Remember when the concept of the 10-step Korean skincare routine first burst onto the scene in 2014, thanks to Soko Glam’s Charlotte Cho? Beauty editors in the West started evangelising the trend with the frenzy that was partly fanaticism and partly results-driven, accompanied by a heavy dose of mysticism.
But eventually, the dust settled. Sometime last year, the skip-care routine starting gaining traction in South Korea. Think of it as an antithesis to the 10 step skincare routine. As its name suggests, the skip-care trend involves skipping skincare routine steps and products that you just don’t need.
Skip-care aims to be pared-down, efficient, and effective, ultimately focusing on the quality of the products over quantity. But besides that, the routine also has the added benefit of being better for your skin. It essentially leaves time for the skin to rest and rejuvenate with its own restorative abilities. It challenges the notion that a more complicated and in-depth skincare routine is better. The reality of the situation is that an increased amount of products also introduces potential skin irritants.
SK-II’s iconic PITERA Essence is the beauty essence that does it all. Armed with over 90 per cent of SK-II’s signature ingredient, PITERA, this essence contains over 50 micronutrients that support the skin. It helps condition the skin, lock in moisture to soothe skin damages, and even transform the complexion. Alongside its multi-tasking benefits, you can also use it in multiple ways. Soak it in a cotton pad for a DIY masking solution, or decant it into a spray bottle as a face mist.
This lotion-type toner is rich enough to moisturise the skin. Intensively moisturising, this fine mist spray provides a 24-hour lasting hydration that gives the skin a plump and dewy finish. Likened to using a moisturising cream, this mist melts easily on the skin and the white tea leaf water helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
This restorative sheet mask helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of ageing. Nutrient-rich and highly-moisturising, this sheet mask uses a rich rice embryo to help the skin retain moisture and give a healthy, glowing finish. Plus, Vitamin C and Chinese Licorice enrich the sheet mask to brighten up the skin.
This youth-preserving masque is made with a blend of five key plant complexes steeped in beneficial free radical fighting antioxidants like Beta-Carotenes and Vitamin E. Hydrating and brightening, this gel masque lathers up to a smooth white paste once you massage it into your face. The ingredients work together to help reveal a plump and brighter looking skin. Just massage it in and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
This face treatment is formulated with highly potent and purified lactic acid that helps exfoliate dull and pore-clogged dead skin cells. This treatment also helps reduce signs of ageing for a healthier-looking complexion, and reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation. Enriched with lemongrass and aloe, these ingredients help brighten and boost the skin’s radiance.
Enriched with the marula fruit, this facial oil is a powerful antioxidant defence against pollution and damaging environmental free radicals. It helps to moisturise, rejuvenate, and nourish the skin. Boasting benefits like helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and even restoring the skin’s elasticity, this luxurious facial oil helps to balance the skin.
Text: Engracia Ang/Female, Additional reporting: Farisia Thang
All products are carefully handpicked by our editors, and we may earn money from links on this post.