Sometimes I post things right away because I fear that if I don’t publish it and I suddenly die, what I want to say will never be said.

That being said,

I nearly** perfected the holy grail Korean/me skin care method. It’s a combination of the basic skin ten-step Korean skin care routine plus a few of my personalized* tweaks.

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My skin has a long background that’s tied to my mental health. At its worst, it’s inflamed with itchy spots and I have nearly cystic sized acne on my left cheek. I try not to get to that depth of depression.

I have fair skin that is sensitive and on the dry side. I’m a firm believer that spending that extra dollar on a (trusted) high end product is worth it. I use a combination of French, Korean, and American products.

So here is my complete and entire skin care routine that (after months) I believe I just perfected.

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Cleansing phase

1. Charcoal generic nose strip from Walgreens. I put this on and let it dry to take out my blackheads on and around my nose. All pore strips do the same job, so generic ones are cheaper and okay to use.

2. *Pre-tone* with Avene’s Gentle Toning Lotion (it’s a pink liquid toner), by swiping my face with a square cotton pad in order to pre-clean your skin. This toner is strong enough to take off a surprising amount of unwanted skin residue and makeup!

2. *Pre-mask* by slathering your face with a cotton square of 100% Aloe Gel (by Esfolio) and wait ten minutes. Then wash with cold water.

3. Cleanse face with Sulhwasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil.

4. Double cleanse with Avene Cleanance Gel Soap (for acne, but avoid sensitive areas)

4.5 I try to use Mixsoon Bean Essence as an exfoliator when needed

5. Tone (again*) with “I’m From” Rice toner by swiping face with a soaked square cotton pad. (This completes your cleanse, and is a good test of how well you washed your face). It preps the skin, which is by now feeling clean but a little dry, and more than ready for healing products.

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Serums

I follow the general rule of waiting one minute between application of another product. I also follow using the “most aqueous/watery product first followed by heavier serums, emulsions and creams” rule. Also, only use a maximum of 2-3 serums so as not to overload your face.

6. Take three drops of Hanskin Real Complexion hyaluron skin essence, and spread it across your face (gentle massage)

7. Take one ampule of Beauty of Joseon green tea Calming serum and massage it into your face (paying attention to inflamed areas like nose folds, between the eyebrows, and chin)

8. Take one ampule of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum and pat-press-hold into skin. (I also rotate with Deep Glow Serum)

8.5 (Optional) choose a customized face essence mask. You can apply this step earlier or later, depending on thickness of the solution. After you put your mask on, *massage your face all over before you sit back and relax. After taking the mask off, let it sit until it’s semi-dry before adding another product

9. Take three pumps of Aveeno Triple Oat serum and massage everywhere

9.5 (optional) Take two pumps of Mixsoon Bean Serum

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Moisturize

10. Take three pumps of Etude Sung Joon hypoallergenic Emulsion and massage everywhere

11. Take three pumps of Avene A-Oxitive cream and spread all over face.

12. Take one small glob of Avene Antirougers Calm Soothing Repair mask and massage all over face (especially sensitive areas)

13. Spot treat red areas with Avene Antirougers Fort Calming cream. This is the only time I focus on “patting” the product on Korean-style, because I want the cream to thickly coat my red areas.

14. “Seal the deal” by one pump of Mixsoon Bean Essence OR COS Rx Snail Mucin. Pat lightly on to face.

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After Care (an aside)

15. Take a small amount of Avene Tolerance Extemely Gentle Lotion cleanser and rub against lips, then wipe off with a warm cotton pad.

16. Slather on De La Cruz Almond oil, followed by a lip mask (I’ve been using Bath & Body Works Nourishing Lip Mask)

17. Take ring finger and dab on De La Cruz Almond oil underneath the eyes (instead of eye cream)

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UPDATE: Please look forward to all pictures of my products (and maybe me) 🥰

Note: **Mixsoon Bean Essence is a versatile product. I’m still trying to figure out exactly when to apply it. People say that it can be used as an exfoliator or a serum. The confusing part is the thick consistency of it, which makes me wonder if I should apply it last to “seal the deal”. It’s very thick and I sometimes doubt whether it helps or hinders my other products, which is why I might apply it last.

For now I have decided to use one pump of either Bean Essence or Snail Mucin as a final step to seal the deal.

The experiment continues!

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After all that is done, you’re done! (Except always remember to drink water, sleep enough, and use 100 SPF sun screen if you’re going out). Just like Jung Kook, always be 💯

Let’s glow together. Whenever you’re ready,