The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Korean Skincare That Works🌸
Want that lit-from-within glow without a 10-step routine? I’ve got you💕 This might be a bit of a read, I promise—invest and by the end, skincare won’t feel confusing ever again. Here’s my go-to simple routine: what I use, why I swear by it, and where to snag each product without breaking your budget. Let’s glow! 🌸🧴💫
5/8/202418 min read


🌸 The Basics (Let’s Set the Scene)
Before I dive into my bare-bones line up of products and why I swear by them, let’s get a few things out of the way:
✨ Why the order of your skincare matters more than you think
✨ Why I feel totally qualified to influence you (even if you can’t see my glowing skin through the screen)
Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s start at the top 💁♀️💕
✨ Order of Skincare: Why It Actually Matters
You’ve probably heard this before—but whether you’re heading to bed or starting your morning, the order you apply your skincare can totally set you up for success… or, well, a bit of chaos.
Not “your skin will fall off” kind of failure 😅—but the kind where your makeup goes patchy the next day, you accidentally apply retinol in the morning (huge no-no with sun exposure), or you end up like one of those 6-year-olds in Sephora buying products they know nothing about… doing more harm than good.
🧖♀️ Day vs. Night Skincare—The Basics
(Hold on, hold on, this chart isn't everything you need. We will be cutting this down for our Lazy Girl Guide.)
But, here’s a basic chart of what you should do in the morning vs. at night—because let’s be honest, what your skin needs while you’re out and about is different from what it needs when your face is squished against a pillow.
(And speaking of pillows—if you don’t have a silk one yet, get on that. Your skin and hair will thank you. 💗 Click here to read why →💟)
Now, I know this little skincare chart might look intense. I mean… who has time for 10 steps, twice a day? That’s expensive. That’s exhausting. That’s… not happening. 😅
But don’t stress.
This is the lazy girl guide, remember? Let’s strip it down to just what you actually need.
🌞 Daytime Skincare Must-Haves
Water-based cleanser
Toner
A good serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen—please don’t skip this! 😭
I get it—reapplying is annoying, it feels sticky, and no one likes the white cast… but your skin is literally begging for a shield against our (amazing) but harsh AF sun. Protect your glow, babes! ☀️🧴
🌙 Nighttime Routine Basics
Water-based cleanser (good enough for light makeup—if you wear more/heavy foundation, consider double cleansing or using an oil cleanser too)
Toner
Serum
Retinol (this one’s big for anti-aging!)
Moisturizer
No matter what—always wash your face before bed. Yes, even when you're tired. Yes, even if you're just watching one more episode. Your skin deserves a clean slate before it dreams. 💫
There you go—a 10-step routine, cut in half 💅 And if you want to save even more, you can totally overlap most of your products for both morning and night.
Just keep in mind—if you’ve got specific concerns like acne, dark circles, or puffiness, you’ll want to add a spot treatment, eye cream, or whatever fits your needs.
If not? This simplified routine is perfect for everyday. 💕✨
✨ My Journey & Qualifications
(Feel free to skip this, just a bit about me and my skin journey. Maybe yours is similar!)
I’ve had pretty clear skin for most of my life; average, I would say—partly because I'm lucky genetically, partly thanks to good habits (I’ve always washed my face religiously), and partly because I’m, well… a little obsessive when it comes to keeping my environment clean. Like, I’m "wash-the-sheets-twice-a-week" levels of tidy.
That said, I’ve always struggled with dark under-eye circles (I’m probably allergic to sleep 😅) and said genetics, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying every trick in the book to cover, treat, and brighten them up.
While some people unwind with drinks, sports, or social plans, my favorite night—every night—is a solo spa session—with my roommate’s cat, a silk bonnet, a face mask, and a good show or book. Pure bliss. 💗I loved learning about different products, trends, and what's worked for women around the world.
Unfortunately, you won’t see my face plastered all over this blog, 'showing off' my skin—no social media links here. I like to keep my life a little private. But if you hop over to my About Me page, you’ll see a glimpse of my face and from what I've been told, it's clear, glowy—often complimented that I look much younger than I am (I’ll take it!).
I don’t share that to brag—just to back up my words and experiences, that I only recommend what’s actually worked for me in the most real, honest way I can… while still keeping a little space for myself on the internet. 🌸
Last but not least—skincare isn’t magic. There’s no one-size-fits-all product in a bottle that will change everything overnight. Genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle play a role in how our skin looks, ages, and I try to acknowledge that, always.
