💦 Why Is the K-Beauty Routine So Complicated?
💦 Why Is the K-Beauty Routine So Complicated?
By Flora, Art Director
Ever wondered why K-beauty feels like a skincare marathon while Western skincare routines often stop at “cleanser + moisturizer, done”? I totally get it—10 steps can sound like a LOT. But there’s a reason why K-beauty fans (and celebs!) love all those steps—and it’s not just to sell more products. Let’s dive into why K-beauty is all about layering—and how to make it work for you.
🧩 Why So Many Steps, Anyway?
Okay, so here’s the deal: K-beauty routines are built on the idea that your skin is like a sponge—it absorbs thin, watery products faster than thicker creams. By layering lightweight products from thinnest to thickest, you’re giving each step time to sink in and work its magic. Think of it as building a hydration sandwich for your skin: each layer preps the next one, so your skin drinks it all in and stays happy all day.
Another reason? K-beauty focuses on hydration and prevention, not just fixing problems later. Instead of waiting for breakouts or dryness to hit, K-beauty routines help maintain your skin barrier and keep your glow on point.
Plus, let’s be real—K-beauty skincare is a vibe. The packaging is cute, the textures are lightweight, and the whole routine feels like a little self-care ritual that sets the tone for your day (or night).
💎 Let’s Break Down Each Step (with Product Picks!)
✨ 1. Toner
Forget harsh, drying toners—K-beauty toners are all about hydration and prepping your skin for what’s next.
💧 Editor’s Pick: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water — balances and hydrates with ginseng, leaving your skin plump and ready for the next step.
✨ 2. Essence
This is the hydration hero that plumps, smooths, and brings your glow back to life.
💧 Editor’s Pick: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule — calms redness and strengthens your skin barrier.
✨ 3. Serum/Ampoule
This is your problem-solver step—dark spots, fine lines, breakouts, you name it.
💧 Editor’s Pick: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence — improves elasticity and hydration, and leaves your skin bouncy.
✨ 4. Emulsion or Lotion
Think of this as a lightweight moisturizer that seals in hydration and keeps everything balanced.
💧 Editor’s Pick: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion — lightweight but deeply moisturizing, perfect for layering.
✨ 5. Cream
This is the heavy-hitter that locks in all that goodness and protects your skin barrier.
💧 Editor’s Pick: Medicube PDRN Pink Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream — lightweight, fast-absorbing cream that hydrates, brightens, and strengthens your skin barrier—perfect for glowing, healthy skin.
✨ 6. Sunscreen (AM)
No glow is complete without protecting it! Sunscreen is the last step in the AM routine—non-negotiable.
💧 Editor’s Pick: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ — lightweight, non-greasy, and no white cast.
😎 But Do You Really Need All These Steps?
Not always! Let’s be honest—life is busy, and sometimes your skin just needs the basics. Even K-beauty lovers in Korea often adjust their routines based on the season, skin condition, or schedule.
Here’s my real-life routine when I’m in a rush:
✅ Morning: foam cleanser, toner, essence, sunscreen.
✅ Night: double cleanse (oil then foam), toner, serum or ampoule, moisturizer.
On lazy nights (or after a long day on set), I’ll skip the essence and go straight to a rich cream. And when my skin feels extra dry, I’ll add a sleeping pack or sheet mask for a hydration boost.
💡 Pro Tip: Listen to your skin! If your skin feels balanced and hydrated, you can totally skip steps like sheet masks or emulsions. Skincare should feel like self-care, not a chore.
💫 The K-Beauty Glow Philosophy
The magic of K-beauty isn’t about strict rules—it’s about creating a routine that feels good for YOU. It’s about hydration, prevention, and giving your skin what it needs—step by step. Whether you’re a 3-step minimalist or a 7-step glow-getter, the key is to find what works for your lifestyle and skin type.
So don’t stress about getting every single step perfect. Customize, play, and most importantly—enjoy the process. Because skincare should be fun, and your glow is 100% worth it. 💖✨
with love and beauty
By Flora
🎬 Art Director | Your Insider to All Things K-Beauty | Beyond Bougie Beauty