I Tried a FULL Korean Skincare Routine for a Month—Here's How It Went
This lineup came highly recommended by a top skin doc. I had to try it.
What’s Inside
● Cleanser
● Exfoliator
● Toner
● Essence
● Serum
● Face Mask
● Face Cream
● Sunscreen
I’ll admit it: skincare is a bit of an obsession for me.
Okay, a bit of an obsession a MAJOR obsession.
Yes, I’m that girl who could stock a pharmacy with her bathroom shelf.
So I’m always up for trying out new products and discovering the latest breakthroughs.
My Roman Empire? Glowy, hydrated skin that radiates all day long.
Not too much for a girl to ask, right?
Here’s a bit of background: I struggled with eczema as a kid, which meant sticking strictly to derm-approved products.
Thankfully, my skin grew less reactive over time. And that gave me the freedom to experiment with different routines.
Most of my skincare lineup is built on recs from skinfluencers who know their stuff. Think the kind of people who can spot a good serum from ten miles away.
But you know what’s always really intrigued me? Korean skincare.
It’s the vibrant packaging, innovative ingredients, and—let’s be real—the hype around that flawless glow (have you seen BTS??).
Somehow, though, I hadn’t actually taken the plunge into the world of K-Beauty myself.
Now, let’s be honest: with so many products out there, diving into Korean skincare can feel a bit like trying to pick your favorite star in the night sky.
But after hours of scrolling through product reviews and obsessively watching “holy grail” lists… I DID IT guys. I finally committed.
Let’s just say I might have ended up with a bit of a haul.
I even came across a nugget of wisdom from an industry pro:
“People are paying much more attention to formulations and ingredients now, which are huge in Korean skincare. Some of the products that have become staples everywhere—snail mucin creams, spray mists, essences—came straight from South Korea. These products are next-level advanced.”
The icing on the cake? I actually scored a virtual consultation with a highly recommended K-Beauty expert.
Even online, it was like a full-on glow strategy session.
She asked all the right questions about my skin type, my current go-to products, and what I wanted to achieve (hint: anything that screams radiance).
When I told her I was after a brighter, more luminous look, she curated a personalized lineup just for me!!
She told me I’ve got a “good foundation” with what I’m already using, but apparently I’m not quite nailing that “glass skin” look Koreans are famous for.
And here’s a tip I didn’t expect.
She recommended applying everything in thin layers.
“Each product builds on the last,” she explained, “but don’t be afraid to add a little more if your skin’s asking for it.”
(I couldn’t help thinking “a little more?! I’m already using 8 different products!” But I knew what she meant.)
So, with my fresh set of K-Beauty goodies and a solid plan in place, I jumped right in — documenting every little glow-up along the way.
Here’s how my skin handled the challenge.
Cleansers
Seoul Ceuticals Miracle Clear Cleanser ($17.99)
Rating: 5/5
Description: The Miracle Clear Cleanser from Seoul Ceuticals became my go-to first step each evening to cleanse away the day. This cleanser is designed for a deep clean — with a blend of natural salicylic acid, tea tree, and snail mucin. Together, they target acne and impurities without stressing the skin. Friendly to all skin types, it gently balances and clears pores without stressing the skin. Thumbs-up from sensitive-skinned me!
My Thoughts: Over the past month, this cleanser has been a surprising powerhouse in my routine. Whether I had layers of SPF and makeup to remove or just a light dusting of powder, it left my skin feeling fresh and smooth, not stripped. And breakouts? Nowhere in sight. The snail mucin (say whaaat? Yup, it’s a thing) was an unexpected favorite, giving my skin a soft, hydrated feel post-cleanse. I could see visible improvements after a few uses, and knowing it's free from any heavy-duty chemicals is a bonus. I’m totally sold on this cleanser for its simple, natural ingredients and rapid results.
Heimish All Clean Balm ($18.00)
Rating: 4.5/5
Description: This cleansing balm is formulated to dissolve makeup, excess oil, and impurities without drying out the skin. It even comes with a spatula (not the kitchen kind, thankfully), so there’s no need to dip your fingers directly into the jar. Apply it to dry skin, add a splash of water to emulsify, and rinse off with warm water for a thorough cleanse.
My Thoughts: This balm impressed me, and it’s one I’ll definitely keep on hand. With consistently strong reviews, I had high expectations, and it delivered. As the second step in my cleansing routine, I have to say my skin felt spotless after using it. While I felt the Seoul Ceuticals toner did a little more heavy lifting, this balm worked a treat as a follow-up. Packed with nourishing oils, it’s an ideal choice for dissolving makeup and grime without stripping moisture—a true must-have in any routine.
Exfoliator (AND toner!)
Seoul Ceuticals Exfoliating & Cleansing Face Mask ($19.00)
Rating: 5/5
Description: This creamy, dual-action face mask is a game-changer for anyone looking to refine their skin. Made with kaolin clay, charcoal powder, organic aloe, and vitamin B5, it detoxifies, hydrates, and smooths—all in one — and unlike traditional clay masks, it doesn't dry out or crack your skin.
My Thoughts: I didn’t expect a face mask to feel this luxurious! The creamy texture spreads like a dream, and the combination of charcoal and clay really does some heavy lifting when it comes to clearing out my pores. No slow-burn results here — I could see the difference in my enlarged pores as soon as I rinsed it off. And true to the promise, it achieved those results without turning my skin into the Sahara Desert. If I'm honest, the dryness is usually what stops me from using masks regularly, so this is a major win.
