Korean skincare has captured the hearts of beauty enthusiasts worldwide, known for its meticulous approach to achieving flawless and radiant skin. The key to its success lies not only in the products but also in the precise application method. In this blog post, we’ll reveal the correct way to apply your skincare products using the Korean skincare routine for both morning and nighttime. 

Before diving into the world of skincare, it’s crucial to understand your skin type. Knowing whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin will help you choose the right products and customize your routine accordingly. You can also consult with a dermatologist or skincare specialist for a professional assessment.

What Order to Apply Your Skincare Products in the Morning

Step 1: Makeup Remover & Oil Cleanser

Double cleansing is key to a great skin care routine. This method ensures that your skin is thoroughly cleansed, removing makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and excess oils.

Clean It Zero
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing $24
THEN I MET YOU Balm
THEN I MET YOU Living Cleansing Balm $38
belif aqua bomb
belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm $32
Peach & Lily
PEACH & LILY Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser $25

Step 2: Water Based Cleanser or Micellar Water

Next wash your face with a gentle water-based cleanser. This helps remove sweat, oils, and any impurities that may have built up overnight. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

 

Low PH Good Morning Gel
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser $14
Then I MET YOU Cleansing
THEN I MET YOU Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel $37
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid $14
Garnier Micellar
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover $12

Step 3: Exfoliator

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and revealing a brighter complexion. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator, such as an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid), to avoid harsh physical scrubs. Apply the exfoliant to a clean face, avoiding the eye area, and follow the recommended usage instructions.

TULA
TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub $34
SKINRX LAB MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner $34

Step 4: Hydrating Toner and Essences

Toning helps balance your skin’s pH levels and prepares it to absorb subsequent products. Use a hydrating and alcohol-free toner by applying it to a cotton pad or by gently patting it into your skin with clean hands. This step also ensures your skin is receptive to the nourishing products that follow.

Essences are lightweight, hydrating liquids that provide an extra layer of moisture to your skin. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and gently press them into your face and neck. Essences are known for their ability to improve skin texture and promote a radiant complexion.

Peach Slices | Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner | 95% Snail Mucin $14
BHA mIRACLE tONER
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner $15
The Ordinary Toner
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution $14
aDAVANCE sNAIL
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence $26

Step 5: Treatment Serums and Ampoules

Serums and ampoules are highly concentrated treatments designed to address specific skincare concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots, or acne. Apply a small amount to your face and neck, focusing on areas that need extra attention. Gently pat the product into your skin to enhance absorption.

Green Tangerine Vita-C
GOODAL Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum $27
AXIS-Y
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum $15

Step 7: Eye Cream or Eye Serums

The delicate skin around your eyes requires special care. Apply a pea-sized amount of eye cream using your ring finger, gently tapping it around your orbital bone. This helps reduce puffiness and prevent fine lines.

GUAVA VITAMIN C
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream $38
Inkly Caffeine
The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream $11

Step 6: Moisturizer

Lock in all the moisture and goodness with a suitable moisturizer for your skin type. Apply it evenly to your face and neck, making sure to cover all areas. Massage it in using upward motions for better absorption.

gLOW rECIPE wATERMELON
Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer $40
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel $18

Step 8: SPF

Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Let it absorb for a few minutes before applying makeup if desired.

Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 $38
innisfree daily UV Defense
innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 $16

What Order to Apply Your Skincare Products at Night

Step 1: Oil Cleanser

Start your nighttime routine with double cleansing. Begin with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen.

Clean It Zero
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing $24
Peach & Lily
PEACH & LILY Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser $25

Step 2: Gel or Milky Cleanser

Next use a water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is squeaky clean.

Low PH Good Morning Gel
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser $14
Then I MET YOU Cleansing
THEN I MET YOU Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel $37

Step 3: Hydrating Toner or Liquid Exfoliator

Use the same hydrating toner as in the morning to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the subsequent products.

The Ordinary Toner
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution $14
BHA mIRACLE tONER
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner $15

Step 5: Eye Cream

Reapply your eye cream as you did in the morning.

Inkly Caffeine
The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream $11
CAUDALIE
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide $55

Step 6: Moisturizer

Seal in all the goodness with a night cream or a richer moisturizer. Apply it evenly to your face and neck.

innisfree Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer
innisfree Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer $26
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel $18

Step 7: Sleeping Mask

Sheet masks are a luxurious treat in the Korean skincare routine. Choose a mask that suits your skin’s needs, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or firming. After cleansing and toning, apply the sheet mask and leave it on for the recommended time. Remove the mask and pat any remaining essence into your skin.

LOOPS Night Shift Repairing Face Mask Set $30
tONY mOLY pORE cARE
TONYMOLY I Am Sheet Mask $3.75
MEDIHEAL TEATREE
MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask $8
Pore Remedy Purifying
Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy™ Purifying Mud Face Mask $10

Step 8: Spot Treatment

If you have specific blemishes or concerns, apply spot treatment as directed.

BHA+AHA Strawberry
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum $42
AXIS-Y
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum $15