Korean beauty or K-beauty has become huge in the western hemisphere over the past few years. But, the world of K-beauty is extensive and rapidly growing so knowing where to start can be pretty overwhelming. That’s what we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to getting the basics of a Korean beauty routine down.
The Basic Routine
According to the Asian Beauty subreddit, a basic K-beauty routine involves five steps: first cleansing, second cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and lastly applying sunscreen.
1) First Cleanse
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The first step in a Korean beauty routine is the first cleanse. This step is meant to get rid of any makeup, sunscreen, leftover moisturizer, and sebum on the skin. The most popular way to first cleanse is with an oil-based cleanser.
An oil-based cleanser may seem counterintuitive. Isn’t the point of cleansing your skin to get rid of oil? Yes, that’s true; however, an oil-based cleanser is vital to removing things like facial sebum, cosmetic products, and lotions. This is because they are made up of fatty acids which do not dissolve in water, meaning that water-based cleansers will not remove them. Oil-based products will do the trick to get them off your face so you can have a fresh canvas for the other steps in your routine.
Recommendation: Banila Co. Clean It Zero – This oil-based cleanser has garnered a cult following in the world of K-Beauty. It’s so popular that one tub is sold every five seconds! The cleanser starts out as a solid balm but then melts into an oil that removes every trace of makeup, dirt, oil, and sunscreen on your face.
2) Second Cleanse
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After your first cleanse, most people follow up with a second cleanser. This step is meant to get rid of anything left from the first cleanse as well as maintain the overall health of your skin. Unlike first cleansers, second cleansers are usually water-based and pH balanced. While there are a lot of types of cleansers to choose from, foaming cleansers are very popular in Korean beauty.
Recommendation: Etude House SoonJung 6.5 Whip Cleanser – This cleanser comes with a pump mechanism that does all the foaming work for you. It’s pH balanced so it won’t dry out your skin and works for all skin types, even sensitive and acne-prone.
3) Toning
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A toner, also referred to as “lotion” or “skin” (confusing, we know!), follows immediately after cleansing and serves three purposes: to rebalance your skin’s pH level (read why your skin’s pH level is so important here), hydrate your skin, and prepare your skin for the following steps in your routine.
There are many kinds of toners that not only hydrate and prep the skin for other steps, but address other concerns such as enlarged pores, exfoliation, etc. But by far the most popular kind of toner is simply a hydrating toner.
Recommendation: Son & Park Beauty Water – This toner not only hydrates the skin but also mildly exfoliates the skin, creating a flawless canvas for makeup. It’s also pH-balanced so it will return your skin to its optimal pH after cleansing.
4) Moisturizing
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After cleansing and toning, a moisturizer comes afterwards to seal in hydration and prevent moisture loss of the skin. The are different formulations of moisturizers that are best suited for different skin types and routines.
Moisturizing mists and emulsions are best suited for oily skin types as they are light and thin in texture. Cream and gel moisturizers are suitable for most skin types. Facial oils are great for those who like to layer their skincare products as they are light but also effectively moisturize the skin and can be mixed into other products.
Recommendation: Skin&Lab Red Cream – This cream moisturizer is light and non-sticky, making it suitable for all skin types even those who are oily; however, moisturizers effectively and contains beneficial ingredients to help tighten and brighten skin.
5) Sunscreen
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Even if it’s not sunny, you should still be wearing sunscreen! The great part about K-Beauty is that you no longer have to worry about the goopy, sticky, white-cast mess that is often associated with sunscreens.
Through the power of magic (or really good skin care science), Korean companies have been able to formulate sunscreens that are light, not greasy, and effective at protecting your skin against harmful UVB and UVA rays.
Recommendation: Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50 – Formulated to protect against UVA and UVB rays, this sunscreen has a super watery, light formula that won’t feel heavy on the skin and works great under makeup. Also, you won’t look Casper the Ghost after applying it aka there’s no white cast!
A K-Beauty skincare routine can suit everyone’s skintype and skin condition. It’s all about finding the right products for your skin and identifying what works best for you. Remember to always patch test your products, wear sunscreen daily, and consult a dermatologist with any skincare concerns. Happy K-beautying!
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This five step routine is from the Asian Beauty wikipage. Have questions or want to know more? Check out the awesome Asian Beauty subreddit for all things Korean beauty, Japanese beauty, and more!