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K-beauty with Western Products for all skin types!
20
items Korean skincare philosophy is all about tailoring and listening to your skin. Who says you can't K-beauty with easy to find products in the US? Skincare is all about finding what works for you and being flexible to your skin needs. The industry bandw...
Sections
5
1) Cleanse
2) Prep
3) Treat
4) Moisturize
5) Protect
1) Cleanse
You don't need to use the same cleanser every time. Change it up depending on your day (i.e. amount of makeup, sunscreen). It also makes this step more fun.
I just love how silky and emollient this oil feels as you work it in. I'm breaking my rule here as it is not technically a "western" product. But it is so ubiquitously found, it kid of borders the line right? ;)
Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
I know this is Korean, but its just too good. I included it because it is still easy to find. Holy Grail cleansing goo to start off your double cleaning routine. I've tried many oils and balms (Japanese, Korean, American) and this one takes the cake....
Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm - belif
One of my OG cleansers. Great for all dry, combo, oily skin. It leaves your face feeling clean without the tight feeling & smells great. It won't remove makeup as well on its own, but that's why we follow-up with witch hazel!
Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser - KORRES
Korean Skincare is all about double cleansing. But on lazy days, this cleanser is a powerhouse removing the day away. It leaves a somewhat tight feeling on your face, so recommend to apply toner immediately after.
Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash Gentle Cleanser
This is my secret. Great skin is clean skin. Before the internet made this famous, I always followed up my face cleanser with a cottonpad swipe of witch hazel. It DOES have alcohol so it is drying, so I make sure to immediately use my favorte toner (...
Witch Hazel
2) Prep
Replenishes skin after cleaning and preps for the next step. Great for both oily and dry skin. A slightly more affordable replacement for SK-II
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion Toner with Bio-Ferment
Layer after toner. Help your skin drink up moisture. I grew up watching my momma use this as her holy grail. As is now mine.
Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Not a western product. But these little pads are the ultimate “mini sheet masks”. Swipe as a toner or layer on cheeks right beneath the eye area as a hydrating step prior to makeup application.
MEDIHEAL - Collagen Ampoule Pad
3) Treat
Pick at least one active. Incorporate it slowly & stick with it. Allocate a larger % of your overall skincare budget here.
Alternate this with the Biossance Copper Peptide serum and the Caudalie Resceratrol-Lift
Squalane + Retinol Night Serum
Retinol alternative. Admittedly can't tell if this is truly preventing wrinkles but this guilty pleasure product just feels so great when I put it on. All of their products tend to be that way.
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Refillable Retinol Alternative Serum
Plump plump plump up the cheeks. Alternate the routine from and do not mix this product with AHA BHAs, retinol, Vitamin C.
Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum - Biossance
If there's one active ingredient you should use, it's vitamin c. This one is a bit tackier, but with high quality formulation you'll be maxing on preventative skincare.
Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum - Perricone MD
Another one of my favorite Vitamin C products. Lightweight and good value. Start off using small amounts at a time. The strong concentration might cause some tingling so build up usage from once a week, to thrice a week, then eventually every other d...
Kiehl's Since 1851 Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
4) Moisturize
Even if I had infinite monies, I would not go all-out-bang on moisturizers. Reality is that most moisturizers do the same thing. They prevent your skin for drying out and flaking. For me, the purpose isn't to penetrate deeply like actives, so spendin...
At the end of the day, moisturizers are super personal. What fits for one, might not work for another.
Lightweight and perfect for summertime or layering for drier months
Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid - Youth To The People
Affordable, effective, versatile. Great for both oily and dry skin.
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Bonus: this isn't something I actually used but don't want to gatekeep. For oily acne prone skin, this moisturizer can be a secret weapon. I recommended it to my husband years ago and he still reaches for it today. It does have salicylic acid so make...
Lancôme Hydra Zen Gel Cream Soothing Moisturizer
Okay, this one is not western. But I bought it randomly once in Sephora, and have kept restocking since.
Potent deep moisturizing cream. If marshmallow cream could be a moisturizer, this is it. For oily skin, recommend a light touch and to only use ...
Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping Moisturizer - DAMDAM
5) Protect
SUNSCREEN IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR SKIN
(Aside from drinking water)
Yes, all caps, because I cannot say this enough. If you don't use sunscreen IT DOES NOT MATTER what else you slather on. The sun is the biggest enemy to aging.
Quick way to get that glass skin look without all of the steps. Yes, it is another Youth To The People. To be honest, you can't go wrong with any of their products and I love it all. But this oil is the perfect finishing touch when you need just a li...
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil with Squalane and Antioxidants
Holy grail daily sunscreen (when I don't need waterproof capabilities). This was out of stock for a long time while the company reformulated due to complaints from some consumers. I personally never had issues and was so excited when it came back. Gr...
Biossance Zinc Sheer Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30 with Ectoin ...
Affordable, everyday sunscreen. Easy as slapping on body lotion. Unscented is my preferred.
If you really want to be a minimalist, the body sunscreen version works just as great for the face. The only difference is that the face version includes ingredients that make it easier to smooth out (more like a face cream).
This is NOT waterproof so do not use it for heavy sweating days. But on the flip side it wil be easy to wash off.
If you really want to be a minimalist, the body sunscreen version works just as great for the face. The only difference is that the face version includes ingredients that make it easier to smooth out (more like a face cream).
This is NOT waterproof so do not use it for heavy sweating days. But on the flip side it wil be easy to wash off.
Native : Sunscreen