Asian beauty trends have been creeping in to the main stream since the turn of the century, but lately it seems the U.S. has gone crazy for South Korean beauty hacks—whether that be in style or skin care.
From TonyMoly and the rest of the Korean skin care section at Ulta (a staple for years for those in the know) to the new Korean skin care displays in neighborhood Targets, the U.S. seems to be embracing a new cultural import.
Though we’ve yet to experience the height of the trend, Innisfree, a popular Korean beauty superstore, even opened its first U.S. shop last month in LA. Pretty soon, we’ll all be embracing the 10-step beauty routine that’s sweeping the internet.
Though we all can’t jet off to LA to get in on the trend (or even afford the pricey Target fare at $23 a step) we CAN all get in on it with a little bit of knowledge and a Google search.
Here’s what to look for and why:
Oil Cleanser:
Grab this Neutrogena cleanser from Target for $7.64.
Put down your makeup wipes, you’re ruining your skin. Instead, reach for an oil-based cleanser to thoroughly break down any makeup or grime sticking to your skin after a hard day. Wipes and some facial cleansers can dry the skin, while others do too little.
Water-based Cleanser:
This two-part cleansing can seem extreme. If you’re a one-and-done sort of person at the end of the day, it’ll be the hardest part, but trust the process. You want to keep your skin as squeaky clean as possible, and a gentle water-based cleanser will clear out anything the oil’s left behind.
Exfoliator:
Though you’ll be cleaning your face every day, dead skin can still cling on. Exfoliating is one of the most important parts of the routine and the easiest to get wrong. It’s easy to get carried away with an exfoliator. Don’t do this every day. Exfoliating away dead skin will leave your skin fresh and ready for the next few steps in your beauty routine. Try it once or twice a week.
Toner:
Try this moisture balancing toner from K-beauty brand Innisfree for $16 on their site or $13.98 on Amazon.
DO NOT BUY toner made in the U.S. for this process. Though good products on their own, toners manufactured in the U.S. tend to be harsher. Those formulated for Korean routines are more moisturizing and will leave you feeling refreshed.
Essence:
This is something still foreign to many in the States. Think of it as a serum and toner mixed. This watery concoction will penetrate hyaluronic acid, vitamins and whatever else you choose deep in to your skin.
Treatments or serums:
Think of this as your wild card. Feeling extra dull lately? Have a breakout that won’t go away? This is the time to give yourself some extra love. Add any kind of serum your skin might need.
Sheet masks:
Snag 11 TonyMoly masks for $13.95 from Walmart online.
Time to seal it all in! You can use these as little or as often as you’d like, but the sheet mask will do double duty for you when your skin is in need. Pop one on for a skin care boost and chill, the rest of your routine will be locked in tight by the mask.
Eye Cream:
Use this at night. We in the U.S. already know the importance of a good eye cream, so hold on to the one you’ve probably already got. Maybe move it by the bedside so you get it on every night, no matter what. The skin around our eyes is the most sensitive and deserves the most care.
Moisturizer & Sun protection:
In the U.S., steps 9 & 10 often go together, and you don’t have to change that now. Though the two are considered separate steps, a two-in-one will work just as well. Keeping your face moisturized and protected from the sun is important for everyone, not just those of us with light, dry skin.