My Korean Skincare Routine

Hi everyone! I want to talk about my skincare routine. I already did post about my skincare a few months ago and you can read my post here to see the difference of my skincare routine. For your information, I'm not a high maintenance gal. I prefer to wear no make up and do as little as possible because I don't really like to wear makeup with my dull face and open pores and pimple on my face. My skincare before just cleansing, toner and moisturizer. That's it. If foregoing a complicated beauty routine means I get an extra 10 minutes in bed, I will make that sacrifice in favor of sleep.

After tried some Korean skincare product, suddenly I'm hooked with it. I've done lots of researched about the skincare and it took me almost a month. I even bought The Little Book of Skincare by Charlotte Cho, SOKO GLAM from Amazon. This book is everything you need to know about Korean skincare and beauty. This book also list some recommended products that you might be interested for your skin concern.

Fiends, meet my skincare team.

MORNING ROUTINE

STEP 1 : Cleanse

Currently, switching between NATURE REPUBLIC Soothing & Moisturize Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser ($6.98) and just water. Sometimes I don't feel the need to use cleanser in the morning. When you go to sleep, that's when your skin restore and it makes a great ingredients. I know, I can't stand to not cleanse my face in the morning too.

STEP 2 : Toner

Also I'm switching between CORSX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner ($16) and SON&PARK Beauty Water ($27.59). Those are hydrating toners while prepping and repairing  your skin's barrier to effectively absorb the moisturizers that follow. Toners are often called "refreshers" by Korean brand. And I prefer to use Son&Park more because this toner seems to do the job without the harsh smell nor the drying effect Before proceed to the step 3, I usually let the toner absorbs to my skin.

STEP 3 : The Essence

The essence is the heart of the Korean skincare routine. You may say "I'm still young and I don't need essence because my skin doesn't need that. Well, prevent is better than cure, honey. So my pick is MISSHA Time Revolution First Treatment Essence (26.29). I totally in love with this essence. It hydrates just as well, held moisture better through the day and I felt thay it actually help with the clearing of occasional hormonal breakouts.

STEP 4 : Serum

I used KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop Serum ($23). This serum revitalizes the skin by brightening and reducing the visibility of dark spot and acne scars. I just started using this and I can always notice a slight difference. There's one when I accidently pop my pimple and I put this serum at night, the next wala I can see it's fading. I have to wait a few minutes for it to absorbs for the best results tho.

STEP 5 : Eye Cream/patch

"If the eyes are windows to your soul, then the skin around them is the barometer of your age" - Charlotte. It help keep the dark circles, and puffiness. I'm wearing the PETITFEE Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch ($.25) for 5-10 minutes before proceed to the next step. Since I always woke up late, I take a shower with this eye patch around my eyes and open it before applying the moisturizer.

STEP 6 : The Moisturizer

I'm switching cream between ETUDE HOUSE Pink Vital Water Cream and MIZON All in One Snail Repair Cream. Those are the samples that I bought last time and I need to use them all before I can buy the IOPE Bio Hydro Cream.

STEP 7 : Sunscreen

I used the MISSHA All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk ($12.99) because it's light facial sunscreen that absorbs quickly, without a greasy or white cast.

That's my morning skincare routine. After done with the routine, I'm set to go. Yes, I love to go to work with my bare face with lipstick. Less makeup, and more skincare.

NIGHT ROUTINE

STEP 1 : Oil Cleanser

I apply on my dry face directly with Banila Co. Clean It Zero Classic ($16.95). It's a sorbet-soft, lightweight formula that transform from a solid balm to a silky oil on the skin and effortlessly dissolves stubborn makeup and dirt. This oil literally melts whatever on my face off, makeup, sweat, dirt/dust and anything I get on my face during the day. I can see my skin glowing when finishing cleansing. I prefer to wipe it with cotton pads first then wash with lukewarm.

STEP 2 : Water / Foam-Based Cleanser

"Believe it or not, after one cleanse, you're still going to have stuff left over," says Charlotte. Second cleanse ensures that any remaining dirt and makeup is removed and that you're face is really clean. I used the same cleanser that I used in the morning.

STEP 3 : The exfoliator

SKIN FOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off ($7.74) promotes hydration and the sloughing of dead skin cells for better product absorption. This exfoliating mask is great for oily skin. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and not too harsh like other exfoliators. After massage my face with this, I leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. I did this twice a week only.

*The following steps are similar to my morning routine; toner, essence, and serum.

STEP 7 : Pimple Patch

I used [Cosrx] Acne Pimple Master Patch 24pcs ($5.19) every time pimples pop up with a head on my face. It's a small patch version of hydrocolloid bandages and it takes 3-4 times using it for the pimple to disappear completely. It sucks out all of the gunk when I put it over pimples with white heads showing. Eww.  I'll used this over night and just put my moisturizer on top of this patch.

STEP 8 : Sheet Mask

"If the essence is the heart of the Korean skincare routine, then the sheet is the soul" says Charlotte. For the sheet mask, I don't have any A MUST HAVE sheet mask and I just use sheet mask brand randomly. And now I'm ran out of it. I just ordered the PONY EFFECT Luminous Boosting Mask Pack ($3) and BONVIVANT Botanical Pure Mask Pack #Chamomile + Tea Tree ($1).

*Followed by eye cream and moisturizer. I switch my moisturizer with TONYMOLY Panda's Dream White Sleeping Pack ($8.93) every 3-4 days. Twice a week.

Phew, finally I'm done. If you're exhausted just reading this skincare routine, so was I-at first. I know what you're thinking. Who has time for that so many steps skincare? It take me like 10-15 for morning routine and 20-30 minutes for night routine. It's hard at first and I thought I'll try to skip some of the step because of my laziness but I enjoy pampering myself instead. It sounds daunting, but this skincare really worth your time. And please don't freak out that I spent too much money on this. I don't buy them all at once though. Every time my paycheck, I'll only buy 2-3 products.

Even though, my skin still have the acne scars, pores open etc, I can see my face starting to look brighter and more supple, and my skin tone was more even and clear. My fine lines and pores are less visible and I had a glow. Not an oily glaze, but a glow.

Well, that's my new skincare. Have you tried this Korean's skincare? What are your thoughts?