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10 Step Korean Skincare Routine Thread 
I’ll be posting a variety of budget friendly products for each step and for all skin types!
I’ll be posting a variety of budget friendly products for each step and for all skin types!
Please note that everyone’s skin is different so what works for me might not work for you, HOWEVER I have combination skin which is acne prone but also very dry & sensitive & these products have worked wonders for my skin.
This thread will contain products from mostly Korean brands, but some western brands too!
Here are some online retailers where the Korean products can be purchased:
Worldwide (and my favourite): https://www.yesstyle.com/
UK: https://asianbeautyplus.com
US: https://sokoglam.com
Here are some online retailers where the Korean products can be purchased:
Worldwide (and my favourite): https://www.yesstyle.com/
UK: https://asianbeautyplus.com
US: https://sokoglam.com
STEP 1:
MAKEUP REMOVER/OIL CLEANSER
Double cleansing is a very important part of the Korean skincare routine and the best way to do it is to start with an oil cleanser as it removes all the gunk. However, if you don’t wear a lot of makeup then miscellar water is just fine.
MAKEUP REMOVER/OIL CLEANSER
Double cleansing is a very important part of the Korean skincare routine and the best way to do it is to start with an oil cleanser as it removes all the gunk. However, if you don’t wear a lot of makeup then miscellar water is just fine.
Banila Co. Clean it Zero:
This cleansing balm has been a cult favourite for a while, it’s great for all skin types and removes makeup effectively without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Contains acerola extract which is rich in vitamin C and naturally brightens.
This cleansing balm has been a cult favourite for a while, it’s great for all skin types and removes makeup effectively without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Contains acerola extract which is rich in vitamin C and naturally brightens.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter:
Camomile is a great ingredient for soothing sensitive skin and has anti irritant properties. This cleansing balm is very nourishing and gentle on the skin. Most importantly, it removes all traces of makeup!
Camomile is a great ingredient for soothing sensitive skin and has anti irritant properties. This cleansing balm is very nourishing and gentle on the skin. Most importantly, it removes all traces of makeup!
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Solution:
I think most people know about this product but I’ve decided to include it anyway. Hands down the best micellar water I’ve ever used, removes your makeup down to a T! Doesn’t cause breakouts or irritate skin.
I think most people know about this product but I’ve decided to include it anyway. Hands down the best micellar water I’ve ever used, removes your makeup down to a T! Doesn’t cause breakouts or irritate skin.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil:
I haven’t tried this yet, purely because I prefer the consistency of cleansing balms over cleansing oils but I’m including it anyway for people who prefer cleansing oils. I’ve heard amazing things about this product! Suitable for all skin types.
I haven’t tried this yet, purely because I prefer the consistency of cleansing balms over cleansing oils but I’m including it anyway for people who prefer cleansing oils. I’ve heard amazing things about this product! Suitable for all skin types.
STEP 2:
WATER BASED CLEANSER
The second step of the double cleanse, this removes any makeup residue that may be leftover and any remaining traces of oil cleanser.
WATER BASED CLEANSER
The second step of the double cleanse, this removes any makeup residue that may be leftover and any remaining traces of oil cleanser.
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser:
This is a great cleanser that is gentle enough for all skin types and doesn’t dry out your skin like most cleansers do! It contains purifying botanical ingredients so it’s also great if you have acne.
This is a great cleanser that is gentle enough for all skin types and doesn’t dry out your skin like most cleansers do! It contains purifying botanical ingredients so it’s also great if you have acne.
Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser:
This cleanser is just amazing for oily, combination or acne prone skin. It’s lightweight and hydrating and contains fermented green tea extract which is a great anti acne ingredient, among other benefits.
This cleanser is just amazing for oily, combination or acne prone skin. It’s lightweight and hydrating and contains fermented green tea extract which is a great anti acne ingredient, among other benefits.
Lush Angels On Bare Skin:
Technically not “water based” as it’s a solid but I still love this as a second step cleanser. Great for sensitive and acne prone skin, my face is always noticeably smoother, brighter and moisturised after using this.
Technically not “water based” as it’s a solid but I still love this as a second step cleanser. Great for sensitive and acne prone skin, my face is always noticeably smoother, brighter and moisturised after using this.
STEP 3:
EXFOLIANTS
This is SUCH an important skincare step for every skin type, yes even if you have dry skin. You shouldn’t exfoliate every day as this can damage your skin, it’s recommended 2-3 times a week and it helps to brighten skin and fade acne scars/hyperpigmentation.
EXFOLIANTS
This is SUCH an important skincare step for every skin type, yes even if you have dry skin. You shouldn’t exfoliate every day as this can damage your skin, it’s recommended 2-3 times a week and it helps to brighten skin and fade acne scars/hyperpigmentation.
Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze:
HANDS DOWN my fave everyone needs to try this! This is a gentle chemical exfoliant which comes in pre-soaked pads, one side being textured. Evens out the skin tone, brightens acne scars & sloughs off dead skin cells. Comes in green tea, lemon & wine.
HANDS DOWN my fave everyone needs to try this! This is a gentle chemical exfoliant which comes in pre-soaked pads, one side being textured. Evens out the skin tone, brightens acne scars & sloughs off dead skin cells. Comes in green tea, lemon & wine.
Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel:
This does an amazing job at removing dead skin, you can literally see it coming off! Great for oily and acne prone skin types but also includes aloe, witch hazel, chamomile and centella asiatica to soothe sensitive skin types.
This does an amazing job at removing dead skin, you can literally see it coming off! Great for oily and acne prone skin types but also includes aloe, witch hazel, chamomile and centella asiatica to soothe sensitive skin types.
Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad:
Perfect for when you’re dealing with inflamed acne or highly sensitive skin that you don’t want to irritate. Super gentle, soothes the skin and reduces redness & inflammation. Contains my fave skincare ingredient which I’ll explain more about next
Perfect for when you’re dealing with inflamed acne or highly sensitive skin that you don’t want to irritate. Super gentle, soothes the skin and reduces redness & inflammation. Contains my fave skincare ingredient which I’ll explain more about next
Centella Asiatica:
Also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, this is my favourite skincare ingredient as it literally DOES IT ALL, so look out for any products containing it. It’s anti inflammatory, soothes sensitive skin, reduces redness, treats acne scarring & generally heals the skin.
Also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, this is my favourite skincare ingredient as it literally DOES IT ALL, so look out for any products containing it. It’s anti inflammatory, soothes sensitive skin, reduces redness, treats acne scarring & generally heals the skin.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This is a STRONG acid exfoliant so be careful especially if your skin is sensitive. Amazing at fading acne scars & hyper pigmentation, improving skin texture, decongesting pores and reducing fine lines.
This is a STRONG acid exfoliant so be careful especially if your skin is sensitive. Amazing at fading acne scars & hyper pigmentation, improving skin texture, decongesting pores and reducing fine lines.
STEP 4:
TONER
Toners are a very important step not to be skipped. They help to balance your pH levels after cleansing, remove any residue and prep your skin to effectively absorb any products that will follow. Pick a toner that targets your specific skincare concerns.
TONER
Toners are a very important step not to be skipped. They help to balance your pH levels after cleansing, remove any residue and prep your skin to effectively absorb any products that will follow. Pick a toner that targets your specific skincare concerns.
Pixi Glow Tonic:
My holy grail. If you haven’t tried this toner literally wyd. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates, aloe soothes & hydrates whilst ginseng energises. Generally just makes you glow! There’s also a rose and retinol version.
My holy grail. If you haven’t tried this toner literally wyd. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates, aloe soothes & hydrates whilst ginseng energises. Generally just makes you glow! There’s also a rose and retinol version.
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner:
This toner only contains 7 ingredients and is an absolute winner for dry and sensitive skin! It has a gel like consistency, absorbs quickly into the skin, gives a dewy look and helps to keep your skin moisturised all day.
This toner only contains 7 ingredients and is an absolute winner for dry and sensitive skin! It has a gel like consistency, absorbs quickly into the skin, gives a dewy look and helps to keep your skin moisturised all day.
Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid:
BHA’s penetrate deep inside the pores and exfoliate from the inside. This toner really helps to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. A must for oily and acne prone skin types!
BHA’s penetrate deep inside the pores and exfoliate from the inside. This toner really helps to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. A must for oily and acne prone skin types!
SON & PARK Beauty Water:
This is a favourite among Koreans, and when I say this stuff literally does everything... it does everything. It even doubles up as a cleanser. Helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities whilst moisturising and creating a great canvas for makeup.
This is a favourite among Koreans, and when I say this stuff literally does everything... it does everything. It even doubles up as a cleanser. Helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities whilst moisturising and creating a great canvas for makeup.
STEP 5:
ESSENCE
You may not know what an essence is as it was never really a thing in western beauty culture, however it has been a staple for many years in K-beauty. They’re similar to serums as they’re packed with concentrated ingredients, but more watery in consistency.
ESSENCE
You may not know what an essence is as it was never really a thing in western beauty culture, however it has been a staple for many years in K-beauty. They’re similar to serums as they’re packed with concentrated ingredients, but more watery in consistency.
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence:
This highly concentrated essence contains 96% snail secretion filtrate which is a star skincare ingredient. It helps to retain moisture, prevent and repair damage, increase elasticity and reduce breakouts & hyperpigmentation.
