It goes a bit like this: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask or an SPF (10).
This is why Korean women live by the rule of double cleansing, double eye mask and double hydration in their skincare regimen. The step cleansing method includes a foaming face wash followed by an oil-based cleanser. This clears the skin of every last bit of makeup and dirt from face.
Sunscreen is really the most important product of all, as it's single handedly the most effective way to prevent and combat signs of premature aging, dry skin, and age spots. You should wear a layer of SPF in addition to any and all your other products, even if they also contain SPF.
In Korea, skin is always first. They value skin as being more important than makeup or fashion. Their skin secret is that they are using alternative, animal and natural ingredients that a lot of popular skincare brands hadn't really considered using in the past.
Conclusion. You do not need to practice a 10-step skincare routine to get the results you want. Skipping breakfast and missing out on night-time chats with people are not worth it... especially because your skin may look even better with only a 3-step routine.
“Glass skin” is a phrase that originated on the K-beauty scene and quickly went viral on social media. It's used to describe a complexion so luminous, it could be modeled from glass.
It's because Koreans tend to view caring for their complexion as the ultimate investment, worthy of not only their money, even more so their time. In fact, most perform an intricate 10-step cleansing and moisturizing routine—every single night.
Get skin care products, including a lotion which makes your skin moist, a primer base (pore cover), a liquid foundation like BB cream, and face powder. You will also need black or brown eyeliner, eye shadows, eyebrow liner, teardrop liner which is kind of a glitter popular among Korean girls, and lip tint.
According to one survey, the highest-quality beauty products come from Japan, the United States, and France (in that order).
When it comes to skincare, Cho says Korean women use “natural skin brighteners such as rice extracts, vitamin C, and licorice, as well as exfoliators. For stubborn brown spots, they will visit the dermatologist to lighten the brown spots using lasers.”
Based on tradition, Koreans only used natural and harsh-free ingredients to create the clear, glowy, and natural-looking skin through multiple generations that made K-Beauty products better and so popular today. Natural Korean makeup can still be made today for people to try at home by making your very own face mask.
Fundamentally, the routine is about respecting your skin. Instead of using products full of harsh ingredients that strip the skin's natural barrier, Korean skin care philosophy is about working with your skin's natural ecosystem by cleansing, hydrating, nourishing, and protecting it — allowing your skin to thrive.
K-Beauty toners nurture and purify the skin
Also called lotions, K-Beauty toners are rich in ingredients that hydrate skin rather than rid it of moisture. You can find ingredients like kelp extract, mineral water, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, and carrot root oil in K-Beauty toners.
The Korean Double Cleansing Method is a two-step process that involves washing your face with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one. Using two different cleansers at night is designed to remove makeup, dirt and build-up for cleaner, softer, and smoother skin.
“Glass skin is when your skin is at its very healthiest,” explains Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily. “In order for skin to appear poreless, luminous, and translucent, so many things have to happen. You can't just be hydrated and look that way. Your skin really needs to be its healthiest in all aspects.
A traditional Korean facial begins with a cleansing routine, as well, and is followed by toning and steam. After that, it deviates. Unlike American facials, physical exfoliation during a Korean facial is a rarity. Estheticians are more likely to use enzyme or chemical exfoliators to gently nix dead skin cell build up.
What is dolphin skin? “Dolphin skin is a beauty term that's being used to describe a glistening, hydrated, 'fresh out of the water' makeup look,” explains Mary Phillips, a professional makeup artist who's worked with celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in rice water and apply it on your face. You can even use it for a nice massage after a tiring day and wash it off after 10 minutes or so. When you spray cold rice water on your face, it will make your skin feel instantly tight and fresh.