The moisture barrier has become a hot topic of discussion in the skin care world, and for good reason. 

A rise in popularity of elaborate routines, exfoliating treatments and an ignited desire to try new ingredients means that many of us have put our skin through the ringer on a quest to have a smooth, glowing complexion. Let’s admit it, we’ve all tried an acid treatment that’s active ingredient percentage is tip-toeing the line of acceptability.

If you’ve noticed that your skin is more sensitive lately, you may have a damaged moisture barrier thanks to the last few years’ intense skin care trends.

Don’t get down! Thankfully, it’s possible to repair your skin’s ability to protect itself with some extra TLC. All you need to get your skin back on track is a simplified routine with the right soothing ingredients. Below, we’re outlining a 5 step routine for repairing the skin barrier that’s perfect for damaged, irritated, or sensitive skin types.

Cleanse

Good Light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

With sensitized skin, we want to minimize any chance for irritation, so a soothing but effective one-step cleanser is ideal during this repairing process. This vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is free of harsh additives but thorough enough to remove makeup, toxins and other impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight. The probiotics in this formula help support a healthy skin microbiome while the glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate as seaweed removes dirt and other irritants. With a gentle gel-to-foam texture, this cleanser will leave you with clean, happy skin.

Toner

Unpa Lacto Cica Soothing Toner

When it comes to repairing the skin, we want a toner that hydrates and nourishes rather than looking for aggressive exfoliators. This ultra-gentle formula has five types of probiotics to create a protective barrier on the skin that helps to shield from irritating pollutants while locking in moisture. Gently press it into your face with your fingertips for hydrated, softened skin.

Mask

Dr Althea Oasis Soothing Mask

Once a week, follow your toner with a reparative mask that lets your skin relax. Featuring Rose of Jericho, a plant known for surviving harsh conditions in the desert, this vegan, alcohol-, fragrance- and paraben-free mask works to trap water in the skin, while Ceramide NP improves barrier function and cica soothes and heals. Keep it in the fridge prior to application for a cooling treat that calms redness and will have you feeling totally blissed out.

Serum

Benton Deep Green Tea Serum

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, green tea is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to soothing and protecting the skin. Clinically tested for sensitive skin and featuring over 53% of green tea extracts, this serum treats irritation and redness with a cooling effect, while hyaluronic acid and panthenol boost hydration for a healthy, plump complexion. 

Moisturizer

Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

For the final hydrating step, reach for this hero healer. With a minimal ingredient list, this low-pH cream includes Centella asiatica-derived madecassoside to repair and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, along with naturally derived sunflower seed oil and shea butter to nourish and protect. It’s also free from fragrance, parabens and artificial color, so you can feel safe applying it to even the most sensitive skin.

How do you heal your skin from irritation? Let us know your favorite soothing tips in the comments!

The post This Gentle 5-Step Routine Will Help Repair Your Skin’s Barrier appeared first on The Klog.

We live in a world that is constantly juggling selfie updates, barre class and that last minute happy hour with your besties. We hardly have a second to breathe, let alone keep up on a skin care routine. To make sure that the health (and looks) of your skin is not one of the things you leave behind, we’ve rounded up four quick and easy-to-follow skin care routines that will get you glowing skin in only a few minutes.

If You Have 5 Minutes or Less
Perfect for skin care minimalists and busy skin care enthusiasts, this routine is all about multi-tasking and practical products.

– DAY –
1. Cleansing Water: This do-it-all product cleanses and acts as a toner in only a few swipes. I take turns between Son & Park’s Beauty Water (especially when I’mer trying to get rid of acne scars or treat/prevent blemishes) and Neogen’s Real Flower Cleansing Water in Calendula (this one is my go-to cleansing water for those days when I feel my skin a bit irritated or sensitive).
You can read more about how to make the most out of your cleansing water here.

2. Essence Mist: To nourish, hydrate, and help your skin to better absorb the products that follow, add an essence mist to your routine. I personally love Acwell’s Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist–
the spray helps to perfectly distribute the product on my skin and is one of my favorite “lazy girl beauty hacks.”

