As a fan of Korean culture, I guess it just follows that my routine is based on well, the Korean skincare routine. It was early 2014 when I decided to delve into skincare, all thanks to the flawless (seemingly poreless!) skin of all these Kpop idols and Korean actors/actresses I've been exposing myself to. 

Before switching to a more rigorous routine, I only know 3 skincare steps: 1.) wash face with facial wash (that was my term for it lol) 2.) use toner (alcohol-based) to further clean my face 3.) moisturize. That was it! My family never had acne-prone skin so I was not really conscious with whatever I put on my face. I still had the occasional PMS zit breakouts and I got blackheads on my nose, though. Anyway, since I started using Korean skincare products, I noticed that my face got smoother and brighter. My pores were also less noticeable and the overall skin tone of my face evened out. I also received compliments from people with regard to how good and healthy my skin looks so I believe that counts as proof that my routine works (for my skin).

A note, though. It literally took me months to collect the products I'm currently using, more so follow a routine religiously. Also, I don't always use all these products, which means that I try new ones if I get the chance. My skin type is combination-oily. More oil accumulates on my T-zone (nose, forehead, area around the mouth, chin) but I noticed that my whole face produces more oil when the weather is humid. I also target making my pores smaller. Knowing your skin type and what areas for improvement you would like to target is a must before formulating your routine and buying products!

DAILY SKINCARE STEPS:


1. CLEANSING OIL (night only, whenever I put on make-up)

This is the first step of the "double-cleansing" method that Koreans popularized. To remove all the make-up and dirt my face accumulated for the day, I gently spread the cleansing oil all over my face. Yes, this can remove the most stubborn eye make-up! I also like to use a cotton ball then wipe the oil using that since I feel like it cleans my face more. After that, I will wet my face (not entirely removing the oil) to make the oil more fluid, then wipe the remaining make-up and dirt again. When I feel like the oil has already done its cleansing powers, I will then wash away the remaining oil on my face.

I'm currently using Nature Republic's Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil. I ordered it from Althea. It does its job and has a good (and light!) smell. Before that, I was using the DHC Cleansing Oil from Japan but it's not available in the Philippines.

NOTE: Don't wet your face before spreading the oil. The water might dilute the oil, making it less effective. 

2. FOAM CLEANSER (morning and night)

After getting the oil off my face, I then proceed to squeezing a pea-sized amount of foam cleanser and massaging it all over my face in light, circular motions. I will do this for around a minute before washing it off.

I use 2 foam cleansers... only because I hoarded one too many foam cleansers. No other reasons, really! The Tony Moly's Clean Dew Aloe Foam Cleanser is the cleanser I use in the morning then Shiseido's Perfect Whip (got these from Japan!) is for my nighttime routine. Both cleansers are good but I find Perfect Whip more effective for my skin.

3. TONER (morning and night)

Considered as one of the most important steps in the Korean skincare routine, using a hydrating toner not only cleanses and restores the skin's ideal pH level, it also prepares the face for the series of products you will layer on it later.

This perfectly explains the difference between Korean and American toners. The latter only targets to clean and balance the skin's pH levels that's why it's usually alcohol-based, as opposed to Korean toners which are more hydrating. Mamonde's Rose Water Toner is what I'm currently using and it works so well! The best toner I've used as of the moment. This is actually one of the most popular Korean toners in the market and that doesn't come as a surprise because it's so soft and gentle on the skin, without sacrificing effectiveness. I just put drops of the toner on a cotton pad and spread it all over my face AS GENTLY AS POSSIBLE. 

4. ESSENCE (morning and night)

The heart of the Korean skincare routine! An essence not only hydrates the skin, it also has ingredients for skin repair. Ever since I read somewhere in the Internet that THIS is the heart of the routine, I immediately searched for a good essence.

When I was in Korea, I bought Missha's Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence essence and I am never looking back! This product not only makes my skin firmer and tighter, it also creates a glow on my face whenever I use it. You have to use it to see it! This will most likely be a forever staple on my skincare routine.

To apply the essence, I just use my palms and pat in onto my face.

5. SERUM (morning and night)

Serums are more concentrated products that target specific problem areas of your skin.  Since I want to decrease the size of my pores, I picked a "pore shrinking" serum. I am using It's Skin's Power 10 Formula PO effector serum for almost a month now and am not exactly sure if it's doing something with my pores. (?) It does blur out my pores when I put it on my face, though. I will probably try another serum next time to see what works best for my skin. The search is still ongoing~

I apply the serum the same way I apply the essence, using my palms and patting it all over my face.

6. MOISTURIZER (morning and night)

Nature Republic's Soothing Aloe Vera Gel is my daily moisturizer and it feels so soothing and hydrating! The gel does not feel heavy at all and it gets easily absorbed by my skin. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is enough as a nighttime moisturizer but so far so good? Thinking of buying a sleeping pack (Laneige) for those days when I'll be needing a heavier moisturizer, though. As of now, this aloe vera gel is good with me!

7. EYE CREAM

To brighten the dark area around my eyes, especially since my sleeping schedule is so weird, an eye cream is a must-have! I got my Etude House's Collagen Eye Cream in Korea and it did a great job in lightening my eyebags.

To apply the eye cream, I just get some cream using my ring finger and GENTLY apply it on the area around my eyes using a patting motion.

OTHER SKINCARE STEPS:




I do use my Innisfree face masks twice a week (after serum), apply The Face Shop's Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Mud Pack twice a week (after foam cleanser), and exfoliate my skin using Innisfree's Gommage Peeling Mask twice a week as well (after foam cleanser). I do these steps one day at a time, which means I don't put on my pore mask or use my face masks on days I exfoliate my skin using the peeling mask and so on and so forth. If this is confusing, just ask me how I do it lol.

Also, I put on sunscreen in the morning (after eye cream) on days I feel like I'll have long exposure under the sun. Etude House's Sunprise sunscreen is a good product.

I hope this was helpful in coming up with your own routine. I know this looks like such a tedious everyday task but believe me, putting effort in taking care of your skin does wonders! Following a skincare routine does not only make you feel good physically-wise, but can also make you feel more confident (it did for me!). :)