Layers matter. When it comes to getting the most out of your skincare, applying products in a way that maximizes results and improves the health of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated--though, we know K-beauty can easily get that reputation with its multi-step routines.
The main point of using multiple products in an order from lightest to heaviest consistency is to increasingly prep the skin. This helps it to better hold onto moisture and nutrients, which leaves the skin healthier and more glowing over time.
Here’s the application order we suggest. Any of these steps can be amended at any time, depending upon the specific need of your skin:
In the morning:
- Light cleanse or refresh with water
- Tone
- Treat (with an essence, ampoule or serum)
- Moisturize
- Protect with SPF
In the evening:
- Double cleanse
- Exfoliate (1-2x weekly)
- Tone
- Treat (with an essence, ampoule, serum or 1x weekly sheet mask)
- Moisturize
To make these routines even easier, we’ve curated four complete K-beauty skincare kits that match your skin type with the products best suited for each step. These are the best cleanser, toner, treatments, moisturizer and SPF to get your skin as balanced and radiant as possible.
Don’t forget to use code KIT25OFF to save $25 off any kit purchase!
For Normal Skin
We envy your easy, breezy skin! This kit emphasizes balance, using a mix of gentle exfoliation and nourishing hydration to keep the complexion bright and glowy, as it should be.
Kit includes:
Cleanser 1 (Oil-based): Heimish All Clean Balm
Cleanser 2 (Water-based): Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Exfoliator: HaruHaru WONDER Peeling Gel
First Essence: Benton Fermentation Essence
Serum: Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum
Eye Cream: Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream
Moisturizer: Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
Face Masks: Heimish Low pH Hydrating Mask (Set of 5)
Extra: Etude House My Beauty Tool Love Head Etti Band
Tip for Normal skin types: When you're good and ready, we suggest adding an active to your routine, like Vitamin C, BHA or AHA. Don’t forget your sunscreen with these, as they can cause extra sun sensitivity at the start.
For Dry Skin
Bye-bye, dry! This kit deeply moisturizes tight, parched skin, replenishing it with products that are packed with essential oils, proteins and ceramides. It feels as good as it sounds.
Kit includes:
Cleanser 1 (Oil-based): Dr. Ceuracle Pro-Balance Pure Cleansing Oil
Cleanser 2 (Water-based): Heimish All Clean Green Foam
Exfoliator: HaruHaru WONDER Peeling Gel
Toner: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (large 6.7 fl oz)
Oil: Pyunkang Yul Oil (26 ml / .88 oz)
Eye Cream: Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream
Moisturizer: Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
Face Masks: Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask (Set of 5)
Extra: Etude House My Beauty Tool Love Etti Head Band
Tip for Dry skin types: When you first start a routine, it’s easy to get a bit cleanse-happy. It's extra important not to over-cleanse or over-exfoliate dry skin. Focus on protecting your moisture barrier first. It’s ok to go slow!
For Oily Skin
Yes, clearer skin is possible! This kit controls excess sebum, unclogs pores and treats breakouts at every step, helping the skin to help itself by reducing shine and rebuilding strength.
Kit includes:
Cleanser 1 (Oil-based): Heimish All Clean Balm
Cleanser 2 (Water-based): Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Exfoliator: Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel
Toner: Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner (large/6.7 fl oz)
Essence: Dr. Ceuracle Tea Tree Purifine 95 Essence
Eye Cream: Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Moisturizer: Blithe Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum
Face Masks: HelloSkin Jumiso Masks (Assorted set of 5)
Extra: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch (Single Pack/24 Patches)
Tip for Oily skin types: Don’t forget to keep oily skin properly moisturized. There can be a tendency to over-strip irritated or broken out skin, which can lead to more irritation and breakouts in the future from a cracked or weakened moisture barrier.
For Combination Skin
Complicated no more. This kit does it all, balancing oily spots without over-drying, while amping up moisture so those dry patches disappear. Your supple skin is back.
Kit includes:
Cleanser 1 (Oil-based): Dr. Ceuracle Pro-Balance Pure Cleansing Oil
Cleanser 2 (Water-based): Heimish All Clean Green Foam
Exfoliator: Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel
Toner: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (large 6.7 fl oz)
Serum: Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum
Eye Cream: Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Moisturizer: Urang Rose Ceramide Cream
Face Masks: Heimish Low pH Hydrating Mask Sheet (Set of 5)
Extra: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch (Single Pack/24 Patches)
Tip for Combo skin types: Become a skin detective. Notice how your skin responds to certain products, foods, even the weather, and don’t be afraid to pull back on some products or add in other ones as your skin changes. It’s a dynamic process!
Ready to launch your own Korean skincare routine, but still have questions? We’d love to help, email us at hello@ohlolly.com.
