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

Korean Style Ulzzang (얼짱) Makeup

Most of you familiar with Korean beauty trends will have heard of the ulzzang or "best face" phenomenon here. I don't usually wear this style, but can't call myself a blogger about Korean beauty without an attempt! Now, there are different ways to achieve this look and of course, as a Western woman, the look will look different on me than on Korean girls. The important thing is staying true to the principle. The basic concept for an ulzzang look is to make your face as doll-like as possible. That means big puppy dog eyes, flawless skin, and a small cute mouth. The makeup itself is meant to look minimal and natural. Another key feature of this look is enhancing the V-line shape of your face with contouring.

From what I understand, ulzzangs are famous on the internet for being pretty. I guess it's like the girls who call themselves "Instagram models" back home, but focusing only on the face. There are also guy ulzzangs who happen to be super talented at being cute, and you better believe they wear at least BB cream and eyebrow pencil!

Part 1: Day Look

Ok, let's get started with the makeup! Here's my Caucasian girl interpretation:

There are two schools of thought about ulzzang base makeup. It used to always have a dewy finish, usually achieved with a BB or CC cream. Lately, I've seen some applying powder for a matte finish. It doesn't really matter, but I prefer a dewy look. After applying my Etude Wonder Pore primer, I'm going to use the TonyMoly Luminous Pure Aura CC cream SPF30 PA++. It only comes in one shade and blends pretty well on my fair skin, though I'm not sure about darker skin tones. This stuff gives a really nice dewy finish, which I'll discuss in further detail when I do a mulgwang or "wet skin" tutorial later. ^^

Just dot one pump's worth all over your face and blend with your fingertips. The result should be a smooth canvas with a slight sheen.

Now go ahead and apply a lip balm to soften your lips. You'll wipe it off later, but lip concealer can really sink in and look gross if your lips are chapped. I like the classic Smith's Rosebud Salve.

Next, the eyes! I'm gong to use my trusty Urban Decay Naked palette (original) to create a subtle look that enlarges the eyes. Seriously, do yourself a favor and buy this palette! All of the Naked palettes are great, but I maintain that the original is the most versatile. For example, I sometimes use a stiff brush to apply Naked or Buck over my eyebrows to thicken them and set the pencil. 

You can use any eyeshadow you want, but they should be similar to these. You're going to want 3 shades: 

1) Virgin: a shimmer white 

2) Naked: a matte nude brown

3) Buck: a matte warm light brown

Got 'em? Good. Get yourself a fluffy blending brush (I use the one that comes with the palette). There are three steps with the eye shadow.

Step 1: Blend shades 1 and 2 and apply all over your lid (not above the crease). 

The effect should be subtle and it should closely match your natural skin color. 

Step 2: Using an angled brush, apply shade 3 to the outer corners of your lid (not quite 1/3).

It should be extended down slightly at the end for a round puppy dog look. 

Step 3: Accentuate the "aegyo sal" or eye bags. Just apply shade 1 all along the bottom lashed to highlight the under eye area. 

If you want to use shade 2 just under to make the bags more pronounced, feel free (I usually skip that one). 

Now for eyeliner! Aside from flawless skin, liner is arguably the most important feature of ulzzang makeup. 

Using a black liquid liner (Clio KillBlack ftw!), start at the inner corner of your eye and line it all the way across. Extend the line straight out from the outer corner to make your eyes look wider. Skip liner on the bottom lashes. 

Next, add mascara! It's best not to use false eyelashes for this look--the emphasis should be on the liner. 

Eyes done! Now for face contouring.

I'm by no means a master of contouring, so I prefer to keep it subtle. If you're interested in extreme contouring, there's plenty of great tutorials out there! My friend Stella has a wicked contouring palette that you can do a ton with. 

I keep it chill, however, using only 3 products: matte bronzer, blush, and highlighter.

Step 1: Using a big fluffy brush, apply a cool matte bronzer along the sides of your face from the bottom of your cheek bones down to the jawline to emphasize your V-line. Blend blend blend, because I've seen this go disastrously wrong! If you think you're applying too much, you probably are. Also, use a bit to shade the area where your eyebrows meet the bridge of your nose. 