So don’t let celebrities (or filters) fool you. Learn to love what you see in the mirror while taking care of your body the best you can. That’s what real beauty looks like. 💕
🌸 Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics—let’s dive into the fun stuff: products + routine!
✨ The Products✨
Alright, my fellow glow-getters 💖 Let me preface this by saying—yes, most of my ride-or-die skincare products are Korean beauty staples. And honestly? Can you blame me? They’ve cracked the code when it comes to soft, glassy, goddess-tier skin. Thank you, ladies!
So let’s start with the first category:
💧 Cleanser (AM + PM)
Let’s talk face wash, because if your cleanser isn’t working with your skin, it’s working against it.
I’ve got one water-based cleanser that I swear by for both morning and night—even though the label says “morning,” she handles my light makeup like a champ at the end of the day too.
She leaves my skin feeling clean and bare, but never stripped. No tight cheeks, no flaking, no that awful “I just washed my face and now I feel like paper” feeling. Just a fresh, happy face ready for toner ✨
And the best part? She’s budget-friendly. Around $11–$12 online, but if you’re lucky? You can catch her at Marshalls for like $7. Total steal. 🙌
I give you the one, the only, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser.
First, I just need to say: If you’re ever feeling totally overwhelmed by the world of Korean skincare (been there!), let me make it easy for you: start with COSRX.
Seriously, they don’t miss. Every single product I’ve tried from them has been gentle, effective, and actually does what it promises. No crazy fragrances, no gimmicks—just solid skincare that works. And bonus? They’re super affordable, too. ✨
It’s one of those brands I keep coming back to.
Anyway—this cleanser is perfect if you’re dealing with uneven texture, dryness, dullness, or skin that just looks... tired. 😴
She’s gentle but effective—gives your skin the hydration it craves and leaves you with the perfect clean base every time. ✨ Just wet your face, take a pea-sized amount, lather it between your hands, and gently cleanse. Rinse at the sink, pat dry, done. Easy, glow-worthy, and zero fuss. 💧💕
💧 Toner (AM + PM)
Wait… What Even Is Toner?
Okay, so if you’re new to skincare (or just skipped this step because it sounded confusing—no judgment), toner is basically the refresh button for your face.
It’s the step you use right after cleansing to help balance your skin’s pH, lightly hydrate, and prep your skin to soak up all the goodness from your serums and moisturizers. Think of it like the primer before the rest of your routine—not mandatory, (though I wouldn't skip it) because it makes everything work 10x better. ✨
A good toner can:
Calm irritation
Add a boost of hydration
Wipe away any leftover makeup or cleanser
Help your skin absorb the next steps more evenly
Two different types of toners: 💧 Toner vs. Toner Pads: What’s the Difference?
Alright, let’s break it down—because I know even I was confused at first. Aren’t they the same thing? Not quite. 👀
🌿 Toner (Liquid):
This is your classic go-to. It usually comes in a bottle, looks like water, and is applied with a cotton pad or (my fave) just your hands.
✨ Best for:
Adding lightweight hydration
Prepping your skin for serums
Sensitive or dry skin (especially soothing ones with calming ingredients)
💡 How I use it:
Pour a few drops into your hands and press it into your skin—no waste, and super gentle.
🧼 Toner Pads:
Toner pads are pre-soaked cotton pads, already loaded with toner or mild exfoliants. Think of them as toner + gentle exfoliation in one swipe.
✨ Best for:
Oily or textured skin
Quick, on-the-go refresh
Light exfoliation without harsh scrubs
💡 How I use it:
Swipe one across your clean face after cleansing to remove leftover dirt or smooth out skin. Super easy, especially when you're feeling lazy or traveling.
🌸 So which one should you use?
Both are great—it just depends on your vibe. If you want something calming and hydrating, go with a liquid toner. If your skin needs a little extra oomph (or you’re always in a rush), toner pads are your BFF.
Or, if you’re me… you’ll probably use both. 🙃 But you only need one. They do mostly the same thing, just different packages.
My recommendation for a liquid toner is these two products:
💡 Quick Note on Price!
Both of these prices can totally fluctuate—so if they’re a little higher (or lower!) when you’re reading this, I’m sorry in advance 💕
That said, these cleansers last forever and do wonders for your skin, so they’re 100% worth it.
