In the past Japan was the Asian country that dominated the worlds of pop culture and fashion but in recent years they’ve been challenged for this spot by the nation of South Korea. K-Pop musicians and K-Drama actors have turned people across the globe K-razy for everything Korean, especially when it comes to fashion. Korean stars have an almost otherworldly beauty that can be traced back to their intense skincare regimens. If you want to look like a member of BTS or Girls Generation, then you should be prepared to take your skincare routine to the next level.
If you want to dive into the deep end without getting your mind blown it’s worth investing in the strict but effective 10-step routine that you can buy packaged together for some semblance of simplicity. But these packages can also be more expensive than buying each product separately, and they also don’t allow you to mix and match to achieve the exact look you’re going for. No matter what you decide to do, it’s worth knowing the steps. So let’s dive in and look at the ten steps you need to take each morning if you want to look like you’ve got Seoul.
Clean oil and makeup from your skin
You want to start out as fresh as possible, and the biggest obstacles to this are leftover makeup and your skin’s natural oils. Look for a product that is designed to address both of these concerns. You don’t want to remove oils but not makeup or vice versa.
Move onto a cleanser
While removing makeup and oil is important it won’t completely clean your skin. To get completely clean you need to use a product that targets water-based contaminants.
Exfoliate for a deeper clean
The cleaning continues with an exfoliant that will get into your pores and really clean them up. Pores are all too often overlooked by people planning skincare treatments, but they can have a major impact on your look. This is especially true if you’ve addressed all the other issues with your skin but overlooked your pores.
Finish Cleaning With Toner
The next step sits between the cleaning phase and the active steps that come after. Toner provides one last bit of cleaning while working to help heal your skin. Many people think toner is unnecessary, but it can really help take your skincare to a new level by helping you get more out of the following phases.
Experience Essence
This phase is what really sets the Korean routine apart. What they call essence is a unique mixture of chemicals that is somewhere in between a toner and a serum. It’s designed to heal your skin on the deepest level possible, sinking into your skins and helping to encourage them to regenerate faster. Don’t skip over this step because it’s what really gives Korean skincare its unique quality!
Clean Up With Serum, Boosters, or Ampoules
One of the beautiful things about the routine is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. This phase is where you really get to choose the product that you need to address your unique skin concerns. If you have pigmentation issues, then this step will address it. Just make sure you take the time to find the right product for your skin.
Put On A Sheet Mask (Occasionally)
This phase is the only optional step in the process. Applying a sheet mask to your skin and letting it rest for long enough for the chemicals inside the mask to sink into your skin takes a little bit of time. While you should only put on a sheet mask for 10-20 minutes at a time, this can still double the length of the process. Luckily you only need to do this step a couple of times a week to get the results you are looking for.
Dab Some Cream Around Your Eyes
No one wants dry and puffy eyes. By gently and carefully applying some eye cream you can really help your eyes shine out with youthful beauty.
Seal In Your Skin’s Moisture
After finishing with the active ingredients of the routine, it’s time to seal in your hard work. The first step of this phase is applying moisturizer. Don’t let your skin dry out and develop lines or cracks. Always apply moisturizer, your skin will thank you in the years to come.
Finish Up By Applying Sunscreen
The sun might keep us alive, but it is also your skin’s biggest enemy. If you want to ensure that your skin is as smooth, clean, and healthy as possible, then you should finish up your morning routine by applying sunscreen or some other high-SPF product.
Committing To The Process
After reading all of these steps, you might feel a little bit intimidated. If you’re used to a more minimalist skincare regimen, then this might seem over the top, but you need to trust me when I say that it isn’t as tough as it seems. It might take you a while to get used to, but once you get used to the process, you can finish every step except the sheet mask in 15 minutes. That isn’t a lot of time when you consider the serious results you can see if you really stick to the process.
No one said that looking like a K-pop star would be easy. Your favorite Korean idols train around the clock for years before they perform live for the first time. With that in mind spending 15 minutes in front of the mirror every day shouldn’t feel like too much to invest in yourself. If it sounds like something, you’re even remotely interested in it’s worth trying out just to see how you can transform your face after a few weeks of commitment to the routine.