The number 1 crucial step to start using skincare is knowing which skin type you have.

To determine your skin type I've got the perfect test for you!

Skin Type Test:

Start by washing your face and wait for an hour. Then, dab your forehead with a tissue and check if any oil is rubbed onto the tissue. I would also recommend looking in the mirror to see what your skin texture looks like.

• If there is oil on the tissue, it’s a sign you have oily skin. 
• If there isn’t any oil but your face feels dry and tight, you may have dry skin.
• If you have sensitive skin, your face gets red, itchy from using certain cleansers.
• If you notice red, flaky patches all over your face, you most likely have dry and/or sensitive skin.
• If you usually feel like your T-zone (the area that includes your forehead, nose and chin) is oily, but dry everywhere else on your face - or you notice that your face has two or more different textures - it's a sign that you have combination skin.
• If you notice your skin doesn't fall under any of these categories and you're free of problem areas, you have normal skin which requires low maintenance! Congratulations!

Notice: A combination skin could be a combination of any of the mentioned skin types above.

Now that you know which skin type you are, start looking for products that match your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, look for products that add hydration/moisture to your skin. If you have oily skin, look for products that are lighter in moisture and more water-based to balance out the amount of oil in your skin while maintaining that healthy hydration.

Now, if you’re completely new to skincare there are some terms that you have to know before you dive right in with your products.

The skincare routine is VERY important in K-beauty.

1. Cleanser

This step is pretty self-explanatory. Cleansing is essential to ensure that you start with a fresh, clean face before jumping into the next steps. Wash your face with warm water and a cleanser.

2. Exfoliator

Exfoliating is key to a bright, healthy looking skin. It removes all the piled up dead skin cells and also makes your skin super soft!

3. Toner

The next step in the routine is getting some moisture back that you lost during the previous steps. In this case, using a toner is ideal. A toner is going to remove all the residue left from your cleanser, prepare your skin to better absorb the rest of your skincare products and restores the pH level of your skin.

4. Serum

Serums are the core of your skincare routine as the (small) bottle contains high concentrated goodness.This step targets a specific skin concern like anti-aging or brightening and it adds an extra layer of hydration. A few pumps of serum can really help boosting the effects of the products you just used and what's to come after.

5. Sheet mask

This is my favorite step in the routine. Since hydration is the key in Korean skincare, sheet masks are an easy way to achieve this. There are tons of different sheet masks, but they typically target one specific concern. Brightening, moisturizing and soothing are only a few examples. These masks are packed with amazing ingredients and skin actives like vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and anything that will benefit your skin.

It is possible to use this everyday, but I would personally recommend using sheet masks 1-3 times per week - that should be more than enough. After an exhausting day you can just lay back and pop on a sheet mask for 15-25 minutes to get that glow while sipping your favorite tea!

6. Eye cream

Your eye area is not something to be overlooked at, no matter what the current state of your eye area is. The most important thing to remember about K-beauty is that you're preventing any skincare concerns, instead of trying to get rid of them when it’s too late.

Also, it's not about which eye cream you use, but how you apply it. You should never rub in your eye cream - you want to gently tap the eye cream onto your eye area using your ring finger (hand's weakest finger) instead. The area under your eye is extremely delicate.

7. Moisturizer

The Korean skincare routine is all about layering your products starting from the lightest/thinnest to the heaviest/thickest, that's why you would ideally want to use your heavy moisturizer as the last step. A small amount is enough to cover up all the goodness that you have applied so far. I would recommend using only a nickel amount.

8. Sunscreen(SPF)/Night Cream

The sun is very damaging for your skin when it’s not properly protected. This can cause premature aging of the skin or even dark spot known as hyper pigmentation. Therefore, you have to apply a SPF (sun protection factor) at least 20 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days.

In the evening you would want to apply a heavier night cream to help lock all the good stuff while sleeping.

If you have made it till the end of the guide, congratulations! You have just absorbed the knowledge to start your own Korean skincare journey. I know it’s a lot to take in, but remember it’s all about building good skincare habits. Staying consistent and taking a few minutes each day is something your future self will be thankful for, no matter how many steps or products you’re using.