Plot twist: It turns out the 10-step Korean beauty routine is a bit of a myth. You probably didn't see that one coming, given that most of us pretty much define K-beauty by its 10 steps (along with sheet masks and glass skin, of course). But the fact of the matter is, most Korean women aren't hung up on steps, at least according to co-CEO and co-founder of Glow Recipe Sarah Lee. In fact, more and more are turning towards multi-tasking products, designed to streamline your routine. Goodbye, 10-step skin care routine, hello, "skip-care."
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What is skip-care?
Hybrid skin care made a big splash in Korea in 2018 with pressed serums, priming moisturizers, essence-toner hybrids and more being released. Lee's co-CEO and fo-founder Christine Chang says that skip-care the natural next step in the progression. Both things build on what Glow Recipe dubbed the "skin care diet" back in 2017. Of course, this "diet" has nothing to do with food; rather it's about whittling a routine down to the essentials. In other words? It's a diet almost anyone can get on board with.
In skip-care, you're, well, skipping the unnecessary, while harnessing the power of the essentials. And it's different for everyone: "By using a combination of hybrid, multitasking products and powerful ingredients targeted to your skin concern(s), the goal of skip-care is to make a healthy skin care routine easy and accessible to all," says Lee. "We've always believed that skin care doesn't have to be complicated in order to get real results." We'll toast to that.
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How to create a skip-care routine
The skip-care method is all about focusing on what your skin truly needs and getting rid of any excess, says Lee. So ask yourself whether something you're using is really making a difference to your complexion — or whether you're using it because you think you're supposed to. Consider your skin type, skin care concerns and lifestyle.
The key is getting the balance right and not going too far in either direction: This is not a restrictive skin care "diet." You shouldn't be sacrificing necessary steps and good ingredients to earn the respect of Marie Kondo. Instead, Lee says that skip-care is about maximizing the products and application methods in your routine to get great results. Conversely, there's no judgment if you decide to have a more extensive routine, per Chang. It's about you rather than counting steps.
Luckily there are lots of multifunctional products (K-beauty and otherwise) that cater to skip-care. Click through the gallery to see the multitasking hero skin care products that can help you achieve a streamlined regimen.
When it comes to skip-care, balms might just be the MVP. This wonder balm can be used as a cleanser and moisturizer. Users also swear by applying it to dry lips and scraggly cuticles. Plus, the formula is loaded with oils, including jojoba and coconut, so it won't dry out faces. Pull a pro move and mix it with a little mineral powder to create a glowing foundation treatment.
Lee says that Jullai is all about creating hybrid oils. This essence oil toner does a bit of everything: It delivers coveted dewy bounce to skin by functioning as a toner and serum, while also working to fight the signs of aging. Also, the all-in-one product couldn't be more on trend, thanks to a cold slow-brew method which involves each ingredient getting individually soaked in cold water for seven days, in order to capture its maximum benefits. (And you thought cold brew coffee was impressive!).
