Why I prefer Korean/Japanese products over drugstore products

No, it's not because I look like an East Asian. Or a prick against local drugstore brands.

I'm nowhere near "classy Korean" (from soompi.com)

In fact, if I could, I would be buying mostly western products. If not only for the very expensive shipping and customs costs here in the Philippines, I would adhere to the Beginner Skincare Routine suggested by reddit's /r/SkincareAddiction community. The products suggested are inexpensive, drugstore brands, has less eco pixie dusts, and work very well.

One of which is this moisturizer:

670 php on Amazon.com, 1200 php here in the Philippines via (chance) online seller.

Now, shipping costs from US to Philippines is very expensive, and packages from overseas are prone to the prying eyes of the Philippine's Customs officers (for very wrong reasons). It is best to buy from trusted local (online) sellers.

Then, on local drugstore brands, you would be amazed by the assortment of products here in the Philippines. With the exception of western brands which have penetrated the market (like Cetaphil) and a few fairly new brands geared (SebaMed or Pysiogel), most products are geared towards whitening, from cleanser to moisturizers. The irony with this, is there are very few options for sunblock, especially for the face. In the end, good quality sunscreen for the face can only be purchased from online sellers and Korean cosmetics shops.

But there is hope for drugstore products such as this one.
Just look at the ingredients.

The properly formulated drugstore brands may be little in number for now, so I'll stick with my trusted Korean and Japanese brands while waiting for less whitening, more functional local and/or drugstore products.