AD – GIFTED | Korean skincare products are huge in the beauty world and Korea is a leader in the skincare industry. While the “famous 10-step Korean skincare routine” may well be effective, I don’t have time for that kind of daily maintenance (I’d love to know who does?) So I’ve narrowed it down to my own version: a 3-step Korean skincare routine instead. Something that even a lazy girl like me can easily manage twice a day 😉 Especially with the help of some fab products in my curated Fresh Box, courtesy of Wishtrend*, who’ve completely revamped their website recently.
Contents
What’s Korean skincare all about?
In essence, it’s about prevention being better than cure. By using a layering method, Korean skincare routines (even if you don’t follow all 10 steps) are about choosing the right products to cleanse, tone, moisturise, protect and restore your skin. Basically, to help you achieve the best version of your skin. The most important steps are – unsurprisingly – cleansing and moisturising. That said, all the other steps play important roles too and, if you’re curious, here’s a quick rundown of that full 10-step routine.
Wishtrend
Wishtrend are a Korean skincare company whose philosophy is to restore and maintain the skin’s natural beauty using clean ingredients at a reasonable price. Brands include their own By Wishtrend range, Klairs, and I’m From among others. The company also operates a series of donation events to build a healthy ecosystem. I’ve been a fan ever since I tried their wonderful Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* toner, one of their top ten most loved products (full review here). So, I’ve been using my new products twice a day for just over four weeks now – here’s how I got on.
Step 1: Cleanse with Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash
The By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash* is actually a multi-purpose powder product that you can use both as a mild cleanser and as a mask. The ingredients also include antioxidant Papain Enzyme, Coconut-derived Surfactant and Baking Soda to help with gentle exfoliation and pore unclogging for brighter, smoother skin. It’s cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free, and vegan friendly.
How to use
You tip a small amount of powder into your hand, add a few drops of water (literally only three or four drops), and work into a foamy paste. Then gently massage over your face for a couple of minutes before rinsing with warm water. If you want to double-cleanse, simply repeat. Or, if you’d like to mask, mix up your paste to be a little thicker and leave it on your skin for longer. As with all Korean skincare products, a patch test is advisable and if you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately.
What did I think?
Although I’m aware of how good Green Tea is for you, I can’t stand the taste, so I was more than happy to try its benefits on my face instead. It’s the first time I’ve tried a powder cleanser and, after a bit of trial and error to get the consistency right, I’ve decided I like the personalised approach. You do get a whiff of Green Tea but it’s not unpleasant. And I very much enjoyed the feeling of the tiny grains gently polishing my skin. I haven’t used it as a mask yet but as a cleanser I can report that it’s effective, gentle, and easy to use. And my skin looks clear and bright. Side note: it would be perfect for cabin bags on an aircraft too as it’s not a liquid.
Step 2: Tone with Rice Toner
The I’m From Rice Toner* is made with Rice Extract for whitening and elasticity care. The product forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, eliminate dead skin cells and help to rebalance dry and tired skin. I’m not too clear about the whitening aspect but I think it might aimed at toning down any redness. Anyway, it’s cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free and although it’s not marked as such, I can’t see anything specific in the ingredients that would make it non-vegan friendly.
How to use
The toner is a water and emulsion mix so you need to shake the bottle before use. Then you can either tip a small amount into your hand or soak a cotton pad. As I don’t like wasting product on cotton wool, I’ve been pouring it into my hand then rubbing my palms together and smoothing over my face.
What did I think?
One of my favourite skincare brands, Origins, has an exfoliating product that uses rice, but I can’t use it because the additional lemon extract makes my skin smart. So I was very keen to see how effective this milky toner might be. To be honest, I’m not sure if it’s made a huge difference to my skin tone but it certainly feels very soothing. While it’s not displaced my favourite Mandelic Acid toner* from poll position yet, I do think this Rice Toner would be ideal for those of you with sensitive skin. That said, I repeat my caveat about patch testing any new Korean skincare product and stopping use if you experience any adverse reactions.
Step 3: Moisturise/Mask with Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask* is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. It’s fortified with antioxidant Vitamin E to brighten, firm and hydrate skin, as well as combat wrinkles and other signs of aging. You can use it as a daily moisturiser or layer it more thickly as a sleep mask (to aid skin repair while you sleep). Once again, it’s cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free, and vegan friendly.
