Since the start of law school, I’ve been trying to be proactive about taking extra care of my skin. I recently decided to try a completely new routine. I tried a 10 step Korean beauty routine for the past two weeks and I’m bringing you the results and review. Overall, I can say that Koreans definitely know what they are doing when it comes to skin. Here are the full details on the products and my recommendations!
Things to keep in mind: I do not, nor do I recommend that you do some of these steps every day. For example, you should limit exfoliation to 3 times a week. While it doesn’t hurt to apply a sheet mask every day, I certainly don’t have the time for it. If my skin has a particular concern, I may use one serum over another. The most important part is to listen to your skin and tailor needs accordingly.
Also keep in mind that you only need to apply SPF for a day time routine. Finally, if you’re looking for a particular product, feel free to use this list a product recommendations for some really awesome K-Beauty products. Peach & Lily is a great website to start shopping for K-Beauty. It’s like the online Sephora of Korean skincare products.
1. Oil Cleanser Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
- There are many options for balm cleansers out there, but I especially love this one because I could feel and see how hydrated it left my skin feeling afterwards.
- I use everyday even if I didn’t wear makeup. Why? Because oil cleanser are also great for removing sunscreens and other oils that accumulated through the day.
2. Foam/Water Based Cleanser: Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
- The emphasis of my routine is hydration and this cleanser definitely makes that happen.
- It includes a ton of antioxidants so that your skin isn’t stripped bare.
3. Exfoliate: Primera Mild Facial Peeling Gel
- I love this brand as a whole and love that they’re in Sephora. This exfoliant is very, very mild and doesn’t burn or tingle like other exfoliants with AHAs do.
- Still, there is no need to use more than 2-3 times a week.
- When I need a heavier duty exfoliant, I’ll use the Peach and Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask.
4. Toner: Be The Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Toner
- A game changer. I never knew a toner could hydrate my skin the way this does. I’m obsessed.
5. Essence: Primera Miracle Seed Essence
- I can’t say I see the visible effects of this essence or essences in general. I know it adds more hydration. I trust it’s doing work but I can’t necessarily isolate the positive impact it’s having. If you want to add an essence to your routine, go for it.
6. Ampoule & Serums: Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule & Primera Wild Seed Firming Serum
- This is probably the most crucial part of my routine. I am obsessed with both of these products and cannot go a day without them.
- The Primera Firming Serum significantly improved the texture of my skin.
- The Snail Repair Ampoule brightened a few scars I had from a random hormonal breakout. They work. These two would be the products I would recommend above anything else on this list.
7. Sheet Mask: Peach Slices Travel Mask
- You know the deal. I’ve been riding for this mask for a very long time. I use the travel mask because that’s what is available at my local CVS, but there a many versions of this mask for different concerns and I would vouch for them all.
8. Eye Cream/Mask: Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask
- During the day I use the Indie Lee I-Waken Serum (not K-Beauty but still amazing).
- Eye care is more of a preventative thing at this stage in my life, but better safe than sorry!
9. Moisturizer: Peach Slices Citrus Honey Aqua Glow
- I may defer to this moisturizer moving forward because my usual Sunday Riley Cream is just too expensive for me to justify fitting into my budget now that I’m a full time student.
- It’s affordable, smells good, and honey, it hydrates!
10. SPF (Day) & Sleeping Mask (Night): Krave Beauty Beet Shield & Eco Your Skin Lavender Bedside Mask
- I think sleeping masks are a step people sleep on (no pun intended). But this is probably the reason my skin is hydrated and refreshed in the morning.
- I’d especially recommend looking into sleeping masks since the weather will be getting cooler.
- It smells AMAZING!
It’s hard to get a sense of how these products work without seeing it in action so check out my latest Youtube video:
WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE K-BEAUTY PRODUCTS?
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Romans 12:16