3. Moisturizer: Moisturizing lotions like Erborian’s Yuza Double Lotion are perfect for getting things done in record time. If you read my review of this product already, you’ll remember me saying how this is the perfect moisturizer for those who don’t like moisturizers at all. And that’s because it doesn’t feel like one. Shake the bi-phase liquid first and then apply it with a cotton pad all over your face and neck. One more thing that will make you fall in love with this product is its high concentration in vitamin C.

4. Eye serum: Because they absorb more quickly and thoroughly, eye serums are great for those days when you just need to get things done in record time. I use Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl. Another great option is trying an eye gel like Erborian’s Seve de Bamboo Eye Matte.

5. SPF: I would say that this is the skin care step which you cannot miss, no matter what. Go for a lightweight, goop-free formula like Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen.
.

– NIGHT –
At night, make sure you put more of your energy cleansing your skin—even if you didn’t put makeup on, your skin still has SPF residue plus, dirt and pollution that accumulate throughout the day. Here’s how your 5-minute night routine should look like:

1. Oil-based cleansing tissue: See, this is a good solution even for those lazy winter days when you simply don’t want to splash water on your face, period. Try Skinfood’s Brown Rice Oil Cleansing Tissue.

2. Cleansing water: Yes, here it comes again, this time to replace your water-based cleanser and toner.

3. Essence mist: Just like you did this morning. Oh, and don’t forget to spritz it on your neck, too.

4. Moisturizer:  You can use the same moisturizing lotion you used in the morning. In the case of Erborian’s Yuza Double Lotion, for example, you can apply directly onto the skin now (that is, without a cotton pad) and pat in the liquid formula. This will give you a boost of hydration at night.

5. Eye cream: Your skin will benefit more from a richer formula at night. Give Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Circle Eye Cream a try if you haven’t yet. Enriched with niacinamide, it moisturizes, treats dark circles and also works to reduces the appearance of fine lines in the area.

If You Have 10 Minutes
Now that you know how much you can do for your skin in only 5 minutes (or even less) it’s time to learn the smartest how to spend 10 minutes on your skin.

– DAY –
1. Cleansing Water: This should be enough to remove the products you applied the night before and leave your face (and neck!) clean for what’s coming next.

2. Toner: Since you have more time, take your skin care to the next step and add a toner. It will make sure your pores are clean, hydrate, and reset your skin’s pH balance. As the name already suggest, Neogen’s Dermalogy Pore Refine Toner is great for treating large pores. When it comes to hydrating the skin, Klairs’ Supple Preparation Facial Toner is one that will make you notice a difference in your skin right away.

3. Essence: Apply your favorite essence with your fingers while giving yourself a soft facial massage. The CosRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence is a brightening essence (not properly “whitening” as appears in its name) highly concentrated with fermented skin care ingredients to repair and nourish your skin—think: it repairs and hydrates your skin, boost elasticity, and plump out fine lines). I deal with acne and acne scars and this essence helps to treat the skin and fade away dark spots.

4. Vitamin C + Moisturizer: Instead of applying your vitamin C, waiting until it is fully absorbed, and then applying your moisturizer, you can mix a few drops of your serum with your moisturizer gel or cream. During the day I like to add five drops of my Klairs’ Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum to a gel moisturizer or a very lightweight formula like IOPE’s Bio Hydro Cream.

5. Eye cream: Creamy or in a gel formula, choose your favorite and apply onto your orbital bone tapping it with your fingertips.

6. Color-correcting treatment: Yes, I love color correcting treatments and if I have a few extra minutes, this is the step I will go for. I recommend it to anyone who doesn’t like (or doesn’t want to) to slather on foundation on the skin every day. Color-correcting treatments like Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment corrects redness and uneven tones while protecting skin from environmental aggressors. This one specifically is infused with essential minerals like magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium to help improve the skin’s moisture levels and restore fatigued skin for a healthy look. If you don’t feel like you need a color-correcting treatment you can go for a BB cream—the new Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream works to even out your skin tone and also to brighten up your complexion for a natural result.

7. SPF: Even after applying your color-correcting treatment or BB cream (which usually brings SPF already), you should still apply your sunscreen to guarantee your skin will be protected.

– NIGHT –
With 10 minutes at night, one thing you should definitely focus on is double-cleansing your skin. Start with your favorite oil-based cleanser and follow with a water-based one.
Then, follow with steps 2 to 5 of your 10-step day regimen.

