Lazy Girls' Guide to Korean Skin Care

Like the rest of the Western world, our Skincare.com editors are obsessed with Korean beauty. From double cleansing to sheet masks and hydrating essence, we can't get enough of the formulas and adorable packaging. But let's face it: sometimes we don't have the time or energy to devote to the 10 step program, no matter how seriously we take our skincare routines. Ahead, we'll show you how to get away with just a few Korean skincare steps in your daily routine without sacrificing your entire regimen in our lazy girl's guide to Korean skincare. 

DOUBLE CLEANING

For us, one of the hardest steps in Korean skincare is the double cleanse. We understand that removing make-up and oil-based impurities from the skin with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser can leave our skin squeaky clean, but we also know that there are other, less labor-intensive ways that can give us similar results. As an alternative to double cleansing for lazy girls, we recommend using refillable micellar water, like Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 by Vichy One Step Solution. Formulated to cleanse skin, remove makeup, and reduce sensitivity, the micellar solution can gently remove acne-causing impurities as easily as 1, 2, 3. In addition to its cleansing properties, the formula can help balance the skin's natural pH levels. — so if you want, you can skip the toner and essence!  

Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Solution, $ 14.50

EXFOLIATOR

While Korean skincare usually calls for exfoliating the skin 1-2 times a week and not as much time as you might think, there are ways to speed up and double that step. One of the ways we swear is use a facial washcloth during cleansing your skin care regimen. Using a facial washcloth like The Body Shop's Smooth & Renew Face Loofah Pads not only saves time by turning your cleanser into an exfoliator, but it also removes dry, dead skin cells and prepares your skin for hydration. We love the Smooth & Renew Face loofah pads because they are small, easy to use and can help us achieve a radiant complexion.

Loofah face pads The Body Shop Smooth & Renew, $6   

ESSENCE… AND TONER

In proper XNUMX-step Korean skincare, essence and toner are two separate steps. However, both can prep your skin for hydration, so we think if you're in a hurry or too lazy to do both, it's best to choose one over none. If you prefer essence, we recommend trying Lancôme Énergie De Vie Intense Essence. The brand new energizing formula can rejuvenate the complexion and give a healthy, natural glow to the skin surface. Formulated with lemon balm, goji berries, gentian and vitamin E, Énergie De Vie Intense Essence can wake up tired skin and give it the strength it needs to defend against environmental aggressors such as free radicals. If you like toner more, check out our favorite toners, here.

Lancôme Energy Of Life Intense Essence, $ 50

TABLE MASK

If you ask us sheet masks are perfect for us lazy girls. They do not require any cleaning and only take about 10-15 minutes of your life. So there's no need to skip or look for an alternative to this fan-favorite Korean grooming step. Formulated to reduce the appearance of dark spots, Decléor's Intensive Brightening Sheet Mask is the perfect face mask for lazy girls who still want glowing skin. Soothing and hydrating, this mask contains White Focus's signature botanical complex. To use, simply apply the pre-cut sheet mask to your face (rubbing outwards to make sure it's in place) and leave on for about 10 minutes. When the timer is up, remove the remaining serum and pat it into the skin with your fingertips.

Decléor Intense Brightening Sheet Mask, $54

SERUM… AND MOISTURIZER

Serums are highly concentrated elixirs that can solve various facial skin problems. From dark spots to dull skin, when it comes to choosing a serum for daily care, the choices seem endless. As far as creating a laid-back Korean skincare routine, we recommend looking for a moisturizer that can address specific skin concerns and may include the ingredients you find in a serum. For example, if you use Antioxidant-Rich Vitamin C Serum and moisturizer, replace them with The Body Shop Glow-Protect Lotion SPF 30 with Vitamin C. Formulated to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and hydrate the complexion, this daily moisturizer gives skin a healthy and radiant complexion.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Protect Lotion SPF 30, $23

SPF 

As lazy as you are, you should never forgo SPF, even if your moisturizer or makeup contains it, and especially if you plan to spend the day in direct sunlight. Sunscreen is the most important step in Korean cosmetics.- and not in vain. All the hard work you've put in to keep your face looking youthful by moisturizing your skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots, and more can be wasted if you skip sunscreen. This is because the sun is one of the main causes of premature signs of skin aging, and to protect your skin from the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and more, you should wear sunscreen. We recommend using a light, broad spectrum sunscreen such as Anthelios 45 Face by La Roche-Posay. Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield (the brand's antioxidant technology), this fast-absorbing, lightweight facial sunscreen can give your skin the protection it needs from sun damage. As always, you must reapply every two hours. And, if you're planning on spending time in direct sunlight, you can also add a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap to your sun protection regimen, as this can help create shade and protect your face from the sun's rays. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Face, $29.99