one of its four stores inMelbourne. With the warmer days ahead, spice up your wardrobe with new silhouetteslike the oversized long-sleeve shirt with pockets in neon green or the sweetheart neckcardigan dressed in a floral print––did we mention it’s available in three spring-readycolours? Don’t forget to skim through its selection of sweaters, which arrive in an arrayof colourways and graphics.

For those on the hunt for popular Korean beauty brands, W Cosmetics houses some of the best labels including Cosrx, Dr Jart+, Etude House, Laneige, Sulwhasoo and more. Whether you’re looking to restock your Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or have been meaning to try out the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, W Cosmetics has it all. You can find W Cosmetics at the Emporium in the CBD or Chadstone Shopping Centre.