Have More Minutes to Spare?
Some other skin care products and treatments require most of your time. That’s the case of face masks (such as Erborian’s Bamboo Waterlock Face Mask), sheet masks and some spot treatments, like CosRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. This specific one, for example, should be used after your toner but requires you to wait 20 minutes before applying anything else on top of it to guarantee full absorption and 100% efficacy—but trust me, the waiting is worth it: this powerful formula treats blemishes, large pores, and brightens your complexion all at once.

+ Share your skin care tips with us in the comments section below!

The post A Skin Care Routine That Fits Your Schedule appeared first on The Klog.

Even before I found K-beauty and started really taking care of my skin, I had always been super conscientious about keeping my hair as healthy as possible. I struggle with dandruff and dry, itchy scalp, even in the warmer months so I’m always looking for new ways to keep my hair and scalp in the best shape possible.

A few years ago I discovered this amazing hair and scalp treatment at a spa and was completely sold. Here I’m converting that treatment into an easy at home 5-step routine to give you re-energized and glossy hair.

Step One: Exfoliate

My favorite method of scalp exfoliation is boar brushing. As a person who suffers from dry scalp year round, this simple treatment has really become a lifesaver.

Start at the roots and bring the brush all the way down to the ends, paying extra attention to brushing the surface of your scalp. Boar bristle brushes are a classic hair tool that helps exfoliate and stimulate blood flow, and therefore aid cell regeneration, on your scalp. The tightly-packed bristles remove dirt and dead skin cells from your hair, and help move sebum throughout for a natural condition and shine.

Curly hair? No problem! Do this step after your normal conditioning routine. Fine hair? That works too—just make sure you get a boar brush with more spaced out bristles so it won’t tug out too much hair.

Step Two: Cleanse

Now that your scalp is prepped, it’s time to cleanse. I recommend using an ingredient-rich shampoo, like the Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Plus Hair Shampoo, which is full of hydrolyzed silk, argan oil, and ceramides . I also just love the smell and the texture of this shampoo! 

Make sure to gently massage your scalp so that the product really gets in there to nourish.

Step Three: Hydrate

Now that your scalp is prepped and clean, it’s time to take advantage of your newly exfoliated scalp by adding some hydration. Try British M’s Hydrate Hair Butter, a repairing conditioner with shea butter and argan oil. Shea butter adds deep moisture to brittle hair while argan oil repairs damage and helps to create silky hair that’s soft to the touch. There’s also a healthy dose of ceramide to bring about extra hydration. I actually love to use this conditioner as a daily treatment.

Step Four: Moisturize

Next step is a second, deeper moisturizer. Try a hair mask of your choice to boost your hair’s shine! I’m using the Too Cool For School Egg Remedy Hair Pack. I have medium length hair and I used about a quarter-sized amount. To apply, run your hands through your hair from middle to ends, gradually working your way up.

You’ll want to make sure you really work this mask into your hair for consistent results. Let the mask sit for about 15 minutes to make this a more intensive treatment.

Step Five: Seal and Protect

For the final step, use the British M Annatto Hair Oil to give one last boost of shine and protection. Gently run your hand over and through your damp hair. To distribute more evenly, you can also run a regular brush or comb through to spread the oil.

Post Routine:

Let your hair air dry and avoid washing it for 1-2 days. This will allow all of the natural oils from your hair—along with the argan oil and annatto oil—to really sink in.

Bottom line:

This 5-step routine routine is an awesome way to combat dryness, but also just a great routine for maintaining hair health! It’s super important to use ingredient-rich products that will actively work to repair and protect your hair. 

 + Do you use a Korean hair routine? What’s in it? Share in the comments!

The post The 5-Step Korean Routine That Will Give You Glossy Hair appeared first on The Klog.

The world of K-beauty is incredible, full of products for every skin concern imaginable, packed into step after step of skin goodness. But let’s be honest here, all those products and steps can get confusing, and can certainly seem overwhelming at first.
But it’s not as confusing as it seems, and it’s actually really exciting (and pretty easy) to jump into this wild world of radiant skin. To help you along the way, we’ve decided to pull together the five absolutely essential steps of Korean skin care that are the pillars of beautiful skin. This is a great way to get your feet wet with new products, and start you on your journey to perfect skin. Let’s go!