TonyMoly Crystal Blusher in 5 Sugar Brown

Step 2: Apply a cute pink powder blush along the tops of your cheekbones.

TonyMoly Crystal Blusher in 2 Pleasure Pink

Step 3: Apply a highlighter along the temples, forehead, and down the center of your nose. You can use liquid or powder. My favorites respectively are Benefit High Beam and Dior Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder in 001. Today I'll use High Beam. ^^

Please follow these rough guidelines when contouring. Shade 1 is bronzer, 2 is blush, 3 is highlighter.

Sorryyyyyyy I suck at photoshop

                                                

Ok, now for lips! I think the Korean gradient lip look was designed with fuller lipped ladies in mind, but small mouths can still be cute and are on point for this trend specifically.

My K-pop queen of cute <3

To get the signature tiny dolly mouth, you'll need a lip concealer (or a regular concealer if you don't want to buy one specifically for lips). I'll use TonyMoly Face Mix Primer Lip Concealer. 

It should block out most of the pigment in your lips.

Next, take a creamy coral lipstick to add a hint of color and warmth. I'll use MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in Korean Candy (big thanks to my girl Emma who bought us both matching lipstick as a going away present when I moved to Korea! Love you, girl!).

Subtle and cute.

Here's the finished look for day:

                                        

V-line!!!!

Part 2: Night Look

Now, to make the look a bit more intense and sexy for evening, choose white sparkly liquid liner to bling out your big dolly eyes. I'll use the Etude Tear Drop Liner in 1 White Tear. 

There's also a really pretty gold and pink one, but I like the classic white. Just use it to line the inner corner of your bottom lashes for a sparkly effect. 

You should stop when you reach your pupil.

For a sexy lip look, choose a cherry red lip tint to make a nice gradient look. I'll use the Face Shop Lovely me:ex My Lips Eat Cherry Aqua Tint in 01 Juicy Cherry.

The one on the left.

Just do as you did before and dab it in the center of lips and blend. Use as much as you like for the desired gradient effect. 

That was easy, right? ^^ Here's the finished look:

I call it Betty Boop style kk

Use your cuteness responsibly, lovelies! <3

Thanks for reading! I hope the Korean makeup inspired ulzzang look works well for you! Please comment and tell me what you think or if there are any other Korean styles you'd like to see! ^^

Love,

Angela

YouTube Channel Up!

I finally got my Youtube channel up and running, so please check out my video tutorials at SeoulLovely and suscribe! I have 3 posted so far: the daytime date look I described, and Hyorin and Bora's looks from the Shake It MV! Feel free to comment with requests for looks from other MVs!

Sorry for the poor quality, but I haven't been able to invest in the proper equipment yet lol. Korean speaker, I'm sorry if my accent is atrocious! I'm doing my best kkkk.

Kisses,

Angela

Sweet Daytime Date Look

Do you have a date coming up and want a sweet and lovely makeup look that'll last all day? You came to the right place! 

My secret: lots of PINK! 

First of all, you'll definitely want a lasting look. Those of you who live in Korea or have Korean BFs know what I'm talking about! Korean style dates usually last ALL DAY. I'm talking lunch, cafe, shopping, dinner, movie, evening walk on the river kind of marathon! In the States, we usually only met for a few hours at a time. The lifestyle there makes shorter meetings easier, but here couples often spend whole days together on dates. I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to see my BF 3-4 times a week despite living on opposite sides of Seoul, but many of my friends can only meet their BFs once a week or less.

My date look is a bit unusual in that it's rather minimalist compared to my everyday makeup look. That's completely due to my BF's preference, which I respect. He, like many Korean men I think, prefers a natural makeup look. Of course individual guys have individual preferences, but this is the look I wear on pretty much all of our day dates. If I change anything, he notices immediately too! I can get away with a bit more at night, however, and I'll follow this with a tutorial on my romantic evening date look.

