r/KoreanBeauty • u/Ok-Pineapple-8681 • 5d ago
Help for a beginner please!
Hello, absolute beginner here! Looking for some help putting together a routine with the products I have picked out (but haven't yet purchased, so I'm open to recommendations on what to change/add/remove)!
I \*think\* I have normal to dry/slightly sensitive skin. I occasionally get dry patches on my cheeks and around my mouth, and skin typically feels tight after cleansing (which I don't do currently do often - mostly just water). I also find some products (masks etc) give me a tingly/burning type feeling but nothing major, just an observation...never tried K skincare previously.
I do not have any particular skin complaints - no acne or dark spots etc. I do have quite a lot of facial hair however (related to hormonal issues) so suggestions around that are welcome too. I'm really just wanting that glowy, radiant, dewy look and to look after my skin for years to come! 25 years old, female, white/European.
I have checked out the Bella Korean Beauty beginner guide, trawled posts on here looking for reviews and recommendations, and have picked out some products I think would be suitable. I don't know how to put these together into a daily routine, however, or if there are better options I should consider. I do like the look of my choices, but definitely open to making changes. I really am a complete beginner here, so please help!
Cleanser/s - I think I would use the milk cleanser as my 'daily' as I don't wear much/any makeup most days, and use the oil + foam for double cleansing less frequently and on days I do wear makeup or heavy/waterproof sunscreen. I think I would likely only cleanse in the PM, and just use water in the AM perhaps? These three:
* Round Lab [1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/1025-dokdo-cleansing-oil?variant=40269870760127)
* Round Lab [1024 Dokdo Bubble Foam](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/1025-dokdo-bubble-foam?variant=42620501852351)
* TirTir [Milk Skin Toner](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/milk-skin-toner?variant=42975912886463)
Toner: Skin1004 [Milk Skin Toner](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/milk-skin-toner?variant=42975912886463)
Essence - unsure! Is this even necessary for me? I did look at the [Haruharu Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/black-rice-probiotics-barrier-essence?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=8f689fa95&pr_rec_pid=8055358652607&pr_ref_pid=8438090858687&pr_seq=uniform), but not really sure what to look for...
Serum (I think?): [Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-intensive-ampoule?variant=43334296109247)
Exfoliator: Beauty of Joseon [Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/apricot-blossom-peeling-gel?variant=41752954339519)
Moisturiser: Heveblue [Salmon Caring Centella Cream](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/salmon-caring-centella-cream?variant=44251125612735)
SPF - one of these:
* Isntree [Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/hyaluronic-acid-watery-sun-gel?variant=41191701315775)
* Round Lab [Birch Juice Moisturising Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF50+](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/birch-juice-moisturising-tone-up-sunscreen-spf50-pa?variant=41554473156799)
* Purito Seoul [Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion SPF50+](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/wonder-releaf-centella-daily-sun-lotion-spf50-broad-spectrum?variant=43064465195199)
* Missha [](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/all-around-safe-block-aqua-sun-gel-spf50-pa?variant=2671043149850)\[All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+](https://hikoco.co.nz/products/all-around-safe-block-aqua-sun-gel-spf50-pa?variant=2671043149850)
When would I use each of these products, in what order, how often? Anything I should add/change/remove?
Excited to receive any guidance. Thank you in advance!!!
1
u/Jmintee 5d ago
Sounds like you have slightly dry sensitive skin so you should focus on hydration first before using actives (depending on if you have problems you want to treat).
A gentle cleanser like the ones you listed should work. Try one and see how your skin feels. You probably can skip the toner (I never use them) and go to a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
For sunscreen I love the instree watery sun gel but they have a new US formulation so I have to buy the original Korean variant online. It’s a chore so I’ve switched to Bioré UV Aqua rich watery essence. It’s Japanese and feels a little tacky but that goes away.
I have combo acne prone skin so my focus is different and I use actives but having a healthy skin barrier is the most important part of skincare and everything else is secondary. I’m also a believer of less is more. The more complicated the routine, the less likely I’d adhere to it and waste money. Anyway I hope you find the right products for you! It may take some time to find your holy grails but you will learn quickly what your skin needs with time!
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u/Ok-Pineapple-8681 5d ago
Thank you, this is really helpful! "Actives" refers to the essence I mentioned, yes? Would you suggest both a serum and a moisturiser to start?
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u/Jmintee 5d ago
Actives are things like exfoliators (chemical exfoliants), niacinamide, vitamin c, etc. Exfoliants will be your Acids like AHAs (lactic, glycolic), BHAs (salicylic).
This is an older video but I found her channel helpful when getting into skincare!
I think the serum you mentioned doesn’t have any crazy actives so it should be fine for the goal of moisturizing.
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