Karoline Leavitt’s K-beauty Haul: What the White House Press Secretary Bought in Seoul
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently shared her favorite K-beauty finds after a trip to Seoul, sparking a huge interest in her glowing skin routine. She stocked up on viral hits from Beauty of Joseon, pore-care pads from Medicube, and hydrating sheet masks from Mediheal. You can find these exact items at Olive Young stores across Korea or via their global online shop.
Why is everyone obsessed with the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun?
It’s not every day you see a high-profile official raving about a sunscreen, but this one is a true game-changer. Most Western sunscreens feel heavy or sticky, but this formula feels just like a light moisturizer.
Leavitt joined the millions of fans who love its rice bran water base and lightweight finish. Trust me on this one: it doesn’t leave that annoying white cast, which is why it looks so good under professional makeup or on high-definition cameras.
- It uses 30% Rice Extract and Grain Fermented Extracts to nourish the skin.
- It is SPF 50+ and PA++++, providing the highest level of sun protection available in Korea.
- The texture is creamy but absorbs instantly without any greasy residue.
What’s the deal with the Medicube Red Zero Pore Pad?
Have you noticed how bright and even everyone’s skin looks in Seoul?
Leavitt’s haul included Medicube’s Red Zero Pore Pad, one of the brand’s best-known items, some pieces still wearing their “Olive Young exclusive” sticker.
These are toner pads meant to calm redness and refine the look of pores with regular swiping, not a device — no batteries, no charging, just a quick step after cleansing. That makes them an easy add for anyone new to K-beauty who isn’t ready to commit to a gadget.
Why does everyone in K-beauty swear by Mediheal sheet masks?
If you’ve never tried a Korean sheet mask, this is the brand to start with.
Karoline Leavitt’s haul included Mediheal’s hydrating sheet masks, the product that basically put the whole sheet-mask category on the map outside Korea.
You tear open the packet, unfold a mask soaked in essence, and leave it on for 10-20 minutes. It’s a good reset before a long day of flights, meetings, or cameras — no rubbing or rinsing required, just peel it off and pat in what’s left.
| Brand | Top Product | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty of Joseon | Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics | Daily protection and hydration |
| Medicube | Red Zero Pore Pad | Calming redness, refining pores |
| Mediheal | Hydrating Sheet Mask | Quick moisture boost |
Where should you go to shop like a local in Korea?
When you land in Seoul, your first stop should be Olive Young, which is the Korean equivalent of a much fancier, beauty-focused Sephora. However, did you know that the Myeongdong flagship store is often packed with tourists?
For a more relaxed experience, I always suggest heading to the Olive Young locations in Gangnam or Hannam-dong. They are usually less crowded and have more staff available to help you find the latest “it” items before they sell out.
Don’t forget to bring your physical passport with you!
Most major beauty shops in Korea offer an immediate tax refund at the cash register if you spend over 30,000 KRW, which saves you the headache of doing it at the airport.
FAQ
Q. Are the Medicube pore pads okay for sensitive skin?
A. They’re formulated to be calming rather than exfoliating, but with any new pad or toner, patch-test on your jaw first and stop if you notice irritation.
Q. Is the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen okay for oily skin?
A. It is very hydrating, so if you have very oily skin, you might be able to skip your morning moisturizer and just use the sunscreen alone.
Q. Where can I buy these if I am not in Korea?
A. You can use the Olive Young Global website or check the official brand stores on Amazon. Just be careful to buy from the “Official” brand storefront to avoid fakes! Karoline Leavitt’s Seoul haul focused on high-performance brands: Beauty of Joseon, Medicube, and Mediheal. K-beauty is popular with professionals because it prioritizes a healthy “skin-first” glow over heavy coverage. Always bring your passport when shopping in Korea to get instant tax refunds on your beauty purchases.
Where to buy — Sister Unice’s picks
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’d use myself.
The exact items I’d point a friend to, with the link to buy:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) — the sunscreen that started the whole conversation, loved for its weightless, no-white-cast finish.
- Medicube Red Zero Pore Pad — the pore-care pads from her haul, an easy no-device way to try the brand.
- Mediheal hydrating sheet masks — the mask brand rounding out her haul, a classic for a quick moisture boost.
Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
This is the exact sunscreen that sparked the shopping frenzy, offering a serum-like texture that works perfectly under makeup for a White House-ready glow.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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