How I got the best skin of my life

No gatekeeping here

Filter and makeup-free, post-skincare routine

A couple of months back, I stopped using filters on my pictures. It wasn't because I felt particularly great about my skin; it was quite the opposite. As I approached 41, I began considering procedures I'd never been interested in before - a bit of Botox or perhaps a touch of filler to look more like the other women I compared myself to online. But I realized that I was part of the problem. Sure, I never used those extreme filters - the ones that warp your entire facial structure - but that simple swipe to reveal the "Paris'd" version of myself - glossy, bright, and virtually wrinkle-free, had become far too regular an occurrence. When I'd see my real reflection in the mirror, I'd zero in on all the imperfections that had been all but erased through the lens of my phone. So I did two things: I gave up filters and started a new skincare routine that's...extensive. And it's made all the difference.

So, I’m sharing my regimen, which consists mostly of Korean products (and is so elaborate that I have Post-It notes on the inside cabinet door to remind me of the order in which I apply them).

Post-It reminders

For those of you who are already wary of a seven-step routine in the morning and again at night, I get it. It's a lot. Who has the time or the counter space?! But here's the thing: I started seeing results after a few days (mainly in the redness that's always been a permanent fixture on my cheeks), and I began to look forward to the routine, relishing how luxuriating it felt. Not only that, other people started noticing, too - friends, my mom, and cousins, and they're now all following at least portions of the same routine. Dissimilar to the lavish lotions and serums I used to buy, assuming their high prices equated to results, these products aren't expensive nor too strong for daily use. When used in conjunction with one another, they've helped me feel better about my skin now than I did in my early 20s. Here's my current routine, broken into morning and night.

Morning skincare routine

Morning: 

Rinse. My skin is naturally dry, so I skip using a cleanser in the morning and simply splash some water on my face and pat it dry with a face towel (not the one I use for the rest of my body).

Toner. This is the first product that goes onto my skin and helps balance the pH. I’ve tried several, and while they’re all similar, these pads are unscented and lightly exfoliate my skin. Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pads ($23)

Vitamin C Serum. I deal with sun damage from years of being irresponsible, and Vitamin C helps with that, along with redness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. My skin drinks this one up, and I like its brightening effect. Skin & Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($19)

Snail Mucin. This was one of the first Korean beauty products that went viral in the US, and while I was initially skeptical (it’s also the product with the most fakes sold online), I’ve noticed a difference in my facial lines and overall hydration. It feels ever-so-slightly sticky when it goes on, but also sort of like it’s sealing everything in nicely. COSRX Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence ($14) 

Niacinamide. This is the main product I use for evening my skin tone, which was one of my biggest complaints, especially under my eyes and around my nose. It comes in different concentrations, so if you’re new to it, try an option with a lower percentage, but once your skin adapts, you can move on to a 10% serum. Anua 10% + TXA 4% Serum ($19)

Moisturizer. This is a great option if you want to skip everything and just wash your face and use a moisturizer. It absorbs immediately, is hydrating yet thin, and acts as a nice base under makeup.  Anua Heartleaf 70% Daily Lotion ($25)

Eye Cream. This eye cream is emollient and blends in nicely. I’d like to think I’ve noticed that my under eyes have gotten a little less dark, and my fine lines have lessened, but the jury’s still out as I’ve only used this product for about a month or two. Laneige Perfect Youth Renew Eye Cream ($51)

SPF. There’s been a lot of chatter about the efficacy/safety of sunscreen, but I’m very pro-spf and use it daily. Considering that both Asian and European sunscreens use technologies decades ahead of US products (you can read about them here), I recommend checking them out. It feels like there’s a new “it” sunscreen every few months on Olive Young, and this one is very popular right now, but it’s completely worth the hype. I’ve already gone through two bottles. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum ($15)

Evening skincare routine

Evening:

Cleansing Balm. This is another viral product that lives up to its reputation. I apply it to my face when it’s still dry, massage it briefly, and then rinse. It removes everything without stripping my skin, leaving it soft and supple. Banila Co Clean It Zero ($19)

Retinol. If there’s one step I wish I’d started earlier, it’s this. In the past, I’d tried other Retinol products that were too harsh for my skin, so I stopped using them entirely. I now use the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinol ($13) on my whole face, even though it’s technically an eye cream, but it’s one of those hacks I’ve seen a few dermatologists recommend that truly works. It’s a very mild Retinol that you can use every night, so if you’re just getting started, it won’t dry out your face. 

Peptides. This serum helps with collagen production, moisturization, and elasticity. It never irritates my skin and combines nicely with the other products. COSRX The 6 Peptide Booster Serum ($21)

Hyaluronic Acid. This serum works with Retinol to reduce wrinkles, and it’s particularly hydrating. It’s the product I look forward to applying most every night. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum  ($17)

Eye Cream. The same Beauty of Joseon listed above.

Moisturizer. The Holy Grail of THICK moisturizers. I slather this on at night and wake up with dewy, plump skin eight hours later. Aestura AtoBarrier 365 ($32)

Water Mask. I only use this a few times a month as my final step when I feel particularly parched and want to wake up to seriously radiant skin. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Sleeping Mask ($21)

A few notes:

This post uses affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.

If you’re buying your skincare from Amazon, eBay, and/or TikTok make sure you’re either buying directly from the brand storefront or from a reputable reseller. There have been a lot of knockoffs appearing in their marketplaces, as a recent article from Bloomberg highlights. 

Where I Buy

Korean beauty products are mainstream, so you can find many of the popular brands (i.e. COSRX, Sulwhasoo, Laneige, etc.) everywhere, from Sephora to Target and hundreds of random e-commerce shops. However, I prefer getting my products from them because of the knockoff product issue and because many Korean e-commerce shops typically offer constant discounts or promotions. We also have a large and vibrant Korean community in Los Angeles, so when I have the time, I love shopping in person at beauty stores in Koreatown. 

Olive Young (ships from South Korea). This retailer owns about 90% of the beauty market in South Korea and essentially squeezed Sephora out of the country due to its overwhelming success. With over 1,300 locations and a massive e-commerce store,  they cover every category and offer great shipping options to the US. They’re constantly running promotions, so signing up for their newsletter and their rewards program is essential. Your products won’t arrive overnight, but you can be confident you’re getting the correct item. They’re also usually one of the first stores to feature new and trendy products.

StyleKorean (ships from South Korea). Another large retailer, StyleKorean, often has slightly better prices than Olive Young and less expensive shipping. However, they might not carry as many products, which is not saying much since they still have a ton of options. The shipping time is comparable to Olive Young's, so this is a nice store to comparison shop if you’re looking for a great price on a specific item.

BloomingKoco (ships from California). This is the US subsidiary of StyleKorean, so you can trust the products are authentic. They ship domestically, so the delivery times will be much faster. They don’t have as big of a selection, typically carrying the products that are trending for the US consumer, but their free shipping threshold of $35 and nice curation are a great option if you’re just getting into these products.

Aritaum (brick and mortar). This is another massive retailer from South Korea, but they also have fifty stores in the US (you can find the closest one here), and it’s my favorite shop to visit when I’m shopping in person. They carry a more curated collection of brands, so you won’t find as much variety, but the salespeople are incredibly knowledgeable and will typically send you home with more samples than you can carry. 

H Mart (brick and mortar & online). While it’s better known as a Korean supermarket, it also carries a nice selection of the most popular beauty products. It’s a nice space to get a little bit of everything, from snacks to snail mucin.