Hi Reader!
Hope you had a great Easter! 🐣
With spring in full swing, it feels like the perfect time to talk about skincare — especially the famous 10-step Korean routine.
Now we know what you’re thinking… 10 steps?!
It does sound like a lot, doesn’t it? 😅
But when you break it down, it’s not about using as many products as possible.
It’s about using the right products, in the right order — with intention.
At its core, Korean skincare focuses on:
✅ Hydration
✅ Gentle layering
✅ Protecting the skin barrier
✅ Prevention over correction
It’s less about constantly “fixing” your skin and more about supporting it consistently.
And that’s a philosophy we can truly get behind. 😉
🌿 Why It Works (And Why We Like It)
K-beauty isn’t built around harsh treatments or dramatic overnight results.
It’s built around the idea that healthy skin is created slowly — through daily, thoughtful care.
🚫 No extremes
🚫 No aggressive stripping
🚫 No chasing every new trend
Just consistency.
And that aligns perfectly with what we believe:
Beautiful skin isn’t forced.
It’s supported.
✨ The 10 Steps — Simplified & Adaptable
Here’s how the traditional routine is structured — so you understand how it works.
But don’t feel pressured to follow every step (we don’t).
Pick and choose what supports your skin.
1️⃣ Oil Cleanser
Removes sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil without stripping your skin.
This is the first step of the “double cleanse.”
2️⃣ Water-Based Cleanser
Gently removes sweat and remaining impurities — the second step of your double cleanse.
3️⃣ Exfoliator (1–2x per week)
Helps remove dead skin cells so products absorb better.
Gentle chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) are usually kinder long-term than harsh scrubs.
4️⃣ Toner
Toners today hydrate and rebalance the skin — they’re not the drying formulas from years ago.
5️⃣ Essence
A lightweight hydration step that supports repair and strengthens the barrier.
6️⃣ Serum or Ampoule
Your targeted step — brightening, calming, firming, etc.
This is where you personalize based on your skin needs.
7️⃣ Sheet Mask (Optional)
Think of this as a boost — not a must.
Perfect if you want a more glowy look for an event, a special occasion, or just want to give your skin some TLC.
8️⃣ Eye Cream
Supports the delicate under-eye area with gentle hydration.
We personally omit this step — but if you enjoy using an eye cream, gently pat it in with your ring finger.
A little goes a long way.
9️⃣ Moisturizer
Seals everything and keeps your skin supported throughout the day or night.
🔟 Sunscreen
Non-negotiable.
If you do nothing else — protect your skin against the sun.
Prevention is the real glow secret.
💛 What We’d Actually Recommend
Here’s the truth: You don’t need 10 steps overnight.
If you’re curious about trying this approach, start simple:
✅ Double cleanse at night
✅ Use a serum or essence
✅ Moisturize every morning and evening
✅ Wear sunscreen daily
Here are two affordable K-beauty options we like:
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence — lightweight, deeply hydrating, and barrier-supportive (available on Amazon).
- COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream — soothing, nourishing, and great for sealing everything in (available on Amazon).
Both are gentle, hydrating, and free from harsh ingredients.
*We may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Glowing skin doesn’t come from doing more.
It comes from doing the right things — consistently.
Do you have any favorite K-beauty skincare products?
👉 Hit reply and tell us! We'd love to know.
See you next week, Reader 🌼
Founders of Courier Beauty
PS: Want to learn more about each step? Read our full blog post 👇
✨ 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine: Everything You Need to Know
