The Wildly Popular 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

You don't need to travel to the nooks of Seoul to imbibe a bit of Korean culture. What you would need to do is pop down to your local beauty haunt-that's how far K-beauty has come. The insanely popular Asian beauty niche is known for its whacky ingredients (snail slime, I'm looking at you!) and cushion applicators. But its most popular export is the 10 step Korean skincare routine. Consisting of essences and masks, the extensive skin regime promises radiant skin. Try for yourself.

Step 1 - Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove grime. Massage a few drops of it into your face and neck. Leave it on for a minute and splash it off with lukewarm water.

Step 2 - Round 2 of the cleansing process includes a water-based cleanser. This will remove residual oil and dirt particles. Apply a smidge of it onto your face with your fingertips, lather for a minute and wash it off.

Step 3 - Use an exfoliator to be three times sure of getting out the crud from your skin. This step goes even deeper so be gentle and follow it twice or thrice a week.

Step 4 - Take a few drops of a toner on a cotton pad and apply it over your face and neck. Toner is a precursor to every skin care routine as it softens the skin and balances PH levels.

Step 5 - The Korean factor comes in at this point, which is when we apply essence. It's watery in consistency, falls between a serum and toner, and encourages new cell growth. Pat a few drops of it lightly into your skin with your fingertips.

Step 6 - This step is specifically meant to target skin problems like dark spots and large pores so choose a serum, booster or ampoule according to your skin's needs and tap 2 - 3 drops gently on your face.

Step 7 - Whip out a sheet mask, slap it on for 15 minutes and allow your skin to really soak in the nutrients from the mask.

Step 8 - Apply a nourishing eye cream under the eye area with the gentle pressure of your ring finger so that the delicate skin isn't bruised.

Step 9 - Seal your skin in a bubble of nourishment by doting and applying a moisturizer over your face and neck with your fingertips. Allow a few seconds for your skin to soak it in.

Step 10 - Last but not the least, apply a few dots of sunscreen to shield your skin from the harsh, damaging rays of the sun.