10 Step Korean Skincare Crash Course

If you have ever marvelled
at the porcelain skins of TV stars while watching your favourite K-dramas,
you're not alone! Yes, luminous skin can be achieved without layers of makeup
or expensive treatments, and it can all be attributed to the infamous 10 step
skincare routine that most Korean women swear by! Yup, that's 1,2,3...10 steps
- an impressive upgrade from the regular cleanser, toner and moisturizer regime
that most of us are familiar with and we can definitely see amazing results.
Feel lost? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a breakdown of each step
to make it easier for you to attain that gorgeous skin!
Step 1- Remove All
Makeup
The first step of
this extensive skincare routine is to, of course, wipe off all the makeup on
your skin. Nothing clogs pores more than makeup residue on the face so never
miss this important step! An oil-based balm or cleanser is ideal to break down
all traces of makeup, including stubborn waterproof formulas.

Banilla Co - Clean It Zero (RM75)
The Body Shop - Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (RM55)
Step 2 – Use
Water-Based Cleansers
You may think double
cleansing is unnecessary but we promise you, it is worth every effort!
Cleansing with a water-based cleanser after removing your makeup further ensures
that all irritants and residue are completely removed from your skin.

Too Cool For School - Eggzyme Foaming Cleanser (RM49)

Sulwhasoo - Snowsie Cleansing Foam (RM29)
Step 3 – Exfoliate
Dead Cells
Exfoliating is
crucial for the removal of dead skin cells and other build-ups that can cause
clogged pores. By removing the old layer of skin cells, a brighter and cleaner
face is revealed. However, exfoliating should not be done every day (we think
once a week is ideal) as overdoing it may irritate the skin and make it more
sensitive.

Skin Food - Black Sugar Foaming Scrub (RM36)

Dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant (RM291)
Step 4 – Tone It Up
After cleansing and
exfoliating, it's time to balance your skin and restore PH levels with toning.
It also preps your skin to better absorb moisture from other products. For
oilier and acne-prone skin, natural anti-bacterial toners that contain tea tree
or witch hazel is great at targeting larger pores. If you have drier skin, a
hydrating toner or lotion is great to restore the moisture level of your
skin.

Thayers - Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Astringent (RM51)

Klairs - Supple Preparation Toner (RM75)
Step 5 – Apply
Essence Layers
The bridging step
between toning and treatment, an essence is applied in a form of a thinner
texture to further improve the moisture of the skin. Considered as the most
notable step in the entire regime, Korean women swear by this miracle step that
allegedly aids in cell turnover rate, unveiling fresher and clearer skin.

Innisfree - Green Tea Essence (RM59)

Belif - Numero 10 Essence (RM132)
Step 6 – Get Targeted Treatment
Everyone’s skin differs, and there are a million
treatments in the market targeted towards specific skin concerns. Be it acne,
enlarged pores, wrinkles, sun spots, targeted treatments such as serums or
ampoules can be applied on the skin to address such issues.

B.liv - Blackhead Sebum Gel (RM159)

The Face Shop - Clarifying Spot Calming Ampoule (RM126)
Step 7- Slap On a Sheet Mask
Definitely the most fun and relaxing step in
this regime, sheet masks are extra soothing and beneficial to the skin. Aside
from the purifying attributes of sheet masks, putting on a soothing sheet over
your face for 15-20 minutes to unwind after a long day of work sounds heavenly!
Packed with concentrated serums that further hydrates and nourishes your skin,
the thin material of the sheet mask allows for the most efficient method for
product absorption.

Faith In Face - Let It Glow Hydrogel Mask (RM11)

Etude House - AC Clean Up Sheet Mask Twin Pack (RM20)
Step 8- Care For Those Peepers
The eyes truly are the windows to your soul and
also the part of your skin that is most delicate. Therefore, making sure that
you properly hydrate and treat the area around your eyes is most important to
minimize puffiness. With a suitable eye cream, it's time to bid puffy eyes and
dark circles goodbye!

Cosrx - Honey Ceramide Eye Cream (RM89)

Benefit - It's Potent Eye Cream (RM180)
Step 9 - Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Phew! 8 steps down, 2 to go! Seal in all your
hard work with a final moisturizing layer. In our hot climate, it's important
to hydrate religiously in order to maintain that dewy glow. Those with oily
skin tend to shy away from moisturizers for fear of even oilier results but the
secret is to find the best moisturizer for your skin type. For normal or oily
skin, water-based or gel formulas are a lightweight option. However, thicker
and heavier creams should only be used for drier skin.

By Wishtrend - Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream (RM112)

Biotherm - Aquasource Everplump (RM195)
Step 10- Shield From The Sun
We cannot stress enough on the importance of sun
protection during the day, even in gloomy weather! UV rays can really damage
the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to darkening of scars and stubborn
spots. And if you are worried about premature aging of your skin, make sure to
apply sunscreen every time you head out the door!

Yadah - Oh My Sunscreen (RM47)

Belif - UV Protector Sunscreen (RM99)