Welcome to part 2 of the Black Girl Guide to K-Beauty. In part 1, we introduced you to the core philosophies and aesthetics of the growing niche within the beauty industry that everyone seems to be talking about at the moment. More importantly, why it’s important that these conversations include Black womxn and our skincare concerns. We matter too and K-Beauty can be used and enjoyed by anyone.
But today… today we’re talking about products ( which let’s face it, is the best part). We’re literally taking you through the infamous “10-step routine” that’s commonly associated with K-Beauty, and giving you some product recommendations along the way. Of course, every step isn’t particularly crucial, but it doesn’t hurt to know what they are! So grab a snack, cosy up in your fav chair and sip on some nice tea while you get into this list (it’s a long one).
Step 1 – Oil-Based Cleanser
At the beginning of every classic K-Beauty routine is an oil cleanser. Being the first half of the famous double-cleanse regime, It’s purpose is to remove make-up, SPF, excess sebum, environmental pollutants and other oil-based impurities that may leave pores clogged and congested. It can come in a liquid cleansing oil form or sometimes a sherbet-like balm that when gently massaged into the skin melts the day away.
When to use? Nighttime routine, after a night out, when you are in the mood to pull out the full 10-steps!
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Example: ATRUE Pure Balancing Cleansing Oil
Step 2 – Water-Based Cleanser
A water-based cleanser is the most common cleansing step and the second half to the double cleanse regime. Its main purpose is to thoroughly cleanse the skin of any water-based impurities like bacteria and sweat leaving your skin with a clean base (but not squeaky clean) to follow up with the rest of your routine
When to use? Day and night.
Example: ACWELL Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 3 – Exfoliation
As we grow older, our skin regeneration slows down, leaving skin looking dull and dry. Using the right gentle face exfoliator is great because they help clean pores and banish dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. AHAs, BHAs, PHAs or fruit enzymes are some of the active ingredients that are considered exfoliators. This is the step they generally come in. Although exfoliants can be added anywhere after cleansing and before sun protection they’re generally put here as buffing away dead skin cells can really help your skin absorb products better.
When to use? Once or twice a week. Don’t over-exfoliate, it might be tempting to do, but Rome wasn’t built in a day! The best version of your skin takes time.
Example: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 4 – Toner
Toner, and a notable favourite out of all the steps, is the first true introduction to hydration in your routine. They prep and set a damp base for the rest of your products to be absorbed. Toners work at removing any cleanser impurities leftover, balancing the pH of your skin after exfoliation and giving your skin that first dose of hydration that will come to follow.
When to use? Day and night.
Example: ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 5 – Essence
This step might be slightly more foreign to those not familiar with K-Beauty. Essences are at the heart of every Korean skincare routine. They are lightweight concentrated products packed with hydrating ingredients. They are very simplistic most of the time, cutting out all the unnecessary extras.
When to use? Day and night.
Example: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 6 – Serums + Ampoules
Do you have a specific skin concern or troubled area of your skin you would like to resolve? This is where serums and ampoules come in. Packed with a high concentration of active ingredients they are formulated to target specific skin troubles such as dark spots, anti-ageing, acne breakouts etc. All whilst providing your skin with a much needed TLC.
When to use? Can be used day and night, however, note the ingredients and how your skin reacts to the product. You may switch out one serum for the day and one for the night, this will allow for you to target multiple skin concerns at once. Have fun with this step, you can even layer more than one serum on top of another, as long as you are mindful of the ingredients
Example: COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 7 – Leave on Masks (Sheet + Sleeping)
Sheet masks
Another famous Korean skincare step that has been truly adopted by their Western neighbours is the sheet mask. With our favourite celebrities posting their glamorous sheet mask selfies on Instagram with an accompanied budding self-care caption we have truly fallen in love with the sheet mask. Sheet masks are essentially a sheet suspended in 30ml of serum with its purpose being to be put on the skin for a long contact time to allow the active ingredients to penetrate better.
With little interference of air, water is more likely to penetrate rather than evaporate. Sheet masks are shaped to cover the face leaving openings for the eyes, nose and usually mouth. They can be made from a range of materials such as cotton, biocellulose, charcoal, tencel, rubber, hydrogel and foil.
When to use? Ideally twice a week, but honestly it is really up to you. Some people get a sheet mask in a day, some once a month. If you feel like your skin needs that extra boost of hydration!
Example: KEEP COOL Soothe Sheet Mask
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Sleeping masks
During the night your skin is in a regenerative mode, this is a great chance to add a sleeping mask to your night-time routine! Sleeping masks are packed with great active ingredients focused on targeting different skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dryness, inflammation and acne, so this is a great addition to help with tackling these concerns.
When to use? Can be used daily and mostly for your night-time routine.
Example: KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 8 – Eye Cream
Eyes are the windows to your soul they say? Well, the skin around the curtains and curtains require maintenance. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest part on your face, to be handled with care. Though most skin concerns around the eyes can be a result of genetics and environmental factors, a regular eye cream will help prevent dark circles from forming and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The ingredients in eye creams are composed to work ideally around the eyes and its sensitivity whilst tackling these skin concerns.
When to use? Daily, day and night.
Example: ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 9 – Moisturiser
We have reached the protection stage, woohoo! Using a good moisturiser is key to long-lasting all-day hydration. Whether you prefer thicker coverage or lighter consistencies, we’ve chosen a selection of moisturisers to help nourish your skin, promote cell growth and seal in all your treatment’s goodness, leaving your skin with a healthy, radiant glow.
When to use? Dailly, day and night
Example: DR. ORACLE 21 Stay A-Thera Cream
Image courtesy of Skin Library
Step 10 – Sun Protection
There is no compromise here, you must, if not already, adopt a sunscreen into your routine. Indoors, outdoors, sun or rain you need sunscreen. SPF is the last and most essential step in your skincare routine. Its purpose is to protect your skin from potentially UV damage that can cause PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), premature ageing and even skin cancer. It is important that it is worn daily
When to use? Daily in your daytime routine.
Example: KEEP COOL Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Image courtesy of Skin Library
