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

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