The Korean Beauty Show Podcast

Lauren Lee

4.9 (47)
FASHION & BEAUTY
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Want to keep up to date with all things Korean beauty? Join host Lauren Lee, founder of K-Beauty platform STYLE STORY as she talks K-Beauty live from Seoul, South Korea. If you want an insight into the products, ingredients and trends you’ll be seeing next in beauty as well as how to perfect your own K-Beauty routine, then this is the podcast for you.

JAN 28

Exposing the Worst K-Beauty Products I Tried in 2025

Lauren shares the worst K-Beauty products and formats she personally tried in 2025 and explains why they failed in real-world use. This episode is a follow-through from the previous discussion on K-Beauty marketing trends that need to die in 2026, focusing on how hype, sensation and viral appeal often break down when products meet real skin. For full show notes and resources, visit STYLE STORY This episode covers: The positioning of grinding cleansing balms on social media versus actual use Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) being linked to one of Korea (and Lauren’s) most beloved lip tints Why “mineral” sunscreen marketing can be misleading and why it matters for those with sensitive skin and conditions like rosacea How K-Beauty marketing increasingly rewards spectacle and sensation over routine-friendly design Lauren also explains why these experiences are not isolated product failures, but oftentimes symptoms of a broader K-Beauty marketing problem. In the last few years a lot of products have been optimised for novelty, texture shots and performance on short form social media rather than optimised for daily use. This episode is not about shaming brands or people who might love the products but about understanding how skincare claims, formats and ingredient choices interact with real skin biology. Products Mentioned in this Episode Dr. Melaxin Eyephalt Cream Grinding cleansing balms Rom&nd lip tints Some By Mi mineral sunscreen Connect with Lauren Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Work with STYLE STORY: stylestory.com.au/pages/contact-us Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com Affiliate Disclaimer Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show. A Small Request If you use insights, details or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
JAN 22

K-Beauty Marketing Trends That Need to Die in 2026

K-Beauty marketing reached a breaking point in 2025. Scientific language became performance, clinical procedures were mimicked with cosmetics and skincare education was replaced by spectacle. In Episode 275 of The Korean Beauty Show podcast, K-Beauty expert and industry consultant Lauren Lee examines the K-Beauty marketing trends that need to die in 2026 and why they matter for consumer trust, regulation and skin health. This episode covers: How exosome skincare lost its scientific meaning and why Korean regulators intervened Why topical PDRN marketing blurred the line between cosmetics and injectable treatments The ongoing misuse of spicules marketed as “microneedling in a bottle” How oversized skincare PR stunts promote overconsumption and environmental waste Why skincare theatre and viral gimmicks undermine skincare education and credibility Lauren also explains how misleading skincare marketing creates regulatory risk, confuses consumers and has the potential to damage long-term trust in the Korean beauty industry. For full show notes and resources, visit: stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast Connect with Lauren Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Work with STYLE STORY: stylestory.com.au/pages/contact-us Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis Affiliate Disclaimer Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show. A Small Request If you use insights, frameworks or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

33 min
11/13/2025

Why Korea Banned ‘Exosome’ Skincare Ads and What It Means for the Industry

Exosomes are the hottest topic in K-Beauty right now and one of the most misunderstood. In this deep-dive episode, host Lauren Lee breaks down what exosomes actually are, how brands are using the term, what the regulations says, and why Korea’s MFDS has officially banned “exosome” claims in cosmetic ads from 2025. Lauren also explains how this trend spread through clinics and TikTok, the difference between human-derived and plant or milk vesicles, and what regulators across the US, EU/UK, Australia and Korea are doing about it. Learn how to spot red-flag claims and separate hype from evidence in the next wave of regenerative skincare. Access Full Show Notes: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/why-korea-banned-exosome-skincare-ads-and-what-it-means-for-the-industry CONNECT WITH US Book a K-Beauty Consultation for Your Business: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty Watch the Show on YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.au K-Beauty Newsletter: stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signup Product Finder Quiz: stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ BRIEF SUMMARY What exosomes are vs how beauty marketing uses the term Why exosomes are trending Evidence so far and the limitations Human-derived vs plant / milk / synthetic vesicles Regulation round-up Takeaway: real science meets marketing hype See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

