Step 1: Makeup Removal/ Oil Cleansers
To make sure that your products stick to your face and work effectively, you gotta get all that makeup, dirt and sebum off your skin. Using makeup remover on a cotton pad should do the trick to gently remove waterproof eye and lip makeup, while an oil cleanser melts away any face makeup you might have on (sunscreen / BB cream included). Make sure you don’t tug too hard on your skin as this could lead to wrinkles showing earlier than they should!
We love: I Am Sorry I Am Just Cleansing Water Oil & Collagen Lip & Eye Remover
Step 2: Cleanser
Now that you’ve melted away your makeup and potentially look like a panda in disguise, double cleansing really is the way to go to keep your skin as clean as possible! Using a gentle cleanser is great for clearing oil, dirt and other residue left on the skin. If your skin requires a little more elbow grease to really get into those pores, investing in a pore brush or cleansing device may be a good idea.
We love: Rose Water Gel Cleanser & Pore Sonic Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliator
Korean skincare has come up with innovative ways to exfoliate away dead skin, ranging from skin peeling gels to sugar scrubs to cotton pads laced with enzyme solutions. Whisking away dead skin gives your pores a chance to get up close and personal with your skin care products, allowing them to mingle and get down to business. It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week for softer, smoother and brighter looking skin.
We love: All In One Peeling Pad
Step 4: Toners
Toners have a variety of names in the Korean beauty market including “softener”, “refiner”, “refresher” or simply “skin”. Compared to the conventional western toners, Korean ones are infused with interesting ingredients like a variety of plant and fruit extracts as well as some more famous ingredients like snail mucus that hydrate and benefit your skin instead of just being an astringent. They aid in balancing your skin’s pH level and prepares it for absorption of the next skin care products that follows. Choose to apply it on by soaking a cotton pad and applying it onto the face, or simply patting it onto your skin with your hands.
We love: Poruji Toner
Step 5: Essence
Essences are an intriguing but vital part of a Korean skin care routine. A cross between a watery toner and a concentrated serum, essences treat skin on a cellular level, containing active ingredients that have a range of benefits including anti-aging, brightening, evening skin tone and ultimately, hydration for that “chok chok” (plump and moist) complexion. Gently pat onto freshly cleansed and toned skin, and you’re ready for the next step!
We love: Red Serum
Step 6: Serums / Ampoules
Once your skin is prepped, it’s ready to take in serums or ampoules: concentrates with active ingredients which treat your skin and give it an extra boost. They can address just about any skin issue depending on the product, and is truly the cherry on top for skin-perfecting. Korea’s favorite way to use this isn’t to rub it into the skin, but to apply onto the skin and gently tap for better absorption.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Korean skincare has come up with innovative ways to exfoliate away dead skin, ranging from skin peeling gels to sugar scrubs to cotton pads laced with enzyme solutions. Whisking away dead skin gives your pores a chance to get up close and personal with your skin care products, allowing them to mingle and get down to business. It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week for softer, smoother and brighter looking skin.
We love: All In One Peeling Pad
Step 4: Toners
Toners have a variety of names in the Korean beauty market including “softener”, “refiner”, “refresher” or simply “skin”. Compared to the conventional western toners, Korean ones are infused with interesting ingredients like a variety of plant and fruit extracts as well as some more famous ingredients like snail mucus that hydrate and benefit your skin instead of just being an astringent. They aid in balancing your skin’s pH level and prepares it for absorption of the next skin care products that follows. Choose to apply it on by soaking a cotton pad and applying it onto the face, or simply patting it onto your skin with your hands.
We love: Poruji Toner
Step 5: Essence
Essences are an intriguing but vital part of a Korean skin care routine. A cross between a watery toner and a concentrated serum, essences treat skin on a cellular level, containing active ingredients that have a range of benefits including anti-aging, brightening, evening skin tone and ultimately, hydration for that “chok chok” (plump and moist) complexion. Gently pat onto freshly cleansed and toned skin, and you’re ready for the next step!
We love: Red Serum
Step 6: Serums / Ampoules
Once your skin is prepped, it’s ready to take in serums or ampoules: concentrates with active ingredients which treat your skin and give it an extra boost. They can address just about any skin issue depending on the product, and is truly the cherry on top for skin-perfecting. Korea’s favorite way to use this isn’t to rub it into the skin, but to apply onto the skin and gently tap for better absorption.
