In 2018, I made it a personal goal to treat my skin better. Growing up, my aunt preached to me about the importance of things like eye cream and I even remember receiving toner and moisturizing sets for Christmas. Despite these constant reminders, I never really took the time to understand what I was putting on my skin. So for the majority of last year, I’ve been reading, watching, and testing a lot more beauty products than I ever have before.
In an earlier blog post, I mentioned wanting to switch to Korean skincare products mainly because they tend to be more reasonably priced for the quality you’re getting. It’s been overwhelming trying to demystify all that is K-beauty, especially the 10-step skincare process, but it’s definitely been worthwhile. While it took a few months to adapt to a new system and products, I can confidently say my skin is the best it’s been in a long time. So let’s break it down.
Step 1: Makeup Remover / Oil Cleanser
This is the first step of my double cleanse. I’ve used wipes and different kinds of cleansing waters in the past but prefer oil-based cleansers over all others. They work to remove all my makeup easily without tugging my skin and it’s supposed to draw out other oil-based impurities like sebum. I use the cult favorite Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) from Banila Co.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
The second step of double cleansing is where the water-based cleanser comes in to dissolve water-based impurities like sweat or dirt. While I’ve been using Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple Cleanser for years, my skin seems to have developed a tolerance so I’m in the market for a new cleanser and am particularly eyeing the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or Missha’s Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cleansing Foam.
Step 3: Exfoliator
I think this is pretty self-explanatory but regular exfoliation helps clean pores and remove dead skin cells. This is definitely not something I do every day so I stick to about once a week using Mario Badescu’s Botanical Exfoliating Scrub.
Step 4: Toner
I’ve used toner on and off for years but only recently found out just how important it is to prep your skin after cleansing. Not only does it remove leftover residue but it also rebalances moisture levels in your skin. I’m currently testing out Etude House’s Wonder Pore Freshner to help minimize pores.
Step 5: Essence
To be honest, I used to think essence was just fancy water but it’s said to be the most important step because it targets skin on a cellular level. They’re usually full of ingredients that are often responsible for aiding in cell regeneration. I previously tried SK-II but couldn’t keep up with the cost so I found Missha’s Time Revolution First Treatment Essence as an alternative. Tip: I skip the cotton round here and pat the essence directly onto my face!
Step 6: Serum/Treatments
I love experimenting with serums and all sorts of facial treatments since they are designed to address specific skin concerns. I personally lean toward products for anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and hydration as those are my primary issues. I use a mix of Korean and non-Korean beauty products in this category including Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Skin Treatment and Sunday Riley’s Good Genes.
Step 7: Eye Cream
I feel like eye cream is one of those products that often gets overlooked but it’s been in my beauty bag since I was 15 years old. Since the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate, it’s important that we don’t forget about it. For me, it’s always been about prevention so I really like belif’s Moisturizing Eye Bomb but am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. Tip: I always tap my eye cream in with my ring finger to prevent premature wrinkles.
Step 8: Moisturizer
Last but not least, I lock everything in with a moisturizer that I apply all over my face and neck. I’m currently in between moisturizers because I just finished using Make P:rem’s Hydrate Me Micro Tension Cream but also love belif’s The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. When I’m in a pinch, I always have Josie Maran’s Argan Oil on hand which is like the Swiss Army knife of moisturizers.
And that’s it! I also use masks as needed and always make sure there is SPF in the makeup I wear every day (but am saving those recos for a separate blog post). I realize there’s a lot happening but these steps have become second nature to me now — it just took a little practice. While I’ve been doing this for a while and am really happy with the results, I’m still learning a ton. I will definitely be trying new products to find the best combination for my skin and I’m excited to share the progress!
