The three steps to skincare (cleanse, tone, and moisturize) have been replaced a whole lot of steps. We have K-beauty to thank for this evolution of our routine. For better, healthy skin is only a few solutions away. For worse, because sometimes it can take up to at least 30 minutes, cutting into our bed time.

It also gets a little confusing as the products expand our vocabulary and understanding of beauty knowledge. What was once a general approach to skincare is further customized for every other concern we have. Does it leave you a little confused? Do you feel it’s a marketing ploy? We’re dissecting a few of the newer terms so you can differentiate them and tell which one you need to put your money on the most.

Emulsion

What is it?
It’s a thinner lotion made to moisturize the skin and seal in the other beauty products you applied to your face.

What’s it made of?
Water and a combination of moisture-locking ingredients, depending on the formulation of the beauty company.

Try: Tony Moly The Black Tea Emulsion. Available at SM City North EDSA.

Essence

What is it?
It helps your skin absorb more of the succeeding products you put on your face such as a sheet mask and night cream.

What’s it made of?
It is lighter than a serum and contains essential ingredients to help a target concern of your skin. Bustle says it’s similar to the solutions found in a sheet mask without the actual sheet.

Try: Etude House Wonder Pore Tightening Essence. Available at SM Megamall.

Ampoule

What is it?
It’s best to use it before your serum so your skin is primed to benefit from your serum. Since it acts fast, it heals your skin of its surface level problem so your serum can sink further into the skin and do its job.

What’s it made of?
Byrdie notes that compared to a serum, an ampoule is a quick recovery solution. You are meant to feel its effect immediately. It’s usually thicker in consistency as it is more concentrated in terms of the chosen ingredient it utilizes.

Try: Nature Republic Rose Ampoule. Available at Landmark, Makati.

Serum

What is it?
It’s ideally the last step in your routine. They tend to be thick and almost opaque as they are meant to remain on your face overnight.

What’s it made of?
According to Fashionista, it has a “few key active ingredients to address specific issues like brightening, dark spots, or wrinkles.” Pay attention then to the serum you choose so you can find one that matches your primary skin problem.

Try: Luzern Serum Absolut WE3. Available at Sephora PH.