We love: 3D Volluming Ample
Step 7: Sheet Masks
Ah, our favorite step! Sheet masks are the superhero (in our opinion, anyway) of the Korean skincare routine. Infused with concentrated treatments that target specific skin needs, this pampering step nourishes the skin and does all the hard work while you chill out for 15-30 minutes, depending on the mask you’re using. While most brands recommend using this once or twice a week, we say there’s no such thing as overdoing them (we try to do them 3-4 times a week!).
We love: Magic Color Change Mask Horse Oil
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is super delicate and should be treated with utmost care. Using an eye cream not only helps to protect the area, but also hydrate it to prevent wrinkles. Whether you have puffy eyes (eye bags), undereye circles or wrinkles, the right eye cream will be able to aid in improving your eye area concerns. By gently tapping the product into the skin instead of rubbing, this allows the product to better penetrate the skin as well as avoid making signs of aging popping up on your face.
We love: Bifida Prestige Eyecream
Step 9: Moisturizers
Moisturizers ensure that all that goodness you’ve put on your skin is sealed in with a final, thicker layer of hydration, giving you the red carpet to dewy, glowing skin. With a selection of different moisturisers in the market (emulsion, gels, lotions, creams, etc.), you’ll be sure to find one that suits your skin type and needs. Apply this with gentle strokes and pat into the skin so it truly gets into the skin, keeping your skin moisturized and protected.
We love: Magimaxx Original Cream
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is super delicate and should be treated with utmost care. Using an eye cream not only helps to protect the area, but also hydrate it to prevent wrinkles. Whether you have puffy eyes (eye bags), undereye circles or wrinkles, the right eye cream will be able to aid in improving your eye area concerns. By gently tapping the product into the skin instead of rubbing, this allows the product to better penetrate the skin as well as avoid making signs of aging popping up on your face.
We love: Bifida Prestige Eyecream
Step 9: Moisturizers
Moisturizers ensure that all that goodness you’ve put on your skin is sealed in with a final, thicker layer of hydration, giving you the red carpet to dewy, glowing skin. With a selection of different moisturisers in the market (emulsion, gels, lotions, creams, etc.), you’ll be sure to find one that suits your skin type and needs. Apply this with gentle strokes and pat into the skin so it truly gets into the skin, keeping your skin moisturized and protected.
We love: Magimaxx Original Cream
Step 10: Sun Protection
Talking about protection, the sun is one of your skin’s biggest enemy! From anti-aging to darkening to making cancerous cells, sunscreen is really the way to go to ensure your skin stays protected from the evil sun. Make sure you slather some onto your face before you step out into the warm rays, and reapply as needed throughout the day. Using it as the last step of your skincare routine keeps your sunscreen from being diluted by the other products so you get the most protection out of it.
We love: Perfect Sun Shield
Phew! That was quite a bit of information, wasn’t it? We’re all for trying out the Korean 10-step skincare routine if it means it paves the way to clearer, brighter skin that would make even a light bulb jealous! Do you follow this Korean beauty regime on a daily basis? If you do, what are some of your favorite products? If not, would you try this for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
Have a magical day!
Pores — everyone has them, but nobody particularly likes them. The more visible your pores, the harder it is to create a smooth look with your makeup. It’s tough to go back once your pores have increased in size, but you can maintain your current pore size and even make your pores less visible if you follow these steps:
1. Remove dirt and makeup every night- even if it’s just sunscreen
Clogged pores become larger, and usually darker, pores, so it is imperative that you free your face of dirt and makeup every evening. You’ll want to get rid of sebum, dust, and even sunscreen. To do this, invest in a good oil-based cleanser and a gentle water-based (foam) cleanser.
The oil cleanser will wash away the sebum, sunscreen, makeup, and other oil-based impurities. The foam cleanser will clear your sweat and whatever dirt is left. It’ll also help to make sure your oil cleanser is thoroughly cleaned off!
Try: Innisfree Apple Juicy Deep Cleansing Foam (water) , Banila Co. Clean It Zero (oil)
2. Exfoliate regularly
Dead skin and sebum that isn’t cleared away will end up settling deep into your pores. To prevent the buildup, use products with beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These can go deep into the pores to exfoliate and break down impurities 
For more instant results, try using a peeling gel once a week. The gel will help to lift dead skin right off for a smoother, brighter complexion instantly!
Try: Nooni Springwater AHA BHA Sprout Toner , Manyo Factory Active Herb Refresh Peeling Gel
3. Use a clay mask weekly for a deep cleanse
Charcoal and volcanic ash are basically magnets for the dirt in your pores, so use a clay mask once a week to draw out as much unwanted stuff as you can. These clay masks will also do a great job at absorbing any excess sebum, which is always a plus!
