My Budget Korean Skincare Routine

Hi lovelies! Today I'm going to let you know about my Korean skincare routine. ^^ When I lived in the States, I basically followed the same Clinique 3-step routine I had since high school. That was ok for a while, but when I was in my twenties my skin started to need a little more TLC. Once I moved to Seoul, I became concerned about the effects of the pollution and time spent outside walking on my skin. Luckily, Korean skincare is very affordable, very effective, and VERY available! There are skincare and cosmetics stores on every corner in Seoul! 

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Korean skincare routines is how many steps they have compared to what I used to do. There were essences and sheet masks and tons of stuff I'd never even heard of!

Like wtf is this facial mist everyone is obsessed with?

The trick is to add each step in one at a time and see how your skin reacts to it. My skin has always been pretty clear, but switching to a Korean routine has really helped soften and brighten my skin. Hopefully it's been helping prevent wrinkles too! 

As for the prices of my products, I try to keep them affordable as I'm only working part time these days. When I was working full time, I could afford the more expensive dept store brands...but I've still managed to come up with a great routine for my skin on a budget. ^^

By the way, my skin type is normal-dry depending on how well hydrated I am. It definitely runs a bit drier in the cold months, so my winter/spring products are a little heavier than my summer/fall stuff. 

I'll split the routine into 3 parts, as follows~~~

Part 1: Cleansing

Step 1: remove eye makeup

This is the first step! Use a gentle remover and a cotton pad or balls and softly press down on the eye area. Never use harsh tugging or sweeping motions. 

My choice: My favorite remover is Clinique Take the Day Off, but Korea has some great budget ones. I love the Innisfree Apple Juicy Eye Makeup Remover, but these days I'm actually using a Japanese remover from Bifesta I picked up at Olive Young.

I'm sure many of you have heard that double cleansing is key to a Korean skincare routine. Here's how that works:

Step 2: Oil/balm cleanser

First you need to apply an oil or balm cleanser to dry skin to remove your makeup and sunscreen. I'm using an oil cleanser now, but I usually prefer balm cleansers (they're easier to remove and don't get in your eyes and much). Don't be afraid to take it over your eyes to remove any lingering eye makeup. Then rinse well with warm (never hot!) water.

My choice: I'm using the Innisfree Apple Juicy cleansing oil. As for balm cleansers, I recommend Banila Cleanse It Zero, Lush Ultrabland, and The BodyShop's Chamomile cleansing balm. 

Step 3: Cleansing milk/foam

The next step is to cleanse one more time with a gentle, low pH cleanser. Tbh, I'm not using a low pH cleansing foam at the moment but I'm happy with mine until it runs out. There are tons of options out there though! Hadolabo makes a gentle cleansing foam if you prefer something foaming. I'll look into Missha's Super Aqua cleansing milk next. Whatever you use, make sure it doesn't dry out your skin or leave it feeling tight. I use an all natural konjac sponge from Innisfree to really make sure I'm deeply cleansing. 

My choice: Innisfree Olive Real cleansing foam

Step 4: Exfoliate

Twice a week or so I exfoliate gently with a scrub. I have one with really fine grains for all over exfoliation, then a sugar scrub mask I just use on my nose once a week. If you prefer chemical exfoliant treatments like AHA or BHA, this is when you should use them. I'll probably start adding their into my routine this summer.

My choice: Skinfood strawberry black sugar scrub 

Yes to Grapefruit daily facial scrub

Part 2: Hydrating Layers

This is the fun part where you can really mix and match treatments for your skin type! There are so many options it can get overwhelming, so I recommend starting small. This is also where most of your money in your routine should go. I follow the Caroline Hirons school of thought: pay more for treatments and serums than creams. Do you spend more money on the outfit or the coat covering it up? Let's go!

Step 5: Hydrating Mist

This step isn't super necessary, I just enjoy it. After cleansing, I spray a pH adjusting mist over my face and let it settle for a minute to balance things and give myself a nice canvas for my treatments. If you're not using a low pH cleanser, I also recommend a pH balancing toner. Any hydrating mist you like works though, even Evian. Vichy makes a nice basic one too.

My choice: Dr. G Hydra Fresh pH Mist

Step 6: First essence

Korea has a different attitude towards toners than the US of my youth. I remember the old Sea Breeze days. Even my Clinique Type 2 I used for years had exfoliating properties and contained alcohol. Korea eschews astringent toners and instead uses watery hydrating treatments to prep your skin for moisture. There are lots of options, but the Missha FTE is my tried and true favorite. You can apply it with a cotton square, but that wastes a lot of product. Instead, I put a few drops in my hands and splash it directly onto my face. Pat gently for full absorption.

My choice: Missha First Treatment Essence 

Step 7: Hydrating toner

These are actually usually called toners or lotions and are slightly thicker than first treatments. They're still very watery, however, and I apply them the same way. The one two punch of first essence and hydrating toner is great to prep your skin for the heavier treatments! 

