16 Game-Changing Korean Skincare Tips You're Totally Missing Out On

Buzz Feed

11 hours ago

To break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, try the double cleansing method. Start with an oil cleanser: Pump a few drops into your dry hands, then gently massage it all over your dry face. Don't forget those tricky areas like around your nose and hairline! After a minute of massaging, add some lukewarm water to emulsify the oil, which will help get all the dirt and gunk out of your pores.
Anua is a big hit in Korea, all thanks to their star ingredient: heartleaf extract. This magical plant is packed into many of their products and famous for soothing irritated skin and calming redness.Promising review: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I've gone through 3–4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup and clears pores. Honestly, it's heaven-sent. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum, and even now, when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don't wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing. You can see all the dirt that came out of my face recently in the photo [above, right]." —rexichorGet the Anua heartleaf cleansing oil from Amazon for $17.69.
The next step in the double-cleansing method: Follow up with a water-based cleanser after using your oil cleanser to ensure any remaining impurities are removed. A gentle, hydrating foaming cleanser or gel will work nicely here! Splash some water on your face, apply the cleanser, lather it up, and rinse it off. Your skin should feel *clean* but not stripped!
The Anua foaming cleanser is one of my go-to picks in my skincare lineup. I love using it at night because it really gets rid of all the dirt, oil, and makeup I've picked up throughout the day. If you're worried about foaming cleansers being too drying, especially if you have dry skin like me, don't worry! This one leaves your skin feeling clean but not tight or uncomfortable. I even got my boyfriend to try it out, and now it's the only face wash he'll use.Get them from Amazon: the Anua foaming cleanser for $13 and the Cosrx gel cleanser for $14.
Toners help to balance your skin's pH and prep it for the next steps. You can use an exfoliating toner to help control excess sebum while exfoliating dead skin and refining pores. And follow that up with a more hydrating or soothing option to bring moisture back to your skin.
Get them from Amazon: the Medicube "zero pore" pads for $17.90, the TirTir milk toner for $19.99 (available in two styles and three sizes), and the Anua Heartleaf toner for $19.69 (available in two sizes).
The skin around your eyes is delicate and benefits from special care! Use an eye cream that targets any specific concerns, like puffiness or dark circles. Dab a tiny amount under your eyes and on your eyelids, then blend it using your ring finger — it's the gentlest and will help you avoid tugging at that delicate skin!
Promising review: "Works better than any eye cream!! This eye cream makes my eyes so soft; it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried, and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn't greasy, which I love. Since it has retinol, I only put it on at night. I love this product! You can feel and see a difference after one use." —AJGet the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum in a pack of two from Amazon for $26.58.
Serums are packed with potent ingredients tailored to tackle distinct skin needs, whether that's hydrating, brightening, or repairing the skin's barrier. Depending on the formula, just a few drops can work wonders. Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid for moisture, vitamin C for radiance, or ceramides for barrier support.
Get them from Amazon: The Torriden Dive In serum for $22.52, the Goodal vitamin C serum for $21, and the Anua rice ceramide serum for $17.
While we're talking serums: To maximize the benefits, avoid layering too many at once. Focus on one or two targeting your main concerns, and allow each product to *fully* absorb before applying the next to prevent pilling! It's also a good idea to separate your serums into an a.m. routine (like vitamin C for protection) and a p.m. routine (such as retinol for overnight rejuvenation).
When it comes to layering your skincare, start with the lightest, most fluid products — like serums and ampoules — because this will allow them to penetrate the skin and deliver their active ingredients right where they're needed. Once those have absorbed, you can move on to thicker products like lotions and creams, which help lock in all that goodness.
Snail mucin is a superstar ingredient that's been stealing the spotlight in Korean skincare. It's known for its incredible hydrating properties, making it a secret weapon for plumped and dewy skin. It also helps enhance the absorption of your other products, making them more effective. You can use it all over your face *or* you can concentrate it on drier areas. This Cosrx snail mucin essence went viral on TikTok, and it has tens of thousands of 5-star ratings backing it up!
Apply your snail mucin essence after cleansing and toning (but before your serums and moisturizer) to provide an extra layer of moisture and nutrients to your skin!BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is obsessed with it: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!" Get the Cosrx snail mucin power essence from Amazon for $25.
Indulging in a face mask 1–2 times a week is like giving your skin a little self-care treat, delivering that much-needed nourishment and targeted treatment. Masks are super fun to apply and come in so many versions, but the most common ones are sheets, clay, and gel. Just choose one that aligns with your skin goals — be it brightening, hydrating, or calming redness — and follow the instructions. It's not just about the glow; it's about the moment of zen you gift yourself in the process!
My favorite face mask I've been using recently is the Medicube Overnight Wrapping mask. Once you've done your whole skincare routine and apply this on, it dries into this cool thin layer that keeps your $$$ skincare products from smudging off on your pillow while you sleep. Come morning, you just peel it off (so satisfying, trust me!) and ta-da — your skin is left feeling all juicy and plump.Get them from Amazon: the VT Cosmetics cica soothing mask for $17.79, the Elizavecca carbonated clay mask for $9.80, the Skin1004 Zombie treatment mask for $18.50, and the Medicube overnight wrapping mask for $18.90.
Use a moisturizer to lock in all the goodness from the previous steps. Go for something lightweight if you're oily, or a richer cream if your skin's on the drier side. Use a dollop and massage it into your skin in upward motions. Feel that moisture soaking in!