This highly concentrated essence contains 96% snail secretion filtrate which is a star skincare ingredient. It helps to retain moisture, prevent and repair damage, increase elasticity and reduce breakouts & hyperpigmentation.
Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence:
Probably the most expensive item on this list but it is a great dupe for the renowned SK-II essence which is more than quadruple the price. They are both made from fermented yeast and aid in boosting moisture and skin renewal.
Probably the most expensive item on this list but it is a great dupe for the renowned SK-II essence which is more than quadruple the price. They are both made from fermented yeast and aid in boosting moisture and skin renewal.
STEP 6:
SERUMS, BOOSTERS & AMPOULES
These are packed with powerhouse ingredients that directly treat skin concerns and problem areas. When using serums, please note that certain ingredients shouldn’t be used at the same time so some products are best alternated AM & PM.
SERUMS, BOOSTERS & AMPOULES
These are packed with powerhouse ingredients that directly treat skin concerns and problem areas. When using serums, please note that certain ingredients shouldn’t be used at the same time so some products are best alternated AM & PM.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This is my fav product from the ordinary and it’s so cheap!! Niacinamide (vitamin B3) brightens the skin, reduces redness and minimises pores. Zinc fights blemishes. I love this product because it’s effective & doesn’t dry out my skin!
This is my fav product from the ordinary and it’s so cheap!! Niacinamide (vitamin B3) brightens the skin, reduces redness and minimises pores. Zinc fights blemishes. I love this product because it’s effective & doesn’t dry out my skin!
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop:
This serum is a great start if you’re new to vitamin C products (this contains 5%), products with higher concentrations may irritate the skin. It’s an antioxidant used for brightening, evening out skin tone and fading acne scars & brown spots.
This serum is a great start if you’re new to vitamin C products (this contains 5%), products with higher concentrations may irritate the skin. It’s an antioxidant used for brightening, evening out skin tone and fading acne scars & brown spots.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum
Perfect for dry skin! It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly & contains a fortifying blend of organic ingredients including celery, carrot root and broccoli extract. It replenishes skin’s moisture levels and soothes redness & sensitivity.
Perfect for dry skin! It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly & contains a fortifying blend of organic ingredients including celery, carrot root and broccoli extract. It replenishes skin’s moisture levels and soothes redness & sensitivity.
STEP 7:
SHEET MASKS
My favourite step! Sheet masks are at the soul of K-beauty and can be used as often or as little as you like, I try to use them minimum 3 times a week. A lot of Korean women use them daily. This is a good place to start if you are experimenting with skincare!
SHEET MASKS
My favourite step! Sheet masks are at the soul of K-beauty and can be used as often or as little as you like, I try to use them minimum 3 times a week. A lot of Korean women use them daily. This is a good place to start if you are experimenting with skincare!
My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks
These sheet masks are very high quality and great value for money. Especially for the winter, no matter how dry and flakey my skin is, this brings it back to life and gives a dewy glow! My faves are the Black Pearl & Imperial Bird’s Nest.
These sheet masks are very high quality and great value for money. Especially for the winter, no matter how dry and flakey my skin is, this brings it back to life and gives a dewy glow! My faves are the Black Pearl & Imperial Bird’s Nest.
Mediheal Sheet Masks:
Also great quality for the price. Comes with lots of extra essence, and these masks really do what it says on the pack!! Pick a mask suitable for your skin concern, my faves are the Aquaring and Teatree.
Also great quality for the price. Comes with lots of extra essence, and these masks really do what it says on the pack!! Pick a mask suitable for your skin concern, my faves are the Aquaring and Teatree.
Innisfree Skin Clinic Masks:
Makes my skin brighter and moisturised and I love that the sheet is really thin. My fave is the madecassoside, especially when I need calming and regenerative repair to my skin.
Makes my skin brighter and moisturised and I love that the sheet is really thin. My fave is the madecassoside, especially when I need calming and regenerative repair to my skin.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches:
Idk what category this fits into but these hydrocolloid patches are my GO TO whenever I break out, literally the best spot treatment. Super inexpensive, I just put them on my pimples and leave overnight. It makes them disappear so much faster!
Idk what category this fits into but these hydrocolloid patches are my GO TO whenever I break out, literally the best spot treatment. Super inexpensive, I just put them on my pimples and leave overnight. It makes them disappear so much faster!
There are just way too many amazing sheet masks that I love, if I listed them all I’d be here forever... that being said I’m moving onto the next step 
STEP 8:
EYECREAM
It’s important to use products specially formulated for the eye area as the skin around it is the thinnest and most delicate on your face. Eye creams can help improve dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.
EYECREAM
It’s important to use products specially formulated for the eye area as the skin around it is the thinnest and most delicate on your face. Eye creams can help improve dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.