My choice: Actually a Japanese product, and one of my HGs. Lots of other bloggers have written about it! 

Hadolabo gokujyun lotion. You can buy it at Watsons or Olive Young. There's a blue one, which is supposed to be brightening, and a white one which is supposed to be more hydrating. I love them both equally. ^^

Step 8: Eye cream

You should absolutely apply eye cream before any serums or essences that will inhibit absorption in the eye area. I use the same one basically twice a day, but I do have a slightly heavier one (weirdly called a serum) that's very viscous and sticky for a few nights a week. 

My choice: Innisfree Eco Science eye cream

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator eye serum 


Part 3: More Layers!

Step 9: Serums and ampoules

This can involve however many products you need for your skin. I tend to use just 1-2mornings and 3-4 at night. When layering, apply them in order of consistency: lighter first, then heavier. 

My choice: I change them up by season, but the one I can't live without is the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule (phew! Long name!) hereafter known as the "purple one" lol. It's meant to be a dupe of the Estée Lauder Night Repair serum, and the ingredients list is similar. Apply that one morning and night. 

I also like: 

The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth

Scinic Aqua all in one ampoule 

Innisfree Canola Honey serum

Innisfree Ginger Oil serum (especially for winter--that stuff is rich!)

Part 4: Finishing Touches

Step 10: Face oil

This is a step I've gotten into recently, and is not necessary for everyone. I only use it at night tbh. Just put a couple drops in your hands, run them together, then gently press the oil into your face over the serums.

My choice: Dioderma carrot oil (actually it's a German brand, my friend Stella brought me some from a recent trip. Thanks, girl! <3)

Step 11: Moisture cream

You should have a finishing cream to to seal in all your products and make your skin super soft. As I said, an expensive cream isn't very important. Just choose one you like. Your face probably feels like a 10 layer wedding cake with all the products now. That means your doing it right! ;)

My choice: The Faceshop Mango Seed volume butter. I'm so addicted the the scent! It has a cute heart shaped applicator/ facial massager too. 

Laneige Water Bank cream or gel cream (the latter for summer or combination skin)

Step 12: Sleeping Pack

You might ask "Angela, my face is already covered in crap! Do I really need one more just for night!?" I would say, you don't NEED one, but try and see if it makes a difference! I use mine every night because I give no f#%^s, but try a couple nights a week and see what works for you.

My choice: Laneige Water Bank sleeping back

Innisfree Green Tea sleeping pack

Step 13: Sheet masks (optional)

These are crazy popular in Korea, and for good reason. I don't do them as frequently as I should, but they really do give your skin an instant shot of moisture and plumpness. I use these directly after step 8 (eye cream), and nothing else after. Just leave the mask on the directed time then pat all the goodness into your skin right before bed. Don't rinse it off! I recommend sheet masks once or twice a week, but you do you. ^^

Step 14: Sunscreen (NOT optional)

The best thing I ever did for my skin when I moved to Korea was start wearing sunscreen (or sun cream as it's usually called here) every day. I'm serious, rain or shine, put that shit on your face! Even if you're just staying inside, UV rays can come in through the windows. Anti-aging products are awesome, but they tend to make your skin photosensitive. Daily sunscreen is also the best for age prevention, trust me! A good sunscreen will glide over your other products and provide a silly base for your makeup/primer.

My choice: Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45/ PA+++ (the pink one).

Fresh faced and ready to start the day! :3

Did you make it to the end? Lol. I know, it's a lot. I plan on making some changes later in the year, but this is working great for me for now. Have you tried any of these products? Feel free to ask any questions about products or routine in the comments! 

Kisses,

Angela

Jet Lag Beauty

Another makeup tutorial! Y'all know the airplane beauty blues, right? The best of us often reach our destinations with dry, pale, lifeless skin and mega dark circles. One of the realities of living in Korea means I have to take long 15+ hour plane rides back and forth when I visit my family in the States. I'm meeting either my parents or my BF when I arrive, so I want to look healthy and as lovely as possible!

Me with my adorable Coach passport holder I bought years ago! Travel accessories are so much fun! ^^

After several years of long plane travel, I've come up with a streamlined beauty routine you can do either just before landing or after in the airport restroom. This look is also great for sick days or days when you're just not looking as bright as usual. It's an easy way to pump some color into your dead looking face and arrive looking fresh and lovely! Let's get started!

Five steps! Easy peasy for 5 minutes before landing.

The first thing I'd like to suggest is boarding the plane without makeup. Unless you're an idol, you probably don't have anyone to impress in the airport! Just look at the lines of people in sweats and UGG boots or flip flops, oversized sunnies to hide dark circles (no judgment, I've done it too. 'MURICA!). I recommend coming with a bare face if you can stand it. If not, please remove your makeup and wash your face before boarding or ASAP after boarding! 

