The first time I heard about the 10-step Korean skincare routine, I questioned how people had time to do something sooo tedious. You have cleansing, exfoliating, sheet masks, eye creams—the whole nine yards. Then again, this is also coming from a person who’s pretty lax with skincare.
On the plus side though, this is basically the secret to the Koreans’ smooth, almost poreless skin. Into the Gloss notes that their routine is an “exhaustive multi-step process” that they learn at a young age. But don’t worry, it’s not too late for us yet. We still have time to incorporate this to our nightly routine, and get that youthful complexion. Just grab the items listed below, and conjure up enough patience to go through all 10 steps. Feel free to also switch it up depending on your skin needs.
#1 Oil cleanser: VMV Hypoallergenics Gentle & Softening Makeup Removing Oil
First step is to remove all makeup with a mild oil cleanser. This rids your skin of all impurities and any waterproof makeup you have on. You can use the VMV Hypoallergenics’ Gentle & Softening Makeup Removing Oil, which also replenishes dry skin. You can also check out our list of cleansing oils if you want more options. Available at SM Makati.
#2 Water-based cleanser: Nuxe Paris Micellar Cleansing Water
To really make sure that you got everything off, you’ll need a water-based cleanser to do the job for you. Go for Nuxe Paris’ Micellar Cleansing Water with rose petals, which is a light soap-free cleanser that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Available at SM Megamall.
#3 Exfoliator: Laneige Clear-C Peeling Mask
Next, you need to exfoliate to remove dead skin. We suggest you use the Laneige Clear-C Peeling Mask, which uses small and soft strawberry seeds. But remember to only do this two to three times per week. Available on Althea.
#4 Toner: Burt’s Bees Daisy White Facial Toner
The toning step will help balance out your skin’s pH levels and preps the skin for better absorption. Grab Burt’s Bees’ Daisy White Facial Toner to do just that, and also take care of dull skin. Available at Century City Mall.
#5 Essence: SKINFOOD Royal Honey Propolis Essence
The key to getting brighter and smoother skin is by patting down something like SKINFOOD’s Royal Honey Propolis Essence to further hydrate and repair your skin. The royal black honey in the formula makes the skin more supple and radiant. Available at SM Megamall.
#6 Serum: ARCONA Booster Defense Serum
Serums are more concentrated than essences, which works to provide more nutrients, refine pores, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Use ARCONA’s Booster Defense Serum to get an ample dose of antioxidants and to boost skin regeneration. Available at Sephora PH.
#7 Sheet mask: Holika Holika Before Mask Sheet: Office Attendance
Everyone’s favorite step: the sheet mask. You can choose from a wide variety of them, even use the emoji ones, and put them on for 20 to 30 minutes. For this, we’re suggesting Holika Holika’s Before Mask Sheet to soothe your skin and lessen redness and puffiness. This is also a great mask to use before heading to work the next day. Available at Beauty MNL.
#8 Eye cream: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment
Give your under eyes some love by applying Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with avocado oil. This will help hydrate your delicate eye area. Just make sure to gently tap the product and not rub so you won’t stretch the skin. Available at Greenbelt 5.
#9 Moisturizer: L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Fluid
You’re not done moisturizing just yet. Slowly massage L’Occitane’s Immortelle Precious Fluid on your face for smoother and firmer skin. This’ll help the product penetrate the skin better so you get the full benefits. Available at Rustan’s Makati.
#10 UV protection: Benefit Cosmetics Dream Screen
Are you still with us? Because the UV protection step is important to do, especially when you’re doing this during the daytime. Benefit Cosmetics’ Dream Screen is a lightweight product you can use underneath your makeup. It has SPF 45, which will help block the sun’s rays when you’re out and about. Available at Sephora PH.
Art by Yayie Motos
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