For the day look, start with a flawless base. After completing your morning skincare routine and SPF, dab and blend an air cushion compact that suits your skin type and tone all over. Make sure you blend well on your jawline! I'm using my tried and true Iope (I recently switched to shade N13 Light Vanilla). For more info see my sweat-proof summer makeup tutorial or Iope's official site here. Use a product with whatever finish you prefer, but my personal preference is a natural semi-dewy look (is that even a thing? What do you call slightly dewier than semi-matte? lol).

Seriously, this stuff is my ultimate Korean HGP.

Next, get your eyebrows in order. I'm using the same Clio pencil--KillBrowTattoo Lasting liner in shade 02 Light Brown. Again, I'm so envious of thick, straight Korean brows! If you can do a straight brow look, please do so for an innocent and lovely look. I can't even fake it, unfortunately, but apply as light a color as possible in a shape that suits you!

Definitely jealous of the sweet straight brow ladies!

Next. apply a candied orchid lip and cheek tint with a light hand. A candied what you say? Last year Benefit released the crazy popular Lollitint to rave reviews and I finally found the perfect dupe here in Korea! It's another of the pudding tints from Aritaum and it's only 5,000 won! That's less than $5, guys. Compare that to Benefit's Lollitint  which retails at $30! You wont' be disappointed.

Called Lollipop, just in case you weren't sure kkkk

It looks slightly purple when it comes out of the bottle, but it dries on cheeks and lips to a lovely cool pink. This stuff is magic! It even has a slightly glossy finish on lips, hence the "pudding" name. Dab it all over lips and apply 3 dots to cheekbones and blend.

Blend FAST FAST FAST and use a light hand.

Now for the eye shadow! I use a little duo from Clinique called Strawberry Fudge, but you can use any brand. You only need two shades: a subtle warm pink with a slightly golden shimmer, and a pale brown with a pinkish tone. Etude and Innisfree both make nice cheap shadow singles!

First (after priming your lids), apply the light pink shade all over the lid up to the crease.

Next, apply the brown shadow with a light hand to the outer corner of your eye making a C-shape. Extend it slightly past the edge of your lid almost like an inverted triangle. Blend well! This look shouldn't have any harsh lines.

As I said, the finished look should be very subtle.

Next, pull out your trusty black liquid liner. I'm using Clio liner in Kill Black . Apply a very fine line following the shape of your eyes closely. Give it the tiniest wing out at the end. I would wear heavier liner for an evening look, but keep it pretty thin for daytime. ^^

Now, mascara! I have a different one I use for heavier looks, but for a natural look I like Benefit They're Real in black. First, curl your lashes (I always reach for my Shu Uemera). Give your lashes a nice flirty curl. I find that concentrating on the middle lashes makes big round dolly eyes. Remember, this look is sweet and girly! Follow with just one coat of mascara to keep a natural look. Don't forget your bottom lashes! 

Instant doll eyes!

Next step, blush. For a lovely look, choose a cute baby pink powder blush to layer over your cheek tint. I like The Face Shop Lovely ME: EX Pastel Cushion Blusher in Pink Cushion.

Super cute packaging!

You can use the puff applicator too, but it goes on a bit heavier.

Use a blush brush and apply it lightly on the apples of your cheeks in gentle circular motions. Add more if you'd like, but I usually only do one swirl.

Smile so the apples of your cheeks stand out.

Now, just add a tiny bit more Lollipop tint to the center of your lips and you're finished! 

This lip tint stays put too! Totally kissproof kkkk  <3

That's the look! Now, fix your hair in a pretty style (I like long loose curls), choose a cute outfit (comfortable shoes are a plus), and go meet your sweety for a lovely date! I'll be posting more date looks like the Han River picnic date look soon for some Seoul style inspiration.

The finished look! Fresh and pink ^^

A note on skin tones: as you can see, my skin tone is rather cool and pinkish. If your skin tone runs warmer, or if you just don't care for pink, feel free to substitute a nice coral for the pinks in this look! Just keep it soft and pretty, and I'm sure it'll look lovely! 

Also, great news! I'll be uploading a makeup tutorial for this look along with my upcoming Romantic Date Night Look and Sistar - Shake It makeup tutorials on Youtube soon! Please check out my Youtube channel! 

Let me know what you think of the look in the comments and tell me what products you like for your lovely dates! 

Kisses,

Angela