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The Quirky Curator’s Skincare Picks: A Korean Skincare Routine I Can Stick To

  • Writer: Samantha
    Samantha
  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

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How This Korean Skincare Routine Works for Me

I’ve been following a Korean skincare routine for a while now, and I can tell you — it’s not just a trend. The layering, the textures, the little moments of “me time” — it all adds up to skin that feels happy, healthy, and cared for.

Here’s my personal lineup, why each step matters, and the products I keep coming back to.

Step 1: Oil Cleanser – Melt the Day Away

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil in pink bottle with pump and black cap

Before you reach for your foaming cleanser, start with an oil-based one. This breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and the daily grime without stripping your skin.

My pick: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil — it’s gentle, fragrance-light, and melts off sunscreen like it’s nothing. I use it every single night — even without makeup — to dissolve the day before moving on to my next cleanse. Massage in for 15 to 30 seconds, rinse with warm water, and watch the day literally slide away.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser – The Fresh Start

The second cleanse gets rid of anything your oil cleanser loosened but didn’t fully remove — especially sweat, leftover SPF, or city dust.

My main pick: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser with Ceramide — it’s mild, slightly foamy, and doesn’t leave that squeaky feeling that means your skin barrier’s crying for help. It’s my go-to for a clean-but-comfortable finish.

My cheat pick: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Makeup Remover Wipes for Face with Rice Extract — soft, mild, and perfect for those “just get me to bed” nights.

Step 3: Exfoliation – But Only a Few Times a Week

A good exfoliant sweeps away dead skin cells so your serums and moisturizers sink in better. But I keep it to 2–3 nights a week max — overdoing it just leads to sensitivity. I keep two different options around, as my main pick can be a bit rough.

My pick: SKINFOOD Black Sugar Perfect Scrub Foam — cleanses, exfoliates, refines, and moisturizes in one. To use, massage onto damp skin in gentle circular motions, focusing on dry or rough areas, then rinse thoroughly.

My backup pick: NEOGEN DERMALOGY Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pad — I love the wine (brightening) and green tea (soothing) versions. Slip your fingers into the sleeve, swipe the textured side over your face for gentle exfoliation, then follow with the softer side to sweep away residue.

Step 4: Toner – The Skin Drink

The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner in clear bottle with silver cap

Forget harsh, drying toners. Korean-style toners are hydrating — like the first drink of water your skin gets after cleansing.

My pick: The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner — it’s watery, refreshing, and sinks in instantly. I pat it in with my hands instead of a cotton pad so I don’t waste a drop.

Step 5: Essence – The Unsung Hero

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence in tall frosted bottle with silver cap

Essence is lighter than serum but richer than toner, and it helps the next steps absorb better.

My pick: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence — it’s firming, hydrating, and one of those products I notice a difference with when I stop using it. It’s like a calm, soothing hug for my skin.

Step 6: Serum – The Targeted Treatment

Serums are where I tackle specific skin goals.

My picks:

I’ll either rotate them or layer both, depending on my skin’s mood.

Step 7: Eye Cream – The Gentle Touch

White eye cream tube and gold box with cartoon pig design on a white background. Text: "Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest White Bomb Eye Cream."

Eye cream isn’t just anti-aging — it’s about keeping the delicate under-eye skin hydrated and smooth.

My pick: Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest — lightweight yet nourishing. I tap it in with my ring finger for the gentlest application.

Step 8: Moisturizer – The Lock-In

This seals in all the hydration and goodness from earlier steps. I alternate moisturizers depending on the time of day.

My picks:

Step 9 (PM): The Mask – The Pamper Step

Not an every-night thing, but it’s my treat-yourself step once or twice a week.

My picks: 

Step 9(AM): Sunscreen – The Non-Negotiable

White tube of Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 on a light background, with cream swirls. Text: "Pure Ingredient Oriented Skincare Brand."

If you do nothing else, do this.

My pick: mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 — lightweight, hydrating, and no white cast. I wear it every single day, even indoors, because windows don’t block UV damage.

The beauty of the Korean skincare routine isn’t that it’s long — it’s that it’s thoughtful. Each step has a job, and together they keep your skin balanced, protected, and glowing. Plus, it turns your morning or night into a small ritual, and honestly? That’s half the magic.

All information regarding prices, availability and product popularity was accurate when I hit publish, but everything is subject to change — be sure to check the latest details.

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