Benton Fermentation Eye Cream:
Contains fermented ingredients and ceramides which aid in anti-ageing. Also contains hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol to deeply hydrate the skin and reduce puffiness.
Contains fermented ingredients and ceramides which aid in anti-ageing. Also contains hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol to deeply hydrate the skin and reduce puffiness.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:
This product really helps to eliminate dark circles. EGCG is a potent ingredient derived from green tea, the combination of caffeine and antioxidants invigorates the eye area and also helps to reduce puffiness.
This product really helps to eliminate dark circles. EGCG is a potent ingredient derived from green tea, the combination of caffeine and antioxidants invigorates the eye area and also helps to reduce puffiness.
Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream:
This cream is great for eye areas that are lacking in moisture. Rich in antioxidants that help to strengthen the skin, prevent wrinkles and increase elasticity.
This cream is great for eye areas that are lacking in moisture. Rich in antioxidants that help to strengthen the skin, prevent wrinkles and increase elasticity.
Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream:
Contains 80% snail mucin which is one of my favourite skincare ingredients. The formula helps to diminish fine lines, sagging and dullness and dark circles whilst also providing moisture to the eye area.
Contains 80% snail mucin which is one of my favourite skincare ingredients. The formula helps to diminish fine lines, sagging and dullness and dark circles whilst also providing moisture to the eye area.
Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Gold Eye Gel Patch:
Eye masks are my favourite quick fix to instantly make my under-eye area look brighter and firmer. I love to use these before a night out because they definitely make me glow! Infused with snail slime and 24k gold
Eye masks are my favourite quick fix to instantly make my under-eye area look brighter and firmer. I love to use these before a night out because they definitely make me glow! Infused with snail slime and 24k gold
STEP 9:
MOISTURISER
These come in many forms e.g. lotion, gel, cream, emulsion and sleeping masks. They help to seal in moisture, plump the skin and also act as a barrier.
MOISTURISER
These come in many forms e.g. lotion, gel, cream, emulsion and sleeping masks. They help to seal in moisture, plump the skin and also act as a barrier.
A’PIEU Madecassosside Cream:
I loveee this cream it’s a skin saviour for me!! A little bit goes a long way it keeps my skin SO moisturised and is also great for whenever my skin is sensitised. Contains centella asiatica and niacinamide.
I loveee this cream it’s a skin saviour for me!! A little bit goes a long way it keeps my skin SO moisturised and is also great for whenever my skin is sensitised. Contains centella asiatica and niacinamide.
Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Cream:
This cream offers deep hydration and protects against environmental damage, it’s absolutely great for the winter. Contains natural extracts and also has anti aging properties.
This cream offers deep hydration and protects against environmental damage, it’s absolutely great for the winter. Contains natural extracts and also has anti aging properties.
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream:
This cream is formulated with antioxidants and prickly pear seed oil, which is a plant that grows in the desert so it’s great at preventing moisture loss. I love this cream as it’s rich and forms a protective barrier over my skin.
This cream is formulated with antioxidants and prickly pear seed oil, which is a plant that grows in the desert so it’s great at preventing moisture loss. I love this cream as it’s rich and forms a protective barrier over my skin.
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream:
I wouldn’t use this as an all over moisturiser but I’m including it because it’s a saviour when I’m treating problem areas such as dry/flakey patches, redness or even sunburn!! This is a great multipurpose cream and I wouldn’t want to be without it.
I wouldn’t use this as an all over moisturiser but I’m including it because it’s a saviour when I’m treating problem areas such as dry/flakey patches, redness or even sunburn!! This is a great multipurpose cream and I wouldn’t want to be without it.
STEP 10:
SUNSCREEN
This is arguably the most important step. Koreans wear sunscreen every single day, even in the winter. They credit this step as the reason why their skin looks so youthful.
SUNSCREEN
This is arguably the most important step. Koreans wear sunscreen every single day, even in the winter. They credit this step as the reason why their skin looks so youthful.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++:
This is a lightweight sunscreen that leaves zero white cast and is non greasy. You can get an extra hydration boost after layering over moisturiser if you have dry skin or use this as a moisturiser if you have oily skin.
This is a lightweight sunscreen that leaves zero white cast and is non greasy. You can get an extra hydration boost after layering over moisturiser if you have dry skin or use this as a moisturiser if you have oily skin.
Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++:
This is great for people who hate greasy, heavy sunscreen and it contains no pore clogging ingredients. Leaves a translucent and weightless finish and is formulated for sensitive skin.
This is great for people who hate greasy, heavy sunscreen and it contains no pore clogging ingredients. Leaves a translucent and weightless finish and is formulated for sensitive skin.
FINALLY finished this fucking thread 
