10-step Korean skincare routine……..Living in Queens means you’re constantly surrounded by a mix of cultures—Korean beauty stores next to Dominican hair salons next to Italian bakeries. My neighborhood is basically a skincare buffet. The first time I walked into one of those K-beauty shops, I totally panicked. There were sheet masks for everything (snail mucus? really?), toners in pastel bottles, and cleansers I couldn’t even pronounce.
But once I started learning about it, I realized the 10-step Korean skincare routine isn’t some rigid “you must do all of this every night” situation. It’s more like… a menu. Pick what works, skip what doesn’t. And it’s fun. Messy, even.
Step-by-Step (But Not in a Perfectly Polished Way)
I’m gonna break it down how I actually use it, not how some glossy magazine tells you to. You’ll see me veer off-topic. Deal with it.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser — aka “Melt the Day Off”
This is like a magic eraser for your face. Sunscreen, makeup, subway grime, that weird mystery dust from your kid’s art project—gone. I massage it in, even when I’m tired. Sometimes I even whisper “goodbye” to my mascara. (Don’t judge me.)
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser — The Double-Cleanse Life
Yes, two cleansers. Sounds dramatic. But the oil grabs the gunk, the water cleanser actually washes it off. It’s like washing a greasy pan before putting it in the dishwasher. The first time I tried it, my skin literally felt clean-clean, not just “eh, guess it’s clean.”
Step 3: Exfoliator (But Not Every Day)
I used to scrub my face like I was sanding wood. Big mistake. K-beauty exfoliation is gentler—chemical exfoliants, soft beads, that kind of thing. I only do this a couple times a week. My skin’s happier.
Step 4: Toner — Not the 90’s Alcohol Toner That Burned Your Face
This is a hydrating toner. Think of it as a big glass of water for your skin. I pat it in with my hands. Sometimes I spill it. Sometimes my kid asks why I’m slapping my face. It’s fine.
Step 5: Essence — The Soul of K-Beauty
I didn’t get this one at first. It’s not a serum, not a toner. It’s like a booster shot of hydration. Feels like nothing but makes a difference. My skin drinks it up like I drink iced coffee at 4 p.m. even though I know I shouldn’t.
Step 6: Serum/Ampoule — The Heavy Lifters
This is where you target stuff. Dark spots. Fine lines. Whatever’s bugging you. My current fave has snail mucin (I know, it sounds gross but it works). I apply a few drops, feel like a scientist for a second, then move on.
Step 7: Sheet Mask — The Drama Moment
This is optional, but it’s my favorite. You look like a horror movie extra while wearing it, but your skin after? Chef’s kiss. Sometimes I’ll wear one while answering emails and my husband walks by like “What is happening?”
Step 8: Eye Cream — Tiny Jar, Big Difference
I’m not loyal to any one brand here. I dab it on like a raccoon doing self-care. Keeps things smooth. Or at least smoother.
Step 9: Moisturizer — Lock It All In
This is the glue that holds the whole thing together. Without it, everything evaporates. I use something lightweight in the morning and thicker at night. And yes, I’ve fallen asleep mid-application.
Step 10: Sunscreen — Even When It’s Cloudy
If you take nothing else from this post, take this: sunscreen. Always. Every day. The end. Your future self will thank you.
But Do I Really Do All 10 Steps Every Day?
Lol, no. Some nights it’s three steps. Some nights it’s seven. Some nights it’s me washing my face with whatever’s closest and calling it self-care. But having the full routine is like having a toolkit. You can pull out what you need.
I also love that K-beauty makes skincare fun. Pastel packaging. Cute names. Tiny spatulas. It’s like adult arts-and-crafts time but for your face.
Little Hacks That Make It Work
- Keep your products visible. Out of sight = out of mind.
- Apply toner and essence with your hands, not a cotton pad. Faster, less waste.
- Store sheet masks in the fridge. Instant spa moment.
Where to Start in 10-step Korean skincare routine
I’m not about to drop hundreds of dollars on a whim. Some of my favorite affordable K-beauty finds are from stores like Soko Glam or even random Amazon deals. (Pro tip: always check the seller reviews.)
Queens Girl Takeaway
The 10-step Korean skincare routine isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking a few extra minutes to be nice to yourself. Even if you’re balancing kids, jobs, roommates, subways, whatever. It’s self-care but also a little bit of play.
And honestly? That glow everyone talks about? It’s not just from the products. It’s from carving out a tiny ritual for yourself in the middle of all the noise.
Outbound links to Glossier, Makeup & Beauty Blog, Buzzfeed, Skinny Confidential.