Step one: Cleanse

Cleansing is the most important step of the skin care routine, which is why it comes first.  Making sure you remove dirt, pollutants, impurities, and anything else that may have accumulated on your skin over the course of the day or night is vital to keeping your skin clear and healthy.
And Koreans have a special way of making sure you get everything bad off and out of your skin: the double cleanse. The double cleansing process involves cleansing first with an oil, which gently breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and oil based impurities. The Enature Moringa Cleansing Balm is a great choice.  Massaging the balm into your skin gently breaks down impurities, while also boosting collagen production and soothing the skin. It leaves your skin clear, but also nourished and balanced.
You could also oil cleanse with a traditional cleanser, like the Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil. This cleanser comes out out as a oil that you slather on your face and then emulsify with warm water. It’s a hypoallergenic formula that uses a variety of vegetable oils—like black bean oil and back sesame oil—to both cleanse and moisturize skin.
After your oil cleanser clears everything off, you follow up with a water-based cleanser, which cleans deep into the pores. If you have acne-prone skin, you can get targeted with your water cleanser and try something like the Skinfood Tea Tree Bubble Cleansing Foam. This foam is made with tea tree oil, which tackles and prevents blemishes while cleaning deep into the pores. The thick foam makes sure your skin is clean, but goes about it in the gentlest way possible. Or if you’re looking for a great overall water-based cleanser, you can do no wrong with the Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam. It lathers up nicely to cover your face in a cleansing foam that smells like marshmallows.
The double cleansing method ensures that your skin is left clear, clean, and balanced, without being stripped of natural oils. It makes sure your pores are ready and waiting to receive all the goodness that’s about to follow!

Step Two: Exfoliate

The next pillar of the K-beauty routine is exfoliation, which is the process of removing the dead skin cells that your cleansers can’t catch in the first go around. Exfoliation is vital because keeping dead skin cells on your face reduces cell turnover, which means your skin isn’t producing fresh, young skin as quickly and effectively as it could. And keeping your skin clear of dead skin cells is the best way to keep your skin bright, clear, and youthful!
There are two different ways to exfoliate: Chemically and physically. Each way offers different benefits, and you should make sure you choose the method that is best for your skin’s needs!  Chemical exfoliants use small, concentrated amounts of gentle acids to push away dead skin cells.  The Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads are a phenomenal chemical exfoliant, using acids like lactic and glycolic acid, combined with natural exfoliators like lemon, orange, and papaya.  This gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin bright and clear.
The next method is physical exfoliation. In this process, you physically remove skin cells from the face through abrasive ingredients like sugar or biodegradable beads. The most popular and common is sugar, which is what’s used in the K-beauty cult favorite, the Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off. This exfoliating mask uses fine particles of black sugar to slough through dead skin cells.  The formula is also filled with nourishing ingredients—like hydrating shea butter—to balance and hydrate the skin while simultaneously removing dead skin. As you work the sugar gently into your skin, you’ll also increase  circulation in your face, which makes your skin look bright and healthy. The result is clear, baby smooth, glowing skin.
But remember: Physical exfoliation is extremely effective, but it’s much harsher on the skin than chemical exfoliation, so you should only do it a couple times a week and adjust as necessary if you encounter redness or irritation.
There are also products that combine chemical and physical exfoliation, like the Neogen Rice Peel & Activator Sake. The peeling cream base is packed with effective chemical exfoliants that you spread across your skin. Then you sprinkle drops of the sake activator into the cream, which causes it to slightly bubble up, physically sloughing through dead skin cells. It’s gentle, effective, and it’s the best of both worlds!

