My Korean Skincare Routine
In this previous post, I talked about the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine. Today I want to explain more in details which is my own Korean Skincare Routine, adjusted to my necessities and with a mix of Western and Oriental products.
If you’re wondering how to get Korean brands and Oriental beauty products, you have a lot of options. Many Korean brands such as Innisfree and Etude House have their own site which sells internationally. Then there are some European re-sellers (such as if you want to avoid any risk and custom duties. Although my preferred options are the Korean Beauty Shop at Amazon.com where you can find the most famous Korean brands such as Missha, Tony Moly, The Face Shop etc. or Korean multi-brands e-shops. The latters are extremely worthwhile, they have a huge assortment with affordable prices. Of course, there is a custom duties’ risk but you can avoid them with small orders. My absolute favourite e-shops are Jolse, TesterKorea, BeautynetKorea, Cosmetic Love. I do not recommend Ebay or Chinese sites since there are tons of fakes. Also, you can find brands such as Erborian at Sephora.
Let’s see which are my favourite products for my Korean Skincare Routine.
Korean Skincare Routine
1. Cleanse
Along with my beloved Bioderma H2O Crealine, oil is my favourite make-up remover. For the first step cleanser you can choose your favourite organic oil such as raw coconut oil, or opt for a specific facial oil cleanser. Some Western options are Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, Emma Hardie Natural Lift Moringa Cleansing Balm or Antipodes Certified Organic Grapeseed Butter Cleanser. I have acne-prone skin so I need a super light oil. In the end I settled on Korean The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil: it is super cheap, lightweight, non-greasy and super effective; it also emulsifies well with lukewarm water. Highly recommended.
2. Cleanse again
There are tons of options here. Every traditional cleanser is good enough. I loved Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser, John Masters Organics Bearberry Skin Balancing Face Wash, Jurlique Replenishing Foaming Cleanser. Right now I’m using Laboratoires SVR Gel Moussant and I’m loving it.
3. Exfoliate
I always alternate my exfoliation methods, using both chemical and mechanical exfoliation. As for mechanical exfoliation I love using Clarisonic with the foaming cleanser, Konjac sponge or Japanese Mizuho Cleansing Brush. As for chemical exfoliation I love AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), such as Alpha-H Liquid Gold, La Roche Posay Duo+, Avène Triacneal, Laboratoires SVR Crème Active, COSRX BHA Summer Pore Minish Serum etc. Korean brand COSRX has a full range of AHA and BHA based products at super affordable prices.
4. Toner
I’ve never been able to find the right facial toner for me. After a strong exfoliation I do prefer a gentle, mild, restoring toner. The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisture Toner is perfection: it is brightening and hydrating at same time. Plus, it is really cheap. Highly recommended for sensitive and dry skin.
5. Essence
In this field I’m still experimenting. Right now I’m using Nature Republic Real Nature Honey Essence which is very replenishing and to me almost identical to a traditional serum. I also bought COSRX Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence, really similar to infamous SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (available on Sephora.com); Missha has also a famous dupe.
6. Ampoule
Oh, my beloved facial serums. My most recent love is from a niche, luxury Greek brand: Philab Anti-ageing Repair Serum. I’m currently testing John Masters Organics Green Tea & Rose Hydrating Face Serum which is perfect to restore skin’s hydration during Summer. I also recommend facial serums from an Italian organic brand, Biofficina Toscana. I’ve never tried Korean ampoules yet!
7. Patch & mask
I fell in love with Korean sheet masks. I tried those from Innisfree and Holika Holika but I also love Sephora‘s ones! Sephora has also launched eye masks at a small price, check them out ;). Otherwise my favourite wash-off masks are those from REN, then I can’t wait to try Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Liquid Nose Pack.
8. Eye Cream
I am loyal to my beloved Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream which is really rich: its nourishing properties are highly effective.
9. Moisturize
You have plenty of choices here. I really liked L’Occitane Crème Perfectrice Pivoine and Aesop Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream, for example, especially for a combination skin.
10. Sleeping pack
I’ve never tried any Korean sleeping pack yet but Sephora is going to launch for next Fall 2015 its own sleeping pack masks which are a really good idea if you want to try this trick!
So, this is my own personal Korean Skincare Routine, do you want to try your own version?
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