K-Beauty has been taking the world by storm.
But if you’re unsure of where to start then we have everything you need to know to master that K-Beauty routine.
We spoke to Shannon McCreery, Irish Educator for Genosys Ireland to learn more about Korean Beauty and how we can incorporate it into our beauty routine.
“In South Korea, skincare is not seen as a luxury but as part of daily life, a ritual practised by people of all ages and genders. What sets Korean Beauty apart is its focus on prevention, long-term skin health, and treating the skin gently rather than aggressively. It is not just about quick fixes, but about maintaining healthy, hydrated skin from the inside out,” she explains.
“K-Beauty is more than a trend; it is a mindset. It is about consistency, care and building habits that support your skin over time.”
The appeal of K-beauty lies in its unique combination of science, tradition and aesthetic sensibility. From innovative ingredients such as snail mucin and fermented botanicals to the calming, almost meditative nature of its routines, it offers a different approach that resonates with people looking for results and a bit of self-care at the same time.
“What makes Korean skincare stand out is how it blends cutting-edge science with centuries of herbal knowledge. It is gentle but incredibly effective,” she adds.
Rather than diving into a full ten-step routine, beginners can start with one or two products and still see results. Sheet masks, serums and essences are great entry points because they are often lightweight, hydrating, and packed with skin-loving ingredients. They also slot easily into most existing routines.
“You do not have to follow all ten steps to benefit from K-beauty. Even one or two products can make a real difference, especially if you are consistent.”
The 10-step routine
The full Korean skincare routine is renowned for its ten steps, each designed to layer hydration and nourishment in the correct order of texture, from the lightest to the richest:
- Oil Cleanser – Removes makeup, sunscreen and excess oil without stripping the skin.
- Water-Based Cleanser – Lifts away remaining impurities and leaves skin feeling fresh and balanced.
- Exfoliator – Gently buffs away dead skin cells, smoothing the texture and improving the absorption of following products.
- Hydrating Toner or Mist – Restores moisture and prepares the skin to better absorb active ingredients.
- Essence – A lightweight, hydrating formula that boosts moisture levels and enhances the effectiveness of serums.
- Serum – A concentrated treatment that targets specific concerns such as fine lines, dullness or blemishes.
- Sheet Mask – Saturated with serum to deeply hydrate, soothe and revitalise tired skin.
- Eye Cream – Nourishes and protects the delicate under-eye area, helping to reduce puffiness and fine lines.
- Moisturiser – Seals in hydration and supports the skin barrier, keeping the complexion soft and supple.
- SPF (morning only) – Shields the skin from UV damage, with many Korean sunscreens also offering calming, hydrating benefits.
We know that 10 steps seems extreme. So if you don’t think you can keep up with all of that there is another pared-back option that is easy to follow.
The four-step routine
- Double Cleanse – Start with an oil cleanser, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
- Targeted Serum – Choose one based on your main skin concern.
- Moisturiser – Hydrates and locks in the benefits of previous steps.
- SPF (AM only) – Essential for protecting the skin and preventing premature ageing.