Is Now the Time to Stock Up on K-Beauty?

What New Tariffs Mean for Prices, Shipping & Your Skincare Routine

TL;DR:

If you only read one line: Yes. Now is a smart time to stock up on your favorite K-beauty products. Prices are already going up, and bigger changes are coming fast.

Why Now?

Trump just announced a new round of global tariffs, including a 15% duty on South Korean imports. That’s lower than the 25% originally proposed, but still higher than the previous 10%.

And on August 29, the U.S. will eliminate the $800 duty-free shipping rule (aka de minimis) for all countries.

That means:

• More overseas orders will be taxed

• Shipping fees will rise

• And your favorite $60 serum may suddenly come with surprise customs costs

With K-beauty now a $225M+ market in the U.S. (AP News), these shifts could reshape how (and where) we shop.

But First, Why Does My Beauty Routine Need to Suffer?

It’s frustrating, I know! And no, this isn’t a crisis, but when the products that anchor your routine suddenly spike in price, vanish from shelves, or take weeks to arrive, it’s OK to feel a little annoyed.

But your routine doesn’t have to suffer! It just might need a little rerouting, and that’s what I’m here for.

As someone who works in retail, I can tell you: tariffs are a moving target. In the past few months alone, we’ve seen rates jump from 10% → 25% → now settle at 15%. Before that, many Korean beauty imports weren’t taxed at all.

It’s confusing (even for retail insiders), so I’m breaking it down clearly and calmly so you can shop with confidence, not confusion.

What’s Changing (and Why It Matters Now)

As of August 1:

• South Korean goods, including cosmetics, now face a 15% U.S. tariff

• This affects retailers importing new stock — and may not hit shelves immediately

• But it will start showing up in pricing soon

Coming August 29:

• The $800 duty-free shipping rule will be eliminated for all countries

• This means every international package, no matter the size, could be taxed

• That includes orders from Korea, Hong Kong, and popular sites like YesStyle or Olive Young Global

What used to arrive duty-free may now come with, extra fees, customs delays, or changes to how and where certain brands ship.

U.S. Retailers: Stable for Now. But Not Forever

Retailers like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily operate U.S. warehouses, which gave them time to stock up before the August 1 tariff.

You’re likely still buying pre-tariff inventory, which means:

• Pricing feels familiar (for now)

• Shipping is fast, with no customs surprises

• Stock is relatively stable

But smaller, more curated retailers like Ohlolly may not have stocked as aggressively, which means restocks may be slower or more selective as they navigate cost increases.

Once everyone begins ordering under the new 15% tariff, expect:

• Slight price increases

• Leaner promotions

• Slower restocks for less in-demand products

Smart move: If you regularly use a product and it’s in stock, grab it now while it’s still priced pre-tariff.

Overseas Retailers: Big Changes Ahead

Retailers like YesStyle, Olive Young Global, and Stylevana ship directly from Asia and have long benefited from the U.S.’s $800 duty-free exemption.

But that changes August 29:

• All overseas shipments, regardless of value, will be subject to import duties or flat-rate fees

• Orders may face longer customs delays

• Retailers may start adding handling charges or raising base prices to offset the shift

Some brands have already adjusted pricing or paused restocking altogether.

Smart move: If you shop from international sites, place orders before August 29 to avoid fees and delays

So…Are Prices Already Going Up?

Yes. And the shift has already started (even if it's subtle).

According to AP News:

• Ohlolly has paused restocking to assess how to price under the new tariff

• Krave Beauty confirmed prices will rise as costs increase

• Smaller indie brands say they can’t absorb the 15% tariff and will need to pass it along

Even though 15% sounds better than 25%, it’s still higher than the previous 10%. 

And for smaller retailers and brands, it’s a meaningful margin shift (aka: less profit per product sold) that affects what gets stocked, how often, and how much it costs you.

What You Can Do Right Now

No panic, just strategy. Here’s how to shop smarter:

If you shop U.S. retailers:

• Stock up on your everyday go-tos now

• Take advantage of existing promotions and free shipping

• Don’t wait too long. Restocked items may come at higher prices

If you shop overseas:

• Place orders before August 29

• Expect duties and shipping changes to roll out slowly, then stick

• Consider ordering with friends to offset rising fees

What to Stock Up On

Start with the products that:

• You use daily (toner, SPF, cleanser)

• You buy from overseas and can’t find easily in U.S. stores

• Tend to sell out quickly: viral or indie brand products

• Are already showing signs of low stock or price creep

Here’s my list, but I’d love to hear from you! What are you stocking up on before tariffs hit?

The Final Verdict

The beauty of K-beauty has always been access: great formulas, thoughtful ingredients, reasonable prices. These new tariffs and shipping changes won’t erase that, but they will shift how we get our favorites.

So if there’s something you love and use regularly, now’s the time to be proactive. And if you’re testing something new? Be just a little more strategic.

I’ll be keeping an eye on policy updates, retailer reactions, and the products worth watching — and sharing it all here, so you don’t have to go digging.

And don’t forget: Let’s Dew This Together

Skincare updates worth your time. No fluff, no panic, just the good stuff.

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