It's not as wasteful as it sounds
Here's the thing: Generally speaking, Japanese and Korean toners and essences are applied with the hands, which means less product gets left behind (even SK-II spokesperson Chloe Moretz applies essence this way, so you know it's legit). This means you don't end up leaving half your product behind on a cotton round (and bonus, there's less cotton round wastage as well). Using the popular Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner, $40, I patted it on a drop or two at a time, which doesn't really amount to that much anyway.
#Wokeuplikethis (no, really)
If I remind you that I literally write about beauty for a living, would you judge me less for admitting that I occasionally look at my face in selfie mode first thing in the morning? What can I say, after trying the 7-skin method for the first time the night before, I was curious come morning — and my skin looked so good I felt like I was using one of those imperfection-smoothing filters. It was perhaps one of the only times I would have even considered posting a #wokeuplikethis picture unironically. I'd say the effect was comparable to using a good sheet mask.
Image via @glowrecipe
It's about the process
Though generally lazy, I'm not averse to a long-ish skin care routine. Perhaps because of this, I actually found myself enjoying the routine of patting seven layers of toner into my skin. It felt almost...meditative (in other words, it's probably as close to mindfulness as I'll ever get).
Image via Imaxtree
Adjustments
Sometimes, I almost felt like my skin was too hydrated — I did find myself getting a little shinier than usual by midday (though that's nothing a little extra powder couldn't fix). Still, now that I've found that I like the process, I'm going to start experimenting with different types of essences and toners. Sarah and Christine did once recommend the Whamisa by Glow Studio Green Tea Serum Toner, $21.99, for combination skin, so I may start with that. I also recently got my hands on the new Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence, $39, which has been giving me the siren call...
Takeaways
Here's me after a couple weeks of the 7-skin method (with light makeup and photographed in forgiving lighting, but still).
I'll say this: I was originally planning to pilot the technique for a week, but I still find myself patting on those seven layers of toner every night. And even though I started off only doing it before bed, I'll sometimes do the method in the morning as well, since it makes my skin feel so nice.
It wasn't a magic bullet — no, a few weeks of extra toner didn't miraculously grant me with flawless skin the likes of Lee and Chang (nor did I expect it to...well, mostly, anyway). But, on the whole, my skin is softer, dewier and more hydrated, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at — and like I said, I like the ritual of it.
Bottom line? If you're the type of person who likes to put a little extra TLC into their skin care routine, it's definitely worth giving a try. I know I'm glad I did.
Image courtesy of Rosie Narasaki
