For years I believed Korean women had the most beautiful skin in the world, poreless and nearly flawless. That is, until I discovered they have their own beauty secrets, with products available in little storefronts throughout Koreatown along and around Keeaumoku Street.

Whenever I’m in New York, one of my first stops has been The Face Shop, for masks to combat the ravages of jet lag and dry air. Now The Face Shop, based in Korea, has come to Honolulu. It opened quietly over the weekend at McCully Shopping Center, but I don’t expect it’ll be quiet there for long once people discover the moisturizing properties of its many hydrating face masks made with fruit and vegetable extracts ranging from strawberry and cucumber to rice for every skin condition.

Naturally, there’s also a range of BB Cream (blemish or beauty balm) products. The all-in-one moisturizer, SPF and cover blend is the secret to Korean women’s porcelain glow. It’s also a timesaver, minimizing the need for concealer and foundation while managing to camouflage imperfections with a little dab and smoothing.

There are also formulations for whitening, and powder products that for now will give you a ghostlike hue if you’re any darker than a week-old sheet of newsprint. Just wait. I was told darker powders to suit Hawaii’s tawny complexions are on their way in January.