Ahh you guys! I am so so so excited to finally share my (fairly new) “secret” skincare routine.
As I mentioned before, I don’t post about anything health/beauty/skincare/holistic related until I give it a solid trial run so that I can legitimately share with you guys my full blown experience.
That being said, holy freaking cow, it’s been a month & this has been a total game changer for me.
Korean skincare people, aka the best thing that’s happened to my face in a long time!!
Don’t take it from me, although I am about to rant & rave in a huge way, take it from the Koreans who are the innovators in the world of skincare (& also have the most flawless skin I’ve ever seen. I mean really, so jealous!).
I like to be educated before I jump into anything, especially when it’s going on my face, so naturally I did my research. Actually, I did a whole lot of research. The past few Friday’s have definitely involved a glass or two (who am I kidding, half a bottle) of wine & countless hours translating the top Korean beauty blogs in order to make sure I was getting the best of the best & doing it properly.
Okay okay, at this point you’re probably dying to know what it is, here goes:
First of all, you need to know it’s a pretty extensive 10 step process.
Don’t freak out, I know it’s a lot, but the results are totally worth it. The Koreans view on this lengthy process is that it should take as long to take off your makeup as it does to put it on.
When you put it like that, makes total sense. Right?
Yes, you’re going to have devote a chunk of your night to this routine, but after just one night it will all make sense. Who the hell care is my BF teases me at night for all the sudden turning into a high maintenance diva? My skin looks effing bomb & that’s all that matters.
Now for the steps, which are in a strict order from 1-10. You ready?
Step 1: Makeup removal
This is the first part of the famous Korean “double cleanse” method. First you are going to clean off your makeup using Innisfree Cleansing Tissues, which are enriched with organically grown olives/antioxidants/ & nutrients.
I have used a whole lot of makeup removing wipes in the past, but these are by far the best. Just a swipe or two & all that long wear mascara comes right off. Plus, it doesn’t leave your skin or under eyes feeling dry/irritated.
Step 2: Oil Cleanser
Second part of the cleanse involves cleaning your face with an oil. Yes, I said it, an oil to clean your face. Oil cleansing is actually a really effective way to get all that dirt, sebum, & gunk out of your pores.
Using lukewarm water & this Rice Water Oil Cleanser by The Face Shop, massage your face using circular motions. Massaging the face is a must as it increases blood flow & circulation, which helps to brighten skin & plump up the collagen.
Step 3: One More Cleanse
Just to guarantee your face is fully clean, it’s time for a foam cleanser. Koreans are all about clean clean clean skin & attribute it to their lack of acne.
I use Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser by Mizon, which actually contains snail guts (really though!). I know it sounds gross, but this substance is actually referred to as magic enzymes in the world of beauty. It’s known for fading acne scars, evening out complexion, & bringing back your skins natural glow.
Again… my skin looks fab, so disgusting or not, I’m sticking with the snail.
Step 4: Exfoliator OR Sheet Mask
Twice a month (you do not need more than this!) I use this step to scrub & exfoliate. I personally am obsessed with this Skin Food Black Sugar Mask. I scrub it all over my face in circular motions, lips included, & then let it sit for 10 minutes. When I rinse it off, I am left with the softest skin ever!! It sloughs off all the dead skin cells & helps shrink up pores/eliminate blackheads.
On off weeks, I use a green tea collagen sheet mask. Sheet masks, if you haven’t tried them, are seriously the coolest. You look like a scary serial killer when wearing it, but what it does for your skin is seriously unreal. The mask contours perfectly to your face, making sure the skin hydrating serum is fully absorbed everywhere. It’s genius.
** P.S. if you’re a face mask kinda gal, be sure to check out this post on the best face masks!! **
Step 5: Facial Freshener
This step is comparable to what we call toner, but way less harsh. Korean toners are typically gel based & contain zero alcohol. This step cleans off any leftover residue/pollutants, tightens the skin, evens out skin tone, & preps your skin to better absorb the essence coming next.
I use Etude House Moistfull Collagen Refresher, applying a small amount all over with a cotton pad.