36 min
10/08/2025

From Viral to Vulnerable: The Rom&nd Lip Tint Controversy Explained

Did one of Korea’s most-loved lip tints secretly torch thousands of customer's lips? In this week’s K-Beauty News Update, host Lauren Lee breaks down the Rom&nd Juicy Lip Tint scandal and what the brand is doing to manage it. Plus, we’re exploring how refill packs are changing the way we travel with skincare and the new stat proving Australia’s K-Beauty obsession and what it means for global trends. A listener wants tips for dry hands, fading stretch marks and affordable hair care that actually works. Lauren also gives her honest reviews of the best Korean makeup fixers and how to find the perfect skin clinic if you're heading to Korea for treatments. Access Full Show Notes for this Episode: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/from-viral-to-vulnerable-the-rom-nd-lip-tint-controversy-explained CONNECT WITH US Book a K-Beauty Consultation for Your Business: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyInstagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyTikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyThreads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyWatch the Show on YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastShop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.auK-Beauty Newsletter: stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupProduct Finder Quiz: Find your perfect K-Beauty product Products Mentioned in this Episode: So Natural All Day Tight Make Up Setting Fixer General Mist Mini Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Micro Fitting Mist Tsubaki Fino Hair Mask Fino Hair Oil Dr Jart Ceramidin Hand Cream Atopalm Stretch Mark Cream Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream Refill Jelly Ko Dewy Glaze Toner Refill Romand Juicy Lasting Tint Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream Jelly Ko White Truffle SOUFFLÉ Serum Refill Recommendation of the Week: Find the Right Korean Skin Clinic Consultation All products recommended on the Korean Beauty Show podcast are selected by us. Some of our Show Notes may include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. These links helps us to offset the costs associated with producing, editing and distributing the podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

37 min
09/09/2025

How K-Beauty is Transforming Professional Beauty (Expo Recap)

K-Beauty is no longer niche; in fact, it’s becoming a must-have toolkit for beauty industry professionals, from aesthetic doctors to dermal therapists. In episode 272 of the Korean Beauty Show podcast, Lauren Lee shares key insights from Australia’s biggest professional beauty expo, including: Why exosomes are everywhere (and what you really need to know) How professionals are adopting K-Beauty systems, not just products The rise of scalp care and the “skinification” of hair The Korean Lash Lift and what sets it apart For full show notes and resources, visit: stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcastProducts Mentioned in this Episode: Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask, which sold out on Day 1. Gelato Glaze Lip Mask, which sold out on Day 2. Connect with LaurenBook a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyInstagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyTikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyThreads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyYouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastShop K-Beauty: stylestory.com.auShop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.auK-Beauty Newsletter: stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupProduct Finder Quiz: Find your perfect K-Beauty product See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 min
08/05/2025

Korea’s Biggest Beauty Retailer Just Got Sued... and Lost

From lawsuits and mass brand closures to global expansions and lip product fails - on episode 271 of the Korean Beauty Show, we're breaking down what’s really happening in the Korean beauty industry in July 2025. Access Full Show Notes for this Episode Here CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ K-Beauty News Headlines Olive Young Loses Major Infringement Lawsuit 8,831 K-Beauty Brands Closed in 2024 Kolmar Korea Opens Huge US Factory to Avoid Tariffs Aestura Expands to Sephora in Australia and Canada Question of the Week: Best Exfoliants for Dry, Sensitive Skin Products Mentioned: Jelly Ko’s Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam One Must, One Meh, One Miss: Lip Product Reviews Products Mentioned Colorgram Fruity Glass Gloss Hera Sensual Nude Gloss Amuse Lip Smudger Banila Co Lip Smudger Jelly Ko Gelato Glaze Lip Mask Watch Recommendation: Dear Hongrang (Netflix) Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep The Korean Beauty Show running. Thank you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
07/21/2025

