Affiliate & Referral Links

So you’re lazy. Tired. Don’t know your skin type. Don’t have the time or energy to do research. I hear that.

Honestly, if my skin hadn’t gone crazy in my late-20s, I would not be into skincare at all.

This basic routine is not geared to any particular skin type. It’s literally one-routine-fits-all. I get that that’s not very kbeauty of me, but you’re not here for the full experience–you’re here because you need to get a foot in the door with as little money and energy wasted as possible. Cool, you’re welcome at this lunch table. Want to trade desserts?

I picked these products because they’re all reasonably priced (most are under $20), pleasantish to use, and they get good reviews from people with varying skin types. I’m not going for a perfect fit–that would take research and testing on your part; I’m going for those magical jeans from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. These products might not work the absolute very best for you, but they’re sort of in the middle ground and tend to work for most skin that isn’t super reactive. If you have lots of acne like me or very dry skin, you’ll probably want a more tailored routine (that said, I’ve tested all of these products at least briefly, and they worked really well for me). But if you’re just looking to get a start in kbeauty and have mild to moderate issues and you can throw a brick at your face without it reacting, boom, here’s some stuff.

Again, if your skin tends to react to products (get red, break out, or otherwise get angry) this ISN’T a routine you want to start. And as always, patch test (meaning try each product on a bit of your skin for awhile before slathering it on your whole face) before introducing a new product and don’t just throw everything on at once. In a perfect world, add, say, one new product per paycheck to make sure that you’re not going to end up with a skin situation that can’t be linked to one product that isn’t working for you. It happens a lot and “kbeauty made me break out” isn’t specific enough when asking for help on popular forums.

My criteria

needs steps that get skin properly clean

can’t cost more than $100

includes snail (it’s iconic, yo)

steps should dry quickly

routine shouldn’t leave skin sticky

oil cleansing should be included, but the oil needs to be fun to use

needs to include sunscreen, but sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t take ages to dry

should be easy to buy (not discontinued, not requiring a buying service, ideally using Amazon Prime)

Easy Korean Skincare Routine Shopping list

Oil Cleanser: Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; non-Prime sellers may be based in Korea) | eBay (some sellers may be based in Korea)

Ok, so the idea of cleaning your face with oil may not be very pleasant. But trust me, this is a massive game-changer and critical for your routine. This particular oil cleanser lasts for ages somehow, smells like sour apple candy, and emulsifies to rinse clean. It’s great for removing makeup and sunscreen–your pores will thank you.

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; non-Prime sellers may be based in Korea) | Memebox | eBay (some sellers may be based in Korea)

I’ve blown through my first tube of this cleanser, while more expensive cleansers have gathered dust. The pH level is low, it doesn’t irritate my notoriously picky skin, and it just works.

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; non-Prime sellers may be based in Korea) | eBay (some sellers may be based in Korea)

I wondered for a long time about whether this toner deserved its cult following–and then I tried it. It’s lightly moisturizing and has an ideal pH level for making skin really happy.

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; non-Prime sellers may be based in Korea) | eBay (some sellers may be based in Korea)

Ok, this is a kbeauty routine, so you need some snail. But maybe snail freaks you out? Enter Mizon’s hydrating essence/ampoule, which packs in the snail and a bunch of other hydrating ingredients minus the longer drying time of some other snail essences.

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; non-Prime sellers may be based in Korea) | Memebox

After Snow at Snow White and the Asian Pear raved about this cream it shot to prominence and has since earned a reputation as a light, but hydrating cream that can work for just about any skin type. This is an especially fabulous base for makeup imo.

find it on: Amazon (Prime ships from the US; some sellers may be in Japan) | eBay (some sellers may be in Japan)

[This product is not actually Korean–it’s made in Japan, but I really love it and think it works with the other products well.]

This shopping list doesn’t include any products labeled “anti-aging.” While the hydration bestowed by these products might make your skin look younger, most skincare really can’t live up to miracle claims, with a few exceptions. If you want to throw down and halt sun-related aging, you need a good daily sunscreen.