Essence
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25.00)
Rating: 3.5/5
Description: This essence is formulated to provide deep hydration and promote a smoother, more elastic complexion. With an impressive 96% snail secretion filtrate, it’s designed to support skin’s natural renewal process, leaving it refreshed and resilient.
My Thoughts: I was a little apprehensive about trying this essence because it seemed fairly thick. And I have to say it did feel a little goopy, but I was impressed by how hydrating it was. It left my complexion feeling thoroughly moisturized and refreshed, which was exactly what I was hoping for, so a definite 5/5 for hydration factor. However, after consistent use, I did notice a few small breakouts in the areas where I focused application (which after some digging, I learned is apparently a known side effect), so it may be best for those with skin that isn’t prone to congestion. That said, if you’re not acne-prone and it’s deep hydration you’re going for, I’d definitely recommend this essence.
Serum
Seoul Ceuticals Ultra Retinol Night Serum ($20.00)
Rating: 5/5
Description: Now that's a unique formula! This Korean skincare cult fave blends 97.5% snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) for potent anti-aging results, powerfully smoothing out fine lines while being surprisingly gentle on sensitive skin. It’s also cruelty-free and made with 95% natural ingredients, so you can feel good about using it nightly to wake up with that radiant glow.
My Thoughts: I’ve tried plenty of retinol products before, but this one instantly stood out. The first sign that I was dealing with something special here? The addition of snail mucin and bakuchiol. Whether it's that combo or another ingredient, it feels a TON more soothing than other retinols, which have a bad habit of irritating my skin. Not this one. Each night, I applied a few drops after cleansing and toning, and by morning, my skin looked brighter and physically felt softer. This serum also wins the prize for causing the best IRL reaction: After using it for a couple of weeks, my mom actually asked me if I'd had any "work" done! Someone will be getting a bottle for her birthday.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum ($39.00)
Rating: 4.5/5
Description: One of Peach & Lily’s more popular offerings, known for its “glass skin” effect, this serum is packed with a blend of antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and hydrating agents. Just a few pumps, used morning and night, aim to leave skin with a soft, reflective glow.
My Thoughts: As I mentioned, one of my goals for this month was to achieve the look of glass skin—and since the start of this experiment, this serum definitely helped me to achieve it. Every time I used it, I could see a glowy reflection in my skin. It’s a little on the pricey side for what it delivers, especially compared to some of the Seoul Ceuticals options — but it felt pleasantly lightweight and gave an overall radiance to my complexion.
Face Mask
Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask ($18.00)
Rating: 4.5/5
Description: This mask is designed to bring a fresh, revitalized glow to dull skin, with nourishing ingredients like rice, oatmeal, and honey extract that help soothe and brighten. It also sounds like putting your breakfast on your face, which is… interesting.
My Thoughts: Over the past month, I used one face mask per week during my evening routine, and this one was undeniably a standout. K-Beauty masks are just a different experience—each comes with high-quality protective layers for easy, precise application, and this particular mask was no exception. Once on, the mask felt so hydrating and refreshing that I didn’t want to take it off after the 20 minutes were up. My skin looked radiant, hydrated, and polished—definitely a highlight of my evening routine!
Face Cream
Seoul Ceuticals Snail Repair Cream ($20.00)
Rating: 5/5
Description: This cream comes with an impressive 97.5% snail mucin concentration—the highest you’ll find on the market. It’s packed with naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, organic aloe, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E, designed to deliver a brighter, more youthful complexion fast. It’s non-comedogenic and naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for daily use morning and night.
My Thoughts: Magic! I’ve rarely come across a face cream that completely wins me over, but this one made an instant impression. Right away, I noticed a difference in hydration, and within a few days, my skin felt softer, smoother, and visibly more radiant. Seriously, this stuff works wonders on redness and uneven texture. It’s rich enough to feel nourishing without being heavy, making it ideal for layering under makeup in the morning or as a restorative treat in the evening. This is one of those products that does it all—hydrates, smooths, and adds that elusive glow—and it’s officially earned a permanent spot on my shelf. And at $20? It also takes the crown for the best bang for your buck on this list.
Sunscreens
Rootree Mobitherapy UV Sun Shield ($23.00)
Rating: 5/5
Description: With SPF 50+ PA++++ protection, this sunscreen offers high-level defense against UV rays without a white cast, thanks to its lightweight formula and soothing ingredients like Korean Dendropanax, which helps keep skin calm and smooth.
My Thoughts: As someone with darker skin, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast is a mission, so I was thrilled with how well this one worked. It blended in effortlessly, leaving no residue, and felt incredibly comfortable on my skin. Plus, it held up perfectly both under and over makeup, which is a huge bonus given my daily routine. This has become an essential in my lineup, and it’s rare to find a sunscreen that ticks all the boxes this well.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics ($14.00)
Rating: 4/5
Description: Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun also offers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection with a gentle, skin-loving formula enriched with rice extracts and niacinamide. Its lightweight formula is said to absorb quickly without a white cast or pilling, which caught my eye.
My Thoughts: This sunscreen really impressed me with its lightweight, almost serum-like texture that melts effortlessly into the skin—no white cast or greasy feel here! It’s packed with soothing ingredients, like niacinamide and green tea, that left my skin looking brighter and feeling calm. However, after using it consistently, I did notice a bit of redness around my cheeks. While it wasn’t severe, it might be something to keep in mind if your skin is very reactive. Overall, though, it’s a fantastic sunscreen for everyday use that leaves the skin feeling hydrated and protected, with a nice glow.