Step 6: First Essence
Koreans refer to this as the most crucial step in the whole process, & it’s also my fave. I actually didn’t get this in the mail at first, so I was doing the routine without essence. Once it arrived, I immediately noticed a HUGE difference. Essences increase cell turnover rate & make the skin MUCH brighter & smoother.
I am loving the Secretkey Fermentation Essence, which is also “7 free” (aka no nasty chemicals or parabens).
To apply, you should transfer your essence into a spray bottle & spray it on right after step 5. Let it sink in for a hot minute before continuing onward.
Step 7: Ampoule
Ampoules are basically essences, but on crack. They are vitamin enriched serums that helps deal with any/all signs of aging skin: fine lines, loss of collagen, dullness, sunspots, etc.
Basically, it’s the bomb.com. I apply a Mizon Collagen Ampoule with my fingers in circular motions. Again, those circular motions are everything.
Step 8: Korean Eye Cream
I’ve got dark circles for days, so there is nothing more I love than a good eye cream & this Moistfull eye cream by Etude House has been a real miracle worker.
Apply using your ring finger, aka the weakest finger & the only one that should go near your eye, in tiny circular motions for a bit of a refreshing lymphatic massage.
Step 9: Emulsion
All that intense cleansing means you need to put some moisture back into your skin, starting with an emulsion, which is basically a lightweight moisturizer that also helps to shrink pores. To continue on increasing blood flow, massage this cream onto your face in circular motions, all the way down your neck.
Skin Foods Peach Sake Emulsion is my go-to!! It smells amazing (that peach though) & leaves my skin feeling super supple. Sake contains an ingredient called kojac which is known to lighten skin tone as well, Geishas actually used to bathe in the stuff to keep there skin light, bright, & beautiful.
Step 10: Sleep Pack or Sleep Mask
The sleep mask is your last & final step!! The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack had some raving reviews, so I went with this one… and so far, so good. This gel based mask works to deliver tons of moisture to your dried out skin all while you sleep. It also contains soothing essences to help you sleep better, which is a nice little added bonus.
CONGRATS! You did it. Seriously, try it just one night & let me know what you think when you wake up. I guarantee you will be team Korean skincare!!
Also, I am recently getting into the Korean beauty game, so I thought I would share with you guys a few of my other fave Korean products I have found:
» Etude House Precious Mineral Cushion: Cushion BB creams are the latest & greatest in the world of Korean makeup… & they’re kind of amazing. Great application & the first coverage step in my makeup routine. This particular one smells just like this amazing, & sadly discontinued, Escada perfume I wore in highschool. So good!!
» The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream: Just so you know, Korean BB creams are WAYYY different than the ones we have here. It’s like a worlds difference how much better the Korean BB creams perform. I use this after the cushion, for another layer of coverage.
» Etude House Silk Scarf Hair Mask: For my hair, I’m allllll about this mask. I massage it into my dry hair & let it sit for about 10 minutes, when I rinse & blow dry my hair is like straight up silk. I’ve recently done some damage to my hair, but I swear this mask is reversing it all!
Let me know if you have any questions & I promise the process will take you less time than it did to read this extremely long post!!
xx, E
SHOP THE POST
Wow this seems intense! But I would love to try it!
Xx
Rhea
http://www.fuss.co.in
It is, but so so so worth it!!
This sounds amazing! I’m just wondering what type of skin you have? Will this work for all skin types? I am very oily and also have been dealing with adult acne– using the same products for years which only seem to manage the problem rather than actually make my skin look and feel beautiful!
<3
I have combination skin, but it really should work for all skin types!
This all sounds incredible. My poor face is in need of an intense, new regimen. I’ll definitely have to give the eye cream a try, I have dark circles so bad!
You will love it!! It’s been doing wonders for my dark circles as well :)
I’m SO stoked your posted about this. I’ve been researching like crazy and can’t wait to order some of the products your suggested. Quick question, has this routine replaced your clarisonic use? I just got one about a month ago and love it but I’m wondering which step, if any, it would fit in with? Thanks so much! Love your blog, XO.
