How To Introduce K-Beauty Products In Your Routine?
I personally don’t have time for an extensive, hundred-step routine and prefer a “less is more” approach, as long as you know which K-ingredient(s) to use. However, if you’re new to K-beauty, chances are you might feel lost, not knowing which products to choose and where to start. Speaking from experience, I would recommend starting small with product categories that are easy to introduce into your routine, such as cleansers, SPFs, masks, or targeted treatment products.
Here’s a quick overview of the products I’ve tried. Reminder: this list is primarily tailored to my skin concerns. Some products might not be what you're looking for, but they can give you a great starting point for exploring K-brands and thinking in terms of product categories.
5 Easy Product Categories You Can Explore
Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice & Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
This sunscreen is great for oily skin with a light, non-greasy feel and works well under makeup. As someone with a darker skin tone, I appreciate sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast—this one is a winner. However, if you're looking for a matte finish, this might not be the best choice, but it does a great job if you don’t mind a dewy look (even for oily skin).
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh SPF50+ PA++++
BoJ improved on the Sun Rice edition with the Aqua Fresh, a great choice for those who prefer a matte finish. While I don’t mind a dewy look, I admit this is my favorite of the two. It has a lighter texture, sits well under makeup, and is easy to apply.
Bonus: Beauty of Joseon Matt Sun Stick
While I have a love-hate relationship with sun sticks, I like that this one sits well on makeup for quick SPF touch-ups. However, I prefer SPF sprays for on-the-go use and always prioritize my SPF cream when possible.
Cleanser
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
I’ve embraced the double cleansing trend a while ago but often struggled to find the right balm texture: not too thick to melt easily, but not too runny to avoid getting in my eyes. This one does it perfectly, turning into a light cleansing milk with water. It’s also great for removing even waterproof mascara.
Mask
Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Wow, wow, wow! A strong statement for a strong product approval. I’ve never been a fan of sheet masks (due to past poor experiences) until I tried Biodance’s collagen mask. Although not a sheet mask, but a rubbery texture, it deeply hydrates and is packed with peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (HA). It’s recommended to leave it on overnight for maximum absorption. I wasn’t impressed the first time, but after the second use, I was hooked. I used it again on my wedding day for an express hydration boost. To quote my make-up artist that morning: “I don’t know what you did to your skin, but it does everything it should when I apply make-up.” – Nothing to add here.
Bonus: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
A nice to have if you sometimes want to show your smile some extra love. I have the Grapefruit version and it smells amazing. I have used it during the day as well for an extra hydrating shine.
Serum
Niacinamide 25% & Retinol 0,5% In Squalene from Beauty Drops
One of my recent purchases, and so far, so good. I’m prone to hyperpigmentation and wanted to focus on this concern, so I decided to reintroduce niacinamide into my routine. The texture is lightweight, and a little goes a long way for your face, neck, and décolleté.
As for retinol, I usually use a 0.5% prescription retinol cream, but got very curious about this oil-based product. It’s quite runny (maybe a tad too much), but it absorbs much more easily than my prescription tretinoin. I’ve been using both for 3 weeks, so it’s too soon to judge their full effectiveness, but I’m already noticing less pigmentation and a brighter complexion.
Essence
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive used this product a lot during the peak of my hormonal acne. It was perfect to simplify my routine since it contains both BHA and AHA, and was great for managing acne and oily skin. There’s also a mild version available for sensitive skin.
Spot Treatment – COSRX Acne Patches
I am a huge fan of acne patches and COSRX was one of the first brands that introduced me to this specific product category. The brand has multiple types of patch sizes. Like other hydrocolloid patches, they will absorb your pimple impurity helping the acne disappear without a scar.
Finding Your Way Into K-Beauty: The Bottom Line
As you can see with the 5 product categories above, you can easily integrate K-beauty products into your routine. You can even start with one category only for an even more focused approach. The key is to choose products that suit your skin type and concerns, rather than chasing trends. Want to learn more about K-Beauty or in need of a refresher? Check my article explaining what K-Beauty is all about.