The K-Beauty Brand That Grew Its Own Damn Centella

What kind of brand shuts down its entire production line for 72 hours just to ferment a single ingredient? In episode 270 of the Korean Beauty Show podcast, we’re sitting down with Mixsoon, a K-Beauty brand that stands out for all the right reasons. In an industry built on speed, duplication and sometimes more hype than integrity, this brand is doing things differently, from farming its own Centella on Jeju Island to rejecting fear-based clean beauty narratives. Access Full Show Notes for this Episode: Here CONNECT WITH MIXSOON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixsoon_intl/ Korean Site: https://mixsoon.co.kr/ US Site: https://mixsoon.us/ Customer Service: global_cs@mixsoon.us CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ EPISODE SUMMARY Lauren sits down with Mina from Mixsoon to discuss: The founder’s beginnings as a distributor and how the brand “Mixsoon” was born How Mixsoon approaches both formulation and fermentation Growing their own Centella asiatica on a farm in Jeju Island How the brand went from insider favourite to international “cult” brand How they built a “clean beauty” brand without fear mongering How the brand continues to grow and survivor in the face of so many competitors shutting their doors How their collaboration with Korean boy band Enhyphen came about What’s next for Mixsoon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34 min
07/10/2025

In-Cosmetics Korea 2025: The Skincare Ingredients Everyone’s Talking About

In Episode 269 of The Korean Beauty Show, host Lauren Lee takes you behind the scenes at in-cosmetics Korea 2025 to uncover the latest ingredient trends. From marine sponge microneedling to fermented collagen and high-performance sunscreen tech, Lauren breaks down what was real, what was marketing fluff and what might end up in your next favorite beauty product.This episode also touches on the future of beauty R&D, insights from STYLE STORY’s consultancy arm and what today’s expo floor says about tomorrow’s skincare shelf. Access Full Show Notes for this Episode here CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ In This Episode We Cover: Spicules: Marine sponge microneedles pitched as natural micro-exfoliators Exosomes: Stem cell-derived delivery agents with murky regulatory status Trending Functional Oils: Armorpheus, green coffee, ginseng, yuja, vetiver Vitamin K2: The “age killer” for vascular health and eye rejuvenation Astaxanthin LQ: Ultra-potent antioxidant (with a luxury price tag) Collagen & Inner Beauty: The science behind ingestible collagen and more Liposomes: Smarter, cleaner delivery systems with Korean-led R&D Next-Gen UV Filters: Microencapsulation, enzyme-enhanced SPF and more Biotech Formulation Trends: How delivery systems and functional actives are converging STYLE STORY's K-Beauty Consultancy: How Lauren works with biotech startups and ingredient developers in the beauty space See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 min

See All (277)

TRAILER

The Korean Beauty Show

If you want to keep up to date with all things Korean beauty then this is the podcast for you. We'll cover everything from an insights into the products, ingredients and trends you'll be seeing in beauty, as well as how to perfect your own skincare routine. Topics discussed in this episode: Who Am I? Most of you who are listening will probably have met me through STYLE STORY, my business which was founded in 2014 and is Australia’s first Korean Beauty store. If you haven’t already met me either in person or online, then allow me to introduce myself. I’m your host Lauren Lee and I’ve spent the last 10 years living and breathing all things K-Beauty. I’m an Aussie who is now permanently based in Seoul, South Korea and I can’t wait to share all the things I’ve learned living and working in the K-Beauty industry with you. I have created this podcast so that I can provide you with practical tips to help you with your own Korean beauty journey. I’m going to be giving you all the tricks I’ve picked up through my own Korean beauty routine, as well as working with Korea’s hottest skincare and makeup brands for the last 7 years. I’m also going to be sharing the things I wish I’d known so hopefully I can save you some time, money and wasted products. These episodes are going to be coming to you once a week every Tuesday. Why K-Beauty? To give you a little bit of an idea about who I am and where I’ve come from, I first discovered Korean Beauty nearly 10 years ago while studying on exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. At the time, I had no idea that K-Beauty even existed and I didn’t speak the Korean language. I was originally drawn in by the innovative product packaging, and once I tried the products for myself I was surprised by just how different Korean beauty products were to anything I’d tried before. The ingredients and formulas were really unique and the quality was comparable to products five times as expensive back home. I started bringing Korean skincare and makeup back to Australia for friends and family as gifts, but before I knew it I was filling “orders” for people who had fallen in love with them and wanted more! Initially, I founded my business STYLE STORY as a hobby but several years later, with the products basically selling themselves, I set up STYLE STORY as a side-hustle. Since then, the business has grown to become my full-time job and led me full circle back to a life in Seoul, Korea where I’ve lived since 2016. I now speak fluent Korean and STYLE STORY has teams in both Seoul, South Korea and Australia, along with a warehouse based in Sydney. My #1 Tip for Starting Out with Any New Skincare Patch testing This is really just a quick series of tests you can run to see whether a product agrees with you or not before slathering it all over your face. Why are you testing? We test for 3 things – allergies, irritation and pore clogging. How to test? Click here for everything you need to know. Resources for this episode: STYLE STORY – Online Korean Beauty Store Introduction to Patch Testing What to Do If you Liked this Episode: Share the podcast to your social media and tag @stylestory_kbeauty! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/12/2020