You will love it!! I have stopped using my Clarisonic since I have started this routine only because it’s been so amazing! I think if you did want to incorporate your Clarisonic I would use it to apply the foam cleanser & then skip the exfoliating mask. Good luck & LMK what you think!! x, E
I’m tired after reading that so I honestly don’t know if I’ll try it, but I want to. I bookmarked this just in case I decide to give it a shot, but I’m not nearly as thorough with makeup application so I don’t know if I can. Usually the Covergirl foundation wears off throughout the day because I’m too lazy to re-apply or use anything longer lasting. I’m intrigued by the fact it’s a Korean skin care regime and also want to give it a shot because of that. Thank you for sharing and I’ll need to give myself a boost to get started, but I probably won’t want to stop once I do.
Of course! You will love it :)
You are awesome! Thanks so much for researching all of this, I will definitely try it! I cannot believe how inexpensive all of these products are. As I was reading the ’10’ steps (10 products) I assumed it would be super-expensive (not that our faces aren’t worth it- I waste more $ on less important things) but the total cost for all is just as much as my one .5 oz eye cream! I am placing my order today. Thanks again!
I know! It’s so great for your skin and soooo wallet friendly :) xo
Total GAME CHANGER, ok so I live in Thailand and I can tell you Koreans and Japanese have the BEST skin and the Thais who have the best skin use Korean or Japanese products/procedures. Literally even the plastic surgery is done in Korea not here in Thailand. Anyways, I just started oil pulling my face since my Thai friends told me that its the best and I also use the glue serum stuff with strips, its kinda like waxing your face but you can literally see the gunk that gets pulled from the pores after the pain of pulling the strip but it works! Now I need to get on this routine and YES it is true Koreans take up to 45 minutes at night to get ready for bed, skin is a HUGE deal here for obvious reasons !! xo C
Absolutely! What are these glue serum strips you speak of?! Send me a link :) xo
I believe she was referring to those blackhead strips.
Hi Erica!
Great post! I’m really wanting to try some of the products. Etude House’s packaging is so fun! Was it pretty easy to find a perfect shade in the BB cream? Hope you’re having a great weekend :)
Olivia
Reading the reviews really helps when it comes to picking a shade :) I love Etude House’s packaging as well, so cute!!
Korean skincare looks amazing!! xx
It really is :) one of the best things that happened to my skin in a while!
Hey Erica,
Are any of these comedogenic? I went along with the whole coconut oil cleansing craze and broke out so crazily because of how comedogenic coconut oil is. I have dark acne scars all over my face :( so I’m scared of trying new products or fads. But these look so good!
This process focuses a lot on clearing the pores out, so I would assume so but I am sure everyones skin reacts differently. The great thing about this is a lot of the agents in the products are skin lightening, so it really helps get rid of dark acne scars (i’ve got em too!).
Is there any particular product that helped with fading acne scars (the dark marks)? I’m currently using stone crop serum (thanks for recommending it in an earlier post!), vitamin C serum and AHA lotion with glycolic acid.
All great options (stone crop is amaziiiing!!). Since Koreans are keen to lighter skin, this entire process helps lighten skin & fade dark spots- but ones that stand out would be the peach sake emulsion & the rice water oil cleanser. Rice water & sake both are great for fading acne scars :) x, E
Hi,
I’m loving the skin regime, just ordered the lot and can’t wait for them to arrive. Just wondering which of the products do you use in the morning?
thanks x
I haven’t been using any in the morning! Haven’t really felt the need to :)
Loved this article. Already use snail cream an love it!. I would love to try all the above products, but unfortunately price is a major factor for me. Are there samples available to try? Thanks so much.
I am not sure if/where to get samples, but if there is an Korean market near you I would check that out :) xo, E
Hi Erica,
I love your blog, it made me happy how happy it made you when the girl recognized you out And about. Anyhoo just firstly wanted to say keep up the good work, you’re beautiful :)
Regarding the skincare, I normally only wear makeup once a week. Should I still do the routine everyday or just when I wear makeup? I normally just rinse my face with water and moisturize and exfoliate once a week but it’s prob not the greatest way cause I still have occasional breakouts.