How to use
You only need to scoop out a very small amount of this product because as you rub it between your fingers, your body heat melts it into a kind of oily gel. I know that sounds odd, but it’s true! It feels slightly tacky at first but absorbs quickly so you don’t have to hang around before applying make up. I’ve been using it twice a day and twice a week as a mask too. Needless to say, I’ve experienced no adverse effects but you should always conduct a patch test with any new Korean skincare product, just in case.
What did I think?
This is the strangest product I’ve ever experienced, the consistency is like a custard or a jelly. Magically, once you’ve scooped out what you need, by the next time you come to use it, it’s reformed completely! The fragrance is lovely (oil extracts include blackberry, orange, lemon, eucalyptus and one of my favourites, lavender). And my skin certainly feels hydrated and bouncy. Dare I say, even glowing. A definite hit.
Facial Sheet Masks
Wishtrend also very kindly included some facial sheet masks in my Fresh Box for a more rounded introduction to Korean skincare. Although I’ve enjoyed a Korean foot peeling mask in the past (!) I have to confess I don’t feel the same way about facial sheet masks. Unfortunately, I just don’t like the feeling of something hanging off my face. Luckily, I have some friends who aren’t as odd as me, so I’ll be regifting these treats. And in the meantime, for those of you who do like a facial sheet mask, here’s a brief rundown of each one:
By Wishtrend Natural Vitamin 21.5 Enhancing Sheet Masks* – cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free, and vegan friendly. Enriched with 21.5% natural vitamin complex (Vitamin Tree Water & Boseong Green Tea Water), this mask is ideal for delivering added moisture to sensitive skin.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Masks* – cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free, and vegan friendly. This mask contains Aloe Vera, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid to revitalise dry, stressed skin. And the healing gauze is dual-layered with 100% cotton and tencel to minimise skin irritation.
I’m From Mugwort Sheet Masks* – cruelty free, artificial and fragrance free, and vegan friendly. Mugwort has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, and can help dry, irritated or reddened skin. It’s also suitable for aging or mature skin.
Final thoughts on my 3-step Korean skincare routine
As I said at the beginning of this post, I don’t have time to incorporate a full 10-step twice daily skincare routine into my days. But as a trained Beauty Specialist, I’m fully aware of the importance of cleansing, toning and moisturising. So I’m very grateful to Wishtrend for introducing me to some more of their gorgeous products, some of which are even multi-purpose. And after four weeks, I can confidently state that my new mini 3-step Korean skincare routine really is perfectly suited to my lifestyle!
Have you tried any Korean Skincare products before? Are you tempted to try any of them now? Do you have a specific skincare routine that you swear by?
* I was gifted these products in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own. This post also uses affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer for further details on these).
Loved this post, a great read and insight into some different products as well!!! I also don’t have time to incorporate 10 steps of treatment so narrowing it down to 3 must be/is v helpful!
Thank you very much – I’m so glad I’m not the only one who can’t shoehorn a 10 step routing in twice daily!
Thank you for narrowing it down to 3! I don’t know how I could ever find the time for a 10-step routine. Product range sounds lovely though, especially the sheet masks & the rice toner 🥰
You’re welcome 🙂 I’m sure the full 10 steps are super beneficial but time is precious!
I’m intrigued by the powder cleanser! Definitely narrowing it down to three steps sounds much more manageable, I don’t think I’d ever manage 10 steps! This sounds like such a lovely range of products, and your post is so informative as always!
Hels xx
I’m all for simplicity so a three-step routine is much easier to stick to! And yes, the powder is great, such a fab multi-use product 🙂 xx
Indeed! Also: I am a bit lazy 😀
Haha, me too!
Awesome products, I knew recently that Korean holding some of the best skincare products. I think my sister would be interesting in reading about these.
Thank you – and yes, you’re right, Korean skincare products are amazing, I hope your sister thinks so too 🙂
ALl new to me – thank you for the introduction! Looks like great products!
You’re welcome – and yes, they are!
This is such a good intro into K-beauty! I find that I also don’t have time for 10 steps but I absolutely go about my skin care from a Korean perspective as my introduction to skin care was the Korean 10-step method. That Klairs moisturiser looks absolutely magical!
Thank you, that’s very kind. And yes, I’ve yet to find anyone who can manage the full 10 steps, even with these lovely products!
