Transform your morning and nighttime routines with the year’s most viral products. Dive into the art of double cleansing, starting with cleansing oils and foams, and discover the magic of hydrating toners and essence. These game-changers are essential for radiant, healthy skin. Whether you’re a K-beauty novice or an expert, these must-haves will elevate your routine to the next level. Join the skincare revolution and experience the transformative power of these 2023 essentials. Unlock the path to glowing skin with the best in Korean beauty.
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Morning Regimen
Morning routines are meant to be quick and simple, ready to prepare the face to prepare for the world with a barrier. this morning cleansing step is typically milder compared to the evening cleansing, as the skin doesn’t accumulate as much dirt and oil overnight.
Step 1: Use Water
Using water in the morning instead of a face cleanser is often recommended in skincare routines because it helps maintain the skin’s natural balance and minimizes the risk of over-cleansing. Overnight, your skin goes through a natural rejuvenation process, and it doesn’t accumulate as much dirt, oil, or makeup as it does during the day. Using cleansers in the morning can be unnecessary and might strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation.
Step 2: Apply Toner
Applying a hydrating toner in the morning helps to replenish and lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day. Toners are designed to enhance the absorption of other skincare products. They may contain ingredients that improve the penetration of serums and moisturizers into the skin, making your routine more effective.
COSRX: AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Best for: all skin types
- This toner is a cult favorite and has a pH level of 3.9, which helps to balance the skin’s pH level.
- AHA and BHA exfoliants can help improve the skin’s texture and promote a smoother, more even complexion.
- It is ideal for individuals of all skin types as it addresses a variety of concerns such as uneven skin texture, acne-prone skin, oily skin, dull skin, and more.
- Best suitable for those who want an “all-in-one” toner.
YUNKANG YUL Facial Essence Toner
- Best for: sensitive and dry skin
- Hydrating Essence and Toner in One: This product combines the benefits of an essence and a toner in one, simplifying the skincare routine. It provides essential hydration and helps prepare the skin to absorb subsequent skincare products.
- Contains a high concentration of Coptis Japonica Root Extract, which is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great choice for calming redness and irritation in the skin.
- The formula is known for being gentle and non-irritating. It is free from potentially irritating ingredients like fragrances, artificial colorants, and parabens, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Best for: acne-prone skin
- Contains natural AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
- Includes ingredients like tea tree leaf extract and Centella Asiatica, which are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The presence of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in the toner can help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation, leaving the skin looking brighter and more even-toned.
Toner Pads
Toner pads are pre-soaked cotton pads that are infused with toner. They are a convenient and mess-free way to apply toner, and they can be just as effective as liquid toner. However, it is important to choose toner pads that are formulated for your skin type, as some toner pads can be harsh and dry. For people who prefer a convenient alternative way to apply toner, toner pads are a great option.
MEDIHEAL Watermide Moisture Pad
Mediheal is one of Korea’s most beloved skincare brands. This specific toner pad has gone viral and if you’re a frequent TikTok user, you should be familiar with this moisture pad. Mediheal offers various toner pads for different skin needs such as brightening, tea-tree, moisture, and collagen. Reasons why these pads are so popular include the glass-skin finish, infused with Icelandic glacial water, which is known for its high mineral content and ability to deeply hydrate the skin. The pads are also formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is a natural humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Together, these ingredients help to plump up the skin and give it a dewy, radiant appearance.
Skinfood Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
- A current bestseller in Korea.
- Contains carrot extract and carrot seed oil, which are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, that help calm and moisturize the skin
- Carrot extract is also known for its ability to brighten the skin and even out skin tone, help to fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin luminosity, leaving the complexion looking radiant and healthy.
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads
- Formulated with 77% heartleaf extract, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Soothes and calms irritated skin.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin.
- Free of harsh chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Perfect daily toner pad for instant soothing and enlarged pores, great for any skin types and especially sensitive skin.
Step 3: Serums
Applying a serum in the morning can enhance the efficacy of your sunscreen. Certain serums contain antioxidants that provide an additional layer of protection against environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. This can help prevent premature aging and skin damage. Serums are formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin concerns. Using a serum in the morning allows you to target those concerns effectively.
DearKlairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
- Best everything in one serum
- Contains 5% L-ascorbic acid, a stable and potent form of vitamin C.
- Vitamin C is known for its ability to brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
- The serum has a lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. This makes it a convenient step in your skincare routine and allows you to layer other products on top without feeling heavy.
- Contains Centella Asiatica and yuja fruit extract which help to maintain skin hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Goodal – Green Tangerine Vita C Serum
- This serum is formulated with a high concentration of vitamin C, specifically from green tangerines.
