I’ve found myself more immersed than ever in the world of skincare. My routine has evolved, especially after discovering the wonders of Korean skincare brands and their innovative products. K-beauty is known for its unique ingredients, advanced formulations, and a focus on healthy, glowing skin. My routine now is all about achieving that radiant, glass-skin glow with a step-by-step process that feels luxurious but effective for my dry, sometimes combination skin. Below is a breakdown of my updated skincare routine and some of my favorite new Korean skincare finds since my last post.
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Step 1: Cleansing (If Needed)
I don’t usually need to wash my face in the morning, but on the rare occasion I do, I use a lightweight moisturizing cleanser.
- Milk Cleanser: The Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk gently removes build-up and impurities, rinsing away dull surface cells and balancing skin flora. Apricot and Borage Oils are infused to rejuvenate dehydrated skin, for a fresh glow and a rejuvenated complexion.
Step 2: Toner
Toners in K-beauty are more about hydration than astringency, which has completely changed my view on this step. They’re lightweight but pack a punch when it comes to moisture.
- Hydrating Toner: My go-to has been the I’m From Rice Toner which hydrates with niacinamide and preps my skin for the next steps, allowing other products, like makeup, apply more effectively.
- Spray Toner: The Beekman 1802 Milkshake Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane Facial Toner Mist is an alcohol-free, bi-phase formula that blends goat milk and mugwort with squalene and hyaluronic acid to keep sensitive skin toned and hydrated all day. It’s great for minimizing pores and soothing redness.
Step 3: Serum (If Needed)
For the daytime, I like an easy-to-use, all-around serum that has multiple benefits.
- Spray Serum: If I want or need some extra hydration and glow, I use D’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum to give that glass skin effect.
- Hydrating Serum: On those extremely dry days, I’ll apply the Colourpop Watermelon Face Milk, too.
- Makeup Prep: If I’m putting on makeup that day, I’ll typically use the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum to prep my skin. Just make sure you allow plenty of time to absorb into the skin to avoid pilling!
Step 4: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, and Korean sunscreens have impressed me with their light, non-greasy formulations that don’t leave a white cast.
- Moisturizing Sunscreen: My current favorite is SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ . It’s hydrating, lightweight, and feels like a moisturizer, making it perfect for daily use.
- Anti-Aging Sunscreen: Another sunscreen option I sometimes use is the SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF 30 PA++++, as it is more focused on anti-aging and brightening in addition to UV protection.
Step 1: Double Cleansing (Oil-Based & Water-Based)
Double cleansing has been a game-changer for me, especially when it comes to making sure every bit of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities are removed without stripping my skin.
- Oil-Based Cleanser: I start with an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup and excess oils. My current favorite is HARUHARU Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil. It melts away makeup like magic and leaves my skin feeling fresh.
- Water-Based Cleanser: Next, I use a gentle foaming cleanser to remove any remaining residue. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam is a staple in my routine because it’s mild and perfect for keeping my skin’s pH balanced.
Step 2: Exfoliation (As Needed)
Exfoliation is key for keeping my skin smooth and preventing buildup. Since K-beauty focuses on gentle exfoliation, I’ve stopped using any harsh scrubs.
- Toner Pads: The Medicube Zero Pore Pads are great to minimize pores and exfoliate your skin. I’ve definitely noticed improved texture since using these. They contain 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid & 0.45% BHA Salicylic Acid to get the job done! I use this about twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating.
- Gentle Exfoliant: I love the Mixsoon Bean Essence to gentle exfoliate my skin while still hydrating. I especially love using this on days I’m wearing makeup to create the perfect, smooth base for my foundation.
Step 3: Toner
Toners in K-beauty are more about hydration than astringency, which has completely changed my view on this step. They’re lightweight but pack a punch when it comes to moisture.
- Hydrating Toner: My go-to has been the Tirtir Milk Skin Toner which hydrates and preps my skin for the next steps, allowing other products to absorb more effectively. I would call this my holy grail toner and will continue to repurchase.
- Calming Toner: The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner strengthens skin barrier and provides instant nourishment with soothing and moisturizing effects with the ingredient Centella Asiatica.
- Glowing Essence Toner: Finally, I use the Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner to revive dull and tired skin, improve skin radiance, and tighten pores, all while strengthening the skin.
Step 4: Essence
Essences are a K-beauty staple that I can’t live without now. They add a layer of hydration and deliver active ingredients deep into the skin.
- Essence: I’m currently loving Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, a cult favorite that contains 80% of ginseng water and focuses on the benefits of ginseng itself, giving sufficient moisture and nutrition to the skin. It fills moisture and nutrition firmly to help keep your skin moisturized for a long period of time.
Step 5: Serum
Serums target specific skin concerns, and I’ve become obsessed with Korean serums that are lightweight but super effective.
- Glow Serum: I use TIRTIR SOS Serum to add even more hydration to my skin. It’s enriched with Polyglutamic acid(PGA), which has a x10 greater water-holding capacity than hyaluronic acid. It also contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, an anti-aging functional peptide, to stimulate collagen production for a healthier, radiant complexion. Experience plump, natural, and beautifully glowing skin.
- Centella Asiatica Serum: Next up is the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, which is a light watery texture and non-sticky formula that contains 7 times more soothing actives besides Centella Asiatica.
- Brightening Serum: A few times a week, I will use the Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum to help brighten my skin and fade any discolorations. It is infused with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to protect damaged skin barrier, soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Ultra Moisturizing Serum: Finally, I use the TIRTIR Ceramic Milk Ampoule to achieve a porcelain-like glow with a stunning high-gloss finish; Your skin looks glowy and bouncy skin right away! This is definitely another holy grail product that I cannot recommend enough.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Locking in all the hydration from the previous steps is crucial. I’ve found that Korean moisturizers are lightweight yet incredibly hydrating.
- Acne Oil (As Needed): If I’m having any acne issues, I use the Blume Meltdown Acne Oil to help get rid of the pimple itself without drying out my skin.
- Cream Moisturizer: The ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream is a soothing, fragrance-free option that’s perfect for my sensitive skin, especially when it feels irritated or dry.
- Eye Moisturizer: The eye area is especially sensitive skin that needs particular type of hydration. The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream is ant-aging and helps with skin elasticity.
- Sleeping Mask (As Needed): For an extra boost overnight, I use SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-cica Sleeping Pack, which keeps my skin hydrated and refreshed by morning.
- Face Mask (As Needed): When I need some serious hydration, I’ll use the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask to make my skin look smooth and plump. The PDRN boosts hydration and supports collagen production.
With this routine, my skin feels more balanced, hydrated, and glowing than ever before. It may seem like a lot of steps, but it’s become a self-care ritual that I look forward to each day. Korean skincare has taken my routine to the next level, and I can’t wait to continue discovering more amazing products in 2024. What’s your current skincare obsession? Have you tried any Korean skincare products that you love? Let me know in the comments below!