Step Three: Sheet Mask

The sheet mask is a staple of Korean skin care. Koreans believe hydration is the key to just about everything, and there is no better way to deliver moisture to the face than through a sheet mask. Drenched in hydrating essences, sheet masks deliver highly concentrated nutrients and moisture to the face over the course of a 20-30-minute application period.
Different masks achieve slightly different things, all while hydrating the skin! For example, the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask is a calming mask that moisturizes your skin and contains balancing properties that reduce redness and irritation. It leaves your skin feeling calm, soothed, and nourished.
Masks can also be used to cleanse the skin even further. The Ultru I’m Sorry for My Skin Black Mud Mask – Tightening uses natural clay, volcanic ash, and bentonite to draw impurities out of the pores and leave them clear, clean, and firm.
You can also target aging concerns with masks like the Manefit Bling Bling Hydro Gel Mask Wrinkle Gold. One of the reasons moisture is so coveted in the K-beauty routine is because it’s believed to prevent wrinkle formation and reduce signs of aging. This mask delivers that moisture, but also contains collagen—the protein your skin produces to retain its structure and elasticity.
The possibilities with masks are endless and they’re quick and easy to use. You can use them as frequently as you want (even every single day) and your skin will only thank you for all the goodness!

Step Four: Treat

This is where skincare gets really personal—in the best way possible! The treatment step allows you to consider which skin concerns you are dealing with and choose products that target those concerns specifically. Here are some examples:
If you’re struggling with dullness, dark spots, or uneven skin tone, you should consider a treatment that brightens and evens the skin. The Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum is a cult favorite, delivering a highly concentrated blast of vitamin C and skin brightening ingredients to target dark spots and pigmentation, leaving your skin looking even and radiant.
If dryness is your vice, an ultra-hydrating essence like the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence should be your go-to. This essence is a do-it-all product, which tones, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin. You can apply it once or in layers, depending on how much moisture you need. It uses hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture from your prior steps, and deliver a major dose of hydration that keeps up all day long.
If you’re struggling with breakouts, using the right treatment is absolutely vital. Spot treatments are the most targeted of this category, as you apply them right on where your spots are occurring and nowhere else. A great example of this is the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch. These patches are a holy grail skin care item in Korea because of their powerful healing and protecting properties. If you notice a breakout, just put this patch on directly after cleansing and let the magic happen! The patch protects the breakout from further irritation and pollutants and encourages the spot to heal rapidly and effectively.  Peel it away at the end of the day or after waking up in the morning to reveal clear, healed skin.

Step Five: Moisturize

If moisture is the backbone of the K-beauty routine, then the moisturizer you use is obviously hugely important. Moisturizers come in various forms, including oils, night masks, and regular creams.
Let’s start with oils.  Don’t shy away from oil, even if you have oily skin! We know, it seems like adding oil to your skin will make your skin oily and greasy, but that’s not the case at all. And if you have oily skin, using an oil can actually be even better for you! Your skin produces oil because it’s craving moisture, so applying oil provides it with the moisture it needs and helps regulate and limit oil production in the skin. Using an oil delivers targeted moisture, and enables your skin to better receive moisture in other forms from other products. For example, the Hanskin Bio Origin 369 Oil uses omega oils to nourish and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
Night masks, or sleeping packs, are similar to night creams. You layer the mask on like a cream before you go to sleep, and let it work all night. This allows for an intensive release of moisture into the skin while your skin is undergoing the vital regenerative processes that occur while you sleep. The RE:P Nutrinature Ultra All-Night Moisture & Relief Mask is intensely hydrating and ensures your skin doesn’t dry out while you rest. Rinse it off in the morning to reveal soft, hydrated skin.
And of course, a standard face cream is essential. Using a cream like the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream every day is needed to ensure your skin keeps its moisture levels normal. Apply it morning and night to ensure your skin locks in the moisture you’ve delivered to it throughout all your other steps.
So, there you have it: The five essential steps of the K-beauty routine! Of course, each step has its own nuances and there are steps even beyond this that you can use to nurture your skin even more. But these five steps are a great way to dip your toes in the water and see incredible results!

+ Which step of the K-beauty routine do you think is the most important? Let us know below!

The post The 5 Essential Steps of the Korean Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

My sister and I came from the same line of thought as far as skin care goes—neither of us had too many drastic problems with acne (other than the occasional hormonal breakout) and did not fully understand the realities of dry skin. So we really approached skin care with a “if it ain’t broke why fix it” mentality, and ascribed to the easy swipe of cleansing water and not much else for our routines.

