💕 Hey Beautiful, Let’s Talk Skincare! 💕

 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gone through phases of being super diligent with your skincare routine… and then times when you’re half-asleep, wiping off your mascara with a questionable makeup wipe (no judgment—I’ve been there).

But here’s the thing…ever since I discovered the K-Beauty skincare regimen, I can honestly say my skin has never looked better. We’re talking brighter, glowier, bouncier skin; I mean, I haven’t used foundation or powder in months!. And no, you don’t need to be a beauty guru or spend hours in front of the mirror to make it work.

I’m going to walk you through the 10+ step K-Beauty skincare routine that has completely transformed my skin—and why LUMIA was born. 

The 10+ Step K-Beauty Skincare Routine: Sounds like a lot - it’s really not!

Okay, I know 10 steps sounds like a lot, but trust me—it’s easier (and faster) than it sounds. I'm a single mom...so believe me when I say I am NOT here to add things to your day that waste your time!

Plus, you don’t need to do every step every day. The magic of this routine is that it’s customizable based on what your skin needs. Let’s break it down, step by step.

✅ Step 1: Oil Cleanser (First Cleanse - nighttime only)

What it does: Melts away makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based gunk.

Why it matters: If you’re only using a regular face wash, you’re not fully removing your SPF or makeup—which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. An oil cleanser dissolves all that grime without stripping your skin.

How to use it:

• [Use at night only; use it in the morning only if you have excessively oily skin]

• Massage into DRY skin in gentle circular motions for ~:30 seconds+

• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

✨ My personal faves: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean  and Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil 

✅ Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser (Second Cleanse)

What it does: Washes away sweat, dirt, and leftover residue.

Why it matters: Double cleansing = game-changer. It gives you that extra-clean status that your skin needs to be in to fully absorb all the treatment products to follow! Think of it like this…a half-cleansed face will only half benefit from your products.

How to use it:

• After oil cleansing, apply your water-based cleanser to your damp skin.

• Massage gently and rinse with lukewarm water.

✨ My personal faves: ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam and Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel

✅ Step 3: Exfoliator (2-3 times per week, at Night)

What it does: Sloughs away dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin.

Why it matters: Exfoliating makes everything else work better—your serums, moisturizers, and treatments all penetrate deeper. Just like the double cleanse, exfoliators remove the clutter, enabling treatments to get deep into your skin. 

Just don’t overdo it! Start with 1x per week and increase to  no more than 3x per week.

How to use it:

• Use at night, after your double cleanse

• Follow specific product instructions. Some you apply and rinse off; some you just pat on to face and leave… 

✨ My personal faves: Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine and ANUA Eoseongcho Heartleaf 77% Clear Pads

✅ Step 4: Toner

What it does: Hydrates and preps your skin to absorb the good stuff.

Why it matters: Most Western toners are loaded with alcohol and strip your skin. Korean toners? Hydrating and soothing—no stinging or tightness.

How to use it:

• After your double-cleanse (or exfoliator, as relevant), pour a little into your hands 

• Gently pat all over your face, avoiding eyes

• Give the toner a few minutes to absorb before moving on to your next product.

• [To maximize uses, I prefer hands vs cotton pads, as I want all the product in my skin…not in the cotton pad]

✨ My personal faves: Round Lab Dokdo Toner and Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

 

✅ Step 5: Essence

What it does: Boosts hydration and speeds up skin renewal.

Why it matters: Essences are K-beauty’s secret weapon. They’re lighter than serums but packed with active ingredients that repair and make your skin glow.

How to use it:

• Pour a few drops into your hands.

• Pat it gently all over your face, avoiding eyes

• Give essence a few minutes to absorb before moving on to your next product.

✨ My personal faves: Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence and COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

✅ Step 6: Serum [aka Ampoule]

What it does: Treats specific skin concerns like wrinkles, acne, or hyperpigmentation.

Why it matters: Serums = your skin’s BFF. These highly concentrated formulas target problem areas directly.

How to use:

• Apply a few drops to your hands, rub.

• Gently press into the skin.

• Let your serum absorb for 5 -  10 minutes before moving on to your next product.

✨ My personal faves: Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum : Ginseng + Snail Mucin and Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum

✅ Step 7: Masks (2-3 times per week, at Night)

What it does: Provides an intense hydration and nutrients boost.

Why it matters: Sheet masks drench your skin in nutrients and make it look instantly plumper and fresher. Perfect for a self-care night.

How to use it:

• After your serum, place the mask on clean skin.

• Relax for 20-40 minutes.

• Pat the leftover serum into your neck, hands, arms, etc.

✨ My personal faves: SOME BY MI Real Glutathione Brightening Care Mask and Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber with Calming Allantoin

✅ Step 8: Eye Cream

What it does: Hydrates, firms, and brightens the delicate skin around your eyes.

Why it matters: The eye area is prone to fine lines and dryness. A good eye cream keeps it plump and youthful. Many also effectively decrease the appearance of dark circles and bags.

How to use it: After your serum or face mask, dab a tiny amount of eye cream around your eyes with your ring finger. Gently press (do not rub) it in.

✨ My personal faves: COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream and Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

✅ Step 9: Moisturizer

What it does: Locks in all the previous layers and keeps your skin hydrated.

Why it matters: Korean moisturizers are lightweight but effective, keeping your skin soft and bouncy without clogging pores.

How to use it: After your eye cream, apply your moisturizer evenly over your face and neck.

✨ My personal faves: Dr.G Black Snail Cream and COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream

✅ Step 10: Sunscreen (Morning Only)

What it does: Protects against UV damage (aka aging and hyperpigmentation).

Why it matters: If you’re skipping SPF, you’re undoing all your hard work in fighting off signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. K-beauty sunscreens are lightweight and wearable every day.

How to use it:

• Apply generously  - at least 15 minutes prior to going out - to the face, neck, ears, and décolletage.

• Reapply throughout the day if outdoors.

✨ My personal faves: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

✅ Step 11: Supplements

What it does: Antioxidants, anti-aging compounds, and skin-loving nutrients can work to 3x the impact of your external skincare products, by supporting your skin’s health from the inside out. 

Why it matters: Gut Health = Skin Health. Eating right, taking the right vitamins...it's the one ingredient most don't consider in their skincare strategy. 

✨ My personal faves: Art of Wellness' Beauty Bomb Tea and collagens such as THIS

 

Why the K-Beauty Regimen is THE Way

Now, let me tell you why this routine is better than the quick cleanse-and-go most of us are used to:

It’s all about hydration. Every step layers on moisture, leaving your skin plump, bouncy, and glowy.

Prevention > Correction. K-beauty focuses on nourishing and protecting your skin before issues arise. And when issues do arise, their formulations are more effective when you are following and using all 10 elements of a Korean Skincare regimen.

Gentle, yet radically more effective. No harsh scrubs or stripping cleansers—just kind-to-skin ingredients.

Consistent SPF use. K-beauty normalizes daily sun protection, which is the best anti-aging strategy.

Glowy, healthy skin for the long haul. This isn’t about overnight miracles—it’s about lasting, real results.

Ready to Glow?

If you’re new to K-beauty, start slow. Try a double cleanse, a hydrating toner, serum, and a lightweight sunscreen. When you start seeing the difference and become a believer, add on more impactful products - you will NOT regret it! LUMIA is here to offer you only the best in K-Beauty Skincare.

Oh, and if you're wondering what makes K-Beauty skincare products superior, you can find a quick explanation HERE.

 

Once you see how dewy and healthy your complexion looks, you’ll never look back. 💕