I gotta say I’ve heard a lot on Korean skincare. That even-toned, luminous, blackhead-free skin are hard to come by. I should know. I’ve known this for a long time. Back in 2010, I’d met the training head of Shiseido–sure it’s based out of Japan (not Korea) but Asian skincare regimes have been elaborate at their very core. The expert herself had handed me four to five products for a morning skincare ritual itself. I thought that was a lot but Korean Skincare Regime is all about layering from the lightest product onto the heaviest towards the end.
If that wasn’t enough, Korean skincare is more tedious. A standard Korean Skincare regime is all about layering from the lightest product onto the heaviest towards the end. It’s a minimum of 10 steps in the Holy Korean Skincare.
Since I’m super lazy, and practical, I think advising a 10 step skincare regime would be unfair to my readers (who are just like me!). Here are some steps you can definitely learn and adapt from Korean Skincare.
Use two cleansers (an oil-based and water-based cleanser)
Since most of our makeup is matte, oil-based or just long-lasting (hello mascara!), Korean skin care relies on using multiple products just to get your skin clean. Use an oil-based makeup remover/ cleanser especially on your eyes and lips. Add a splash of lukewarm water and massage an oil-based cleanser giving it an emulsion effect. Now use a foam or water based cleanser preferably with anti-bacterial and cooling properties (like Green Tea, Tea Tree). Not only does this double-cleansing method helps you get squeaky clean but also removes traces of the oil based cleanser/makeup remover you just used.
The best way to use it: I’d use an oil-based makeup remover on my eyes if I’m wearing eyeliner. If I’d put highlighter which sometimes manages to get into pores, I’d make most of both cleansers.
You can try the ones above or some here!
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Wash
Add an essence to your routine
An essence lies at the heart of the Korean Skincare regime. Like the name suggests, this beauty elixir usually contains a lot of actives (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic acids), humectants (like glycerin and squalane) that attract and lock moisture along with the goodness of natural ingredients (like salt from natural springs or mud from a volcano). This has to be applied post cleansing and toning and has to be tapped into your skin.
The best way to use it: I think you should only buy this product if you have the patience of applying this correctly. Start by taking a pump or two onto clean hands. Use your finger tips and tap it on skin for a few seconds.
If you think you’d like to try an essence, here are a few options
The Face Shop Mango Seed Essence
Innisfree Green Tea Refreshing Essence
Make most of the sheet masks
The most indulgent and enriching part of Korean skincare is sheet masks. Made for one-time use, a sheet mask is great on price and on delivery. What’s your concern? To nourish your skin? Maybe recover after a long night of partying? Take care of fine lines and wrinkles? Or just have super soft skin? You’ve got it! There are so many different varieties keeping our needs in mind that it is amazing! Something about the sheet used in the mask helps lock in the moisture as well as ingredients– which is probably why women of all ages recommend it. That, and because it’s a great photo-op for Instagram. I’d suggest using it once every 7-10 days.
The best way to use it: Just like any other mask, this too should be put on a clean face mask. Cut open your favorite sheet mask, place it onto your face and make sure it is aligned to your face shape and eyes. Wash your hands, sit back and put on a show for 20 minutes. Make sure you take it off on time to avoid things getting too oily. Gently rub the leftover mask onto your face with clean hands to ensure you made the most of it!
Try a variety of sheet masks!
TonyMoly I’m Real Face Mask
The Face Shop Real Cucumber Sheet Mask
Innisfree It’s a Squeeze Face Mask
Now that we told you our favorites from Korean skincare, do tell us about your experiences in the comments’ section.
Manavi Siddhanti is a lifestyle journalist and ex-magazine editor based in New Delhi, India. She writes about beauty and lifestyle. Pragati Siddhanti is an IT manager who is based in Basel,Switzerland. She writes on travel, expat life and motherhood.
