Why I Started Pretty Yeppuda:
A Journey into Korean Nail Gels

Hello! I’m Lesley, the founder of Pretty Yeppuda. I’d like to share with you the story of why I started this webshop and why I’m so passionate about Korean nail products. There are three key reasons behind Pretty Yeppuda, and they all stem from my personal experiences and a drive to provide the best for our European customers.

1. Sharing My Experience with the Excellence of Korean Nail Gels

Before starting Pretty Yeppuda, I spent years working as a nail technician, gaining hands-on experience with various brands from the United States and Europe. While these brands had their merits, I found myself constantly searching for something better—products that could truly deliver on quality, pigmentation, diversity, and long-lasting performance.

That's when I discovered Korean nail gels. Korean nail brands are renowned in the beauty industry for their innovation, and I quickly realized that their nail products were far superior to many others on the market. The level of pigmentation in Korean gels is unparalleled, ensuring vibrant and lasting colors with just a single coat. Not to mention the diversity of products available—from classic solid colors to glitters, syrup and cat-eye gels, and intricate nail art materials. The quality is superb; it is embedded in their formulation, ease of application, and wear time.

When I started using these products, my clients immediately noticed the difference. The colors were richer, the finishes smoother, and the manicures lasted longer without chipping. As a nail technician, this was a game-changer. However, I soon realized that it was difficult for consumers and professionals in the EU to access these Korean nail gels. There was a gap in the market, and I wanted to fill it. That’s why Pretty Yeppuda was born—to make these innovative and high-quality Korean nail products available to everyone in the EU.

2. Ensuring Safety in the EU Market

As a professional in the beauty industry, I have always been acutely aware of product safety. The European Union has stringent regulations, known as the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR), designed to protect consumers by ensuring that all cosmetic products, including nail gels, are safe for use. This legislation requires thorough safety assessments, detailed product information files, and the registration of products in the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). These steps are crucial because they ensure that potentially harmful ingredients do not make it to the market.

However, I noticed a significant issue: many nail products imported into the EU from outside, particularly from non-EU regions, do not undergo the proper safety checks. Some of these products contain ingredients that are known to be harmful, such as sensitizers that can lead to severe allergic reactions, carcinogens, or substances that may affect reproductive health. In my view, this poses a serious risk to consumers, especially those who might not be aware of the ingredients in the products they are using.

With Pretty Yeppuda, I wanted to change that. I ensure that every product we offer complies with EU safety regulations. We conduct thorough safety assessments and register each product in the CPNP, providing peace of mind to our customers. When you shop with us, you can be confident that the products you’re using have been evaluated for their safety and meet the highest standards. This commitment to safety is at the heart of Pretty Yeppuda.

In my ongoing efforts, I am currently studying to become a Cosmetics Safety Assessor. This additional expertise allows me to ensure that all the products we sell meet both regulatory requirements and my own high standards for consumer safety.

3. The Unpleasant Surprise of Hidden Costs When Shopping Outside the EU

One of the biggest frustrations I experienced when trying to purchase Korean nail products was the unexpected costs. When you order from non-EU countries, you might see an attractive price on the website, but what you don’t see immediately is the extra cost that hits you when the package arrives. Import taxes, VAT (which can range from 19% to 25.5%), and handling fees can add up quickly. What seemed like a good deal suddenly turns into an expensive surprise, taking away the joy of shopping.

I knew that other EU customers were facing the same issue, and I wanted to provide a solution. At Pretty Yeppuda, we take care of all the import costs and handle the necessary paperwork to bring these Korean nail products legally into the EU. This way, our customers can see the full price upfront, including VAT. There are no hidden fees or surprises. What you see is what you pay.

When comparing prices, it’s essential to consider this difference. Websites outside the EU might seem cheaper at first glance, but once you factor in the import taxes and handling fees, the costs often become comparable, if not higher, than the prices we offer at Pretty Yeppuda. By keeping everything transparent and straightforward, we aim to make the shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free for our customers.

---

In Summary: My Mission with Pretty Yeppuda

I started Pretty Yeppuda because I wanted to share my positive experiences with Korean nail gels, ensure the safety of products in the EU market, and provide a hassle-free shopping experience without hidden costs. Our mission is to bring the best of Korea’s nail industry to the EU, prioritizing quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. By offering products that meet strict European standards, we not only provide stunning, high-performance nail products but also peace of mind.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Whether you are a nail technician looking for professional-grade products or a nail enthusiast searching for the latest trends, I hope you find what you’re looking for at Pretty Yeppuda. Together, we can make high-quality Korean nail products accessible and popular across Europe.