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Throughout the world, beauty gurus and makeup artists have started adopting the iconic Korean skincare routine with stunning results. What started off as merely a trend has turned into a lifestyle for many over the years. Not only does it result in healthy skin, but it's rooted in Korean culture as well. 

What exactly is the Korean Skincare Routine?

If you're new to the term, you may be getting exceedingly confused. The Korean skincare routine essentially consists of 10 steps. It includes everything from cleanser, moisturizers, and toners to essences, serums, and sheet masks. 

The routine doesn't mean you need to purchase a ton of different products, but it focuses more on the types of products and using those products in the correct order.

Why is it so popular? 

The main reason why it's so revered throughout beauty communities is that it's flexible. There are some products you absolutely need to have on hand, and the process is pretty much set in stone, but other than that, the rest is up to you!

What products are involved?

Here are the main products you'll need, in the order, you should apply them in: 

1. Oil-based cleanser

2. Water-based cleanser

3. Exfoliator

4. Toner

5. Essence

6. Serum

7. Sheet mask

8. Eye cream

9. Moisturizer

10. Sunscreen

Step-by-step Korean Skincare Routine 

Although the rest is up to you, some details may help you out if you're just getting into the art of the Korean skincare routine! Here is a detailed guide to the 10 step routine. 

Step #1: Use an Oil-Based Cleanser

Oil-based cleansers will help you remove all your makeup from your face, along with any dirt or dust your pores have gathered up throughout the day! Oil-based cleansers are gentle on the skin, and they're effective for removing water-proof products as well. Apply a small amount and rub it on your face in circles. After cleansing for a couple of minutes, gently rinse off with water. My recommendations are: Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm or DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.

Step #2: Use a Water-Based/Foam Cleanser

The next step is to continue cleansing! At this step, use a water-based cleanser such as micellar water - this will make sure your face is free of not just dirt and grime but of sweat and oil-based dirt as well! A small pump of the cleanser should be enough - massage it onto your skin like the oil-based cleanser and rinse with water. Make sure you keep gently massaging your face - it's a unique part of the Korean routine! My recommendations are: Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Cleansing Foam or CereVe SA Wash. 

Step #3: Exfoliate 

Whether you use a homemade body scrub or a commercial one, exfoliation is essential. The scrub removes dead skin cells from your face and leaves it nourished and refreshed. Make sure the scrub you're using is a gentle one - you don't need a scrub that's tough enough to hurt your skin! Once you've rubbed it thoroughly (but not harshly!), rinse it off after a few minutes. My recommendations are: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant or COSRX One Step Original Clear Pads. 

Step #4: Apply Toner 

The purpose of a toner isn't to remove more dirt but to lessen how oily your skin is. This is helpful if your skin is too oily as well. It makes your skin feel drier and essentially prepares it for other steps. Make sure you choose a toner that suits your skin. Then, apply it to your hand or a cotton ball and pat it onto your skin.  My recommendations are: Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Toner or Son & Park Beauty Water.

Step #5: Use Essence

Essence is one of the main things that sets apart Korean skincare routines from others. Not many are aware of its properties, but essence basically consists of ingredients that soothe your skin and heal it simultaneously. They are fairly thin in texture, so you don't need to worry about putting too many products on your skin. You only need to apply a few drops onto your skin at a time. My recommendations are: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) 

Step #6: Use a serum 

With the application of the essence, your skin will be completely clear - now, it's time to layer on the heavier products. Serums are full to the brim with powerful plant-based ingredients. This will help improve your skin's health and protect it from dark spots, wrinkles, and similar blemishes. Sprinkle the serum onto your palm and pat it against your skin.  My recommendations are: Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule or Banila Co. Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Ampoule.

Step #7: Put on a Sheet Mask 

Sheet masks are another thing that set the Korean beauty routine apart from its counterparts. Sheet masks are soaked in serum and subsequently packed with vitamins. On top of that, they're really hydrating. A single mask lasts about 15-20 minutes and comes in a standard shape meant for all shapes and sizes. They're great for last-minute skincare and hydration as well! My recommendations are: Mediheal Tea Tree Care Solution Essential Mask or  I Dew Care Let's Get Sheet Faced Sheet Mask Set.

Step #8: Apply eye cream

Eye creams are by no means unique to the Korean routine, but it's a vital part either way. This is particularly important if your skin is showing signs of aging. They prevent wrinkles and dark circles by smoothing out the skin and keeping it hydrated. Take a drop of it the size of a fingernail and tap it on the skin around your eyes. The skin around the eyes tends to dry out pretty quickly, so applying a bit of extra onto your skin wouldn't hurt! My recommendations are: Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream or Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel.

Step #9: Moisturize 

Moisturizing is a crucial step according to Koreans, whether or not they follow the entire routine. Besides hydrating your face, it locks in all the previous products you've applied as well. Gently massage your skin with a generous amount of the moisturizer of your choice for around 15 minutes. If your skin is naturally oily, then a thin layer of moisturizer should be more than enough. My recommendations are: AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System or Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. 

Step #10: Apply Sunscreen

This step is exclusive for daytime when your skin has the highest chance of getting damaged due to the sun's harmful UV rays. Whether it's summer or winter, sunscreen is essential in any case. Although it's better to research the exact SPF for your skin and purpose, an SPF 60 works pretty well for going out into the sun. In this case, don't limit the sunscreen to your face, but apply a bit to your neck and jawline as well.  My recommendations are: Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+/PA+++ or La Roche Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 Sunscreen.

The Korean Skin Care regimen is a long process. However, if done on a consistent basis, your skin will be GLOWING!!!

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