- The serum contains natural and botanical ingredients, particularly green tangerine extract, which is rich in vitamin C and provides skin-brightening benefits.
- It also includes other skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, which complements vitamin C in improving overall skin tone.
- One of the key benefits of this serum is its effectiveness in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Many users have reported a noticeable improvement in the appearance of dark spots and an overall brighter complexion with consistent use.
Step 4: Sunscreen
Korean sunscreen products often feature innovative and advanced formulations. Korean skincare companies invest heavily in research and development, resulting in sunscreen products that offer high sun protection levels while remaining lightweight, non-greasy, and comfortable to wear. Many Korean sunscreens have a lightweight, watery, or milky consistency, making them easy to apply and blend into the skin. They often leave no white cast and are suitable for daily use, even under makeup. Nowadays there are a variety of sunscreens from creams, sprays, and stick formulas.
innisfree Daily UV SPF 36
- This sunscreen is formulated to be gentle on the skin and is suitable for those with sensitive skin. It minimizes the risk of irritation, making it a good option for daily use.
- Provides no white cast, making it easier than ever to wear alone or layer with makeup
- Chemical-based sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 36.
- It contains a blend of avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate that protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
- This convenience encourages regular sunscreen application throughout the day, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
- Sunscreen sticks are less messy than traditional lotions or creams. They don’t drip, and there’s no need to worry about spills in your bag or getting sunscreen on your hands.
- It is essential to apply them generously and evenly to ensure proper sun protection. Additionally, they may not be as suitable for full-body coverage, making them ideal for facial and targeted applications.
- Used on specific areas of the face that need extra coverage, such as the nose, lips, or around the eyes.
JMsolution Marine Luminous Pearl Sun Spray
- The spray format allows for quick, convenient, and even application. It can be easily misted onto the face and body, ensuring thorough coverage without the need for rubbing or spreading with hands.
- Contains hydrating and illuminating ingredients such as 3 forms of hyaluronic acid. It can help maintain skin hydration while providing a luminous, radiant finish, making it suitable for those looking to achieve a healthy glow.
- Perfect for use on the face after makeup application, for touch-ups, or as full-body protection.
Nighttime Regimen
Korean nighttime skincare routines have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in keeping the skin healthy and youthful. The Korean skincare routine involves using various hydrating products that assist in skin repair. This viral skincare routine will introduce you to the world of double cleansing which aims to break down all the layers of dirt and grime accumulated on your face throughout the day.
Step 1: Oil Cleansers
What Are Cleansing Oils? Cleansing oils are skincare products formulated with oils, often plant-based or mineral oils, that are designed for the initial step of double cleansing. They are used to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other oil-based impurities from the skin. Cleansing oils are typically applied to dry skin and massaged in to dissolve makeup and impurities. They can be followed by a water-based cleanser as the second step to ensure a thorough cleanse.
- Cleansing oils are highly effective at breaking down and dissolving makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation. They also remove sunscreen, which often contains oil-based components that can be challenging to cleanse with water alone.
- Many cleansing oils are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating. They don’t strip the skin of its natural oils or disrupt the skin barrier. This is important for maintaining skin health and hydration.
ma:nyo pure cleansing oil
- Formulated with 14 plant-based oils that help melt away blackheads and whiteheads
- Designed to be gentle on the skin, which is particularly important for preventing irritation and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It can be used by individuals with different skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Contains botanical oils and extracts, which can provide additional benefits for the skin while effectively cleansing it.
- Easily dissolves makeup that does not leave a greasy residue
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
- Best suited for mature and aging skin types
- Gentle formula that is effective in removing impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils
- Incorporates traditional Korean herbal medicine principles into its products. This cleansing oil may include herbal ingredients like ginseng, camellia oil, and more, which are believed to have various skincare benefits, such as promoting skin vitality and radiance.
Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm
- The balm texture is easy to work with, as it starts as a solid but transforms into a silky oil as it comes into contact with the skin.
- Easily melt away even the most stubborn face & eye makeup
- One of the key benefits of this balm is that it emulsifies readily when it comes into contact with water. This means it can be rinsed off easily without leaving behind a greasy residue.
- Gentle enough for all skin types
Step 2: Gentle Cleansers
The emphasis on gentle cleansers in Korean skincare is rooted in the belief that a harmonious balance between thorough cleansing and preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier is essential. These cleansers effectively remove impurities, makeup, and excess oils without causing excessive dryness or irritation, which is particularly important in a country where environmental factors like air pollution and fine dust are common concerns. By prioritizing gentleness, Korean skincare allows the skin to remain supple, hydrated, and better prepared to absorb subsequent skincare products, contributing to the coveted “chok-chok” (dewy) complexion that’s synonymous with K-beauty.
