Ever wondered how our Korean counterparts get their flawless, dewy complexions? Well, it's all down to an extensive 10-step skincare regime. Sounds daunting? Stick with us - because fresh from her trip to Seoul, Emily Saunders, one of our beauty buyers, is here to break each step down, allowing you to customise it to meet your specific skincare needs.
Shop Korean 10-step beauty skincare regime items at Selfridges & Co.
STEP 1: Cleanse // Cleansing is at the heart of the Korean skincare routine - which is why it twice features in the 10-step routine. The first half of the famous 'double cleanse' method involves drawing out sebum and bacteria using a gentle oil cleanser and lukewarm water.
Skin79 Cleanest Coconut Cleansing Oil
STEP 2: And then cleanse again // The second cleanse ensures every last lingering scrap of dirt, oil and make-up is removed from the skin, leaving it perfectly clean and prepped for the steps that follow.
Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser
STEP 3: Exfoliate // In order for skincare ingredients to work efficiently, it's important to ensure they're effectively absorbed deep into the skin, so a good facial exfoliator is an essential part of the regime.
SKINMISO Real Clean Peeling Gel
STEP 4: Tighten up with toner // Not only does a toner calm and restore your pH balance, but it also preps your skin to better absorb what comes next.
STEP 5: Essence is essential // Often considered the most important step by Korean women, an essence is a quick and easy way to refresh and hydrate your skin. Supercharged with active ingredients that work hard to improve skin quality, an essence should be patted all over the face, post cleanse.
Blithe Vital Treatment Pulp Essence 8 Nourishing Beans
STEP 6: Massage in the moisturiser // Once you've finished with the essence, the next step is to moisturise, which adds even more hydration while also providing the perfect base for make-up.
Neogen re:p Nutrinature All-In-One Multitem Toner, Essence and Moisturiser
STEP 7: Use a sheet mask // Perhaps one of the most popular beauty trends to emerge from Korea, sheet masks are an effective (and inexpensive) way to treat your skin. You'll never be short of options - regardless of skin type or concern - and you see instant results.
The OOZOO Face In-Shot Mask Hydrolift
STEP 8: Apply an eye cream // Since prevention is better than cure, an eye cream is a must to keep fine lines, puffiness and dark circles at bay.
Tony Moly Ferment Snail Eye Cream
STEP 9: Prep with a primer // Another key element of Korean skincare, a primer minimises pores but also helps to smooth the skin, extending the wear of your foundation.
Skin79 Pore Raxel Blur Primer SPF 30
STEP 10: Use a cushion compact // Cushion compacts offer the same benefits as BBs and CCs, the sponge-like applicator helps to infuse oxygen and moisture into the foundation, creating a bright, dewy glow.
Missha Original Tension Pact Foundation