I've spent a lot of time curating my skincare routine, and this vitamin C gel/cream has rightfully earned its spot. I use it in the morning, and it gives me that glass skin glow all day long. A little goes a VERY long way; I would say I only apply one, *maaaybe* two boba beads for my whole face. I also like to use my Medicube Booster Pro in the Derma Shot mode to help the product fully absorb and get that extra snatched look.Get them from Amazon: the Round Lab Birch Juice moisturizer for $29 and the Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream (pictured above!) for $17.
Applying sunscreen in the morning is super important for protecting your skin from UV rays and preventing damage. Look for SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it's suitable for your skin type. After your moisturizer, apply a generous amount all over your face. Don't forget your neck and any exposed areas!
Sunscreen is crucial for everyone, but within the realm of Korean skincare, it truly stands out as a shining star! Culturally, sun protection is regarded as a vital component of beauty routines, and Korean sunscreens are making waves globally due to their lightweight, non-greasy formulas along with added skincare benefits such as hydration and soothing properties.The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a daily sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (aka it protects against UVA and UVB rays) and at least SPF 30. This Innisfree daily sunscreen fits the bill with broad spectrum SPF 36 *and* it doesn't leave a white cast! 🙌🏽 For a waterproof option, try this AP Sun Cream. Promising review: "I LOVE this product, I swear by it and I'm pretty sure this is my third or fourth time purchasing it! As a woman of color, finding a sunscreen that didn't give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I've come across this product ! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don't leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" —Sierra KeyesGet the Innisfree Daily UV Sunscreen from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
You can also use these special peptide patches on top of your sunscreen for extra protection. They block 98% of UV rays from reaching your delicate under-eyes thanks to their UPF 50+ rating, *plus* they're packed with hydrating and brightening peptides to give your skin that extra oomph. They're so thin and clear, they practically disappear on your skin, and they're water- and sweat resistant.
The UPF 50+ rating is the same one that's used for sun protection clothing. You can read more about UPF, why it matters, and how it's different from SPF on the Skin Cancer Foundation website.Promising review: "I purchased this product for sun protection while golfing, and I love it. The patches are invisible on your skin and feel super lightweight. They also lasts all day, even when you're out in the sun and sweating. If you're looking for extra sun protection, I highly recommend you get these patches!" —Amazon CustomerGet five pairs of Franz UV patches from Amazon for $19.95.
One of my favorite tricks for keeping my skin feeling fresh and hydrated all day long is to spritz on a facial mist. It's such an easy way to give yourself a little pick-me-up whenever you need it! Plus, it doubles as a setting spray, so you can use it over your makeup to keep everything in place while adding a dewy glow.
Promising review: "I love this product as a first step in my skincare routine before applying other serums. It has a nice light smell and provides a little touch of moisture. It is a good value for the money, and the bottle lasts a long time after daily use. Also love it for a little refresh throughout the day when you're feeling dry. Have continued to repurchase!" —Michelle M.Get the D'alba truffle spray serum from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
If you want to feel like you just left a Korean skin clinic without having to hop on a flight, the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is worth the splurge. This device features four different treatments, all powered by LED light therapy, that can exfoliate, tighten, boost the efficacy of your other products, and rejuvenate your skin. One cool feature is that it announces the minutes as you're using it to ensure you don't overuse it in one spot. It also doesn't take long to see noticeable results, unlike some other facial devices or those time-consuming in-person clinic visits.
It's recommended to use the Air Shot mode 2–3 times a week. The other modes — Booster, MC (microcurrent), and Derma Shot — can be used 1–3 times daily.I own the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro and it is definitely worth the splurge! When I first started using this device I had a dark mark from a pimple on my cheek, but with consistent use of this device, it faded in under a week (wish I had taken those before and after pics!). Overall, it didn't take long to notice that my face was visibly brighter and lifted. Although I've slacked a bit lately (oops, guilty of being lazy 😅), I've definitely seen the difference when I'm diligent with it.Promising review: "This is a magic wand! I just received it yesterday and only used it three times for a very short time but I'm telling you my skin is tighter. I can FEEL it's tighter. The deep lines between my brows are vanishing before my eyes. I'm using my regular serum bakuchiol oil & typology L42 moisturizer plus I got the collagen jelly they make. I've only used the jelly twice with it. My smile lines are less pronounced and my skin is def glass…. MAGIC I say." —Beverly KleinGet the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro from Amazon for $187.68.
Exfoliate your body 2–4 times a month using a Korean scrub mitt to transform your skin into something truly velvety soft. Perfect for pre- and post-shaving, this magical mitt helps reduce ingrown hairs and trapped follicles. Plus, it's a game changer for removing spray tan.
Just remember, this little wonder is for your body, not your face! Reviewers also say it can help with managing keratosis pilaris (KP).Promising review: "Hands down the best shower mitt on the market! It has really helped with my dry skin, reduced ingrown hairs after shaving, and leaves skin baby soft." —Amazon CustomerGet a single exfoliating mitt from Amazon for $10.99 or a pair for $14.99.
Remember, consistency is key. Try to stick to your daily routine and be patient; great skin takes time! Pay attention to your skin and introduce new products slowly — if something irritates you, stop using it right away. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water because glowing skin also starts within! 💦✨ And (most importantly) have fun, and enjoy the process. Skincare should feel like a treat, not a chore!