Round lab Dokbo Cleanser
- The Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser is a low-pH, gentle cleanser designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.
- Formulated to maintain the skin’s pH balance, making it suitable for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Good for anti-aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and improving texture
- The use of deep sea water from Ulleungdo (Dokdo Island) is a key selling point. Deep sea water is often associated with its mineral-rich properties and potential skin benefits, such as hydration and soothing.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser
- Two essential ingredients: betaine salicylate (BHA), which effectively refines skin texture, gently eliminating impurities and unclogging pores, and Styrax japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, which contributes to skin clarification.
- This cleanser is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, and animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Soothes irritation refines skin texture, removes impurities, improves the skin barrier, refines pores, and controls sebum.
Step 3: Toner
Previously highlighted in the morning skincare regimen. After cleansing, especially if you’ve used a water-based cleanser, your skin’s pH may be slightly altered. Using a toner with a pH that is close to the skin’s natural pH helps bring it back into balance. A balanced pH is essential for overall skin health, as it can affect the skin’s ability to defend against bacteria and maintain its moisture barrier.
Step 4: Essence
What is the difference between toner and essence? Toner is primarily focused on balancing the skin’s pH and providing initial hydration, while essence is a more concentrated treatment product that can target specific skincare concerns and provide additional hydration and nourishment. Both toner and essence play important roles in a skincare routine, but they serve somewhat different functions and may contain different types of ingredients to address your specific skin needs.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- Possibly the most loved skincare product on the market in the past year.
- Snail mucin contains components like glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid, which can aid in repairing the skin’s moisture barrier. This is particularly beneficial for those with compromised or dehydrated skin.
- The lightweight, gel-like texture of this essence is appreciated by many users, as it’s easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling. It’s suitable for various skin types, including oily and combination skin.
Step 5: Serums
As previously highlighted in the morning skin regimen.
innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
- Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent premature aging.
- Regular use of the serum can help improve skin texture, making it feel smoother and more supple. It can also contribute to a more radiant and healthy-looking complexion.
- Hyaluronic acid helps create a hydrated base for the rest of your skincare products.
Step 6: Eye Cream
Korean skincare routines often emphasize the use of eye cream because they prioritize overall skin health and prevention. A holistic approach to skincare means addressing all areas of the face, and the eye area is no exception. The Korean skincare philosophy places importance on long-term skin health, which includes taking care of delicate areas like the eyes.
Beauty of Joseon – Revive Eye Serum
- Retinol is a potent form of vitamin A that is known for its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The retinol in this eye cream can help improve the overall texture and elasticity of the skin around the eyes, making it a valuable addition to an anti-aging skincare routine.
- The eye cream also contains nourishing ingredients like peptides and adenosine, which can further support skin renewal and collagen production. These ingredients work together with retinol to promote a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Eye Cream
- Bakuchiol is a natural, plant-derived alternative to retinol. It is known for its potential anti-aging benefits, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Black rice is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that help protect the skin from environmental stressors and can promote a more youthful and radiant complexion.
- Formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, making it effective at moisturizing the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Combat dryness, and puffiness, and improve overall skin texture.
Step 7: Moisturizers
Moisturizers help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. This barrier, composed of lipids and proteins, prevents excessive water loss and shields the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. A strong barrier helps maintain skin health and can even prevent skin conditions like eczema. Regular use of a moisturizer can help maintain the overall health of the skin. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to develop issues like flakiness, dry patches, or excessive oiliness. It can also help regulate sebum production in oily skin types.
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier
- It contains minimal ingredients and is free from potential irritants like fragrance and artificial colorants. This makes it suitable for those with sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin.
- The cream contains panthenol (provitamin B5) and madecassoside, both of which are known for their skin-soothing properties.
- This cream can be used on both the face and body, making it a versatile product for those looking to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin in various areas.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
- It features the brand’s Hydro Ionized Mineral Water technology to help retain moisture in the skin.
- It contains Laneige’s Hydro Ionized Mineral Water, which helps to attract, retain, and distribute moisture throughout the skin, keeping it well-hydrated and plump.
- Formulated to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. A healthy skin barrier is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing moisture loss, which can lead to dryness and other skin concerns.
Step 8: Lip Mask
Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your lips can become dry and dehydrated. Lip masks are specifically formulated to provide intense hydration to the lips, helping to combat dryness, flakiness, and chapping. Properly hydrated lips not only look and feel better but also create a smooth canvas for lip makeup.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C
- The lip sleeping mask is formulated to provide deep and long-lasting hydration to the lips.
- Contains a gentle chemical exfoliant, typically in the form of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother, more even lip texture.
- Ingredients like shea butter and various fruit extracts work to soften and condition the lips, leaving them supple and healthy.
