Wing// Personal
Since I am about to finish some of the skincare products that I am currently using, I have decided to break my (unintentional) two-month writing hiatus by documenting my 10-step skincare regimen!
It sounds excessive but the 10-step Korean skincare regimen is something that has picked up steam over the past few years. The philosophy of this multi-step regimen is that, much like a mille-feuille pastry, our skin can best absorb moisture if the skincare we apply is layered in a certain order.
Of course, I do not perform all 10 steps every day. However, some steps are essential and I do apply those steps at least once every day.
Want more details? Check out SokoGlam’s wonderful guide to the 10 Step Korean Skincare Regimen: https://sokoglam.com/pages/the-korean-skin-care-routine
Before we start, I would like to note here that I have not been sponsored to review the following products and am simply sharing my experiences.
My Skin Type!
I have normal/slightly dry skin and I am not acne-prone.
Although I have slightly dry to very dry skin, my skin is not easily sensitive and I do not break out very easily. In other words, I can tolerate small amounts of alcohol and scents found in some skin products.
And actually, a small confession (!), I really do like it when products are scented.
10-Step Skincare Regimen
Cleansers
In order to remove all impurities, experts suggest that it is important to double cleanse with first, an oil-based cleanser, and next, a water-based cleanser.
Oil-based: [Skinfood] Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Oil
I’ve been using it for over a year and I haven’t a single incident of having leftover make-up on my face. I think the tip is to massage the oil for a prolonged time (1-2 minutes) to really melt all the make-up. For those who do not mind scents, I highly recommend this product!
Repurchase: Yes!
Water-based: [The Body Shop] Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
Since I do not have very s
Featuring tea tree oil as one of the main ingredients, this foam cleanser is recommended for those with acne-prone or blemished skin.I apply a pump of this onto my face and massage for 30-45 seconds before rinsing off. I’ve been finding that tea tree oil has actually been very effective at keeping blemishes at bay, especially when applied topically in its purest form.
To note, this facial wash from The Body Shop has a mild minty smell. In my honest opinion, I actually don’t like this wash because it is a little bit strong and sometimes leaves a stinging feeling on my face.
Repurchase: Probably not!
Exfoliator
Exfoliating is crucial for a polished complexion. By sloughing off dead skin cells and debris, this step prepares the skin to drink in the skin care with a fresh slate!
[The Body Shop] Mild Papaya Peeling Gel
Enriched with natural papaya enzyme and hyaluronic acid, this scrub is my go-to 
I use this product once a week and it really does miracles for me! I use two pumps worth of product each time I clean my face. I like to dab on the gel onto my forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin as opposed to slathering the product on my face immediately. Like its claims, I find that the gel does slough off dead skin almost immediately upon rubbing. I use it right after I use my water cleanser (Tea Tree Oil cleanser) and I find that my skin is really smooth after I clean.
Repurchase: Likely (This product is really fantastic, but I may want to try something new)
Toner
Toner helps balance your skin’s pH levels and preps your skin with a bit of hydration to better absorb your following skin care treatments.
[The Body Shop] Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner
This seaweed-packed, alcohol-free toner is perfect for those looking to tighten their pores and wipe away residual impurities following cleansing. Boasting a mineral-rich base from seaweed native to Ireland, The Body Shop targets indivi
As I have dry skin, I personally found that this product was too drying and in some cases, stinging. As a result, I’ve often doubted whether this product is actually alcohol-free as it feels much more like an astringent. However, I think this product does do a very good job at closing pores as I can feel my skin tightening in a healthy way.
In comparison to [The Face Shop’s] Chia Seed Water Toner (a product that I have used previously), I find the Seaweed Toner to be too harsh. However, the Chia Seed Toner did not help to close my pores. My future toner choice will optimally include something which can do both.
Repurchase: No.
Essence
Essence is a kind of toner and serum hybrid made for hydrating and aiding skin repair and cell turnover.
[Laneige] Perfect Renew Skin Refresher
Developed with ceramide water
I pat on a pump’s worth of product on my face right after I finish washing my face. To be honest, this product smells wonderful. However, I’ve been using this product for over two months and I have seen little to no benefits associated with this product. It just doesn’t seem to be a very good preparation product. My face dries quite quickly following application, defeating the purpose of the product.
Repurchase: No.
Similar products I would like to try:
1) [MISSHA] Time Revolution First Treatment Essence: I really want to try this. I really do. However, from foraging the forums, I don’t think this company is cruelty-free. As a result, I think I may not go for this product.
2) [SON & PARK] Beauty Water: I have heard amazing things about this toner! Cruelty-free status is unclear.
Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate skin on your face. Eye creams are specially formulated to help retain moisture around the eye area.
[Laneige] Perfect Renew Eye Cream
Featuring ceramide water as its main ingredient, this product claims to strengthen the eye contours’ skin barrier, an area prone to dryness and damages. It also claims to keep the eye contour area moist and healthy.
In a positive light, this product is actually very moisturizing and does not leave an oily feeling on the skin. However, I think this product has very little anti-aging properties and does not help with wrinkles. As a result, it might not be a good product to use for the long-term.
Repurchase: Maybe. However, I would like to start using a product with anti-aging properties.
Serum
Boosters, serums, and ampoules are often referred as “treatment” products as they are a form of concentrated essence which helps to target problem areas.
[KLAIRS] Rich Moist Soothing Serum
Created with a ble
This product is incredibly affordable and accessible through large online distributors such as Amazon. Like my rationale for purchasing products from The Body Shop, I am trying KLAIRS because their products are also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Unlike the exorbitant prices attached to Laneige’s products, KLAIRS is very affordable because most of its products are packaged in plastic bottles. Interestingly, the company also claims to save the consumer costs by operating only through online platforms.
With one pump, this product can sufficiently cover my entire face and more. Upon application, the product is very runny and I find that I have to work quickly in order to spread the product evenly. I find my face to be very gummy and sticky after application. However, it’s not such an issue as I cover it quickly with my emulsion and day/night cream shortly after.
As for “soothing” effects, I find that the product does not deliver. On the contrary, I began to break out following the first week of frequent application. Further, it’s not very moisturizing. I find my skin to be quite dry a few hours after application.
I would really love to see a good vegan skincare product. However, in my experience, it’s just not the same. I still have high hopes for KLAIRS as they refine their formulas and products. Until then, I would hold off purchase for this specific product.
Repurchase: No.
However, one product that I heard great things about is the [KLAIRS] Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum. I have heard fantastic things about it. It is on my to-try list.
[Laneige] Water Bank Serum
I’ve actually finished using this produc
This serum is really interesting because it has a really thick consistency. Its gel-like consistency is really almost like a cream. It almost seems to be too thick to be a serum, but it enriches your skin in almost the same way a serum would. Some online bloggers have likened it to the texture of an emulsion. Needless to say, as I have dry skin, this has been my holy grail product.
To note, like many other Laneige products, this product carries a relatively strong scent. I don’t have problems with it, but some people break out upon frequent application.
Repurchase: Yes!
Okay! So, I am going to stop Part 1 here. Everything that I’ve listed above, other than the exfoliator, is used twice on a daily basis.
The second part of this blog post will highlight the different emulsions and creams that I use to differentiate between my day and night skincare regimen.
Have questions? Comments? Want a more in-depth review of a product? Leave a comment and I will try to address it!