You’ve probably heard of K-beauty, but with so many products out there it’s hard to know where to start. I’ve got you. Here’s my beginner-friendly list and the order I use everything.
Sections
7
1. Cleansing Oils
2. Cleanser
3. Toner
4. Serum
5. Moisturizer
6. Face Masks
1. Cleansing Oils
First step if I’m wearing makeup or sunscreen. This melts everything off gently without stripping my skin.
I use this to break down makeup and buildup before my regular cleanser. It feels lightweight and doesn’t clog my pores.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Cleansing Oil 200ml
This is great if your skin gets congested or sensitive. It removes everything gently and doesn’t make my skin feel tight.
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil 200ml
2. Cleanser
Second cleanse to actually clean my skin. Keeps things fresh without that tight, dry feeling.
This is my second cleanse after oil. It leaves my skin feeling clean but still soft, not tight.
This is such a soft, hydrating cleanser. It cleans without stripping and leaves my skin feeling comfortable, not tight.
ROUND LAB - Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
This is my go-to when my skin feels irritated. It’s low pH, super gentle, and doesn’t mess with my barrier.
ETUDE - Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser
If my T-zone is acting up, this helps. It feels refreshing and keeps oil in check without over-drying.
Anua - Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam | YesStyle
3. Toner
This is where hydration starts. I use this to prep my skin so everything after absorbs better.
I didn’t expect much, but these made a noticeable difference in my pores. My skin looks smoother and less congested after a few weeks.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 - Facial Toner
Really popular for brightening and evening out skin tone. Great if you’re dealing with dullness or leftover dark spots.
numbuzin No.5 Niacinamide Pads 70ct 180ml
These are more on the hydrating and plumping side. Great for days when skin feels dry or tired and needs that bouncy glow.
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads, 60pcs
This is my mid-day skin reset. Super fine mist, really calming, and doesn't mess up makeup. I reach for this when my skin feels tight or irritated and just needs instant
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist, 3.38oz
Known for being super calming and great for acne-prone or reactive skin. I use this when I want something simple, soothing, and no-fuss.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 16.90 oz 500 ml
More on the deep hydration side. Slightly thicker than watery toners and great for dry or compromised skin.
Pyunkang Yul - Calming Deep Moisture Toner
4. Serum
Targeted step. This is where I focus on redness, texture, or dark spots depending on what my skin needs.
I reach for this when I want that healthy, glassy glow. Lightweight but feels luxe.
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 1.01oz
More of a glow-boosting toner than a treatment one. I use this when I want calm, dewy skin days.
I'm from Rice Toner, Milky Glow Essence 5.07oz
If your skin flushes easily or breaks out under stress, this helps reset it. Gentle but actually effective.
This is my reset when my skin feels irritated or overworked. It calms redness fast, feels weightless, and just makes everything look healthier without doing too much.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 100ml
This helped fade some of my post-breakout marks without irritating my skin. It gives a subtle glow and makes my complexion look more even over time.
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 5%
This helped with my texture and tiny clogged pores. My skin feels smoother and makeup sits better after using it consistently.
mixsoon - Bean Essence Jumbo - YesStyle
5. Moisturizer
Seals everything in. Keeps my barrier happy and locks in all the layers underneath.
More of a calming, recovery moisturizer than a glow one. Perfect for sensitive or overworked skin days.
Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream - Hydrating
Well-loved for strengthening the skin barrier and calming irritation. This is my repair cream when my skin feels sensitive, red, or overworked.
Purito SEOUL - Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream | YesStyle
This makes my skin look plumper and more glowy when it feels tired. It adds hydration and that smooth, healthy bounce without feeling greasy.
I use this as my last step and leave it on overnight. By morning, my skin feels plumper and looks more refreshed.
medicube - Collagen Night Wrapping Mask | YesStyle
This is my overnight glow boost! By morning, my skin looks firmer, calmer, and way more refreshed.
Biodance - Bio Collagen - Real Deep Mask Set | YesStyle
I leave this on overnight when my skin looks dull. I wake up brighter, more even, and less tired-looking.
medicube - Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask - YesStyle
6. Sunscreen (Daily.No excuses!)
This is the one step I will not skip! I cannot stress this enough. Even if it’s cloudy. Even if you “won’t be outside long.” Even if you’re just driving. This is what protects all the work your skincare is doing.
It feels like a hydrating serum, not SPF.
No white cast, no pilling, no greasy layer. My skin looks calm and glowy, and it sits so well under makeup.
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum ...
Glowy, lightweight, no white cast. Feels like skincare, not sunscreen.
ROUND LAB - Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen | YesStyle
This is my lazy girl reapply hack. Reviews always say how smooth and matte it feels and I agree. No greasy swipe, no white cast, no messing up makeup. It just glides on and somehow blurs a little too. Perfect for mid day touch ups without looking shi...