Anyone who's in the know when it comes to beauty trends will have heard of the Korean Skincare routine. But as experts tout the benefits this 10-step process has for our skin, us normal folk may be wondering how to slot such an intensive regime into more hectic lifestyles. Not to mention budgeting for extra products to complete the job.
The good news is that you can condense it down. The trick is understanding where our usual day-to-day beauty products slot in. By using them at the right time, you could supercharge your existing skincare routine for a glowing, youthful complexion.
Cleansers
In the morning, advocates of the routine only wash with water. But, in the evening the cleaners come out! An oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water based cleaner. The first works harder on makeup and daily grime, the second removes the residue of oil and impurities. For oils, check out products like Elemis's Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil, or AA Skincare's Rosemary & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil. Water based cleansers include Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing.
Exfoliators
Worked into the night time routine after cleansing, a twice-weekly exfoliation is said to brighten skin, allow products to absorb into the skin more easily, and unblock pores. Finding a gentler exfoliator is the recommended Korean way, so look to products like Bourjois' Radiance Boosting Face Scrub Bamboo Bead & Orange.
Toners
Toning follows next in the evening, and straight after you've washed your face with water in the morning. Toner is used to balance pH levels and allows your moisturising products to absorb easier, and this is exactly why it's used both morning and night. Check out lovely products like Dermalogica's Multi Active Toner, and Guinot's Lotion Hydra Fraicheur Toning Lotion for all skin types.
Essence, serums and ampoules
In the full, 10-step routine, essence, which straddles the line between toners and serums comes next. Ampoules are another step, just after applying essence. Packed with active ingredients, they're designed to give tired skin a boost. To simplify the process, make sure you do apply a serum however. This comes after essence and ampoule if you're following the regime to the letter, or after your toner for a quick cheat. Applied morning and evening, serums like Balance Vitamin C Power Serum, and Cougar Platinum Snow Algae Facial Serum act against wrinkles and dehydration.
Sheet masks
Part of the night time regime only, sheet masks feature big on the list for faithful followers of the Korean way. Try out scrumptious sheet masks to give you a big moisture boost like Derma V10's Anti Ageing Woven Face Mask with collagen.
Eye creams
Don't forget to add a good eye cream to your collection if you're serious about reaping the benefits from this routine. Your eye area has delicate skin and needs a moisture boost both morning and night. Products like L'Oreal's Youth Code Eye Cream and 10 Years Younger Caviar Anti Aging Eye Cream are just two to check out.
Moisturisers and SPF
Last but not least, don't forget your moisturiser! Make sure your skin is hydrated during the day, but also during the night as its the perfect time for your face to absorb all the benefits that night creams have in offer. Soothing moisturisers like Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Skin Protectant Cream are ideal. In the day, also top up on sun cream after moisturising. Even if the weather's bad, the Korean advice is to add a high factor SPF each and every day. Plus, scented products like Australian Gold's Sun Lotion SPF 50 will give you a summery feel all year round.
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