What do you think?
Also do they have anti aging benefits?
Yes yes yes! It’s all about anti-aging.
Aww thanks girl! You’re so sweet.
As for this skincare routine, I definitely think you should do this regimen 3x a day & wash your face with just the cleanser everyday! Even if you’re not wearing makeup, dirt/bacteria/environmental toxins get all in your pores so you gotta wash it each night :)
I love this products, the real anti-aging :D
absolutely!
This sounds fantastic. We will have to try this out and see how it goes. I’m always looking for new skincare routines to test out.
I am still 19 yrs old and I use face shop rice milk oil cleanser – facial enzyme wash powder face -shop jeju volcanic lava toner- renewing cream.is these okay?even though it isn’t 10??lol ahhaha.BTW thanks for sharing your skincare tips wanna try it :3
hello all the abouve steps are for before going to bed right? what are the things we need to do at the start of day????? plz give me those products too..thanks ^^
Yes- this is before bed. In the morning, just wash with a gentle cleanser.
I was curious, you seem to have spent a lot of time researching the Korean skin care routine for evening however you’re recommending only to clean with a cleanser in the morning; I only mention this because the evening and morning routines vary very little with skin care and only using a cleanser leaves the face undernourished as even gentle cleansers strip the skin of its natural oils. Korean skin care routines are focused on moisture, moisture, and then more moisture–in addition, sunscreen is absolutely essential during the daytime to avoid having to correct the damage the sun’s rays cause.
Thank you for the lovely bit on your evening skincare, I hope you do follow up with a full daytime routine or recommendation for those who are new to this type of routine!
Hi, I would like to ask where can I buy all this products?
Amazon :) x
Hi, I really like your routine but I was wondering what sort of routine do you do in the morning??
In the morning I simply cleanse, tone, & moisturize!!
Your morning routine, if you follow this type of Korean skin care routine, should at least include a foam cleanser, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, emulsion (or moisturizer, I use both during winter and usually only emulsion or a light moisturizer during summer), and SUNSCREEN. Koreans swear by sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation–thus why they have such fair complexions with few blemishes. Try MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50 (Amazon.com carries many kinds) for a facial sunscreen that isn’t greasy and is a perfect base for your make-up. SOKOGLAM and Amazon are great sites to try for all your Korean skin care needs as it has become very popular in the states over the past couple years. Cheers!
Hi, I am interested in buying these products, but the links for some of them don’t match the products you are talking about. Can yout please update them. Would be greatly appreciated.
Amazon and Ebay
hello, do i need to use the sleep mask everyday or just every once in a while like the exfoliator?
Every night!! x
How long do the products last you with daily use? Are you replacing them all once a month?
It depends on the product but I think every other month I need a restock :) x
I can’t believe i’m just finding out about korean skincare! Honestly, it’s so interesting and I wanted to try it out, but didn’t know where to start. Thanks so much for this post ^^
Do you put the sleeping cream every night ?
I do!
Would you recommend this skin care routine for oily combination acne prone skin and to help with acne scars?
yes- absolutely!
Also do you use the same products in the morning? If so how does your makeup hold up with them?
In the morning I just exfoliate! xo
Hi, I would like to know if I can use serum in which step (in your way)? Currently Im doing only facial cleansing—>exfoliate—>mask—>toner->serum->moisturizer
I use:
*the faceshop chia seed cleasing foam
*black sugar face scrub
*a’pieu milk mask
*Chia Seed Hydrating Toner by faceshop
*Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
*Moisturizer, Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel/ Chia Seed Moisture Recharge Cream I dont use makeup as I like my skin breath-able? do I still need double cleansing? I’m 17 and do I need to use eyecream? Because I have the mindset like “oh, only some older people than me need to use eyecream because they have wrinkles”..
What can I add more steps into the skincare routine? I’m new and I dont know whats important and whats not, have too many product on my face can make my face really oily…
Ps:sorry for having many question, I hope you can reply me asap