✨ Pro Tip/Reminder:
Check your local TJMaxx, Marshalls, or Ross—they love to sneak in popular K-beauty brands for way cheaper. You might just score a steal. 🛍️💖
And remember, if you use a liquid toner, you DO NOT NEED TONER PADS! THESE ARE JUST DIFFERENT OPTIONS, BUT YOU CAN PICK ONE OR THE OTHER!
My recommendation for a toner pads:
💸 Just a heads-up: Toner pads tend to be a bit pricier—mostly because of the packaging and convenience. Definitely more of a luxury step.
If you're budget-conscious (same), I totally recommend sticking with liquid toners. They last longer, do the job beautifully, and your skin will still be glowing. ✨💧
🍊 Toner Pad Tip from Your Bargain-Hunting Bestie
Okay, last lil’ tip when it comes to toner pads: I always look for Vitamin C ones. They help soooo much with brightness and smoothing out rough texture—basically a glow-up in a swipe.
✨ BUT—they can get kinda pricey, so here’s what I do:
I head to TJMaxx, Marshalls, or Ross, dig through the skincare shelves like a woman on a mission, and almost always find a Korean Vitamin C toner pad set for like $7–$11.
And why do I trust to just grab one and go?
Because Korean skincare has to meet higher formulation standards than a lot of products under the U.S. FDA—so I know I’m still getting good quality without the crazy price tag. Same thing for those fun, white sheet face masks—always get Korean, Japanese, etc. I promise you they will have better quality for a low price.
Just a little SilvaBloom secret for budget-friendly, glowy skin. 💛
✨Essence/Serum-The Dewy Layer
💧 Essence vs. Serum: What’s the Difference? Which should you get?
Okay, confession time: I used to totally lump these two together in my brain. They seem like the same thing—tiny bottles of magic that come after toner, right? But if you’re curious about the actual difference (and why serums are so important), here’s the tea: ☕💕
✨ Essence = Hydration Helper
Essences are light, watery, and super hydrating. Their main job? To prep your skin so it drinks up everything you put on afterward—like your serums and moisturizer. Think of them as toner part two but with some added benefits.
🌿 Serum = The Problem Solver
Serums, the one you want if you are lazy-girl-ing your routine, they are where the real targeted magic happens. They’re packed with active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or retinol—formulated to actually do something:
✔ Brighten dark spots
✔ Boost glow
✔ Fight acne
✔ Smooth fine lines
✔ Hydrate deeper
Basically, your serum is your treatment step—and honestly? Kind of the MVP of your whole routine. 👑
So if you’re skipping serum? Love… you might be missing out on the very thing you're doing a skincare routine for.
If there’s one step to splurge on in your routine, this is it. You don’t need to break the bank—but giving yourself a little wiggle room here? Worth it. ✨
And no, you don’t need a shelf full of fancy bottles. Just find one or two (one or two for morning, one for night) that target what your skin actually needs—and you’re good to glow. 💖
In short, you can skip an Essence, but make sure to keep that Serum.
💧 Do You Need an Essence? No. But Do I Love This One? Yes.
Okay, so technically—essence isn’t essential. But if you’re looking to add one to your routine, let me put you on to my absolute FAV that I keep even if I don't need it.
It’s super affordable, crazy hydrating, and I swear—it absorbs like a dream. ☁️
Even on days I’m rushing, this is the step I never skip. My skin just drinks it up. ✨
💖 Serums: The Skincare MVP
Like I said before: if you’re gonna splurge anywhere in your routine—this is where you do it. Serums are like your skincare’s power players. They’re packed with high-concentration ingredients that target specific issues and actually do something.
But here’s the thing—not all serums are made the same, and depending on what your skin is asking for, you’ll want to reach for different ingredients. 🧴✨
Let’s break it down the ingredients you would want to look for based on what you would want improved or targeted on your specific skin type:
🍊 Vitamin C – The Brightener (AM. and PM. Safe)
If your skin’s looking blah, tired, or a little dull (same), Vitamin C is your go-to. It helps:
Brighten your skin tone ✨
Fade dark spots + hyperpigmentation
Boost collagen
Protect against sun damage (when used with SPF, not instead!)
