THE ONLY KOREAN SKINCARE GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED

SO WHAT IS K-BEAUTY?

There’s hype around Korean skincare because its focus is on hydration and preventative care as the keys to solving skin woes. Instead of haphazardly applying harsh actives that may or may not ‘fix’ skin concerns, it aims to address the root of the issue before it even manifests on your skin – whether that’s dryness, low elasticity or a compromised skin barrier. The result? A face so radiant and hydrated that you’d be mistaken for having glass skin. And who doesn’t want that?

DO YOU REALLY NEED A 10-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Short answer: no. Long answer: no, but incorporating elements of it into your schedule or doing it occasionally has its perks. For example, if you’ve never used an essence before, it’s worth adding one in to amplify hydration. And if you’re skipping on your SPF, maybe a K-beauty must-have will change your mind.

When it comes to the order of products, the classic K-beauty approach goes cleanser, exfoliant, toner, essence, serum, sheet mask, eye cream, moisturiser and SPF. Below we’ve picked out a few of our favourites to kickstart your bathroom’s K-beauty revolution.

According to the K-beauty bible, oil cleansers should be used before water-based cleansers – especially if you’ve worn makeup, SPF or your pores feel extra clogged. This Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil contains ginseng which helps protect your skin against external aggressors, whilst this Anua cleansing foam (a big deal in South Korea) will gently wash away the day.

Mechanical face scrubs are officially outdated. Chemical exfoliants like hydroxy acids in the form of toners, toner pads and serums are key for reducing the appearance of texture and an uneven skin tone. Use the Some by Mi toner up to three times a week for smoother skin or pile on the MEDICUBE pads as a makeshift mask.

Balancing your skin’s pH level isn’t all toners do. Look for ingredients that address whatever issue you may be facing, and pat them in with your hands for maximum absorption. Centella is all about collagen regeneration, and this Skin 1004 toner is formulated to help rejuvenate your skin, and calm it, too. This haruharu wonder toner stays true to its name, magically designed to hydrate whilst improving skin texture.

These are usually slightly thicker in consistency than toners, but thinner than serums. They load your skin with more concentrated hydration and nourishment. Get your skin looking plump with these LANEIGE and I'm from essences.

While K-beauty swears by gentle hydration, actives are important. This step isn’t limited to vitamin C, niacinamide and your run-of-the-mill acids – any targeted treatments should be applied at this stage, too. Reduce inflammation with the Beauty of Joseon Propolis & Niacinamide Serum or clear away the day with the Dr Jart+ Intensive Repair Serum.

Although rinse-off masks are still used, the sheet mask may be Korea's greatest skincare export. Unlike clay masks that go on straight after cleansing, these are extra-concentrated blends of skin-loving ingredients that stay on even after the timer’s up. Trust us, BIODANCE masks will be your new holy grail whilst the Dr Jart+ Cicapair mask is a must for sensitive skin.

Eye creams are made uniquely – after all, your undereye is some of the most delicate skin on your face. As such, these products need to be absorbed before layering your moisturiser. The PURITO eye cream contains nourishing centella and peptides, whilst the Mixsoon one has a lightweight, non-sticky formula that you'll love.

Rule of thumb: for oily skin, pick a gel-based cream. For dry skin, pick a thicker cream. Moisturising is important, especially in the colder months; they seal in all that hydration and protect your skin barrier. If like us you can't get enough of hyaluronic acid, let us introduce you to the Isntree gel cream – the moisturiser you'll soon be reaching for daily. Or bring ceramides into your skin with the TOCOBO cream.

Sunspots, hyperpigmentation and sensitivity could be caused by UV ray exposure. SPF is an all-day, everyday staple that protects the skin even on cloudy days. Make Dear Klairs All Day Airy suncream your new daily go-to or choose the COSRX aloe suncream to calm any redness.