Now, I hear you over there mumbling that sunscreen is an icky, gross, white-cast disaster meant only for sunny days and the beach. Here’s the answer, the product that will open your eyes to a new world: this sunscreen is strong as hell, doesn’t leave a white cast, and it dries quickly. While you may think that the SPF 25 in your foundation is enough protection, it’s really not–you need to apply about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon to your face and neck to get the coverage necessary to halt sun-related aging.

Several of my friends not super into skincare have tried this sunscreen and their reviews are positively glowing. I know people who stockpile tubes of this due to their obsession. Sunscreen: solved.

Easy Korean Skincare Morning Routine

Here’s how to put your products together into a morning and evening skincare routine. Notice that you don’t need an oil cleanser in the morning (it’s for removing makeup and sunscreen really well) and you obviously don’t need sunscreen at night.

1. Water-Soluble Cleanser: CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Mix this with water. Gently rub it on your face. Rinse it off really well. Cradle your face and tell it how cute it looks.

2. Toner: Mizon AHA BHA Daily Clean Toner

Pour a bit in your hand. “Paint” it on with a finger or two, all around your face. Let it dry. Do not rinse.

3. Essence/Ampoule: Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule

Squeeze about a dropper of this ampoule into the palm of your hand and “paint” it onto your face. Let it dry.

4. Cream: Beauty of Joseon Cream

Scoop an amount between the size of a peanut and almond into your palm and apply it in a thin layer.

5. Sunscreen: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Squeeze out at least 1/4 of a teaspoon into your palm and slather this on your face, jawline, and neck. Allow it to dry before applying makeup. (I usually put on my shoes and check my purse while waiting for my sunscreen to dry.)

Easy Korean Skincare Evening Routine

1. Oil Cleanser: Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil

Put about two squirts into your hand and then apply the oil to your dry, dirty face. Feel the nasty get loose. Add a bit of water to your face to emulsify the oil. Then add tons of water to rinse this clean.

2. Water-Soluble Cleanser: CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Mix this with water. Gently rub it on your face. Rinse it off really well (don’t miss your hairline).

3. Toner: Mizon AHA BHA Daily Clean Toner

Pour a bit in your hand. “Paint” it on with a finger or two, all around your face. Let it dry. Do not rinse.

4. Essence/Ampoule: Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule

Squeeze about a dropper of this ampoule into the palm of your hand and “paint” it onto your face. Let it dry.

5. Cream: Beauty of Joseon Cream

Scoop an amount between the size of a peanut and almond into your palm and apply it in a thin layer. Admire your cuteness.

Bonus: Sheet Masks!

If you want to add some masking to your life and don’t know where to start, I’ve got suggestions for fan favorites! I mention Taiwanese masks because they tend to be extremely good, affordable, and available. There are good kbeauty masks, but…honestly, not this good at this price imo.

Where to put them in your routine: it’s a safe bet to apply a sheet mask after toner and before things called essences and ampoules. For this routine, you’d slide your sheet mask in between the Mizon AHA BHA Daily Clean Toner and the Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule.

How often to use them: whenever you want, honestly. I do maybe one per week unless I’m really stepping up my game, but I know people with drier skin who mask twice per day.

How long to leave them on: however long feels comfortable tbh. I can tolerate them for about 30 minutes, but other people like leaving them on for an hour, as long as they stay wet. Give them at least 15 minutes, but let your skin and patience guide you.

These comfortable, thin Taiwanese masks with thin essence are perfect for my fairly hydrated skin that occasionally needs a moisture boost.

This Taiwanese brand is legit, beloved, cheap, and widely available. Seriously, just pick something that sounds nice; I’m not convinced that sheet mask do much for middle-of-the-road skin aside from offering a hydration boost, with a very few exceptions.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and referral links. Clicking those links before you shop means that fan-b receives a small commission or discount code, which helps to support the blog. Please see my full disclosure for more information.