🛒 Best for: Dull, uneven, or spot-prone skin
💧 Hyaluronic Acid – The Plumper (AM. and PM. Safe)
This one’s basically a drink of water for your face. It:
Pulls moisture into your skin 💦
Makes your skin look plump + juicy
Plays well with every skin type
🛒 Best for: Dry, combo, or dehydrated skin (even oily skin needs hydration!)
🌿 Niacinamide – The All-Around Girl (AM. and PM. Safe)
If serums had a main character, it might be Niacinamide. She:
Minimizes pores
Balances oil
Fades dark spots
Soothes redness
🛒 Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin
🔥 Retinol – The Anti-Ager (PM. Use only)
This one’s the real deal. Retinol:
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Boosts cell turnover
Can help with acne too!
🛒 Best for: Aging skin, breakouts, or if you want that refreshed look
🚨 Only use at night + always wear sunscreen in the morning if you’re using this.
🐌 Snail Mucin – The Soother
Yes, it’s a little weird—but it works. Much like the Essence I showed before. Snail mucin:
Repairs the skin barrier
Hydrates deeply
Helps fade acne scars + damage
Leaves skin glassy-smooth
🛒 Best for: Damaged, sensitive, or dry skin (and glow chasers ✨)
💡 Tip:
Don’t overload! Choose 1 or 2 serums that fit your biggest skin goals. One for morning, one for night = perfect. Keep it simple, and your skin will love you for it.
🌞 AM. Serums I Swear By
Beauty of Joseon is another go-to brand that’s never let me down—like ever. Just like COSRX, every product I’ve tried from them has been solid, affordable (some of them feel like steals?!), and gentle on my skin. I love this serum in particular because it actually absorbs (no sticky mess), leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated, and brings my dull skin back to life with that glowy brightness I’m always chasing. 🌸✨
ANUA Niacinamide 10 +
If you're looking for a serum that actually does it all without overwhelming your skin, this is the one. It’s packed with gentle yet powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and arbutin—which means it hydrates, brightens, soothes, and strengthens all in one little bottle. What I love most is how lightweight it feels, making it perfect for all skin types (even sensitive girlies like me 🥲).
🌙 PM. Serums I Trust Before Bed
Remember, if your using anything with Retinol (Amazing for anti aging) you must use sunscreen and only at night.
Retinol used to scare me (Like it's talked about like a scary story)—but this one changed everything. It’s super gentle, hydrating (thank you, COSRX), and actually works. My skin’s smoother, glowier, and just looks healthier. Just be sure to use it only at night and wear SPF daily—yes, even on cloudy days or if you’re mostly indoors! It’s the one product that made a real difference without wrecking my sensitive skin barrier. 💖🌙✨
Okay, if you’ve made it this far—first of all, you’re a star. 🌟 Seriously, thank you for hanging out with me. And second? Hydration break! Grab your water, take a sip, and give your skin a little love from the inside out. 🥤💖
🪄 My Magic Moisturizers
Okay! Last but not least—moisturizers are the final lullaby in your skincare routine—a soothing layer that seals in all the goodness you’ve just given your skin! Like the soft closing of a book after a beautiful story, they lock in hydration, protect against the harsh world outside, and help restore balance to your skin’s natural barrier. It’s not just about softness—it’s about resilience, nourishment, and that quiet kind of glow that comes from being truly cared for. ✨
Now, I have a preferred moisturizer for day and night. What’s the difference? My daytime go-to is lightweight and breathable, while my nighttime pick is thicker and richer—perfect for locking everything in while I sleep. Of course, you can use either one for both day and night, but I personally love starting the morning with something light and ending the day with a deeply nourishing layer. It’s all about what feels good for you and your skin’s rhythm. 🌙
Here are my favorite budget friendly, go to moisturizers!
I’ve tried a lot of moisturizers, but the ANUA Rice 70 Milk is the one—especially in the mornings. (Honestly, the Anua brand in general is another great brand to look into if you want results). It’s so lightweight, it feels like nothing on my skin, but still leaves it deeply hydrated and fresh all day. It gives me that soft, glowy, glass-skin look without ever clogging my pores or feeling heavy. Just smooth, dewy skin that feels like mine—only better. ✨
I usually don't even wear makeup with it, just a colored primer and I'm good for the day!
My next moisturizer is my favorite for nighttime—it’s a little richer, thicker.