My own introduction to K-beauty came in parallel with pretty much an entire lifestyle transformation. After all, skin care is just one aspect. What we eat, how much we sleep, and so many other factors can hurt or help our skin. Once I had all the pieces in place—a great routine, healthier diet, and eight hours a night—I couldn’t believe how much better I looked and felt.

Of course, the reality is that this is much easier said than done. But I really credit the inspiration for my first steps toward an entire overhaul to those 15 minutes every evening that I devote to my skin care. Having that routine (even if it’s the only thing I do for myself that day) is really grounding and ultimately super relaxing. It is now the thing I look forward to every morning and night.

So for the holidays, I wanted to spread the gift that keeps on giving to my 19-year-old sister Clare. I started her out with these five basic favorites:

Double Cleanse

For oil cleanser, I gave her the one and only Banila Co Clean it Zero Purity. This oil cleanser is seriously amazing and part of my own arsenal of products I cannot live without. It’s great for those with all skin types, from oily to sensitive.

To follow, I gave her the Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam, which is another universal product that is really gentle yet effective. Clare says: “Before, my skin would feel super dry after using micellar water, even if I followed it with the Aveeno Organics cleanser in the shower. Even when I sometimes would follow it up with moisturizer, it never felt satiated. My favorite thing about the pH cleanser—which I am now completely addicted to—is that I can feel the difference automatically. My skin is soft, supple and moisturized with none of the tight, dry feeling I had before.”

Essence

For essence, I gave her the fan favorite staple: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist. This is a great choice for skin care beginners because it’s watery and light, yet super hydrating.

“I like it because when I use it, it really soaks into my skin and helps the moisturizer stay on longer,” says Clare. “I don’t know that I feel the difference right away like I do with the cleanser, but I think this step helps the other products work more effectively overall.”

Eye Cream

So far, I had given her some pretty standard staples of K-beauty, but I felt that this eye cream could be a hit, even with a beginner. The Missha Misa Cho Bo Yang Eye Cream is the best for fixing dry skin and dark circles, utilizing ingredients from ancient medicine like ginseng, deer antler, and even gold. “The ginseng is really strong and you can tell it’s really working” she says. “I think it’s great to have a mix of products and I like how refreshed it makes me feel and look.”

Moisturizer

As we all know, the K-beauty space is always changing and growing, so unfortunately, the original moisturizer I gave her is sadly no longer around. However a worthy alternative that is almost even better than the original moisturizer I gave her is the new Hanskin Vstra Toning Water-Radiance Cream. Hanskin is notorious for its anti-aging technology and I think this moisturizer will become a new fan favorite. The secret ingredients? Squalene and hyaluronic acid. These trending ingredients really get the moisture into your skin and help smooth out fine lines.

Here’s what Clare says: “My pores are so much smaller! I used to be self conscious about how they looked and love not having to worry about that. I really think having a proper moisturizer has helped immensely. Not to mention the amazing glow my skin now has.”

Before and after:

The left photo shows Clare before starting her K-beauty routine and the right photo shows her three weeks after adopting her routine. “I thought I had combination skin because my cheeks were really dry, my nose constantly oily, and my T-zone had so many blackheads,” she says. “Now my skin is really smooth and consistent. I’ve been wearing a lot of makeup lately and eating unhealthy food and I have only one hormonal pimple but no other concerns flaring up, which is seriously great.”

For a lot of beginners the number of products, and even the idea of a routine can be overwhelming. But even my sister, who is the queen of all things low key, loved the five step K-beauty routine.

“I love things that are low maintenance and even though there are five steps, I love having the a fairly easy routine with great results,” says Clare. “It can be overwhelming with all of these products I’ve never used before, but in reality it takes only five minutes that in the long run make a serious difference.”

Note to beginners: Add things in gradually. “I was careful to see how my skin responded and made sure to test the products overnight on my arm before jumping into the routine,” says Clare. “Next on my list is to find a good SPF BB cream for everyday wear since I’m typically not a big makeup person.”

Bottom line:

Skin care routines make seem overwhelming, but five minutes can really and truly make a huge impact in your health and self-care. Just give yourself those few extra minutes and you won’t believe how much better you’ll look and feel. Skin care isn’t just for experts, it’s really for everyone who’s open to trying it out. My sister has literally become a skin care junkie overnight thanks to these five amazing products.

