It’s been a while since I wrote about a beauty routine. Lately, I have seen a growth of beauty influencers talking about the 10 Step routine, but a lot of them have a different order in the way they apply their products.
I decided to break down these 10 steps for you, in case you still find it confusing. But keep in mind that not all skin needs this 10 step routine and you may want to skip a few depending on your preferences and skin concerns.
Let’s start breaking it down.
Step 1: Cleansing
The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse and remove any make-up or dirt on your face.
For oily/combination skin types I always recommend using an oil based cleanser, they are incredible for removing make-up and any impurities on your skin. Here are a few of our favourites and top rated make-up removers and cleansers.
The Face Shop – Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil Purito – From Green Cleansing Oil MISSHA – M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil
Micellar water is always a good option as a makeup remover, and the best thing of all, is that it is suitable with all skin types. Here are a few top rated micellar waters.
Nature Republic – Forest Garden Micellar Cleansing Oil In Water Chamomile NEOGEN – Dermalogy Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Water Innisfree – Sea Salt Cleansing Water
Step 2: Cleansing again
In this step we talk about the double cleanse. After removing the make-up it is important to make sure that our pores are clean and won’t get congested. Breakouts might happen when pores accumulate dirt or are clogged with impurities.
For oily skin I recommend foam cleansers, they are gentle and will remove any excess of dirt left in the pores. Other options are gel, cream or water based cleansers, these work great for dry or sensitive skin.
Dear, Klairs – Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser Innisfree – Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel The Face Shop – Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the next step in the 10 step routine. In this step we remove the dead cells from your skin. The most common exfoliators are the scrubs, however, I personally prefer AHA / BHA exfoliators. Here are a few of my favourite exfoliators.
Note: I wouldn’t recommend using an exofialiator every day. Maybe once or twice a week based on your skin type and skin concerns.
NEOGEN DERMALOGY – Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon Innisfree – Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask COSRX – BHA Blackhead Power Liquid COSRX – One Step Original Clear Pad
Step 4: Toner
Once our pores are cleaned, we go onto toning our skin. With the step we look to increase the water level on the skin, and make our skin the most efficient it can be to absorb serums or skin treatments.
SOME BY MI – AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner I’m From Rice Toner KLAIRS – PREPARATION FACIAL TONER Innisfree – Green Tea Seed Skin
Step 5: Essence
Essence is the middle between Toner and Serums. This step provides the skin with hydration and preps it for absorbing serums and ampoules better.
The big difference between Toners and Essence is that the first one can have exfoliating properties whereas essences are more calming and soothing and tend to penetrate the skin deeper.
Here a list of a few of the most popular essences.
Tosowoong – Green Tea Essence (For Oily Skin) COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence MISSHA – Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive THE FACE SHOP – Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion
Step 6: Serums/Treatments
We have already written about this magic step in the skin care routine (Check it here). Serums provide the skin with the nutrients it needs and boosts the skin by providing extra vitamins or moisture.
Below you can see an updated list of a few of our favourite and highly rated toners.
Klairs – Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops The Face Shop – White Seed Brightening Serum Photo Credits: COSRX HELL PURE CONTROL HYALURONIC ACID
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet Masks are loaded with ingredients that will plump and nourish your skin. This is probably one of my favourite steps in my beauty routine. Sheet masks are hydrating and leave your skin fresh.
The best part is that there are thousands of options when it comes to sheet masks, and they all tackle different skin concerns. We have dedicated two articles to this topic, make sure to check them for some great recommendations.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Next on the 10 step routine is the eye cream. Eye creams are normally formulated with ingredients that are soft and gentle for the delicate eye area. They are packed with active ingredients that help with eye puffiness, fine lines and hydration.
Here are few of our favourite and top rated ones.
Innisfree – Orchid Eye Cream Mizon – Cosmetics Snail Repair Eye Cream Nature Republic – Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream Mizon – Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Step 9: Moisture
Moisturising is the most important step in the skincare routine, it keeps your skin balanced, hydrated and traps all the nutrients in your skin. There are moisturisers for every single type of skin concern or type.
There are no excuses! Remember to moisturise.
Here are a few of our favourite ones.
Belif – The Real Aqua Bomb Cream COSRX – Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap Dr. Jart+ – Ceramidin Cream
Step 10: Sunscreen
The last step is also very important but only applies to the AM routine. Sunscreen will keep your skin protected from sun damage from UVB and UVA rays. We dedicated an entire feature to our favourite sunscreens and the importance of using it.
Check it out here.
In a nutshell
The 10 step Korean skin care routine will give you that glass skin you want. But it also demands quite a bit of time. You can always adjust to your needs but remember that the basics will always remain the same; cleanse, tone, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Let us know if you have tried the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine in the comments. See you next time!
