There’s no doubt that K-Beauty has truly taken over the world by storm. I myself have succumbed to the trend. And ever since I did in 2017, my skin never looked better. Little by little, I started replacing some of my go-to Western products with Korean ones. And the primary reason I prefer K-Beauty is that there are so many affordable brands that still work hard to deliver.
On top of that, I feel like Korean products were really meant for Asian skin. So if you’re looking to start following Korean skincare routine steps, below is a guide on a basic routine. I decided to make it as simple as possible because the 10 or 15-step Korean skincare routine can be overwhelming for beginners! Moreover, these are the steps that work for me.Just a quick background on my skin—I used to be super oily and acne-prone. But nowadays, I’ve managed to control the oil and I no longer get breakouts. I’m also in my early 30s, so perhaps my skin is changing. In case you’re looking for products to try, I’ve recommended some below that I’ve tried and definitely vouch for. I’ve included where you can buy them online as well. Some links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission to help me maintain my blog.
Korean Skincare Routine Steps
1. Oil-Based Cleanser
My first step is using an oil-based cleanser but I only use this whenever I wear makeup, which rarely happens now. So on most days when I don’t wear makeup, I jump to Step 3. Oil-based cleansers help break down all the dirt and gunk. It can even melt away waterproof eyeliners and mascara.
2. Micellar Water
After washing off the oil-based cleanser, I use micellar water to wipe away any makeup residue that’s left. You’ll discover that there’s still so much the oil-based cleanser hasn’t removed!
3. Face Wash
On a normal day, I start with this step. Some people prefer using a foaming face wash while others, like me, use a gel type.
3. Toner
Toners were originally meant to restore your skin’s pH balance and prep your face for the next skincare steps. But nowadays, depending on the ingredients, toners are versatile and can address other skin issues.
4. Essence
An essence is basically a serum that has a watery consistency. The rule with Korean skincare steps is that you apply products with thinner consistencies first before moving on to thicker ones.
5. Serum or Ampoule
The next step would be applying a serum or an ampoule. You’ll notice how much thicker these usually are compared to an essence. If you have two or more serums in your routine, apply the one with a thinner consistency first. Also, wait a few seconds in between steps to let your skin fully absorb the product.
6. Eye Cream
The second to the last step is using an eye cream. There are many different eye creams that target a variety of concerns—like brightening, de-puffing, and anti-aging.
7. Moisturizer
Lastly, to seal in all the products you applied, it’s important to apply a moisturizer—even if you have oily skin. In fact, moisturizing can help regulate oil control. Ever since I started moisturizing, I noticed that my skin doesn’t look and feel as oily anymore!
Where to Buy Products to Complete Your Korean Skincare Routine Steps
There are so many online stores where you can buy Korean skincare products. My trusted ones are BeautyMnl, ZALORA, and of course—the brand’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee!
Korean Skincare Routine Steps: How to Apply in Proper Order
If you have any questions about the steps mentioned, comment below so I can answer right away. I hope you enjoyed reading this article! For more articles on skin care, visit the Beauty and Trends category of my blog. Don’t forget to also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay updated with all things beauty and lifestyle.
Korean Skincare Routine Steps