++ What do you think is the power of K-beauty routine results? What is the skin care product that first inspired you to start using K-beauty? Tell us your favorite OG holy grail products!

The post What Going From Cleansing Water to a 5 Step K-beauty Routine Does to Your Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Alcohol is one of those ingredients that tends to show up in most skin care products these days because it helps to decrease the dry down time and helps to provide a greaseless finish. If you have oily skin, those attributes probably sound pretty alluring to you, but the reality is that simple alcohols like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol will strip the skin of its natural oils and could ultimately cause more sebum production.

On the other hand, for dry, sensitive skin, these alcohols will only leave your skin more dry and irritated. However, not all alcohols are created equal, so we don’t want to demonize an ingredient without proper research, but if you have a sensitivity to alcohol, it’s better to avoid them in your routine. To help you out, we created this five step alcohol free routine:

Cleanse: Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick

You may be wondering where the oil cleanser is in this routine, but don’t freak out. The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick is an innovative cleanser that actually combines an oil cleanser and water-based cleanser in one. This easy-to-use product breaks down your makeup and thoroughly cleanses your face at the same time without the use of harsh alcohols.

This is thanks to the fact that it’s formulated with 13 natural oils, like green tea seed, coconut and sunflower seed oil, making this an effective yet nourishing cleanser that won’t strip the skin. The ingredients speak for themselves as it’s packed with fresh green tea leaves to deliver a burst of antioxidants and gentle exfoliation while evening primrose oil keeps your acne in check.

Tone: Cosrx Galactomyces Alcohol Free Toner

Are you used to astringent toners that leave your skin feeling tight? It’s time to ditch those unnecessary alcohols and instead invest in the Cosrx Galactomyces Alcohol Free Toner. While the the product name might say it all, it goes without saying that this toner is meant to hydrate and nourish without stripping the skin like traditional Western toners can. This particular one has 10% galactomyces ferment filtrate, which helps to even out your skin and refine texture while hyaluronic acid provides intense moisture.

Essence: Erborian Dongbaek Camellia Essence

The Erborian Dongbaek Camellia Essence is a unique oil-based essence that packs a punch of moisture which is the opposite of alcohol infused ones. It’s formulated with 73% of camellia oil, along with macadamia, sunflower, argan and grape oils that will leave your skin looking brighter and more elastic. Camellia is known as the rose of winter since it can withstand harsh temperatures, making this ideal for the winter weather. Just use a drop or two of oil and pat away for hydrated, glowing skin.

Treat: Acwell AC Defence Ampule

If you have acne-prone skin then you’ve likely encountered rough treatments that string upon application and are likely to leave your skin feeling parched. Instead of sticking with that routine, use the Acwell AC Defence Ampule to soothe redness and irritation while keeping acne at bay.

Centella asiatica helps to soothe inflammation while four different Korean herbal extracts reduce excess sebum production. It comes in a convenient mist form that makes it easy to use and more hygienic. You just have to spritz away before moving onto your next step. No irritating alcohols here!

Hydrate: Klavuu Blue Pearlsation Marine Aqua Enriched Cream

The reason why we usually avoid alcohols is because they can leave the skin feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable  and they usually increase the need to apply more moisturizer. To avoid this, invest in an intense moisturizer that’ll keep your skin hydrated all day long.

Find an alcohol-free moisturizer like the Klavuu Blue Pearlsation Marine Aqua Enriched Cream. This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid which draws water to the skin so it stays happy and hydrated. It also has cacao seed butter and algae extract to provide even more moisture while pearl extract brightens skin without any greasy feel.

Protect: TonyMoly BCDation Multi-Use Sun Oil

Most sunscreens can feel heavy and greasy or dry and tight, making it seem almost impossible to find the right sunscreen. If you apply a sunscreen and your skin is left feeling dry after application it’s likely that the company included alcohol in the formulation since it’s known to dry down quickly, helping to avoid any greasy feel.

Instead of dealing with midday dry skin, you can try the Tony Moly BCDation Multi-Use Sun Oil, which is a revolutionary sunscreen that actually comes in an oil form. It contains a flower oil complex comprised of calendula, rose, and raspberry seed oils that provide nourishment and moisture to skin without any white cast or heaviness. You can use this oil in a multitude of ways: as a facial oil, sunscreen or even a makeup base. It will leave your skin looking dewy and glowy while protecting it at the same time.

