Hello my loves, and welcome back to my blog! Today I am doing a post on something that has taken the beauty industry by storm, Korean Skincare. Now some of these steps seem unnecessary (like the double cleansing), but you do not need to do all of these steps every day. I used author Charlotte Cho’s advice from her book The Little Book of Skin Care to pick out products and to learn the steps.
Step 1: Cleansing Oil
The purpose of cleansing oils is to remove makeup and other impurities. This step is used first because your skin needs to be dry when you apply it. I use BareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, but Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is also a good one.
Step 2: Foam Cleanser
Water-based cleansers are used to remove dirt or sweat. After this double cleansing routine, nothing will be left on your skin. I use Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, which is formulated for all skin types and can be used on sensitive skin.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliation is so important because it cleans out your pores and removes dead skin. However, this is not a good idea for every day, especially if you have sensitive skin. I use Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash, and it is like a mini peel with little beads to help exfoliate.
Step 4: Toner
Toner is such an important part of the skincare routine and should be added to even the simplest of routines. Toner helps to prep the skin for the upcoming steps and minimize excess oil. I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion, Apply with a cotton pad and make sure it does not get into your eye or lip area.
Step 5: Essence
I had never heard of Essence before I began studying this routine. Essence provides hydrating, brightening, and wrinkle-preventing benefits. After much research, I decided to use MISSHA The Revolution Essence. I put this on a cotton pad and gently rubbed it onto my face and neck.
Step 6: Serum
Different serums have different benefits, so you need to do some research before you purchase any. I use Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum, but this can only be used every other day, so on opposite days, I have been using Julep Boost Your Radiance.
Step 7: Mask
Masks are honestly the best and most fun part of this whole routine. Many masks have different advantages and applications, but I use the Mamonde Petal Purifying Bubble Mask. It smells amazing and makes your skin feel soft and clean. Other masks I suggest are anything from the brand Feeling Beautiful or The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask.
Step 8: Eye Cream
I have the worst under-eye coloring. I tend to always look tired, which is why I started using eye cream. I use the Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream, but I’m not sure if I am seeing much of a difference. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Step 9: Face Cream
Using a daily face moisturizing cream is very important to start in your late teens/the early twenties because it helps your skin stay young. I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, but another cream I love is the Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. I do not use the moisture surge as often because it does not come in a pump.
This is a lot of steps, and you do not need to do all nine a day! I will probably dwindle this down to five or six steps a day. But after doing this routine for a week, I see such a difference in my skin! I suggest all of these products, but if you like any other ones, please let me know!!
Thanks for reading and I hope you will come back next week!
XOXO,
Emma
*All photos courtesy of the author