A guide to the 10-step Korean beauty routine

For centuries, Korean women have maintained their porcelain-like skin by following a daily, multi-step beauty routine. Following the popularity of K-Beauty products in North America, many are replicating this regimen. It typically involves ten steps, although some products are only applied weekly. Once mastered, the process should take 10-15 minutes from start to finish. This nighttime routine can be replicated during the day with the addition of sunscreen or a BB or CC cream with SPF instead of a night cream. The payoff: Bright, glowing skin.

We asked Valentin Millet, Marketing Manager of The Face Shop, the Korean cosmetic retailer, to help breakdown the steps of this beauty ritual.

The Face Shop

1 / 10

1. Pre-cleanser

The first part in the double-cleansing process is a pre-cleanse--ultimately the makeup removal step. Use a cleansing oil, cream or wipe to remove any makeup and dirt from the face, eyelids and lips.

Product recommendation: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil, $17.

Peach and Lily

2 / 10

2. Cleanser

This next purifying step involves a deeper, yet gentle cleaning. Use a cleanser according to your skin type. After discovering that the hands of older women who worked in the rice fields were extremely healthy-looking from soaking in rice water daily, many K-Beauty followers use rice-based products.

Product recommendation: Mizon Rice Real Cleansing Foam, $16.

AmorePacific

3 / 10

3. Exfoliate

Also known as “peeling,” use an exfoliating agent to slough off dead skin. It typically uses a chemical-based product instead of a more physical scrub, replacing dull skin with a brighter one. This step is only done once a week.

Product recommendation: AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel, $72.

Peach and Lily

4 / 10

4. Toner

A toner removes any residue left behind from the cleanser and restores the skin’s pH balance. It’s a great base for the following applications, preparing the face for the next step.

Product recommendation: Be The Skin Botanical Nutrition Toner, $25.

Shiseido

5 / 10

5. Essence

A product that’s popular in K-Beauty circles and starting to gain traction in North America is the essence. A less concentrated version of a serum, it works on the cellular level to speed up cell turnover. It goes hand in hand with a serum, preparing the skin for the serum application.

Product recommendation: Super Refining Essence, $93.

Dr. Jart

6 / 10

6. Serum

This is a more potent version of an essence with the addition of active ingredients.

Product recommendation: Dr. Jart+ Premium Time Returning Serum, $54.

The Face Shop

7 / 10

7. Sheet Mask

Apply a mask 2-3 times a week -- some like to use a sheet mask daily to target varied, outstanding skin issues. After removing most sheet masks, you don’t need to wash your face. This allows the ingredients to sink in while skin reaps the nutritional benefits of the ingredients. One of the hottest ingredients in K-Beauty: snail mucus. The secretion is full of rejuvenating properties and packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.

Product recommendation: The Face Shop Escargot Golden Firming Gel Mask, $8.

Pai

8 / 10

8. Eye cream

Do not add additional stress to this delicate area by pulling on the skin. Instead gently tap the product into the skin. This will also help it better absorb the cream.

Product recommendation: Pai Echium & Argan Gentle Eye Cream, $58.

Philosophy

9 / 10

9. Moisturizer

This additional moisturizing formula works on nourishing the top layer of the skin. When applying, give yourself a lifting massage by applying it from the bottom to the top with circular motions.

Product recommendation: Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight, $78.

Glowrecipe.com

10 / 10

10. Sleeping mask

The skin repairs itself as you sleep and this last step uses a sleeping mask or a "pack" to seal the skin and lock in hydration. You'll wake up in the morning with brighter skin.

Product recommendation: Probiotics Sleeping Cream, US $48.