Memo 405: 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine 2020 Update + GIVEAWAY

I have found it absolutely hilarious and, often times, I think it’s a joke when people have been telling my how great my skin looks lately.

I have dealt with acne and hyperpigmentation for all of my adult and adolescent life. Literally, since puberty came along and ransacked by body, I’ve struggled with my skin. So, when people tell me that my skin looks good, I look around in astonishment, “Girl, where? Who’s skin looks good?! “.

Well, I’ve decided to own it. My skin has seen DRASTIC improvement over the last couple of years and it’s all due to my skincare. Although, I have increased my green juice intake, I cook at home and drink more water. I’m attributing most of my latest skin success to the introduction of the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine with the following products:

Step 1: Cleansing Oil

I’ve been double cleansing for about two years and this will be forever apart of my skincare routine. Cleansing is literally the most crucial step in the process. You have to start with clean skin! Starting with an oil based cleanser helps to breakdown makeup, sunscreen and any environmental affects to make them easier to remove.

Now, I’ve tried a few cleansing oils and balms at this point. Here are a few options that I keep stocked:

Step 2: Water Based Cleanser

For the second step in the double cleanse, I’ve been using and obsessing over the Sulfate Free Facial Cleanser from Bolden. Y’all, this thang is all the way official. It gets the skin really clean without stripping away all of the natural oils. I’ve used some cleansers in the past that got my skin a little too clean and ended up causing it to over produce oil and create acne. Raise your hand if you want your cleanser to create more skin issues for you? Not me, girl!

Here are some other water based cleansers that I’ve been loving lately:

Step 3: Exfoliate

When it comes to exfoliation, you only need to hit this step 2 – 3 times a week. I personally exfoliate on Sundays and Wednesdays. There are three main reasons to exfoliate:

Removes dirt, unclogs pores, excess oil and debris
Promotes even skin tone and smooth skin
Allows the other products in your skincare routine to penetrate deeper

Here are a few exfoliation products that have been getting my skin together:

*You can get your hands on all of the Tula Products that I will mention in this post (and any other products that I don’t mention on Tula.com) for 15% off if you use my code: WERKERS at checkout! The code is not valid on sale or auto-delivery items.

Step 4: Toner

This Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner from Fresh is exactly what it says, hydrating. More than that, the toner really preps your skin to receive all of the benefits of the subsequent steps in this routine. After wearing a full face of make-up for a majority of the day, I will add the LaRoche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water into the mix right before the toner to make sure that all of the make-up is gone. It’s my litmus test to see how well the cleansing steps worked.

Step 5: Essence

If you know anything about the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine you know that the essence is the crux of the entire process. It has the same texture as a toner but the essence comes in to smooth the skin, accelerate skin cell turnover and enhance the performance of the products that you apply after the essence. Lately, I’ve been using Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence. This step is definitely the quiet storm for the entire system. My pores are smaller, my skin is smoother, more hydrated and my hyperpigmentation is fading!

I still have to make the investment in the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

I want to see what the hype is all about!

Step 6: Serum

Next up, is the serum step. So, you can basically use any products that are going to address your specific skin conditions. For me, I’m always looking to address my hyperpigmenation and acne.

Here’s what I’ve been using and loving lately:

Step 7: Sheet Mask

Now, I feel like this may be my favorite step in this whole process. I’m really in relaxation mode when it’s sheet mask time! There are so many affordable sheet masks with differing benefits. So, you can address all of your skincare concerns! I only use a mask once or twice a week usually on Sunday and Wednesdays. I leave it on for no less than 30 minutes to seal in all of the previous steps.

I’ve tried a few and have really enjoyed the price point and quality of the masks from Leaders and MediHeal. They seem to fit my face and adhere better. Once the essence from the mask has settled nicely into my skin after 30 minutes; I remove the mask, tap the rest of the product into my face and let it dry. No rinsing required!

Step 8: Eye Cream

To be honest, I’ve been using eye creams for the last couple of years and I can’t really tell what’s working and what’s not. The only issue that I’m trying to address is dark circles and early signs of crows feet. I’m currently using the Farmacy Cheer Up Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream and I’ve used the Urban Skin RX Vitalize in the past. They have a new formula that I wouldn’t mind giving a try.

Step 9: Moisturizer

Ok, we’re wrapping this thing up! In the morning, for the moisturizer (which I call the finishing step), I’ve been using the Good Science Beauty Hydrating Face Cream in the morning and the Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment at night.

Y’all, the Overnight Treatment from Tula is skin CRACK. It’s something about the probiotic technology used in these Tula products, they just overall make my skin look cool, calm and collected. The Good Science Hydrating Face Cream is just a super solid moisturizer. My face feels moisturized, looks plump and refreshed. Sometimes, I’ll wear this without makeup just so that I can really let my skin glow on it’s own.

Step 10: SPF

This is the last and, I’m discovering, most important step. As a person who has concerns with hyperpigmnetation, consistently wearing SPF prevents dark spots from getting darker! I’ve been on the search to find non-greasy formulas that wear well under makeup and here are a few that fit the bill:

Tula Protect & Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Super Power Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50 from Super Goop. (It looks like they are no longer making this product but I’m still using what I have)

I have the Supergoop Glowcreen Sunscrean SPF 40 and I just purchased the Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I can’t wait to explore it.

So, these are all of the products that have been slaying my skin lately. Of course, I have things in queue to try over the next couple of months and I’ll keep you all posted on the results.

Feel free to leave any questions, recommendations or reviews below.

*Note: If you do actually decide to purchase products from this list, please use the product links provided in the text and the clickable image slidebar above. They link directly to the product and I, also, get a commission from the sale. We both win!

Just a reminder, there are some promo codes for you to use here, if you want to purchase a few more items. There’s a code for 20% off at Good Science Beauty | Use code: WERKERS20 and 15% off at Tula | Use code: WERKERS.

Now, for the giveaway!

Check out the IGTV here for all of the full size products that are included. There will be three winners selected. US applicants only.

All you have to do is subscribe to the Netwerk Newsletter here and complete your submission here. The giveaway ends on Sunday, July 12th at 12AM EST. I will announce the winners on Sunday, July 12th at 12PM EST.

Best of luck to ya!