Korean beauty is all about the long game. American consumers have become accustomed to products promising immediate or overnight results, but Korean skincare takes a gentler approach, avoiding potentially irritating side effects. Prevention and protection are the cornerstones of K-beauty products, with an extra emphasis on hydration. The sought-after result is “glass skin,” a term describing a smooth and clear complexion that appears nearly flawless—like glass.
Glass skin is the true no-makeup look, a seemingly unachievable dream until now. But this holistically focused multi-step skincare routine keeps us coming back for more. The traditional ten-step routine went viral in the U.S., including an oil-based double-cleanse and products like sheet masks, toners, essences, exfoliants, and the all-important SPF. While having a poreless complexion might be your dream, keep in mind that K-beauty is less about conventional beauty standards and more about self-care and respect. Take care of your skin, take care of yourself.
10 Steps for Glass Skin
STEP 1 & 2: Oil cleanser and gentle foam cleanser for double cleansing. You need to clean your skin very well. You want your pores to be open and clear. Double cleansing helps remove makeup as well as dirt and pollution.
STEP 3: Exfoliator Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and brightens the look of your skin. It also helps unclog pores and make you less likely to get blemishes.
STEP 4: Toner. Choose a moisturizing toner rather than an astringent. This will be your first layer of moisture in the process.
STEP 5: Essence. This is a lightweight fluid with active ingredients to boost hydration. The essence helps your skin absorb heavier products.
STEP 6: Serum or face oil. Look for ones with active ingredients like antioxidants for anti-aging effects. Serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid plump skin from the inside out.
STEP 7: Sheet mask. Sheet masks are an easy and effective way to provide your skin with an immediate and big boost of vitamins and moisture.
STEP 8: Eye cream. The skin around your eyes is extra thin, so it’s more prone to wrinkles. Keeping it hydrated is key to appearing more youthful.
STEP 9: Moisturizer. An excellent moisturizing cream will seal in all the products that you’ve already applied.
STEP 10: Sunscreen. If your moisturizer doesn’t have sunscreen in it, use it as your final step. You can skip this step before bed, but be sure to use sunscreen before you leave the house.