If you hadn’t heard, multi-step skincare is trending like high-waisted pants. The concept of a 10-step routine originated in South Korea, and it consists of the following: oil-based cleanser, water-based cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, ampoule, serum, sheet mask, eye cream and moisturizer. As you can imagine, this menagerie of products can produce super healthy skin, and the results speak for themselves. But it’s also inconvenient. Assuming you wanted to invest in quality products, this could cost you at least 30 grande cloud macchiatos, which isn’t exactly reasonable. So here’s how to get glowing skin in four steps that don’t break the bank, waste your time or clutter the counter.
Get that dirt off!
Cleansing is obviously one of the most important steps to any skincare regimen. If your cleanser isn’t working properly, the rest of the products won’t work properly, and you’ll end up with clogged pores and dull skin. To get the benefits of double-cleansing without multiple products, choose an oil-to-foam cleanser. It feels like an oil when massaged into dry skin but turns into a rich, cleansing foam when you add water. We recommend Mamonde’s Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser ($21, certified vegan and cruelty-free), which deep cleans as well as any double-cleansing method, while leaving skin soft and smooth.
Tone for the gods!
Toners don’t seem like an important step, but incorporating one is really easy, and it adds a nice addition of moisture that makes your skin supple and soft. While there are a lot of different toners on the market, the cheapest option is also the most natural! Rosewater is amazing for all skin types, but especially sensitive or irritated skin, and it can be spritzed on whenever your skin needs a shot of moisture. We recommend Heritage Store’s Rosewater ($6.29 for 8oz, eco-friendly and cruelty-free), which is all-natural and refreshing, especially on a hot night.
Treat yourself!
This is the perfect stage to indulge in a face mask to pamper your skin and unwind from a stressful day. It isn’t realistic to expect everyone to do this step every night; it’s time-consuming and expensive. Instead, aim for weekly masks that focus on hydrating and plumping up your skin. Though sheet masks are fun, they can be wasteful and end up being more costly than buying a jar mask. We recommend Andalou Natural’s 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask ($14.99, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable), which refreshes the skin and replenishes skin cells.
Nourish relentlessly!
Most of the Korean skincare steps are about moisturizing. Essences, serums, ampoules and moisturizers all work to nourish and hydrate the skin. Though all of these accomplish different things, there are still several products that can cover most of your bases. We recommend Weleda Skin Food (10.29 for 2.5 fl oz, certified natural, sustainable and cruelty-free), which is an absolute superhero. It’s a thick, emulsive moisturizer/ointment that won’t clog your skin but will deeply hydrate your skin, making it bright and glowing.