Shop Japanese & Korean Skincare

Annyeonghaseyo!

The magical world of Korean Skincare has made its way to Adore Beauty and boy, are we here for it. We’re talking essences, emulsions, snail mucin, pimple patches, toners with real gold, Jeju island ingredients, and did we mention snail mucin?

When we think of Korean skincare, an image of dewy, plump and glass-like skin comes to mind, with innovative formulas and well-researched ingredients - the results speak for themselves.

Why is Korean skincare so good?

Traditionally, Korea has always prided itself on natural beauty. The desire for well-hydrated and smooth, clear skin is at the forefront of Korean beauty. With hot summers and harsh winters, K beauty brands have to ensure that their products will keep skin hydrated and protected year-round.

10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine

The infamous 10-step Korean skin care routine, some would say this is the hallmark of all things Korean beauty and it may sound hectic - but if you’re looking for that true Korean glow you should give this routine a try (although you can give or take a few steps if you please).

Step 1 - Oil-Based Cleanser: Begin with an oil-based cleanser as the first step of your 10-step K-Beauty routine. We recommend the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original 100ml as a good starting point.

Step 2 - Cream/Foaming Cleanser: Next up is a cream or foaming cleanser for the second part of your double cleanse routine. Klairs Foaming Cleanser is a good alternative for sensitive skin types.

Step 3 - Toner: What would any Korean skincare routine be without a toner? It is the most pivotal and important step of all K-beauty routines. The Some by Mi Miracle Toner sells every 3 seconds in Korea, so it’s gotta be pretty good.

Step 4 - Essence: Let’s not forget the essence, you could say it’s the ‘essence’ of Korean skincare. The COSRX Snail Mucin Essence uses snail secretion to help repair and hydrate the skin, imparting a natural glow while it’s at it.

Step 5 - Ampoule/Serum: Serums are pivotal for any skincare routine, but in a Korean skincare routine they are the strongest part. If 10 steps is a bit too much for you, we recommend keeping this step and taking out some of the others. The innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is a best seller here at Adore so we recommend that one for a start.

Step 6 - Emulsion: This step is pretty unknown for most Korean skincare routines, but the SK-II Facial Lift Emulsion 100g is a must-have for those looking to dabble in Japanese skincare.

Step 7 - Sheet Mask: In real life, you really only need to use a sheet mask once a week due to its rich and hydrating properties. A sheet mask such as the Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask 20ml is a great option for those looking for an affordable sheet mask option - and it's Japanese to boot.

Step 8 - Eye Cream: To improve the appearance of fine lines and crows feet on your eyes, it’s important to use a hydrating eye cream such as the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream.

Step 9 - Moisturiser: Can you believe we’ve only got to the moisturising step now? You should do this step every morning and night, even if it’s the only step you do. The COSRX Snail Cream is a good all rounder.

Step 10 - Sunscreen or Sleeping Mask: We have finally reached the final step, and by this point, I’d imagine most of us are pretty exhausted. In the morning, it’s at this step that you’ll apply your sunscreen but if you’re doing this routine at night, the final step is a sleeping mask. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask are the most popular on the market.

Japanese and Korean Skin Care Brands at Adore Beauty

• Banila Co
• COSRX
• Hada Labo
• I'm From
• Innisfree
• Klairs
• Laneige
• Neogen
• Some by Mi
• SK-II
• Sulwhasoo