•

5 min

4.9

out of 5

47 Ratings

Your podcast helps

12/02/2025

Zeldafanyo

Thank you for all your researches on Korean beauty products it helps me understand which products for me to purchase 🫶🏻
Super Fun & Informative!

08/11/2025

Lalaland35

I just placed a large group buy order of Korean Skin Care and was looking for podcasts on the industry. What a fun podcast! I love listening on my walks and find that I’m more excited about using these lovely products.
AMAZING

06/22/2024

StrayKidsFan64

I have just finished the first episode and I am already in love. This is going to be so helpful. I LOVE HER VOICE TOOOO!!! This is definitely a podcast I will listen to every day. AMAZING. You’re awesome! Thank you!
Enjoying the podcast!

04/08/2024

JBPP33

Thank you for taking the time to do this podcast and sharing what you know about K-beauty! I started listening at the beginning and working my way to the current day. I’m not sure if you changed this later but at least in the USA we don’t say “oriental medicine” and it’s either Asian medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM - if from china). Thanks for all your hard work!

Creator

Lauren Lee
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

277
Rating

Clean
Show Website

The Korean Beauty Show Podcast

Fashion & Beauty

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Updated Weekly
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Updated 1d ago
Alternative Health

Alternative Health

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Mental Health

Mental Health

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Society & Culture

Society & Culture

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Fashion & Beauty

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Alternative Health

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The Korean Beauty Show Podcast

Exposing the Worst K-Beauty Products I Tried in 2025

K-Beauty Marketing Trends That Need to Die in 2026

Why Korea Banned ‘Exosome’ Skincare Ads and What It Means for the Industry

From Viral to Vulnerable: The Rom&nd Lip Tint Controversy Explained

How K-Beauty is Transforming Professional Beauty (Expo Recap)

Korea’s Biggest Beauty Retailer Just Got Sued... and Lost

The K-Beauty Brand That Grew Its Own Damn Centella

In-Cosmetics Korea 2025: The Skincare Ingredients Everyone’s Talking About

Trailer

The Korean Beauty Show

Your podcast helps

Super Fun & Informative!

AMAZING

Enjoying the podcast!

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The Korean Beauty Show Podcast

Episodes

Exposing the Worst K-Beauty Products I Tried in 2025

K-Beauty Marketing Trends That Need to Die in 2026

Why Korea Banned ‘Exosome’ Skincare Ads and What It Means for the Industry

From Viral to Vulnerable: The Rom&nd Lip Tint Controversy Explained

How K-Beauty is Transforming Professional Beauty (Expo Recap)

Korea’s Biggest Beauty Retailer Just Got Sued... and Lost

The K-Beauty Brand That Grew Its Own Damn Centella

In-Cosmetics Korea 2025: The Skincare Ingredients Everyone’s Talking About

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information

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