Remember, when you’re using a clay mask, wash it off before it dries all the way. It should still be slightly damp to the touch when you’re ready to take it off! This prevents the mask from pulling moisture out of your skin.
Try: Bonvivant Mellow Jelly Clay Mask Jeju Volcanic
4. Try a steam treatment
Generations of skincare lovers have used simple steam to minimize the appearance of pores. Steam opens up your pores and makes it easier to remove all makeup and debris. You don’t have to steam every time you cleanse your face, but the more often you take this extra step, the better your skin will look 
5. Use primer for a quick fix
Skincare products will do wonders for your skin, but they do take time. If you need a quick fix, try using a primer designed specifically for large pores. The right primer can actually fill in the space of your pores to create a smooth surface. Once the pores are filled in, you’ll actually get a blurring effect as well!
Masking is one of the easiest and most relaxing self-pampering routine to incorporate into daily life. Each person has his/her individual quirks, interests, and professions, but there’s one thing we have in common: we are #GirlsWhoMask (and guys)
Emily ∙ @emily_mmmm
Profession: I’m a mobile and web interface designer.
Hobbies: I’m a lover of food, fashion, outdoor, travel, and all things design. I first got introduced to sheet mask by my older sister when I was in high school, and I started to incorporate masking into my routine ever since. I just can’t deny the power of a good sheet mask — it helps me relax after a long day of work, it hydrates my skin, and it put me in an instant good mood.
Bonus: I’ve successful converted my husband into a sheet mask lover! So that now doing sheet mask together is our new bonding activity!
Bonus: I’ve successful converted my husband into a sheet mask lover! So that now doing sheet mask together is our new bonding activity!
Favorite Mask: This Chamomile + tea tree mask from Bonvivant is my recent favorite. I have oily combination skin, this mask does a great job at hydrating my skin and tightening my pores. I was happy to wake up in the morning seeing my T-zone being less oily after using this mask at night 
Eugene ∙ @geniegene_ps
Profession: Finishing up college as a communications and PR major, want to either work at a public relation to help create and guide teams in creating public relations campaigns. For now, I’m working as a receptionist at a salon where I get to learn a lot about hair care!
Hobbies: I’m a swimmer! Which unfortunately contributes to my dry skin because of chlorine/saline from pools. I love walking around the city that I live in and finding new areas to explore and hidden gems for food, snacks, and coffee. And of course, I’m very passionate about self care and skin care. I could not go without my candles, my alone time, my lotions, and my sheet masks.
Claire ∙ @blameclaire
Profession: I’m a beginning skincare blogger. I’m pretty excited to share everything I’ve learned about skincare with other people. (I think my main goal is to make skincare an enjoyable and fun thing for others as well). I’m currently a college student.
Hobbies: I love exploring new cities and going on random adventures with my friends. Recently I’ve been really into learning about different cultures.
Random Fact: I’m completely terrified of any and every kind of bug… (unless you tell me they’re good for my skin.. then I’ll probably put it on my face, lol).
Anna & Francesca ∙ Vouge Treats
Currently Doing: Francesca is a student at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Anna is a freshman at Palm Desert High School
Hobbies: taking pictures, inspiring people, and sharing experiences or talents with the world, baking, dance
Sylvia ∙ Where She WanderedWhere She Wandered
Location: Bay Area, California
Profession: I’m a full time pastry chef by day, and part time travel blogger by night. My dream is to one day be able to travel full time, and bring those experiences and lessons to my blog to create a growing community of individuals that love to explore.
Hobbies: Although globetrotting is one of the loves of my life, pastry is my first! I’ve been baking since I was really young, and finally pursued it full time after graduating from culinary school two years ago.
About Masking: Masking has become a huge part of my skincare routine, between flights and late night work shifts it’s hard for me to squeeze in time to take care of my skin, but face masks make it easy and convenient for me to pamper my skin at least once a week. The Egg Cream Mask by Too Cool For School does a great job rehydrating my skin, and tightening my pores after a stressful week!
Joyce ・ TeawithMD
Location: New York, New York
Profession: I’m a dermatology resident in NYC. I run a skincare and beauty blog where I offer advice and take a look at beauty trends from a medical perspective.
Hobbies: When I’m not in clinic or blogging, you can find me exploring restaurants and cafes in Manhattan, trying new skincare products, or cooking up a storm with my hubby in the kitchen!
About Masking: I tried out the water gel force brightening Polatam sheet mask, and I found it extremely hydrating! I woke up the next morning with a very well moisturized face despite having the heater on all night.