Back on my COSRX kick! I love this brand! At night, I love using this cream as the final, comforting step in my routine. The snail mucin is so calming after a long day, especially if my skin’s been irritated or a little too sun-kissed. It sinks in without heaviness, but I wake up feeling like my skin had a full night’s rest, too—hydrated, soothed, and just a little glowier than before. 🌙✨
I have noticed the texture in my skin is much smoother after applying this to my routine. :)
☀️ My Sunshine Shields
I know, I know—sunscreen can feel like the fussy final step. It’s not always the most glamorous part of a routine, and finding one that actually likes your skin can take a little trial and error. Some feel heavy, others pill under makeup, and sometimes you just don’t feel like adding one more thing.
But if you’ve spent time caring for your skin—hydrating, treating, nourishing—it deserves protection. Sunscreen is the quiet hero that shields all your hard work from UV damage, discoloration, and early signs of aging. Think of it as a soft, invisible umbrella your skin gets to carry through the day. ☀️💛
And here’s a little glow-tip: some moisturizers actually come with sunscreen already built in! It’s a lovely way to simplify your routine, especially on days when less feels like more. Just a quick layer, and you're hydrated and protected. ✨ That said, these multi-taskers can sometimes come in smaller sizes with a slightly higher price tag—something to keep in mind. One of my favorites is...
Anua back at it again! Like I was saying earlier, sometimes I just don’t want to deal with a million steps in the morning. That’s why I really love when a moisturizer and sunscreen come together in one product—it just makes life easier. You don’t have to worry about whether two products will layer well or if one will make your skin freak out.
It’s one and done, and your skin is both happy and protected. This one’s a bit of a splurge, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, it’s such a game-changer. It goes on smooth, feels good all day, and takes one more thing off your plate. 🌞💧
🌞 Next up is just a sunscreen—no extras, just good old-fashioned sun protection. This one comes after your moisturizer, sealing everything in and keeping your skin safe for the day ahead. 🧴✨
One of the reasons I truly love this sunscreen is how beautifully it melts into my skin—it doesn’t sit on top or feel greasy, just absorbs and stays put. FINALLY.
It wears so well throughout the day and, best of all, it doesn’t mess with my primer or makeup. PLEASE NOTE: I don’t wear full foundation—just a mix of skin tints, a little concealer under the eyes, and a soft primer—and everything layers effortlessly over it. So I can't say how it will behave with heavy foundation, but she has never given me problems.
It’s one of those products that just works quietly in the background, letting your skin and your routine do their thing. ☁️✨
🌿 We’ve reached the end, but your skincare journey? Just beginning.
✨ And that’s all she wrote, lovelies! My (ironically not-so-simple) guide to a simplified Korean skincare routine—for the everyday girly who just wants to glow and go. Hopefully, you’re leaving this with fewer questions, more answers, and maybe a few dreamy products to add to your shelf.
I know this was a long one (bless you if you made it to the end), but I truly believe it’s important to understand the why behind skincare—not just be handed a list of pretty bottles with no context. The more you know, the more your skin will thank you. 💧🌸
Wishing you dewy cheeks, a cool pillow, and zero breakouts. You’ve got this. Good luck, beauties! ☁️💖
XOXOXO -SilvaBloom










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Gently exfoliates without irritation
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Soothing
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Fades dark spots
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Great for dehydrated, sensitive skin


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Brightening (✨ Niacinamide)
Mild exfoliation (💧 BHA)
Hydration + glow (🌿 Propolis)
Pore + tone improvement
Nourishing + anti-aging
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Hydrating
Soothing
Strengthens skin barrier
Fades dark spots + discoloration
Niacinamide (10%) – Brightens, evens tone.
💖 Hyaluronic Acid – Intense hydration + plumpness
Cruelty-free
Great for daily AM + PM use


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Anti-aging
Firming
Smoothing
Radiance-boosting
Elasticity
Beginner-friendly retinol
Retinol – fine lines, wrinkles, skin renewal
Squalane (91%) – hydration + barrier support
Vitamin E (Tocotrienol) – antioxidant, anti-aging


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☀️ Broad-Spectrum: SPF 50+ UVA/UVB daily protection
🍃 Gentle: Heartleaf + Hyaluronic Acid for calm, balanced skin
💧 Hydrating: Lightweight, dewy finish without greasiness
🌿 Clean: Vegan, fragrance-free, and non-irritating
🧴 Seamless: Creamy formula blends with no white cast
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🌞 Final Step: Apply after serum + moisturizer for complete protection
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