My eight-step, Daytime, Pre-makeup, Skincare Routine.

Yes, my daily morning skincare routine consists of eight products. It is not necessary to use eight products; realistically, one to three products will suffice (for dry or combination skin). However, (for someone with dry/oily t-zone skin), I find that having a multi-step routine works best.

For reference, I’m not a certified dermatologist; I’m just sharing my routine! Health.com published a medically reviewed article on how to layer your skincare for maximum benefits. These are the steps to follow:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Spot Treatment
4. Serum
5. Retinol
6. Eye Cream
7. Moisturizer
8. Face Oils
9. Sunscreen

I don’t use retinols or face oils in the morning. I save them for nighttime since oils can make foundation separate. I also avoid spot treatments in the morning unless needed, as many contain benzoyl peroxide, which dries out the skin and can be less effective when layered with moisturizer. So, here’s how I follow the recommended routine with descriptions:

1. CLEANSER: Bipit Cica Face Wash Foam

This cleanser removes sebum, dirt, and skin cells for clear and healthy skin. I use this almost daily to remove excess oil on my face and to help calm my skin during acne breakouts.

2) TONER: Prettyskin Rice Niacinimide Toner

After cleansing, I apply this toner to my skin to retain moisture and adjust my skin tone. It also gives the appearance of slightly brighter skin after prolonged use.

3) SERUM 1: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

This product is one of my favorites! I never skip a day without using salicylic acid. I feel as if it creates a barrier under my makeup to prevent clogged pores. It is drying, so I follow up with serums and moisturizers. It also helps with acne!

4) SERUM 2: Radiance Glow And Protect Vitamin C Serum

According to their website, this serum is clinically proven to brighten and even skin in two weeks. It also helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and smooths out skin texture. I love this serum! It gives my skin such a nice glow! Definitely a top-tier skincare product!

5) EYE CREAM: Skinfix barrier + Triple Lipid Brightening Eye Cream

I am not a huge fan of eye creams. I feel they don’t do much for the dark circles under my eyes. However, I do like this eye cream for the hydrating and brightening effect. It was the Allure 2024 Best of Beauty Award Winner. I have recently started using this product and have only positive feelings towards it!

6) MOISTURIZER 1: Tosowoong Arbutin 7.0 + TXA 4.0 Cream

Tosowoong’s Arbutin Cream is a glowing moisturizer that gives the appearance of radiant skin. After seeing ads for it on Amazon (with almost 5-star reviews), I decided to try this product myself. Although I don’t have glass skin, this cream gives that appearance after application. It leaves my skin feeling plump! You can also layer this 2-3 times!

7) MOISTURIZER 2: Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

This moisturizer is light and airy. It has calming green tea and aloe vera for hydration. It doesn’t suffice as a heavy-duty moisturizer, but it is perfect for summer and warmer weather. I apply this on top of a heavier moisturizer for dewy skin.

8) SUNSCREEN: Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50

Mixsoon is a viral Korean Skincare brand. So when I ran out of my Innisfree sunscreen, I bought Misxoon’s Bean Sunscreen. This is a light sunscreen texture that gives a glowy appearance and is suitable for all skin types. After layering this over my moisturizers, my skin is tacky and ready for makeup!

I always patch test on my wrist before using skincare on my face, as it might not always be suitable for everyone. Typically, I like to wait at least ten minutes before applying makeup immediately after skincare. I haven’t had any reactions when layering these products, even with sensitive skin!

Most of the products I use are Korean. Korean skincare is excellent, and I love many of their products. They’ve really improved my skin! My skincare routine might seem expensive, but I usually find cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. As a former Allure Glam Bag subscriber, I got eye creams and moisturizers for about $25 a month. Amazon is also a good place to find discounted skincare.

Enjoy!