Korean skincare in 10 steps ✨

Spoiler alert: you don't have to do all 10 steps all the time . You just have to do the right ones, at the right time. Here's how, with simple words, concrete examples, and a pinch of humor.

🌸 Korean cosmetics: a global phenomenon

Korean skincare, or K-beauty, wasn't born yesterday: it has its roots in East Asian skincare traditions, where glowing, even skin has always been synonymous with health 🌿. Natural ingredients such as rice, green tea, and ginseng have been used for centuries.

The international boom, however, is more recent: since the 2000s, South Korea has begun exporting its products and rituals, accompanied by a wave of pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas). The result? Millions of people intrigued by innovative textures, delicate and effective formulas, and irresistible packaging 🎁.

Why so famous?

• 💡 Continuous innovation (new active ingredients, new textures, new ideas every year).

• 💸 Accessibility: effective products at prices often lower than in the West.

• 🌱 Philosophy: don't mask, but care for the skin over time.

Fun fact: South Korea invests heavily in cosmetic research 🔬; it's considered a living laboratory where many of the trends that later reach Europe are born.

The 10 steps, explained well (correct order)

1) Oil Cleanser

Korean skincare begins here: an oil that melts away makeup, pollution, and SPF like snow in the sun. Skin is left clean yet soft.
✨ Recommended: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil · Urang Natural Cleansing Oil

2) Foaming cleanser (Water Cleanser)

Completes cleansing and leaves skin fresh, ready to receive the rest.
✨ Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser · Mizon Cicaluronic Low pH Cleansing Foam · G9 Skin White in Milk Whipping Foam

3) Exfoliation (1–3 times a week)

It removes dead cells and brightens. Not every day, but when needed, it makes a difference.
✨ Recommended: G9 Skin Self Aesthetic Butterfly Nose Strip · House of Dohwa White Rice Wash Off Mask

4) Tonic

Rebalances, refreshes and prepares the skin to better absorb the subsequent steps.
✨ Recommended: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

5) Essence

The heart of K-beauty: lightweight hydration that makes the skin more receptive.
✨ Recommended: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence

6) Sheet mask (1–2 times a week)

A hydration and relaxation booster: use after the essence and before the serum.
✨ Recommended: G9 Skin Waterful Mask · 107 Beauty Avocado Cuddle Sheet Mask · G9 Skin Pore Clean Bubble Mask

7) Serum / Ampoule

Targeted treatment: blemishes, wrinkles, pores, brightness.
✨ Recommended: Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum+ · Belif Super Drops Niacinamide & Vitamin C · Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum

8) Eye contour

A delicate area that deserves dedicated attention: it hydrates, illuminates, and prevents marks.
✨ Recommended: G9 Skin Pink Blur Hydrogel Eye Patch · Village 11 Factory Miracle Youth Eye Cream

9) Moisturizing cream

It seals in all the benefits of the previous steps and strengthens the skin barrier.
✨ Recommended: Mizon Hyalugen Le Lift Cream · Urang Rose Ceramide Cream

10) Sunscreen (daytime only)

The most important step: it protects from UV rays, prevents blemishes and premature aging.
✨ Recommended: Suntique I'm Pure Perfect Cica SPF50 · Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50 · House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen SPF50

🚀 Where do I start? (Ready-made mini kits)

👩🎓 Mini Teen Kit (young skin, first imperfections)

The day begins with double cleansing : first the Anua Cleansing Oil and then the G9 Skin soft foam 🫧. Afterwards, the Anua Heartleaf 77% toner rebalances and calms 🌿. For small imperfections, here is the Belif Niacinamide & Vitamin C serum , followed by the COSRX Snail Essence 🐌 which hydrates without weighing down. The routine ends with the Suntique Cica SPF50 sunscreen ☀️. And when you want to have fun, try the Bubble Mask or the G9 Skin Nose Strip 🎭.

🌸 Mini Kit for Young Women (20–40 years, prevention + glow)

Start with double cleansing : Urang oil and COSRX cleanser. Anua Heartleaf 77% toner prepares the skin. Then come the treatments: Klairs Vitamin Serum for luminosity ✨ and Benton Snail Bee Serum to regenerate. For the eyes, the Village 11 Eye Cream and G9 Skin Pink Patch duo 👀. The skin is nourished with Mizon Hyalugen Cream , while the extra masks (107 Avocado 🥑 + G9 Skin Waterful 💧) offer moments of relaxation. It ends with the Beauty of Joseon Sun Serum SPF50 ☀️.

🌹 Mini Kit for Mature Skin (nourishment + anti-aging)

Thorough cleansing with Urang oil and Mizon Cicaluronic mousse. Then the Anua Heartleaf 77% toner . The heart of the routine is the trio: COSRX Snail Essence 🐌, Benton Snail Bee Serum and Klairs Vitamin Serum , which work on elasticity and luminosity 🌟. The eye area is pampered with Village 11 Eye Cream and G9 Skin Pink Patch 👁️. To nourish, alternate Urang Rose Ceramide Cream 🌹 during the day and Mizon Hyalugen Cream 🌙 at night. Extra masks? The House of Dohwa Rice Mask 🍚 and the 107 Avocado Sheet Mask 🥑. Final protection with the House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen SPF50 ☀️.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Too many actives at once: choose one priority at a time.

• Skipping sunscreen: it's like going on a diet... and having 4 croissants for dinner 🥐.

• Exfoliate when your skin screams: redness = break + ceramides.

• Rubbing: skin loves gentle gestures 🤲.

How to choose products

• Skin type: dry (looks for lipids and ceramides), combination/oily (light texture, niacinamide), sensitive (few fragrances, centella).

• Season: In summer ☀️ lighten up; in winter ❄️ layer up.

• Budget: Better to have 3 good products 💎 than 10 random ones.

In the shop, you'll find carefully designed step-by-step selections 🛍️. Each product is chosen to be effective, pleasant to use, and easy to incorporate into your routine.

Quick Questions

Do I always have to do 10 steps? No. Think of the 10 steps as a “toolbox” 🧰. Choose the ones that are useful today.

Can I use retinol and acids together? It's best to alternate them (e.g., retinol one night 🌙, acids the next).

Is Korean skincare suitable for acne-prone skin? Yes, with targeted active ingredients (BHA, niacinamide) and light textures. If you use medications, consult a dermatologist 👩⚕️.

Pregnant/breastfeeding? Always ask your doctor 🩺; prefer soothing and simple routines.

Ready to get started?

Discover our kits by level (Teen, Glow, Anti-aging) and bundles by goal (Blemishes, Pores, Sensitivity). Have questions? Contact us 📩: we'll help you build your customized routine.

Your skin... more serene every day! 🌸