What to Buy in Seoul; Tamburins

If you’re looking for something special to bring back from your Korea trip, then a visit to Tamburins should definitely be on your itinerary. Tamburins is a Korean fragrance cosmetic brand that I can only describe as what happens when cosmetics meet fashion and experimental art.

Their stores are notoriously famous for their unique concepts and gallery-like spaces. Honestly they’re pretty much half gallery and half store, making a visit to one of their locations more of an experience rather than simply shopping. And I would expect nothing less from a brand under the Gentle Monster umbrella, a famous Korean eyewear brand that also heavily incorporates art and installations into its branding.

What is Tamburins?

Since launching in 2017, Tamburins has garnered high praise and popularity among K-beauty fans for it’s curated selection of chic-genderless designs and fragrances. In fact, when Tamburins opened its first flagship store in the trendy Garosugil shopping district, only one product was featured, the Nude H. And Cream with its unique antique gold chain.

I’d definitely say the design of their products is what initially drew me to this brand. Each of their product has this kind of artsy-couture inspired flare, somehow making them both cosmetics and accessories. Of course they have expanded their collection from their original hand creams to now include lip balms, perfumes, soaps, sanitizers, body wash and even candles.

What To Look For at Tamburins?

Personally, I’m a huge fan of their OG chain hand cream in 000, which features notes of sandalwood, patchouli and wet soil. The design is so pretty and perfect for carrying in or hanging off my handbag. To be honest, I’m not usually into more nature inspired fragrances, but I just really fell in love with this one. And surprisingly enough, so did my dog.

Their latest “Egg” collection, however, features a milktea scented lip balm that I knew I was going to love! Aside from its unique and chic design, the formula just melts over my lips and leaves them nice and moisturized. And as someone who worked at and managed a bubble tea house, I can confirm that it does in fact 100% smell like milktea. It’s my newest obsession.

While they carry a small curated selection of fragrances, I feel like they do a really good job at creating fragrances that anyone can wear. Making it both a great souvenir and gift idea for anyone. And if you really want to take a deep dive into the Gentle Monster family, be sure to visit Haus Dosan which has eyewear brand Gentle Monster, fragrance brand Tamburins and artisanal cafe Nudake all under one roof.

Where is Tamburins?

Tamburins has a few different locations including smaller shops inside of some shopping malls. Each one is different with different design elements. The one we visited was the Tamburins Sinsa Flagship Store.