Now, you probably know the requirements for carrying cosmetics or liquid toiletries on board, but please check on the airline's policies if you're not sure! You don't want to have a fortune's worth of products confiscated going through security. Now let's talk about the products used! You will need:

1. A good moisturizer is a must for long flights if you want your skin to look decent upon arrival! Slather it on when you get settled and get some shuteye! Eye cream is good if you can bring it, but as long as you have a good moisturizer it's fine. My favorites for travel are Clinique Moisture Surge or Laneige Water Bank cream. If you live in Korea, however, you probably have tons of samples you can conveniently take. I try to use samples whenever possible for travel!

2. Lip balm--whichever you like. I prefer Smith's Rosebud Salve!

3. A little beauty kit with all the colors you need in one little box is a great option for travel! For this look I'll use Benefit's Sugarlicious kit. It's a very neutral palette that can warm up most skin tones. I find it a bit heavy for my rosy complexion most days, but when my skin is so dead looking after a flight or on a sick day it really warms me up. The kit includes Benetint (the classic rosy lip and cheek tint), High Beam (highlighter), Suagrbomb blush, and Sugarbomb lip gloss. If you don't have a kit with those 4 items, please bring the products separately!

It has a huge mirror inside too, which makes everything so easy!

4. Mascara, lash curler, and brow weapon of choice. I'm using Benefit They're Real mascara in Black, my Shu Uemera curler, and Clio Kill Brow in Light Brown. I seriously recommend avoiding shadow or liner on your eyes if you can. You don't want to do anything to bring out the dark circles! If you travel with an eyeshadow palette, however, you can use a matte brown on your eyebrows if you don't want to bring a pencil (Buck and Naked in the UD Naked palette for example).

5. Concealer if needed. I uses Clarins Instant Concealer in 01. I tend to avoid base makeup on flights because it just never seems to sit right, but if it makes you feel more comfortable then go for it! :)

The flight is about to land and you're well rested! Your skin should be dewy and lovely after sleeping with the moisture cream on, and lips should be smooth. Are you ready to start the makeup? ^^ There's actually a little tutorial inside the Sugarlicious kit in case you forget the steps.

Step 1: Tint

Dot some of the tint on your lips and blend to let the color set--this will also help you form overdoing the cheeks. Then use 3 small dots of the tint on your cheeks and IMMEDIATELY rub them into a nice, natural flush. 3 doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me--this stuff is potent. After you let it settle a minute, if you think you need more then add 2 dots at a time until you reach your desired flush. Just don't overdo it or you'll look like a clown!

Step 2: Blush

I know it sounds like a lot, but swirl a bit of the Sugarbomb blusher around on the brush until the colors are blended then tap off the excess. Lightly brush it across the apples of your cheeks for a lively glow. If you can't live without eyeshadow, you can use your finger to sweep a bit of it across your eyelids as well for a dash of shimmer and warmth.

Step 3: Highlight

Here's where the magic happens! They call Benefit's High Beam 'model in a bottle' because it gives you an instant healthy glow. I can't imagine how many bottles of highlighter Korean makeup artists go through each month to give the actresses that enviable sparkle! Anyway, just make three dots on the tops of your cheekbones and blend up to your temples. I'd probably also add a bit on my forehead and down the bridge of my nose depending on how dull my skin looks.

Step 4: Eyes

Eye makeup is sooooo basic for this look! First, curl your lashes as much as possible to make your eyes look wider and more awake. Then follow with 1-2 coats of your favorite mascara on your top lashes only! Putting mascara on the bottom lashes will only make your dark circles worse! Fill in your brows with an unobtrusive color and comb through for a fresh look. If your dark circles are really stark, gently pat on some concealer. I highly recommend the Clarins Instant Concealer!

Step 5: Lips

If desired, you can use more Benetint to deepen your lip color. I prefer a subtle, youthful flush, but do what's best for your coloring. My lips are fairly pigmented already, so the tint isn't very strong. Next, dab some of the Sugarbomb gloss onto the center of your lips and use your finger to blend out.

All products use, including the instruction cards for Sugarlicious.

There ya go! A fresh, youthful glow to see you through till you can have your shower and start to feel like a human again! I've been sick with bronchitis for a while, so I've been using this look on days when I can be bothered with makeup to give my face a little pickmeup.

Other airplane beauty tips: 1) drink water, but avoid coffee, soda, and alcohol as they make you puffy and mess with your sleep. 2) buy a cute sleep mask and neck pillow--it's really worth it if you want to get any shuteye! 3) wear comfortable clothes, but don't look sloppy. I'll do a post on airport fashion later!

What about you? Any travel beauty products you can't live without? Let me know requests for tutorials in the comments!

Bon voyage, lovelies~~~