Korean Skincare Steps: What Actually Works 2025

last week I tried Korean Skincare Steps… it was a journey, ngl.

I spent $150+ on stuff from Sephora & Amazon. My wallet is crying.

Double Cleansing Fail

So, step one is double cleansing, right? I got an oil cleanser (Innisfree Daily UV Defense Oil Drop Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, $17 at Sephora) and then a foam cleanser (Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $18.99 at Target).

tbh, I totally messed this up the first time. I used WAY too much oil cleanser. It felt like I was lubing up for a wrestling match.

My face was lowkey slick for like, an hour. I learned my lesson: a little goes a long way.

The Cerave cleanser? Solid. No complaints. My face felt clean, not stripped.

Toner Trauma

Next up: toner. I grabbed the Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner ($25 at Amazon). Supposedly shrinks pores.

It felt nice, tbh. Like, refreshing. But did it shrink my pores? Jury’s still out. It’s been a week.

I think I expected instant results, which is dumb. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, I guess.

I’m using a cotton pad to apply, is that right? I should read Vogue about it.

Essence Experiment

Essence. What even IS essence? I got the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25 on Amazon). I know, snail mucin sounds gross.

But everyone raves about it. It’s basically goop from snails. Turns out, it’s super hydrating. My skin felt plump.

I was surprised. It’s kinda sticky, but it absorbs quickly. I kinda like it.

I’m not sure if it’s doing anything long-term, but my skin felt good after. Plus, Self-Care Sunday Routine: Your Revitalizing Guide I heard from TikTok it’s great.

Serum Selection

Serums. This is where it gets expensive. I splurged on The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($8 at Ulta). Cheap & cheerful.

Hyaluronic acid is supposed to draw moisture to your skin. My skin felt hydrated after using it. Not bad for $8.

I layered it with the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum ($39 at Ulta). This was an impulse buy.

ngl, it smells amazing. Like peaches. Did it give me glass skin? Not overnight. Maybe with consistent use?

Moisturizer Madness

Finally, moisturizer. I used my tried-and-true Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($36 at Sephora). Can’t go wrong with a classic.

It’s super hydrating without being greasy. I basically slather it on.

I also got a sleeping mask (Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $29 at Sephora) for extra hydration at night.

It smells nice and feels cooling on my skin. Def woke up with softer skin. Also, Morning Routine Ideas: What Actually Works 2025 my mom also loves it.

I feel like I’m glowing now. No, for real.

I’m trying to be consistent, but honestly, sometimes I just crash after work and skip everything. Don’t tell anyone. Basically I skip Double Cleansing and Essence.

I still use serum, moisturizer & sunscreen everyday.

Also, Skincare Reviews November 2025: Honest Beauty Prod it is really important to take into account your skin type when creating a skincare routine.

I also bought a sunscreen from Sephora, but it wasn’t part of the steps. I use it everyday, though. It costed around $47.