I think my average routine is around 6 or 7 steps. But I think I could manage 3 if I wasn’t so dry! I love the sound of that moisturiset)/ mask. I know it sounds gross but I love the heavier/ tacky feeling (probably because my skin doesn’t create much natural moisture for itself) so I wouldn’t mind even if it didn’t melt down x
Sophie
Wow, 6 or 7 steps is still too many for me, you are good. I think the Klairs mask would be absolutely perfect for you – also, I have to say, a little goes a loooooong way so it’s really good value 🙂 xx
These look like some great products, I especially like the sound of the green tea and rice powder. I love my skincare but the whole 10 steps is just so much. I’ve heard some good things about Klairs I will check these products out for sure!
Pinar xo
Yes, 10 steps is really taking dedication seriously! The Klairs product is probably my favourite, it feels soooo good on my skin, highly recommended 🙂 x
Three steps seems more achievable. I read in awe about people with 19 step routines. My skin’s been terrible since I’ve had children so I might try this!
Oh, I think a 3 steps routine is far more manageable! I hope it works for you if you try it 🙂
Korean Beauty and skincare has always interested me! They seem to just get skincare right every time. These products sound amazing, I really like the sound of the cleanse, I’ve never used a powder cleanser before! X
They are so good, aren’t they? Something for everyone. And yes, the powder cleanser was a pleasant surprise! X
I really love Klairs products, their products are amazing and vegan and cruelty free!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’s my first time with Klairs and I’m very impressed 🙂
Ten steps are a lot to follow so I am really happy to see a simple 3 steps routine. Like you wrote, it’s easy to do during the day. Plus, I love that you already recommend products 🙂
I think 3 steps with simple products are plenty for me, I’m all about an easy life!
Green tea and rice are perfect to Korean products, and I love that it is tried and true. Koreans always have such clear skin, and this is something I would try since my skin could always stand be to clearer. Since you have narrowed it down to 3 steps I am even more likely to give it a whirl!
Oh, that’s wonderful to hear, please do let me know how you get on, I’d love to know!
That vitamin E mask sounds absolutely heavenly. I’m going to have to check it out!
It is, I hope you love it as much as me! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try Korean skin care products, but I admit that I’ve been a little intimidated (powdered cleanser!?). Some of this stuff looks great though…and the idea of pampering myself with a 10-step cleansing routine sounds like the ultimate self-care. Thanks!
I wasn’t sure about the powdered cleanser either at first but in fact it’s really easy to use and I love it now. 10 steps does sound very pampering but 3 steps is more manageable!
This is such a great post. I heard for Korean 3 step routine but I didn’t know which products to use. These products seems great. I would like to try them.
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Thank you, I’m glad it’s been helpful, do let me know what you think if you do try any 🙂
I’ve been wanting to look more into Korean skincare! Thanks for posting this xx
You’re welcome, I hope it’s been helpful 🙂
I am intrigued by this as I have not heard about this product. I definitely like to get back into my regime to use toner.
Neither had I, TBH, but I’m glad I found it now!
I don’t know anything about Korean skin care, so I found this post very interesting! I like the idea of prevention! All these products sound effective and great for the skin, I may have to look into these! Thank you for sharing Lisa xxxx
Oh, that’s great, I’m so glad it was helpful. Prevention is definitely the way forward for skincare, wherever possible anyway! Xxx
Definitely!! Xxx
😙 xxx
Great post! My skincare is literally all over the place right now so this has given me a great boost of inspiration to actually use some of the countless products I’ve got sitting around at the moment and take care of it. I love how into their skin care they are, but how on earth do they find the time for 10 steps? I’ll be going for your shorter approach for sure!
Lindsey | https://aramblingreviewer.wordpress.com/
I know, I mean 10 steps, that’s just wayyyyyy too time consuming! And I know what you mean about countless products (hides head in hands) so I’m glad this has given you a little inspo to start using some of them 🙂
So many of my favourite products here, especially that ByWishtrend powder face wash and I’m From Mugwort sheet masks. I’ve been reading your blog a lot lately, so I’m looking forward to your next post 😊
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you, I hope I can continue to interest you! 🙂
I want to buy everything from here, but that Rice Toner from I’m From it’s just so great! I’ve heard so much about it I cannot wait to try it x
It’s a lovely toner, so gentle, I hope you enjoy it when you do try it! x