The bottom line:

For those with sensitivities to alcohol, this simple and hardworking five step routine will leave your skin feeling cleansed and hydrated. No squeaky clean feeling here!

+What would be in your alcohol-free skin care routine? Let us know in the comments below!

The post A 5 Step Alcohol-Free Routine That Will Leave Your Skin Glowing appeared first on The Klog.

We all love the idea of the 10 step Korean routine, but if we’re being honest, even the most devoted skin care lovers don’t always have the time or energy for the full routine. Take it from me: I’m a college student with a packed schedule of classes, extracurriculars, and social events. My commitments don’t run from nine to five – they go around the clock. When I come home at 3AM from a late-night cram session before an exam or have to be up early for a breakfast meeting for work, going through my full 30-minute routine isn’t always in the cards.

That’s why I decided to build a regimen made up of entirely multitasking products that’s just six steps in the morning and five at night. Every product does more than one thing and pulls inspiration from the different steps of the full Korean routine. Basically, this routine contains all the benefits of a full routine but fits squarely into a quick, 10-minute regimen. Let’s dive in!

Cleanse

Double cleansing is a staple in the Korean routine and one of the keys to maintaining a good complexion. But sometimes cleansing just once can be a hassle, let alone having to do it twice.
However, there is a product that allows you to reap the benefits of a double cleanse in one go: the Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser. It transforms from an oil to a milk when mixed with water and rubbed into the face. It effectively removes impurities, without drying out your skin thanks to nourishing oat. 

Toner

As its name implies, the Skin RX MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner does it all – it acts as a toner AND essence, plus calms inflammation. Clearly, no multitasking routine would be complete without it.
The ingredient of note here is madecassoside which is soothing and helps keep skin hydrated and firm.

Exfoliator

Full on exfoliation is a step that only needs to be done a few times a week (hooray!). There are lots of exfoliators out there, but few do as much as the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon. These pads make exfoliating quick and simple, with no mess to worry about. Just swipe one of the single-use pads across your face and you’re good to go.

As it sloughs away dead skin cells, the pad also releases lactic acid, which penetrates deep into the pores to clear out debris and impurities. Plus, lemon as an ingredient is loaded with vitamin C, which instantly brightens and clarifies skin, leaving you with a soft, radiant complexion. Thirty seconds to glowing skin? Yes, please!

Moisturize

Although the toner offers moisture, it’s likely not quite enough to keep skin thoroughly hydrated, unless you have very oily skin. 
With the SkinRxLAB MadeCera Cream, you’ll get that extra dose of nourishment and so much more. Niacinamide works to brighten the complexion, while madecassoside fights inflammation and adenosine improves signs of aging. 

Sheet mask… or not

When you’re short on time, the last thing you’re going to do is sit for twenty minutes with a sheet mask on your face before bed. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up all the benefits.
On nights when you feel like masking but just don’t have the time (or energy), swap your moisturizer with a sleeping pack. You put it on just like a lotion and the mask goes to work while you sleep.

When I use sheet masks, I love how deeply they hydrate and moisturize my skin, so I love to use the Enature Birch Juice Hydro Sleeping Pack. It’s enriched with 74% birch tree sap, which delivers a powerful dose of moisture to my skin. When you wake up, your skin will be rested, glowing, and dewy, as if you just removed a sheet mask. 

Sun protection

There is one extra step for your morning routine: Sunscreen. As much as I would like to keep both the morning and evening routines at five steps, this sixth morning step is one you absolutely cannot cut out because SPF is essential for healthy skin.
But, of course, I like to use a sunscreen that offers more than SPF protection. The Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen.

Once this sunscreen is on, your skin is ready for whatever the world (or your makeup bag) has to bring.

Bottom line:

It’s always good to have products like these on hand in case you’re running short on time, to make sure your skin still gets the attention it needs. With this routine, you can cut down on time, without cutting down on benefits.

+ What are your go-to multitasking products? Share with us below!

The post An Easy K-Beauty Routine With Multitasking Products appeared first on The Klog.