Korean Skincare Routine (7-Steps)

Ever wonder why majority of Asians have such nice skin, and age well? It is because they invest a lot in skincare.. and when I mean a lot I am not exaggerating. There are some skincare products I never knew even existed until I discovered Korean skincare - 5 years ago skincare to me was just washing your face with water and then ending it with a moisturiser. However, clearly there's way more to it. Korea is well known for their 7-10 steps skincare regime and skincare product; the steps vary depending on the individual and their skin. My life has changed (my face in particular) ever since I started using the Korean skincare routine.

Currently, my skincare routine consists of 7-steps (on a bad day it goes to 8-steps) and above is a photo of the products I use at the moment. The order I use starts from top left to right, below left to right. Let me breakdown the steps.

Before even lathering your skin with all the nutritional goodness, you have to ensure your skin is squeeky clean - remove any impurity that your skin may have consumed during the day i.e makeup. Koreans usually call this the "3 Step Cleansing Routine".
1) Eye Makeup Remover
For some individuals, this step is actually combined with step 2 but I prefer having the eye makeup removal done separately to the actual face. If you are heavy on waterproof mascara, and eyeliner you should really gravitate towards products that have an oil base. Believe me, it will make your eye makeup removal life so much easier. You'd essentially only need to apply some product on a cotton pad and then gently wipe off eye makeup.
(product in photo: Skinfood - Milk Shake Point Makeup Remover)
2) (Oil) Cleanser
As mentioned, step 1 can be combined with this step as you are removing the makeup on your face. Also, again, it is more ideal to use an oil cleanser as it will smoothly melt away all your makeup. Apply product on the palm of your hand and massage all over your face and neck for about a minute or two. Once done wash it away with lukewarm water.
(product in photo: IOPE - Moisture Skin Cleansing Lotion)
3) Water Based Cleanser
Even though you have taken off all makeup, there still might be some impurities left on your skin, and of course the residue of the oil cleanser you just used. I am telling you.. Koreans take skincare pretty damn serious. So this step is essentially to double cleanse, and it is water based because you should wet your face before applying the cleanser. You should also massage all over your face for about 1-2 minutes.
(product in photo: Etude House - Baking Powder Pore Powder Cleanser)
4) Toner
This is personally my favourite step out of the whole routine. Toner helps you balance your pH level gives your skin some hydration before you go ahead with the rest of the routine. You can either directly put the toner on your hands and apply to your face; or apply on cotton pad and gently swipe all over your face. I put the toner on a cotton pad because once I swiped it on my face, I still saw some leftover makeup on the cotton pad. I consider the toner as the final step of cleansing.
(product in photo: Etude House - White Moistfull Toner)
5) Essence
Probably the most favourable step to most people who uses the korean skincare regime. This is where cleansing has ended, and it is now time to actually look after and repair your skin with all the nutritional goodness. I would usually advice people to apply the essence directly onto your hand and then patting it on your face gently and slowly - this way the essence can be absorbed into the skin more easily.
(product in photo: Laneige - Perfect Renew Regenerator) 
6) Serum
Very similar to essence.. and to be honest I am still not entirely sure what the difference between essence and serum is. However, I understand that essence has a slight toner factor in them, whereas serum does not. Serum addresses the problems your skins have i.e pores, brightening, anti-wrinkles etc. Ideally you would like to use the same motion as the essence and apply on hands, then gently pat all over your face to let it nicely absorb the product.
(product in photo: The Face Shop - Green Tea Waterfull Serum)
7) Moisturiser 
Lastly, I end the routine by ensuring my skin is hydrated, dewy, and soft like a baby's bum!! Unlike essence and serum, moisturiser is more a thick consistency. This step goes without saying, and I am sure everyone has this step regardless if they use the Korean skincare regime or not so I don't necessarily need to go into too much detail?
(product in photo: IOPE - Moistgen Cream Skin Hydration)
*8) Facemasks
I do not do this on a daily basis; only on the days my skin is feeling more rough than normal and needs more nourishing treatment. I opt in to either sheet masks, or overnight masks (laneige water sleeping pack in particular).

I know. That is one heck of a lot of steps for a skincare routine, however, I do not consider it as a chore or hassle - I think more of it as a pampering session and "me time", and I thoroughly enjoy it. Moreover, it is good to start taking care of your skin before it is too late.
I only briefly mentioned the skincare products used, but if you want a thorough review on the products I use let me know :)
Hope you guys thought this was helpful, and also let me know what are your steps and if you thought I should have added anything into my routine!
p.s I already know I should throw in exfoliation and eye cream but I have yet found the perfect product to include
안녕 till next time~